THURSDAY 3RD JULY 2025

IMF: FG Needs to Rework 2025 Budget to Accommodate Lower Oil Prices Puts savings from fuel subsidies to 2% of 2024 GDP Says Nigeria’s reforms have stabilised economy, seeks action on power FG welcomes Fund’s findings Senate applauds CBN’s mid-year policy performance

Ndubuisi Francis, Emmanuel Addeh, James Emejo, Sunday Aborisade in Abuja and Nume Ekeghe in Lagos

International Monetary Fund (IMF) yesterday disclosed that Nigeria needed to adapt its 2025 budget to lower oil prices and scale up cash

transfers to shield the most vulnerable segments of its population facing hunger and poverty.

In its routine “Article IV” assess-

ment of Nigeria’s economic policies, IMF said economic growth had been steady but too low in per capita terms, with inflation remaining high. The

fund predicted the country’s economy would expand at 3.4 per cent this year and 3.2 per cent in 2026.

It said as Africa’s largest oil

producer, Nigeria was under strain from relatively low international crude Continued on page 25

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Tinubu Seeks Synergy Between Africans and People of Her Descent for Better Future Says he’s unapologetically Afrocentric in belief Deji Elumoye in Abuja President Bola Tinubu has called

on Africans and people of African descent worldwide to strengthen collaboration and unity toward

building a future of “promise, honour and dignity for the black race.”

According to a statement by

Presidential Spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, yesterday, the president spoke at a dinner reception held in

his honour by the Prime Minister of Saint Lucia, Philip J. Pierre, on Tuesday night in Castries, where he

urged Africans in the Diaspora to Continued on page 25

Mark: Opposition United to Rescue Nigeria, Rebuild Country Amaechi dumps APC, doubts Tinubu’s capacity to govern Malami exits ruling party, joins ADC Faction rejects Aregbesola’s appointment, Dumebi Kachikwu kicks Keyamo: Coalition’s adoption of ADC flawed in law Omokri mocks Mark, Aregbesola, Bwala ridicules new political group Story on page 25

THE MEN WHO WANT TO UNSEAT THE PRESIDENT...

L-R: Presidential Candidate of Labour Party in the 2023 presidential election, Mr Peter Obi; former Governor of Osun State, Minister of Interior and Interim National Secretary of African Democratic Congress (ADC), Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola; former Senate President and Interim National Chairman of ADC, Senator David Mark; immediate past Chairman of ADC, Chief Ralph Nwosu; former Vice President, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar; former Governor of Rivers State and Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi; and former Governor of Kaduna, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, during a meeting of the opposition coalition group where ADC was adopted as their party in Abuja, yesterday

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THISDAY ˾ ˜ ͻ˜ ͺ͸ͺͽ

ÜÙßÚ ÏáÝ ÎÓÞÙÜ˝ Goddy Egene ×ËÓÖ˝ Goddy.egene@thisdaylive.com, 0803 350 6821, 0807 401 0580

ENERGY LEADERSHIP...

L-R: Victor Okoronkwo, Group Managing Director, Nembe Exploration & Production Company Limited; Engr. Bayo Ojulari, Group Chief Executive Officer, NNPC Limited; Roland Ewubare, Group Chief Operating Officer, NNPC Limited; Dr. Heineken Lokpobiri, Honourable Minister of State for Petroleum Resources; and Ekperikpe Ekpo, Honourable Minister of State for Gas Resources — captured at the landmark unveiling of the NNPC–Nembe E&P Joint Venture Pavilion at the 14th Nigeria Oil & Gas Week (NOGWeek 2025), held at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre, Abuja. The unveiling marked a bold statement of alignment between national energy priorities and indigenous upstream leadership, cementing Nembe E&P’s role as a strategic anchor in Nigeria’s energy future.

Shettima: Private Investors Ready to Commit $60m to Upgrade Onne to Nation’s First Green Port Declares Nigeria will end diesel dependency, cut carbon Emissions with integrated hybrid energy VP to privatisation council: Protect public interest in all transactions Deji Elumoye in Abuja Vice President Kashim Shettima has disclosed that discussions are currently underway with private investors to commit nearly $60 million to electrify Onne Port and transform it into Nigeria’s first green port.

The vice president also assured that Nigeria would soon phase out diesel dependency and cut carbon emissions through the nation’s integrated hybrid energy system.

Equally, Shettima has charged members of the National Council on Privatisation (NCP) to conduct all transactions with the highest regard for public interest, stressing the need for transparency, accountability, and legal due diligence in Nigeria’s privatisation process.

The vice president, who disclosed the move at Onne Port yesterday, while declaring open the Decarbonising Infrastructure in Nigeria Summit (DIN SUMMIT) in Abuja, warned that Nigeria would struggle to compete or catch up with the world if the nation’s climate dreams do not align with its development realities.

He said while the truth about the nation’s climate question was that Nigeria could no longer build yesterday’s infrastructure for tomorrow, climate action has now become an economic necessity and not a luxury.

According to him: “Onne Port, for instance, is already emerging as the template for our quest to breathe life into a robust green economy.

Discussions are currently underway with private investors to commit nearly $60 million to electrify the port and transform it into Nigeria’s first green port.

“This is a strategic leap. Through an integrated hybrid energy system, we will phase out diesel dependency, slash carbon emissions, and provide 24/7 sustainable and affordable power to terminal operators and port users.

“This summit is inspired by the awareness that we can no longer afford to treat sustainability and profitability as two separate pursuits.

“This is a product of months of consultations, regional dialogues, and technical deep dives. That is

why it reflects our belief that the path to net-zero by 2060 must be paved with concrete action, not convenient rhetoric.

“Our Energy Transition Plan and Climate Change Act have together created a roadmap that is both visionary and pragmatic.”

Shettima explained that 75 percent

of Nigeria’s greenhouse gas emissions come from the infrastructure sector, including energy, transport, urban development, and agriculture.

These sectors, according to him, were not just carbon-heavy but also form the nation’s economic arteries, especially agriculture, which supports 70 percent of rural livelihoods.

James Emejo in Abuja African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) yesterday emphasised that supporting domestic investors was crucial for growing the economy and attracting much needed Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) into the country.

The bank called for passionate and strategic focus on domestic investment, state-level Investment Promotion Agencies (IPAs), and

Africa-wide economic integration under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) framework.

Director, Afreximbank, Mr. Emeka Uzomba, said domestic investors were the foundation of economic growth, and played a crucial role in attracting FDI. Uzomba spoke at the opening of the investment promotion training for state investment Promotion Agencies (IPAs), with the theme, “Advancing

Governor Yahaya named champion of subnational investment reform Gombe State has once again affirmed its status as one of Nigeria’s most reform-driven subnational governments by emerging fourth nationwide in the latest national assessment of digital maturity in tax administration.

The ranking was unveiled during a high-level Validation Workshop on Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) and Intelligence Revenue Authority (IRA) Index Tools, organised by the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) in partnership with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, in Abuja yesterday.

According to the report, Gombe State earned an impressive score of 80.6 percent, receiving outstanding ratings across all parameters used to evaluate the digital capabilities of the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory in managing tax administration.

Other states joining Gombe in the top five are Bayelsa, Borno, Kano, and Delta, each surpassing 80 percent in the overall assessment.

The evaluation focused on key performance indicators to include: digital onboarding of taxpayers, integration with national identity

His words, “This is how we can alter our trajectory. If we do this right, we stand to generate over 1.5 million green jobs by 2035. We can also cultivate new export markets in clean energy and climate-smart agriculture, which would transform Nigeria into a regional leader in low-carbon enterprise.

Afreximbank, FoSIPAN Seek Support for Domestic Investors to Grow Economy

Gombe Ranks Fourth in Nigeria’s Digital Tax Administration Segun Awofadeji in Gombe

The vice president observed that while the staggering figures are a wake-up call for a nation that figures them out, the only way of the, “predicted doom is to decarbonise these systems,” adding that the target is to build a Nigeria with infrastructure that heals, and not one that harms.

and payment systems, automation of compliance monitoring, data security, advanced analytics, and the digital proficiency of personnel.

Representing the state at the workshop was the Executive Chairman of the Gombe State Internal Revenue Service (GIRS), Aisha Adamu, whose tenure has seen a transformative shift in the State’s revenue administration, built on a foundation of digitisation, transparency, and operational efficiency.

Since assuming office, the Executive Chairman has overseen the full automation of tax processes,

introduced user-friendly platforms for taxpayers, blocked revenue leakages, and improved service delivery, resulting in enhanced voluntary compliance and a consistent rise in internally generated revenue.

Speaking at the workshop, Adamu credited the remarkable achievement to the leadership of Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, whose steadfast investments in digital infrastructure, institutional reforms, and human capital development have laid the groundwork for fiscal transformation and innovation in the State.

State Level Investment Readiness.”

It was organised by Forum of State Investment Promotion Agencies of Nigeria (FoSIPAN), in collaboration with Afreximbank, with support from Government of Gombe State and Centre for International Trade Development (CITD), Miami.

Uzomba said, “If the local investor is being encouraged… it’s going to attract foreign investment.”

According to him, “IPAs should prioritise building strong relationships and support systems for local investors, who then become ambassadors for the country.”

He said state-level investment promotion agencies must be empowered, adding that many Nigerian states lack fully functioning IPAs, while some don’t even have websites.

Yet, he stressed that states’ IPAs remained the face of state investment readiness and must be brought up to international standards.

According to him, “You are competing with Lagos, Abuja, and even Dubai… So don’t say ‘I’m in Gombe or Nasarawa’.”

Uzomba said state investment agencies needed to be adequately resourced, trained, and branded professionally to attract investment.

He pointed out that AfCFTA was more than a trade deal, as it represented an economic blueprint

integration of Africa’s market, which presented a major opportunity for Nigeria, especially in agriculture and solid minerals.

The Afreximbank director further stated that the AfCFTA Investment Protocol standardised procedures across member states — reducing red tape and increasing investor confidence.

He told the IPAs, “Africa is your market under the AfCFTA.” He encouraged each state government to invest in the creation or restructuring of an effective investment agency and create incentive frameworks, policy stability, and access to finance for local entrepreneurs.

Uzomba said local businesses should be positioned to take advantage of the harmonised African market, focusing on sectors where Nigeria is competitive.

In his remarks, Chairman, FoSIPAN, Mr. Terhemen Johnpaul Kpenkaan, said strengthening domestic investors rested in the capacity of sub-national governments, strength of frameworks, and effectiveness of institutions.

Kpenkaan said, “That’s why state-level Investment Promotion Agencies (IPAs) matter. That’s why FOSIPAN exists. And that’s why we are gathered here today – to strengthen the foundation for sustainable, subnational investment growth in our states, and, indeed, in Nigeria.

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NEWS

PRESENTING AN AWARD PLAQUE TO MARWA ON BEHALF OF PSN...

L-R: President of Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN), Pharm. Ayuba Tanko Ibrahim; Speaker, Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa; former President of PSN, Mazi Sam Ohuabunwa; Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brig Gen Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd); and Chairman, Board of Fellows, Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria, Pharm. Uchenna Apakama, when Ohuabunwa presented an award plaque to Marwa on behalf of PSN at the 7th Public Lecture of the Board of Fellows, PSN, held at Festival Hotel, Amuwo Odofin, Lagos, yesterday

West Africa Sees Improvement in Aviation Safety, Records 60% Compliance, Keyamo Hails Group Kasim Sumaina in Abuja The Banjul Accord Group Aviation Safety and Security Oversight Organisation (BAGASOO) yesterday reported a significant improvement

in aviation safety in West Africa, with a 60 percent compliance record.

The organisation’s Executive Director, Ms. Jailza Soraya, highlighted the achievements of BAGASOO during the BAGASOO

Safety Conference 2025 in Abuja.

According to Soraya, BAGASOO’s efforts have led to a notable increase in safety compliance, from 40 percent to 63 percent since its establishment in 2009.

She emphasised the importance of sustained efforts in building technical capacity and enhancing oversight mechanisms across member States.

The organisation, she said, was working towards harmonising

Senate Moves to Amend Procurement Laws to Empower Local Contractors Sunday Aborisade in Abuja The Senate has taken a significant step towards overhauling the country’s public procurement laws to give newly registered and indigenous contractors better access to federal government contracts.

The move followed a resolution passed during plenary yesterday, directing its Committees on Public Procurement and Local Content to partner with the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) on amending relevant legislation.

The resolution stemmed from a motion sponsored by Senator Suleiman Sadiq (APC, Kwara North), who highlighted the persistent exclusion of small and medium-scale local contractors from bidding for and executing public infrastructure projects.

The motion, which received overwhelming support on the Senate floor, aims to reduce the dominance of foreign contractors in government projects and encourage broader indigenous participation.

Presenting his motion, Sadiq lamented the structural barriers faced by local businesses, particularly startups and small-scale enterprises, in securing federal contracts.

He said, “Despite having capable professionals and small firms with technical capacity, our system

effectively sidelines them through stringent procurement requirements.

“This denies them opportunities to grow and contribute meaningfully to the economy.”

The senator further stressed that promoting local contractor participation would create jobs, stimulate community development, and ensure that public funds circulate within the domestic economy.

Several senators echoed Sadiq’s concerns during debate on the motion.

Senator Sani Musa (APC, Niger East) underscored the economic and social impact of revising the current procurement laws.

He added, “Many of our local contractors possess the skills and expertise needed to execute complex projects.

“However, they are often excluded because they don’t meet rigid documentation requirements, including financial thresholds and international certifications.”

Also speaking in support, Senator Adamu Aliero (APC, Kebbi Central) questioned the rationale behind preferring foreign contractors over competent Nigerian firms.

“No Nigerian contractor, no matter how skilled, can go to China or Europe and win a government contract there. Why should we sideline our people in their own

country?” Aliero asked.

Deputy Senate President, Barau Jibrin, joined the call for reform, saying it was time to review both the Public Procurement Act and the Local Content Act to reflect the realities of local capacity.

He said, “Our local contractors are consistently shortchanged. It’s not about rejecting foreigners but giving our people a fair chance.

“The current framework excludes many capable indigenous firms simply because they are new or don’t have five years of experience.”

Following the deliberation, Senate President Godswill Akpabio put the motion to a voice vote, which was unanimously passed by the lawmakers.

He then directed the relevant Senate committees to engage the BPP in initiating the amendment process.

He said, “I believe this amendment will cure the structural defects in our contracting system.

“We cannot continue to shut out newly registered companies, even when they have shown the competence to deliver.”

Akpabio said, “No one gains experience without being given the opportunity. It is only when our people are given jobs that they can build capacity.”

Nigeria’s procurement system has long been criticised for being overly restrictive and favouring large, often foreign-owned, companies.

Public contracts — particularly in critical sectors such as road construction, bridges, and housing—are frequently awarded to multinational firms, leaving local companies with limited roles.

Although the Public Procurement Act of 2007 does not explicitly require a minimum number of years of experience for bidders, many Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) in practice demand three to five years of track record in executing similar projects.

This, along with high financial requirements and mandatory certifications, effectively disqualifies many small and newly established Nigerian companies.

Observers argue that these barriers reinforce a procurement culture that prioritises perceived experience over potential and innovation.

Critics also point to the economic consequences of this model, noting that the repatriation of profits by foreign contractors does little to stimulate the local economy.

If the proposed amendments are successfully enacted, they could mark a turning point in Nigeria’s procurement ecosystem.

Neconde Seeks Liberalisation of Gas Prices to Attract Investment Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja Indigenous oil and gas company, Neconde Energy Limited, has urged the federal government to remove the cap on gas pricing in the country to attract more local and foreign investment into the sector.

In an interview on the sidelines of the Nigeria Oil and Gas (NOG) Week in Abuja, the company’s acting Managing Director as well as Gas Asset Manager, Chichi Emenike, noted that aside from distorted gas pricing, the federal government also

needs to ramp up its ‘Ease of Doing Business” efforts.

While the government is still trying to figure out how it will attract financing on its side, she noted that most of the current funding in the sector has been coming from the private sector, explaining that the investing firms do not have free money to waste.

On ease of doing business, Emenike mentioned operational bottlenecks that need to be resolved if Nigeria is serious about attracting investment, with various rents and fees exceeding

500 in number currently.

Lamenting the proliferation of agencies in the sector, the Neconde acting chief executive further stated that there’s multiplicity of fees which must be paid in dollars, describing them as stifling.

“Sometimes it gets very stifling and if you are not careful as a business person, you can get discouraged.

But I must commend the current administration. Things are beginning to be a bit different, especially with some of the changes that have been made.

“There are initiatives that the president has announced, some of the changes that have been made at the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) top. But you know these things must trickle down, if truth be told. There are ways we need to sit down and look at the speed of doing things,” she added Stressing that Nigeria has not scratched the surface of both its oil and gas resources, she argued that the country has to be intentional about its development by doing what is right.

regulations in the BAG countries, citing variations in safety regulations as a major challenge.

The Nigerian Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, commended BAGASOO for its impactful contributions to aviation safety in the region.

Keyamo noted that the organisation has evolved into a model of regional cooperation, strengthening safety oversight, regulatory harmonisation, and capacity building across its Member States.

Similarly, the Director General of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and Chairman of the BAGASOO Board of Directors,

Capt. Chris Najomo, praised the organisation’s visionary leadership and strategic partnerships.

Najomo called for continued collaboration, innovation, and consolidation of gains to achieve a safer and more resilient aviation sector.

Stakeholders in the aviation sector, however, called for the harmonisation of safety regulations and standards in the West Africa sub-region.

The event highlighted the importance of regional integration and learning in achieving more effective and harmonised aviation systems in Africa.

NHIS Enrollment Surpasses 20 Million, DG Reveals

Juliet Akoje in Abuja

The Director-General of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), Dr. Kelechi Ohiri, has told the House of Representatives Committee on Health Services that the number of Nigerians registered under the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) has surpassed 20 million, an increase from the 16.8 million enrollees recorded in 2023.

Speaking at a session held at the National Assembly yesterday, Ohiri stated that the progress puts the country on a positive trajectory toward surpassing the 2027 presidential goal for achieving universal health insurance coverage across Nigeria.

He also provided an update on reforms and advancements made by the current NHIA leadership in expanding enrollment, enhancing the quality of health services, and tackling long-standing challenges in the healthcare system.

According to Ohiri, between 2024 and 2025, the agency implemented various measures to address issues such as drug unavailability, denial of medical care, and administrative delays.

These interventions included revising tariffs, updating facility accreditation requirements, penalising non-compliant Health Maintenance Organisations (HMOs) and healthcare providers, and introducing a strict one-hour timeframe for issuing authorisation codes for patient care.

He revealed that the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF) is now supporting about 2.67 million people across the country, with 800,000 of those newly enrolled in 2025 alone.

Ohiri further noted that more than 7,500 women have benefited from the NHIA’s Fistula-Free Initiative and its Comprehensive Emergency

Obstetric Care (CEmOC) program as of May 2025.

Breaking down the figures, he said 2,690 women underwent surgical repair for obstetric fistula at 17 specialised centres, while 5,289 women received emergency obstetric treatment at more than 200 health facilities nationwide.

He also announced that, for the first time, donor-funded healthcare programs have been incorporated into NHIA’s insurance structure, Pilot initiatives in five states are currently delivering health insurance coverage to individuals living with HIV and tuberculosis.

Ohiri stated that access to health insurance has now been established across the entire country, with all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory operating functional State Social Health Insurance Agencies (SSHIA).

Regarding complaint handling, he reported that in 2024, the agency successfully resolved over 80 percent of complaints from enrollees, marking a 21 percent improvement in response efficiency compared to previous years.

During the meeting, Chairman of the House Committee on Health Services, Hon. Amos Gwamna Magaji, highlighted the critical importance of accessible and effective health insurance services for all Nigerians.

He called on Ohiri to establish dedicated complaint hotlines at health facilities covered by the NHIA to enable patients to report service-related issues more easily.

Additionally, he requested that the Director-General submit verifiable records of the number of women who have benefitted from the agency’s fistula treatment and emergency obstetric care programs to the committee.

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NEWS

HCSF DINNER WITH THE HEADS OF SERVICE OF THE 36 STATES AND THE FCT...

L–R: Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Sen. George Akume; Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs. Didi Esther Walson-Jack; and President and Chairman of the Governing Council of Chartered Institute of Personnel Management (CIPM), Mallam Ahmed Ladan Gobir, at the HCSF Dinner with the Heads of Service of the 36 States and the FCT, organised by the CIPM in Abuja…recently

Tinubu: We’re Changing Infrastructure Development Story Nationwide Inaugurates dualised, ancillary roads in Bwari, FCT, says projects translating into inclusive growth Deji Elumoye in Abuja President Bola Tinubu has declared that his administration is changing the story of infrastructure development in Nigeria through the execution of tangible projects across the country.

Tinubu restated his administration’s resolve to build a Nigeria where every community was connected, every business thrived, and every citizen enjoyed a life of dignity and opportunity.

The president made the declaration on Wednesday at the inauguration of the dualised and upgraded Ushafa to War College/Army CheckPoint roads and other ancillary roads in Bwari Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

Tinubu, represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, underscored the recent inauguration of infrastructure projects across the country by his administration, saying it is an expression of commitment to inclusive growth and sustainable development.

He stated, “We have transformed a path of frustration into a corridor of opportunity. These dualised and upgraded roads will not only ease traffic congestion, they will breathe new life into economic activities, improve access to education and healthcare, and uplift the overall quality of life for the good people of Ushafa, Bwari, and the neighbouring communities.”

Enumerating the significance of the road projects, the president said, “There is something even more remarkable to celebrate today: this entire project was awarded to an indigenous contractor. That decision was deliberate. It was born out of our belief in the competence, resilience, and ingenuity of Nigerian professionals and businesses.

“We are not just building roads.

We are building capacity. We are creating jobs. We are fostering a

sense of ownership and pride within our communities. And above all, we are demonstrating unequivocally that, given the right support and enabling environment, Nigerian contractors can deliver infrastructure that rivals the best in the world.”

Earlier, Minister of FCT, Nyesom Wike, said the ongoing inauguration of projects in Abuja was unprecedented and a demonstration of the president’s love and care for

inhabitants of the nation’s capital.

According to him, the provision of road infrastructure, as witnessed in the FCT satellite towns, is key to opening up the areas for economic development and improvement of the livelihoods of the people in all ramifications.

The minister expressed satisfaction with the conduct and capacity of the contractor that handled the project. He said the history of the project from start to finish

The Association for Public Policy Analysis (APPA) yesterday called on the Nigerian authorities to probe the activities of the Nigerian Electricity Liabilities Management Company (NELMCO).

It also said that two employees of the organisation had since been arrested, with the accusation that they are the persons leaking NELMCO’s information, and demanded the immediate release of the ‘victimised’ employees.

In a press conference in Abuja, National President of APPA, Princewill Okorie, stated that the briefing was necessary to alert the public of the disturbing attempt

by NELMCO to use the security agencies to obstruct an ongoing investigation into its activities by

history of the territory and reposition the area for genuine growth and development.

In his remarks, Coordinator, Satellite Town Development Department (STDD), Hon. Abdulkadir Zulkiflu, thanked Tinubu for the deliberate and coordinated execution of infrastructure projects in the territory.

Zulkiflu said people of the satellite towns in the FCT appreciated the gesture and remained solidly in support of the Tinubu administration.

Duchess International Hospital Wins Private Tertiary Healthcare Facility Award for the Second Year Running Mary Nnah Duchess International Hospital has been named Private Tertiary Healthcare Facility of the Year for the second consecutive year at the 11th Nigerian Healthcare Excellence Awards (NHEA) 2025.

The ceremony took place on June 27 at the Eko Hotel Convention Centre in Lagos.

According to a press release made available to THISDAY yesterday, Chairman of the Advisory Board for the Nigerian Healthcare Excellence Awards, Dr. Anthony Omolola, during his opening remarks, explained that the 2025 awards received over 35,000 nominations from across public and

private institutes throughout the country.

Omolola said the rigorous selection process included comprehensive evaluations by NHEA verification and visitation teams.

Speaking at the event, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Duchess International Hospital, Dr. Adetokunbo Shitta-Bey, expressed his appreciation to the organisers for finding Duchess Hospital worthy of the Private Tertiary Healthcare Facility of the Year Award for the second consecutive year in the hospital’s four-year history.

“It is yet another validation of the excellent work done by the medical and non-medical staff of the hospital in reversing the trend

of medical tourism and delivering affordable, world-class healthcare that is accessible to all Nigerians,” Shitta-Bey said.

Each year, it is estimated that Nigeria loses over $1.3 billion in capital flight as many Nigerians travel out of the country in search of healthcare delivery abroad.

Shitta-Bey stated that Nigerians deserved better and should be entitled to receive the highest standards of care without the need to travel abroad.

He said, “Our response has been to build a resilient healthcare system, one that combines cutting-edge medical technology, international clinical expertise, and compassionate care to provide top-notch medical services

Group Seeks Probe of NELMCO, Wants Release of ‘Victimised’ Staff Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

depicted commitment and faith in local contractors and support for their growth and development.

Giving the vote of thanks, FCT Minister of State, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, thanked Tinubu and Shettima for their leadership that had seen the transformation of the satellite towns in the FCT into settlements with modern infrastructure.

Mahmoud said the projects will not only improve the livelihoods of the people but will also rewrite the

the House of Representatives.

Princewill said that NELMCO handed over the affected staff, Miss Lily Emeya and Mr. Innocent Akpa for investigation on the allegation that they are feeding the association with information being used as evidence in the ongoing investigation of NELMCO activities by the House of Representatives on Public Assets.

“It will not be wrong for us to state that the objective of this action is to get information to be used to frame us up as a strategy to obstruct the ongoing investigation.

From all indications the plan is to arrest our members so as to put us out of circulation so that the investigation will be frustrated,” he stated.

He described it as absurd that Emeya has been in custody

since Monday and lawyers ffron Marcel Oru have been turned down, despite every effort they have made to obtain bail for them, while phones have been seized to prevent her from communication.

“It is imperative to inform the media that our association presented a petition dated 13th November 2024 to the House of Representative committee on Public Petition demanding that NELMCO should be investigated,” Okorie stated.

NELMCO was established as a special purpose vehicle through Electric Power Sector Reform Act (ESPRA) 2005, to operate as a limited liability company and handle liabilities and assets of the defunct Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN).

According to the group, there is the need for verification of

expenditures and other actions of NELMCO from the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE), National Council on Privatisation (NCP), Auditor General of the Federation and Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC).

Okorie stated that the House Committee on Public Assets Commenced hearing on the petition on May 26, 2025 and directed that NELMCO should submit the company’s response to the issues raised in the petition.

“Also, our association was asked to present our response to NELMCO reaction to our petition.

We had submitted our response as directed awaiting the next meeting with the committee before this ugly development of attempting to intimidate us and some staff of NELMCO,” he added.

right here in Nigeria.”

Reflecting on the significance of being named Private Tertiary Healthcare Facility of the Year in 2024 and 2025, the CEO considered this “a powerful endorsement of the hard work, courage, and commitment of the staff and management of the Duchess International Hospital”.

He dedicated the award to every

member of staff of Duchess, every patient, and all stakeholders who had placed their trust in Duchess Hospital over the last four years.

Medical Director of Duchess International Hospital, Dr. Adedoyin Dosunmu-Ogunbi, stressed the importance of the hospital’s values of professionalism, hard work, and patient-centred care.

