THURSDAY 5TH JUNE 2025

Zenith Wins Best Bank in Nigeria in Global Finance Awards 2025

WARRI CITY ROAD PROJECTS INAUGURATION...

L-R: Speaker, Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Guwor; Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN; Olu of Warri, HRM Ogiame Atuwatse III; Delta State Governor, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori ; Ovie of Okere-Urhobo, HRM Ogheneochuko Morris, Eyekpimi-Egbobonyene Owhotemu II; Ovie of Agbarha-Warri, HRM, Kingsley Orereh Igbi II, and the Deputy Governor, Sir Monday Onyeme, during the inauguration of multiple intra-city road projects in the metropolitan city of Warri…yesterday

Oando Secures $375m

Facility to Power Upstream Growth

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja and Kayode Tokede in Lagos

Oando Plc, one of Nigeria’s leading indigenous energy solutions companies with primary and secondary listings on the Nigerian and Johannesburg Stock Exchanges, yesterday, announced the successful upsizing of its Reserve Based Lending (RBL2) facility to $375 million.

This emerged yesterday, as the oil and gas company yesterday, announced a record 267 per cent increase in its profit after tax (PAT) for the financial year ended December 2024, on the back of its recent successful acquisition of the Nigerian Agip Oil Company (NAOC).

The facility refinancing secured by Oando, was led by the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) with the support of Mercuria, extends the final maturity date of the facility to January 30, 2029.

A reserve-based lending facility is a type of loan commonly used in the oil and gas industry, where the amount a company can borrow is determined primarily by the value of its proven oil and gas reserves.

In recent years, financing arrangements for the acquisition, development, and operation of oil and gas assets have commonly been

structured as RBLs.

A statement explained that under this model, the amount a borrower, in this instance Oando, could access was directly tied to the size and value of their proven reserves, with Oando’s standing at 1.0Bnboe —referred to as the Borrowing Base.

This upsizing was a result of the company’s significant progress in deleveraging, having substantially reduced the original $525 million RBL2 facility, signed in 2019, down to $100 million by the close of 2024.

This proactive debt management has paved the way for successful refinancing.

Speaking on this strategic achievement, Group Chief Executive, Oando, Mr. Wale Tinubu was quoted to have said: “We are pleased to have completed the upsizing of our RBL2 facility, a strategic milestone that reinforces our commitment as Operator of the Oando-NEPL JV to maximising the value of our expanded asset portfolio.

“Our Joint Venture holds extensive reserves with the potential to generate over $11 billion in net cashflows to Oando over the assets’ life. This working capital facility is a critical enabler towards efficiently extracting and monetising these resources.

“We appreciate the continued

partnership of Afreximbank and Mercuria, whose unwavering support underscores their alignment with our long- term focus on maximising production, optimising asset performance, and delivering sustainable value to all stakeholders.”

It stated that the newly secured capital injection would be strategically deployed to aggressively pursue key growth initiatives, including accelerated drilling campaigns, critical infrastructure upgrades across

its operations, and the implementation of advanced operational efficiencies throughout its portfolio.

These strategic investments directly support the company’s stated ambition to significantly increase its production levels to 100,000 barrels of oil per day (bopd) and 1.5 billion cubic feet (Bcf) of gas per day by the end of 2029.

This positive development followed Oando’s landmark $783 million acquisition of the Nigerian

Agip Oil Company (NAOC) from Italian energy giant, ENI, in August 2024. This transformative acquisition significantly expanded Oando’s operational landscape, incorporating twenty-four currently producing fields, approximately forty identified exploration prospects and leads, twelve key production stations, an extensive network of approximately 1,490 km of pipelines, three vital gas processing plants, the strategic Brass River Oil Terminal,

the significant Kwale-Okpai phases 1 & 2 power plants boasting a total nameplate capacity of 960MW, and a comprehensive suite of associated infrastructure.

This successful refinancing underscores the confidence of leading financial institutions in Oando’s strategic direction and its ability to capitalise on its expanded asset base to drive growth and value creation in the Nigerian energy sector and beyond.

How Union Bank Sold Performing Loans as Bad Debt to AMCON, Witness Tells Court in N76bn Fraud Trial

Wale Igbintade

The Special Offences Court in Ikeja, Lagos, yesterday heard startling revelations about how Union Bank allegedly sold performing loans as non-performing debts to the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON), in the ongoing criminal trial involving a former AMCON Managing Director, Mr. Ahmed Kuru, and four others over an alleged N76 billion fraud.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) arraigned the

NCS Suspends Planned Grounding of Private Jets over Import Duty Debts

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has suspended the grounding of about 60 foreign registered private jets operating in the country over alleged default on import duty payment and opted for dialogue.

Customs had earlier grounded the aircraft at the Lagos and Abuja airports. But barely 24 hours after it sealed off facilities housing these airplanes, the agency has given a go-ahead for the aircraft to resume operations.

A circular to the operators, dated June 4, 2025, signed by the Deputy Comptroller General (DCG) C.K Niagwan, on behalf of the Comptroller General of Customs (CGC), indicated that the “temporary unsealing” of the grounded aircraft received the

approval of the CGC to prepare for engagement between Customs and aircraft operators.

According to the NCS, the temporary unsealing of the aircraft was to allow the operators the chance to present all relevant documents regarding the affected aircraft and engage the service to discuss and agree on appropriate modalities for the settlement of outstanding duties and taxes.

The circular reiterated that the unsealing was solely for the purpose of facilitating compliance, adding that this did not constitute a waiver of any statutory obligations. Reacting to the development, the former Director General of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Capt. Musa Nuhu, commended Customs

for the unsealing of the aircraft fleet.

Nuhu told the media that grounding of the aircraft would discourage foreign investment, especially in the aviation industry.

He explained that President Bola Tinubu and the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, have been working diligently to bring development to the country in the last two years, insisting that such an action would make nonsense of their efforts.

According to him, insistence on the payment of import duty by the customs would amount to multiple payments by the operators. He emphasised that the operators already pay landing and overflight permits to respective government agencies in the Nigerian aviation industry.

defendants on a six-count charge bordering on conspiracy, stealing, and abuse of office.

The accused persons include Kuru; the former Receiver Manager of Arik Air Limited, Mr. Kamilu Omokide; Arik Air’s Chief Executive Officer, Captain Roy Ilegbodu; Union Bank of Nigeria Plc; and Super Bravo Limited.

All defendants pleaded not guilty, and Justice Mojisola Dada granted them bail in the sum of N20 million each, with one surety in the like sum.

During yesterday’s proceedings, the third prosecution witness, Mr. Abas Jega, a former Executive Director of Credit at AMCON, testified before Justice Dada.

He disclosed that a meeting between AMCON and Union Bank executives in London exposed that what Union

Bank had transferred to AMCON as a non-performing loan was a performing facility guaranteed by foreign lenders.

“When we took over the loan from Union Bank, we discovered it was not non-performing as claimed. The nature of the facility had changed, and Arik was not amenable to working with us, which complicated AMCON’s relationship with the airline,” Jega said.

He added that upon returning to Nigeria, AMCON demanded that Union Bank refund the payment made for the guarantee on Arik’s behalf.

“It was AMCON that made the payment to the foreign lenders. We told Union Bank to return the money because the facility did not meet the conditions of a non-performing loan.”

He added: “I can recall vividly that the Chairman of Arik avoided communication because he believed he should not be answerable, having a non-performing loan with us.” He emphasised that AMCON did not inject new funds into Arik to solve its operational challenges.

“The loans we recovered were different from the ones we created internally. The money collected back from Union Bank as a guarantee was kept in AMCON’s purse for another purpose,” he added.

Providing context on the aviation sector, Jega explained: “Airlines typically do not take loans to buy aircraft; instead, they arrange financial backing from banks. That’s what Arik did.”

Jega also testified that the Chairman of Arik Air became evasive and failed to follow instructions, likely due to the status of the loan.

NEMA DG Receives World Bank Delegation on Strengthening Emergency Preparedness

The Director General of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Mrs. Zubaida Umar, Wednesday received a delegation from the World Bank, led by Mr. Francis Samson Nkoka, Senior Disaster Risk Management Specialist, at the Agency’s headquarters in Abuja. The visit was in furtherance to existing partnership between NEMA and the World Bank, aimed at enhancing disaster risk management mechanisms,

particularly at the sub-national levels across Nigeria. During the meeting, Mr. Nkoka highlighted the World Bank’s interest in deepening collaboration with NEMA to support the implementation of strategies that strengthen emergency preparedness and response capacities at the state and local government levels. He emphasized that the initiative was also aimed at reinforcing institutional frameworks and improving operational readiness across all tiers of government.

In her remarks, the Director General of NEMA, Mrs. Zubaida Umar, expressed appreciation for the World Bank’s sustained support. She reaffirmed the Agency’s commitment to a robust partnership that fosters timely and effective disaster risk management nationwide. The visit underscores the critical role of stakeholder collaboration in advancing Nigeria’s resilience to disasters and improving emergency response systems across the country.

Chinedu Eze

TUNDE BAKARE VISITS TINUBU...

Fitch: CBN Reforms to Power $4bn Boom in Nigeria’s Islamic Finance Market Downgrades

Nume Ekeghe

Fitch Ratings has projected significant growth in Nigeria’s Islamic finance sector from the second half of 2025 through 2026, citing fresh regulatory reforms and liquidity support measures introduced by the Central Bank of

Afreximbank to ‘BBB-‘

Nigeria (CBN).

Also, the global rating agency downgraded the long-term issuer default rating of the African ExportImport Bank (Afreximbank) to ‘BBB-’ from ‘BBB’, assigning a negative outlook that signals heightened credit concerns around the bank’s sovereign loan

exposure and internal risk governance.

The bank’s short-term rating was also lowered to ‘F3’ from ‘F2’.

Furthermore, the global credit rating agency estimated the Islamic finance industry’s size at $4 billion as of May 2025, with potential for further expansion.

The anticipated boom was anchored on renewed sovereign sukuk issuances and the rapid rise in Islamic banking assets, following the CBN’s rollout of new liquidity management tools tailored for non-interest financial institutions. These instruments included a master repurchase agreement,

Abiodun’s Vision for Innovation, Infrastructure Has Attracted Digital Park to Ogun, Says FG

The federal government yesterday, said the vision of the Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun for the state as a destination for not just heritage tourism, but innovation and enterprise, is one that deeply aligned that at the federal level.

The Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, stated this yesterday, at the inauguration of the Digital Innovation Park of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), in Abeokuta, Ogun State capital.

Highlighting other reasons for choosing Abeokuta, Ogun State for the project, Tijani said the vision of Abiodun and in various sectors, had been attracting several good things to the state including the park. The inaugurated project, was the

first of the four Digital Innovation Industrial Parks, being executed by the NCC with other three in Kano, Borno and Enugu states.

Tijani said the digital park was vital part of Tinubu’s agenda, which places digital innovation, youth empowerment, and inclusive economic growth at the heart of Nigeria’s journey to a $1 trillion economy.

He said, “In our Ministry’s Strategic Blueprint, we’ve set out to make Nigeria a global leader in digital infrastructure, talent development, and innovation.

“We are building the foundations—fiber optics, AI frameworks, tech talent pipelines, and smart regulation—not just for Lagos or Abuja, but for every part of our country. Because shared prosperity must be built on shared access to opportunity.”

He noted that the park symbolises access, opportunity and a brighter future for the state and Nigeria at large.

Highlighting reasons for citing the project in Abeokuta, the Minister said, the potential in the city was immense; including richness in history, culture, and resilience, growing network of academic institutions, eager minds waiting to be nurtured, strategic proximity to Lagos, as well as government investment in roads, tourism, infrastructure and digital futures.

“Your Excellency, your vision for Ogun State as a destination for not just heritage tourism, but innovation and enterprise, is one we deeply align with at the federal level.

“This is how states help power the national agenda—through practical, forward-looking investments like this.”

Court Restrains Parties over Disputed 4-Hectare Lekki Land

Wale Igbintade

Justice E.O. Ashade of the Lagos High Court has ordered all parties involved in a legal dispute over a four-hectare parcel of sand-filled land at Hampton Estate (also known as Lekki Island), Osapa, Eti-Osa Local Government Area of Lagos State, to refrain from selling or taking any action that could undermine the court’s authority, pending the hearing of the substantive suit.

The court also directed that the suit be returned to the Chief Judge of Lagos State for reassignment

and hearing.

Besides, Justice Ashade declared that the interim injunction granted on March 25, 2025, has been rendered ineffective.

The court held that the order was no longer valid because the parties have since complied with the Pre-action Protocol of the High Court of Lagos State, which formed the basis for the injunction.

The suit, filed by Capital Gardens Limited, concerns a four-hectare parcel of unreclaimed, submerged land within the approximately 40-hectare Hampton Island Estate

in Lekki, Lagos.

The disputed area is marked in Survey Plan No. FAI/3454/ A01/2024/LA, dated February 8, 2024, and signed by Registered Surveyor A.I. Fashina.

The claimant, Capital Gardens Limited, a real estate development firm, filed suit LD/9195GCM/2025 against Oretol Nigeria Limited and its Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Adewale, seeking various reliefs, including an order restraining the defendants from trespassing, marketing, or selling the disputed land.

Speaking on the importance of the park, Tijani said, it was a platform for youth empowerment—a place where skills meet opportunity, launchpad for innovation—where ideas become ventures, and ventures become industries, a catalyst for community transformation—especially for the adjoining neighborhoods, which can now evolve into one of Africa’s next great tech clusters.

He added that Abeokuta has everything it needs to compete—not just with Lagos, but with Kigali, Accra and Nairobi, stressing that “what we need now is to unlock and connect the dots.”

non-interest asset-backed securities, and non-interest notes designed to address a longstanding funding and investment gap for Islamic banks.

It stated: “Nigeria has notable potential for Islamic finance supported by having one of the largest Muslim populations globally and a significant unbanked population.

“Still, Islamic finance in the country is still expected to be significantly smaller than that of conventional financial institutions, with the industry facing key challenges, such as lack of awareness, strong opposition from segments of the public, limited product availability and distribution channels, still-developing regulatory framework and limited Islamic banks (non-interest banks).

“The size of Nigeria’s Islamic finance industry was estimated to be around $4 billion by end-May 2025. Sukuk outstanding is the largest segment of the Islamic finance industry at 53.9 per cent, followed by Islamic banking assets at 45.2 per cent, and the rest includes takaful and sharia-compliant funds.”

It stated that non-interest banks’ assets recorded a growth of 110 per cent year-on-year as of end-2024, driven by a significant increase from deposits and loans, each more than doubling in value.

A new non-interest bank, Summit Bank Limited, was established in 2024. Despite this substantial growth, the market share in the country’s total banking assets only increased to a still small 1.7 per cent at end-2024 from 1.1 per cent end-2023. With only five non-interest banks operating within the country, their market share was still expected to be about two per cent in the medium term. Jaiz Bank PLC (B-/ Stable) is Nigeria’s first fully fledged non-interest banking institution (NIB), representing 38 percent of NIB sector assets at end-2024.

It added: “Takaful in Nigeria continues to have less than one percent of total insurance industry assets as of end-2024. In April 2025, Fitch upgraded Nigeria’s rating to ‘B’ from ‘B-’, reflecting increased confidence in the government’s broad commitment to policy reforms initiated following the shift to orthodox economic policies in June 2023.” Meanwhile, Fitch Ratings has downgraded the long-term issuer default rating of Afreximbank to ‘BBB-’ from ‘BBB’, assigning a negative outlook that signals heightened credit concerns around the bank’s sovereign loan exposure and internal risk governance.The bank’s short-term rating was also lowered to ‘F3’ from ‘F2’.

Tinubu Approves 10 Projects for Commissioning in FCT

President Bola Tinubu has approved 10 projects to be commissioned by him in Abuja for his second anniversary in office, starting with the International Conference Centre (ICC) on June 10.

FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, disclosed this yesterday after inspection of some of the proposed projects. He said the president whittled down the projects from 17 to 10 for some reasons only known to him.

“The President has finally approved the commissioning of projects to start on the 10th of June, which is on Tuesday, after the Sallah holiday. And that will start with the International Conference

Center and as you can see, we are good to go.

“The next day, which is on the 11th, it is where we are now, the Gishiri area. We will commission this road from the interchange from Ring-road 1 going to Jahi, and the other side going to Maitama and Mabushi, so we are set to go,’ Wike said.

He added that of the 10 projects to be commissioned by the President, he will be represented by the vice president at three of the projects, while the Senate President, the Speaker House of Representatives will also commission two projects each on behalf of the President. The remaining will be commissioned by the FCT administration. He explained that the President

has also agreed to commission two projects in the satellite towns while the vice president and Senate President will also commission one apiece.

“For now, they are just doing finishing touches. I think when they called me on Sunday or Monday, the road had been cleaned. We are at the International Conference Centre, looking at where the people will sit and where the president will stay to be able to inaugurate the project.

“So, there is nothing really, other than to make sure that they know the things and that’s all,” Wike added, thanking the President for the opportunity to contribute to the vision of the Renewed Hope Agenda.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (right) receives his fierce critic, Pastor Tunde Bakare, in Lagos, yesterday

lawale Ajimotokan in Abuja

James Sowole in Abeokuta

ADVOCACY VISIT BY THE EXECUTIVES OF SOGON TO LAGOS COMMISSIONER...

L–R: Chief Medical Director, LASUTH, Prof. Adetokunbo Fabamwo; Former National President of SOGON, Prof. Rotimi Akinola; Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi; Chairman, SOGON Lagos Sector, Prof. Abidoye Gbadegesin; and Director, Family Health and Nutrition, Lagos State Ministry of Health, Dr. Folashade Oludara, during an advocacy visit by SOGON Lagos Sector to the Commissioner, yesterday

Tinubu Unveils 180mw Afam

II Power Plant in Rivers

Says Sahara Power Group, Crescendough’s plant will boost Nigeria’s power supply Ibas, Adelabu, Ekpo laud Sahara Power, other stakeholders for completing project in 16 months

President Bola Tinubu has inaugurated the completed 180-megawatt Afam II Power Plant in Rivers State, assuring that the plant will boost the country’s power supply.

The Sahara Power Group (SPG) in collaboration with Crescendough Nigeria Limited (CNL), inaugurated the project yesterday, reinforcing the critical role of private-sector collaboration in driving sustainable energy solutions in Nigeria.

Sahara Power Group, a subsidiary of global energy and infrastructure conglomerate, Sahara Group and Crescendough completed the project which was conceived, managed, and delivered in 16 months by predominantly Nigerian expertise.

Lauded by the Presidency and stakeholders at the event as an important addition to the national grid and the quest for promoting energy access, the plant is now fully operational and set to boost supply towards powering homes, businesses, industries, and economic growth.

Tinubu, in inaugurating the power plant via a virtual platform, Zoom, described the project as a, “key achievement emanating from the enterprising Nigerian spirit.”

The President said the completion of the power plant reinforces the capacity, “we have to overcome our challenges through collaboration, tenacity and renewed hope.”

He commended the Rivers State Government for envisioning and

enabling the project in pursuit of energy sustainability in Nigeria.

“I equally commend the private sector partners, Sahara Power Group, First Independent Power Limited, and Crescendough Nigeria Limited for their investments and expertise. You have transformed this great vision into reality. Nigeria salutes you,” he Tinubuadded.further noted that the 180MW added to the national grid would ignite and drive economic development.

“Let me emphasise that under my administration, achieving stable power remains an unwavering goal. We will continue to enforce policies that protect investments and prioritise ease of doing business,” the President stated.

The Group Managing Director, Sahara Power Group, Dr. Kola Adesina, explained that Sahara had, for almost three decades, been a foremost stakeholder in Africa’s energy and infrastructure landscape, leveraging the power of collaboration and cohesion of shared aspirations to deliver sustainable energyAdesinasolutions.stressed that the Afam II project will catalyse productivity in Nigeria, powering job creation, industrial growth, and sustainable development.

“This milestone for us is more than the 180MW of additional power; we are celebrating impact, transformed lives, and the privilege we have as an organisation to bring

energy to life responsibly,” he added.

Describing electricity as the backbone of modern economies, he added: “Nothing will give Sahara Group more pleasure than its continuing leadership of efforts geared towards uninterrupted and reliable power supply through long-term strategic investments, operational excellence, and collaboration with like-minded stakeholders.”

Adesina stated that Sahara Power is the largest power business in Nigeria, contributing over 20

percent of the power generated in Nigeria through Egbin Power and First Independent Power Limited.

“This translates to powering over 50 million homes, businesses, and industries, making a difference in spurring economic prosperity in the nation. However, this is only a fraction of our vision.

“Sahara has its sights on a Nigeria wholly transformed and globally competitive, enabled by the wings of sustainable power solutions,” he said.

FCT, Kogi, Niger,

Adesina said with ongoing expansion plans in Egbin Power, the largest private thermal plant in sub-Saharan Africa, innovative upgrades and transformation at Ikeja Electric, the largest power distribution company in Sub-Saharan Africa, tech-driven generation in First Independent Power Limited and planned investments in alternative and renewable energy solutions to support environmental sustainability, “Sahara Power is unwaveringly committed to lighting up Nigeria

and Africa responsibly and sustainably.”

Adesina extended gratitude to the Presidency and Federal Ministry of Power for policy leadership, the Rivers State Government for its pioneering role in the project, the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), and the Afam host communities for their unwavering support towards bringing the Afam II project to fruition.

Nasarawa Risk Total Blackout as Electricity Workers Set to Resume Strike

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

The franchise areas of the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC), including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Kogi, Niger and Nasarawa, may soon face a total blackout, as electricity workers under the National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE), have indicated interest to embark on a strike action without further notice.

The union in a statement signed by the Assistant General Secretary, Liaison, Opaluwa Simeon, recalled that NUEE had reached an agreement with AEDC on November 27, 2024 to suspend an industrial action

Petroleum Ministry Honours 25 Retirees, Calls for Workers’ Commitment

The Ministry of Petroleum Resources yesterday honoured 25 retiring officers as well as the 2025 ministerial award winners, calling on its workforce to renew their commitment to excellence in the discharge of their duties. In his opening remarks at the ceremony held at the NNPC Towers in Abuja, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Vitalis Obi, said the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) has redefined expectations across the oil and gas sector, placing a greater responsibility on the ministry to deliver results.