House Suspends Senate Bills Over Delayed Concurrence Juliet Akoje in Abuja The House of Representatives decided to suspend any further review of Bills originating from the senate, citing ongoing delays

by The Senate In reciprocating action on legislation previously passed by the House.

The House accused the Senate of intentionally hindering the legislative process by failing to act on more than 140 bills sent from the House, including several personally sponsored by Speaker Abbas Tajudeen.

This unresolved issue, which also existed during the 9th National Assembly, resurfaced after Minority Leader Kingsley Chinda pointed out that while the House frequently processes bills from the Senate, the Senate has consistently failed to do the same for House bills.

Speaker Tajudeen expressed concern that approximately 146 House-approved bills are still awaiting concurrence in the senate.

He emphasized that this one-sided legislative collaboration diminishes

the overall productivity of the National Assembly.

As a result, the House declared it would no longer entertain Senateoriginated bills unless the Senate demonstrates a firm commitment to correcting this imbalance.

The Nigerian legislative process requires that a bill must be passed by both chambers - the House of Representatives and the Senate before it can be transmitted to the President for assent and become law.

Chinda raised his concerns after House Leader Julius Ihonvbere moved a motion to consider a Senate bill seeking to amend the Federal Orthopaedic Hospital Management Act and establish a new Federal Orthopaedic Hospital in Obokun, Osun State.

In support of the protest, Hon. Dogomie Abiante (PDP, Rivers) shared that since early 2024, two of his bills, although passed by the House, have been ignored by the Senate and never even listed for debate - unlike the House, which continues to consider Senate bills.

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NEWS

Ohanaeze Ndigbo Condemns Murder of Ebonyi Indigenes, Anambra Vows to Arrest Perpetrators Benjamin Nworie in Abakaliki and David-Chyddy Eleke in Awka

The apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has condemned the horrific killings of more than 10 Ebonyi indigenes during their peaceful gathering in Ogboji, Orumba South Local Government Area of Anambra State.

In a statement issued by the Deputy President-General of the group, Okechukwu Isiguzoro, Ohanaeze Ndigbo declared four days of mourning to honour the victims whose lives were tragically cut short.

He called on the Anambra State Government to urgently identify the perpetrators responsible for the grievous act and bring them to justice.

Bauchi Stakeholders Agitate for Creation of New State, More LGAs, Others

Segun Awofadeji inBauchi

Stakeholders in Bauchi State have urged the National Assembly to ensure a constitutional role for traditional rulers, creation of more local government areas and state out of Bauchi State in the forthcoming constitutional review.

The call was made at a Town Hall meeting yesterday when the All Progressives Congress (APC) Senator representing Bauchi South senatorial district, Shehu Buba Umar, engaged stakeholders from his constituency on the proposed Constitution Review under consideration for the amendment of the 1999 Constitution.

Umar, who is the chairman, Senate Committee on National Security and Intelligence, organised a one-day town hall summit in collaboration with the party’s Bauchi South Zonal Executive Committee on the proposed review of the 1999 Constitution,

in Bauchi last Tuesday to foster inclusive and participatory dialogue on key constitutional issues affecting the country.

The summit was attended by key stakeholders, government representatives, civil society organisations, traditional rulers, legal experts, youth and women’s groups, trade unions, the political class, and artisans to deliberate on pressing areas of constitutional reform.

Speaking at the gathering, the Chairman, Zonal Executive Committee for the Review of the Constitution, Hon. Abdulmumini Mohammed Kundak, explained that the summit was to gather meaningful contributions and a collective position that would shape a constitution that truly reflects the aspirations and diversity of the Nigerian people and guarantees the protection of interest of constituents in Bauchi South senatorial district.

Isiguzoro said: “Ohanaeze Ndigbo vehemently condemns the shocking and senseless violence inflicted upon members of the Ebonyi Welfare Organisation, describing this

massacre as a barbaric and provocative act.

“It represents a deliberate attack on the essence of our humanity, intended to foster hatred, perpetuate violence, and

undermine the fragile peace that has long characterized the relationship between Anambra and Ebonyi States.”

The organisation further commended Governor Francis

Nwifuru of Ebonyi State for his swift and commendable response in seeking justice and fostering collaboration with the Anambra State Government.

C’River Farmers Protest Planned Privatisation of Etomi Cocoa Estate Bassey Inyang in Calabar

Thousands of smallholder farmers in Etomi, Etung Local Government Area of Cross River State last Tuesday took to the streets of the community with placards bearing various messages in protest against alleged plans by the state government to privatise the

cocoa estates located there.

With the placards bearing inscriptions such as ‘We say no to plan privatization of our cocoa estate’, ‘Do not deprive us of our rights’, ‘We won’t accept privatisation of our estate’, and ‘Our cocoa estate is not for sale’, the protesters, comprising elderly men and women, and male and female youths, called on the state

government to cancel its plans to privatise the cocoa estate in Etomi community.

Speaking on behalf of the aggrieved protesters, an Etomi community leader, Mr. Mbek Agbor -Tangban, cautioned the states government not to deviate from the content of agreement which it entered with their grandparents before they

made the land available for the cultivation of the cocoa estate.

“Government ought to have consulted us as the landlord community given the expanse of land we donated to them, because whatever that is going to happen with the estate, when it full becomes operational, we are the first people that will be hard hit.

Air Pollution: Study Blames Escalation on Regulatory Laxity, Seeks WHO’s Intervention Omolabake Fasogbon

A new study has cautioned on the dangers of rising air pollution on humans in developing nations (Nigeria inclusive), blaming it largely on regulatory gaps.

The study, with the theme: ‘Air Quality Monitoring in Schools: Evaluating Effects of Ventilation Improvements on Cognitive

Performance and Childhood Asthma’, disclosed that 99 percent of global population is being exposed to air exceeding World Health Organisation (WHO) guidelines, and behind seven million premature deaths annually.

It noted, however, that developing countries and their vulnerable populations are worst

hit, especially in Nigeria, India, and Brazil presently grappling with the menace engendered by rapid urbanisation and increased industrial activity.

The study further highlighted how WHO can salvage the situation by guiding policy reforms, citing WHO’s goal of 50 percent reduction in PM2.5

exposure by 2030 as a potent measure against mortality and morbidity linked to the threat.

Commenting on the study published in 2025, one of the authors/Public Health expert, Dr. Chekwube Martin Obianyo, lamented the poor enforcement of environmental policies as thwarting efforts to stem the tide.

FG Restores Kano Digital Industrial Park, 10 Months After Vandalism Ahmad Sorondinki in Kano

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has successfully restored the Northwest Digital Industrial Park, nearly 10 months after the equipment was looted during the

#Endbadgovernance protest of August last year.

At the unveiling ceremony in Kano yesterday, the Minister of Communication, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijjani, said the federal government has revived the Park, recovering from the

devastating impact of last year’s #EndBadGovernance protest.

The minister, in his address, expressed the need for the young persons in the state and the country at large to use these opportunities to tap from the various opportunities

across the globe.

“This landmark project provided by President Bola Tinubu under his Renewed Hope Agenda can serve as a difference between poverty and success in the life of youths who properly utilise the opportunity,” he stated.

T H I S D AY ˾ THURSDAY JULY 3, 2025

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POLITICS

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

Akutah: Mr President Didn’t Get Proper Briefing About Benue Killings

Executive Secretary/Chief Executive Officer of Nigerian Shippers Council, Pius Akutah, in this interview, speaks about steps being taken by President Bola Tinubu to turn the nation round for the better as well as politics around the recent security skirmishes that rocked Benue State. George Okoh brings excerpts:

Y

ou are on the federal government’s delegation to commiserate with people of Benue State over the recent killings in some parts of the state. Do you have any word of hope for the Benue people?

For the Benue people, I urge them to believe in Mr. President. He is not the type that we just pay lip service to issues like this. He’s very firm, very honest and sincere with Nigerian people.

He’s an accomplished man by all standards. All that he needs to do now and all that he is doing is to leave a legacy for this country. We have seen how he is building the economy, how he is deepening our democracy, how he is stretching hands of fellowship to many dissidents across the country and ensuring that this country is blooming in a new economic order that will affect everyone. Over the years, people have talked about diversifying the economy of this Nigeria over and over and over and over.

But it was all lip service until he came on board. Today, you look at what the non-oil sector is doing and the economy is moving towards that direction by virtue of his policies.

So he says it, he does it.

He promised Nigerians he was going to take out the fuel subsidy. Immediately, he came in, on day one, he took it out. And you see the firmness with which he stood his ground, even when they fought back, he stood his ground to this day. And we now realize that, oh, oil subsidy was no good for Nigerians. And what he did was the best thing that anybody could have done in that circumstance for the benefit of our economy. Look at the dollar. Today, the fluctuations we had in the past government is stabilizing because of policies that he took.

Nigerians are complaining that there is hunger in the land, there is this, there is poverty, there is this. But yes, all of the past failures to confront these problems frontally have all piled up to the point that what he did was like, you know, you have something stuck in your lap and somebody came to remove it. You will feel sharp pain at that point. But then, when the healing process continues, you see how everything will just die down and you have permanent healing. The only thing you see will be the scars. So Mr. President has come to remove that sharp object that was stuck in our laps. And he has done it.

All we’re feeling is just the pain and healing.

So the healing process is ongoing. Nigerians should just bear with Mr. President. Four years is not enough. Not to talk of the two years that he has been in leadership so far.

If he was not going in the right direction, it’s a different thing. But he’s going in the right direction. Things are turning around.

So we need to just be patient a little bit and see what will happen. So there is hope. And the Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr. President is actually working.

So, look at the speed with which Mr President responded to this issue in Benue and obviously, you will hear from his statement, you will know that he was misbriefed. He didn’t have the proper briefing. You understand? When he spoke, Nigerians were bitter. But immediately the governor gave interview, people knew that, oh, this was a briefing Mr. President had. And this is why he said what he said. People saw where this problem was coming from.

So it’s very obvious that these are the issues and Nigerians should just be very patient with Mr. President. It won’t be long. We’ll see the light at the end of the tunnel.

What you have been doing since taking over as Executive Secretary and CEO of Nigerian Shippers Council?

Shippers Council, hopefully, we are going to transit into a new agency under the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy.

Like I said earlier on, Mr. President, in his wisdom, created the Ministry of Marine and

So, we deter them, not that we do not want people to come in, but we want you to come in and be a serious player, not someone that will come in to breaking the laws of the land and creating a lot of problems. As of today, one of the major challenges is the issue of efficiency in the sector. You know, time, they say, is money. So, when the sector is clogged with inefficiencies due to lack of proper legal regime to ward off those kind of inefficiencies, then we’ll just be going around in cycles, not making any progress. So, we believe that Mr. President, being an astute businessman himself, and who is running this country as a business entity to make profit, we know that he will sign that bill and he will give us the impetus to work even harder, going forward.

Akutah

Blue Economy to target not only the marine resources of this country, but also the blue economy, which is a global economy, multi-billion dollar global economy and Nigeria has not begun to even lay structures for that economy.

Now, Mr. President, in his wisdom, has decided to focus his economic policy, one of his economic policies, to target the resources of the marine and the blue economy. He has appointed a very refined gentleman, a technocrat of the highest of them, my minister, Adegboyega Oyetola, to lead that ministry and you will recall that recently the Federal Executive Council approved the national policy on marine and blue economy, the first of its kind.

And every activity of all the agencies under the marine and blue economy, and even those that are contiguous to the marine and blue economy, will work together under that policy. So for Shipper’s Council, there is a need for the law to be strengthened, to give us the impetus to be the Port Economic Regulator of the country.

So, the Minister also guided us to

come up with the law to amend, repeal, and re-enact the Nigerian Shipper’s Council Act, to the Nigerian Port Economic Regulator Agency Act. So the bill has been passed by the two chambers of the National Assembly, and is before the president for assent now. It just got to the president for assent when he was on two weeks vacation to Lagos. So, I believe that, in his usual style, the president will look into that bill and we’re very hopeful that, he will assent to it and that will give more impetus to the new agency to be the Port Economic Regulator Agency, with legal provisions to help us protect the investments that are made in the marine and blue economy sector because huge investments have been made there.

A lot of foreign direct investment have come into that sector, and we want to protect it. We want to be able to protect the investment and guarantee that those investments will yield profit in a short while. And also, the government of this country will benefit from those investments in a more systematic manner. And again, we will prevent those people who want to come into the sector just to be a problem to others.

We’ll prevent them from coming because the law adequately make provisions for deterrent of such kind of persons coming into the sector.

Look at the speed with which Mr President responded to this issue in Benue and obviously, you will hear from his statement, you will know that he was misbriefed. He didn’t have the proper briefing. You understand? When he spoke, Nigerians were bitter.

But immediately the governor gave interview, people knew that, oh, this was a briefing Mr. President had. And this is why he said what he said. People saw where this problem was coming from.

You came with the President and went around the camps, the IDP camps and the area that was badly torched in Yelewata where over 200 people were killed. How do you feel about or what’s your impression of what has taken place?

It’s actually very sad that gradually we are losing our humanity. How people can attack a whole community unprovoked, and kill and maim young and old people, women and children. It’s so disgusting how we have come to this stage. And it’s only God that knows, but it’s not something to wish even your enemy.

Well, first of all, I must say that this is a clear departure from the immediate past. This has been going on, not from this government, but it has been going on from the past administration.

This would be the first time that a President would be so concerned about this issue to the extent that he decides to come to see things for himself.

We’ve gone through this for over a decade now, but this will be the first time that a sitting President will come to Benue State to commiserate with our people and to also see things for himself. So my expectation is that knowing who this president is, he will not just come and play lip service to it. He will see what is going on for himself and he will take drastic actions as he has taken in terms of the fight against terrorism generally.

This is not something that he cannot be able to tackle because he has tackled Boko Haram.

I believe that he can tackle this issue within record time. My expectation is so high, I am quite confident that after his visit, this monster will be tackled head on. So that’s my expectation.

The state government has been accused of failing on its part, that this crisis has been brewing and they have not been too serious about it until it got to this level.

What’s your take on that?

Yeah, as of yesterday, we were looking at the social media platforms, different news platforms, and a lot of people began to laugh at us as citizens of this state. People feel that Governor Alia has not done enough. You can see that they are not far from the truth.

In the last 48 hours alone, he has countered everybody, countered himself. He has said things and moved from there again to say other things over and over and over.

So you begin to wonder, what is the problem? He is the governor of the state, and under our constitutional democracy, the governor of the state is the chief security officer of the state. So, he alone understands the security briefings of the state. He receives security briefings from his own chief security advisor or whatever that is. So we don’t know whether he has set up a tight security network that is giving him on the spot assessment of security situation in the state because today, technology is helping a lot.

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

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T H I S D AY ˾ THURSDAY, JULY 3, 2025

FEATURES

Group Features Editor: Chiemelie Ezeobi Email chiemelie.ezeobi@thisdaylive.com, Tel: 07010510430

How the Nigerian Navy is Boosting Civil-Military Relations, Personnel Welfare As part of ongoing efforts to deepen civil-military relations and enhance the welfare of its personnel, the Nigerian Navy recently undertook key interventions across the country. From delivering critical healthcare infrastructure to a rural community in Rivers State to upgrading accommodation facilities for personnel of the Naval Ordnance Depot in Lagos, Chiemelie Ezeobi writes that these initiatives reflect a growing emphasis on peoplecentred leadership under the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla

The new health facility at Odawu Joinkrama III Community in Ahoada West Local Government Area of Rivers State, under the Chief of Naval Staff’s Special Intervention Quick Impact Project Scheme

Admiral Superintendent of the Naval Ordnance Depot, Rear Admiral Livingstone Izu (middle) flanked byRear Admiral Noel Madugu, Commander, Operation Delta Safe (sixth left); Rear Admiral Kadiri Makoju (rtd), representative of Rivers State Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd); Odawu Joinkrama III Community Paramount Ruler, HRH Chief Izu B. Izu; Ibe of Engenni Kingdom, King Moore Maclean Okilomu; and others at the inauguration, recently

The refurbished personnel quarters at the Naval Ordnance Depot (NOD) in Lagos

L-R: Rear Admiral Mustapha Bala Hassan; Admiral Superintendent of the Naval Ordnance Depot, Rear Admiral Livingstone Izu; and the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ikechukwu Ogalla, at the inauguration of the NOD quarters, recently

I

n Nigeria’s diverse and sometimes security-inclined landscape, the role of the military has often extended beyond its traditional security mandate. For the Nigerian Navy (NN), this dual responsibility has taken shape through impactful interventions that touch lives both in and out of uniform.

From the heart of Rivers State to the Naval Ordnance Depot (NOD) in Lagos, the Nigerian Navy recently recorded some of the recent initiatives that reflect a deliberate strategy to strengthen civil-military relations and prioritise the welfare of personnel.

Healthcare Intervention in Ahoada: At Odawu Joinkrama III Community in Ahoada West Local Government Area of Rivers State, the inauguration of a new health facility by the Nigerian Navy was recently met with deep gratitude. The project was made possible under the Chief of Naval Staff’s Special Intervention Quick Impact Project Scheme, with Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla at the helm.

Facilitated by the Admiral Superintendent of the Naval Ordnance Depot, Rear Admiral Livingstone Izu, the facility symbolises renewed hope for a community that, until now, had relied on a moribund general hospital—built over 90 years ago by early missionaries in Ususu Joinkrama I—for its healthcare needs.

At the inauguration, Rear Admiral Izu said the facility comprised of a consulting room, a male and female ward, a maternity ward, a laboratory, a pharmacy, a nursing station, an immunisation station, and the basic infrastructure of a borehole among others.

Representing the Rivers State Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete

Ibas (rtd), at the event, Rear Admiral Kadiri Makoju (rtd), lauded the Navy’s effort and encouraged residents to take ownership of the facility. “Protecting and maintaining this facility will ensure that generations continue to benefit from it,” he said.

Rear Admiral Izu, who hails from the community, noted that the initiative was not just a healthcare response but part of the Navy’s broader commitment to civil-military cooperation.

“The Chief of the Naval Staff’s Quick Impact Project is a Nigerian Navy Civil-Military Cooperation initiative conceived by Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla to honour serving Rear Admirals. It’s an avenue for the Navy to contribute to the development of selected communities in order to enhance national security and development.”

He recalled that when the opportunity for the project arose, the community— led by its paramount ruler, HRH Chief Izu B. Izu—identified a health centre as its top priority. “The idea of building this Mini Health Centre was conceived as a stopgap measure to breach the challenge of accessing health services following the collapse of the Joinkrama Main Hospital,” he explained.

The intervention also drew commendation from the Ibe of Engenni Kingdom, King Moore Maclean Okilomu, who said: “I thank the leadership of the Nigerian Navy for choosing our community as a beneficiary of such a good project. It is a mark of confidence in the people.”

For the residents, the facility had become a new chapter in their

relationship with the Nigerian Navy— one built on shared purpose.

Boost for Personnel Welfare at NOD Back in Lagos, the focus of the Navy’s attention turned inward—towards the welfare of its own personnel. At the Naval Ordnance Depot in Ojo, the Chief of Naval Staff also recently inaugurated a newly renovated Ratings Transit Accommodation, during the Nigerian Navy anniversary.

Originally built in the 1980s as part of the Monomono project, the 10-room block needed a rehaul. Under the watch of Rear Admiral Izu, the facility, with the CNS’s intervention, was transformed into a modern, 11room residence for junior ratings.

At the inauguration, the CNS underscored the importance of such welfare initiatives, noting that comfortable living conditions are essential to the effectiveness of naval personnel. “Comfortable accommodation directly impacts physical and mental well-being, focus, productivity, and overall job performance,” he said.

In turn, Rear Admiral Izu expressed gratitude for the CNS’s support especially his “unwavering commitment to enhancing personnel welfare in the Nigerian Navy. His approval of resources for this renovation project has addressed a critical accommodation challenge for NOD ratings.”

He detailed the works carried out, which included new roofing, tiling, plumbing, painting, electrical installations, borehole development, and provision of basic furniture—all

executed using direct labour.

“The completion of the works and its commissioning today will further boost the morale and productivity of NOD ratings for greater service delivery and operational efficiency,” he added.

Delivering his welcome address at the commissioning, Rear Admiral Izu praised the leadership’s dedication to improving conditions across the Navy.

“This initiative is a clear demonstration of the Navy’s determination to ensure that the best resources are provided to motivate officers and ratings towards service for improved national security,” he said.

He also encouraged beneficiaries of the newly upgraded accommodation to take responsibility for its upkeep. “To beneficiaries of this newly renovated accommodation, I urge you to cherish and maintain it properly at all times. Let us take full ownership of it, ensuring that it serves its desired purpose,” he said.

A Vision Anchored in People From the creeks of Rivers State to the barracks in Lagos, the Nigerian Navy under Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla is laying the foundation for a more connected and compassionate military force by going beyond defence to development, dignity, and duty to the people it serves and protects.

In times where trust in public institutions can be fragile, gestures like these—whether a health clinic in a remote community or a renovated hostel for personnel—send a clear message: the Nigerian Navy is not only a guardian of the nation’s waters but also a force for social progress and human wellbeing, for its communities and personnel as well.

THURSDAY JULY 3, 2025 ˾ T H I S D AY

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NEWSXTRA

BANKS COMPLIANCE OFFICERS’ CONFERENCE…

L-R: Member of Executive Council, Association of Chief Compliance Officers of Banks in Nigeria (ACCOBIN), Theresa Ekong; Vice Chairman, ACCOBIN, Mrs. Abigail Duopama-Obomanu; Deputy Director, Banking Supervision, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN),Yetunde Onafuwa;Chairman, ACCOBIN, Adeboye Ogunmolade, and Head, Investigation, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Zonal Directorate 1, Lagos, Shehu Mohammed Ala, at the ACCOBIN annual stakeholders’ conference in Ikoyi, Lagos… recently

Court Sentences Final Year Student to Death for Killing Teacher Seriki Adinoyi in Jos A High Court in Jos, Plateau State, has sentenced a final year student of Government Science Technical College, Bukuru, Jos South Local Government Area of the state to death by hanging for the murder of a teacher.

The student, identified as Odey Emmanuel, was convicted of

culpable homicide punishable by death, contrary to Sections 188 and 189 of the Penal Code Law of Plateau State, 2017, in Charge No. PLD/J178C/2021.

Presiding over the case, Justice S J Bakfur held that the prosecution led by the Plateau State AttorneyGeneral and Commissioner for Justice, Philemon Audu Daffi, represented by Chief State

YABATECH Pushes for Varsity Status Funmi Ogundare The Rector of Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH), Dr. Ibraheem Abdul, yesterday pushed for the transformation of the institution into a fullfledged university, proposing the new name: Yaba Technical and Vocational University.

Abdul, in a statement explained that during a public hearing organised by the Senate Committee on Tertiary Institutions and TETfund in Abuja, he presented justifications to retain the institution’s iconic acronym, ‘YABATECH’, even as it transitions to university status.

He argued that the conversion would not only honour the college’s historical legacy but also position it to better address the demands of Nigeria’s evolving labour market.

“We are submitting a memorandum asking the National Assembly to champion

the transformation of the college into a university and fast-track its legislative process,” Abdul stated.

He emphasised on the college’s legacy, noting that the institution’s decades of national service merit a symbolic and functional elevation to university status.

“The transformation is a recognition of over seven decades of service to the nation, reaffirming Nigeria’s commitment to preserving and upgrading its foundational educational institutions,” he said.

The rector cited YABATECH’s readiness for the transition, with over 2, 000 staff members, including 150 PhD holders, more than 100 accredited academic programmes, adequate infrastructure such as laboratories, workshops, and classrooms as well as established quality assurance mechanisms, adding that these assets will eliminate the need for massive new investments, requiring only targeted upgrades.

Counsels, Nanfe Mbap and Solomon Gyang Deme, proved the case against the defendant beyond reasonable doubt.

According to the prosecution, the tragic incident occurred on July 30, 2022, within the premises of Government Science Technical

College, Bukuru.

On the fateful morning of the incident, the teacher, Mr. Job Dashe, and his colleague

were supervising the serving of breakfast in the school kitchen at about 9:30 a.m. and lunch around 2p.m.

Wike Attacks Atiku again, Dubs Him Expired Politician Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja

FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, has made a veiled attack at former Vice President Atiku Abubakar by tagging him as a someone who is visionless and has politically expired.

Wike hauled the broadsheet yesterday at the inauguration of the 16.4 kilometre dualised Ushafa-War College Road in Bwari

by President Bola Tinubu, who was represented by Vice Kashim Shettima.

The minister criticised Atiku and all critics of the current administration, saying the ongoing infrastructure transformation in Abuja’s satellite towns was a direct challenge to the naysayers.

He stated that the renewed attention to rural communities had proved that the Tinubu

administration was delivering where previous governments ignored.

“Let people hear, let those who don’t have vision, let those who are politically expired, let those who since 1999 have belonged to 10 political parties, let them see what you are doing.”

“I thank God every day. Today is the 15th day. I thank God. Wherever they are, whichever

channel they want to watch, they will see Mr. President, what you are doing every day.”

“Today is the 15th day, Friday will make it the 16th day. It has never happened, and yet people are saying nothing is working. Until we come to their house, that’s the only way they know something is working.

Unfortunately, we won’t come to their house.”

Ozekhome Rebukes Adegoke, Warns against Distortion of Court Rulings

Yinka Kolawole in Osogbo

Renowned constitutional lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria(SAN), Prof. Mike Ozekhome, has faulted a letter authored by his learned colleague, Mr. Kunle Adegoke, SAN, over claims regarding the status of the sacked local government chairmen in Osun

State.

In a detailed rejoinder made available to journalists, Prof. Ozekhome described Adegoke’s widely circulated seven-page letter, dated June 26, 2025, as “misleading” and “legally distorted,” particularly in its interpretation of the Court of Appeal judgment in Appeal No: CA/

AK/270/2022.

Ozekhome noted that Adegoke failed to extend the courtesy of sharing the letter with him directly, despite referencing his legal opinion extensively.

“That omission speaks volumes,” he remarked.

He clarified that the Court of Appeal, in its judgment delivered on February 10,

2025, did not affirm the reinstatement of the APC chairmen and councilors who were removed following the controversial local government elections of October 15, 2022.

According to him, the appellate court merely struck out the PDP’s suit on procedural grounds, having deemed the issues “academic.”

Experts: Africa’s Digital Payment Future Lies in inclusive Solutions Nume Ekeghe For Africa to fully unlock the potential of digital finance, experts have said the continent must shift from imported technologies to inclusive, homegrown payment solutions that reflect the realities of its people, particularly the unbanked.

That message was delivered strongly during a high-level Peer Learning Visit hosted recently in Lagos, where policymakers and financial system leaders from over 10 African countries converged to study Nigeria’s progress in instant payments and explore scalable solutions for their own regions.

Speaking at the event, CEO

of AfricaNenda Foundation, Dr. Robert Ochola, called on governments and financial stakeholders to shift focus from elite-centric digital infrastructure to systems that serve Africa’s most vulnerable: women, youth, and informal workers.

He said: “The real question is: can we build inclusive, scalable

systems that serve every citizen — not just the privileged few?” he posed, citing Nigeria’s NIBSS Instant Payment (NIP) platform as a model of success. The system, he noted, processes nearly a billion transactions monthly and connects banks, fintechs, and switches through a 24/7, real-time, and highly secure platform.”

About 12 residents of Lagos from Makoko have flagged off the distribution of eight million cook stoves aimed at prioritising environmental sustainability and public health in the state.

Speaking at the distribution event held recently in Lagos, the Commissioner for Economic Planning and Budget, Ope George,

of a transformative movement.