“The PIA has left us without a choice but to aim for excellence in achieving the lofty objectives for the oil and gas industry. The ministry of petroleum resources is strategically placed to

facilitate optimum productivity of the sector, and we cannot afford to fail the nation,” he said.

He praised the 2024 retirees for their “selfless contributions, creative ideas and effective representations,” which he said helped elevate the ministry’s standing among federal Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) and contributed to key reforms in the sector.

“No amount of material compensation will truly be adequate for the service you have rendered during the most productive years of your lives,” he said, urging them to take pride in leaving the service better than they met it.

In addition to the send-off , the ministry used the occasion to honour outstanding staff as part of the 2025 ministerial award ceremony. Obi

noted that the recognition aligns with broader public service reforms aimed at restoring the dignity of labour and reinforcing the value of ethical service delivery.

“I would like to specially congratulate the awardees for their hard work. With this gesture, you are expected to reciprocate by ensuring effective and efficient service delivery,” he said.

For her part, the Director of Human Resource Management, Mrs. Asmau Adaji, paid glowing tribute to the retirees, commending them for their dedication and teamwork which she said inspired a culture of excellence among younger officials.

“Our joy is that they retired successfully after completing their years of service and are all in good health to continue the good works in other fields of human endeavour,” Adaji said.

following a trade dispute declared over lingering labour issues in the company.

NUEE listed some of the issues as: Non-remittance of pension deduction for 16 months; non-implementation of the national minimum wage; non-promotion and the continuous stagnation of members of staff for over 10 years as well as non-confirmation of staff on acting appointment.

Besides, it stated its other grievances as: Non-regularisation and proper placement of appointments; refusal to convert ad-hoc staff to permanent status; complete collapse of health services owing to the non-payment of hospital bills and non-remittance of 10 months Pay As You Earn (PAYE).

Furthermore, the electricity union said that the refusal to complete the work on review of conditions of service; non-implementation of the

already completed work on career path and the undue board’s interference with the day-to-day running of the company as some of the issues.

It also mentioned the non-payment of union check off dues and other third-party deductions and nonpayment of 2024 productivity bonus.

“It is worthy of note to remind you that workers, within the last 90 days have raised the company’s collection by over 95 billion. This milestone was achieved through dedicated services without the provision of necessary working materials, business districts are no longer funded.

“It is also worthy of note that we have significantly lost a huge number of members to death owing to pressure and precarious work conditions.

“Consequent upon the above, you are hereby put on notice of our

readiness to resume the suspended action of the 27th November, 2024, and this shall commence anytime from the date of the receipt of this letter without an additional notice,” the NUEE stated.

According to the union, councils are by the letter directed and put on notice to commence full mobilisation across the AEDC franchise areas of Kogi, Nasarawa, Niger and FCT for an effective action. Meanwhile, the Senior Staff Association of Electricity And Allied Companies (SSAEAC) has given the AEDC a two-week strike ultimatum, following the management’s failure to offset all outstanding staff benefits as outlined in its letter of November 5th, 2024, seven months after, noting that it had no other option than to resume the suspended industrial action.

ARCO Gets NCAA Drone Pilots Training Permit, to Cut Capital Flight

Kasim Sumaina in Abuja

ARCO Worldwide Services Limited (AWS), one of Nigeria’s commercial drone operations pioneers, yesterday in Abuja obtained a Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA’s) certificate to run the ARCO Aviation Academy (AAA)

With this development, AAA became Nigeria’s first NCAA-certified Approved Aviation Organisation (AAO) dedicated solely to drone pilot training.

The Managing Director of AWS, Okosubide Mozimo, who received the

certificate from the Director-General of NCAA, Capt. Chris Najomo, said the milestone positions AWS at the forefront of capacity building in the unmanned aviation sector.

Mozimo added that with the establishment of AAA, AWS reinforces its commitment to advancing industry standards, safety, and innovation in Nigeria’s drone ecosystem.

He stated that the Academy would effectively address the capital flight associated with the training of Nigerian drone pilots in other countries of the world.

Speaking further, Mozimo

noted that this has been a vision since 2016. “We have logged over 9,500 Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) flight hours, particularly in monitoring oil and gas pipelines for theft and vandalism. Drones are already revolutionising sectors across the globe, and Nigeria must not be left behind,” Mozimo said. He maintained that with the official approval, Arco Aviation Academy became the first institution to receive the kind of certification in Nigeria, heralding a new era in local drone technology, innovation, and job creation.

Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

Trump, Musk on Collision Course as Billionaire Opposes Tax-cut Bill

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja Billionaire, Elon Musk, has weighed in on the congressional debate over President Donald Trump’s sweeping tax and spending bill, calling it a “disgusting abomination” that will increase the federal deficit.

Several fiscally conservative Republicans in the US Senate supported the views Musk expressed in social media posts, which could complicate the bill’s path to passage in that chamber.

“I’m sorry, but I just can’t stand it anymore,” Tesla and SpaceX CEO Musk wrote in a post on his social media platform X. “This massive, outrageous, pork-filled Congressional spending bill is a disgusting abomination,” he said. He added: “Shame on those who voted for it: you know you did wrong. You know it.”

Musk’s comments hit a nerve.

Republican deficit hawks have expressed concerns about the cost of the bill, which would extend the

2017 tax cuts that were Trump’s main legislative accomplishment, while boosting spending on the military and border security, a Reuters report said.

The House of Representatives passed it by one vote last month, after the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office said the measure would add $3.8 trillion to the federal government’s $36.2 trillion in debt.

The Senate, also controlled by Trump’s Republicans, aims to pass the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” in the next month, though senators are expected to revise the House version.

Republicans on the Senate Finance Committee, which oversees tax policy, were due to meet with Trump at the White House yesterday afternoon to discuss making the bill’s business-related tax breaks permanent, according to Senator Steve Daines, a panel member. Analysts have warned that such a move would greatly increase the measure’s cost.

Republican Senate Majority

Leader John Thune said he disagreed with Musk’s assessment about the cost of the bill and stood by the goal of passage by July 4.

“We have a job to do - the American people elected us to do. We have an agenda that everybody campaigned on, most

notably the president of the United States, and we’re going to deliver on that agenda,” the South Dakota lawmaker told reporters.

Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson also dismissed Musk’s complaints, telling reporters, “my friend Elon is terribly wrong.” Musk’s loud opposition to a bill

that Trump has urged Republicans to pass presents a test of his political influence a week after leaving his formal role in the administration as a special government employee with the Department of Government Efficiency came to an end. As DOGE chief, he upended several federal agencies but ultimately failed to deliver the massive savings he had sought.

The richest person in the world, Musk had spent nearly $300 million to back Trump’s presidential campaign and other Republicans in last year’s elections. But he has said he would cut his political spending substantially while returning to his role as Tesla CEO.

The White House dismissed the attack, just as Trump dismissed earlier Musk complaints about the legislation.

“Look, the president already knows where Elon Musk stood on this bill,” spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt said at a White House briefing. “It doesn’t change the

Zen ITH W I n S Be ST B A nk I n nI ger IA I n g lo BA l F I n A nce AWA r DS 2025

ing the top banks ranged from the quantitative objective to the informed subjective. Objective criteria considered included: growth in assets, profitability, geographic reach, strategic relationships, new business development and innovation in products. Subjective criteria included the opinions of equity analysts, credit rating analysts, banking consultants and others involved in the industry.

Commenting on the award, the Group Managing Director/ Chief Executive of Zenith Bank, Dr. Adaora Umeoji, OON, was quoted in a statement to have said: “We are thrilled to retain our position as the Best Bank in Nigeria for the fifth year since 2020. This achievement is a testament to our unwavering

commitment to delivering exceptional customer service, innovative financial solutions and dedication to serving our customers with efficiency and a strong focus on corporate governance.

“We will continue to invest in our people, technology and processes to ensure that we consistently maintain the highest level of service delivery.”

She lauded the contributions and efforts of the Bank’s key stakeholders – the Founder and Chairman, Jim Ovia, CFR, for his visionary leadership and role in laying the foundation for an enduring and successful institution, the Board for the consistent guidance they provide, the staff for their commitment and dedication, and the Bank’s customers for their unwavering loyalty and

support to the Zenith brand.

The Publisher and editorial director of Global Finance, Joseph D. Giarraputo, said: “Global banking continues to adapt and evolve, meeting challenges and capitalising on opportunities with resilience and innovation.

“AI has quickly taken a pivotal role in the transformation of banking, and its growth promises to reshape the financial sector at an unprecedented pace.”

He added that: “Global Finance’s Best Bank Awards honor financial institutions that excel in diversity of offerings, long-term stability, and technological innovation.”

Global Finance’s “Best Banks Awards” are recognised amongst

the world’s most influential banking/ finance and corporate professionals as the most coveted and credible awards in the banking industry, with winners chosen in 150 countries and territories across Africa, Asia Pacific, the Caribbean, Central America, Central & Eastern Europe, Latin America, the Middle East, North America and Western Europe.

Founded in 1987, Global Finance regularly selects the top performers among banks and other financial services providers, and the awards have become a trusted standard of excellence for the global financial community.

Zenith Bank’s track record of excellent performance has continued to earn the brand numerous awards

Anambra Guber: INEC Lifts Ban on Campaigns, Says 16 Parties to Participate

Akinwale

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has lifted the ban on political campaigns ahead of the Anambra State governorship election scheduled for Saturday November 8, 2025.

It also added that two parties nominated female candidates, while six parties nominated females as running mates.

INEC National Commissioner and Chairman, Information & Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun in a statement issued yesterday revealed that 16 out of the 19 registered parties would be participating in the forthcoming Anambra state governorship election.

He recalled that the Commission recently published the personal particulars of candidates that emerged from primaries conducted by political parties for the forthcoming the election.

Olumekun noted: “A total of 16 political parties uploaded the particulars of their candidates (Form EC9) by the deadline of 6.00pm on Monday 12th May 2025.

“In line with the provision of Section 33 of the Electoral Act 2022, political parties are empowered to replace their candidates who voluntarily withdraw from the race.

“Accordingly, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) conducted a fresh primary election to replace its candidate while four Political Parties replaced their Deputy Governorship candidates.

“They are Accord (A), African Action Congress (AAC), Labour Party (LP) and the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP).

‘The deadline for the withdrawal and substitution of candidates was Monday 2nd June 2025.Consequently, the Commission hereby publishes the final list of candidates that will contest in the 2025 Anambra State

Governorship election.

“Sixteen out of the 19 registered parties are participating in the election out of which the African Action Congress (AAC) and the National Rescue Movement (NRM) have nominated female candidates while six parties are fielding female running mates.

“They are Accord (A), All Progressives Congress (APC), Action Peoples Party (APP), Boot Party (BP), Labour Party (LP) and Zenith Labour Party (ZLP). No party has nominated a person with disability as a candidate. In terms of age, the candidates range between 36 and 71 years.”

Olumekun stressed that the full list of candidates by party, age, gender and academic qualifications has been uploaded to our website and social media platforms for public information.

He added that with this publication, no further withdrawal or replacement of candidates will be allowed except in the event of death of a candidate or running mate before Election Day as provided by Section 34(1) of the Electoral Act.

“In line with the provision of Section 94(1) of the Electoral Act 2022, political parties are now at liberty to start their electioneering campaigns in public from Wednesday 11th June 2025 and end at midnight on Thursday 6th November 2025,” he said.

Olumekun stressed that as enshrined in Sections 92 and 93 of the Electoral Act 2022, the Commission wishes to remind political parties, candidates and their supporters that it was unlawful to use abusive language, carry out physical attacks on opponents during rallies, processions and meetings or destroy their campaign materials.

The commission emphasised that all parties and candidates must be given unimpeded access to public

including being recognised as the Number One Bank in Nigeria by Tier-1 Capital for the fifteenth consecutive year in the 2024 Top 1000 World Banks Ranking, published by The Banker Magazine.

The bank was also awarded Bank of the Year (Nigeria) in The Banker’s Bank of the Year Awards for 2020, 2022 and 2024; Best Bank in Nigeria from 2020 to 2022 and in 2024, in the Global Finance World’s Best Banks Awards; Best Bank for Digital Solutions in Nigeria in the Euromoney Awards 2023; and was listed in the World Finance Top 100 Global Companies in 2023.

Further recognitions include Best Commercial Bank, Nigeria for four consecutive years from 2021 to 2024 in the World Finance Banking Awards and Most Sustainable Bank, Nigeria in the International Banker 2023 and 2024 Banking Awards.

Additionally, Zenith Bank has been acknowledged as the Best Corporate Governance Bank, Nigeria, in the World Finance Corporate Governance Awards for 2022, 2023 and 2024 and ‘Best in Corporate Governance’ Financial Services’ Africa for four consecutive years from 2020 to 2023 by the Ethical Boardroom.

president’s opinion. This is one big, beautiful bill, and he’s sticking to it,” Leavitt said. Senate Republicans were divided about the bill even before Musk’s missives. Deficit hawks are pushing for deeper spending cuts than the $1.6 trillion over a decade in the House version, while another coalition of rural-state Republicans are pushing to protect the Medicaid healthcare program for low-income Americans.

Republicans have a 53-47 seat majority in the Senate and can afford to lose support from no more than three members, if they expect to pass the legislation with a tie-breaking vote from Vice President JD Vance by a July 4 deadline.

Other Senate Republicans said lawmakers may have to look elsewhere to boost savings, including the possibility of leaving Trump’s much touted tax break proposals for tips, overtime pay and Social Security benefits for later legislation.

The bank’s commitment to excellence saw it being named the Most Valuable Banking Brand in Nigeria in the Banker Magazine Top 500 Banking Brands for 2020 and 2021, Bank of the Year 2023 and 2024 at the BusinessDay Banks and Other Financial Institutions (BAFI) Awards, and Retail Bank of the Year for three consecutive years from 2020 to 2022 and in 2024 at the BAFI Awards. The bank also received the accolades of Best Commercial Bank, Nigeria and Best Innovation in Retail Banking, Nigeria, in the International Banker 2022 Banking Awards. Zenith Bank was also named Most Responsible Organisation in Africa, Best Company in Transparency and Reporting and Best Company in Gender Equality and Women Empowerment at the SERAS CSR Awards Africa 2024; Bank of the Year 2024 by THISDAY Newspaper; Bank of the Year 2024 by New Telegraph Newspaper; and Best in MSME Trade Finance, 2023 by Nairametrics. The Bank’s Hybrid Offer was also adjudged ‘Rights Issue/ Public Offer of the Year’ at the Nairametrics Capital Market Choice Awards 2025.

NCC Moves to Develop Cybersecurity Regulatory Framework for Telecoms Sector

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), yesterday, in Lagos, organised a stakeholders’ forum to get industry input on its planned cybersecurity regulatory framework for telecoms sector that would promote trust and resilience in addressing the rising cases of cyber threats.

In his keynote address, the Executive Vice Chairman of NCC, Dr. Aminu Maida, gave an overview of the cyber threats and incidents like data breaches affecting the telecoms sector, and the need to address such rising threats through a regulatory framework.

Maida, who was represented by the Executive Commissioner, Technical Services at NCC, Abraham Oshadami, said, “Supported by the World Bank Group, today’s gathering marks a significant milestone in our collective journey to strengthen the cyber-security posture of Nigeria’s communications sector.

“Over the past two decades, Nigeria’s telecommunications industry has witnessed remarkable growth and conservation. From 2.5 million connected lines in 2001, the sector has grown to 172,948,309 active subscribers, of which 141,985,207 are active internet subscribers as of April 2025.

“This exponential growth under-

scores the sector’s role as a critical enabler for economic development, social innovation, and national transformation. As we continue to expand digital access and deliver connectivity to our commercial communities, we must also be proactive in securing the digital infrastructure and systems that support this purpose.”

According to Maida, while the need for cyber-security was growing, the increasing complexity of the digital ecosystem came with heightened vulnerability.

“Cyber-threats such as malware, ransomware, phishing, distributed denial of service (DDS) and insider threats are all evolving rapidly. The communications infrastructure, which forms the core of Nigeria’s critical national information infrastructure, remains the high-value target for cybercriminals and hostile partners,” he said.

He, therefore, said it was against this background that the NCC initiated the development of a comprehensive cyber-security framework for the communications sector.

Maida listed the primary objectives of the framework to include promoting a unified and resilient cyber-security protocol across the communications industry, enhancing the protection of telecom infrastructure from cyber-attacks, and securing consumer data, privacy, and trust in digital services, among others.

Chairman, Cybersecurity Framework Development Committee, Babagana Digima, gave insight into the development of the communication sector cybersecurity framework and its implementation, with a promise that the framework would be shared among industry stakeholders in few months time.

In a lead paper presentation on the overview of the proposed cybersecurity framework for the telecoms sector,

the CEO, Cybernova and Consultant to NCC, Dr. Kazeem Durodoye, said the cybersecurity framework, which would be developed for the telecoms operators with supervisory and compliance monitoring responsibilities by NCC would help to systematise information about the telecoms sector in a structured way, which could facilitate a better understanding of common challenges, needs, and priorities of the sector.

Cleric canvasses united Nigeria

Deji Elumoye in Abuja

President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday evening received in audience the Serving Overseer of the Citadel Global Community Church (CGCC),Pastor Tunde Bakare, at his Ikoyi, Lagos private residence.

Bakare, who spoke with reporters after the closed-door meeting with the President, called for stronger collaboration between the North and South to steer Nigeria in the right direction.

Bakare, who contested the APC

presidential ticket with President Tinubu in 2023 and had recently accused the President of “playing God” amid concerns over the executive’s grip on the legislature, described his latest meeting with the president as forward looking and rooted in his vision of a united Nigeria that works where citizens look out for one another and where progress is not left to chance. While he declined to disclose specific details, Bakare said his recommendations to the President were offered in good faith and left to his discretion.

Adedayo

in Abuja

facilities for media campaigns, outdoor advertising as well as public rallies and meetings.

For the avoidance of doubt,

Section 95(2) of the Electoral Act 2022 prohibits the use of incumbency to the advantage or disadvantage of any party or candidate,” Olumekun said.

Emma Okonji

COURTESY CALL ON MR. GOVERNOR...

L–R: Global Chief Executive Officer, Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS), Mr. Ben Farrell, receiving Eyo figurines from the Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, during a courtesy call at the Lagos House, Marina, yesterday

Shettima in Mokwa, Promises FG’ll

Rebuild Flood-ravaged Community

Announces govt donation of N2bn, 20 trucks of grains for residents

Deji Elumoye in Abuja and Laleye Dipo in Minna

Vice President Kashim Shettima yesterday, assured the people of Mokwa in Niger State that the federal government will stand by them in the aftermath of the devastating floods that recently swept through the community, leaving a trail of destruction.

He promised the affected residents immediate federal government intervention and a renewed commitment to sustainable disaster management policies nationwide.

Shettima, who represented President Bola Tinubu spoke during his visit to the flood-ravaged community, where the federal government donated N2 billion and 20 trucks of grains to the

affected community.

The Vice President arrived the community at about 12:30 pm where he was received by Deputy Governor of Niger State, Yakubu Garba; the Etsu Nupe and Chairman, Council of Traditional Rulers, HRH Yahaya Abubakar, and members of the Niger State Executive Council.

Shettima regretted that what happened in Mokwa was a sorrow that had touched every stretch of the nation.

According to him: “Mokwa has always stood as a vital crossroads in Nigeria’s geography and commerce. It is an agricultural hub and a cultural stronghold that connects the North and the South.

“This makes your pain a shared national burden. While this disaster

is devastating, it will not define you. We will rebuild. We will restore the vibrancy for which Mokwa is known,” he assured.

Addressing residents, the Vice President conveyed Tinubu’s direct commitment to immediate action, announcing that the President has ordered immediate intervention to provide succour to the affected community.

Shettina said on arrival in Abuja he would direct the immediate release of electricity transformers to replace the ones damaged in Mokwa town

He, however, told the people that all arms of government have roles to play in the governance of the state saying while the federal government plays its part, the state government

and the local governments should also play their parts.

He pleaded with the people to continue to live in peace with one another and be their brothers jeepers saying the intervention by the federal government was not to play politics

His words: “President Bola Tinubu, sends his heartfelt condolences and stands in solidarity with you during this trying time. He has directed immediate action to assess the damage and provide the necessary support to aid your recovery.

“We came to you today not just as your political representatives and leaders, but as fellow Nigerians deeply moved by the tragedy that has befallen your community. Our hearts ache for the lives lost, the homes destroyed, and

the livelihoods disrupted.”

Beyond immediate relief, Shettima outlined the government’s commitment to preventing future disasters, saying, “the federal government remains committed to addressing the ecological challenges that have contributed to this crisis.”

Calling for a united national response and stronger preventative measures, the Vice President said, “In times like these, we are reminded that a tragedy in one part of our nation is a sorrow shared by all. The preservation of life, whether threatened by natural calamities or human actions, is a responsibility we all share.”

He also demanded long-term commitment to environmental resilience and sustainable development, noting that,

Gov Adeleke: We Are Building Synergy Across South-west

Yinka Kolawole in Osogbo

Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State yesterday posited that the unveiling a Climate-smart Investment Portfolio in the State was about building regional synergy across the South-western States, stressing the need for them to collaborate, legislate and invest together.

Speaking in Osogbo at a two-day post- conference and stakeholders’ roundtable on renewable energy for the South-west region, the State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, who was represented by his Deputy, Kola Adewusi also noted that Climatesmart Investment Portfolio was a strategic roadmap designed to attract responsible capital into renewable energy, sustainable infrastructure and the circular economy.

He stressed that: “We are also presenting the Draft Osun State Renewable Energy Policy, crafted to establish a strong legislative and institutional foundation for an inclusive energy transition at the sub-national level.”

He added: “We are launching the Draft Osun State Climate Action Plan, which was developed in consultation with experts, grassroots communities and our development partners.

“We are equally proud to unveil the IMOLE Solar Lantern Project which is a practical and symbolic solution for last-mile energy access. One Child, One Lantern is our promise. Every child deserves light to study, dream and grow, regardless of their location or background.”

He further made it clear that, “the state is establishing the Osun State

Recycling Hub, showcasing electric motorcycles, and launching Green Clubs in Schools, because our climate vision extends beyond today; it is for the generations yet unborn.”

The governor emphasised that the State was not just generating megawatts, but generating ownership, inclusion, and dignity.

He added, “The power we seek is not only electrical; it is political, social, and transformational. This roundtable is not just about Osun. It is about building regional synergy across the South-West. From Lagos to Ekiti, Ogun to Ondo we must collaborate, legislate, and invest together.”

The governor who declared the conference on renewable energy open noted that, “We are living in a pivotal era. Climate change is no longer a

Sanwo-Olu Calls for Synergy to Strengthen Real Estate Sector

The Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has called for synergy between the public and private sectors to strengthen the real estate industry in Nigeria.

He said his administration will continue to provide policy direction for the private sector for investments, adding that several measures have been put in place for physical planning and urban development to address the issue of building collapse.

Sanwo-Olu spoke during a visit by the leadership of the International Real Estate Federation - Nigerian

Chapter (FIABCI-Nigeria), led by the President of FIABCI Africa and Near East Region, Mr. Adeniji Adele. He said: “It is not only the government that can do it. It is the private sector that can take the lead. We will provide the policy direction, but the private sector must ensure that they continue to make those investments and organise themselves.

“For us, technology is one of the things that have signposted Lagos as one of the acknowledged technologically driven cities in the world. There is a report that came

out about a week and a half ago that Lagos is the highest receiver of growth in terms of technology.”

Speaking on the proposed 75th FIABCI World Real Estate Congress scheduled for July 9 to 13, the governor expressed Lagos State’s willingness to provide necessary support for the event.

He said the event will provide an opportunity for stakeholders in real estate in Nigeria to further deepen the relationship with their peers in other parts of the world and government.

distant threat but a daily reality.

“Energy poverty is no longer acceptable as it is a fundamental human rights issue. In this part of the world, which is a region richly endowed with sunlight, wind, and innovation, it is deeply concerning that so many of our communities remain in darkness.

“The time for waiting has passed, and the time for localised action is now. We must power the South-West and indeed, do so sustainably. In

Osun State, we are embracing bold, evidence-based, and people-focused solutions.”

In her remarks the lead technical consultant on climate change and renewable energy, Prof. Chinese Obuaku, said the event was not to admire the complexity of “our energy challenges, but to shape clear, actionable, and localized solutions, rooted in science, equity, and the bold political will we see rising across our sub-national governments.

“the greatest honour we can give to those we have lost in this regrettable tragedy is our commitment to a future where such disasters are reduced through proactive measures and sustainable practices.”

Also speaking, Niger State Governor, Umar Bago, who was represented by Garba, thanked the federal government for standing with the state in its moment of grief.

According to him: “Within 24 hours, NEMA were on the ground physically to ascertain what happened to us and to ensure that such a rescue mission was carried out practically. And we cannot thank them enough.”

He said the visit by the Vice President was a reassurance of Tinubu’s commitment to the well-being of the people.

Earlier in his welcome remarks, Secretary to the State Government, Abubakar Usman Gawu, said the Vice President’s visit has strengthened the people as they mourn those killed by the devastating impact of the flood that ravaged Mokwa town.

He commended the federal government for the rapid response through the provision of timely interventions by the National Emergency Management Agency with food and other relief materials.

Also, the Special Adviser to the Niger State Governor, Mr. Murtala Bagana, described the flood disaster as a national tragedy and a profound loss not just for Niger State but for Nigeria as a whole. He thanked the Vice President for visiting the people.

Alleged Forgery: FCTA Director, Others for Arraignment June 23

Alex Enumah in Abuja

The Director, Investigation and Prosecution of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), Mr Joseph Eriki and 10 others would be arraigned for forgery charges before a High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) on June 23.

Trial judge, Justice Suleiman Belgore, fixed the arraignment date shortly after counsel for the 1st, 2nd 3rd ,5th and 9th defendants C.S Ekeocha and E.E Apeh promised to produce the defendants for arraignment.

Recall that the arraignment of the defendants had suffered some setbacks, resulting in the court issuing a warrant for their arrest on May 27.

The arrest order was following a complaint by prosecution counsel, David Kasuwe, who had informed the court that all efforts made to

ensure that the defendants were present in court for their arraignment in the charge marked, FCT/HC/ CR/87/2025 were not successful.

Kaswe informed the court that despite being aware of the charge and arraignment, the defendants failed to appear in court.

Justice Belgore had in a bench ruling held that, “For reasons of their being evasive and lack of positive response to the call of the prosecuting authority, even having been granted bail by the police during the investigation of this case, bench warrant is hereby issued against all the defendants to compel their appearance in this court for purposes of arraignment on six-count charge dated February, 31, 2025 and filed same day in this court.”

He subsequently adjourned the case to June 4 for arraignment of the defendants. When the case was

called on Wednesday, although the defendants were not in court, their lawyers told the court that they were not served with the charge.

The lawyers therefore prayed the court for a short adjournment to enable them bring the defendants to court.

The federal government had filed a six-count charge bordering on criminal conspiracy, criminal trespass, forgery, using as a genuine forged document, criminal force to deter public servant from his duty against Eriki and 10 others.

Others charged alongside the FCTA director are Boniface Agwu; Ikechukwu Kanu; Donatec Electrical Company Limited; Super Structure Limited; Weather field Engineering; Marine Service

mation Services Limited; Prince Isaac Omoluwa; Nwaimoneye Augustine Onyisi and Sarajo Aliyu as well as Ogbole Michael.

Limited; Asher Infor-

Acting Group Politics Editor DEJI ELUMOYE

Email: deji.elumoye@thisdaylive.com

08033025611 sms only

Nwosu: Nigeria Needs to Be Properly Restructured for Full Development

african Democratic Congress Governorship candidate in the November 8, 2025 election in anambra state, Mr John Nwosu, in this interview speaks on salient national issues including the need to politically restructure the country, implementation of local government autonomy as third tier of government and the forthcoming gubernatorial poll in the state. Folalumi Alaran brings excerpts:

Much noise is being made about the socio-political trajectory of the country in the last two years, from your understanding, would you say Nigeria is on the right course or merely moving round a circle in terms of governance and managing the economy?

The past two years have come with real challenges. While the president and his team have shown commitment through certain reforms, gaps in execution have held back the results Nigerians hoped for. With better coordination and a more aligned strategy, there’s still strong potential to move the country forward.

Are you among those who advocate for political restructuring of Nigeria?

Yes, I am. We need to restructure Nigeria to stabilize and develop fully. Our present structure has made the nation dysfunctional and our federalism very weak. Power and resource sharing remain contentious. If need be, let us formalize the six geo-political zonal structure. Each zone has some comparative advantage that they enjoy and can bring to the table.

The present over-centralized power structure weakens the zones and states; clearly, most feel there is no equity.

Despite the federal government and apex court ruling on fiscal autonomy of Local Government councils, it is apparent that state governors are still fiddling with council funds?

That is correct. By fiddling with Local Government funds, the concerned state governors disobey existing Court orders and provisions of the 1999 Constitution.

The 1976 Local Government reform made the Local Governments the third tier of government and a federating unit. I believe certain provisions of the 1999 Constitution also provides the LGs with legislative and statutory powers similar to those of the federal and state governments.

Local government autonomy gives them the discretion to regulate their affairs. The aim is to promote rapid grassroots development.

Nigerians blame state governors for the poor democratic culture in the country, as a governorship hopeful what would be your attitude towards grassroots governance at the LGs? Governance is simply about expeditious and sustainable service delivery. I am bringing into governance a commitment to best practices and efficient service delivery with our Security, Health, Education, Economy, Environment, Markets and Social Welfare (SHEEEMS) governance platform. We will replicate and improve on Peter Obi’s ANIDS governance model. Most of our leaders no longer have the fear of God.

So, they make promises they don’t intend to keep and siphon public resources that are not theirs.

I offer, with all humility, a different approach to governance. Our governance performances will always be grassroots friendly, benchmarked and measurable.

Anambra State being a wholly entrepreneurial state the popular notion is that the state needs a wealth creator as governor. How would you relate that notion to the issue of governance in the state?

I’m an entrepreneur, a good creator and manager of wealth and people. I have effectively operated in the organized private sector for over three decades. I understand the business culture and practices and what works; and what does not work. In both business and governance, we must strive for costeffectiveness. While in business, the bottom line is the profit margin; in governance, frugality and effective management of resources will always be priority. Operating within available resources means not spending frivolously or borrowing carelessly.

What is your understanding of what Anambra State needs at this point of its historical evolution as a state?

Anambra as a state should be first amongst equals. We have the financial and human capital resources. We are an oil producing state. Historically, Onitsha, Nnewi and Awka, the so-called ONA-axis

defaults naturally to commerce, industry and enterprise. We need to leverage on these core areas. We are mindful that there are problems which are peculiar to Anambra. Therefore, those governance needs peculiar to Anambra must be accorded the highest priority. There will be less window dressing. We will consult broadly; and listen to advice and superior logic. We shall also walk the talk!

In 2003 a governorship aspirant asked whether Anambra state is cursed or the people are the cause of its value disorientation, after 26 years of democracy, what do you think will be the probable answer to that poser?

A - It was His Excellency Peter Obi that asked that question. Anambra is not cursed. The value disorientation you refer to pervades the entire nation. In response, we will continue to rejig our mindset and our priorities. There are core values that must be respected and upheld at all times. Leadership is by example, and I’m sorry to say that some of our past leaders have not exactly been exemplary

We need to restructure nigeria to stabilize and develop fully. our present structure has made the nation dysfunctional and our federalism very weak. Power and resource sharing remain contentious. If need be, let us formalize the six geo-political zonal structure. Each zone has some comparative advantage that they enjoy and can bring to the table.

Also in 2017 some other individuals said Anambra is not broken and needs no mending. Is the state truly not broken and needs not be mended? Those remarks are attributable to the incumbent, Governor Charles Soludo. Interestingly, he is either struggling or working hard now to fix a state he said was not broken. There are inherent contradictions or elements of deceit and mischief at play. Today, he is focusing on infrastructure at the expense of peace, security and quality of life in Anambra. He promised the people Dubai and Taiwan, and delivered Zilch.

Anambra has 326 wards and 21 LGs, what could be the best strategy to pursue rural development?

Governor Peter Obi developed and bequeathed to his successors an optimal governance model, called ANIDS. The model was aligned to the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). That blueprint remains available as the best option and model for developing the 21 local government areas and 179 communities of Anambra State simultaneously.

Security remains a key challenge in the state, because the current kneejerk or kick-and-move approach seems ineffective. How do you think the trend can be reversed so that communities will have a hold of their space?

What is being done is not working and it can never work. It has never worked anywhere. Today, we are talking of technology. You must marry technology vis-à-vis the conventional security system. You must train the conventional security men, pay them well, equip them with the right modern paraphernalia.

Then we have to apply the use of technology in areas of command and control centre, putting Artificial Intelligence, power, CCTV, in the key locations of our state, especially Onitsha, Nnewi, Ikolobia, Awka, the state capital.

And then, our airport, it is unbelievable that our airport, the only airport we have in the state, has no CCTV. So we don’t know who comes in, who goes out. As a matter of fact, the people we are fighting may be coming in through that with ammunitions and going away.

So, talking about security, again light is a major factor. If you light up the state, then 50% of the security problem is solved.

I remember that His Excellency Peter Obi, during his term, was involved in a Public-Private Partnership to build a power plant in Onitsha, which is a major industrial centre for our state. I don’t know what has become of that. We are going to revive that and make sure that there is electricity in the state.

With that, we will light up the cities overnight, and I can bet you 50% of security will be solved.

Without security, you can’t talk of bringing in both foreign and local investors. The state must be secured before anybody can do any meaningful thing in the state.

For transportation, we hear just about road, road, road, road, nothing is done about water transportation when we know that there are water bodies in Anambra State.

FEaturEs

How Transcorp Empowered Future Eco-Champions through the School Recycling Initiative

As part of its long-term commitment to environmental sustainability, Transnational Corporation Plc, Transcorp Group, is scaling its school recycling initiative across Nigeria, starting with host communities. The programme, which recently at Ireti Grammar School in Ikoyi, Lagos, was aimed at embedding sustainability into school culture by promoting environmental literacy, forming eco clubs, and instilling responsible waste management practices in students. Chiemelie Ezeobi writes that with climate challenges mounting and urban cities struggling with waste, Transcorp’s initiative goes beyond corporate social responsibility, rather a strategic investment in Nigeria’s ecological future and the development of a generation committed to champion it

In the heart of Ikoyi, Lagos, a quiet revolution recently unfolded at Ireti Grammar Schools-not fueled by protest but by environmental awareness as the students discovered that even discarded plastic can be a social and ecological source.

The catalyst? Transnational Corporation Plc (Transcorp Group), one of Africa’s leading conglomerates with investments spanning energy, hospitality, and power, took these bold strides into environmental education for these students.

Why you may ask? As part of its broader Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) commitments, Transcorp launched the school recycling programme aimed at instilling a sense of environmental responsibility in secondary school students across Nigeria.

A Greener Tomorrow Starts Today

At Ireti Grammar Schools in Ikoyi, Lagos, it was a mix of engagement, education, and enthusiasm as Dr. Owen D. Omogiafo, President and Group CEO of Transcorp Plc, led students through the importance of waste management and the value of plastic as more than just disposable waste.

“We are doing this because we have a duty towards the environment,” Dr Omogiafo told the students. “This is just to encourage you to take care of your environment and take care of yourselves. Recycling can also create jobs—something as simple as selling empty bottles or iron scrap to those who buy them”.

Changing the Narrative Around Waste

Her words struck a chord with the students, who were not only eager to learn but curious about how something as ordinary as a plastic bottle could shape their future.

Nigeria generates between 4,100 to 6,850 tonnes of plastic waste every day, much of which ends up in landfills, gutters, and oceans, posing serious environmental and public health hazards. It can take a plastic item between 20 to 1,000 years to decompose — a sobering reality that underlines the urgent need for action.

“It’s not just about throwing things away,” Dr Omogiafo explained. “We need to let people know that throwing things in the gutter in the name of discarding waste is not a good idea. Our goal is to continue doing our best to power everyone into a better future — for Nigeria and for Africa at large.”

To that end, Transcorp donated specially fabricated, segregated waste bins to Ireti Junior and Senior Grammar Schools. These bins were designed to help students sort waste materials — plastics, paper, organic matter — and learn the critical skill of waste segregation.

However, THISDAY gathered that the initiative did not stop in Lagos. Through its power subsidiaries— Transcorp Power Plc, TransAfam Power Limited, and Transcorp Energy Ltd — the programme was replicated across other parts of Nigeria. In Rivers State, schools in Okoloma received similar donations, while in Delta State, eco-friendly bins were handed over to Erhavwen Secondary School and Adagwe Grammar School.

Empowering the Next Generation

Undoubtedly, at the core of this programme, which reflects the “Transcorp Transforms” theme, is a clear philosophy that investing in young people is the most sustainable way to protect the planet.

For Dr. Omogiafo, “At Transcorp, we recognise that sustainability is a collective journey. By sustaining this project in Lagos, Delta, and Rivers States with the footprint of our subsidiaries, we are not only addressing environmental challenges but also nurturing future leaders who will drive eco-conscious

practices. Our Africapitalist ethos compels us to invest in communities where we operate, ensuring a greener, healthier tomorrow.”

involved, the initiative came as both a gift and a wake-up call. This message resonated deeply with the students, who took a ‘reuse, redeem, and recycle’ pledge at the event. They committed to using the bins correctly, reducing plastic waste, and becoming advocates of environmental

stewardship in their homes and communities. Mrs. Okuyemi Babafemi, Principal of Ireti Senior Grammar School, expressed heartfelt appreciation to Transcorp. “The programme teaches the children how to keep their PET bottles,” she said. “It is good because in the future, they will know how to manage plastic, how to be productive students, and not wasteful children. I really align with this initiative and I’m happy the organisers came up with the idea.” She added that environmental education was often missing from the traditional curriculum, and such programmes helped bridge that critical gap.

“I believe that what the students learn here today will influence how they treat the environment for the rest of their lives,” Mrs Babafemi said. “This is how change begins — not through grand speeches, but through small, consistent acts.”

Strategic Partnerships and Future Growth

The school recycling initiative is powered in partnership with Recycle Points, a waste recycling and social benefit enterprise founded by alumni of the Tony Elumelu Foundation. The collaboration brings practical expertise in sustainable waste solutions, while connecting students to real-world applications of recycling.

“This initiative is not just about the bins or even the act of recycling,” Dr. Omogiafo noted. “It is about creating a new mindset — one that views waste not as a nuisance, but as an opportunity for innovation, employment, and sustainability.”

Looking ahead, Transcorp aims to scale the initiative further, integrating it into more schools within its host communities and eventually across the nation. The long-term vision includes embedding sustainability in school culture, building eco clubs, and incorporating environmental literacy into co-curricular activities.

With the climate crisis intensifying and urban cities facing increasing waste management challenges, initiatives like this are more than timely — they are necessary.

Therefore, Transcorp’s school recycling programme is more than a CSR checkbox; it is an investment in Nigeria’s ecological future, and a commitment to grooming young Nigerians who understand that every bottle sorted, every bin used correctly, and every conversation about recycling matters.

In the words of one student at Ireti Grammar School, who stood proudly holding his pledge card: “I didn’t know that something as small as plastic could matter this much. Now I want to tell my family, my friends — even people in my street — that we must take care of our environment.”

With such young voices rising, and with corporations like Transcorp leading the charge, there is genuine hope that Nigeria’s next generation will grow up not just learning about the environment in textbooks, but living the principles of sustainability — every single day.

About Transcorp

Transcorp Group is one of Africa’s leading, listed conglomerates, with strategic investments in the power, hospitality, and energy sectors, driven by its mission to improve lives and transform Africa.

Transcorp’s power businesses--Transcorp Power Plc. and TransAfam Power Limited–provide approximately 20 per cent of Nigeria’s installed power capacity. Transcorp is committed to developing Nigeria’s domestic energy value chain, through its investments in OPL28 and its renewable energy drive through Transcorp Energy Limited. The Group’s hospitality business, Transcorp Hotels Plc, owns the iconic Transcorp Hotels Plc, Abuja, Nigeria’s flagship hospitality destination.

A Grateful School and Inspired Students For the management of the schools

Dr. Owen D. Omogiafo, President and Group CEO of Transcorp Plc with students of Ireti Grammar School after instilling a sense of environmental responsibility on them

Dr. Omogiafo with Mrs. Okuyemi Babafemi, Principal of Ireti Senior Grammar School; a Transcorp team member; and the collaborator from Recycle Points

Some students sampling the recycling initiative

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AfDB, ADESINA AND THE NEW HELMSMAN

VICTOR C.ARIOLE urges Sidi Ould Tah to sustain Adesina’s record

See page 21

THE INTELLECTUAL AS A HERO AND REBEL

JEFF GODWIN DOKI pays tribute to Ngugi wa Thiong’O,leading East African writer, and an academic

See page 21

Nigeria’s foreign policy is defined by the country’s development aspirations, peace and security, contends SOLA ENIKANOLAIYE

TINUBU AND NIGERIA'S FOREIGN POLICY

The Administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu celebrated two years in office on 29th May 2025. It is important that one pauses to take an insider look at the journey so far, as well as chart the course for the remaining part of his first term. Indeed, two years is sufficient to assess the effectiveness or otherwise of an Administration’s progress in any area, not least, the sphere of foreign policy and international relations.

In his address at the Ministerial Briefing Series delivered on 20th March 2025, aptly entitled “From Passive to Active Global Engagement Under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Leadership”, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, set the tone and contours of assessment of the administration’s scorecard in the area of Nigeria’s foreign policy and international relations.

At the inauguration of this Administration on 29th May 2023, President Tinubu declared that: “…Given the world in which we reside, please permit a few comments regarding foreign policy. The crisis in Sudan and the turn from democracy by several nations in our immediate neighborhood are of pressing concern. As such, my primary foreign policy objective must be the peace and stability of the West African subregion and the African continent. We shall work with ECOWAS, the AU and willing partners in the international community to end extant conflicts and to resolve new ones. As we contain threats to peace, we shall also retool our foreign policy to more actively lead the regional and continental quest for collective prosperity… On this day, Nigeria affirms its rightful place among the world’s great democracies. There, Nigeria shall reside forever….”

With this broad policy statement, Mr. President set out the strategic goals and objectives of Nigeria’s foreign policy as well as the focus of his administration in this sphere. It can thus be deduced from Mr. President’s inaugural statement that the West African sub-region and Africa would be a major focus of his administration’s foreign policy exertions. This has served to reinforce the popular mantra that Africa is the centre-piece and the corner stone of Nigeria’s foreign policy. For the administration of President Tinubu, this timehonored focus of Nigeria’s foreign policy locates Nigeria and Nigerians as the object and subject of Nigeria’s foreign policy and international relations.

One point to stress, however, is that the ultimate decisions about Nigeria’s foreign policy and international relations as with other positions of the federal government, lie with Mr. President on whose table the buck stops. He is ultimately the chief foreign policymaker, albeit with inputs from other critical stake holders such as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) of Government.

In terms of foreign policy orientation, Mr. President’s approach derives from the Linkage Theory propounded by scholars such as James Rosenau and others including our own Professor Ibrahim Gambari in terms of the domestic sources of foreign policy and the nexus between the domestic and the external. A vibrant and an effective foreign policy must be anchored on strong domestic foundations including the strength of the economy, the unity, elite consensus and internal cohesion of the populace, security and other domestic priorities.

Shortly after the appointment of Ministers, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, Minister of Foreign Affairs, announced that the foreign policy thrust of the administration would be tagged “Tinubu 4Ds Doctrine”. These 4Ds represent Democracy, Development, Demography and Diaspora.

In relation to democracy, Nigeria’s new foreign policy, according to the Minister, would seek to “…consolidate democratic gains made since the return to civil rule in 1999”; and will “…continue to encourage this, both in Africa and the world.…” This statement implies that the administration intends to work assiduously for the promotion of democracy in West Africa and the rest of the African continent.