George noted that the initiative is one that prioritises environmental sustainability, public health, and economic inclusion, especially among our most vulnerable populations.

“As many of you know, this nationwide initiative—registered under the United Nations Framework Convention on

aims to distribute 80 million improved cookstoves, free of charge, across all 36 states and the FCT. Out of this, eight million units have been allocated to Lagos State. This is a testament to our population size, but more importantly, to our government’s unwavering commitment to sustainable development and inclusive

“At the Ministry of Economic Planning and Budget, we recognise that energy poverty is a major barrier to equitable growth. Traditional cooking methods, particularly the use of firewood and charcoal, not only endanger the health of women and children but also contribute to deforestation, indoor air pollution, and greenhouse gas emissions.

The Radiant Republic Lagos Flags Off Distribution of Eight million Cookstoves to Residents Unveils FirstRadiant Gathering said the event marks the first spark Climate Change (UNFCCC)— climate action.

Oluchi Chibuzor Republic, Wilson C.

Kayode Tokede

A new era in apostolic gatherings is emerging as The Radiant Republic prepares to make its public debut with a prophetic encounter titled “The First Decree.”

This marks the beginning of a bold faith movement committed to raising a spotless generation anchored in identity, purity, and divine purpose.

Driven by Ephesians 5:27, The Radiant Republic is not just a church plant—it is a clarion call to a remnant ready to rebuild the ruins, restore ancient truths, and rise as Kingdom ambassadors in every sphere.

“We are not building around personalities or performance.

We are building around Presence,” Convener of The

Diamond, said.

“This isn’t about a crowd— it’s about consecration. We’re calling those who sense the urgency of the hour and the weight of their calling.”

The Radiant Republic aims to offer a spiritually immersive, strategically intentional experience that blends teaching, worship, and prophetic activation. It stands as a counter-cultural movement for those dissatisfied with superficial expressions of faith.

Joining Wilson C. Diamond at the inaugural gathering are two respected ministers: Reverend Isaac Omolehin and Pastor Poju Oyemade, who will bring depth, prophetic direction, and apostolic insight to this historic encounter.

2027: Group Backs Opposition Parties Coalition in Gombe

Segun Awofadeji in Gombe

A political group in Gombe State, known as Alliance for Good Governance (AGG) has thrown its weight behind the movement by opposition parties in the state to form a coalition to challenge the ruling All Progressives

Congress (APC) in the state in the 2027 election.

Opposition parties in the state including the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Labour Party (LP) and Social Democratic Party (SDP) few days ago held a meeting to discuss the formation of one grand coalition to unseat APC

in the next elections.

The opposition parties meeting was convened by the 2023 PDP gubernatorial candidate in the state, Mohammed Barde.

The AGG coordinator and convener of the meeting attended by hundreds of youths, Ahmed Usman

Haruna, has during the meeting on Tuesday, said they converged to express support and back the coalition by the opposition parties in the state.

According to him, the coalition by opposition parties is necessary if they really want to cause a change of government in the state.

THURSDAY JULY 3, 2025 • T H I S D AY

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THURSDAY, JULY 3, 2025 ˾ T H I S D AY

INTERVIEW

PETER MBAH:

We Are Exposing Enugu Kids to Modern Skills, Preparing Them for Global Competition In an era where leadership is increasingly measured by foresight and impact, Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State is charting a course that looks far beyond his tenure. With an ambitious education reform anchored in innovation and sustainability, Mbah is reshaping the learning landscape through his flagship Smart Green Schools initiative— designed to expose children as young as three to modern skills like artificial intelligence, robotics, and experiential learning. His goal is clear: to equip a new generation of Enugu children with the tools to compete in a fast-changing global economy. But beyond bricks and curriculum, Mbah is laying the foundations for long-term institutional strength.

Determined to build a system that thrives beyond any individual, the Governor is investing heavily in human capital development—particularly among civil servants—while embedding transparency and digital governance across all MDAs. His administration’s emphasis on training, automation, and team-driven execution is designed to ensure that policies and reforms are not only impactful today but sustainable tomorrow. In this interview, he speaks about how his dual strategy—developing globally competitive youth and building resilient institutions—is shaping a legacy focused not on political cycles, but generational transformation. Gideon Arinze brings excerpts: Having toured various parts of the State, we’ve observed a number of completed projects as well as several others currently ongoing.

Many are curious to know — how has your administration been able to mobilise the funds to execute these initiatives? he truth is that we don’t have to rely on third-party funding to do what we are doing. What we have done since we came in is that we have raised our Internally Generated Revenue (IGR).

When we came in, the highest the State used to do was about N25 billion in terms of IGR annually. This year, our IGR projection is about N600 billion, and we are likely going to achieve, if not exceed, that figure. At some point, there was the misconception that we increased the tax rate, but that was not true. What we simply did was to expand the tax base. We brought in those who were not captured and who were not in the tax net, into the tax net.

We also ensured that our processes are automated by eliminating collections through manual or cash transactions and ensured that payments are made directly into government accounts via electronic or digital platforms. So, just largely stopping the leakages and expanding the tax net, we are able to grow our tax base by over 200-fold, from N25 billion to about N571 billion that we are expecting this year. Now, if we have a gap in our funding, we could also

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get a bridger, and that bridger is what is referred to as an overdraft or short-term funding. Because of the scale of what we are doing, sometimes we could get bridger, but we have not done a long-term bridger.

We came up with three transformational objectives before we assumed office.

We actually set out a blueprint of what we are going to do in Enugu. The first was to grow the economy of Enugu exponentially, by growing it from $4.4 billion when we took over, to $30 billion in eight years. If you calculate it, that will translate to a 27 percent compound annual growth rate in eight years, which is a seven-fold growth rate. I think that is quite ambitious. But that was a promise we made to the people of Enugu State, and we are going to accomplish that by industrialising the State and bringing in the private sector.

The second thing we said to our people in Enugu is that we are going to eradicate poverty and achieve a zero poverty headcount rate. We know clearly what it means to get to a zero poverty headcount rate. That means that we are going to invest hugely in social services, education, health-care, employment generation, and enhancing capacity for our youths so that they can become employers.

How sustainable are these projects in the long term and regarding your land

banking initiative, what measures are in place to guarantee land security, so that farmers can be confident that future administrations will not revoke their access or rights?

We think that we need to build strong institutions, institutions, stronger than any individual. So, a lot of the things we are doing, we are focusing on how do we sustain the projects we are doing, whether it is the smart schools, how do we ensure that successive governments continue to fund it and that the infrastructure and the programmes we initiated are sustained. Beyond bricks and mortar, there are other soft issues like training and making sure that there are pipelines through which these programmes and initiatives are sustained.

So, we are very conscious of that and we are building the capacity of our civil servants, who obviously will continue to remain here. That is why we have a programme, for instance, that ensures that all our civil servants have access to digital training and makes sure that our processes are instituted. All the MDAs, we have over 111 of them in Enugu, are included in our e-governance platform. Of course, our financial manual is something I have to speak about. A major part of our governance philosophy is transparency and accountability.

We have a system whereby whatever accrues to the government as revenue is accurately

captured. It is not something anybody can alter, so there is a digital trail. When we came in, a lot of those things were done manually, but we had to digitalise them. So, even our financial reporting is something that you don’t have to wait till the end of the year.

You get a monthly report of what accrued to the government. So, by building the capacity of our civil servants and strengthening the institutions, we can sustain this. Now, that takes me to the issue of the land bank. Land bank is a programme designed for commercial farming. Beyond the farm estate we are building for smallholder farmers, which is going on across the 260 wards in the State, we want to scale up production, so we are inviting those interested in investing in agriculture to come to Enugu. In terms of the structure, it differs. For example, with one of the companies we are working with, we have a structure where the State can take 40 percent and the investor has 60 percent share in that business. We also have a structure where if the investor wants to go in all alone, we just provide him land and depending on the impact of the investment, we can help the investor to de-risk the investment and if there are areas of the investment that can create problems, we step in. Most times we try to have our skin in the game so that it will become bankable and the numbers will make sense to investors. So, we adopt different strategies. We don’t have one-size-fits-all strategies.

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T H I S D AY ˾ THURSDAY, JULY 3, 2025

BUSINESS SPECIAL

INTERVIEW

We Are Building Strong Institutions, Developing Human Capital to Outlive My Administration

Currently, we are training about 18,000 of our educators through the Centre for Experiential Learning and Innovation. The idea is that these kids would be exposed to all modern skills from a very young age. From Basic one or what you know as Elementary one, you get exposed to robotics, AI, and Virtual Realities (VR). If they are learning Biology, for example, you can visualise how the blood moves through the veins.

Mbah Now, what is the drive behind the Smart Green Schools initiative?

The Smart Green School, again, is not knee-jerk.

If you look at our manifesto during our campaign, in the sector, we dealt with this. We referred to it as a cut-off point. We knew the challenges with our educational system. We didn’t think it was something we needed to do better; we felt it was something we needed to do differently. So, the cut-off point was designed to cut off from that old system and to introduce a new learning system.

To do that, we also felt that the environment must be right, and the infrastructure must also be right.

The reason was that we felt that the true wealth of any State is not measured by the value of what it has beneath the soil. We may have huge quantities of coal and other solid minerals, but that will not be the right measure of our wealth. We believe strongly that the true measure of our wealth is based on the quality of our human resources. We also recognise that the rest of the world will not wait for our children. We understand that the evolving skills of the 21st century require that we get our children ready and be prepared to have a fighting chance in the world. Take, for example, it is projected that five years from now, Artificial Intelligence (AI) is going to contribute $20 trillion to the global economy.

The question now is: How are we preparing our children to acquire the skills to be relevant in this new world order? So, we felt that the best thing to do was to capture them at that very young age. The smart green school is designed to have provisions of early child learning, which begins at age three. At age three, beyond teaching them, we are also dealing with their health profile. We know a number of them may not have adequate medical records. So, the first thing we do is to make sure that the child’s health is okay and that they are up to date with their vaccination and all that. When there is a deficiency, we step in to ensure that we regularise that and get them up to date. In terms of learning, we have completely changed the way the kids are taught. We have moved away from the old system of teaching these kids to what is referred to as the experiential learning system. Just recently, we won the Spencer Foundation Vision Grant, in recognition of what we are doing at the basic education experiential learning. What we have done is that there was a lot of research that went into this system of education, and well documented.

I am talking about extensive research, not research done overseas. We have the Centre for Experiential Learning and Innovation, a pipeline that all the tutorial staff must go through to be qualified to teach at a smart school. Currently, we are training about 18,000 of our educators through the Centre for Experiential Learning and Innovation. The idea is that these kids would be exposed to all modern skills from a very young age. From Basic one or what you know as Elementary one, you get exposed to robotics, AI, and Virtual Realities (VR). If they are learning Biology, for example, you can visualise

how the blood moves through the veins.

Most importantly, we are getting the kids to see their classrooms beyond where they memorise or repeat what they were taught.

We are getting them to see their classrooms as a creativity hub and a place where they have to solve compelling social problems. Some of these initiatives we have introduced are not so fashionable because the impact may be felt long after we have left government. We are looking at the future. But essentially, if we don’t get it right today, we may not be able to have that vision for hope for the future.

How are you addressing the challenge of rural-urban migration, because we see people are moving from rural communities to the cities, how are you addressing the issue of infrastructure that comes with such movements?

Part of what we are experiencing in Enugu is the opposite, where we have a lot of people from urban areas migrating to rural areas. That is largely because the style of leadership we have here is all-inclusive. We are not taking any part in the State out. For example, our programme in education is where the 260 electoral wards have project of over N1 billion going on at the same time. Somebody was telling me a few months ago that the amount of earth-moving equipment they have seen move into Enugu in the last two years has never been experienced anywhere.

We didn’t have enough of that, so people who are coming here to work now have to bring in earth-moving equipment from other States to come here to work. I have also been told that hiring artisans and labourers in Enugu is now the most expensive. That is because you have activities going on across the State.

In each ward, there are major projects going on, including the Smart Green Schools. We are also doing the panel healthcare centre, and we are building the farm estate, and we have a lot of our young people constructively engaged instead of turning to criminality. So, even if we have an influx of people into the city, we realise also that when we came in that the last master planning we had when we came in was designed over 60 years ago.

So, when we came in, we did a new master plan to expand the city. We are currently building a brand new city, which would take about 300,000 households, and that is because we are planning for the future. If you are going to grow the economy to $30 billion, you must provide access and infrastructure. We are already thinking about that. This brand new city is going to be fully service – your water, electricity, sewage, telecoms, fibre optics, internet access, the gas line- would all be fully provided. You just move in and you don’t need to go in there with your generator, and of course, the roads are all designed. So, it is

carefully planned to be a smart and modern city. Lastly, the light rail is going to be on the right-of-way.

For the Command and Control Centre which is to support your fight against insecurity, what is your plan for the different local governments to ensure that you cover the entire State?

We have phase two of the security surveillance system that is actually ongoing. Part of what we did with the security system was to ensure that we don’t use satellite, so that it is not weather-sensitive and when it is raining we are not worried whether the cameras will work or not. We use fibre optic cables, so all our cameras are connected through the fibre optic cable. What we have commissioned is the first phase; we are now in the second phase. The second phase was designed to capture all the gateways. Not just the known gateways, but other gateways are informal. We currently have coverage beyond the cities. We have about seven strategic local governments that are captured in this first phase, and the second phase will capture the additional nine local governments that were not captured. So, there is plan for full coverage.

You are in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and we have seen some of your friends who are Governors defect to the ruling party and they have cited the crisis in your party as one of the reasons. How confident are you that the PDP is going to resolve its dispute, because I anticipate that you want to contest for a second term and you need a platform?

It is clear to the people of Enugu State that we are in this to serve them. We are focused largely on governance. But just as you mentioned, we are also a product of politics. Our constitution does not have provisions for someone to run as an independent candidate. Which means you have to be sponsored by a political party.

That means you must be involved in politics.

So, our platform is the PDP, and behind me here is the PDP flag. That means we are still in the PDP. As you are aware, just like any other party, we have our challenges and we are dealing with them, and hopefully we shall resolve them. Our objective is not to be distracted because if you lose steam and you are not able to deliver on the promises you made to your people, I believe that at the end of the day, the people will have to decide whether they want to renew our mandate or kick us out. So, that decision will be made by them.

I must commend the team spirit I have seen among your team. So, how are you enhancing the skills of the civil servants in the State to ensure the sustainability of your projects and programmes?

We are proud of our team, and we see that as our major competitive advantage because we were very intentional in making sure that the right team was put in place. A lot of these people that I work with are people who have distinguished themselves in their private or professional endeavours. What I say to my team all the time, and something that you must always have as a skill in order for you to be successful, is team spirit. If you look at the survey or research done by McKinsey, and has been repeated severally times, giving the same result.

The top 500 CEOs were asked what would be their most valuable skill in an employee and what always stood out is an employee who has a team-building spirit, not technology or intelligence, but a team-building spirit. So, it is extremely important to have the spirit to work as a team.

So, the modest achievement we have recorded in the past two years could not have been possible if not that team spirit.

Now, for the civil servants, we don’t even have a choice in terms of making sure that the civil servants are part of everything we are doing. We are only here for few years and we are done. Whether what we are doing now will be sustained is going to be a function of how strong the institution or the system is. So, we are deliberate in enhancing their human capital, and capacity is very important. In fact, in our next year’s budget, we are going to have a major structure where we train the civil servants, just like what they have in Lagos. We are trying to have the same thing here – a training centre for our civil servants, so that we don’t have to be sending them out for training.

The 2023 elections ended almost 28 months ago. There are States where there are still disagreements between contending forces.

But suddenly, after the battle and the legal fireworks, your closest rival is now in the same camp as you, which means you will have to focus on governance as hostilities have ended.

What was the magic wand?

What we have also experienced post-election is that the political actors in the state have also come to recognise our sincerity of purpose, that we are just here to serve the people. Those of them who also meant well for the State and were largely driven by service, see us as partners in progress. Which was why my opponent in the last election, we are working today as one. He feels that the idea was to serve the people, and since he has seen someone doing it, why not join hands with him and do the same thing? So, we are working together as one. That has also brought a lot of peace as we are not spending money to deal with all sorts. Today, we are a group working together. We believe that if we have to collaborate or partner with an institution or a person to achieve our common goal, it is something we are open to. Immediately after the election and the court processes, we extended an olive branch, and we are open to working together as a team to build our State, which is really what the objective is.

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T H I S D AY THURSDAY JULY 3, 2025 16 TR

UT H

& RE A S O

Thursday July 3, 2025 Vol 30. No 11042

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opinion@thisdaylive.com

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If there is renewed commitment to leadership, West Africa can surmount its pressing issues, writes MONDAY PHILIPS EKPE

LAGESC AND THE DRIVE TOWARD A CLEANER LAGOS

The government is committed to making Lagos a more habitable state, writes AJAYI LUKMAN

GARBA SHEHU’S MEDITATION ON ASO ROCK Shehu’s book offers valuable insights in political communication, writes OLUSEGUN ADENIYI

EDITORIAL

GARLANDS FOR ORAMAH AND ADESINA

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AS PRESIDENT BIO HEADS ECOWAS

he 67th Summit of the Authority of Heads of State and Government of the Economic Community of West African States ended last month in Abuja, Nigeria with President Julius Maada Bio of Sierra Leone assuming its leadership.

He received the baton from Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu after completing his two-term tenure. The change, in line with the tradition of rotation amongst the heads of government within the West African subregion, has come at a time when any occupier of the position ¢ȱ Ȃ ȱ ě ȱ ȱ ȱ ¢ȱ ȱ ę ȱ ǯȱ Yes, the sovereignty of individual countries is sacrosanct and well-captured in the statutes that govern the Community. And, granted, like his predecessors, Bio must continue to see himself ȱ ę ȱ ȱ ǯȱ ǰȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ground demand that the new chairman musters ȱ ȱ ȱ ¡ ȱ Ȭ ȱ ȱ and productive statesmanship straightaway.

Tinubu’s handover note is worth reproducing here, partly: “Our organisation must continue ȱ ȱ ȱę ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ mandate of economic integration and the ¡ȱ ǰȱ ¢ǰȱ ȱ ȱ challenges, including the preservation of democratic values in our region. Economic integration cannot be superimposed on an untenable political environment. That is why we must remain steadfast in our resolve to rise to these emerging challenges.” I won’t say those words are cheap as he had to maintain the practice of building bridges between outgoing and incoming leaderships on such occasions.

It’s too tempting, however, to ignore some of the things that transpired in the two years that the Nigerian leader headed the body that once held so much hope for the largely underserved peoples of West Africa. For instance, in a rare move and for a cocktail of reasons, Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso announced their departure from ECOWAS. The sanctions imposed on them and threats of forceful restoration of democracy in the trio amounted to nothing. Even when the multinational umbrella institution backpedalled ȱ Ĵ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ǰȱ it became clear that the three Sahelian countries were not joking. Their leaders - General Assimi Goita (Mali), General Abdourahmane Tchiani (Niger) and Captain Ibrahim Traore (Burkina Faso) - still don’t leave anyone in doubt about their resolve to stay above the fray and tackle their common problems their own way.

Tinubu won’t be able to distance himself from the failure of ECOWAS to, at least, successfully contend for its geographical integrity, if not unity and cohesion. Not a huge surprise from the Sahel, though, as Goita, Tchiani and Traore - soldiers and proud supplanters of democratic processes - are digging in with some success.

Today, majority of the citizens of those nations appear not to miss the hyped dividends of representative governance, if the social media world which has helped in elevating these men to folk heroes is to be believed. So, a major part of the Tinubu legacy at the helm of ECOWAS ȱ ȱ Ĝ ȱ ȱ ȱ Ĝ ¢ȱ ȱ ȱ assignment, a brief he has now dropped on Bio’s laps.

This isn’t a task the Sierra Leonian president should shy away from. The fact that the immediate past chairman presided over a seemingly impossible responsibility shouldn’t provide an alibi for any underperformance. One ¢ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ¡ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ the organisation’s inability to be of practical help ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ¡ ǯȱ ȱ ȱ countries, of course, aren’t alone in being savaged by the menace but they’ve continued to ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ǯȱ ¢ǰȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ¢ȱ Ĝ ȱ ǰȱ ȱ Ȃ ȱ ȱ ȱ Ĝ ¢ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ to still relate with Tchiani and co with a view to ę ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ¢Ȭ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ¢ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ Africa for too long.

Thankfully, his reply to Tinubu was apt: “Our region is at a crossroads, the West Africa we lead today is facing serious challenges, some long standing, others new and evolving. We are still confronting insecurity in the Sahel and coastal states, terrorism, political instability, ȱ ȱ Ě ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ crimes continue to test the resilience of our ȱ ȱ ȱ ě ȱ ȱ ȱ ǯȱ The democratic space is under strain, in parts of our region, the constitutional order has been disrupted. Yet, across West Africa, citizens, especially our youth, are demanding not just elections, but accountability, transparency and a fair stake in national life.”

His professional background has hopefully prepared him for the nuances of jackboot incursion into politics and also the troubling prospects of the escalation of revolutionary ideas to the rest of West Africa - the section of the continent with the largest incidence of coups d’etat. Bio’s self-given priorities are remarkable: restoration of constitutionalism and democracy, revitalisation of security collaboration, enablement of economic integration, and strengthening the credibility of institution, all within the subregion. That’s a compact agenda,

achievable through doggedness and thinking ȱ ȱ ¡ǯȱȱȱȱȱȱȱ While acknowledging the fresh hurdles hinted in Bio’s acceptance speech, the enduring ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ¢ǯȱ ȱ secession of the three countries from ECOWAS makes the situation even dicier. My piece published in July 2024 titled “ECOWAS’ Weight Loss” put it thus: “By now, sceptics and cynics should have enough grounds to concede that something unprecedented is happening in this ȱ ȱ ǯȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ Ĵ ȱ ȱ independence by African nations from their former colonial masters had they come together in this form and at a governmental level to openly challenge the abnormality…

“As for ECOWAS, they’ve stated in clear terms ȱ ¢ȱ Ĵ ȱ ȱ Ȭ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ¢ȱ ǯȱ ȱ ¡ ǰȱ ȱ ȱ mass appeal the radical leaders are enjoying in their bases now may not last long. The usual crack-down on dissent associated with military ȱ ¢ȱ ȱ ¢ ȱ ȱ ě ȱ ȱ cement their stay at the top. And the northern borders of Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger are still home to terrorists who have imperilled the security of the Sahel for years.

“This is a disturbing picture of an uncertain future. The surest way for the ECOWAS mainstream is to be seen to make deliberate ȱ ȱ ě ȱ ȱ ȱ ǯȱ ȱ Ȃ ȱ happen overnight. But anything short of that would give the regional separatists the weapons to convince their local populations that the only way isn’t behind them but the new forward.

That can further endanger the entire subregion with one of the worst border controls on earth.” ¢ȱ ȱ ǰȱȃ Ȃȱ ¡ ȱ Ȅǰȱ published in February last year at the wake of ȱ ȱ Ȃȱ ȱ ȱ ¢ȱ ¡ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ that would befall a fractured regional entity. For now, sadly, any wish to have them return to the body looks utopian.

No doubting the fact that Bio has enough issues on his desk in Freetown to weigh him down. Most domestic economic indices have been performing badly under his watch. Neither ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ¢ȱ Ĵ ǯȱ ȱ ȱ has one of the worst drug abuse statistics on the planet at the moment. The spread of addiction ȱ ȁ Ȃȱ ȱ Ě ȱ ȱ ȱ ¢ȱ and communality of the member states of ECOWAS. The ultra-harmful synthetic cannabis ȱ ¢ȱ Ĝ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ Basin bounded by Guinea, Cote d’Ivoire, Liberia and Sierra Leone.

This sad reality should actually energise Bio to give the chairmanship his best shot. It’s his turn to lead the charge to challenge West Ȃ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ¡ ȱ ȱ numerous potentialities to the other regions on earth, many of which have become wary of its stability and viability. At 50 years since its debut, Bio can and should pilot ECOWAS into a truly golden era.

•Dr Ekpe is a member of THISDAY Editorial Board

T H I S D AY

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THURSDAY JULY 3, 2025

The government is committed to making Lagos a more habitable state, writes AJAYI LUKMAN Shehu’s book offers valuable insights in political communication, writes OLUSEGUN ADENIYI

GARBA SHEHU’S MEDITATION ON ASO ROCK

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LAGESC AND THE DRIVE TOWARD A CLEANER LAGOS

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ě ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ¢ǯ ǰȱ ȱ ¢ȇ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ǯȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ǰȱ ě ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ǯȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȇ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ¢ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ Ĵ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ǯ ȱ ¢ȇ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ǯȱ ȱ ǰȱ ȱ ȱȇ ȱ ȇȱ ȱ ¡ ǰȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ¢ ȱ Ȭ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ¢ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ǰȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ǯ ȱ ȱ ǰȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ǰȱ ȱ ¢ ȱ ȱ ȱ ǻ Ǽǰȱ ȱ ȱ ě ȱ ȱ ȱ ǰȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ¢ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ǯȱ ȱ £ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ¢ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ¢ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȇ ȱ ȱ ǯ ȱ ¢ȇ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ¢ȱ ¢ǯ Ȉ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ǰȈȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ǯ Ȉ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȇ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ǰȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ Ȉǰȱ ȱ ǯ ȱ ǰȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ǻ Ǽȱ ȱ ȱ ¡ ¢ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ¢ǯ ȱ ě ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ¢ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȇ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ǯȱ ȱ ¢Ȃ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ¢ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȇ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ǯ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ǰȱ ȱ ě ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ǯ ȱ ǰȱ ǰȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ¢ȱ ȱ ȱ ě ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ǯ ¢ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ǰȱ ȱ ǰȱ ȱ ȱ ǰȱ ȱ ǰȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ǰȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ǰȱ ȱ ǰȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ Ĝ ȱ ǻ Ȭ ¢ȱ Ǽǰȱ ȱ ǰȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ¢ȱ ¢ȱ Ȭ ȱ £ ǯȱȱ ǰȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ Ƿ Ȋ ȱ ȱ ǰȱ ȱ ě ȱ ȱ Advocacy Unit, LAGESC, Oshodi, Lagos

18 4

T H I S D AY • THURSDAY JULY 3, 2025

EDITORIAL

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

GARLANDS FOR ORAMAH AND ADESINA They are both worthy role models for our young professionals

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The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the he stellar performances of two illustrious Economy, Wale Edun also underscored Afreximbank's Nigerians as heads of Africa's foremost SLYRWDO UROH LQ WKH FRXQWU\ VWDWLQJ WKDW LW KDG ÀQDQFHG PXOWLODWHUDO GHYHORSPHQW ÀQDQFLDO various projects in excess of $50 billion. institutions evoke a sense of national pride.

Some of Oramah’s signature projects in Nigeria include, Benedict Oramah, the outgoing President of among several others, the $120 million African Trade African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) Centre in Abuja, designed to promote intra-African trade and Akinwumi Adesina, the outgoing President of the and investment, and the $750 million state-of-the-art African Development Bank (AfDB) have left indelible African Medical Centre of Excellence Abuja, specialising footprints on both institutions, transforming them from in oncology, cardiology, and hematology. While the PRGHVW RUJDQLVDWLRQV WR JOREDO EUDQGV ZLWK VROLG ÀQDQFLDO national honour on Oramah is commendable for his structures. The stewardships of the duo have also become sterling representation of Nigeria and performance, a a reassurance that Nigeria is not bereft of quality human PRUH ÀWWLQJ UHFRJQLWLRQ ZRXOG EH IRU KLP WR EH JLYHQ DQ manpower who can hold their own anywhere in the opportunity to serve his country so he could add value to world, given the enabling environment. They are worthy our national development. role models for our young professionals.