President Tinubu was elected Chairman of ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government on 9th July, 2023 at the 63rd Ordinary Session in Bissau, Republic of Guinea. In his acceptance speech, President Tinubu declared unequivocally that Nigeria was back and that the promotion of democracy would be given top priority of the organization under his watch’. Shortly after, President Tinubu held an extraordinary meeting in Abuja of four Presidents constituting the task force from the Republics of Niger, Guinea and Benin on Sunday to discuss democratic transitions and insecurity in the region following the withdrawal of the United Nations Multi-dimensional Integrated Stabilisation Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) at the request of the military junta in Mali. The four countries “reaffirmed their support for rapid democratic transitions in these countries and possible deployment of ECOWAS Standby Force against terrorism…” The task force was to undertake exploratory trips to Mali and Burkina Faso. They were just about making this trip when the military took over power in Niger. As efforts at restoring constitutional order to these countries were intensified with ECOWAS in the lead but with little progress, President Tinubu was re-elected as the Chairman of ECOWAS on 7th July, 2024 at the 65th Ordinary Session of the Authority. Perhaps, the major test for the administration and ECOWAS in this regard was the reaction of the regional body and indeed the African Union to the coup d’etat in Niger. In his capacity as Chairman of the Authority of Heads of States and Government of the ECOWAS, the challenge was to have up-fronted the threat of the use of force to reverse the military takeover in Niger Republic. Although this was not a Nigerian decision but that of the ECOWAS

Assembly of Heads of State and Government, the public perception especially in the northern parts of Nigeria was that President Tinubu wanted to wage a war on a neighbouring country that shares close cultural and ethnic affinities with Nigeria. Nothing could have been further from the true intentions of the ECOWAS leaders, and certainly not that of President Tinubu as was widely propagated by the military junta in Niamey and some opinion leaders in the northern part of Nigeria.

Given Nigeria’s huge domestic challenges in the economic and security fields that have necessitated the deployment of the Armed Forces of Nigeria in internal security operations in Nigeria, any military adventure in Niger would certainly have overstretched the military. Conducting an ECOMOG-type operation like Nigeria did in Liberia, Sierra Leone, including The Gambia, Republic of Guinea and Chad in the 1980s/1990s would have posed insuperable difficulties, including constituting a huge load on defence spending already overburdened by domestic security engagements. It will be naïve to assume that these realities did not dawn on Mr. President while the propaganda about Nigeria’s war against Niger lasted.

As it concerns the development strand of the 4Ds doctrine, the foreign minister asserted that the country’s foreign policy would be directed towards “...working to enhance Nigerian and African development in order to halt the circle of dependency which is against the interest of Africa … (and) exploit the opportunities presented by the Africa Continental Free Trade Area to facilitate the exchange of goods and services and boost trade and investment through economic cooperation...” There is certainly the need for Nigeria’s foreign policy to feed directly into the country’s national development aspirations. The primary objectives of Mr. President’s overseas trips since assuming office in May 2023 has been the attraction of Foreign Direct Investments for the development of Nigeria’s economy, job and employment creation, poverty reduction, human-capita development and the development of infrastructure. Giving full effect to these objectives in a manner that impacts greatly on the lives of the average Nigerian is the overarching focus of President Tinubu’s foreign policy exertions. Restructuring, retooling and resourcing the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and its missions abroad are sine qua non in this regard including the resuscitation of comatose Joint Commissions and Bi-National Commissions between Nigeria and many countries in the world.

United Nations statistics indicate that Nigeria is expected to “witness a steady growth in the population aged below 25 years between 2020 and 2050”. The Foreign Minister acknowledges the “talent and skills that (Nigeria’s) young population possesses,” and contends that Nigeria’s foreign policy under this administration would seek to use the “demographic advantage to harness its human capital resources for development.” Indeed, Nigeria’s youth population is active in the arts, music, movies and technology sectors. Nigerian musicians have, in recent times, sold out at large venues in other parts of Africa, Europe and America.

Ambassador Enikanolaiye is the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Foreign Affairs & International Relations

VICTOR C.ARIOLE urges Sidi Ould Tah to sustain Adesina’s record

AfDB, ADESINA AND THE NEW HELMSMAN

Average GDP growth in Africa in 2024 is 3.9% with inflation rate of 18.5% in the average, creating higher cost of capital and lending rate. Even when Asian countries default in payment at 12.9% rate and Africa at a paltry 1.9%, Asia is still preferred as investment destination as well as favourable in how its debts are structured by lenders. Hence, the expectation for Africa to broaden the scale of its economy like Asia and be more intra-African minded… Prof. Kelvin Urama, AfDB Chief Economist.

African Development Bank’s (AFDB) capital moved from about $93 billion to about $320 billion in the course of Dr. Akinwumi Adesina’s tenure, with some hoopla that was nipped in the bud as some non-African members and some Casablanca group of OAU of then, entered into conspiracy for his removal. Among the Anglophone Africans who held the post of the President of AfDB, he happens to be the only one that stayed for 10 years. The Francophone Africans always had their ways. Nigeria put a good foot forward in supporting Dr. Adesina as its candidate, and in subsequent stepping out for any leadership of Africa, Nigeria must strive never to lower the standard. His pedigree is greatly multi-cultural and bilingual accommodating, including French and Francophone grasp. His predecessors had such pedigree but his own unique selling point remains agricultural vision which is also the African expected selling point in a world in which its expanse of land of above 30 million km2 remains mostly arable but lacks the engineering template and energy supply base to make it great in enhancing its base for a broader base of exploitation and for greater intra-Africa agro-industrial expansion. His ‘High-5’ slogan as reported made great sense for investors in the development of Africa – Light-up and Power Africa, Feed Africa, Industrialise Africa, Integrate Africa, and Improve the Quality of Life for the people of Africa. The disbursement during his tenure is about $10 billion annually to reach $100 billion as he exits. Quite impressive as against that of his predecessors, Kabbaj or Kaberuka. Though $351.7million profit posted in 2014 with such capital and project outlay could mean some level of Assets’ underperformance or payment default.

Apart from the Foundation President, the Sudanese, Mamoun Beheiry 1964 – 1970, who had to struggle to keep stable the Bank with initial $300 million capital, other Presidents needed to fare better. President Abdelwahad Labidi of Tunisia worked on increasing the capital from $300 million to $600 million. However, it remained totally owned by Africans – 1970 – 1976; non diversified cum non-competitive.

Dr. Kwame Donkor Fordor, the Ghanaian took over 1976 – 1979 and opened the shareholding to non-Africans which created some problem as most people had wanted the bank to be entirely African. At the time he did it, the emerging state of Africa as a political and economic continent to partner with created interest in its development; and the divided world of capitalism and communism were competing for its resources. By 1980 – 85 during the tenure of the Zambian – Wila D’Israel Mung’ Omba, USA joined as a shareholder of AfDB, and quickly AfDB earned Triple A in its rating. It happened after the tenure of the Malawian, Goodall Gondwe, 1979 –1980. It was a time most of the countries in south Africa, as a region, were under colonial joug, hence some weakness in his one-year stay. AfDB came to greater limelight during the tenure of the Senegalese Babacar N’Diaye, 19851995. It was also the time Ivoirian President Felix Houphouet-Boigny was held in great respect among the West and the capitalist divide of the world; hence he greatly influenced the prospects of AfDB. It was also the time Africexim Bank was created and AfDB capital was raised by 200%; that

is $25 billion. The emphasis, here, is that political stability is very key to the development of Africa and its institutions. AfDB enjoyed peace and peak performance during that period like it is currently enjoying under Alassane Ouattara though Ouattara seems to be tasking painfully the patience of the Ivoiriens in his forceful tenure breaching; trying to be President for a fourth term; and need to avoid not to return AfDB to what it became as Omar Kabbaj of Morocco took over the leadership, and AfDB temporary headquarter was moved to the Maghreb region – Tunisia. As another Maghreb comes to take over, Alassane Ouattara should avoid that. Hopefully never again, Omar Kabbaj, nicknamed ‘gas chamber’ President of AfDB was not quite friendly with African staff and it showed in his governance style, from 1995 – 2005, all in Tunisia. His achievement was not astounding and the taking over by Donald Kaberuka of Rwanda showed that. The year 2005 - 2015 of Kaberuka tenure saw directly or indirectly his home country Rwanda becoming the toast of the world. He tripled AfDB capital to $100billion with disbursement value of $12.6 billion. Here, again, both, the President of Rwanda and himself, as well as the stability they enjoyed, either in Tunisia or Rwanda, were key to his success. Somehow the lenders and creditors of AfDB see things that way.

AfDB is an African Institution that mirrors the capacity of Africans to financially govern and orientate their growth direction, and whoever leads AfDB is closely watched as well as the country that supports him. The new person to take over is Arab supported as well as Francophone.

When one mentions Casablanca group of the OAU, it is not for superfluous concern as all the most successful Presidents of AfDB had their country’s President, then, belonging there, though Donkor and Adesina came in when such groupings did not matter but it nearly affected the second tenure of Adesina as Nigeria was in the Monrovia grouping then, and the intervention of first female president of Liberia and that of Alassane Ouattara greatly doused the lines of division. They helped in keeping Africa one as against the push of non-African members who were allies of the then Casablanca grouping, and who wanted the downfall of Adesina. Remember that the US Director joined the opposition and remember also that Cassablanca group is West in its approach in doing things.

It must also be stated that notwithstanding Nigeria’s special shareholding interest in AfDB with its Nigeria’s Trust Fund, Nigeria is yet to earn the great support it needs to be seen as a great leader in the decision making process of Africa, and Adesina threaded with great care so as not to give out any nepotic sign. For example, loan disbursements for Nigeria have never been smooth as Nigeria seems not obeying rules that make for smooth disbursement of tranches of loan, unlike what Rwanda enjoyed during the tenure of Kaberuka.

Ariole

is Professor of French and Francophone Studies, University of Lagos

JEFF GODWIN DOKI pays tribute to Ngugi wa Thiong’O,leading East African writer, and an academic

THE INTELLECTUAL AS A HERO AND REBEL

‘Artistic and intellectual ideological struggles are part of the overall struggle for survival and development.’(Ngugi wa Thiong’O , Moving the Centre,1993).

On Wednesday, May 28, 2025, the Kenyanborn literary General, Ngugi wa Thiong’O, won his tragic race against time. Until his death, he was a radical African intellectual and writer whose writings gave all Africans confidence and belief in themselves while condemning imperialism with its changing manifestations: slavery, colonialism, neocolonialism and globalization. I would like to begin my tribute with the obvious, though not irrelevant, observation that intellectual work is quintessentially the labor of the mind and soul. I must also concede that the word ‘intellectual’ has diverse meanings and it is also fraught with ambiguities. But for want of time and space, I shall use it here, in its loosest sense, to mean all those who are considered proficient in and are actively engaged in the creation, distribution and application of knowledge and culture. Perhaps, even this definition is rather too broad. So, I may prefer to emphasize the much smaller category of ‘creative intellectuals’ whose principal focus is on innovation, the elaboration of knowledge and scholarship as well as art and other symbolic formulations generally. Included in this category are scholars, scientists, academics, philosophers, artists, teachers, writers, journalists, lawyers etc.

In Africa, intellectual work began as a result of the colonial encounter which, among other things, involved a deliberate attempt to dehumanize the enslaved and the colonized by denying their history and denigrating their achievements and capacities. This very attitude was bound to provoke response and resistance among African intellectuals who saw their immediate task as that of a vindication of the cultures and histories of peoples of African origin. Among the first intellectual ‘schools’ to emerge in Africa were those of historians in Ibadan, Dakar and Dar es Salaam. These ‘schools’ took it upon themselves the task of challenging the imperial narrative, whose chief intention was to obliterate the memory of Africa’s pre-colonial existence. Dethroning this view and placing Africans center-stage in the history of their continent was perceived by these early intellectuals as an urgent task in the construction of an intellectual arsenal for the liberation of the continent and decolonization of the mind. In this regard, Ngugi wa Thiong’O was in the forefront with some other prominent African political actors and men of letters like Kwame Nkrumah, Leopold Sedar Senghor, Julius Nyerere, Nnamdi Azikiwe, Chinua Achebe, Wole Soyinka, Dennis Brutus, etc. Ngugi’s preoccupations in reconstructing Africa’s history and culture and resistance to foreign domination finds memorable expression in his novels like Weep Not Child, The River Between, A Grain of Wheat, Petals of Blood, Devil On the Cross, Wizard of the Crow and other polemical essays like Homecoming, Writers in Politics, Barrel of A Pen, Detained, Moving the Center and Globaletics: theory and the politics of Knowing.

Closely related to the question of culture and history has been Ngugi’s obsession with the issue of language. In this regard, Ngugi has always pointed to the fact that one of the obvious ways in which imperialism has affected the development of African culture and literature is in language choice. During the colonial stage of Western

imperialism in Africa, African languages were suppressed and European languages were deliberately given a status that made them the inevitable vehicle of African people’s self-definition. This situation has resulted in an enormous contradiction. On the one hand, these European languages are the official languages in Africa today. On the other hand, they are not the languages of the majority of people inhabiting Africa today namely: the vast majority in each nationality, the peasants and workers who still use their indigenous languages. This linguistic dilemma finds adequate expression in Ngugi’s book Decolonizing the Mind. And if to this linguistic complexity is added the Christian religion, whose duty it is to capture the mind as well as the soul, then Ngugi’s preoccupation with the issues of culture, religion and language is truly justified.

Over and above all, Ngugi’s commitment to the issues of history, colonialism and religion could be understood in the context of the fact that at the very beginning of African literature, virtually all the writers were content to affirm the worth of African civilizations .Albert Chinualumogu Achebe who has often been ascribed the honor of giving form, flesh and teeth to modern African literary tradition made the frank confession that his first book Things Fall Apart (1958) was an ‘act of atonement with his past, the ritual return and homage of a prodigal son’. After this confession, he dropped his English name Albert. Other African writers like Christopher Okigbo, John Pepper Clark, Gabriel Okara, Wole Soyinka and James Ngugi (himself) also realized the foolishness of the Christian doctrine and accepted the fact that they were all Prodigals coming back home to mother Africa. In a few words, they all rebelled against Colonialism and, its sly, twin brother Christianity.

But there is only thing that cannot be missed even by the most indifferent spectator or observer: all through his life and writing career, Ngugi represents the rebel committed to the truth. He has been faithful to what he saw, what he heard , what he touched. Ngugi was bold, fearless and gutsy in pointing the way to freedom and liberation of African peoples. Our ranks stand diminished by his passing. Good bye to a teacher, mentor and intellectual father.

Doki is a writer and Professor of Comparative Literature with the University of Jos

Editor,

Editorial

Page PETER ISHAKA

Email peter.ishaka@thisdaylive.com

WE MUST END PLASTIC POLLUTION

The ban on single-use plastics should be enforced

Plastic is a threat to the survival of humanity. Not only because they are everywhere, but also because they are getting into the food chain and drinking water. The situation is worse in our country where plastic waste pollution is found in all ecosystems. As Nigeria therefore joins the rest of the world to mark the 2025 World Environment Day today, the focus should be on how we can put an end to plastic pollution that has become all pervasive. That the World Environment Day has joined the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) this year to advocate for solutions makes it quite significant.

Meanwhile, the spotlight is on the growing scientific evidence on the impact of plastic pollution while driving momentum to refuse, reduce, reuse, recycle, and rethink plastics use. But there must also be a commitment to the 2012 plastic pollution treaty that seeks to tackle the challenge. Interestingly, there is a national policy on plastic waste management in Nigeria which aims to phase out single-use plastic bags by 2028, while ensuring that all plastic packaging in the market is recyclable or biodegradable by 2030. The challenge has been implementation.

of drinks, plastic bags, straws, water sachets and sachets for other drinks, disposable food packaging, and polystyrene containers, among others. Research has shown that these disposed plastics materials merely break down into smaller pieces and can remain in the environment for up to 2,000 years or longer. Yet, no fewer than 33 per cent of all plastics, including water bottles, bags, and straws are used just once and thrown away.

Lack of enforcement is a problem, especially considering the speed at which plastics are produced in the country and a near lack of alternatives

T H I S D AY

EDITOR SHAKA MOMODU

DEPUTY EDITOR WALE OLALEYE

MANAGING DIRECTOR ENIOLA BELLO

DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR ISRAEL IWEGBU

CHAIRMAN EDITORIAL BOARD OLUSEGUN ADENIYI

EDITOR NATION’S CAPITAL IYOBOSA UWUGIAREN

In August 2024, the federal government discontinued the use of single-use plastics in offices before implementing a nationwide ban in January this year. Also in January 2024, the Lagos State Government placed a ban on the use of single-use plastics. While these policies are for the protection of Nigeria’s environment and the health of the people, the lack of enforcement is a problem, especially considering the speed at which plastics are produced in the country and a near lack of alternatives. At present, there is nothing to suggest any efforts to completely stop the use of single-use plastics.

Single-use plastics (SUPs) are disposable plastic products designed for one-time use before disposal. These are: plastic bottles for water and other types

THE OMBUDSMAN KAYODE KOMOLAFE

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF/CHAIRMAN NDUKA OBAIGBENA

GROUP EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS ENIOLA BELLO, KAYODE KOMOLAFE, ISRAEL IWEGBU

DIVISIONAL DIRECTORS SHAKA MOMODU, PETER IWEGBU, ANTHONY OGEDENGBE

DEPUTY DIVISIONAL DIRECTOR OJOGUN VICTOR DANBOYI

SNR. ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR ERIC OJEH

ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR PATRICK EIMIUHI

CONTROLLERS ABIMBOLA TAIWO, UCHENNA DIBIAGWU, NDUKA MOSERI

DIRECTOR, PRINTING PRODUCTION CHUKS ONWUDINJO

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

Toxic chemicals leach out of plastic and are found in the blood and tissue of nearly all humans. Exposure to them is linked to cancers, birth defects, impaired immunity, endocrine disruption, and other ailments. Respiratory issues are increasing because of air pollution from burning plastic, animal lifespans are shortened because of consuming plastic, littered plastic is clogging drains and causing floods, and unmanaged plastic is contaminating our precious oceans and waterways.

The good thing is that plastics can be recycled though they will have to be first sorted, shredded, and rid of impurities like paper. The shreds are then melted and formed into pellets, which can be made into other products. Some companies are known to recycle polyethylene into outdoor decking material, fencing, and doors and windows. Plastic bottles can also be recycled into t-shirts, sweaters, fleece jackets, insulation for jackets and sleeping bags, carpeting and more bottles.

Road construction is one area where many countries now recycle plastics. Some local communities are using recycled plastic as filler for cement blocks, ropes, and household goods such as baskets and mats. At a larger scale, manufacturers are using recycled plastic and textiles to make clothing and furniture. By using waste materials for products with monetary value such as clothing, shoes, or road construction, society is incentivised to collect plastic and capture its full value. That is the way for Nigeria to go.

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

WIKE AND THE ADMINISTRATION OF FCT

The FCT’s 2023–2025 development trajectory favors capital-intensive infrastructure over essential public services, undermining inclusive growth and sustainability.

When President Bola Ahmed Tinubu appointed former Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in August 2023, expectations were high. Wike arrived with a tough persona and a reputation for executing high-profile capital projects.

But halfway into his tenure, a clearer picture has emerged— one that raises critical questions about development priorities, equity, and responsible governance. A flurry of road construction, bridge expansions, and bus terminals now dots the FCT landscape. However, beneath the asphalt and painted curbs lies a troubling truth: this development surge has come with little to no investment in essential services such as health, education, and social welfare.

The ₦21 billion spent on completing the Vice President’s residence—after 14 years of abandonment—symbolizes this misplaced focus. In the same city where maternal mortality is still a challenge and public schools lack basic learning materials, the emphasis on elite residences and conference halls reflects a disconnect between governance and citizen needs.

The bus terminals at Kugbo and Mabushi were launched with fanfare, yet no buses have been procured. There is no known policy framework for an integrated public transport system. Roads have been resurfaced, but many lead to nowhere meaningful—an echo of cosmetic urbanism that prioritizes visibility over usability.

In a city grappling with rising food costs, youth unemployment, inadequate healthcare facilities, and overstretched rural infrastructure, there is no flagship policy initiative on agriculture, social welfare, or education reform from the FCT Administration. Wike’s first year in office has focused almost entirely on what can be commissioned, photographed, and televised—not what can transform lives quietly and sustainably.

Even more worrying is the quiet surge in land allocations and revocations. Public spaces previously earmarked for future use or environmental preservation are reportedly being parcelled out at an unprecedented rate. Residents and civil society actors have raised the alarm, calling the ongoing exercise a strategic redistribution of urban assets to political allies, masquerading as development.

When land becomes currency in political loyalty, urban planning is replaced by urban profiteering. In what has become

routine, media appearances and rebuttals to perceived political rivals—funded by the FCTA—are now passed off as governance. Minister Wike’s confrontational media strategy may have worked in Port Harcourt, but in Abuja, it has turned governance into spectacle, with the real cost passed on to residents.

There appears to be no corresponding investments in healthcare, education, agriculture, or social protection. Numerous symbolic infrastructure projects lacking operational components (e.g., bus terminals without buses).

There are allegations of non-transparent land reallocation and revocation, as well as excessive spending on political media optics without developmental value.

The consequences of these include alienation of citizens, especially in rural and peri-urban communities, waste of public funds on underutilized projects, widening social inequality within the territory, and loss of public trust in FCTA leadership and institutions.

Social spending should be reprioritized, and at least 40% of the 2025 FCT budget should be allocated to health, education, agriculture, and job creation.

Khalid Danladi Musa, Maitama, Abuja

Technology Maintains Connectivity Lead

Emma Okonji

The total number of active subscribers utilising data internet services across various technology platforms offered by licensed service providers, reached 141,985,207 as at April 2025, according to the latest statistics on internet subscribers’ data, released by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).

Among the various technology platforms such as GSM technology, Fixed Wired technology, Wired/ Wireless technology and Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) technology, through which the licensed service provider offer internet services, the GSM technology maintains the highest number of connected subscribers, which is put at 141,471,371, out of a total

of 141,985,207 connected subscribers, as at April 2025. According to the statistics, which THISDAY obtained from the official website of the NCC, GSM technology has maintained the leading position in terms of internet connectivity in the last one year.

Analysis of the numbers showed that in June 2024, the total number internet subscribers was 136, 497,384, but connectivity via the GSM technology alone was 135,942,275, while Wired/Wireless technology had 285,702 internet connections, VoIP had 262,126 internet connections and Fixed Wired technology had 7,281 internet connections.

In July 2024, the total number internet subscribers was 134, 989,229, but connectivity from the GSM technology alone was 134,435,733, while Wired/Wireless technology

had 285,702 internet connections, VoIP had 259,734 internet connections and Fixed Wired technology had 8,060 internet connections.