This same is applicable to Incidentally, both Adesina. Considered one of Oramah and Adesina were the top performing ministers WKH ÀUVW 1LJHULDQV WR KHDG under the administration of How come a nation so endowed still suffers from the lack the continental institutions. former President Goodluck They are also completing of basic economic competence in its domestic affairs?

Jonathan when he held their assignments at about the agriculture portfolio, the same period. While Adesina replicated the same Adesina's decade-long excellence at the AfDB. His tenure as AfDB President OHDGHUVKLS ZDV GHÀQHG E\ ended in May 2025, bold vision and decisive Oramah’s just came to an T H I S D AY action.

Remarkably, the bank’s capital base grew from $93 end last weekend with the conclusion of the 32nd Annual EDITOR SHAKA MOMODU billion to a staggering $318 billion—an expansion widely DEPUTY EDITOR WALE OLALEYE General Meetings of Afreximbank held in Abuja. For regarded as one of the most remarkable in the institution’s MANAGING DIRECTOR ENIOLA BELLO Oramah, who was conferred with the nation's second history. The bank maintained its prestigious AAA credit DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR ISRAEL IWEGBU highest honour - Grand Commander of the Order of the CHAIRMAN EDITORIAL BOARD OLUSEGUN ADENIYI rating throughout his tenure, a testament to strong Niger (GCON) by President Bola Tinubu, his headship EDITOR NATION’S CAPITAL IYOBOSA UWUGIAREN ÀQDQFLDO VWHZDUGVKLS DQG VWUDWHJLF FODULW\ +LV WHQXUH DOVR of Afreximbank saw the bank growing its assets from $5 THE OMBUDSMAN KAYODE KOMOLAFE LPPHQVHO\ EHQHÀWHG 1LJHULD ZLWK LQYHVWPHQWV UXQQLQJ billion to over $37 billion within a short period. As the into billions of dollars and budget support facilities to president noted in his tribute, Oramah’s leadership saw KHOS QDYLJDWH ÀVFDO GHÀFLWV the bank’s vital roles in Africa’s COVID-19 pandemic Both Oramah and Adesina are national treasures response, in driving industrialisation, supporting the T H I S D AY N E W S PA P E R S L I M I T E D who have not masked their patriotic streaks. They have African free trade area, and the continent’s creative EDITOR-IN-CHIEF/CHAIRMAN NDUKA OBAIGBENA become global icons who served multilateral institutions economy.

GROUP EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS ENIOLA BELLO, KAYODE KOMOLAFE, with integrity, devotion and passion. They are also worthy It is also noteworthy that under Oramah, the PanISRAEL IWEGBU, EMMANUEL EFENI ambassadors of Nigeria. But the sterling performances African trade institution mobilised over $140 billion trade DIVISIONAL DIRECTORS SHAKA MOMODU, PETER IWEGBU, of both men in their international portfolios also raises a ANTHONY OGEDENGBE and development in the last decade alone. According to critical question about Nigeria itself. How come a nation DEPUTY DIVISIONAL DIRECTOR OJOGUN VICTOR DANBOYI Tinubu, the conferment of the national honour was in SNR. ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR ERIC OJEH VR HQGRZHG VWLOO VXͿHUV IURP WKH ODFN RI EDVLF HFRQRPLF recognition of a decade of transformative leadership by ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR PATRICK EIMIUHI FRPSHWHQFH LQ LWV GRPHVWLF DͿDLUV" Oramah “who has steered Afreximbank into becoming CONTROLLERS ABIMBOLA TAIWO, UCHENNA DIBIAGWU, NDUKA MOSERI Nigeria needs to quickly resolve this embarrassing Africa’s foremost trade and development institution.”

DIRECTOR, PRINTING PRODUCTION CHUKS ONWUDINJO contradiction fairly quickly in order to make progress.

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LETTERS SOLOMON ARASE: A LEGACY OF SERVICE

D

r. Solomon Arase, a retired Inspector-General of Police and philanthropist, celebrated his 69th birthday recently. As he marked this milestone, his work and legacy serve as a testament to his unwavering commitment to public service, education, and community development. Arase's distinguished career in the Nigeria Police Force was marked by his exceptional leadership, integrity, and dedication to reforming the institution. As the 18th In Ȭ ȱ ȱ ǰȱ ȱ ȱ ę ȱ reforms and strengthened the force's intelligence gathering capabilities.

Beyond his public service, Arase has been instrumental in promoting education and community development through his philanthropic initiatives. Through ȱ ¢ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ę ȱ ǰȱ ȱ ȱ provided scholarships to indigent students at various levels of education, supported skills-based training programs in Polytechnics and technical institutions, and empowered young people to become productive mem ȱ ȱ ¢ǯȱ ȇ ȱ ȱ ě ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ profound impact on the lives of many. His commitment

to education has enabled countless students to access quality education, thereby breaking the cycle of poverty and empowering them to become agents of change in their communities.

As usual, the Solomon Ehigiator Arase Foundation (SEAF) proudly hosts its Annual Scholarship Grant, Ĝ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ empowerment, youth development, and social upliftment. Founded on the core values of integrity, service, and excellence—hallmarks of Solomon Ehigiator Arase's distinguished career—the Foundation continues to invest meaningfully in the future of Nigerian students through structured academic support.

This year’s scholarship program recognizes and supports outstanding students enrolled in tertiary institutions across Nigeria who have demonstrated academic merit, leadership potential, and a dedication to community service. The grant is designed not only to alleviate ę ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ¡ ǰȱ ǰȱ and purpose-driven scholarship among recipients.

It also serves as a platform to celebrate student achievement while honoring the enduring legacy of Dr.

Arase—a visionary public servant and advocate for justice and youth empowerment.

As the Foundation continues to grow its impact, the scholarship program remains a cornerstone of its mission: building a stronger, more equitable society through education. This initiative underscores SEAF’s belief that investing in young minds today lays the foundation for a more progressive and prosperous Nigeria tomorrow.

The scope of the scholarship grant encompasses chil ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱę ȱ ȱ Ĝ ȱ ȱ dents from the seven local government areas in Edo South who have distinguished themselves in their academic journey. As Dr. Arase celebrates his 69th birthday, his life's work serves as an inspiration to others. His legacy reminds us of the importance of giving back to our communities and investing in the next generation. As we honor this remarkable individual, we are also reminded of the need to continue his work and strive for a brighter future for all.

•Erasmus Ikhide, ikhideluckyerasmus@gmail.com

T H I S D AY ˾ THURSDAY, JULY 3, 2025

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

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Experts: Nigeria Needs Unified Sovereign Cybersecurity Strategy to Address Rising Cyberspace Threats

Emma Okonji Worried about the rising cyberspace attacks with its attendant threats to the Nigerian economy, Information and Communications Technology (ICT) industry, experts have stressed the need for a unified sovereign cybersecurity strategy that will secure Nigeria’s digital future.

The experts spoke at the recent 2025 Cybersecurity Forum in Abuja, with the theme: “Digital Sovereinty; Building an Agile and Resilient Nation,” organised by the Nigeria Computer Society (NCS), the umbrella body of all Information Technology (IT) professionals in Nigeria.

In his opening remarks, the Chairman, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Olanipekun Olukoyede, said cyber threats posed an existential risk to Nigeria’s national security and economic stability, adding that Nigeria’s digital economy is currently under siege, giving the rising tide of cybercrime in Nigeria.

Olukoyede, who was represented at the forum by the Acting Director,

ICT Department at EFCC, Assistant Commander Robert Okwor, said cybercrime costs Nigeria an estimated $500 million (N250 billion) in the last two years.

“In the EFCC’s 2023 annual report, 80 per cent of financial fraud cases investigated by the commission were cyber enabled and that includes phishing, identity thefts, financial account takeovers, be it through social media platforms, be it through bank apps and the rest of them are ransom attacks, and they are still very well and present in our midst.

The 2024 report by Interpol ranked Nigeria as the top three African countries most targeted by cyber criminals. These statistics underscore the harsh reality, which explains that Nigeria’s digital economy is under siege and without decisive action we risk severe economic and security repercussions,” Olukoyede said.

He however said to safeguard country’s digital future, Nigeria must prioritise its legislative policy to strengthen enforcement of the cyber crime prohibition and the prevention act alongside updates to counter emerging threats like the

AI-driven fraud, and also engage in public-private collaboration.

“The commission is committed to working with related agencies and private sector leaders to enhance threat intelligence sharing and real-time response mechanisms,” Olukoyede further said.

In his remarks, the Chief of Defense Staff, General Christopher Gwabin Musa, said protecting Nigeria’s critical infrastructure, financial systems and digital economy, would require strategic collaboration, given the rising cyber threats in the country, adding that there is need for proactive defense mechanism that will improve the country’s national security for enhanced national development.

Musa who was represented by the Director, Electronic Warfare at the Defense Headquarters, Major General Henry Yanai, said: “This forum is timely and commendable.

The Defense Headquarters have taken steps to develop cyber security capabilities for the protection of ICT infrastructure and other national critical information infrastructure.

We have also established the

Directorate of Cyber Security at the Defense Space Administration and we also have the Nigerian Army Cyber Warfare Command that is defending our networks and critical national information infrastructure against cyber attacks.”

The Director General and CEO, National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), Abisoye Coker-Odusote, in her remarks, said identity management remained key to opening doors, breaking barriers, and creating pathways to future growth and development of a nation.

Coker-Odusote, who was represented by the Director, Corporate Services at NIMC, Mr. Olufemi Fabunmi, said: “NIMC is in a position to change the digital space of the country through collaborative efforts and creativity.

The work we do at NIMC is not just about the numbers, it is about transforming lives and building a nation of inclusivity where no one is left behind.”

The keynote speaker at the cybersecurity forum, who is the MD/CEO, Galaxy Backbone Prof.

Ibrahim Adepoju Adeyanju, in his

presentation, stressed the need for digital sovereignty of Nigeria.

According to him, “In those days when we were using Microsoft Office, you get a CD and you install. Now everything is on the Microsoft cloud, which has implication for national security and data sovereignty. So, what’s our preparedness for digital sovereignty or cyber security sovereignty. From ransomware to state-sponsored attacks, no country is immune.

Nigeria’s increasing digitalisation has also made it a target for cyber crimes. According to Kaspersky’s 2022 report, Nigeria ranks among the top African countries with the highest number of malware attacks.”

He therefore stressed the need for Nigeria’s data localisation policies to be balanced with technology innovation, adding that local capacity must be rapidly scaled to achieve digital sovereignty.”

“Nigeria must invest in local Research and Development, foster digital startups, and promote domestic innovation through public-private partnership.

Indigenous platforms such as the Galaxy Backbone, CoveNet, and cloud services, and initiatives like Nigeria Startup Act, are steps in the right direction. The country must strengthen IP laws, digital literacy, and local content regulation to encourage the development of homegrown technologies,” Adeyanju further said.

“The next key factor is to strengthen our local infrastructure.

It’s essential to ensure that government data and other sensitive information are stored within Nigeria, thereby safeguarding data security and national sovereignty. This underscores the federal government’s investment in establishing two world-class data centers for Galaxy Backbone,” Adeyanju said.

He also stressed the need to foster technology independence by supporting indigenous developers and reducing reliance on foreign digital platforms through strategic procurement policies.

The story continues online on www.thisdaylive.com

FG Harps on Implementing Policies to Explore $3.4trn Opportunities in AfCFTA Single Market Kayode Tokede The federal government has said that it is working towards fasttracking policy implementation to unlock opportunities in the $3.4 trillion single market of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

Speaking at a roadshow via zoom, the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Jumoke Oduwole noted that intra-African trade has been improving.

“Intra African trade exports grew by over 13per cent from

last year supported by new trade corridors and the initial success of AfCFTA’s guideline initiatives. Nigerian businesses are already key participants, exporting, ceramics, garments, pharmaceuticals and agro products across the continent,” she said in a keynote address delivered to the Nigeria at Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF2025) Business Roadshow in Lagos that brought together government officials, the trade community, including businesses and investors, and executives from African Export-Import

Bank (Afreximbank).

The event focused on promoting intra-African trade with the theme: “Harnessing Regional and Continental Value Chains: Accelerating Africa’s Industrialisation and Global Competitiveness through AfCFTA.” Addressing the forum, Executive Director/CEO of the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), Nonye Ayeni noted that the IATF offers an unparalleled platform for the exchange of trade and investment information and is a marketplace of ideas, opportunities,

and partnerships.

“With frameworks like AFCFTA and platforms like IATF we now have the tools to bridge the trade gap, boost Intra African trade and tremendously grow our economies in a sustainable and inclusive way. We need to build structured, sustainable and competitive value chains that can power inclusive growth both here in Nigeria and across the continent in Africa. We know that AfCFTA promises to be the largest single market in the world, connecting 1.3 billion people across 54 countries in

Africa,” she said.

Building on this, Executive Vice President, Intra-African Trade and Export Development at Afreximbank, Kanayo Awani highlighted the tangible results the platform has already delivered across the continent and in Nigeria especially.

“In just three editions, IATF has achieved what once felt aspirational: over $100 billion in trade and investment deals, more than 70,000 participants, and 4,500+ exhibitors from across 130 countries. This is

not a conference, it is Africa’s trade engine, designed to connect our producers, unlock demand, and operationalise the promise of the AfCFTA. And in every edition—whether in Cairo, Durban, or beyond, Nigeria has not just participated. Nigeria has led. At IATF2023 alone, Nigerian enterprises generated over $11 billion in signed deals, the highest of any country. Nigeria always shows up. Nigeria delivers,” Awani added.

IATF is a platform for boosting trade and investment in Africa.

M A R K E T D ATA A S AT W E D N E S D AY, J U LY 2 , 2 0 2 5 BONDS DESCRIPTION Price Yield Change Updated Time (%) July 2, ^16.2884 1796.65 18.61 -0.04 2025 MAR-2027 ^19.94 20July 2, 101.78 18.60 -0.15 2025 MAR-2027 July 2, ^13.98 2390.82 18.50 -0.54 2025 FEB-2028 ^21.00 20July 2, 105.07 18.49 -0.15 2025 MAR-2028 ^14.55 26July 2, 90.00 18.27 0.00 2025 APR-2029

BILLS MATURITY NTB 10-Jul25 NTB 7-Aug25 NTB 4-Sep25 NTB 9-Oct25 NTB 6-Nov25

Discount Yield

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MCIL CP II 16-JUL-25 FAST CP VI 11-AUG-25 MTNN CP XII 30-JUL-25 SALC CP II 3-OCT-25 LFZC CP X 16-SEP-25

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July 2, -0.49 2025 July 2, -0.31 2025 July 2, -0.39 2025 July 2, 0.04 2025 July 2, -0.05 2025

CONTRACT Current TENOR Contract Rate ($/₦) (MONTH) NGUS JUL 13M – 29 2026 NGUS AUG 14M – 26 2026 NGUS SEP 15M – 30 2026 NGUS OCT 16M – 28 2026 NGUS NOV 17M – 25 2026

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THURSDAY, JULY 3, 2025 ˾ T H I S D AY

BUSINESSWORLD

PERSPECTIVE

How Relentless Investment in Talent Devt Makes Polo Luxury Great Place to Work Jennifer Obayuwana

I

n Nigeria’s corporate landscape, where attracting and retaining high-quality talents is a major challenge owing to several factors including increased trend of “Japa”, (the mass migration of skilled professionals leaving Nigeria for better opportunities abroad) that has further worsened talent retention and created a fiercely competitive talent market, Polo Luxury Group continues to stand out, not just as a leading voice for true luxury but as an employer of choice in Nigeria as attested by the Great Place to Work Certification.

This recognition earned by Polo Luxury Group for the second consecutive year goes beyond mere accolades, but is a reflection of its watchword: excellence begins from within.

At Polo, employees are not just team members; they are the brand’s foremost ambassadors and driving force behind our success. By empowering our employees and leveraging their voices as the foremost brand ambassadors, we are more trusted as a brand with over 35 years of experience delivering exceptional service to our discerning clientele and advancing humanity.

For organisations, the focus is no longer just about recruitment; it is about placing a premium on employees’ well-being, fostering inclusive workplace cultures, building a sustainable reward system, and offering tangible growth opportunities that can rival global options to encourage long-term employee loyalty.

But what truly sets Polo apart isn’t just its unrivalled portfolio; it’s the people behind the brand. At every touchpoint, from boutique floors to boardroom strategy sessions, Polo’s culture of excellence is driven by passionate individuals committed to the highest standards of service and integrity.

At Polo, career development is not a catchphrase; it is a clearly defined path. The organisation has embedded growth into its very blueprint, providing employees with access to all-expense-paid training, structured mentorships, and targeted upskilling programmes that ensure they remain aligned with the fast-evolving global luxury landscape.

From sales associates to senior managers, every team member is equipped with the tools not just to perform but to excel, as they are empowered through initiatives like the Polo Academy, where the company invests heavily in shaping new employees into confident, brand-aligned professionals. Through immersive training modules, mentorship opportunities, and continuous learning programmes, Polo ensures that each individual embodies the sophistication, knowledge, and service excellence that define the brand. This deliberate focus on internal capacity-building not only enhances individual growth but also

reinforces Polo’s reputation as the benchmark for luxury experience in West Africa.

This commitment to excellence is matched by Polo’s approach to employee compensation. With an awareness of the shifting economic realities of modern life, the company offers a robust, industry-leading remuneration structure. Salaries are regularly benchmarked and reviewed in response to inflation and market trends. Employees also benefit from performance-based rewards, 13th-month bonuses, healthcare packages, and access to the company’s services such as staff buses and subsidised luxury products, all of which are tangible demonstrations of Polo’s dedication to staff welfare.

Beyond compensation, the essence of Polo’s workplace culture is rooted in respect, inclusion, and collaboration. Whether in the boutiques, at headquarters, or within leadership ranks, teamwork is not just encouraged, it is deeply ingrained. Every voice is heard and valued, and the intentional inclusivity within the organisation seamlessly translates into the elevated experiences clients

encounter across touchpoints.

More than just a place of employment, Polo is a genuine support system for its people.

Employees enjoy balanced working hours, access to comprehensive healthcare, extending to family members, and a welfare structure designed to promote mental, emotional, and physical well-being. This culture of care reflects the brand’s understanding that luxury must begin from within.

Polo’s leadership is a distinguishing force behind its sustained success. Forward-thinking yet deeply empathetic, the executive team leads with clarity, conviction, and compassion.

Known for its transparency and open-door policy, management consistently demonstrates the courage to act on feedback, driving a culture of trust, innovation, and accountability across all departments.

Recognition, at Polo, is not episodic; it is embedded in the company’s daily rhythm.

From routine performance appraisals and festive gift packages to internal shout-outs and monthly team celebrations, employees are consistently reminded that their contributions

matter. This culture of appreciation fuels performance and fosters a shared commitment to excellence.

These values and practices are not just aspirational—they are validated. Polo’s Great Place to Work® certification is built on over three decades of global benchmarking and research.

The results are compelling: 98% of employees express confidence in management’s ability to lead effectively; 94% affirm fair treatment of individuals regardless of race; and 96% rate the company’s customer service as exceptional. These numbers are more than statistics—they are proof that Polo’s people-first philosophy is working, and that the brand’s internal culture is as refined, resilient, and remarkable as the world-class luxury it represents.

As we push new boundaries and set fresh standards, Polo Luxury is poised to become what we envision: the Burj Khalifa of African luxury—a towering, unmissable symbol of sophistication, ambition, and excellence. And at the heart of it all? Our people are the bedrock of our promise and the architects of our future. t .T +FOOJGFS 0CBZVXBOB &YFDVUJWF %JSFDUPS PG 1PMP -VYVSZ (SPVQ 8SJUFT GSPN 7JDUPSJB *TMBOE -BHPT

Transparency Scape Introduces InsurEase, Promises Seamless Services Transparency Scape Insurance Brokers Limited, a leading insurance brokerage firm in Nigeria, has launched an InsurTech solution, InsurEase.

Following a successful rollout to key industry stakeholders, the mobile application is now available for download on the Google Play Store and Apple

App Store for both Android and iOS users.

According to the company, InsurEase allows customers to purchase a variety of insurance policies, health, device, motor, and travel directly from their smartphones. Designed with user convenience in mind, the app offers a seamless, user-friendly

experience, enabling users to explore, compare, and secure coverage in just a few taps.

“Transparency Scape aims to empower customers with access to affordable, reliable, and convenient insurance policies while giving them the flexibility to choose from a wide range of offerings from top-tier insurance

providers.” the company said in a statement.

It gave the partners to include AXA Mansard Insurance Plc., NEM Insurance Plc., Leadway Assurance Company Limited, Coronation Insurance Plc., Cornerstone Insurance Plc., Consolidated Hallmark Insurance Plc, Bastion HMO, and Tangerine

AVEVA a global leader in industrial software has launched its 2024 Sustainability Report, alongside a substantial update on progress against the company’s targets and green product roadmap.

The report shows how software, which enables companies to unify trusted information and insights, can drive responsible use of the world’s resources.

AVEVA’s 2024 Sustainability Report, revealed significant progress across all three pillars of the company’s sustainability

framework: technology handprint, operational footprint and inclusive culture.

In 2024, the company maintained its 93 per cent reduction in scope 1 and 2 emissions against its baseline year through a combination of measures including: the pivot to using renewable energy, careful management of office space and fleet optimisation. By the end of 2024, AVEVA had assessed the maturity of its entire product portfolio against the Green Software Foundation’s principles, reinforcing

its commitment to sustainable software development. In parallel, research and development teams had completed power bench testing for 85% of its products to evaluate energy consumption. Combined, these efforts are helping to establish a baseline that will guide future improvements aligned with green software principles.

Analysing the report, CEO of AVEVA, Caspar Herzberg, said: “We believe that sustainability and business success go hand in hand. We’re focused on helping our

customers harness the full potential of industrial intelligence, bringing visibility and insight to complex data and processes. This empowers the industry to achieve measurable improvements in both efficiency and productivity, unlocking significant savings in costs, emissions and resource requirements. AVEVA’s 2024 Sustainability Report demonstrates the strides we’ve made to deepen our technology handprint, reduce our operational footprint and advance our inclusive culture.”

Africa. The app is also integrated with trusted payment gateways Paystack and Budpay to ensure smooth and secure transactions.

Managing Director and CEO of Transparency Scape, Oluseyi Ifaturoti, said: “We are thrilled to officially go live. Reaching this

milestone has been a journey of perseverance, and we are excited to offer our customers peace of mind through a smart, easy-to-use app. Our goal is to be a trusted partner as they navigate the often complex world of insurance.”

AVEVA Unveils Key Learnings from 2024 Sustainability Report UN Agency Selects Ozma

Eribake Assumes Office as District Governor, Unveils Agenda Stories by Agnes Ekebuike Kemi Eribake has officially assumed office as District Governor of Lions Clubs International, District 404B2 Nigeria, ushering in a new era anchored on service, empowerment, and transformation.

Speaking to an audience of Lions, Leos, service partners, press representatives, and guests, Eribake described her appointment as a moment of humility and purpose. “This is not just a personal milestone, but a call to greater purpose, a moment

I embrace with faith, strength, and an unshakable belief in the power of service to change lives,” she said.

She paid glowing tribute to her predecessor, Tolulope Senbanjo, acknowledging his exceptional leadership during the 2024–2025

service year, especially in the areas of branding, publicity, and membership expansion. She further extended appreciation to past District Governors for laying a solid foundation upon which the district continues to flourish.

Sabrina as Peace Ambassador

Founder of the Queens Palm Support Initiative, Ozma Sabrina, has been inaugurated as one of the 500 Girls and Women Speak Ambassadors under the United Nations Women and Peace Advocacy of Nigeria.

The initiative, powered by the Peace Ambassador Advocacy Network (PAAN) and supported

by UN Women, seeks to amplify the role of women and girls in grassroots peace-building across Nigeria.

In April 2025, the organisation extended its outreach to secondary schools, providing tailored programmes for adolescent girls focused on civic responsibility and social impact.

Speaking during the ceremony, Sabrina described her nomination as a renewed mandate to serve.

“This platform enables us to deepen our work and give more young women the opportunity to lead meaningful change in their

communities,” she said.

Also honoured at the event were Olori Mariam Ogunwusi, wife of the Ooni of Ife, and Hajiya Halima Ibrahim Shekarau, former First Lady of Kano State.

Their inclusion underscored the growing inter-generational coalition supporting peace and gender advocacy in Nigeria.

President of PAAN, Amb. Kingsley Onuche, commended the new ambassadors for their dedication to community transformation. “We extend our heartfelt appreciation to each of you for your collaborative efforts in making the inauguration of the 500 Girls and Women Speak Ambassadors a resounding success. Your commitment to empowering women and girls is already making a significant impact, and we look forward to continued collaboration,” he said.

T H I S D AY ˾ THURSDAY, JULY 3, 2025

21

GAMINGWEEK Edited by NSEOBONG OKON-EKONG | gamingweek1117@gmail.com | Tel: 08114495324

Green Lotto Bets on Staying Power as Nigeria’s Lottery Market Evolves Iyke Bede reports that, rather than attempting to outpace larger competitors, Green Lotto is strategically carving out its niche by emphasising customer service, platform simplicity, and a growing national engagement

I

n recent years, Nigeria’s gaming industry has grown moderately competitive, driven by a surge in new operators, tighter regulatory frameworks, and aggressive campaigns to attract and retain punters. In such a climate, most operators might fidget at the thought of staying ahead, but not Green Lotto. According to its Chief Operating Officer, Sandeep Natu, the company is already among the top three lottery brands in the country and is leveraging its proprietary technology to expand its reach and strengthen its market position.

“The market is big enough for everyone,” Natu noted following a tour of the Green Lotto office, noting his confidence in the market’s vitality, marked by its impressive growth trajectory.

Last year, the online lottery revenue projections stood at €85.82 million, expanding at a CAGR of 6.16% through 2028. Despite increasing competition, this growth pattern only translates to growing demand for the lottery sector, which will, in turn, spur innovation in service delivery.

Beyond Nigeria, where Green Lotto currently operates, the lottery sector across Africa is following a similar growth trajectory. The African lottery market was valued at $3.7 billion in 2023 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 7.1 per cent to reach $6.13 billion in 2031. Some of the key drivers of this growth include a growing youth demographic and increasing internet connectivity.

Rather than attempting to outpace larger competitors, Green Lotto is strategically carving out its niche by emphasising customer service, platform simplicity, and a growing national engagement.

Understanding the lottery business in Nigeria, Natu explained that even punters loyal to a particular brand occasionally switch to experience playing on another platform. And that short

Backend/control staff of Green Lotto to provide a seamless playing experience for punters, from choosing which game to play to cashing out their winnings.

“There are two things here. One, that there is enough space in the African and Nigerian market; that lottery market is so big that you don’t necessarily have to say that, I took the place of somebody,” stated Natu. “Even the top players are not able to cover the full demand that exists on the ground for the lottery sector. Today, people can come, set up lottery operations, and they can do well. The African lottery space is huge, and everybody is still growing.”

Green Lotto invests in secure payment systems, real-time result tracking, and user-friendly interfaces to build and maintain user confidence. The adoption Sandeep Natu of mobile lottery solutions is on the rise in Africa, with platforms optimising for mobile access to allow window of contact is all Green Lotto requires to users to participate conveniently from their devices.