In August 2024, the total number internet subscribers was 131, 440,663, but connectivity via the GSM technology alone was 130,946,321, while Wired/Wireless technology had 285,702 internet connections, VoIP had 199,960 internet connections and Fixed Wired technology had 8,680 internet connections.

In September 2024, the total number internet subscribers was 132, 907,001, but connectivity from the GSM technology alone was 132,406,212, while Wired/ Wireless technology had 285,702 internet connections, VoIP had 205,634 internet connections and Fixed Wired technology had 9,453 internet connections.

In October 2024, the total number internet subscribers was 134, 787,935, but connectivity via the GSM technology alone was 134,279,501, while Wired/Wireless technology had 285,702 internet connections, VoIP had 212,071 internet connections and Fixed Wired technology had 10,661 internet connections.

In November 2024, the total number internet subscribers was 136, 540,403, but connectivity from the GSM technology alone was 136,032,598, while Wired/ Wireless technology had 285,702 internet connections, VoIP had 210,364 internet connections and Fixed Wired technology had 11,739 internet connections.

In December 2024, the total number internet subscribers was 139, 282,108, but connectivity via the GSM technology alone was

138,774,972, while Wired/Wireless technology had 285,702 internet connections, VoIP had 208,565 internet connections and Fixed Wired technology had 12,869 internet connections.

In January 2025, the total number internet subscribers was 142, 161,409, but connectivity from the GSM technology alone was 141,655,587, while Wired/Wireless technology had 285,702 internet connections, VoIP had 206,067 internet connections and Fixed Wired technology had 14,053 internet connections.

In February 2025, the total number internet subscribers was 141, 250,113, but connectivity via the GSM technology alone was 140,741,377, while Wired/Wireless technology had 285,702 internet connections, VoIP had 207,644

internet connections and Fixed Wired technology had 15,390 internet connections.

In March 2025, the total number internet subscribers was 142, 053,537, but connectivity from the GSM technology alone was 141,541,831, while Wired/Wireless technology had 285,702 internet connections, VoIP had 208,482 internet connections and Fixed Wired technology had 17,522 internet connections.

In April 2025, the total number internet subscribers was 141, 985,207, but connectivity via the GSM technology alone was 141,471,371, while Wired/Wireless technology had 285,702 internet connections, VoIP had 210,959 internet connections and Fixed Wired technology had 17,175 internet connections.

Stakeholders See Strong Potential in gTLDs Domain Name Despite Knowledge Gap

A new global survey from the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN), has revealed that 52 per cent of stakeholders, who are marketing leaders believe generic top-level domains (gTLDs, have strong potential for enhancing brand presence online, despite the knowledge gap that is preventing many brands from taking advantage of the opportunities that a gTLD can bring.

The research surveyed over 2,000 marketing leaders across eight countries, which include: Brazil, China, India, Mexico, Nigeria, South Africa, United Kingdom (UK) and United States of America (US), with the purpose of creating a picture of the evolving digital marketing landscape and understanding the

levels of awareness around gTLDs. It comes as ICANN prepares to open the next application window for new gTLDs in April 2026, known as the New gTLD Program: Next Round, which is the first opportunity in more than a decade for organisations to apply to operate their own gTLD.

The gTLDs are Top-level domains, which are the letters found at the end of an Internet address (with gTLDs including .charity, .menu, .paris and .ceo.

According to the report, brands can apply to run their own gTLD as a way to indicate the purpose of their organisation or to clearly mark a website as being related to their brand.

The research shows that increasing brand awareness and visibility is the top priority for marketing leaders (54 per cent)

and that over half believe that gTLDs have strong potential for enhancing brand presence online.

However, the research also shows that almost a third (32 per cent) of marketing leaders surveyed are unfamiliar with gTLDs, which suggests that operating a new gTLD may be a strategic opportunity that many organisations are currently overlooking.

Key findings from the research include: After defining a gTLD, 92 per cent of marketing leaders responded that they could see the potential benefits to gTLDs, with enhanced brand differentiation (46 per cent); improved customer trust (45 per cent); better control over online presence (44 per cent); and improved SEO (44 per cent) topping the list.

The report also revealed that 19 per cent of marketing leaders

work for organisations that have previously applied for a gTLD. It further revealed that cost concerns (31 per cent); knowledge gaps (27 per cent); and insufficient resources (24 per cent) were identified as the main barriers to application.

Other key findings of the report, revealed notable regional variations, with Nigerian (74 per cent) and Indian (61 per cent) marketing leaders showing the strongest belief in gTLDs’ potential for branding and online presence. In contrast, marketers in China expressed more mixed views, with 50 per cent seeing strong potential but 49 per cent considering gTLDs an unnecessary investment with unclear Return On Investment (ROI), the report further said.

According to the report, the findings come at a time when

marketing leaders are facing significant challenges in standing out from competitors (53 per cent); attracting and engaging the right audience (52 per cent); and keeping pace with digital trends (47 per cent).

Analysing the report, SVP, Global Domains & Strategy, Theresa Swinehart, said: “The New gTLD Program: Next Round presents an opportunity for businesses, communities, governments, and others to apply to operate their own secure space online, tailored to fit their organization, community, culture, language, and customer interests. Now is also the moment for brands to consider applying for a gTLD, and this research tells us there is still a lack of awareness. ICANN can help provide information and raise

awareness of the Next Round and the opportunity it presents for global communities, organisations, and businesses, including brands.” According to Swinehart, a new gTLD can be an innovative tool for commerce and communication. They allow businesses in specific countries, sectors, or niche markets to create an exclusive, descriptive, and memorable label on the internet.

“To help address the knowledge gap, ICANN is developing resources to help organisations understand the application process and potential opportunities for gTLDs ahead of the 2026 application window. ICANN also offers the Applicant Support Program (ASP), which provides financial and non-financial assistance to eligible applicants,” Swinehart further said.

Emma Okonji

NIRSAL Prepares Operators in Livestock Value Chain to Tap Into FG’s $2.5bn Deal with JBS

Dike Onwuamaeze

The Nigeria Incentive-Based Risk Sharing System for Agriculture Lending (NISRAL), with support from the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development, has launched a Feedlot Management Training Program (FMTP) aimed at preparing operators in the country’s livestock value chain to tap into the $2.5 billion Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) deal that was recently sealed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu with global meatpacking giant, JBS.

NIRSAL described the program as a bold move to position Nigeria as a leading supplier of quality beef to domestic and global markets.

It also said that the training program came at a critical moment when Nigeria is stepping into the spotlight as a global meat investment destination of choice.

A press release that was issued by the Head, Corporate Communications, NIRSAL, Mr. Jude Nnadozie, said that the JBS’ partnership with the federal government would build six

modern meat processing plants across the country with two dedicated to beef, which would usher in increased demand for premium feedstock from local producers.

The Managing Director/CEO of NIRSAL Plc, Mr. Sa’ad Hamidu, who unveiled the program’s strategic intent, said that “this is not just another training. It is a targeted intervention aimed at creating bankable agribusinesses by improving feed formulation practices, reducing input waste, and optimising livestock finishing

cycles for increased market value.

“As it is, we are preparing Nigerian livestock producers to feed not just the nation, but the world. And this aligns directly with the federal government’s vision for an agriculturally empowered, export-ready nation.”

Nnadozie said that although the $2.5 billion deal with JBS is the most notable in the series of investments bound for Nigeria’s livestock sub-sector, it is not the only one, local companies like ABIS Group are also making

N1bn Advertising Debt Raises Concern over Non-compliance Issues

Raheem Akingbolu

Seven years after the leadership of the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON) cried out that major practitioners within the fold of the Out-of-Home Advertising Association of Nigeria’s (OAAN) and other vendors working for multinationals in Nigeria, were being owed N75 billion, which was put to be about 50 per cent of the industry’s N150 billion annual billings, the regulatory body has announced again that 9mobile, a telco company is allegedly owing a media buying agency a sum N1 billion unpaid debt for advertising services.

With the announcement,

stakeholders have expressed concern over the nonchalant attitude of stakeholders in the advertising ecosystem, lamenting multinationals’ incessant flouting of the rule of the business at will by deliberately delaying payment to their vendors beyond the agreed date. It was also alleged that what the companies push to the tables of Nigerian contractors could not be done in advanced markets.

Reacting to the ARCON’s announcement that it had opened an investigation into 9mobile over the alleged unpaid debt, following two formal complaints from industry stakeholders, a Mass Communication Lecturer at the Federal Polytechnic, Offa, Kwara State, Olalekan Ojo,

applauded the regulatory body for being proactive, but urged the telco and the agency involved to meet and resolve their differences.

He said: “The news was shocking because I thought the emergence of the Advertising Industry Standard of Practice (AISOP) has set a new dawn in Nigeria’s advertising industry. AISOP seeks to improve mutual respect, eradicate unfair advantage, unethical competition and inequitable engagement terms between stakeholders in the Marketing Communications industry. The objective was to create a standard operating system that will galvanize advertising practice and the Integrated Marketing Communications (IMC) landscape as

a whole. It is obvious that having a standard operating system is vital for any country’s advertising industry. This issue at hand concerning the N1 billion debt has shown that our industry is still low in corporate governance.”

Meanwhile, in the statement released by ARCON, which was signed by its Director-General, Olalekan Fadolapo, the regulatory body noted that two formal petitions have been filed against Emerging Markets Telecommunications Services Limited, trading as 9mobile, alleging the telco’s prolonged refusal to pay advertising debts despite having disengaged the indebted agencies and reportedly briefed new ones to continue business “with impunity.”

Underserved Markets

significant investments in the meat value chain, creating further demand for high-quality feedstock.

Stories by Emma Okonji

Worried about the connectivity gap that exists among humans and digital devices globally, the Nigeria Computer Society (NCS), the umbrella body for all Information Technology Professionals in Nigeria, is set to bridge the existing connectivity gap in Nigeria, through its international conference.

Themed: “ConNovate 2025: Intelligent, Secure, and Sustainable Innovations for Connected World,” the 19th International Conference on Technology and Computing, scheduled to hold in Kano, seeks to bridge connectivity gap in Nigeria, and ensure that Nigerians are digitally connected to the internet, especially those in underserved and un-served communities.

President of NCS, Dr. Muhammad Sirajo Aliyu, who gave the assurance at a press briefing in Lagos recently to announce this year’s hybrid conference, said: “The theme: Intelligent, Secure, and Sustainable Innovations for Connected World, is strategically chosen to address

the pressing need for advanced technological frameworks that prioritise intelligence, security, and sustainability. In an era of rapid digital transformation, interconnected systems, and global challenges, ConNovate 2025 aims to foster collaboration among industry leaders, researchers, policymakers, and tech enthusiasts to develop resilient, inclusive, and sustainable solutions.”

Deputy President of NCS, Dr. Charles Onyeukwu, stressed the need for collaboration with Nigerian IT professionals in the Diaspora, adding that such collaboration will further enhance the spread of emerging technologies in Nigeria, deepen technology innovation and also bridge connectivity gap.

Chairman Conference Committee at NCS, Prof. Adebukola Onashoga, said: “ConNovate 2025 promises to be a premier gathering of experts, researchers, and innovators from around the world. Our conference features engaging parallel tracks, showcasing cutting-edge research and innovations in various fields of computer science.”

Former Executive Vice Chairman, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Prof. Umar Danbatta, has assured Nigerians that the launch of EmoSIM, Nigeria’s first out-bound travel eSIM, would provide innovative and affordable telecommunications services in Nigeria and beyond, especially in underserved markets.

Danbatta who spoke at a fireside chat conversation during the launch of EmoSIM in Lagos, said the launch would create a significant milestone for the growth of Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs) in Nigeria, and enhance innovation and

services affordability in Nigeria’s telecoms sector.

“When I was still serving as the Executive Vice Chairman of the NCC, one of our primary goals was to optimise the usage of spectrum in the country. We observed that while spectrum was a finite and critical resource, it was not being used optimally. That realisation drove us to explore avenues for more efficient utilisation—one of which was enabling MVNOs to operate by leveraging the existing spectrum of mobile network operators,” Danbatta said.

The Director General,

Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC), Dr. Jobson Ewalefoh, who was also part of the fireside chat, stressed the need for government to continue to create a new environment for business to thrive, to remove the barriers for business to grow, to create new conditions that allow businesses to be self-sufficient.

Former Chairman, National Institute of Marketing of Nigeria (NIMN), Tony Agenmonmen, said EmoSIM has made travelling easy for Nigerians, by enabling them to connect to families and friends, from anywhere in the world, with one SIM.

Group CEO, Wakanow, Bayo Adedeji, said: “This is a product I can take to 28 other countries that we are in. And the spread of having two Nigerian brands collaborate to take a Nigerian product outside of Nigeria makes it even more powerful.”

Chairman/Founder of EmoSIM, Jimmy Eboma, in his welcome speech, said: “EmoSIM is not just a product. It is a revolution built on a simple truth-connectivity, which is not a luxury, but a lifeline. With one tap, Nigerians and beyond now activate instant access to the world. No swaps. No shocks. No borders.”

In a bid to boost agricultural productivity and empower women in the sector, Honda Manufacturing (Nigeria) Limited recently held a community development event themed “Empowering Women in Agriculture” in Lagos. The event saw the company empower 10 rural women farmers from the Southwest region with Honda agricultural tools.

Speaking at the event, Consultant and Technical Team Lead to the Osun State Government on Climate Change and Renewable Energy, Professor Chinwe Obuaku, emphasised the need for women to be empowered with entrepreneurial skills to improve their income and productivity.

“Women in agriculture need to be empowered with entrepreneurial skills to improve their income and productivity,” she stressed. Her words highlighted the importance of capacity building for women in agriculture, who often face unique challenges in the sector.

The Managing Director of Honda Manufacturing (Nigeria) Limited, Mr. Tetsuya Kawai, said the initiative aims to contribute to Nigerian society and support the agricultural sector. “We recognise the vital role women play in Nigeria’s agriculture sector, and we’re committed to supporting them,” he added. Mr. Kawai’s statement underscores Honda’s commitment to corporate social responsibility and its desire to make Nigerian women.

L–R: Head of People Strategy & Operations, Flutterwave, Victoria Vodunnu; Founder, Empowher Ng, Tobi Alaka; Chief Executive Officer, HerVest, Solape Akinpelu; Lagos State Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mobolaji Ogunlende and Chief Operating Officer & Chief Financial Officer, TRACE, Ego Obiegbunam,

Mary Nnah

NiRA Elects Executive Board of Directors to Drive .ng Domain Growth

The Nigeria Internet Registration Association (NiRA), at its recently concluded 17th Annual General Meeting (AGM), elected new executive board of directors to further drive the growth of .ng domain name in Nigeria/

The hybrid event, held at the NiRA’s Secretariat, brought together over 325 members, stakeholders, and media to review a transformative year and elect new leadership.

The AGM, a cornerstone event for NiRA, provided a platform for robust engagement and strategic planning.

During the AGM, NiRA successfully elected new

members to the Executive Board of Directors (EBoD).

In his address, NiRA President, Mr. Adesola Akinsanya, said the year 2024 was a year of unprecedented growth and innovation for the association. He highlighted key achievements of NiRA to include the registration of 94,723 new .ng domain names and 61,227 renewals, bringing the total number of .ng domains under management to an impressive 212,890. The accreditation of 23 new registrars further underscored NiRA’s expanding reach

and collaborative success with its partners.

A pivotal moment was the implementation of DNS Security Extensions (DNSSEC), significantly enhancing the integrity and trust of the .ng namespace. NiRA also introduced a Registrar Incentive Programme in Q3 2024, rewarding topperforming registrars for their vital role in driving .ng adoption. While speaking on partnerships, Akinsanya highlighted several strategic collaborations across government and private sectors.

Royal Electronics Endorses Kanayo, Hutchings as Brand Ambassadors

Royal Electronics, a Nigerian electronics and home appliances brand under the umbrella of SIMS Nigeria Limited, has onboarded two distinguished personalities as Category Brand Endorsers — veteran actor and lawyer, Kanayo O. Kanayo and actress, film producer, interior designer, businesswoman and philanthropist, Dr. Carolyna Hutchings.

The dual endorsement marks a bold step in Royal’s ongoing commitment to excellence, trust, and innovation in the consumer

electronics space. With over three decades of market presence through SIMS Nigeria, Royal has remained a household name by delivering reliable, technology-driven solutions that meet the everyday needs of Nigerian families.

Chief Marketing Officer of SIMS Nigeria Limited, Mr. Fabian Uzor, said: “At Royal, we are proud to work with individuals who reflect the values we uphold as a brand — quality, integrity, innovation and Nigerian excellence. The addition

of Kanayo O. Kanayo and Carolyna Hutchings to the Royal family marks an exciting new phase in our brand journey, and we’re confident their voices will strengthen our connection with millions of consumers nationwide.”

This endorsement comes as Royal continues to expand its presence in both urban and regional markets, while deepening its relationship with customers through initiatives such as the ‘Face of Royal 2025’ social impact programmes, and an expanding product portfolio.

TripointTravels Hosts Pre-GEC Brunch for Nigerian Delegates

In a vibrant celebration of national pride, global relevance, and entrepreneurial drive, Tripoint Travels, the official logistics partner of GEN Nigeria, hosted an exclusive pre- congress brunch for Nigerian delegates attending the upcoming Global Entrepreneurship Congress (GEC) 2025.

Held at Tripoint’s Lagos headquarters, the event brought together top entrepreneurs, investors, ecosystem leaders, and government officials, including Deputy Vice Chancellor, Pan Atlantic University, Dr. Peter Bamkole; Managing Director of the Global Entrepreneurship

In a move to empower Nigerian youth and accelerate the adoption of renewable energy, itel Solar Energy has commissioned its first Solar Energy Training Centre in partnership with the University of Ibadan (UI).

The commissioning ceremony, held recently, marks a significant milestone in the company’s education-focused corporate social responsibility (CSR) and long-term talent development strategy.

Speaking at the event, Vice-

Congress Nigeria (GEN Nigeria), Dr. Olawale Anifowose; and CEO of the Shared Agent Network Expansion Facilities (SANEF) Limited, Mrs. Uche Uzoebo, among other dignitaries.

Founder of Tripoint Travels, Mrs. Shuhda Muhammed, said:

“The Global Entrepreneurship Congress is not just a conference, it’s a platform that is deliberate about global innovation meeting local action. We want to set the tone for our delegates, to ensure that they feel connected to this year’s theme - The Bold Change the World, as well as foster the necessary collaborations

Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, Professor Kayode Adebowale, said: “On behalf of the University of Ibadan, I would like to sincerely appreciate Itel Solar Energy for this impactful initiative. The opportunities and benefits extended to our students, from hands-on training to scholarships and internship opportunities, are deeply commendable.”

President of the University of Ibadan Students’ Union Government (SUG), Covenant

to make that happen at the local and global stage.. As a company rooted in both logistics and empowerment, we are proud to play a role in making their journey seamless and meaningful.”

Speaking at the event, Managing Director of the Global Entrepreneurship Network Nigeria (GEN Nigeria), Dr. Olawale Anifowose, emphasised the significance of the Global Entrepreneurship Congress (GEC) as both a meeting point and a growth platform, where Nigerian entrepreneurs engage with global ecosystems to connect, learn, and thrive.

Oladele, said: “itel Energy has provided us with a hub of opportunity. With solar training, scholarship access, and a modernised learning environment powered by intel Solar Energy, our academic and career prospects have just been significantly expanded. This shows what real corporate responsibility looks like.”

PR Manager at itel Solar Energy, Olaotan Fawehinmi, reaffirmed the brand’s dedication to youth development and sustainability.

Africa’s First Kids AI Summit Goes Live in Lagos

Stories byAgnes Ekebuike

Digital Equity Africa will be hosting Kids Tech Fest, the first Artificial Intelligence (AI) Summit for Children in Africa, with the theme: ‘Generation AI: Shaping the Future, One Mind at a Time’. It is a pioneering technology event designed exclusively to address the immersion of Nigerian children into an AI-driven world.

Kids Tech Fest, which is scheduled to hold at the Landmark Event Centre, Lagos on June 14, 2025, will introduce and reinforce

children ages 6–16 to the world of AI, through specially curated sessions, hands-on activities, immersive learning, and interactive exhibitions.

According to the organisers, parents and the education ecosystem are not left out, as there will be dedicated speakers and workshops for them, addressing parenting in an AI world, cyber safety, learning resources, career guidance and IT curriculum for schools.

The historic gathering marks Africa’s first child-centered global

AI conference, giving children the opportunity not just to consume technology, but to create with it.

Abuja, Kano and Enugu will be host to the conference series for 2025, while the next location will be announced at the Lagos conference.

Digital Equity Africa is expected to go live with an AI Learning Community, which targets 100,000 Nigerian Children in its first year. The beyond Lagos approach will make for more regional balance in the AI movement for Nigerian children.

Nigeria’s Timeless Advertising Campaigns

raheem Akingbolu delves into the essence of a few memorable Nigerian advertising campaigns and how the promoters blend their storytelling deftness with creativity to produce unique works of art that not only resonate with consumers but also impacted the brands

BAgCo Super SACk – We No go gree

The nation was transitioning from cement bagged with paper to one bagged with semi-plastic bags called bagco. Of course, there was resistance, but this campaign broke that resistance and cement inside paper naturally added out and cement manufacturers were forced to start bagging their cement in bagco. Perhaps the most exciting thing about this campaign is the chant. The storyline was interesting too, set in a local shop where a cement supplier and a store owner disagreed about the type of cement supplied. The store owner and his boys insisted on having only cement in Bagco Super Sack, which resulted in a chant similar to the ones used during a protest. It was a strategic concept that creatively targeted those who suffer from the issues arising from lousy cement bags. By targeting those people and enlightening them of a better option, store owners, suppliers, and even manufacturers got the message, and the chant, along with the name of the brand stuck in our heads forever.

Hope ‘93: oN THe MArCH AgAiN

Prior to this ad, two agencies, Insight Communications and late Sesan Ogunro’s Eminent Communications had been signed on by the National Republican Convention and Social Democratic Party, respectively, to market the two parties ahead of the 1993 general elections. As a build-up to the SDP’s Moshood Abiola’s campaign, Eminent published Bashorun Abiola’s letter of hope to Nigerians and followed it up with the ‘On the March Again’ campaign that changed Nigeria’s political landscape. It was the beginning of modern political marketing in Nigeria.