“So, we have ways of verifying a ticket, we have prove its mettle, backed by years of consistently building its brand image and leveraging technology ways of trying to see that this person has produced

a genuine ticket,” added Natu. “On the digital side, we make sure that we have two-factor authentication and we have OTPs, so that before he cashes out, we verify that this is the person, because we will always send that OTP to the number through which he’s registered.”

With the recent Supreme Court ruling, Natu heaves a sigh of relief as the industry transitions from the regime of double taxation that was the industry standard in the past to a more consolidated front through the Federation of State Gaming Regulators of Nigeria (FSGRN), pointing out that regulatory authorities should facilitate businesses.

Additionally, Green Lotto aligns with initiatives to promote responsible gambling, including the implementation of self-exclusion options and spending limits, as encouraged by regulatory bodies.

The story continues online on www.thisdaylive.com

1xBet, Waheed Akanni Present Football To u r n a m e n t P r o p o s a l t o L S L G A

Bashir Are, CEO of Lagos State Lottery and Gaming Authority (left) and CEO of 1XBet (right) holding up the trophy. Adetoun Adeyemi of LSLGA is first from left. Waheed Akanni is 2nd from right with other personnel of 1XBet In a significant move to reignite grassroots football development in Nigeria, leading global betting brand 1XBet, in the company of former Nigerian international footballer Waheed Akanni, paid a courtesy visit to the Lagos State Lotteries and Gaming Authority (LSLGA) to present their proposal for the 1XCup Tournament — an initiative aimed at rekindling the spirit of community football and discovering Nigeria’s next generation of football stars.

The visiting team, led by senior executives of 1XBet, shared with the LSLGA the overarching vision behind the tournament: to revive the culture of street and community football, create platforms for young talents to be scouted, and ultimately

contribute to the development of football at the grassroots level in Nigeria. The 1XCup, they explained, is more than just a competition — it is a legacy project designed to showcase raw talent, provide structure and visibility for local players, and pave the way for international opportunities.

Akanni, a revered figure in Nigerian football and a passionate advocate for youth development, expressed his excitement at the prospect of the tournament, stating:

The story continues online on www.thisdaylive.com

Velex Advisory’s Successful GTSA VVelex Advisory, promoters of the recently concluded Gaming Tech Summit Africa in Nairobi, Kenya have expressed satisfaction with the successful outcome of the event which took place at the Safari Park Hotel between June 2 and June 6.

The event addressed the continent’s fast-evolving gaming landscape. The summit focused on growing calls for coordinated frameworks to manage the sector’s expansion, with special emphasis on regulatory dialogue. According to one of Velex Advisory Nigeria’s Senior Executives, Mr. Jonathan Nwanze, “beyond the main sessions, the summit featured private matchmaking meetings, startup showcases, and investor briefings aimed at improving market access, funding opportunities, and policy clarity.”

The summit’s theme was, ‘Enhancing a Balanced Gaming and Tech Ecosystem.’ There is a hint that Nwanze the 2026 GTSA may hold in Zambia.

PUBG Mobile Spreads Charity in Makoko Community Mary Nnah One of the world’s most popular mobile games, PUBG Mobile, recently brought smiles and sustenance to the Makoko waterfront community in Lagos. As part of its corporate social responsibility efforts, PUBG Mobile organised a large-scale food donation initiative aimed at feeding families and spreading the spirit of giving. Over 500 residents of Makoko were treated to freshly prepared lamb rice meals, delivered with love and a sense of community solidarity.

The event was held at Apollo Community Makoko, where volunteers, community members, and local leaders came together to support the cause.

The event, themed ‘PUBG Mobile Cares Nigeria’, is part of PUBG Mobile’s growing efforts to deepen its community engagement and carry out meaningful corporate social responsibility activities across Nigeria.

“We believe in doing more than just entertaining people through gaming, we want to touch lives,” said the Head of Tencent Games (the publisher of PUBG Mobile) in Sub-Saharan Africa. “Eid is a time of compassion and generosity, and we’re proud to use this moment to give back to a vibrant community like Makoko.”

The atmosphere at the venue was filled with warmth, laughter, and gratitude as volunteers and PUBG Mobile staff handed out meals to children, women, and families gathered under a large tent by the waterfront. The team also collaborated with the community leaders to ensure the event was inclusive, respectful, and impactful.

The community head, High Chief Orioye Jephtath Ogungbure, stated, “It’s not every day we see global brands come down to Makoko to genuinely connect

with our people. This gesture means a lot to us, especially during a festive season like this.”

He also extended his prayers and blessings to PUBG Mobile, appreciating the company for organising such a thoughtful and impactful initiative.

His words reflected not only gratitude but also a hope for more collaborations that would positively impact lives.

Renowned TikTok influencer and virtual gaming personality, Patrick Okoro, popularly known as ‘Priest’, who also served as a volunteer for this event, added, “This is one of the most organised charitable outreaches we’ve had. The coordination, the quality of the food, and the respect shown to our people are commendable.”

The story continues online on www.thisdaylive.com

GAMINGWEEK TEAM Nseobong Okon-Ekong gamingweek1117@gmail.com | 08114495324 Iyke Bede ikennabede@gmail.com | 0703 044 7714 Akeem Lasisi lasaisai@yahoo.com | 08023687884 Vanessa Obioha vaysylver@gmail.com | 08069838305 Davidson Abraham

davisiano.adm@gmail.com | +971 56 744 6013

ADVISORY: +18 PERSONS UNDER 18 MUST NOT PARTICIPATE IN BETTING, GAMING OR LOTTERY ACTIVITY

22

T H I S D AY ˾ THURSDAY, JULY 3, 2025

BUSINESS/MONEYGUIDE

CITN Confident Harmonising Levies on Food Transport Will Boost Supply Omolabake Fasogbon The Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (CITN) has expressed optimism about the resolution by Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) to harmonize levies on transporting agricultural produce, stating it will enhance food supply and affordability.

The NGF’s resolve followed briefings by the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu and concerned ministers on the negative impacts of checkpoint proliferation and unregulated taxation.

CITN described the decision as a step in right direction, pointing to its potential to ease pressure on food prices and restore order to Nigeria’s agricultural value chain.

President/Chairman of Council of the Institute, Innocent Ohagwa referring to

spiraling food inflation in the country, reaching 21.14% in May, worried that this trend is not unconnected to illegal levies and multiple taxes on transporting agricultural produce across states.

“Imposition of illegal levies and multiple taxes on transporting agriculture produce all contribute to disrupt supply chains and worsen food affordability across the country.

“This resolution, if effectively and uniformly implemented, will not only improve food availability but also reduce cost-push inflation and enhance public trust. It will also support the livelihoods of millions of Nigerians and create a more efficient economic environment,” he said.

Ohagwa pleaded with state governors to diligently monitor local government chairmen and state internal revenue service

chairmen to ensure full compliance. It also implored Executive Secretary of the Joint Tax Board to liaise with the Inspector-General of Police for effective enforcement of the directive.

In addition, the CITN helmsman advised governors to ensure the statutory allocation of the required percentage of states’ internally generated revenue to their local government councils to mitigate funding pressures.

“As the professional body responsible for regulating tax practice in Nigeria, the institute has consistently advocated against multiplicity of taxes and unregulated collection practices. We firmly believe that this harmonization, coupled with ongoing peoplecentred reforms, will improve the standard of living, reduce the cost of doing business, and foster inclusive economic growth,” he submitted.

MARKET INDICATORS

Woodhall Capital Unlocks Billions for African SMEs at Afreximbank AGM Mary Nnah In a move that promises to reshape the African financial landscape, Woodhall Capital spearheaded a high-level factoring workshop at the 2025 Afreximbank Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Abuja.

The explosive gathering of over 200 stakeholders from the financial, policy, export, fintech, and legal sectors marked a seismic shift in the continent’s approach to

SME financing.

Led by the visionary Mrs. Moji Hunponu-Wusu, President of Woodhall Capital, the workshop, themed “Factor Forward: Advancing Factoring in Nigeria and Beyond,” repositioned factoring as a mission-critical financial tool for Africa’s development. Hunponu-Wusu’s bold leadership and conviction reframed factoring from a niche product to a liberation tool that enables businesses to convert performance into power.

In her opening remarks,

Hunponu-Wusu declared, “Too often, we treat unpaid invoices as dead weight, when in fact, they are trapped value.

Factoring isn’t just a financing option; it is a liberation tool. It enables businesses to convert performance into power. We don’t need more theories; we need tools. And this is one of the most powerful we have.”

The workshop was a masterclass in innovation, featuring two technically rich panel discussions and dynamic breakout sessions.

Access Bank Womenpreneur Alumna WinsTop Honour at MSME Awards Chief Executive Officer of IFGREEN, Ifeoma Okonkwo and alumna of the Access Bank Womenpreneur Pitch-a-Ton programme, Season Five, 2023, has emerged overall winner at the 7th edition of the National Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) Awards, held at the State House Banquet Hall in Abuja recently.

Access Bank in a statement noted that Okonkwo clinched the coveted grand prize valued at N220 million, which comprises a brand-new car, a fully equipped retail shop, and N10 million in cash. Her win comes in recognition of her outstanding contributions to Nigeria’s agribusiness sector through IFGREEN, an integrated agro-processing company that leverages technology to convert cassava into high-quality, industrial-grade products such as gluten-free flour and food-grade starch.

In his opening remarks, Special Adviser on Job Creation and

MSMEs to the President, Temitola Adekunle-Johnson emphasised the significance of the awards, stating: “The MSME Awards are held annually to commemorate the United Nations World MSMEs Day and recognise outstanding small businesses across Nigeria.

President Bola Tinubu’s administration is firmly committed to supporting and uplifting MSMEs, including businesses owned by persons with disabilities, for their vital contributions to the nation’s economy.”

Supporting the FG’s initiative, Deputy Managing Director, Access Bank Plc, Chizoma Okoli said; “Access Bank is dedicated to driving the growth of small and medium-sized enterprises as key engines of economic development and job creation. We understand that empowering MSMEs is critical to building a resilient economy, and that is why we have partnered with the Federal government to uplift small business to the next

level.”

She commended Ifeoma Okonkwo’s remarkable achievement adding: “Access Bank is dedicated to driving the growth of small and medium-sized enterprises as key engines of economic development and job creation. We are especially proud to recognise Ifeoma as one of the standout participants in Access Bank’s Womenpreneur Pitch-a-ton, a platform that identifies and nurtures promising entrepreneurs.

Group Head, SME Banking, Access Bank, Abiodun Olubitan, commended the Federal Government for this great initiative. In her words, she noted that Access Bank has been very deliberate about MSMEs and Women in particular not just as a business but because we have an understanding that our MSMEs contribute over 40 per cent to the GDP of the country and about 80 per cent of employment.

Without them, the wheels of the economy will wobble.

She-Levate Tech Bootcamps to Empower 60 Young Women in Lagos Funmi Ogundare In an effort aimed at bridging the gender gap in Africa’s digital economy, the Hopesalive Initiative for Africa (HAI) has inaugurated the She-Levate Tech Digital Empowerment Bootcamp, a transformative program which will train and empower 60 young women from 10 underserved communities across Lagos State.

Supported by the French Embassy Fund for Civil Society Organisation (FEF-OSC) in partnership with Edunity.

ng, the 16-week bootcamp kicked- off on July 1, and will run through October 2025.

Head of Programs of HAI, Mr. Olusegun Akapo explained that She-Levate Tech is designed as more than just a training program, but positioned as a movement, one that provides hands-on digital skills in high-demand areas such as; UI/UX Design (Product Design), frontend and backend Web Development (Python/Django), Data Analytics, WordPress Web Design and Digital Marketing.

Participants, he noted, will also benefit from professional mentorship, career coaching, internship placements, capstone projects, and a long-term support network through the She-Levate alumni community, adding that the organisation plans to extend it to others states.

“This is about restoring voices, reawakening dreams, and reshaping futures for young women who deserve a seat at the table,” said Akapo.

“We are not just offering training; we are building futures and raising digital queens.”

MONEY AND CREDIT STATISTICS (MILLION NAIRA) Month

NOVEMBER

Money Supply (M3)

108,966,480.44

-- CBN Bills Held by Money Holding Sectors

19,796.18

Money Supply (M2)

108,946,684.26 72,672,756.90

-- Narrow Money (M1)

36,273,927.36

---- Currency Outside Banks

4,652,527.74

---- Demand Deposits

31,621,399.62

Net Foreign Assets (NFA)

17,347,112.78

Net Domestic Assets(NDA)

91,619,367.66

-- Net Domestic Credit (NDC)

115,576,757.67

---- Credit to Government (Net)

39,616,629.91

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

0.00

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

0.00

---- Credit to Private Sector (CPS)

75,960,127.77

--Other Assets Net

12,147,461.96

Reserve Money (Base Money)

30,871,571.25

--Currency in Circulation

4,878,125.22

--Banks Reserves

25,993,446.02

--Special Intervention Reserves

278,860.37 ˾ ÙßÜÍÏ ̋

Money Market Indicators (in Percentage) Month

November

Inter-Bank Call Rate

28.88

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

27.50

Treasury Bill Rate

18.00

Savings Deposit Rate

6.56

1 Month Deposit Rate

8.48

3 Months Deposit Rate

9.53

6 Months Deposit Rate

12.13

12 Months Deposit Rate

14.22

Prime Lending rate

18.39

Maximum Lending Rate

31.06

NSE MARKET INDEX NSE

% Change

CAP

0.75%(52%YoY)

Index

0.9% (29%Y/D) ˾ ÙØÏÞËÜã ÙÖÓÍã ËÞÏ ̋ Ͱ͵˛ͳͮϱ

OPEC DAILY BASKET PRICE AS AT 6TH JANUARY , 2025

The price of OPEC basket of twelve crudes stood at $76.18 a barrel on Monday, compared with $75.89 the previous Friday, according to OPEC Secretariat calculations.

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

23

T H I S D AY ˾ THURSDAY, JULY 3, 2025

MARKET NEWS

Jaiz Bank Grows Profit by 109%, Proposes 7kobo Dividend

Kayode Tokede

Finally, Jaiz Bank Plc, yesterday annoounced its audited result and accounts for full year ended December 31, 2024 with profiit after tax of N23.48 billion, about 109 per cent growth when compared to N11.24 billion declared in full year ended December 31, 2023.

The non-interest financial instituton on the Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX) reported N24.4 billion profit before tax in

2024, representing an increase of 121.15 per cent from N11.05 billion reported in 2023.

Amid significant increase in profit, the management of Jaiz Bank proposed a dividend payout of N0.07 per share for 2024 financiial as against N0.04 per share proposed in 2023 financial year.

In the year under review, Jaiz Bank disclosed that its gross earnings stood at N82.87 billion, a growth of 86.5 per cent from

P R I C E S MAIN BOARD

F O R

DEALS

N44.4 billion declared in the corresponding peiod of 2023.

Also from the profit & loss figures, Jaiz Bank disclosed that its income from financing contracts moved from N17.13billion in 2023, up by 17 per cent to N32.04billion in 2024, while its Income from investment activities grew siginificantly to N44.36 billion in 2024, about 159per cent increase from N17.16billion reported in 2023.

Meanwhile, its total assets

S E C U R I T I E S

MARKET PRICE

QUANTITY TRADED

VALUE TRADED ( N )

crossed the N1 trillion mark to N1.08 trillion in 2024, a significant increase of 86.3per cent from N580.13 billion declared in 2023.

The 86.3 per cent growth in Jaiz Bank’s total assets was driven by primairly by N349.6billion investment in Sukuk in 2024, a growth of 129.7 per cent from N152.2 billion in 2023 and N493.6 billion customer current deposits in 2024, representing a 120 per

T R A D E D MAIN BOARD

cent growth from N224.46 billion ini 2023.

Underlying ratios showed improved profitability and operating efficiency, with Jaiz Bank’s return on average equity (ROE) closing 2024 at 34.21per cent from 28.12 per cent in 2023 as return on average assets (ROA) stood at 2.26 per cent in 2024 from 1.91per cent in 2023 Jaiz Bank’s Capital Adequacy Ratio (CAR) stood at 23.87 per cent in 2024 from 17.96 per cent in 2023, while liquidity ratio

A S O F

(LR) moved from 37.24 per cent to 47.35 per cent in 2024.

The Managing Director, Jaiz Bank, Haruna Musa in a statement had said the bank’s reflected the commitment of the board and management to continually add value to customers through bespoke ethical finance.

He said the bank was wellpositioned to compete effectively on all fronts and meet customers’ needs through fair and ethical financing.

J U LY / 0 2 / 2 5 DEALS

MARKET PRICE

QUANTITY TRADED

VALUE TRADED ( N)

T H I S D AY ˾ THURSDAY, JULY 3, 2025

24

HEALTH & LIFESTYLE Dolapo Fasawe and the Triple Triumph for Health, Environment and Climate Action in the FCT Group Features Editor: Chiemelie Ezeobi Email chiemelie.ezeobi@thisdaylive.com, Tel: 07010510430

In what stands as a proud moment for the Federal Capital Territory, the FCT has recorded a major boost in national recognition across healthcare, environmental sustainability, and climate action — thanks to a string of honours awarded for its progress in these areas. At the centre of this achievement is Dr. Adedolapo Fasawe, Mandate Secretary of the FCT Health Services and Environment Secretariat, whose leadership and reforms have earned her three prestigious awards in one month. From being named the “Amazon of Environmental Health” in Lagos, to receiving the “Silent Hero in Healthcare Delivery” award in Abuja, and an Award of Excellence in Climate Action from her alma mater, Obafemi Awolowo University, Chiemelie Ezeobi reports that these triple honours reflect a steady, results-driven commitment to building a healthier, more sustainable FCT

I

t’s not every day that one person walks away with three prestigious honours in a single month. But when that person is Dr. Adedolapo Fasawe, it certainly makes sense.

Known for quietly getting the job done without seeking the spotlight, Dr. Fasawe, Mandate Secretary of the Health Services and Environment Secretariat in the Federal Capital Territory, has been steadily transforming healthcare delivery, environmental health, and climate policy — with results that speak for themselves.

From being crowned “Amazon of Environmental Health” at the Annual Conference of the Pest Control Association of Nigeria in Lagos, to receiving the “Silent Hero in Healthcare Delivery” award in Abuja, and finally bagging an Award of Excellence in Climate Action from her alma mater, Obafemi Awolowo University — all in one month, these recognitions form a compelling narrative of impact, vision, and quiet leadership.

Silent Hero in Healthcare Delivery At the Nigeria Silent Heroes Awards (NSHA) held at Wells Carlton Hotel in Abuja last month, Dr. Fasawe was visibly moved as she accepted the award recognising her behind-the-scenes leadership in health reform across the FCT. “I am always excited to receive awards like this because they reflect the work we are doing under the Renewed Hope Agenda, even if it’s not always fully seen by the public. I can also confirm that I didn’t pay for this award, which makes it even more special.”

For those who know her, her track record in the health sector speaks volume. From functional oxygen plants installed at Maitama, Asokoro, Bwari, and Abaji Hospitals — a critical boost to emergency and critical care service to a 20-bed Vesico-Vaginal Fistula (VVF) Centre was established at Gwarinpa Hospital, in collaboration with partners — a first-of-its-kind specialised intervention for women in the FCT; and even the Renewed Hope Medical Missions in Kuje and Bwari Area Councils, where over 10,000 patients, were treated and 225 free surgeries performed — a bold move in bridging healthcare access for the underserved.

Already, the FCT has exceeded its target by 40,000 in the nationwide “Project 10 Million” health screening campaign; and through the Medical Palliative Initiative at Gwarinpa Hospital, 1,200 vulnerable patients have received free medication and essentials.

The ministry didn’t just hit its annual health insurance enrolment target — it surpassed it by 85 per cent, increasing the number of FCT residents now covered by quality healthcare.

So far, pregnant women and indigents have been enrolled into the FCT Health Insurance Scheme, and delivery kits, bed nets, and nutritional packs were distributed to those living with HIV/AIDS. Also, 43 call rooms were renovated and furnished to make night duty more humane for health workers while a fully operational Public Health Emergency Operations Centre was established, which has significantly improved the FCT’s readiness for disease outbreaks.

The FCT health system has witnessed major improvements across infrastructure, workforce welfare, and service delivery.

Hospital equipment repairs, trolley procure-

L- R: Kayode Fasawe, Dr. Dolapo Fasawe, and Dr. Funmi Adewara of Mobihealth at the Nigeria Silent Heroes Awards ceremony in Abuja

L–R: Prof. Joshua Aransiola, Chairman of the Local Organising Committee for the Conference; Prof. Akanni Akinyemi, Deputy Vice Chancellor (Research, Innovation and Development), Dr. Dolapo Fasawe, Mandate Secretary, Health Services and Environment Secretariat – FCT; Prof. Modupeola Adelabu, former Deputy Governor of Ekiti State; Prof. Theophilus Odekunle, Dean, Faculty of Social Sciences; and Prof. Chinwe Obiakwe, representative of the Osun State Governor , during the presentation of the Excellence Award on Climate Action to Dr. Fasawe at the International Climate Conference held at Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, recently

Dr. Doris John and Bola Ajao received the Environmental Amazon award on behalf of Dr. Fasawe at Radisson in Lagos

ment, and facility upgrades have enhanced responsiveness and efficiency. Over 2,000 free reading glasses were distributed during World Sight Day and outreach missions.

The restructured Primary Health Care Board won second place in the 2024 PHC Leadership Challenge, securing a $400,000 prize and raising immunisation coverage

from 41% to 46%.

Renovation of the House Officers Quarters at Garki Hospital is underway to double training capacity from 60 to 120 slots. Several primary health centres now offer 24-hour services following the construction of on-site twin semi-detached staff bungalows. The Schools of Nursing and Midwifery have been upgraded to a College of Nursing, with improved infrastructure to raise education standards.

Medical Residency Training has also been strengthened through new recruitments and funding support, leading to a 60% increase in exam pass rates and top national awards for FCT residents. Salary arrears for health workers hired in 2023 were cleared, restoring industrial harmony, while the review of CONMESS and CONHESS salary structures boosted morale across the sector. Additionally, the FCT paid over 1 billion in counterpart funding for key national programmes, including Malaria IMPACT, Immunisation IMPACT, and the Strategic Healthcare Development Project.

Amazon of Environmental Health Earlier last month, the Pest Control Association of Nigeria in Lagos, awarded Dr. Fasawe the “Amazon of Environmental Health,” a title reserved for leaders making major strides in environmental health and pest control.

According to her Special Adviser on Media, Mrs. Bola Ajao, who received the award alongside Dr. Doris John, this first award came during the annual conference of the Pest Control Association of Nigeria in Lagos.

Award of Excellence in Climate Action Not done, at the Obafemi Awolowo University International Conference in Osun State, she was recognised for climate leadership. This was at the three-day event, themed “Accelerating Climate Action for Sustainable Livelihoods in Nigeria,” where her Alma Mater highlighted her ability to link climate resilience to health, urban planning, and environmental policy.

Dignitaries including Minister of Environment Malami Balarabe Abba Lawal; former Ekiti Deputy Governor Prof. Modupeola Adelabu; and OAU Vice Chancellor Prof.

A.S. Bamire, who all hailed her as a proud ambassador of the university. Afterwards, a private reception hosted by her former classmates capped off the emotional homecoming.

However, despite the long list of wins, Dr. Fasawe is quick to deflect the spotlight.

For her, the real credit belongs elsewhere.

“These accolades are a testament to the dedication, strategic vision, and tireless efforts of the Minister of the FCT, Bar. Nyesom Wike for his doggedness in advancing the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu,” she said, adding that “His commitment to transforming the health sector and enabling us to work without political interference is what makes these achievements possible”.

Essentially, these achievements are not just milestones on paper — they represent real progress in the lives of residents across the FCT. From improved access to quality care and stronger frontline health systems, to a more motivated workforce and enhanced training capacity, the reforms reflect a clear and deliberate strategy to build a healthier, more resilient territory.

With continued investment, visionary leadership, and a focus on people-centred outcomes, the FCT is steadily setting a benchmark for public health governance in Nigeria.

25

THISDAY ˾ ˜ ͻ˜ ͺ͸ͺͽ

TWENTY-FIVE

Sex Crimes Trial: Diddy Acquitted on Serious Charge, Convicted on Lesser Offences Jury finds music icon guilty of prostitution Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja Sean “Diddy” Combs was yesterday found guilty on two out of five counts in his high-profile sex-trafficking trial, but acquitted of the most serious charge of racketeering.

Shortly after returning to deliberations in the morning, jurors announced they had reached a verdict. The music mogul was found guilty of transportation to engage in prostitution.

However, he was acquitted of racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking by force, fraud or coercion.

It comes after the eight men and four women on the jury previously said there were members “with unpersuadable opinions on both sides” concerning the final, most serious charge: racketeering conspiracy.

Combs was arrested in September 2024 as federal authorities alleged he threatened, abused, and coerced victims “to fulfill his sexual desires” between 2004 and 2024. He has denied any accusations of wrongdoing.

Combs had been facing up to life in prison if he is convicted on the RICO charge, and another statutory minimum sentence of 15 years if found guilty of sex trafficking, the Independent reported.

This is coming after nearly two months of daily court appearances in his hometown of New York City, with Combs facing a split verdict, convicted of transportation to engage in prostitution and acquitted of racketeering conspiracy and both sex trafficking counts.

The 12-person jury delivered a split decision in Combs’ sex-crimes case,

which started May 5 in Manhattan federal court. Jurors found Combs guilty of transportation to engage prostitution but acquitted him on the top charge of racketeering and both sex trafficking counts.

Combs, who was charged with two counts of sex trafficking, two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution and one count of racketeering for leading what prosecutors alleged was a criminal organisation over the course of two decades, has long maintained his innocence. He previously pleaded not guilty to all charges.

Combs has been incarcerated at Brooklyn’s Metropolitan Detention Center since he was arrested on September 16.

Combs faced a maximum sentence of life in prison for the racketeering

charge. Sex trafficking has a 15-year mandatory minimum and maximum of life in prison. Transportation to engage in prostitution carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison, USA Today, said.

Combs’ verdict comes a year and a half after allegations of sexual assault and trafficking started mounting against the embattled music mogul following a bombshell lawsuit from his former girlfriend of a decade, Casandra “Cassie” Ventura Fine, over alleged trafficking, sexual assault and abuse.

The two “amicably” settled the lawsuit one day later for $20 million, but his team has claimed her legal action kicked off the criminal investigation into the Bad Boy Records founder’s alleged behavior.

Federal prosecutors claimed

Combs led a “criminal enterprise” that operated on sex trafficking, kidnapping, drug offenses and forced labor, among other crimes. Combs leveraged his wealth and celebrity status to “fulfill his sexual desires” in a “recurrent and widely known” pattern of abuse, investigators alleged.

The Grammy-winning rapper and producer, who once reigned with his A-list frequented White Parties, has also staunchly denied allegations brought forward in approximately 80 sexual assault lawsuits, which detail alleged incidents dating back to the 1990s.

Combs’ trial marked one of the highest-profile legal battles since the ‘Me Too’ movement gained steam in 2017.

Among the more than 30 witnesses in the trial were well-known stars

Sean “Diddy” Combs such as ex-girlfriend Cassie Ventura Fine, Scott Mescudi (aka Kid Cudi) and former Danity Kane singer Dawn Richard. Ye, formerly known as Kanye West, also made a brief appearance to listen to some testimony on June 13.