One of the most iconic presidential campaigns of all time, the Hope ‘93 presidential campaign of late MKO Abiola created a TV commercial that not only resonated with potential voters but sold a powerful message in a simple way; exploiting the power of music, street language and imagery that endeared the contestant to voters. No wonder he won the election.

FCMB: poWer oF THe group

The 2025 campaign runs on the strength of being together as a group to create unity towards a common purpose. There could be a good singer, but when he or she joins a group,

it becomes an orchestra that produces sweet melodies.

The same goes for a gifted footballer who must join a team to win trophies and medals.

Shot on location across Lagos,Abuja, and the breathtaking Mambilla Plateau, in Taraba, the TVC doesn’t just tell a story about financial strength; it inadvertently celebrates Nigeria itself. Each frame showcases the nation’s diversity, natural beauty, and the power of unity—subtly reinforcing the message that, just like FCMB Group’s subsidiaries, Nigeria thrives when its diverse elements come together as one. The seamless transition of scenes, integrated with crisp visual metaphors, creates an immersive experience. The advert’s emotional resonance is heightened by a pulsating soundtrack composed by the legendary Cobhams Asuquo and the captivating narration of Laila Johnson-Salami.

The combination of sound and visuals pulls viewers into the heart of the message, emphasising strength through unity.

peAk Milk – pApilo

The essence of this campaign was to highlight the fact that Peak Milk had remained an enduring brand that has played a role in the lives of Nigerians. With Kanu being the face of the campaign, it started when he was a small boy playing with a tin of Peak Milk and an old woman ‘prophesied’ that he would one day bring glory to the village, which he eventually did. Of course, with the help of Peak Milk. Considering Kanu Nwakwo’s legendary deftness on the pitch and his acceptability among football

fans, almost everyone wanted to be a footballer after watching this advert. Everyone wanted to “make us proud” like Papilo. It is not surprising to get such a fantastic commercial from a category leader, Peak Milk. The Brand effectively utilised its endorsement of Kanu and created a great advert based on his life. At that time, Kanu Nwankwo was making Nigeria proud. So the ad used that to sell Peak Milk, suggesting that it is responsible for the strong growth required for a child to grow into an adult who would make the country proud. It felt real, and it was inspiring as well as entertaining. A lot of things worked in this ad’s favour. First, Nigerians love Kanu, and they love football as well. Then the storyline, copy and video concept made it an instant hit, it felt like it gave people a glimpse of the football star’s childhood, and the little stunts he pulled even as a youngster made the ad more amazing. Oh, and the way the lady who said the name “Papilo” with the Nigerian intonation nailed it. It resonated well, it stuck!

ViCkS Blue – BABA Blue

Though the focus of this piece is the Baba Blue Justice campaign, it can be background with another campaign where the promoters of the brand used the traditional bus conductor to pass a message about throat clearing.

Here, the Vicks menthol candy features a bus conductor calling passengers but with a gruffy voice until one elderly man admonished that he won’t get

passengers with such a voice and he offered him Vicks menthol candy, which he (the conductor) took and his voice became clearer and he got passengers in droves. The Baba Blue (Justice) campaign was conceptualised and produced by SO&U. Its beauty lies in the way dramatic scenes were created in a court to pass a message. The lawyer of the defendant was not articulate because of the cold and catarrh. He is given Vicks Blue by the Brand’s famous character, Baba Blue, which instantly clears his cold. It turns out he wins the case, and his victim is discharged and acquitted. The high point is at the end of the short drama when the defendant unknowingly confesses to the crime (I swear I no go do am again) while thanking Baba Blue. The ad did great for Vicks at the time because of its relevance and captivating nature.

BANk pHB: CArS Will ruN oN

WATer

Before Bank PHB was closed down, it was known for its bold advertising campaign, but one of its memorable ones was the one with the slogan; “One day, cars will run on water...”. This campaign, created by Insight Communications, was part of a larger theme of “Impossible is Nothing.” The ad depicted a man refuelling his car with water and then drinking from the same nozzle, symbolising the bank’s forward-thinking vision.

The campaign was highly regarded for its creativity and ability to resonate with the Nigerian audience, but some argue it may have contributed to the bank’s eventual downfall due to its lack of practical products and services to support the “impossible” vision. The bank’s license was revoked in 2011 due to its inability to meet recapitalisation deadlines.

MTN: i DoN porT oo

Needing to switch between multiple networks, having two or more lines became the fad. At the time, MTN offered subscribers the opportunity to change networks but still retain their old numbers. Afeez ‘Saka’ Oyetoro, who had worked for Etisalat (now 9Mobile) was the face of the campaign and the tagline: ‘I don port o’ became a national slogan which was even being used on the streets to communicate about other things.

The story continues online on www.thisdaylive.com

A Mutual fund (Unit Trust) is an investment vehicle managed by a SEC (Securities and Exchange Commission) registered Fund Manager. Investors with similar objectives buy units of the Fund so that the Fund Manager can buy securities that willl generate their desired return.

An ETF (Exchange Traded Fund) is a type of fund which owns the assets (shares of stock, bonds, oil futures, gold bars, foreign currency, etc.) and divides ownership of those assets into shares. Investors can buy these ‘shares’ on the

floor of the Nigerian Stock Exchange.

A REIT (Real Estate Investment Trust) is an investment vehicle that allows both small and large investors to part-own real estate ventures (eg. Offices, Houses, Hospitals) in proportion to their investments. The assets are divided into shares that are traded on the Nigerian Stock Exchange.

GUIDE TO DATA:

Date: All fund prices are quoted in Naira as at 03 June-2025, unless otherwise stated.

DAILY PRICE LIST FOR MUTUAL FUNDS, REITS and ETFS

Customs Seizes Bullet-proof Vests, Others Worth N1.2bn in South-West

Eromosele Abiodun

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Federal Operations Unit, Zone ‘A’, has announced the seizures of 11 used vehicles,1,665kg of Cannabis Sativa; 4000 litres of premium motor spirit; Bullet Proof vestss amongst others, in Ogun, Lagos and other states within the South Western region of the country.

Addressing newsmen in Lagos, Customs Area Controller of the Unit, Controller Mohammed Shuaibu explained that the entire seizure is valued at N1.2 billion.

According to him, “On the 23rd and 24th of May 2025, at about 0300hrs and 0230hrs, our patrol teams within Lagos metropolis acted on intelligence intercepted and seized 2X40FT containers with containers numbers (MSCU 5295718 and MRSU 5856090) respectively along Ijora-Olopa, and mile 2 axis.

“The examination reports of these containers revealed the following contents: Seven Mitsubishi Canters, Five Toyota Hiace Buses, and Three Mini Shuttle Buses all cut up with their parts complete with clear intention of evading Customs duties. “Other items include used bicycles, 312, Bales of printed wax, 23 Bales of used

Marine

clothing, 42 used gas cylinders, and 30 used flat screens televisions, 65 table top cookers, and 31 unit of used split air conditioning among others. The importation of these items contravenes schedule 4 of the common external tariff.

“Similarly, on the19th of May 2025 at about 0300hrs hours another patrol team intercepted a Volvo truck and investigation revealed to contains 1263 pieces of used tyres and other goods. One suspect was also arrested.”

He added, “In the same vein, on the 19th of May 2025 at about 2300hrs, our officers on a routine patrol along Shagamu/Ijebu-Ode express way in Ogun State, intercepted one truck with registration number T24623LA suspected to be conveying uncustoms goods including Bullet Proof vests. Again, an investigation report revealed the content to include some packages of Tramadol.

“Furthermore, on the 26th of May 2025, at about 0600hrs, through intelligence-driven operations, our men on the Ijebu-Ode patrol team arrested one empty Mercedes Benz truck. Thorough rummaging of the truck and careful observation by our officers which led to uncover concealment of Cannabis Sativa

(India Hemp) in the compartments of the truck. One suspect was arrested in connection with the seizure.”

“Additionally, our patrol teams around the borders areas across the six (6) states of the Southwest have intensified surveillance of our borders against unscrupulous elements among Nigerians, resulting in several seizures of rice, Cannabis Sativa, used cars and other goods in a flash points of Imeko, Ilaro, Owode, Idiroko, Ilara, Ihumbo,Abeokuta, Badagry, Agbara, Gbaji, shaki and Iseyin in Oyo state.

“In all, 46 interceptions were recorded during this two (2) weeks of operations comprising the following: Rice 2051X50kg each of foreign parboiled rice equivalent to four trailer loads; 11 used vehicles, popularly known as tokumbo vehicles; 1665kg of Cannabis Sativa; 4000 litres of premium motor spirit (PMS); One white and Black J5 commercial Bus loaded with expired goods; and one Volvo Truck containing 180 sacks of new towel. Seven suspects were arrested in connection with the various seizures, which have a duty paid value (DPV) of N1,285, 600,383.00) only,” he said.

Surveyors Lead Initiative to Enhance Industry Standards, Regulations

The Centre for Marine Surveyors in Nigeria, CMSN, has begun a strategic initiative aimed at raising operational standards and reinforcing regulatory frameworks within the nation’s marine and cargo survey subsector.

The Centre for Marine Surveyors in Nigeria is a professional organisation was establish to sanitise marine surveyors profession and provide a platform for self regulation.

In a statement signed by the President of the Centre, Akin Olaniyan said that the centre was also set up to address critical gap in Nigeria’s maritime industry with a view to ensuring that surveying services are carried

Nigerdock, promoters of Snake Island Integrated Free Zone (SIIFZ), has announced the establishment of Transocean Coatings FZE, an affiliate of Transocean Coatings Nigeria Limited.

Commenting at the official signing ceremony, Nigerdock Chief Executive Officer, Maher Jarmakani, said: “We are delighted to welcome Transocean Coatings Nigeria to our economic zone, and look forward to a partnership that will significantly contribute to

out by competent, licensed professionals who meet both national and international standards.

According to Olaniyan, the primary goal of the centre is to promote professionalism and technical excellence in marine surveying through education, training and industry collaboration.

He said:”In partnership with the Niger Delta University, we offer a Post graduate Diploma in Marine Surveying designed to equip professionals with practical and academic foundation required for success in the industry.

“Beyond training, we are also actively engaged in advocacy,

the advancement of innovation, commerce, and economic growth across the region.”

Transocean FZE joins SIIFZ’s growing portfolio of multi-sector entities, including maritime, logistics, finance, energy, and heavy industry.

Transocean Coatings Nigeria Chief Executive Officer, Oliver Birkett, remarked: “With Transocean Coatings’ presence in over 20 countries, our newest facility within SIIFZ’s strategic location increases our global footprint and enables

partnerships and membership development. We have worked with key institutions like the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board, NCDMB, who sponsored training programmes under our platform to build Indigenous capacity in marine surveying.

“We have also formed clubs within some institutions like the University of Lagos, Federal College of Fisheries and Marine Technology. As we continue to grow, our focus remains on strengthening industry standards expanding students’ enrolment and building partnerships that will give our graduates access to practical experience and job opportunities”

us to better serve our clients with increased efficiency and proximity. It also reinforces our dedication to the region’s infrastructure and energy sectors and our long-term vision for business growth in Africa.”

Established as a free trade zone in 2005, SIIFZ provides entities with ease of doing business and global market access. The presence of interconnected services within the Free Zone, including Snake Island Port, further enhances the potential for collaborative opportunities.

Sundry Foods Named Among Africa’s Fastest-growing Firms

Sundry Markets Limited, the operator of the popular Marketsquare supermarket chain, has been recognised by the Financial Times as one of Africa’s fastest-growing companies for the second consecutive year. In its 2025 edition, which is the fourth in the series, FT, in collaboration with Statista, ranked SML 47th out of 130 fastest-growing companies across the continent. This recognition affirms SML’s leadership in Nigeria’s organized retail sector.

The FT ranking, developed with Statista, is based on the compound growth rate from 2020 to 2023. During this period, SML achieved a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 59.2% and an Absolute Growth Rate (AGR) of 303.6%. Notably, Sundry Markets Limited was recognized as one of the fastestgrowing companies in Africa and can be inferred to be the fastest-growing retail company on the continent. The report also shows that SML posted the third-highest revenues amongst

the fastest-growing companies listed on the continent.

The Founder and Chief Executive Officer of SML, Mr. Ebele Enunwa, expressed his excitement about the achievement, crediting it to the dedication and hard work of the management and staff, as well as the collaboration among employees and stakeholders.

Enunwa emphasized SML’s commitment to developing a modern retail company that caters to the evolving needs of Nigerian consumers while promoting homegrown solutions.

Saharan Blend

(Gabon),

Basrah Medium (Iraq), Kuwait Export (Kuwait), Es Sider (Libya), Bonny Light (Nigeria), Arab Light (Saudi Arabia), Murban (UAE)

Merey (Venezuela).

L-R: CEO, Transocean Coatings Nigeria,Oliver Birkett, and Executive Director, Nigerdock, David Ayscough during the official signing for the establishment of Transocean Coatings FZE at Snake Island Integrated Free Zone in Lagos...recently

Transocean Coatings Establishes Affiliate at Snake Island Integrated Free Zone

Market Cap Hits N71trn on Demand for Oando, 31 Others

Kayode Tokede

The market capitalisation of the listed companies on the Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX) hit the N71 trillion mark yesterday on investors’ demand for Oando Plc and 31 others.

As investors reacted to Oando’s 2024 audited result and accounts that was released on NGX, the market capitalisa-

tion gained N223.38 billion or 0.32per cent to close at N71.118 trillion yesterday from N70.895 trillion the stock market opened for trading activities. Consequently, the NGX All-Share Index rose by 354.25 basis points or 0.32 per cent, to close at 112,781.73 basis points from 112,427.48 basis points it closed for trading the previous day.

Oando’s audited result and

accounts for December ended 31, 2024 showed a profit before tax of N383.82billion, about 272.72per cent increase over N102.98 billion declared in 2023, while profit after tax stood at N220.12billion in 2024, representing an increase of 265 per cent from N660.277 billion declared in 2023.

The company makes history with about N4.09 trillion revenue in 2024, a significant

increase of 43.6 per cent from N2.85trillion reported in 2023. However, sectoral performance was broadly positive as the NGX Banking Index and NGX Oil & Gas index advanced by 0.9per cent, respectively. The NGX Consumer Goods Index advanced by 0.5 per cent and NGX Insurance Index added 0.4per cent. The NGX Industrial Goods index closed flat.

Investor sentiment, as measured by market breath closed positive as 32 stocks gained, while 21 lost.

Oando recorded the highest price gain of 10 per cent to close at N51.70 per share. Royal Exchange followed with a gain of 8.64 per cent to close at 88 kobo, while Legend Internet up by 7.27 per cent to close at N5.90, per share.

Lasaco Assurance appreci-

ated by 6.67 per cent to close at N3.20, while May & Baker Nigeria gained 6.56 per cent to close at N13.80, per share. On the other hand, NCR Nigeria led the losers’ chart by 9.89 per cent to close at N5.92, per share. ABC Transports followed with a decline of 9.83 per cent to close at N2.95, while Meyer depreciated by 9.63 per cent to close at N8.45, per share.

PRICES FOR SECURITIES TRADED ASOF JUNE/4/25

Thisday Afrinvest Index Up 0.4%

Thisday Afrinvest 40 index rose 0.4% to print at 5,548.45 points due to price appreciation in GTCO (+2.2%), ZENITH (+0.4%), and UBA (+0.6%). Cumulatively, these stocks account for 15.8% of the index.

Bullish Streak Extends to Three Days… ASI up 0.3%

Yesterday, the bullish start to June extended to the third day as price uptick in OANDO (+10.0%), GTCO (+2.2%) and FIRSTHOLDCO (+2.7%) pushed the NGX ASI up 0.3% to 112,781.73 points. As a result, YTD return strengthened to 9.6% (previously 9.2%), while market capitalisation gained 0.3% to ₦71.1tn. Activity level was mixed as volume traded fell 1.8% to 611.5m while value traded rose 3.5% to ₦16.7bn.

Bullish

Sector Performance

Across sectors under our coverage, performance was bullish as four indices closed northward, one lost while the AFR ICT index closed flat. Leading the gainers, the Banking and Oil & Gas indices rose 0.9% apiece driven by price appreciation on STERLING (+4.5%), UBA (+0.6%), and OANDO (+10.0%). Following, the Consumer Goods and Insurance indices advanced 0.5% and 0.3% respectively, owing to buying interest in INTBREW (+4.5%), PZ (+5.8%), AIICO (+3.2%) and MBENEFIT (+4.9%). Conversely, the Industrial Goods index shed 1bp on the back of selloffs on WAPCO ( 0.1%) and MEYER ( 9.6%).

Outlook

Investor sentiment, as measured by market breath, improved to 0.15x (previously: 0.07x) as 32 stocks gained, 21 lost while 75 were unchanged. Today, we expect a mild bearish performance on the back of profit taking activities.

HealtH & lifestyle

FCTA Backs Garki Hospital PPP as Blueprint for Sectoral Growth

Tajudeen Kareem

To engender good governance, Nigerians are desirous of continuity in programmes and policies. Indeed, annual budgets are becoming meaningless where successive administrations prefer new schemes rather than combining inherited programmes.

But the Federal Capital Territory Administration, FCTA, under Barrister Nyesom Wike is showing a good example in the management of its hospitals.

To address the shortcomings of the traditional ‘general hospital’ system, the FCTA in 2007 handed over the management of Garki Hospital to Nisa Medical Group as a model to evaluate the efficacy of its Public-Private-Partnership policy. Eighteen years down the line, the managers of Garki Hospital have made an enormous difference in making the facility one of the most sought-after in Abuja.

Available information shows that the population in the Federal Capital Territory has grown from 1.5 million in 2007 to 3.4 million, being an annual increase of 5.67 percent. Estimated increase in 2020 stood at two million. The number of people living in the FCT has doubled in about 20 years, tasking the government’s response in the provision of infrastructure and services.

For a sizable percentage of this population, government hospitals stay the choice when considering accessibility, affordability, and quality service. They are, however, often mindful of the costs, waiting for time to see a doctor or having their laboratory tests conducted.

The concession agreement that led to the takeover of Garki Hospital by Nisa Medical Group has gone a long way to providing succor to this substantial number of Nigerians.

It is on record that since its handover to private operators in 2007, Garki hospital has not shut its doors for a single day and not a single employee has been laid off. Not even during the peak of the coronavirus pandemic. The PPP model of which Garki Hospital, Abuja is exemplary also provides a clear pathway to upgrading the healthcare sector to world best standards, especially at this time when government finances are severely constrained. Indeed, resources available to the government are limited while many sectors need intervention; roads, water, and sanitation require much more government attention.

Data from Healthy Partnerships in 2010, relying on a World Bank report, declared the Garki Hospital as a model PPP hospital. Here a private provider manages a government structure, where patients get higher-quality services than at public hospitals at cheaper rates than other private centres.

The PPP initiative involving Nisa Premier and the FCT in managing a once moribund Garki Hospital has proven to be amazing as a creative solution for policy makers.

Patients who have attended the hospital bore witness that the hospital is fully digitalized. The in-patient, the out-patient, the labs, the pharmacy, and every other department is fully computerized.

Outside the issue of waiting time, the hospital has also stepped up its services to include advanced diagnostic aid, CT scan, advanced MRI with stateof-the-art tools for monitoring, such as fibroid scan, among others. For about 10 years, the hospital has safely delivered premature babies weighing less than one kilogram; and from simply basic fertility management to providing low–cost in vitro

fertilization since 2014 with high success rates.

In October 2019, the Garki Hospital became the first in sub-Saharan Africa to conduct Sleeve Gastrectomy, a surgical weight-loss procedure performed by inserting small instruments through multiple small incisions in the upper abdomen. By implication, Nigerians need no longer seek medical tourism in view of the feat at Garki Hospital.

A model worthy of celebration

The immediate-past medical director of Garki Hospital, Dr. Adamu Onu noted that the PPP between Nisa Medical Group and Garki Hospital, being the first of its kind in Nigerian health sector, has successfully passed the litmus test.

“Nigeria’s healthcare sector is not as strong as it should be and the Covid-19 crises that came about is basically what I will call a stress test for the Nigerian health sector and in that regard, we have not done as well as we ought to have done. But based on my experience at Garki Hospital, I can confidently say that the PPP model is a very good way to improve the healthcare sector so that when pandemics like this arrive, the capacity is there to be able to curb or handle such and take care of it.

“It is clearly evident that the public-private partnership model of which Nisa Garki Hospital Abuja is the exemplar provides a clear pathway to upgrading and extending the Nigeria healthcare sector to world best standards, especially at this time when government finances are severely constrained,” said Adamu.

Recently, Barrister Wike approved a renewal of the concession to popular acclaim. The Chairman, Nisa Medical Group Board of Directors, Dr Shamsudeen Usman said Wike’s action in ensuring the renewal of the concession of Garki Hospital, despite all odds and challenges met earlier, serves as an endorsement for the Nisa Group to do more. “The renewal of this concession, despite the challenges met during the first term is indeed a positive development for the public. I believe the caliber of individuals being inaugurated today will provide a strong and capable foundation for the hospital’s governance

moving forward,” said Shamsudeen.

He noted that the second phase of the PublicPrivate Partnership between Nisa Medical Group and the FCTA was successfully completed, with the support and cooperation of the two ministers in the FCT and the permanent secretary.

The former minister of budget and economic planning expressed confidence that the new board will effectively manage the hospital and serve Abuja residents well.

“One of the major challenges during the earlier era was the lack of effective communication among stakeholders. I urge this new Board to address that by ensuring seamless communication at the highest levels, fostering mutual respect, cordiality, and a clear, unified direction for the progress of the hospital.

“Transparency, patient safety and excellence in clinical practice must remain top priorities. I am confident that with proper communication and cooperation, this Board will function efficiently and harmoniously,” Usman said.

He described the new Chairman of the Garki Hospital Board, Dr. Peter Nmadu as a seasoned medical professional with a solid record in managing healthcare services across the country.

“His experience across both the public and private sectors positions him as a balanced and competent leader,” having had a meritorious career in NNPCL rising to the rank of Group Executive Director, Corporate Services before his statutory retirement. The Permanent Secretary, Health Service and Environment, FCTA, Dr. Baba-Gana Adam reaffirmed the passion of his team for effective and efficient service delivery that will serve the community.