MARK: OPPOSITION UNITED TO RESCUE NIGERIA, REBUILD COUNTRY Deji Elumoye, Chuks Okocha, Emmanuel Addeh, Alex Enumah and Sunday Aborisade in Abuja Former Senate President and new National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Senator David Mark, yesterday, upon unveiling the party and its interim executives, said the opposition had only united to rescue the nation, rebuild her and return power to the people.

Also, yesterday, a former Attorney General of the federation and Minister for Justice, Abubakar Malami, announced his resignation from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and joined the ADC under Mark.

In the same vein, a former Governor of Rivers State and ex-Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, has dumped his erstwhile party, the APC, expressing his doubt over President Bola Tinubu’s ability to effectively govern Nigeria.

But there already seemed to be some storm brewing within the ADC as a few stakeholders of the party have denounced Tuesday’s appointment of former Osun State Governor, Rauf Aregbesola, as the party’s Interim National Secretary.

Another stakeholder and former 2023 presidential candidate of the party, Mr. Dumebi Kachikwu, has publicly rejected the appointment of Mark as the interim national chairman of ADC. However, the immediate past national chairman of ADC, Ralph Nwosu, disclosed that he resigned for Mark to take over the position, adding also that other executive

members under his leadership had decided to resign and support Mark.

But the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has warned that the opposition coalition’s adoption of the ADC was flawed in law and has therefore strengthened the standing of the ruling APC. This was as a former presidential aide and now a major defender of the APC, Reno Omokri, teased both Mark and Aregbesola, saying the youth could never trust someone who once said “telephones are not for the poor’, and another, who as governor allegedly caused religious crisis in Osun by forcing Christian Missionary schools to merge with schools they had no affiliation with.

In his acceptance speech at the event held at the Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja, Mark said, “We are gathered here this afternoon in pursuit of our shared mission to rescue our country and save our hard-won democracy.

“We address you formally, today, on the operational focus and structure of the new political coalition that brings together Nigeria’s diverse opposition groups, political parties, youth organisations, the civil society and other patriots from all corners of our vast land, committed to saving the very soul of our Republic. ‘’Let it be known to all, that this coalition of national political opposition groups goes beyond gaining political power. It is a concerted effort to rebuild the crumbling pillars of Nigeria’s democracy. ‘’Today marks the beginning of

what we believe would be a long, difficult and tedious journey. However, it is a journey that we are prepared to undertake, united in our collective belief that no price or sacrifice is too high in the service of our fatherland.’’

Continuing, he said” ‘’It is on record that within two years of the current administration coming to power, it has hijacked all democratic institutions, and sent our country on a creeping descent into total civilian dictatorship.

“The blatant destabilisation and infiltration of all major opposition political parties is aimed at achieving only one objective, to enhance total state capture and leave Nigerians with no alternative or options in 2027. This coalition is to prevent our country’s descent into a one-party state. ‘’We have never seen a government so much at home with corruption, a government that disdains accountability in all ramifications. A government more concerned with the next election rather than the survival of the ordinary Nigerians.

A government so totally consumed with politicking that governance is abandoned, while the majority of our people wallow in hunger and poverty. ‘’We have never seen this level of insecurity across the length and breadth of our nation. Bandits and kidnappers kill Nigerians at will and on daily basis. Yet, this ongoing tragedy has not moved the government to any action that would stop these mindless killings and stem the tide of needless bloodshed.

“Indeed, the Nigerian people deserve a government that protects

them and make them feel safe in their own homes,’’ the new chairman of ADC said.

According to Mark, ‘’Equally disturbing, is the total emasculation of the legislative institution. Never in our history have we witnessed a National Assembly where legislators, the trustees of the very bastion of our democracy, saddled with the sacred duty to protect Nigerians from misuse of executive power, are reduced to cheerleaders and praise singers of the president, head of the executive arm. ‘’Without doubt, the transformation of Nigeria’s National Assembly to a mere appendage of presidential authority is a dangerous conspiracy against the Nigerian people. It is the reason why the government is able to get away with various whimsical, unconstitutional policies and actions or inactions that have reduced more Nigerians to abject poverty and widened the boundaries of insecurity and fear. ‘’It is imperative to state that our democracy has a history, which is the reason why we all affirm that the labour of our heroes past shall never be in vain. Today, the labour of our heroes is under vicious attack and our Republic faces a mortal danger.

“This coalition is therefore for all Nigerians who share in our belief that all of us, the young and the old, man and woman, rich and poor, living with disabilities or not, town dwellers or villagers, we all have the patriotic duty to save our country. ‘’To all suffering Nigerians who are finding it increasingly difficult to

IMF: FG NEEDS TO REWORK 2025 BUDGET TO ACCOMMODATE LOWER OIL PRICES prices, which traded around $68 a barrel on Wednesday. But the 2025 budget was squeezed by Nigeria’s assumption of oil production of two million barrels per day and an oil price of $75 a barrel.

“The international economic environment that Nigeria lives in and operates in is marked by the very, very large uncertainty, and in particular, international oil price volatility impacts Nigeria directly through the fiscal and the external balances as well as inflation,” said IMF’s mission chief for Nigeria, Axel Schimmelpfennig.

The complex outlook made it especially important for policymakers to build and maintain buffers while being ready to respond to shocks or seize opportunities, Reuters reported.

“Turning to our policy messages, the key challenge now is to tackle high poverty and food insecurity,” Schimmelpfennig said.

The Nigerian government had supported the poorest part of its population through direct cash transfers since 2007, but had struggled to scale them up because of lack of data on their impact and as large numbers of the population had no bank accounts.

International Brent crude futures spiked higher last month in response to tension in the Middle East, but are under pressure from a shift in policy by the OPEC+ group, of which Nigeria is a member, to regain market

share rather than curtail supply.

“Achieving the government’s 2025 budget targets will require additional measures, largely reflecting the drop in oil prices compared to when the budget was approved,” Schimmelpfennig said in a briefing to journalists.

“Keeping the fiscal deficit a per cent of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) unchanged, compared to 2024 will be important to support the fight against inflation,” he added.

IMF said recouping fuel subsidy savings and making administrative gains could mobilise some domestic revenues, but the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) needed to maintain a tight stance and a positive real rate to bring down inflation and support stability. It said savings from fuel subsidies would amount to two per cent of 2024 GDP. Asked about the naira and Nigeria’s foreign exchange (FX) markets, Schimmelpfennig said reforms by the government and CBN had been far reaching and fundamental.

“When we talk to investors, they’re happy. They can invest in Nigeria, and when they want, they can bring their proceeds out,” he said. “You look at the parallel market and the official rate, they’re aligned,” he added.

IMF projected Nigeria’s fiscal deficit to reach 4.7 per cent of GDP in 2025, exceeding budget expectations, due to optimistic hydrocarbon revenue projections and declining oil prices.

It recommended a “neutral fiscal stance” to safeguard economic stability, and urged the government to speed up cash transfers to the poor, who had been hurt by high inflation.

“The 2025 budget was based on optimistic hydrocarbon revenue projections, even before the price

decline since April,” IMF said. It added, “Absent policy actions, the fiscal deficit in 2025 would exceed budget expectations.”

Nigerian lawmakers approved a N55 trillion or $35.9 billion spending Continued on page 30

make ends meet; for whom the next meal is not guaranteed, this coalition is for you. To all those citizens who believe that Nigeria’s democracy is worth fighting for, this coalition is for you. ‘’To all youths who face an uncertain future and have questioned the value of their education and their certificates, this coalition is for you. ‘’To all our brothers and sisters in Benue, Niger, Plateau, Zamfara, Sokoto, Borno, Katsina, Kaduna, Edo, parts of the South East, South West, South-South who live under constant fear of violence and terror, who have lost a father, a mother, a child, a husband, a wife, this coalition is for you. ‘’To all our citizens, who believe that they deserve better, who have been promised much and given so little, for whom renewed hope has turned to renewed hopelessness, this is your coalition and we welcome you all to join us and be a part of this historic rescue mission. ‘’This coalition is determined to offer Nigerians a path to security, prosperity, peace and progress. Coming from various party affiliations, we are united in our resolve to present a constructive alternative to the hardship, insecurity and waste that has become the hallmark of the current APC government. ‘’As we proceed this day, we acknowledge the practical implications of imminent bye-elections and one state governorship election for some of our coalition partners in their respective legacy political parties. However, all of us remain firmly united under the ADC banner for the 2027 general election and beyond. ‘’After extensive deliberations, and discussions, which spanned several months with deserving platforms, the coalition has decided to adopt the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as the vehicle for this historic journey.

“Having adopted the ADC, we commit ourselves to building and transforming it into a strong political

party, not merely as another electoral vehicle but as a fortress and platform of our revived democracy.

“It will be the harbinger of democracy where members of the party will reign supreme. A party that obeys its rules and constitution in the best democratic traditions. A party of equal stakeholders, equal joiners and equal owners. ‘’It is the great house into which all patriots are invited. A party that recognises the experience of the old and the energy of the youths. To all Nigerians, we say here is the new big tent into which all patriots are invited.

“Here, the North shall hold hands with South, the youth shall find equal footing with the elder, women will be equal partners with men, the farmer and the technocrat shall labour side by side, not for the triumph of one party over another, but for the triumph of Nigeria herself,” he stated.

Mark further said, ‘’This is the bold new path we declare today; a path of unity over division, service over slogans, action over excuses, compassion over inhumanity, transparency over opacity, inclusion over nepotism, real progress over endless rhetoric, performance over empty promises, rule of law over impunity, and, justice over inequity.’ ‘’Our mission transcends any electoral calendar. It is a commitment to rebuild the guardrails of our democracy, to anchor power once again in the will of the people, and to hand to our children a nation worthy of their talents and their dreams. ‘’So, stand with us. Join this house.

Let history record that when our democracy faltered, we rose, not in fear, but in faith. Let it be known today, across Nigeria and beyond: The opposition is united, the platform is ADC. The time is now. The mission is clear: Rescue Nigeria. Rebuild Nigeria.

Return power to the people,’’ he stated.

Also, the outgone national chairman of ADC, Ralph Nwosu, said the Continued on page 29

TINUBU SEEKS SYNERGY BETWEEN AFRICANS AND PEOPLE OF HER DESCENT FOR BETTER FUTURE harness technology and innovation to drive meaningful social progress.

Members of the Nigerian community in Saint Lucia, some of whom had lived on the Island for over three decades, attended the dinner.

According to Tinubu: “It’s not the fault of our forebears that we find ourselves dispersed. We can work together, be together, enjoy what we have, and build a future of promise, honour, and dignity for the Black race.

“I’m unapologetically Afrocentric in my belief. I’ve travelled far and wide, and no one is as industrious, determined and focused as the black people worldwide. The challenge is ours, and we meet those challenges as we strive to give our kith and kin a better life.

“All I can promise you, as a man from the largest Black nation in the world, is that we will work hard.

One out of every five Black nationals is a Nigerian. Industrialisation and technology are making life easier,

and we have to work together to make our people proud today, tomorrow and thereafter,” he said.

Speaking, the Prime Minister of Saint Lucia, Philip J. Pierre, congratulated President Tinubu on the conferment of the award of Knight Commander of the Order of Saint Lucia (KCOSL) during his state visit, describing it as a welldeserved recognition of outstanding leadership.

He said: “This honour is very well deserved. This honour is reserved for someone who has rendered exceptional service of national importance to St. Lucia.

“Our engagement with you over the past few days convinced us you deserve that honour. May you cherish it as much as we cherish your presence, and may it bring you fond memories of your historic visit to St. Lucia, the Eastern Caribbean, and the OECS as a whole.”

The Prime Minister extended a special welcome to members of the Nigerian community in St. Lucia

and commended their integration into the Island’s society.

His words: “You have been living with us for many years. Many of you have chosen to make St. Lucia your permanent home, raising your families, working, and making a quiet contribution to our country’s development.

“As far as I’m aware, your integration into St. Lucia society has been seamless because of the cultural affinities shared between Nigerians and St. Lucia.

“You know and feel you are at home here in St. Lucia. You may not know, but you are part of a proud legacy of shared service that has characterised the relationship between Nigeria and St. Lucia.”

Pierre highlighted the longstanding ties between the two nations, particularly through the story of Sir Darnley Alexander, a Saint Lucian who rose to become the Chief Justice of Nigeria from 1975 to 1979.

“We keep repeating that story because we are proud of it, because

the story must be told and passed on to succeeding generations.

“The story of a young St. Lucia who was invited to come to Nigeria by the premier of the then Western region to help in the development of the country in 1957 and who, by his competence, dedication, hard work and integrity, rose through the ranks of the judicial service to become the fourth Chief Justice of Nigeria between 1975 and 1979.

“This individual, Sir Darnley Alexander, was born a few miles from here in Soufriere. And incidentally, the parliamentary representative for Soufriere is in the house today.

“She’s the Honourable Emma Hippolyte. You are part of that proud legacy of shared service, contributing your talents and expertise to this country’s development,” he said.

Before departing the reception, Tinubu invited members of the Nigerian community in Saint Lucia for a meet-and-greet, offering each a handshake and words of encouragement.

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NEWS

PROMOTING SUSTAINABLE FINANCE...

L-R: Director for West Africa, Deutsche Investitions- und Entwicklungsgesellschaft mbH (DEG), Bernhard Tilemann; Director of Corporate Finance Africa, DEG, Franziska Hollmann; Non-Executive Director, Nigerian Exchange (NGX) Group, Nonso Okpala; Managing Director, DEG Impulse, Hubertus Pleister; Chairman, NGX Group, Alhaji (Dr.) Umaru Kwairanga; GMD/CEO, NGX Group, Temi Popoola; Director develoPPP, DEG Impulse, Daniel Thomann; Member of Management Board, DEG, Joachim Schumacher; CEO, Africa Foresight Group, Yasmin Kumi, and Project Manager, develoPPP, DEG Impulse, Linus Schindler, during the signing ceremony of the NGX Net-Zero Programme, held in Cologne, Germany ...recently

PIA: Host Communities Get N98 Billion, $150 Million under HCDF

NUPRC vows to sanction producers undermining climate-action initiative

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja Host oil communities in the Niger Delta have so far received N98 billion as well as $150 million as their 3 per cent share of the Host Communities Development Fund (HCDF), the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission

(NUPRC) revealed yesterday.

Speaking on the topic: “Positioning Nigeria’s Upstream Oil & Gas for Energy Security, Sustainability and Economic Resilience”, at the ongoing Nigeria Oil and Gas (NOG) Week in Abuja, the Chief Executive of the commission, Gbenga Komolafe, stated that this

has helped reduce crude theft in the oil-rich region.

At the last count, Komolafe stated that 145 HCDT Trusts had been incorporated in the Niger Delta, with 94 settlers fully involved in the remittances so far.

The 3 per cent community fund, as established under the PIA of

2021, is a mechanism designed to ensure that oil and gas host communities directly benefit from the industry’s operations.

Under the provision, oil and gas companies operating upstream are mandated to contribute 3 per cent of their actual operating expenditure from the previous

Obi: Nigeria’s Underdevelopment Due to Leadership Failure Chuks Okocha in Abuja Former presidential candidate and ex-Governor of Anambra State, Peter Obi, says the basic problem with Nigeria is leadership failure.

Obi wrote on his X account, “It is heart-breaking that our president, who is the leader of a country with the highest number of out of school children in the world and with the students in the capital of his own nation, Abuja, presently not attending schools, would travel to St. Lucia and offer scholarships to children there, while his own country’s education system is in ruins, and even currently his nation’s capital, the Federal Capital Territory, the supposed seat of governance, have

public schools shut down and closed for months.”

According to Obi, “This is not leadership; it is negligence at its peak.

It is an act of betrayal against the Nigerian child.

“Nigeria has approximately 20 million children out of school, according to UNICEF, the highest number globally, with a literacy rate of under 60 per cent, far below the global average of 87 per cent.

“Similarly, the life expectancy stands at a mere 54 years, out of the global average measurement of above 70 years, one of the lowest in the world.”

On Human Development Index (HDI), which is the most critical measure of development, Obi

said, “Nigeria is ranked in the ‘Low Category’ at 161 out of 193 countries measured, while St. Lucia, a Caribbean nation, has a literacy rate of over 90 per cent, which is above the global average of 87 per cent. She has a life expectancy of more than 72 years, which is within the global average,” while Nigeria is in the low category.

The presidential candidate of Labour Party (LP) in the last general election, said, “So tell me, what sense does it make that a president of a country with such terrible and dire statistics would travel to a country with better indexes of development, especially in education, and still offer them scholarships funded by Nigerian taxpayers, when Nigeria

NDIC Equips Plateau Students with Essential Financial Literacy Skills Seriki Adinoyi in Jos Over 200 secondary school students in Plateau State have been introduced to the fundamentals of financial literacy, as the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) held its 2025 Financial Literacy Day event in Jos. The initiative, aimed at instilling responsible saving habits and financial discipline, is part of NDIC’s ongoing efforts to promote financial education among the younger generation.

The event’s theme, “Think Before You Follow, Spend Money Wisely Tomorrow,” was shared by Commissioner for Education, Plateau State,

Dr. Mrs. Kachollom Pyam Gang, who emphasized the importance of early financial education.

She said: “It is essential that you, our students, understand the value of saving and making informed decisions regarding personal finances.

Financial literacy begins now, and by understanding the basics, you will be better equipped to manage your resources as the leaders of tomorrow.”

The Commissioner also stressed the broader concept of financial discipline.

“This is not just about money; it’s about discipline. Financial discipline will help you in every aspect of life.

No matter how small you start, it’s

the consistency that will matter in the long run,” she stressed.

Encouraging the students to begin their saving journey early, Gang added, “Even though you may not have much, start saving.

Whether it’s for something small today or something bigger tomorrow, the key is consistency.”

In her presentation, Mrs. Fyata Ashasim, Manager of Communication & Public Affairs at NDIC, emphasized the importance of early financial education, saying, “Financial literacy is not just about understanding how money works; it’s about learning how to make it work for you.”

children are largely out of school and the teachers not yet paid for months?

“Mr. President, by offering St Lucia students a scholarship, shows he knows how important education is, while depriving Nigerian students of the same access to education.

“We must, as a nation, reject these continued normalisations of misplaced priorities and build a better nation for us and our children.”

year into a Host Community Development Trust Fund. The fund is not discretionary.

While the percentage has been criticised by some as inadequate, especially compared to the previously proposed 5 per cent, it marks a significant shift toward structured, legally backed community engagement and development in Nigeria’s oil-producing areas.

Komolafe also underscored the critical role that deep-water exploration must play in securing the nation’s energy future, but said the nation was taking a more holistic collective responsibility in shaping the future of Nigeria’s energy destiny.

According to him, oil and gas have continued to supply over 50 per cent of global energy needs, a figure expected to hold through 2050, noting that S&P recently noted that sustaining this demand will require $640 billion in annual upstream investment through 2030 and over $4 trillion cumulatively.

Failure to meet this demand, Komolafe said, will threaten global stability, with global demand remaining strong.

Under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu, the NUPRC chief executive stated that Nigeria is undergoing a historic energy sector transformation, enhanced by a number of Executive Orders, reiterating that over $16 billion has been committed to the sector in just two years.

“Through the Project One Million Barrels initiative, we are scaling up Nigeria’s production through reawakening of dormant fields, acceleration of approvals, enhancement of upstream efficiencies etc. Launched in 2024, the initiative targets an increase from 1.46 million to 2.5 million barrels per day by 2026. With 1.7 million bpd already achieved, the strategy is yielding results.

“Protection of assets is also paramount. With 37 new evacuation routes approved and working closely with security agencies, we are curbing theft and boosting accountability. Meanwhile, our drive on Domestic Crude Supply Obligation (DCSO) is guaranteeing feedstock for local refineries, strengthening domestic supply chains and economic resilience.

FG, World Bank Move to Tackle Poverty Among North-west Women Empower 460,000 women in six states Francis Sardauna in Katsina The federal government has extended its Nigeria for Women Project (NFWP) to the North-west region of the country to tackle poverty among rural women and improve financial inclusion and child welfare.

The World Bank-supported project would institutionalise a framework where women in the region would be economically empowered and socially secured through access to credit to boost their businesses.

At a two-day North-west Governor’s Summit on the NFWP scale-up in Katsina Wednesday, Minister of Women Affairs, Hon. Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, said women constituted over 60 per cent of the country’s population, but only 30 per cent of them owned formal businesses.

Sulaiman-Ibrahim said many women entrepreneurs in Nigeria continued to struggle with limited access to capital and were locked in small scale activities, “unable to grow their businesses or leverage opportunities in the formal economy”.

She, however, said the scale-up phase of the NFWP would unlock the financial potential of the women and address social norms before implementation and integrated programming for effective service delivery.

The minister said it would also enhance livelihood interventions, create an enabling environment for women to thrive in their businesses, and improve their savings culture, as well as leadership.

Sulaiman-Ibrahim explained that when women were empowered with the needed finances and trained

in income-generating skills, they will transit from marginal economic actors to drivers of growth and inclusion.

She urged state governments to demonstrate political will and ensure timely release of counterpart funding to support the North-west women project through their state project coordinators.

“From our women beneficiaries, we expect commitment to the values of transparency, self-reliance, and collective progress. Empowerment, as I often say, is not delivered, it is co-created,” she said.

Earlier, World Bank Country Director, Matthew Verghis, said the project had improved the livelihoods of 460,000 women across six states and 18 local governments in less than three years of its implementation.

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NEWS

2025 EDITION OF AFRICA GAS INNOVATION SUMMIT...

L–R: Head, Assets & Investments Management, NNPC Gas and Power Investment Services (NGPIS), Salahuddeen M. Tahair; Secretary General, African Petroleum Producers’ Organisation (APPO), H.E Dr Omar Farouk Ibrahim; CEO, OIDA Energy Group & Chairman, SPENC Board of Trustees, Engr. Emeka Ene; Technical Adviser to the Honourable Minister of state for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Abel Igheghe; General Manager, Research & Innovation, Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF), Mr. Olayinka Agboola; and GM Technical, Nigeria LNG Limited (NLNG), Mr. Joseph Alagoa, at the 2025 edition of the Africa Gas Innovation Summit (AGIS), hosted by the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) Nigeria Council in Abuja…recently

Agribusiness: We’ve Attracted N46.6bn Investments, Supported 46,000 Smallholder Farmers, Says OYSADA DG Kemi Olaitan in Ibadan The Director-General of the Oyo State Agribusiness Development Agency (OYSADA) and Executive Adviser to Governor ‘Seyi Makinde on Agribusiness and International Cooperation, Dr Debo Akande, yesterday, said the state government has attracted about

N46.6 billion investments into the state through agribusiness.

This is just as he maintained Governor Makinde’s vision to expand the state’s economy through agribusiness has fructified, with the state having accessed close to $170million in agribusiness and international development funds,

Oyetola Inaugurates Governing Boards of NIMASA, NIWA Kasim Sumaina in Abuja The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has inaugurated the Governing Boards of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) and the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA).

The inauguration, held at the Ministry in Abuja, he said marked a significant milestone in the government’s effort to reposition the maritime sector for maximum national impact.

Oyetola in a statement on Wednesday by his Special Adviser on Media and Communication, Bolaji Akinola, emphasised the importance of the maritime sector, and Nigeria’s strategic position along the Gulf of Guinea and its expansive 850-kilometer coastline.

He said that the country has the potential to benefit substantially from activities such as shipping,

fisheries, marine biotechnology, offshore energy, and coastal tourism.

He however charged the members of the Governing Boards to operate in the national interest, with integrity, professionalism, and transparency even as he stressed that their role is to formulate policies and provide oversight for the agencies’ operations, without interfering in their day-to-day management.

The Chairman of the NIMASA Board, Yusuf Abubakar, expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the opportunity to serve.

Abubakar assured the Board would work closely with the NIMASA management team to foster transparency, innovation, and professionalism.

Similarly, the minister also inaugurated the NIWA Board, which he described as a critical pillar in Nigeria’s maritime and transport architecture.

while about 14 large processing companies have also come into the agribusiness space in the state.

Akande stated this at the Omituntun 2.0 Inter-Ministerial Briefing held at the Governor’s Office Briefing Room, Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan, noting that the state has been able to achieve its deliverables in the agriculture and agribusiness sector, including international development resources mobilisation, development of agriculture enablers such as industrial hubs, roads, rural security as well as policy and legal instruments.

He added that the state has equally been able to achieve its vision

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State yesterday commissioned roads in Agege and Alimosho Local Government Areas, Igando Local Council Development Area, even as he promised the unwavering commitment of his administration to continually energize local economy by providing essential infrastructure that would promote development across the nooks and crannies of the State.

The roads commissioned include the Old Dopemu Road in Agege and the 3.86km Abaranje Road in Ikotun-Igando in Alimosho which is a major arterial that provides access from the densely populated Abaranje community to connect Igando on LASU-Iba Road in Igando-Ikotun

Local Council Development Area.

Speaking during the commissioning, Sanwo-Olu said the reconstruction of the Abaranje Road further demonstrates the unwavering commitment of the administration to continually energize local economy by providing essential infrastructure that would promote development across the nooks and crannies of the state.

He said the Lagos State Government is determined to bring relief to residents and make commuting pleasurable to the people of the state.

The governor added that aside from the Roads commissioned, Alimosho has a fair share of road projects that have been completed by the Babajide Sanwo-Olu-led Administration.

These include Akesan Obadore Road, Ishefun Camp-Davies Road with A Jetty, Lagos-Ogun State Boundary

about 1,000 of them with agribusiness enterprises set to benefit in an Oyo State Government/FCMB-facilitated support initiative to the tune of N1.5 billion in the next few weeks.

He added the state has also supported 46,000 smallholder farmers through OYSADA, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development and the Agric-Credit Corporation of Oyo State, while the construction of several important roads and the ongoing construction of feeder roads have also enabled the state’s leap in agribusiness.

Akande also listed the construction of the Fasola Agribusiness Hub, which has been designated as the

first Agricultural Transformation Centre in Nigeria with close to N17 billion investments from 14 new agribusiness companies cultivating close to 950 hectares and processing cashew, cassava, tomato as well as close to 1,000 lactating cows within the Fasola Hub as another major achievement of the administration.

He maintained that about 8,200 smallholder farmers have also been integrated with the investors to ensure a reliable supply chain.

According to him, “Fourteen new agribusinesses are in Fasola, with some of them into crop production, some are into processing, while one is into equipment leasing.

Edo Guber Tussle: Ighodalo, Okpebholo to Know Fate as Supreme Court Reserves Judgment Alex Enumah in Abuja Any moment from now the legal battle for the office of Edo State governor would be laid to rest, following the reservation of a date for judgment in the appeal filed at the Supreme Court by Mr. Asue Ighodalo of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

A five-member panel of the apex court led by Justice Mohammed Lawal Garba, on Wednesday announced their judgment has been reserved to a date that would be communicated to counsel representing parties in the appeal seeking to

Sanwo-Olu Inaugurates Roads in Agege, Alimosho, Says it’s Demonstration of Commitment Segun James

of supporting smallholder farmers, growing medium agribusinesses to large businesses, supporting youths and women in agriculture, opening a new frontier in value addition and also increasing livestock productivity and its value chain.

Akande noted the state has developed a framework for Livestock Value Chain, as it is constructing a Livestock Transformation Centre, which will ensure the best cows are produced in the Fasola Hub, while the same initiative will be repeated in the other agribusiness hubs.