“Particularly, I can say that I am on this board not for any personal reason. I am on this board to ensure the government does its part,” he said.

“We thank the Mandate Secretary, Dr. Adedolapo Fasawe for working through and having an understanding for us to sign the dotted lines. We thank Minister Nyesom Wike for speeding up this process and ensuring its delivery.”

Adam noted that the Nisa-FCTA partnership has proven that the PPP is working for Nigerians to see and promised that the FCTA is open to

similar agreements to improve service delivery.

Medical Director of Garki Hospital, Dr Kenneth Ityo praised the team which steered the hospital through the first 15 years of concession and promised to leave an indelible mark during his tenure.

“It is our sincere hope that after 15 years of concession, we will leave a legacy that will stand the test of time, deepen the system and the success of PPP in Nigeria”, said Ityo.

Early and sustained successes

One of the early successes of the PPP arrangement was recorded during Covid-19 in 2020 when Garki hospital became a major centre for treatment of infected Nigerians.

The hospital has also deliberately pursued workforce development, even as it gains recognition for advanced medical training.

For instance, all its medical officers and doctors in 2022 receive Advanced Cardiac Life Support Training, being an accredited centre for training house officers. Newly graduated doctors are taken through post registration training before they become fully registered doctors.

The hospital was the first to gain accreditation in the whole of West Africa for Post Fellowship Diploma Training in Assisted Reproductive Technology, creating opportunities for consultants from other hospitals to train and obtain their diploma from the West African College of Surgeons.

Little wonder that with the success posted by the Nisa-Garki Hospital partnership, the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission has raised the possibility of replicating the initiative to revive more fledgling healthcare centres in Abuja. The plan entailed a world class case study of the hospital to find the factors responsible for its success and deploying and replicating the same arrangement across the country. The Garki Hospital model, without a doubt, underscores the need for government to speedily expand the PPP model to other hospitals. This would help to revitalize the insufficient and badly equipped health facilities, due to limited resources at their disposal and realities of the populace in need of quality and affordable health services.

•Kareem wrote in from Abuja.

N’Assembly, Groups Call for Accountability, Funding Boost to Combat Malnutrition

•Says hunger, food insecurity a time bomb

Kasim Sumaina in Abuja

The National Assembly, Cooperative Assistance for Relief Everywhere (CARE - Nigeria) and the Global Alliance for improved Nutrition (GAIN) have urged the Federal Government to as a matter of urgency address the increasing hunger rate and food insecurity in the country.

The groups also called for accountability and funding boost to combat malnutrition in the country.

The Chairman, House Committee on Nutrition and Food

Security, Hon. Chike Ofakor, while speaking at a Legislative Convening for Jigawa, Nasarawa, Kebbi and Bauchi state, hinted that Nigeria has developed and implemented several nutrition policy documents and frameworks since the advent of the current democratic dispensation in 1999.

Okafor, at the event in Abuja with the theme, “Strengthening Policy Implementation and Action for a Resilient Food System to Improve Food and Nutrition Security” noted that the success or otherwise of such well conceived policy

document, often internationally best-practice aligned policies can best be interrogated in the context of Nigeria current nutrition outcomes.

He added that that key measure of such outcomes is the 2023/2024 National Demographic Health Survey (NDHS), which highlighted notable reversals in key nutrition indices like Under-5 malnutrition, stunting, wasting, and maternal anaemia in most states in Nigeria, including Bauchi, Jigawa, Kebbi and Nasarawa States.

In the light of the foregoing

he opined, “one can evidently postulate that our repeated efforts over the years, including the support from development partners, have not yielded the desired outcome over time.”

Okafor, in his address at the Catalysing Strengthened Policy Action for Healthy Diets and Resilience (CASCADE) project for improved nutrition in Jigawa, Nasarawa, Kebbi and Bauchi States and aims to improve the resilience nutrition situation of women of reproductive age and children in the states of implementation, added: “Through our mandate,

we hope to bring about not just more budgetary allocation for nutrition specific and nutrition sensitive interventions at national and sub-national levels, we also will ensure that there is more nutrition for the available money through strategic, multi-level oversight in all the 774 LGAs of Nigeria.

“Current Land scape Nigeria has various national nutrition policies and frameworks like the National Multi-sectoral Plan of Action for Food and Nutrition (NMPFAN 2021-2025), National Agricultural Policy, National Policy on Food and Nutrition,

National Agriculture Technology and Innovation Policy (NATIP 2022-2027).

These policies are well aligned to international frameworks like the UN SDGs, among others.

The extent to which these policies have been implemented remain doubtful, given our penchant as a government to botherless about what is happening outside Abuja, while the development partners focus more on workshops and other process oriented initiatives, with minimal implementation taking place in our various wards and LGAs across Nigeria,” he said.

L-R: Executive Director, Corporate Services, Garki Hospital, Abuja, Mrs Rabi Wada; Group Managing Director, Nisa Medical Group, Dr. Musa Shaibu; CEO, Nisa Medical Group, Dr Ibrahim Wada and Non-Executive Director, Nisa Medical Group, Mallam Ismaila Shaibu at the inauguration of the new management board for Garki Hospital, Abuja…recently

PERSPECTIVE

Civil Service’s Stagnation: Recycling Retired Bureaucrats’ Failing Tomorrow’s Workforce

By Oskar Nwaudah

According to the renowned AustrianAmerican management sage Peter Drucker: “The greatest danger in times of turbulence is not the turbulence - it is to act with yesterday’s logic.” A disconcerting inclination is metastasizing within the corridors of power: civil service leaders, clinging to a dangerously misguided nostalgia, are doubling down on the use of retired bureaucrats to train current employees.

This myopic cost-cutting gambit, masquerading as pragmatism, threatens to cement the civil service’s reputation as a relic of the past, a lumbering institution allergic to progress, innovation, and the demands of 21st-century governance.

While the allure of in-house training may soothe budgetary anxieties, it is a Faustian bargain that sacrifices long-term efficacy for short-term savings. The stakes are too high for such complacency.

The civil service, once envisioned as the machinery powering effective governance, risks transforming into an echo chamber of outdated practices, where risk-averse thinking is mistaken for wisdom, and institutional inertia is camouflaged as tradition. The preference for retired bureaucrats over forward-thinking external consultants exposes an unwillingness to equip civil servants with the tools needed to navigate the complexities of modern administration. Instead of bridging knowledge gaps, this strategy widens them, ensuring that tomorrow’s workforce remains ensnared in yesterday’s mindset.

Specialized Knowledge? Retirees Offer Yesterday’s Playbook

Retired civil servants, however seasoned, are often prisoners of their own era. Their expertise, while valuable in its time, risks ossifying into irrelevance in a world where artificial intelligence, climate resilience and cyber governance dominate global agendas. Governments worldwide are moving toward data-driven policymaking, digital governance, and agile responses to crises, yet bureaucrats trained under decades-old methodologies struggle to grasp these shifts.

Contrast this with professionally trained external consultants, who are not merely experienced but actively engaged in shaping contemporary best practices. Their expertise is refined through exposure to evolving technologies, international benchmarks and cutting-edge governance solutions.

To rely on retirees for training is to equip civil servants with quills in a digital age. Would we trust a 1990s IT manual to navigate blockchain? Then why outsource critical skills development to those disconnected from today’s realities?

Groupthink: Breeding Grounds for Intellectual Decay

The civil service is already plagued by insularity,

a closed-loop system where conformity is rewarded and dissent dismissed. The continued reliance on retired insiders exacerbates this issue, reinforcing a culture that reveres precedence over pragmatism. Their training perpetuates the same risk-averse, ‘this is how we’ve always done it’ mentality that suffocates innovation and prevents fresh ideas from taking root. Contrast this with external consultants, who bring with them a wealth of perspectives from diverse professional experiences, unshackled from bureaucratic loyalty. They inject dissent as a virtue, challenging institutional inertia by questioning outdated practices, provoking debate, and compelling civil servants to move beyond passive execution toward active problem-solving.

Without this intellectual friction, the civil service risks becoming a museum of obsolete procedures, unable to adapt to the fast-paced demands of governance in the digital era.

Amateur Hour: The Pedagogy Gap

Training is a science, not casual mentorship. While retired civil servants bring operational knowledge, they rarely possess expertise in adult learning theory, curriculum development or performance measurement. This results in rambling lectures, outdated case studies and a lack of measurable impact. When training lacks adaptive learning techniques, it reduces learning to an uninspiring formality rather than a transformational experience.

Professional consultants turn training into a strategic asset, integrating interactive simulations, real-world scenarios, and behavioural analytics to gauge progress. The difference is stark, while retiree-led training leaves civil servants merely informed, consultant-led training leaves them empowered. The latter builds skill sets that transcend rote knowledge, transforming bureaucratic personnel into agile, solution-oriented problem solvers.

Expertise Over Entitlement: Training’s Not Open-Door Affair

A dangerous assumption pervades the civil service - that any senior bureaucrat is automatically fit to train the next generation. The mere fact that one has ascended to the rank of Permanent Secretary or Director does not automatically confer expertise in training. Bureaucratic tenure is not a substitute for certification in instructional design, adult learning principles, or performance-driven coaching. True training is a specialized discipline, not an afterthought. Trainers must be professionally certified, equipped with modern pedagogy, and undergo rigorous “Train-the-Trainer” programs to ensure they can effectively transfer knowledge. Anything less reduces training to an empty ritual, an exercise in formalism rather than development. It is sheer recklessness to assume that recycled administrators, without verified teaching competence, can meaningfully shape future governance. Elevating “emergency trainers” to leadership roles erodes learning quality, wastes public resources, and stagnates institutional growth. Civil service leaders must abandon the lazy presumption that any former official can automatically play the role of educator. Training demands expertise, not entitlement

Objectivity? A Mirage in the Old Boys’ Club

Internal trainers, particularly retirees, are entangled in the webs of patronage and precedent that bind the institution. Can they critically evaluate a system they helped build? Unlikely. Their assessments risk becoming nostalgic tributes to a system that may no longer serve the public efficiently.

This lack of objective critique ensures that training recycles institutional myths rather than addressing systemic inefficiencies. External consultants, accountable to results rather than reputations, bring a brutally honest lens, identifying skills gaps without fear of institutional pushback. They strip away bureaucratic niceties, delivering unvarnished assessments to ensure that training aligns with actual needs, rather than institutional self-preservation.

Credibility Crisis: When Trainees Tune Out

Let’s be blunt: civil servants know when training lacks substance. They recognize when professional development is nothing more than a recycled sop to tradition, delivered by figures whose relevance

expired alongside their government-issued pension checks. This breeds cynicism, disengagement and an attitude where training is seen as nothing more than a bureaucratic checkbox exercise.

In contrast, external experts command respect as authoritative figures, offering training that feels transformational, not perfunctory. When training sessions are led by current industry practitioners, it transforms professional development from a dull formality into a career-defining opportunity.

Best Practices or Provincialism?

Retired bureaucrats are products of their former environment, meaning their knowledge is limited to the confines of their role and jurisdiction. Consultants, by contrast, operate within a global marketplace of ideas, distilling best practices from Silicon Valley, Singapore, Scandinavian governance models, and beyond.

Why should the civil service settle for homegrown mediocrity when it could adopt strategies that have revolutionized efficiency, transparency and public trust worldwide? Refusing external expertise for fear of upsetting tradition is not patriotism, it’s intellectual stagnation.

Capacity Building? Or Perpetual Dependency?

Civil service leaders must decide: Is training about development or replication? Relying on retirees ensures each generation merely clones its predecessors, perpetuating outdated approaches and ensuring the institution remains frozen in time. External consultants disrupt this cycle, implementing knowledge transfer models where civil servants themselves become knowledgeable job holders, equipped with modern competencies and analytical skills. Instead of recycling administrative techniques, they cultivate critical thinking and innovation, empowering the workforce to move beyond hierarchical dependency.

The High Cost of Cheap Solutions

To civil service leaders clinging to this retrograde model: your thriftiness is a false economy. While in-house training may appear cost-effective, it actually cripples the future readiness of the workforce, ensuring government institutions become reactionary rather than proactive, clumsy rather than strategic. A forward-thinking civil service cannot afford to be nostalgic. It must invest in external expertise, prioritize evidence-driven learning and embrace disruptive innovation rather than reverence for institutional precedent. The alternative? A civil service as obsolete as its retired trainers, irrelevant, unprepared and utterly outmatched by the demands of modern governance. The public deserves better. Governance demands foresight and futuristic relevance. It’s time to move beyond outdated training methods and concepts.

•Nwaudah, public affairs analyst, writes from Asaba

The Exploitation of Faith: How Fake Miracles Harm African Congregations and Society

Introduction

By Emmanuel Uzo Obi

Religion deeply influences the lives of many Africans, offering spiritual guidance and community. Often seen as intermediaries between God and their followers, pastors hold significant power. However, this authority is sometimes abused, as evidenced by the alarming rise of pastors exploiting their congregations with fake miracles. These staged acts, particularly common in charismatic and prosperity gospel movements, are designed to deceive the faithful and exploit their vulnerabilities, posing a significant threat to the fabric of African society. Unlike the Roman Catholic Church, which rigorously investigates and verifies miracles, many African pastors stage miracles without oversight. This lack of regulation creates an environment where exploitation thrives. Vulnerable individuals seeking relief from life’s hardships are lured into a cycle of false hope, financial strain,

and spiritual manipulation. The consequences go beyond economic exploitation, leading to psychological harm and the erosion of trust in religious institutions, with far-reaching societal impacts.

This essay will explore the cultural factors that make communities susceptible to such exploitation, the tactics used by pastors, and the broader implications. It will also propose actionable solutions, including the crucial need for legal reform, comprehensive public education, and the empowerment of religious communities to self-regulate, to effectively combat this dangerous trend. These solutions offer hope and a way forward in addressing this pressing issue.

Cultural and Religious Context in Africa

Religion has always been central to African life, explaining natural phenomena, moral codes, and identity. During colonialism, Christianity spread rapidly, leading to the rise of various denominations. Today, many pastors are seen as spiritual leaders and community figures, commanding

great respect.

In recent decades, the rise of charismatic movements and prosperity gospel churches has changed the religious landscape. These movements promise blessings, miracles, and financial prosperity, which resonates with many Africans facing economic and social hardships. In this context, pastors become more than religious figures—they are seen as providers of divine solutions to real-world problems. Unfortunately, this reverence is often exploited.

Socioeconomic struggles, combined with the traditional respect for religious leaders, make communities susceptible to fake miracles. Desperate for relief from poverty or illness, people are willing to believe in the miraculous powers pastors claim to possess, leading to widespread exploitation.

The Fake Miracle Phenomenon Fake miracles have become alarmingly common, especially in churches led by charismatic pastors who claim to perform divine acts—these range from healing the

sick and raising the dead to providing financial breakthroughs. However, many of these miracles are staged performances designed to deceive the congregation.

A notable example is the 2019 “resurrection” staged by a South African pastor, later exposed as a hoax. Fake healings are expected, with actors pretending to suffer from illnesses only to be miraculously “cured.” Tactics include psychological manipulation, pre-gathering personal information about congregants, and using actors or substances to simulate the appearance of miraculous healings.

The lack of oversight allows these pastors to exploit their followers with impunity. In contrast to institutions like the Catholic Church, which require rigorous investigation of miracles, charismatic pastors face no scrutiny, enabling them to manipulate congregants’ faith and desperation.

Motivations for Exploitation

The motivations behind fake miracles primarily revolve around financial gain, power, and social influence. In many African

countries where poverty is widespread, pastors exploit their followers’ desperation for solutions to health or financial problems. These pastors promise divine intervention in exchange for donations, often demanding large sums of money during emotionally charged sermons.

Financial profit is the most common motivator. Some pastors amass vast wealth, including luxury cars, private jets, and mansions, funded by the tithes and offerings of their congregants. These donations, framed as faith investments, drain struggling families of their limited resources.

Beyond financial gain, power, and social status are also significant motivators. African religious leaders often hold more sway over their followers than political figures. By performing fake miracles, pastors solidify their status as divine intermediaries, commanding total loyalty from their congregants. This authority grants them control over followers’ lives, dictating spiritual matters and social and political behaviors.

Gamin G Week

Edited by nseobonG okon-ekonG |

GamblePause Initiative Launches Nigeria’s First Free Gambling Rehabilitation Centre

This groundbreaking initiative marks a significant milestone in the organisation’s ongoing mission to promote responsible gambling, raise awareness about gamblingrelated harms, and provide meaningful recovery support for individuals affected by gambling addiction. The rehabilitation centre is situated at Alagomeji, Yaba, in Lagos. The facility is managed by a dedicated team of clinical psychologists and trained counsellors, who are on the ground to provide specialised care and therapeutic support to individuals struggling with gambling addiction.

The decision to establish a physical rehabilitation facility came in response to increasing demands from clients currently receiving psychological therapy through GamblePause’s remote services. Many of these individuals, while appreciative of virtual support, expressed a pressing need for direct human connection and a secure, therapeutic environment to aid their healing. For them, recovery requires more

than remote intervention—it demands a physical space where they feel safe, supported, and empowered.

“We listened closely to our clients,” said Ladipo Abiose Akolade, Founder at GamblePause. “They needed a space where they could heal face-to-face, engage with others who understand their struggles, and receive expert care in a setting that prioritises dignity, empathy, and confidentiality. This centre is our response to that call.”

Currently, the centre operates strictly by appointment only. This approach allows it to control client flow and ensure each individual receives adequate attention.

“Appointments can be scheduled through our official social media platforms,” added Akolade.

The newly launched rehabilitation centre is being introduced as a sanctuary of care tailored to provide comprehensive and compassionate support. Initially, it will focus on serving existing clients already receiving remote therapy, ensuring continuity and deepening the impact of their recovery. While the

centre will initially cater to current clients, plans are already underway to expand capacity and open enrollment to new clients in the coming weeks. The centre offers walk-in (non-residential) treatment at this time, but plans are underway to launch full residential services in the coming months as part of its expansion strategy.

GamblePause is also in active discussions with key stakeholders, including mental health professionals, local government agencies, and international partners, to scale the impact and long-term sustainability of the rehabilitation centre. The establishment of this centre was made possible through the generosity of

Francis Masade’s Journey from Banking to Shaping Nigeria’s Gaming Future

With the Nigerian gaming and lottery sector on an upward trajectory, projected to grow at an annual rate of 3.65 per cent from 2025 to 2029 and reach a market volume of $4.19 billion by 2029, the industry continues to attract professionals from various fields, whose contributions are cementing its status as a key revenue driver for the country.

From legal and media practitioners to the average agent in the field, this diversity has strengthened the sector, ensuring punters are protected, operators maintain sustainability through investors’ confidence, and regulators uphold necessary reinforcements.

This narrative is also shared by Francis Masade, the Managing Director of Velex Advisory, a professional service consortium that provides bespoke services, such as business establishment for the gaming industry, thereby bridging the gap between its various components — regulators, operators, and punters.

At the end of his NYSC programme, Masade’s professional career kicked off after securing a banking officer role in one of Nigeria’s top commercial banks at the time, Oceanic Bank. Climbing the career rungs, he landed the role of senior manager at Guaranty Trust Bank. This role served as his informal introduction to the gaming industry, having worked as an account officer for Velex Advisory, affording him insights into setting up investors to secure licences, training and growing staff numbers in-house, and providing referrals to marketing agencies for clients’ expansion plans.

“It wasn’t easy,” Masade said, clarifying that although he was familiar with some processes, he still had to roll up his sleeves to do the job. “When I came in, despite being the Head of Compliance, I had to learn and put my head down so I could understand the back end of the business, the core values, their services, and what they do for clients.

That enabled me to transition from being a banking manager to a gaming advisory partner.”

He added, “When I came in, apart from the fact that I was managing their finance and that of their clients, I also understood what they were doing in terms of compliance. Coming from the banking sector, where we are highly regulated, I was familiar with the documentation processes required

for setting up these clients. I understood the documentation needed for a gaming company to operate in Nigeria. I had that knowledge from the banking side. But transitioning from being a financial expert to working in a fintech business required a shift from what I was used to. I had to settle in and learn the business.”

Masade explained that it was “just” a matter of integrating “myself” into the sector “and working with the kind of people I was working with” in Velex. He added, “They were very knowledgeable in the field. When I came in, despite being the Head of Compliance, I had to learn and put my head down so I could understand the core values, their services, and what they do for clients.”

Over the past five years, Masade noted several milestones achieved at Velex Advisory. One of the standout achievements is expanding their clientele to over a dozen — not just in numbers but also in performance, with these clients ranking among the top brands in the country. He attributes this growth to the guiding ethos that shapes Velex Advisory across its branches in Africa and beyond.

The story continues online on www.thisdaylive.com

several key supporters, including Mr. Lanre Gbajabiamila, Director General, FCT, Lottery Regulatory Office, Mrs. Kikelomo Atanda-Owo, co-founder of GamblePause and Abiose, who has taken personal loans to support the centre, driven by his deep commitment to helping young adults, teenagers, and families affected by gambling addiction.

“We call on more stakeholders, industry leaders, and philanthropists to partner with us. This rehabilitation centre marks a critical step in advancing responsible gambling practices in Nigeria and creating a support system that reflects empathy from the gaming industry toward its players,” said Abiose. The facility is designed to address the psychological, emotional, and behavioural components of gambling addiction. Clients will have access to individual counselling, group therapy, family support sessions, relapse prevention education, and life skills development. This holistic model recognises that recovery must consider not only the symptoms of addiction but also the deeper factors that contribute to it. By launching this centre, GamblePause is making a significant contribution to the promotion of responsible gambling in Nigeria. The centre will serve as both a place of healing and an educational hub that champions the values of self-awareness, informed decision-making, and collective responsibility. In doing so, it will challenge the stigma around addiction and help create a healthier dialogue about gambling behaviour, particularly among vulnerable and at-risk groups.

In addition to direct treatment services, the rehabilitation centre will reinforce GamblePause’s broader mission to combat underage gambling. Through targeted awareness campaigns, school outreach programmes, and parental education workshops, the organisation aims to empower communities with the knowledge and tools needed to prevent gambling-related harm before it begins. The goal is not only to treat those affected but to foster a culture of prevention and resilience across Nigerian society.