According to him, the state government has also trained 5,020 youths in different areas of agribusiness, with

Road (Phase 2), Agric Access Road (Bamidele Kasali/Disu Ekunrin Road), Isuti Road.

Sanwo-Olu added that his administration has also embarked on the reconstruction and rehabilitation of about 28 other roads that are presently under construction, while so many others that are under routine maintenance and palliative works are simultaneously ongoing on several roads within Alimosho.

Governor Sanwo-Olu commended the Lagos State Public Works Corporation for the strategic intervention and reconstruction of the Babajide Sanwo-Olu Road in Dopemu, saying it shows the administration’s heavy investment and efforts to reposition the corporation as a world-class construction outfit are indeed yielding positive fruit.

remove Senator Monday Okpebholo as governor of Edo State.

Justice Garba made the announcement shortly after the lawyers concluded their submissions for and against the appeal.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had declared Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress (APC) winner of the September 21 governorship election, haven won majority of the votes cast at last year’s governorship election in Edo State.

However, Ighodalo who came next to Okpebholo at the polls had disagreed with the electoral umpire, claiming the body did not comply with the rules guiding the conduct of the poll, and in favour of APC’s Okpebholo.

Besides, he alleged there were cases of over-voting in several polling

units, which when deducted would show that he and not Okpebholo won the September 21 governorship election.

His claims were however dismissed by the Edo State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal as well as the Court of Appeal, which affirmed the election of Governor Okpebholo.

Not satisfied, Ighodalo had last month approached the apex court to set aside the judgment of the Court of Appeal which affirmed the judgment of the Edo tribunal, recognizing Okpebholo has lawful winner of the governorship election.

He claimed the appellate court delivered perverse justice and misdirected itself when it unanimously held that the appellant did not prove the allegation of non-compliance and over-voting amongst others.

Arguing through his lawyer, Mr. Ken Mozia, SAN, the appellant claimed the lower court perverted justice when it held the appellant ought to have made an order nullifying the election on grounds of non-compliance in line with Section 136(1), adding that the case of the appellant was centered on non-compliance in some polling units and not the entire election.

Mozia insisted that invalidation should be done at only the polling units complained about and not the entire election, citing the case of Uzodinma were the court’s decision was based on the affected polling units and not the entire election.

On the issue of non-serialization of election materials, the senior lawyer argued that the court below erred in law when it insisted that the issue did not amount to non-compliance.

Tertiary Education: FG Announces N50m Grant for Students, Unveils C’ttee to Commercialise Research Kuni Tyessi in Abuja The Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, has announced a N50 million Student Grant Venture Capital Initiative to support scaling student-led enterprises in Nigeria’s tertiary institutions.

Alausa said the initiative aims to bridge the gap between academia and industry by turning homegrown research into commercially viable products and services.

The minister made the announcement on Wednesday in Abuja when he inaugurated the Research and In-

novation Commercialisation Committee (RICC).

He said the scheme, which will be anchored by TETFund in partnership with the Bank of India, targets undergraduate students in 300-level and above with viable business models and innovations ready for market expansion.

According to the Minister, the development is aligned with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda of transitioning Nigeria from a resource-based economy to a knowledge-driven one.

“We have hundreds of thousands

of young geniuses across our institutions. This fund is designed to unlock their potential and help them build globally competitive enterprises,” the minister said.

On her part, the Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Said Ahmad, described the inauguration as a landmark moment in Nigeria’s education and innovation history.

“For too long, research in our tertiary institutions has been reduced to tools for promotion rather than solutions for development. This must change,” she said.

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THURSDAY, ͻ˜ ͺ͸ͺͽ ˾ THISDAY

NEWS

INTRA-AFRICAN TRADE FAIR HIGH-LEVEL BUSINESS ROADSHOW...

L-R: Special Advisor to the Managing Director/CEO, Bank of Industry, Mr. Leonard Kange; Ambassador of Algeria to Nigeria, Amb. Hocine Mezoued; Executive Vice President, Intra-African Trade and Export Development, Afreximbank, Mrs. Kanayo Awani; Executive Director/CEO, Nigeria Export Promotion Council, Ms. Nonye Ayeni; and Managing Director, Nigeria Export-Import Bank, Mr. Abubakar Bello, at the Intra-African Trade Fair High-Level Business Roadshow in Lagos, Nigeria ... recently

PDP Holds Unity NWC Meeting, Boasts It’s Master in Reconciliation, All in Attendance Party commences sale of expression of interest, nomination form

Chuks Okocha in Abuja The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), yesterday, held a full compliments of its National Working Committee (NWC)meeting with all members of the leadership in attendance.

The meeting was presided over by the acting national chairman, Ambassador Umar Damagum with all warring factions including the deputy national chairman Ambassador Taofeek Arapaja and

the National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba.

Senator Samuel Anyanwu, who summoned the meeting was also at the meeting.

Addressing newsmen after the meeting, Damagum said, ‘’Our leaders have already come together to give us this leadership. This is what you can see in this NWC. And I keep reiterating this is the only party in the country that has lasted this long.

‘’We have mastered the act of conflict resolution. We know our problems and we solve it within ourselves,’’ he said.

According to him, ‘’To those that are contemplating, they should know that there is no place and there’s nowhere that will be as accommodating as our party.

But if they feel... I will wish them good luck. But I know they will run coming back. ‘’As you can see, we are all here

as your NWC, as the NWC of this party. We remain united despite all the challenges. We have sat down to discuss all thorny issues and trash it out today.

“We’ve agreed that we have already, as proposed by the last NEC, that the NEC meeting scheduled for 23rd, 24th and 25th will still hold. To our members, I want to bring good tidings, that your party is intact. ‘’ Damagum said the 2027 general

Falana Slams Military over Injustice to 70 Pardoned Soldiers Emma Okonji and Agnes Ekebuike Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Femi Falana, has blamed the Nigerian military for refusing to fully reinstate and compensate 70 soldiers that were convicted in 2015 but later pardoned by former President Muhammadu Buhari in 2022.

The human rights lawyer described the military’s handling of the case as a grave constitutional violation and an affront to justice.

Falana, who spoke yesterday on the Morning Show of ARISE News Channel, the broadcast arm of THISDAY Newspapers, explained the soldiers were initially sentenced to death but later had their punishment commuted to 10 years’ imprisonment after widespread concerns about the flawed trial process.

Four of the soldiers were later

acquitted by the Court of Appeal, while others had their appeals dismissed on technical grounds and are now heading to the Supreme Court.

Falana noted that following their release and subsequent presidential pardon, the military issued compulsory discharge certificates and pegged the soldiers’ benefits as of 2014, when they were convicted, ignoring the fact that their pardon came in 2022, after serving their full sentence.

He described the move as a deliberate distortion of the legal implication of a presidential pardon, which, by law, erases all consequences of a conviction and restores the individual to the status they held before their sentence.

“Once a pardon is granted under Section 175 of the Constitution, it

cancels the conviction and its effects.

You cannot vary the decision of the President. These young men were made scapegoats. They fought without adequate weapons and were sacrificed for failures beyond their control.” Falana said.

He further argued that since the soldiers had agreed to voluntarily disengage from service, their discharge should not have been classified as compulsory, a label he said, blocked them from employment opportunities and damaged their reputation.

Falana also highlighted the dire economic conditions many of the former soldiers are now facing, noting that most are unemployed, unfit for security jobs due to their tarnished records, and only recently received discharge certificates years after release.

He pointed to the case of Brigadier

N-HYPPADEC Laments Attacks on Yelewata, Other Benue Communities Donates relief material to victims

George Okoh in Makurdi The National Hydroelectric Power Producing Areas Development Commission (N-HYPPADEC) has condemned the recent attack on Yelewata in Benue State, this is even as it donated assorted relief materials to victims of the June 13 attack.

The Acting Managing Director of the commission, Jimoh Gabi, expressed sadness over the attack describing it as barbaric and evil.

He conveyed the agency’s heartfelt condolences to the state government and families of the victims.

He said the commission was committed to supporting all affected communities under its jurisdiction.

He said the delay in responding to the Yelwata victims was due to logistical challenges and not neglect.

“We have absolute confidence in the state government to ensure these materials are distributed judiciously to the affected victims,” Mr. Gabi said.

He stressed the need for enhanced environmental awareness and intelligence gathering to better equip security forces in preventing future attacks.

Items donated include 195 mattresses, 195 bags of 50 kg rice, 65 cartons of seasoning (Maggi), and 130 cartons of 3-in-1 Milo.

Other items were 65 cartons of soap, 65 cartons of treated mosquito nets, 65 cartons of detergents, 156 rubber mats, and 10 Hero motorcycles.

General Somkuti, whose rank and entitlements were restored up to the date of his pardon, demanding the same treatment for the 70 soldiers.

“If justice is not done, we will go to court. The Constitution is clear, and this breach must be corrected,” Falana warned.

While linking the issue to Nigeria’s broader governance failures, Falana called it a symptom of the disregard for the rule of law plaguing institutions across the country.

election would be decided by hunger and insecurity in the country. ‘’To APC, I want to send a message, that you can continue to harass, and buy our members.

But the 2027 election is between Nigerians and APC. So, it is better to start now and correct your ways. Hunger, insecurity, arbitrary extortion of Nigerians is more than overwhelming. ‘’So, we are in a democratic setting. We should hear the yearning of people. Like I said earlier, we are not conquered. We are law-abiding citizens. We deserve to be heard.

For democracy to thrive people must say their minds. People should be listened to and policies should be people-oriented. It’s not for the few. ‘’I want to re-emphasise that if you are a member of the Peoples Democratic Party, we are drawing a line for those that go to de-market, the party. We will watch them and take appropriate actions at the right time. ‘’If you believe in this party, you should be an ambassador that protects the fortunes that this party has given to the citizens of this country when it was there,’’ he added.

Meanwhile, the National Working Committee (NWC) of the PDP,

has approved the timetable and schedule of activities including the sale of Expression of Interest and Nomination Forms for the forthcoming bye-elections.

The bye-elections will take place in the following constituencies in Adamawa State: Ganye State Constituency, Anambra South Senatorial District and Onitsha North State Constituency; Edo State, Edo Central Senatorial District and Ovia North East/South West Federal Constituency; Jigawa State, Batura/Garki Federal Constituency; and Kaduna State, Chikun/Kajuru Federal Constituency and Zaria/ Kawasaki and Basawa State Constituency.

Other constituencies are the bye elections in Kano State: Shanono/ Bagwai State Constituency; Kogi State: Okura II State Constituency; Niger State: Munya State Constituency; Ogun State: Ikenne/Shagamu/ Remo/North Federal Constituency; Oyo State: Ibadan North Federal Constituency; Taraba State: Karim Lamido 1 State Constituency and Zamfara State: Kaura Namoda South State Constituency).

With the approved Timetable and Schedule of Activities, Sale of Expression of Interest and Nomination Forms commences today, Thursday, 3rd July, 2025 and ends on Thursday, 10th July, 2025.

Group Alleges Political Foes Ganging Up Against NDDC Boss, Ogbuku, Linking Jonathan With Falsehood The Niger Delta Progressive Youths Forum (NDPYF) has alleged that there is suspicion that some persons believed to be political foes of the Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, have initiated a media campaign aimed at rubbishing the commission’s chief executive officer in the eyes of right thinking members of the public.

This, the group argued, was coming at a time that Ogbuku had been receiving accolades for “leading what has generally been described as the most vibrant and service-oriented commission in decades.”

The group was reacting to some online media publications, ostensibly syndicated, to the effect that Ogbuku was funding an imaginary presidential ambition

of Dr Goouck Jonathan, ahead of the 2027 race.

In the said reports, which has been reproduced almost verbatim in some strange news platforms, sponsors of the publication claimed that Ogbuku made the NDDC to buy a property belonging to Jonathan, for use as its Yenagoa office, as a way of empowering the former president to run against President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The group said in a statement by its President-General, Dr. Theo Isidore, that, “the publication is clearly the handwork of haters who are thinking of how to rubbish the MD in the eyes of the president.

“The fake news which has been in circulation in some media platforms is generated by one man or a group of persons whose wishful thinking is to sow a seed of discord

and perhaps distract Ogbuku from doing the excellent work he is doing in the Niger Delta.

“The reports attempt to sit the truth on its head. In the first place, Dr. Jonathan has never indicated any interest in running any election in the near future.

“In fact, his wife, Dr. Patience Jonathan recently confirmed this when she said her husband would not contest any election, hence her decision to rally Tinubu’s wife and all progressive minded Nigerians, to secure victory for Tinubu in 2027.

“Also, we are not aware that Dr. Ogbuku has told anybody that he is planning to contest any election now or in the near future. He has repeatedly said that his primary objective is to give expression to President Tinubu’s renewed hope agenda, from the NDDC perspective.

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NEWS

11TH NIGERIAN HEALTHCARE EXCELLENCE AWARDS...

L–R: DG, National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA), Dr Temitope Ilori; Chief Executive Officer, Duchess International Hospital Ikeja, Dr. Adetokunbo Shitta-Bey and Medical Director, Duchess International Hospital, Dr. Adedoyin Dosunmu-Ogunbi at the 11th Nigerian Healthcare Excellence Awards (NHEA) 2025, where Duchess received the Best Private Hospital of the Year award in Lagos … recently

COAS: We Will Not Allow Terrorists to Smear the Sanctity of Nigeria’s Sovereignty Linus Aleke in Abuja The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, yesterday, said the Nigerian Army had risen to the occasion to deny terrorists the opportunity to disrupt Nigeria’s socio-cultural heritage or smear the sanctity of her sovereignty.

He also assured the people that the Nigerian Army would not relent

in its efforts to ensure the security of the Nigerian people and the perpetuity of her democracy.

Oluyede said this while briefing defence correspondents on activities lined up for the Nigerian Army Day Celebration 2025.

Represented by the Chief of Civil-Military Affairs (Army), Major General Chibuisi Gold, the Army Chief stated, “In recent times, our

nation has had to contend with the enemies of peace and agents of chaos who have brought terrorism to our borders and caused a plethora of internal security issues.

“The Nigerian Army Day Celebration provides an opportunity to showcase our achievements thus far and deepen collaboration with various stakeholders towards enhancing peace, security, and

the defence of our national values.

“The theme of the Nigerian Army Day Celebration 2025, which is ‘Developing the Soldier First Concept: Imperative for Nigerian Army’s Transformation Drive’, was carefully selected as it espouses our renewed drive to transform the Army by placing our soldiers first.

“The Nigerian Army, as an instrument of national unity, integra-

tion, and development, has made significant strides in innovation, research and development, civilmilitary relations, and technological advancement to better equip the soldier to carry out his constitutional responsibilities.”

Noting that the Nigerian Army Day Celebration, which was first held in 1978, was observed annually to commemorate the establishment

of the Nigerian Army, Oluyede stated that it also marked the day the first shot was fired at Garkem to recognise and honour the heroic contributions of officers and soldiers, past and present.

The Nigerian Army, he said, had since grown exponentially, surmounting all challenges that every generation of our forebears has had to contend with.

MARK: OPPOSITION UNITED TO RESCUE NIGERIA, REBUILD COUNTRY entire ADC leadership at all levels has resigned, to provide a platform for the coalition to rescue Nigeria.

He also disclaimed any body or group (s) that claimed that they were not part of the new ADC, insisting that they were not part of the reinvigorated ADC. Speaking at the unveiling of the ADC as the coalition party ahead of the 2027 general election, Nwosu said the opposition coalition was not about seeking power, but moving Nigeria to “global reckoning”.

He stated: “ADC has always been about the rejuvenation of Nigeria and Africa. This journey started about 18 months back and we have over 12 NEC meetings.

“When we were consulted, we said we have also been consulting because we are a party that believes in coalition.

“A day like this shows that we are ready to sacrifice anything for Nigeria. We don’t have any doubt in the man, we all have decided to resign.”

Those who attended the event included the 2023 presidential candidate of the PDP, Atiku Abubakar; his Labour Party (LP) counterpart, Peter Obi; former governor of Kaduna State, Nasir el-Rufai; and ex-Rivers State governor Rotimi Amaechi.

There were also a former Minister of Interior Rauf Aregbesola; former governor of Sokoto State, Aminu Tambuwal; and ex-Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami.

Also present were a former governor of Edo State, Chief John Oyegun; former governor of Kwara, Abdulfataye Ahmed; former governor of Adamawa, Jibril Bondow; former deputy speaker of the House of Representatives, Austin Opara; former deputy national chairman of PDP (North), Senator Suleman Nazif; and Senator Dino Melaye among others.

Amaechi Dumps APC, Doubts Tinubu’s Capacity to Govern A former Governor of Rivers State and ex-Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, yesterday dumped his erstwhile party, the APC, expressing his doubt over President Bola Tinubu’s ability to effectively govern Nigeria.

He accused the APC under Tinubu

of destroying the country, accusing the current administration of colluding with Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to hijack the forthcoming elections.

“I have never believed that Tinubu is a material to govern the country, I have never. This is because now people want (Muhammadu) Buhari to come back. What happens in Nigeria is that when a new government takes over, it becomes worse than the previous government that makes people say let the previous government come back.

“People are asking for Buhari because things were better during Buhari’s administration. Dollar was N460 to N500. Now a dollar is one N1,580, that is more than 100 per cent (increase),” he stated during an interview after the unveiling of the interim executive of the ADC in Abuja.

According to Amaechi, things have become so bad that Nigerians cannot afford to eat as there is no money to buy food. Besides, he stated that inflation is currently at its peak.

He said: “Nigeria is completely destroyed. People can’t eat. People can’t buy food. There’s no money to buy food. Everything is gone. Inflation is at its peak. And the federal government is busy going around trying to hijack the election. INEC is helping them to hijack the election.

“What must happen here is that we must start not just a party, but a movement. It must be a movement that brings in Nigerians to, on their own, take over the government, not us,” Amaechi argued.

Stressing that he tendered his resignation from the APC on Tuesday night, Amaechi stated that he has warned the party never to extend any invitation to attend any meeting to him, accusing the party of being a club of thieves.

He argued that any government that does not take into consideration the welfare of the people is doomed, quoting President Tinubu as previously saying he’s not “here to make Nigerians happy.”

Amaechi stated that Nigeria is in a state of total collapse and urgently needs a complete overhaul.

Malami Dumps Ruling Party, Joins ADC Former Attorney General of the

federation and Minister for Justice, Abubakar Malami, has announced his resignation from the ruling APC and joined the ADC. In a letter dated July 2, 2025, Malami who served President Muhammadu Buhari for eight years said the economy was in shambles with too much insecurity in the country, adding that Nigeria was bleeding.

Malami, a member of Buhari’s Congress of Progressive Change (CPC), in his letter of resignation addressed to chairman of his ward in Kebbi State, said, “After wide consultations and deep personal reflection, I hereby announce my resignation from the All Progressives Congress (APC) and my decision to align with the African Democratic Congress (ADC), the party of choice for our coalition — a coalition driven by the urgent need to rescue our country from further decline. ‘’This is not a decision made out of anger or ambition, but one inspired by love for our nation and concern for the hardship our people are facing daily. ‘’Nigeria is bleeding. Insecurity has taken over our homes, especially in the North. Banditry, kidnappings, and terrorism have become part of our lives while the government prioritises politics over the safety of its citizens. ‘’Our economy is in shambles. Prices of basic food items have tripled. The poor can no longer feed their families.

Jobs are disappearing. Young people are hopeless. Instead of focusing on real solutions, the government is consumed by propaganda and political distractions. ‘’Governance has been abandoned.

Appointments, projects, and policies are now guided by political loyalty and not national interest. I cannot remain part of a system that watches in silence as Nigerians suffer and die.

“This is why I am joining the ADC — a platform built on the values of justice, inclusion, competence, and national renewal. I believe that through this coalition and with the support of Nigerians, we can chart a new course for our beloved country. ‘’To the people of Kebbi State, I remain your son and servant. I will never abandon you. This move is to amplify your voice, protect your interests, and restore hope to our future. ‘’To every Nigerian, I urge you to

join this movement. Let us rise above fear and reclaim our nation. Nigeria belongs to all of us,’’ Malami stated

Faction Rejects Aregbesola, Alleges Hijack Some ADC stakeholders have denounced Tuesday’s appointment of former Osun State governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, as the party’s Interim National Secretary.

The aggrieved members of the ADC adopted by the coalition, described the process that produced the former minister of interior as an imposition devoid of legitimacy and purely undemocratic.

In a hard-hitting press statement released on Wednesday in Abuja, under the banner of “Concerned Stakeholders of the ADC,” the party’s youth and women leaders, ward coordinators, and state executives categorically rejected Aregbesola’s appointment.

The statement signed by Dr. Musa Isa Matara IQAM, National Publicity Secretary of what he termed the “Original ADC,” accused a faction within the party of attempting to hijack its structures for personal and elite political gain.

At the heart of the protest is the claim that Aregbesola’s emergence as interim secretary was not sanctioned by any legally recognised organ of the party.

“Who appointed Aregbesola?

Which organ of the ADC ratified this appointment? Was the National Executive Committee (NEC) involved? Were state chairmen, youth leaders, and elected national officers consulted?” the statement queried.

According to the stakeholders, the answer to all those questions was a resounding no. Consequently, they asserted that the appointment was “null and void.”

Kachikwu Dismisses Mark’s Appointment The 2023 presidential candidate of the ADC, Mr. Dumebi Kachikwu, has rejected the appointment of Mark as the interim national chairman.

Kachikwu, who stated this while addressing journalists in Abuja, dismissed the appointment of Mark as “illegitimate, unlawful and politically

motivated.”

He described the move as an attempt to hijack the party’s structure by what he termed “geriatrics and yesterday’s men,” whom he accused of treating political parties as tradable commodities.

“Can you build something on nothing? Can you shave a man’s hair in his absence? Can you enter a man’s house through the back door and declare yourself the landlord?”

Kachikwu asked, while rejecting the legitimacy of the purported leadership change.

According to Kachikwu, the group behind Mark’s appointment colluded with the party’s former National Chairman, Chief Ralph Nwosu, whose tenure, he insisted, expired on August 21, 2022.

He further noted that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had verbally acknowledged the expiration of Nwosu’s tenure but had refused to officially respond to letters requesting approval for a special national convention to elect new leadership.

Keyamo: Coalition’s Adoption of ADC Flawed in Law The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has warned that the opposition coalition’s adoption of the ADC was flawed in law and has therefore strengthened the standing of the ruling APC. In a relatively long statement, Keyamo wrote: “What happened earlier today (yesterday) with the movement of the so-called ‘coalition’ into the ADC is the greatest factor that has strengthened the APC ahead of the 2027 elections. Let me explain.

“By law, you cannot operate from, or belong to, two or multiple political parties, so it is safe to say that their open declaration for ADC today is a clear abandonment of their previous parties. In fact, belonging to two political parties is a ground for disqualification in an election.

“Therefore, the emergence of ADC as presently constituted marks the formal dismemberment of the PDP, hitherto Nigeria’s strongest opposition Party. Majority of the old guard in the PDP (who have apparently lost control of the Party) have been pushed out

of the party by the Younger Turks within the PDP. “That is why the gathering today was a conglomerate of ‘former this’ and ‘former that’ of the PDP. No matter how you look at it, this is just Atiku’s faction of PDP in desperate search for the 2027 Presidential ticket – nothing more, nothing less.

“The other addition to the so-called ‘coalition’ is a sprinkling of APC members who actually worked against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the last election and one or two APC leaders who lost their constituencies to opposition parties in 2023.

“Their movement therefore takes nothing away from the APC. It is actually better for the APC because it is just a case of totally extracting the germ that was eating the cola nut from within.

“The person who the old, cunning guards want to take for a ride in all of this is Peter Obi. They want his votes, but don’t want to give him their Presidential ticket, because this is Atiku’s show simpliciter. That is why David Mark is the interim Chairman.

“Those who know politics know what I am saying. But if you do not give Peter Obi the Presidential ticket, you lose his supporters. It is as simple as that. And how can you make someone who won two regions in the last election (South-East and South-South) a running mate to the person who won only one region (North-East)?

“Therefore, when the dust settles, you will discover that PDP and the Labour Party have lost something, the ADC have only gained something like a caricature, but the APC has lost absolutely nothing.

“What this all means is that since the 2023 elections, the APC has become stronger, whilst the opposition parties have been fragmented and have become weaker.

“Those who have defected to the APC since 2023 (the Governors, Senators, Honourable members, etc) put side-by-side with a small handful who have left the APC, who would you rather have in your ranks? That is where lies the key to the whole analyses.

“For now, let us face governance and allow them exercise their constitutional right to associate and assemble.”

30

THURSDAY, ͻ˜ ͺ͸ͺͽ ˾ THISDAY

NEWS

INAUGURATION OF THE NIMASA GOVERNING BOARD...

L-R: Director-General, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, (NIMASA), Dr. Dayo Mobereola; Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy (FMMBE), Olufemi Oloruntola; Minister, FMMBE, Adegboyega Oyetola; Board Chairman , NIMASA,Yusuf Abubakar; Babatunde Bombata, Arc Yunusa Yakubu with other board members, during the inauguration of the NIMASA Governing Board in Abuja ... yesterday.

Constitution Amendment: Kalu Releases Summary of 86 Bills, Seeks Public’s Input Juliet Akoje in Abuja The House of Representatives Committee on Constitution Review, yesterday, unveiled a collection of 86 bills currently being considered for constitutional amendment.

The initiative, led by the Deputy Speaker, Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, who chaired the committee, was widely regarded by stakeholders as a major step forward in Nigeria’s

constitutional reform efforts.

The bills were organised into 13 major thematic areas: Electoral Reforms, Judicial Reforms, Legislature, Inclusive Governance, Security and Policing, Devolution of Powers, and Institutional Strengthening.

Other focus areas included Traditional Institutions, Fiscal Reforms, Citizenship and Indigeneship, Fundamental Human Rights, Local Government Reforms, and

the Creation of States and Local Governments.

During a press briefing held in Abuja alongside committee members, Kalu explained that the document presented a clear outline of each proposed amendment, complete with explanatory notes, long titles, and detailed descriptions to guide understanding.

He emphasised that the effort was designed to encourage public

engagement and input on the legislative changes, noting that the feedback received from Nigerians will play a critical role in shaping the House’s decisions when the bills come up for debate and voting.

Kalu further announced that zonal public hearings would be held nationwide, providing opportunities for citizens and stakeholders to closely examine the bills, ask questions, and share

IMF: FG NEEDS TO REWORK 2025 BUDGET TO ACCOMMODATE LOWER OIL PRICES plan in February based on an oil price of $75 per barrel and output of 2.06 million barrels per day. Prices had since fallen below $70 and crude production had averaged about 1.5 million barrels a day.

IMF, in its report, recommended Nigeria should adopt a “neutral fiscal stance” to safeguard economic stability that cut spending and focused investment on projects that made the biggest contributions to growth and employment.

However, IMF’s mission chief for Nigeria said the finance minister was working to trim spending and boost revenue and if those measures succeeded, the country “will get back to a place where the deficit is roughly the same percentage as last year”.

IMF commended the bold economic reforms undertaken by Nigeria over the past two years, crediting them with helping to stabilise the macroeconomic environment and rebuilding investor confidence.

But it warned that persistent structural challenges from poor electricity supply and insecurity, to limited credit access, continued to weigh on the country’s long-term growth prospects.

The fund also commended the authorities for ending CBN’s monetary financing of fiscal deficits, a tight monetary stance, and improving foreign exchange market operations.

IMF stated, “The Nigerian authorities have implemented major reforms over the past two years, which have improved macroeconomic stability and enhanced resilience.

“The authorities have removed costly fuel subsidies, stopped monetary financing of the fiscal deficit and improved the functioning of the foreign exchange market.

“Investor confidence has strengthened, helping Nigeria successfully tap the Eurobond market and leading to a resumption of portfolio inflows. At the same time, poverty and food insecurity have risen, and the government is now focused on raising growth.”

It added, “Agriculture remained subdued, owing to security challenges and sliding productivity. Real GDP is expected to expand by 3.4

per cent in 2025, supported by the new domestic refinery, higher oil production and robust services.

“Against a complex and uncertain external environment, medium-term growth is projected to hover around 3.5 per cent, supported by domestic reform gains.

“Gross and net international reserves increased in 2024, with a strong current account surplus and improved portfolio inflows.

Reforms to the fx market and foreign exchange interventions have brought stability to the naira.”

To lift Nigeria’s growth trajectory, IMF urged decisive action on multiple fronts tackling insecurity, removing bureaucratic bottlenecks, and closing infrastructure gaps, particularly in power supply. It also stressed the urgency of unlocking private credit to support economic expansion and job creation.

On the monetary side, it endorsed CBN’s tight monetary policy and urged it to be sustained until inflation eased further.

Reacting to the IMF report after the Article 1V Consultation, Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, expressed appreciation for the fund’s recognition of the federal government’s ongoing reform efforts and the tangible progress achieved over the past two years.

In a statement issued by Director, Information and Public Relations in the Ministry of Finance, Mohammed Manga, the minister said the reforms had contributed to notable improvements in Nigeria’s fiscal and external positions, bolstering investor confidence and strengthening the resilience of the economy.

He welcomed the release of the IMF findings on Nigeria, following the conclusion of the Article IV Consultation in April 2025.

Edun also welcomed “the fund’s acknowledgement of advancements in the agricultural sector, particularly increased food production, which has contributed to moderating inflation”.

He added, “As of May 2025, headline inflation eased to 22.9 per cent, while food inflation declined to 21.4 per cent – both improvements from the higher levels recorded during the IMF mission.”

Edun underlined IMF’s positive outlook, which affirmed that Nigeria’s economic reforms had positioned the country to better withstand external shocks.

In response to the downside risks highlighted in the IMF report, particularly uncertainties in the global economy, the minister reaffirmed the government’s proactive stance.

He emphasised that the implementation of the 2025 budget was being carried out with a focus on safeguarding reform gains and ensuring economic stability.

The statement said, “The government continues to monitor developments in the international oil market and global trade environment and is taking responsive measures to mitigate potential risks, while maintaining momentum toward inclusive growth.”

Similarly, the senate yesterday commended CBN for the progress in Nigeria’s financial and monetary sectors over the past six months.

The red chamber, through its Committee on Banking, Insurance, and Other Financial Institutions, gave the commendation during a statutory engagement with CBN Governor, Mr. Yemi Cardoso, in Abuja.

The committee is chaired by Senator Adetokunbo Abiru (APC, Lagos East).

In his opening remarks, Abiru emphasised the importance of such engagements, stating that CBN plays a critical role in maintaining macroeconomic stability and fostering a sound financial system.

He said the session was vital for enhancing transparency, ensuring adherence to statutory mandates, and improving policy communication.

According to Abiru, key economic indicators have shown noticeable improvement since the committee’s last meeting with CBN in December 2024.

He stated, “Since our last engagement, we have observed encouraging trends, including a moderation in the inflation rate, which declined to 22.97 per cent in May 2025, from 23.71 per cent in April. We’ve also seen a gradual increase in external reserves and relative stability in the exchange rate, with a notable convergence between official and

parallel market rates.”

Abiru attributed the positive trend to CBN’s reform measures, including the introduction of FX Matching System and FX Code, which had improved transparency and discipline in the foreign exchange market.

The committee also lauded the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) of the CBN for maintaining the Monetary Policy Rate at 27.5 per cent during its February and May 2025 meetings. Abiru stated that this marked a shift from the aggressive rate hikes of 2024 and signalled a more measured approach to balancing inflation control and economic growth.

The senate committee further commended CBN’s regulatory flexibility in granting limited forbearance to Deposit Money Banks amid the ongoing recapitalisation exercise.

According to Abiru, the policy reflects a pragmatic approach to easing transitional challenges for banks without exposing the system to undue risk.

He also praised the renewal of the bilateral currency swap agreement between Nigeria and China.

Abiru said the agreement strengthened local currency trade settlements and supported efforts to diversify Nigeria’s external reserves away from overreliance on the U.S. dollar.

Other notable initiatives acknowledged by the committee included the launch of Non-Resident Bank Verification Number (NRBVN) framework.

The senator said the move enhanced Know-Your-Customer (KYC) protocols and improved access to banking for Nigerians abroad, while promoting financial system integrity.

However, Abiru stated that some areas still required attention and would be discussed during an executive session with the CBN governor.

Earlier, Cardoso outlined key achievements of the bank over the period, linking them to the broader national goal of achieving a $1 trillion GDP by 2030.

He emphasised the importance of the ongoing banking sector recapitalisation, describing it as a strategic move to strengthen the financial system and drive economic growth.

meaningful feedback.

“The 86 Constitution Review Bills currently before the House have been compiled into a summarised compendium that includes explanatory memoranda, bill titles, and a thorough explanation of each proposal for public review and input.

“These bills, all sponsored by House members, are intended to address a wide array of devel-

opmental and governance issues affecting Nigeria,” he said.

Kalu, however, outlined the goals of the compendium: to serve as a resource for the public and stakeholders during the regional hearings; to enable citizens to better understand, question, and analyze the proposed reforms; and to promote dialogue that can offer lawmakers valuable perspectives on citizens’ expectations.

I’m Busy with Abia’s Work to Think About Defection, Coalition, Otti Tells Curious Folks Insists he’s yet to borrow after 2 years in office Emmanuel Ugwu-Nwogo in Umuahia Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has said he he was too busy with Abia’s work to start considering either defection or coalition being formed by opposition parties.

Otti, according to a press release from his office, bared his mind Tuesday night during a dinner he hosted for members of the Abia State Global Economic Advisory Council to commence the 2025 mid-year retreat for the appointees of the government.

He acknowledged that speculations had been swirling around his next political move because of the political developments ahead the 2027 general election.

But, according to him, he has been engrossed working for Abia, and that his name had neither featured in any coalition talks nor had he attended meetings on such political marriage.

“We are just busy doing the work that Abia people have given us. So,

we are not attending any coalition meeting, I have not attended any one and nobody has invited me,” he said.

He also dismissed speculations about dumping the Labour Party for APC, saying, “I am happy where I am.”

Otti, said there was no denying the fact that “we had issues” in the party (but) then “if you don’t have issues, you are dead”, adding that, “you don’t run away from a problem and pretend to have solved it.

“When we had our problems, we fought all the way to the Supreme Court and retrieved our party at the Supreme Court. I believe that a few issues that remain would be resolved very soon because the Supreme Court judgment was very, very clear,” he said.

On the issue of borrowing to fund his completed and ongoing projects, Otti, insisted that he has not taken any loan anywhere in the last two years.

Plateau Speaker, Dewan, Resigns, Nanloong in Seriki Adinoyi in Jos The 24 members of the Plateau State House of Assembly in an emergency sitting at the temporary assembly complex at old Government House has elected former Majority Leader in the 9th Assembly, Daniel Nanloong as the new Speaker This followed the resignation of Hon. Gabriel Dewan as the Speaker.

Nanloong, the member for Mikang State Constituency was unanimously elected by his colleagues to lead them.

The emergency plenary session was presided over by Deputy Speaker

of the House, Hon. Gwotta Ajang, who facilitated the transition process.

Member representing Langtang north Central, Nanbol Lipstick moved the motion for the nomination of Nanloong and was seconded by the member representative Mangu North East, Abdul Yanga The former Speaker Dewan, is a member elected on the platform of the Young Progressives Party (YPP) and he’s the only legislator from his party in the Assembly. His resignation is seen as part of a broader effort to stabilise the political climate in Plateau.

31

THISDAY ˾ THURSDAY, JULY 3, 2025

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Group Sports Editor: Duro Ikhazuagbe Email: duro.ikhazuagbe@thisdaylive.com

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Okowa Restates AFN’s Resolve to Stamp out Use of Dope in Nigeria’s Track & Field Duro Ikhazuagbe The Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) has restated its resolve to join forces with relevant stakeholders to stamp out the use of dope by the country’s athletes.

This was the federation’s stance in the wake of media reports yesterday of the banning of budding quarter miler, Imaobong Nse Uko, for two years by the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) for missing three whereabouts tests within 12-calendar year.

Uko is one of the 19 banned athletes included in AIU’s updated list for the month of June released on Tuesday. The list is dominated

by Kenyans and Indian athletes with the East Africans leading with seven cases.

Brazil’s Daniel do Nascimento has the highest years of suspension from the track. The South American was banned for five years.

Speaking on the development, President of the AFN, Chief Tonobok Okowa, insisted that the federation

under his watch will not tolerate any athlete taking substances to enhance his or her performance on the track and field.

“There is no room for cheats and athletes who are not willing to follow the rules in the Federation,” began Okowa who recently secured another term of four years as AFN President.

He recalled that before the last Olympic Games in Paris, “AFN funded 60 per cent of the drug tests carried out on our athletes.

This goes to show how serious on

dope matters in this Federation,” Okowa stressed yesterday.

The AFN president insisted further that the advocacy for zero-tolerance for dope in track and field will continue at all competitions organised by the federation.

“At all major competitions on the home front we carry out our drug advocacy campaign to the athletes, coaches and technical officials involved in the business.

The last of such seminars took p place during the just concluded oncluded National

Sports Festival (NSF), tagged Gateway Games 2024 in Abeokuta, Ogun State,” Okowa recalled.

While regretting the ban slammed on Imaobong Uko, the AFN President the federation will continue to communicate anti-doping rules to athletes through its Dope Department headed

by Professor Ken Anugweje.

Imaobong Uko is the 10th Nigerian athlete serving AIU ban for dope infraction.

Former shot p put record holder, Viv-

ian Chukwuemeka and Henry Azike top the list with life bans followed

by Blessing Okagbare who is serving 10 years suspension. Glory Okon, Stephen Eloji, Ada Princes Bright and Yinka Ajaiyi are all serving four years each for similar dope infractions.

In the list of 19 athletes banned in the updated June list, apart from Kenya with seven athletes, India followed next with six athletes while France had two with Turkey and New Zealand one each.

Transfer News: Ola Aina on AC Milan’s Radar AC Milan have turned attention to f Nigerian defender, Ola Aina, as the Italian Serie A giants continue hunting for a new right-back this summer, reports Soccernet.ng.

The Italian side are looking to strengthen their defensive options ahead of the new Serie A season.

Strasbourg’s Guela Doué and Porto’s Martim Fernandes have been AC Milan’s long-standing targets.

However, getting a deal done could be tricky as both players come with hefty price tags — €20 million for Doué and €60 million for Fernandes.

That has prompted Milan’s recruitment team, led by Sporting Director, Igli Tare, to reconsider more affordable and experienced alternatives.

Aina, who previously played for Torino between 2018 and 2023, has emerged as a viable candidate, according to a report by Spazio Milan.

Currently at Nottingham Forest, the 27-year-old enjoyed a solid 2024/25 campaign in the Premier League, making 35 appearances, scoring twice, and providing an assist.

His form has reportedly caught

Imaobong Nse Uko...banned for two years by AIU for failing three whereabouts tests

Ola Aina...on AC Milan’s radar to fortify the right back role

Enyimba, Shooting Stars Ready for Eko International Cup Two elite teams in the Nigeria Premier Football League, Enyimba of Aba and Shooting Stars of Ibadan have declared their readiness for the forthcoming pre-season football tournament tagged Eko International Cup. A total of eight teams are billed to take part in the highly-anticipated pre-season football tournament which will also involve a couple

of teams from other parts of the African continent.

Media Officer of Enyimba, David Orji, said on Wednesday that the Aba Elephant are battle ready for the tournament billed to take place at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena in Lagos between July 6 and 13th.

Orji said: “The team resumed camp earlier than scheduled just to be ready for this pre-season tournament

because of the rich pedigree it entails.

“We accepted the invitation to be part of this because it will help in the overall preparation of the team for the new season.

“We have new players in our fold that the technical people will evaluate for the challenges ahead and the Eko International Cup is a good avenue to do that and even lots more,” stressed Orji.

Edo Deputy Gov Pledges Support for Grassroots Sports Devt Adibe Emenyonu in Benin City The Deputy Governor of Edo State, Dennis Idahosa, has pledged support for grassroots sports development by the administration of Monday Okpebholo.

He said the administration is interested in using sports as a tool to empower youths by developing and initiating sporting activities across the 18 local government areas of the state.

In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Friday Aghedo, the deputy governor stated this when he played host to Super Eagles Fenerbahçe star, Bright Osayi-Samuel in Benin on Wednesday.

While noting that sports, especially

football, have gone beyond mere competitiveness, but to a money spinning business for youths.

“This is why the government of Monday Okpebholo will prioritise sport development by investing massively and also attract the right investment in the sector.

“For us a government, this is not better way to curb youth restiveness, create employment opportunities and also improve on the impact on income of families.”

The deputy pledged the government commitment to support Osayi in his desirous of giving back to the society by organizing annual U-13 football tournament.

Earlier, the Super Eagles football

star, Bright Osayi-Samuel, called for increased investment in grassroots football development in Nigeria.

He said that while Nigeria has abundant football talents, a lack of opportunities and exposure continued to keep many future stars in the shadows. “I think it’s an opportunity.

There are a lot of very good footballers, but they’re not seen.

“Everyone has a story. We just need to listen and invest. My tournament is a platform to let these young boys showcase what they are good at,” he said.

Osayi-Samuel, who emphasised that initiatives like this must be scaled up, called on more stakeholders to invest in grassroots football.

For Tosin Omojola, the Media Officer of Shooting Stars of Ibadan, the story is the same.

“Our team is eager to get going with the Eko International Cup as our own curtain raiser for the new season. The players are working hard to make the first team of the coaches and the competition level is very intense in camp.

“We resumed two weeks ago and we have a friendly match billed for Thursday July 3rd as part of the preparations for the pre-season tourney in Lagos,” Omojola said.

Other NPFL teams expected to feature in the tournament are; Remo Stars and Ikorodu City.

Two more domestic teams will be unfolded by the organisers in the days ahead as two teams are expected to come from other parts of Africa.

They are FC Kallon of Sierra Leone and Accra Hearts of Oak, Ghana.

The Executive Director, Publicity and Strategy for the Local Organizing Committee of the EIC, Onome Obruthe, says the LOC for the event has been so busy with the logistics of hosting the teams from other parts of the continent “We are aware of the task ahead and we are excited about the responses from various quarters about the tournament. The countdown is on and we look forward to an exciting display in Lagos,” Obruthe concluded.

Milan’s attention, especially given his familiarity with Italian football and his contract situation.

While Aina joined Forest as a free agent two summers ago, the club recently exercised a one-year extension in his deal, keeping him at the City Ground until 2026.

Despite this, Forest might considers offers around €10 million, which is significantly less than the fees being demanded for Milan’s other targets.

Forest are said to be keen on extending Aina’s stay even further, hoping to secure him on a long-term contract after his strong performances helped them qualify for the UEFA Europa Conference League.

In contrast, Milan will not feature in any European competition next season following a disappointing domestic campaign.

Aina has featured 57 times in the league for Forest since his arrival and remains a key figure in the squad.

However, the allure of a return to Serie A and a club of Milan’s stature could test Forest’s resolve — especially if negotiations are swift and favourable.

Iwobi Lists Ronaldo, Messi as Ideal Footballers

Super Eagles and Fulham attacking midfielder, Alex Chuka Iwobi, has named attributes of two of the greatest footballers of all time, Ronaldo and Messi, in his ideal dream player.

The 29-year-old is now one of the experienced Nigerian players to have played in the English Premier League, racking up 291 appearances with Arsenal, Fulham and Everton.

Coming off the back of his most prolific season, Iwobi organised a charity event in London, enjoying his holiday time with fans on a football turf before he was quizzed about his ideal footballer.

For the right foot, the former

Everton midfielder opted for fivetime Ballon d’Or winner, Cristiano Ronaldo, claiming the numbers of the Portuguese legend speaks for itself.

The 40-year-old holds the record for most goals by a footballer, and is still going strong.

Iwobi’s left-foot pick for his ideal footballer was Lionel Messi, and again, the Nigerian mentioned the Argentine’s numbers speak for itself.

The Fulham man brought it home when quizzed about headers, opting for his fellow Cottager, Rodrigo Muniz, claiming the Brazilian’s header is like taking a shot with the feet.

Seplat, NNPC Partner Falcon Golf for 2025 International Pairs Seplat Energy and its joint venture partner, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), two of the biggest players in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector, have thrown their weight behind Falcon Golf Development Company (FGDC), organisers of the globally renowned International Pairs golf competition.

The 2025 edition is scheduled to take place from July 11 to 13 at the prestigious Ibom Hotel and Golf Resort in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State. Other sponsors for this year’s event include Pepsi, Suzuki by CFAO, RwandAir, and True Blue Energy, according to FGDCs Chief Executive Officer, Remi Olukoya.

Speaking with journalists yesterday, Olukoya confirmed that all necessary arrangements have been made to ensure a seamless and exciting tournament.

This year’s edition promises to be fun-filled, both on and off the course,

he said.

He further explained that the choice of Uyo as the host city was deliberate: The aim is to give participants a fresh and memorable experience. The 2025 International Pairs will be unlike any previous edition, with a unique blend of competitive golf and vibrant social activities.

Olukoya expressed deep appreciation to all sponsors for their continued support and collaboration with FGDC. He also revealed that the winners of the Nigeria National Finals will go on to represent the country at the World Finals, which will take place at the iconic Sun City Resort in South Africa, a luxurious destination renowned for its adventure offerings and world-class golf courses, including the legendary Gary Player Country Club and the family-friendly Lost City Golf Course in October 6-10, 2025.

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BITUMEN DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION BILL PASSES FOR 3RD READING...

L-R: Deputy Leader of the Senate, Senator Oyelola Ashiru; Chairman, Senate Committee on Agriculture Production Services and Rural Development, Senator Saliu Mustapha; Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau I. Jubrin; President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio; Leader of the Senate, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele; Chairman, Senate Committee on Appropriations, Senator Solomon Adeola and Chairman, Senate Committee on Public Procurement, Senator Olajide Ipinsangba after the passage of the Bitumen Development Commission Bill, 2025 to third reading at the Senate Chamber, National Assembly Complex, Abuja … yesterday.

OLUSEGUNADENIYI C.O. Adebayo: A Father, A Mentor W THE VERDICT

hen first published in April 1994, I dedicated the original edition of my book, ‘POLITRICKS: National Assembly under Military Dictatorship’ to the late Chief Cornelius Olatunji Adebayo “as a token of appreciation for all that he has done for me.” That edition included a letter he wrote me less than a year before, precisely on 29 June 1993, under what I titled ‘The Home Truth’.

There was a context to the published letter.

At that period, I was a Senior Staff Writer at the African Concord magazine (owned by the late Chief M.K.O Abiola) and living with him (Adebayo) at his rented three-bedroom apartment in Surulere, Lagos. This was a decade after his years as Senator and Governor in Kwara State, which tells a story of its own since he had no property outside Ilorin.

Because he expressed a strong displeasure with the slant of a features report I wrote that week, I was very remorseful in explaining that I didn’t see the issues the way he saw them. The report was about political developments in the country at the time.

The next morning, the late Adebayo gave me a hand-written letter as I was about leaving for the office. Before I get to the content, let me appreciate all those who have called or send messages since his passing. The family also appreciates the outpourings of genuine grief: From President Bola Tinubu’s personally signed tribute to the one by his friend and school ‘junior’, Professor Ibrahim Agboola Gambari (I always enjoyed watching the duo banter) and several others. But most people only knew C.O Adebayo, the politician, Afenifere/NADECO chieftain etc. They didn’t know the family man who mentored so many young men and women who are now successful in their own rights.

From the early eighties when I came under his wing, 23 AbdulRazaq Road, GRA, Ilorin (the street is named after the late AGF AbdulRazak, first Northern lawyer and father of the current governor) hosted so many people at different times. Cousins, nephews, nieces, and several others who had no blood ties.

People like me! But we were all treated with so much affection by Adebayo and his late wife (Elizabeth Funmilayo) both of whom never discriminated between us and their wonderful children: Bukunola, Diekolola (now of blessed memory) Mosunmola, Abimbola, Oloruntoyosi and Cornelius Oluwasegun). In my own case, I was taken like their son and that much can be glimpsed from the letter under reference.

Incidentally, last Sunday marked exactly 32 years that he wrote the letter now reproduced:

Dear Segun, I have come this far in life sticking my neck out for what I see as the truth within the light of the Lord’s guiding. I haven’t much to show for it materially, but you know too well that I am contented. A little compromise now and again would have made may be a tycoon out me but then what?

With the intellect God has blessed you with and your blossoming faith in the Lord, you need more purposeful guidance. Between light and darkness there is no fence. Same between truth and falsehood.

Perception of one or another is the problem of focus.

‘There is nothing either good or bad but thinking makes it so’. Yes, thinking. What kind of thought,

olusegun.adeniyi@thisdaylive.com

The late Cornelius Adebayo

what perspective? Moralising politics or politicising morals? Big question!

All the above because I must not deceive you. I should never do that! People have ruled nations at your age and without your exposure. But my concern is that your intellect be properly channelled. That your work and achievements should reflect your faith. That you should adopt a character, a stance, a principled attitude that you will be known for.

I think of ‘Aiyekoto’, I think of ‘John West’, I think of ‘Allah De’, I think of ‘Candido’. I do not want to think of (name withheld) who could have been as great as any of the above. I told him so in 1973, and I reminded him last month. He is a bundle of intellect. Wasted genius. He has no abiding principle and no controlling ideal(s) or faith. A successful failure!

I do not want you to be a fantastic farm labourer who applies himself maximally on other people’s farms for a fee when the same energy on his own farm would have made a model farmer out of him. We have seen only snatches of what you are capable of. Nothing much yet! Improve yourself professionally--even on the job. Decide what kind of journalist you want to be and be it. No one can get you there or stop you from getting there. You have all it takes in Christ.

My desire for you is that you should be the best you are capable of being. Professor Sam Aluko and (name

withheld) were two good friends, two economists who were associates of Papa Obafemi Awolowo.

Both had the courage to defer with the master, when necessary. But each has come to assume a definite image outside the Awolowo shadow. Aluko is his own man. He is, as far as I am concerned, not more brilliant than...but the latter is everyone’s servant. A different master every time.

Be yourself. The seeds of greatness are in you.

Let them flourish. The Lord will prosper you. He knows I love you. But you must match your growth with maturity.

One of the reasons I believe I should write a memoir at some point is to properly document the role the Adebayos played in my life. But that is not for today.

Considering that ‘June 12’ and its aftermath has been in the news lately; it may also be useful to share tit bits of what led to what could be considered the first wave of ‘Japa’ to Canada by Nigerians. In his book, ‘Running for Dear Life: My Work in Exile (A NADECO Representative’s Report by Chief C. O. Adebayo’, the deceased recounted the circumstances under which he fled the country.

Published by Moremi Foundations, Washington DC, United States in 2000, the foreword was written by former Foreign Affairs Minister, Professor Bolaji Akinyemi, another NADECO exile who said Adebayo’s story was similar to his own. “We have had real accounts, partial accounts, tales by the moonlight and fairy tales. People who would not have been caught dead with NADECO before the death of Abacha, now proclaim themselves secret operatives of NADECO,” Akinyemi wrote in the foreword dated 13 February 2000, before he added: “C.O. (officially Cornelius Olatunji but Commanding Officer, to his intimate friends) Adebayo’s book falls into the category of accurate history and it shows by its being heavily documented.”

Written as a diary of events, Adebayo’s posting on Thursday 20 June 1996 sums up why he had to flee Nigeria for exile: ...Keeping a low profile was not enough. If you were not with General Sani Abacha, you were against him. We called ourselves NADECO. National Democratic Coalition. His friends and agents called us ‘Agbako’. The cream of our leadership and many of our supporters had been arrested and detained. I had to go into hiding. When I spoke with Senator Abraham Adesanya on Monday, just before he led other leaders who were then with him to the Police,

I got sufficient hint that it was time to dive deeper down. They had been requested to report with a view to assisting the Police in the investigation of Alhaja Kudirat Abiola’s death. They ended up in detention.

I had experienced something of Abacha’s loving care before. I spent five months in detention without trial and was grateful to survive alive and with my sanity intact. I had declined a place in his government.

It did not occur to him that anyone would be dumb enough to do that. Then, he personally apologised for my ‘unauthorised’ detention. So why should it come to this? But my confidential source of security information is absolutely dependable.

The timely warning was validated by security men in a position to know... Concerning Senator Adesanya and our other leaders, The Guardian newspaper subtly reported on page 5 the day before I had to disappear on Wednesday June 19: ‘Four of the five invited were said to have left Adesanya’s office for the Adeniji-Adele annex of the FIIB at 1.00pm on Monday. The last person on the list, who Adesanya told his family friends could not be reached, was the former governor of Kwara State, Chief Cornelius Adebayo.’

I got the message. I could not be reached. I should not be reached. And I was determined that I would not be reached...

Before returning to Jos on Monday, one man I encountered at the residence of the deceased almost every day is the president of the Middle Belt Forum, Dr Bitrus Poga. The late Adebayo used to host meetings of the group in Abuja, and I have no doubts he would be proud that I am now part of the efforts to resolve the perennial violence that defines the Middle Belt region with my membership of the fact-finding panel on the killings in Plateau State. On Tuesday, we were at the much-dreaded Mahanga to meet with the Fulani Ardo and his men for a very revealing engagement but that is just an aside. My real joy stems from what happened exactly three weeks ago in Abuja, on June 12, when some of us were gathered around him in his bedroom for more than three hours. His eldest daughter, Mrs Bukunola Ajayi, was joined by Mrs Mosunmola Jegede, her husband, Stanley and sister-in-law, Mrs Mope Akinrinmade as well as Oloruntoyosi Thomas and Segun whose initial fear (expressed the day before) turned out to be misplaced. The memory of that afternoon will linger as we all remember Chief C.O. Adebayo--a great Nigerian patriot and beloved father.

Garba Shehu’s Meditation on Aso Rock

W

hen Mallam Garba Shehu handed me a copy of his book, ‘According to the President: Lessons from a Presidential Spokesman Experience’ three weeks ago, I could not help but reflect on the peculiar fraternity to which we both belong: That small circle of Nigerian journalists who have had the privilege and burden of speaking for power

at the highest level of government. Having served as spokesman to the late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, I understand the weight of crafting words that carry the authority of the Nigerian state, and the delicate dance between loyalty to a principal and fidelity to truth that defines our calling.

The substance of Shehu’s memoir (which will be publicly presented next Wednesday in Abuja) lies in his candid

exploration of the mechanics of presidential communication. His discussion of press statements, briefings, and the intricate choreography of government messaging provides readers with rare insights into how policy positions are translated into public discourse and the collaborative processes that shape presidential communications.

NOTE: Interested readers should see page 17

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