The story continues online on www.thisdaylive.com

iyke bede

abiose addressing students of a secondary school in Lagos on the dangers of underaged gambling and addiction to gambling

Hauwa salifu (standing left), Ladipo abiose akolade, (sitting right), babatunde makanjuola (sitting left) and Taiye Dabiri (sitting right)

Hope; Metrospeed Group CEO, Dele

and

at the signing ceremony as Metrospeed Property Development Ltd partners with CEMCS to accelerate the Metro Smart City Project in Lagos, yesterday

Estate Dispute: Daughter Affirms Kalabari Marriage Between Ajayi, Helen Prest

Wale Igbintade

Tomisin Ajayi, daughter of the late Dr. Tosin Ajayi, yesterday, testified before the Lagos High Court, affirming that her parents were married under Kalabari Native Law and Custom. She made this assertion during the ongoing legal proceedings over the management and inheritance of Ajayi’s estate.

Tomisin maintained that her previous statements, one before the Federal High Court describing her parents’ relationship as a commonlaw partnership, and another before the Lagos High Court affirming a Kalabari traditional marriage are not contradictory.

The claimants in the case, Mrs. Adenike Oluyemisi Ajayi and her children (Tomi Deru, Olumide Ajayi, Omolade Soetan, Mayowa Okeowo, and Bisola Ajayi), are challenging the estate rights of Mrs. Helen Prest-Ajayi and her daughter, Tomisin. They filed Suit No. ID/3364LM/21 seeking declarations on inheritance and estate management.

However, the defendants, led by Mrs. Prest-Ajayi, argued that Mrs. Ajayi was estranged from Dr. Ajayi for over 35 years prior to his death and that Dr. Ajayi formally married Mrs. Prest-Ajayi under Kalabari custom, thereby entitling her to inheritance rights. During cross-examination by the

Royalty Dispute: Defence Accuses Peter Okoye of Misleading EFCC

Wale Igbintade

A Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Clement Onwuenwunor, yesterday accused Nigerian music star, Peter Okoye, of P-Square of making false statements to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in an ongoing fraud trial concerning royalties and company finances.

During a heated cross-examination before Justice Alexander Owoeye at the Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos, Onwuenwunor alleged that Peter deliberately misled EFCC investigators on key issues, including his educational qualifications, access to company accounts, and royalty entitlements.

The defence counsel pointed out discrepancies in Peter’s EFCC statement, particularly a claim that he graduated from the University of Abuja. Onwuenwunor stated that records showed Peter dropped out at 100 level.

“Mr. P, on page A5 of your EFCC statement, you claimed to be a graduate. That is untrue. You dropped out at 100 level,” Onwuenwunor told the court.

Peter responded, “I went to UNIABUJA, but that’s not why I’m here. I dropped out at 300 level and took a transcript to UST (University of Science and Technology), Port Harcourt.”

When asked whether he had any certificate from UST to prove graduation, Peter admitted, “No.”

Justice Owoeye cautioned Peter for his tone and conduct during questioning, warning him against disrespecting the court and speaking rudely to counsel.

His lawyer, M.K. Bashir, also had to step in multiple times to restrain his client.

Further contradictions appeared to have emerged when Peter testified that Jude Okoye’s wife, Ifeoma, owned 80 per cent of Northside Music Limited, while Jude held only 20 percent.

However, defence counsel presented the company’s Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) registration certificate, showing the reverse—Jude holding 80 per cent, and his wife 20 per cent.

The defence also challenged Peter’s claim that he was not a signatory to Northside Music Ltd’s bank accounts.

While Peter had told the EFCC that Jude alone managed the accounts, Onwuenwunor presented a signed account mandate listing Jude as a Category A signatory, and both Peter and his twin brother Paul as Category B signatories.

“This proves you had access to the accounts all along,” Onwuenwunor argued, presenting the document in court.

Additionally, the defence tendered Ecobank statements admitted as Exhibit P, showing royalty payments from Lex Records routed through Mad Solutions Ltd., the firm managing P-Square’s music catalogue.

claimants’ counsel, Mr. Kunle Adegoke SAN, Tomisin, who studied in the United Kingdom for about 10 years testified that her understanding of a common-law partnership does not negate the validity of a traditional Kalabari marriage. She said she was aware of her father’s estrangement from Mrs. Adenike Ajayi and confirmed that her parents lived together at No. 39 Glover Road, Ikoyi, Lagos, until her

father’s passing.

When asked whether she possessed a certificate of separation to support her claim that her father and Mrs. Ajayi had been apart for over 35 years, she said no such certificate was available.

Responding to questions about the estate administration application she filed jointly with her mother, Tomisin noted that all of Dr. Ajayi’s children, including those from Mrs.

Adenike Ajayi, were included in the application.

In her written testimony, Tomisin stated that she was familiar with the family situation, noting that her father had lived alone for ten years after separating from Mrs. Ajayi before meeting and eventually marrying her mother, Helen Prest, under Kalabari traditional rites.

“From the time I gained awareness as a child until my father’s passing, my parents lived together as husband and wife,” she testified.

“They attended social events and family functions as a couple. My father publicly and officially recognised my mother as his wife.” She further asserted that there had been no interference or challenge from the first claimant regarding the relationship between her parents. The court proceedings were adjourned till July 3, 2025.

Akpoti-Uduaghan Disowns Cloned Audio, False Video in Circulation

targeted at damaging her reputation.

The Senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, has disowned trending online audio and video, purported to have featured a conversation with a journalist in which she allegedly claimed that the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, blackmailed President Bola Tinubu to ensure that the federal government jails her.

Akpoti-Uduaghan in a statement issued yesterday described the purported audio and video as a deliberate act of misinformation

The Kogi-born senator, therefore, called on the general public to disregard the said video in its entirety.

She noted: “My attention has been drawn to a video currently trending online purporting to feature me in a conversation with a journalist in which I allegedly claimed that the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, blackmailed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to ensure that the Federal Government jails me.

“I categorically and unequivocally dissociate myself from the said video and audio recording. At no time did I grant such an interview or engage

in any conversation of that nature with any journalist or individual.

The voice in the video is not mine and has clearly been cloned and manipulated with malicious intent.

“This is a deliberate act of misinformation targeted at damaging my reputation, inciting public distrust, and sowing discord within the leadership of the National Assembly and the gederal government.

“I find this act not only mischievous and criminal but also a dangerous use of technology to spread disinformation.” She called on the general public to disregard the said video in its entirety.

Office of the SGF, TBS, Set for NEAPS 2025

The Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) in collaboration with The Best Strategic PR (TBS) are set for the third edition of the annual Nigeria Excellence Awards in Public Service (NEAPS 2025).

Annually, NEAPS recognizes and rewards innovation, purposeful leadership and other exceptional deserving individuals that have contributed immensely to the growth and development of the public service and Nigeria at large.

While endorsing NEAPS 2025 on May 27, the SGF, George Akume, said: “The NEAPS, which is designed to be a grand and prestigious independent award, promises to recognize and reward innovations, change, leadership and other exceptional demonstration of selfless public service delivery, with the greatest impact in Nigeria.”

The Founder of NEAPs, Ms.

Mariam Mohammed said individuals and groups in both the public and private sectors will be eligible to be selected for NEAPS 2025.

Ms. Mohammed adds: “To qualify for an award, recipients must have made significant contributions in public service. Winners of the NEAPS will be those who have improved the quality of public service delivery, taken risks to achieve change, have unblemished and commendable public service record, made significant and notable contributions to a more democratic society and have helped in championing social equity.

“Nomination and shortlisting will be democratic to engender wide acceptance and boost recognition of the Awards as a benchmark for excellence in public service and social welfareNEAPSdelivery.” 2025 awards will be presented to a number of Nigerians,

in categories that include excellence in infrastructure service delivery, urban renewal, financial innovation, digital innovation, outstanding reform initiative, security management, transparency and open governance.

The maiden edition of the NEAPs Awards held in October 2022, at the State House Conference Center, Abuja, honoured 44 Nigerians, with the then President Muhammadu Buhari presenting the awards.

The second edition in 2024, also held at the State House Conference Center, Abuja, honoured 49 Nigerians.

At the award, President Bola Tinubu, represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, said he was truly delighted to witness the second edition of NEAPS, and thanked TBS led by Ms. Mariam Mohammed, “for this initiative and for deploying one of the best indices to determine the level of performance of Public Officers.

She added: It is false, misleading, and should be treated as a product of desperate elements intent on tarnishing the image of a law-abiding and peace-loving public servant. “I remain committed to the principles of truth, justice, and responsible democratic engagement. I have already directed my legal team and relevant security agencies to investigate the source of this malicious content, with a view to bringing the perpetrators to justice.”

Meanwhile, a High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Abuja, has given permission to the suspended Akpoti-Uduaghan to serve the writ of summons, statement of claim and all other subsequent court processes on the Senate President, Akpabio and his senior legislative aide, Mfon Patrick through substituted means. Justice Abubakar Idris Kutigi, granted the permission while ruling in an exparte application argued by one of Akpoti-Uduaghan’s lawyer U.J. Udoh.

According to a ruling delivered on May 15, the court held that court processes should be served the defendants through the office of the Clerk of the National Assembly. The court has subsequently slated June 9, 2025 for report of service. In a related development, Justice A.O Otulaka of an Abuja High Court has also granted leave to the embattled Senator to serve writ of summons, accompanying processes and any other court processes on Senator Onyekachi Nwaebonyi by substituted means. The court thereafter fixed June 25 for hearing of the substantive suit Suit No: FCT/HC/CV/1359/25

Alex Enumah and Juliet Akoje in Abuja

L–R: General Secretary, Chevron Employees Multipurpose Cooperative Society (CEMCS), Agbudu Thomas; CEMCS President, Princewill

Oyefuga;

Ireti Oyefuga

CHARTERED INSTITUTE OF DIRECTORS NIGERIA FELLOWS INDUCTION...

L-R: Product Sales Manager, Coronation Registrars Limited, Ifeoluwa Omidiji; Head, Trust Services, Coronation Trustees Limited, Adelekan Balogun; Head, Sales and Client Coverage, Coronation Asset Management, Esohe Urhoghide; Chief Technology Officer, Coronation Registrars Limited, Mobolaji Odumosu; and Head, Institutional Sales, Coronation Asset Management, Adewale Babafemi, at the Chartered Institute of Directors Nigeria Fellows’ luncheon in Lagos…recently

PDP to APC:

2027 is Referendum on How You Managed Security, Economy, Welfare

Urges National Assembly to interrogate Tinubu’s loan request, says party has overcome its challenges

Disciplinary measures will be taken against Wike at June 30 NEC meeting, George hints

Chuks Okocha and Alex Enumah in Abuja

Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has asked the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to prepare a template on how to account for the rising insecurity, economic mismanagement, and pervasive poverty at the 2027 election campaigns.

PDP said that would be the main campaign issue between APC and Nigerians, adding that propaganda would have no place in the 2027 general election because Nigerians have been deceived more than enough.

PDP also urged the National Assembly to interrogate the latest loan request by President Bola Tinubu. It said the federal legislature was not doing enough to check the executive arm of government.

In a related development, a member of the PDP Board of Trustees (BOT), Chief Olabode George, hinted that disciplinary actions would be considered against Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, at the party’s National Executive Committee

(NEC) meeting slated for June 30.

Addressing a press conference on the state of the nation on the second year anniversary of the Tinubu administration, National Publicity Secretary of PDP, Debo Ologunagba, said, “We have witnessed a lot of issues, from defection or no defection. We must emphasise that the election of 2027 is not going to be about defection.

“It’s going to be a referendum on the failure of the APC, the insecurity in the land, the lack of provision of amenities, basic things for human existence, and the fact that everyday Nigerians are losing their personality because of the misguided policies of the president.

“We have stated severally the need for a review of policy by a government, what the people are saying, you take a second look. When you do that, that is leadership, that is strength, not weakness. But the APC believes, that when they make a decision, you either take it or leave it.

“People are complaining that they are dying by instalment. That life is coming into a halt and the president

and his team, and his government, they are numb to that. In the last two years, over 600 Nigerians have been killed, it’s on record.”

Ologunagba explained, “Then you see this government celebrating defection as if it’s celebrating a successful implementation of policies. So, it’s a government that believes in propaganda. Propaganda does not replace hunger.

“Propaganda does not replace commitment to the people and believing in God. The question that every Nigerian is asking today, am I better two years ago than I am right now? The answer is obvious, and we are all in the same market.

“You could talk about money, about devaluation, that renders whatever you are earning, and taking you below the poverty line. Today, by world record, or by world reports, over 100 million Nigerians survive on $2 a day.”

PDP also said, “One thing is clear, and Nigerians should recognise that, we’re not in opposition to just criticise. It is better for this country to do well,

so that all of us can benefit from it.

“It is not in our interest that the government fails, but the government must be ready to listen to alternative views that could help us build a country that all of us can have what we call the pursuit of happiness.”

On the loan request by the federal government, Ologunagba said, “Only last week, the president had just asked for and requested for a $24.5 billion loan. What they said that is actually very annoying was that they’re going to use that money to cushion the effect of subsidy removal.

“We were here when they said to us, we’re going to remove subsidies, therefore, we will not borrow anymore, we’re not going to put subsidy on petrol, and therefore, there’ll be more money to provide cushioning policies and programmes, to take away the pain of the subsidy.

“Now, so the question is, where is the money? If, indeed, you’re going to borrow money to not cushion the effect of subsidy, two years after.

“Many people have died on account of the irresponsibility of this govern-

Shadow Government: Restrain Utomi from Speaking, Holding Rallies, DSS Tells Court

Alex Enumah in Abuja

The Department of State Services (SSS) has approached the Federal High Court, Abuja, for an order seeking to restrain the 2007 presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Patrick Utomi from further making public comments or engaging in rallies in respect of a planned “shadow government”, which is an issue already before the court.

Lead counsel to the security agency, Mr Akinlolu Kehinde (SAN) said the move was predicated on reports that Utomi, who is said to be outside the country, is planning to engage in protests, road shows, media interviews and related activities upon his return to the country on June 6. Specifically, the service in a fresh application filed on Wednesday, is praying for “an order of interlocutory injunction, restraining the defendant/ respondent (Utomi), his agents, privies, associates, servants, workers or any person acting through him

from staging road shows, rallies, public lectures or any form of public gathering, newspaper publications, television programs, jingles or any other public enlightenment programme(s) aimed at sensitizing, instigating, propagating or in any way promoting the purported “shadow government/shadow cabinet” or its objectives or goals with the view to establishing the said “shadow government” pending the hearing and determination of this substantive suit.”

The applicant informed the court that the proposed rallies, road shows and actions by the defendant “constitute a serious threat to the public order, safety and national unity of the Federal Republic of Nigeria”.

The DSS added that as the agency statutorily empowered to safeguard the internal security of the country and prevent any threats to lawful authority of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and its constituent institutions, it was incumbent on it to forestall any threat to public

order, safety and national unity.

It stated that before it filed the substantive suit, marked: FHC/ ABJ/CS/937/2025 Utomi had, through public statements, social media and other platforms engaged in statements and actions aimed at undermining the outcome of the case now pending before the court, and which he is aware of.

In an affidavit in support of the application, the applicant submitted that Utomi’s intention “is to stage road shows and rallies that are capable of drawing a large number of Nigerians with intent that will cause huge disruption of peace, breakdown of public order, enable riots and violent protests just as the recent “End SARS” protests in 2020.

“All the planned protests, riots and agitations that will ensue, if the purported actions of the defendant/ respondent are not stayed, may lead to mayhem with a potential for anarchy, loss of lives and property.

“The proposed allies, road shows and actions of the Defendant/

Respondent constitutes a serious threat to the public order, safety and national unity of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” it said.

The DSS stated that on May 26 during the fourth edition of the Topaz Lecture Series, themed “Shadow Government: A Distraction or Necessity”, hosted by the University of Lagos (UNILAG) Mass Communication Class of 1988 Alumni Association, Utomi made statements, capable of undermining the pending suit.

It added that in the statements widely publicised by various national newspapers and on social media platforms, Utomi defended the creation of the purported shadow government and further stated that if the suit succeeds in favour of the DSS, himself and his group shall adopt a different name.

The DSS added that Utomi “has been served with the originating process in this suit and has entered appearance vide his Counsel Prof. Mike Ozekhome (SAN) since 20 May, 2025.

“The National Assembly should interrogate, which they’re not doing, of course, they have declared that whatever the president says is okay by them, and we have seen it. These are the things that Nigerians are going to challenge in 2027.”

According to the PDP spokesman, “We have been witnesses to comments by the president in a public forum, indicating his preference for a one-party state.

“But our party has demonstrated with that outing, and setting up those organs, and those bodies and committees to show that, yes, Nigerians need democracy, and that they continue to look up to PDP, because of its history, because of its resilience, because of its organs, because of its constitution, where nobody owns the party.

“Unlike the other party, where they will say, Baba has said this, that’s not democracy. In a democracy where you have conflicting interests of people with different backgrounds, with different cultures, the ability of people to come together and reconcile those differences and ensure that you have a common goal what makes democracy good.

Service not interested in arresting anyone, says lawyer ment, because of their impoverishment and that’s why we’re here. So, they said that part of that money will be used to take care of pensioners. Pension is a contributory scheme. So, where’s the money?

“So, when you have that level of conversation, you are sure bound to have disagreement. You’re sure going to have frictions and that’s what democracy is all about. It is about contestation of ideas, contestation of opinions and then to reach a consensus that could help move the party forward and, of course, democracy in Nigeria.”

Ologunagba stated, “We’ve been with democracy and out of military rule for many years in this country. And so we have a foundation of having divergent views, and the capacity to recognise the divergent views and to reconcile them is what makes us a political party.

“So, our party is stable, we are united, we’re stronger after the NEC, coming together as a people, not just for PDP, but for the sustenance of democracy, and to ensure that democracy actually thrives in this country.

“That’s why it is important for our party to come together, which we are doing. We’re having conversations at different levels, and that the next outcome is a demonstration of the success of those actions behind the scene.

“So, we just want to let you know

that we’re on course, working assiduously towards a successful national executive, National Working Committee, and the national convention that will produce a new working committee for the party.

“And we’re determined to galvanise Nigeria on the need to sustain this democracy. So, that’s the conversation, and then alternative views and ideas can be put on the table for Nigerian people to determine.”

On the state of the party, Ologunagbo said, “The 99th National Executive Committee meeting of our party was duly convened on 27th of May, 2025. Prior to that, there’s so many activities relating to that meeting, and there were naysayers, so it would not hold, it would hold, but ultimately, it held.

“It signposts the resilience, the capacity, and the orderliness for which the PDP is known, its capacities to activate at the appropriate time its organs, and in line with its constitution, to look at the processes and ensure that the will of the party continues to move smoothly.”

Ologunagba acknowledged PDP’s internal challenges, but said the successful convening of the NEC meeting and the peaceful atmosphere at the gathering demonstrated the party’s capacity to come together again and remain unified, despite disagreements.

“You recall from different organs of the party, from the BoT, the NWC, the governor’s forum, the state chairmen, everyone was united in ensuring that the NEC was successful,” he stated.

Speaking on preparation for the party’s national convention scheduled to hold in Kano between August 28 and 29, Ologunagba said preparation for the next NEC had already commenced, and recalled that the last NEC meeting had approved the composition of two crucial committees – Convention Committee and Zoning Committee.

Bayelsa State Governor Duoye Diri was named chairman of the zoning committee, with Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State as vice chairman, and Governor Caleb Muftwang of Plateau State as secretary. The national convention committee had Governor Amadu Fintri of Adamawa State as chairman, Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State as vice chairman, and Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State as secretary. Ologunagba said, “Currently, they are in consultation with different organs of the party, from the governor’s forum, to BOT, to National

WORKING VISIT OF WORLD BANK’S DELEGATION TO NEMA...

L–R: World Bank Disaster Risk Management Specialist, Ms. Natalie Andrea Wandel; NEMA Director General, Mrs. Zubaida Umar; World Bank Senior Disaster Risk Management

and Ms. Mary Elinor Boyer, during a working visit of the Bank’s delegation to NEMA Headquarters in Abuja, yesterday

We’re Coming for You, Air Chief Abubakar Tells Bandits, Terrorists, Insurgents, Others

DSS, military kill 45 bandits in Niger

Linus Aleke in Abuja

Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hassan Abubakar, has sent a strong warning to criminal syndicates disturbing the country, including terrorists, bandits, kidnappers, and insurgents, declaring that the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) is coming for them, and will definitely find, and take them out.

Abubakar reaffirmed NAF’s commitment to defending the Nigeria’s airspace and protecting life and property across the country.

The declaration came was as the Department of State Services (DSS), in collaboration with the military, killed no fewer than 45 bandits during a raid at Kuchi town, Munya Local Government Area of Niger State.

Abubakar issued the warning during the Second Quarter Route March in Abuja, yesterday, stressing that protection of all Nigerians is NAF’s highest priority.

He stated, “We will continue to defend every inch of our nation’s airspace and stand firm in joint operations to protect lives and property across the country. Rest assured that your protection is not just an obligation; it is our highest priority.

“To the enemies of our nation, know this: there will be no hiding place for those who threaten the peace and stability of Nigeria. We are coming for you. We will find you and take you out.”

A statement by Director of Public Relations and Information, Nigerian Air Force, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, said the CAS emphasised the importance of physical fitness tests in the air force. He added that physical fitness was no longer a matter of choice, but a non-negotiable requirement.

“As a matter of policy, I have directed that all Performance Evaluation Reports must be accompanied by a Physical Fitness Test Certificate. Furthermore, no personnel will be considered for promotion without being medically and physically fit,” he stressed.

The CAS further disclosed that he had approved the construction of modern sporting facilities across several NAF bases, and the procurement of advanced gym equipment for over 22 units, which would soon be distributed and installed.

Abubakar said, “Let today’s route march be a reminder of who we are and what we stand for. Let it rekindle our fighting spirit and reinforce our shared commitment to the defence of Nigeria. We are not just marching on roads; we are marching towards purpose, honour, and victory.”

DSS, Military Kill 45 Bandits in Niger

Department of State Services (DSS), in collaboration with the Nigerian military, killed about 45 bandits in a

raid at Kuchi town, in Munya Local Government Area of Niger State.

The operation, which was carried out in a stealthy manner, marked yet another victory in the sustained offensive against bandits in the area.

Security sources revealed that the DSS had, with clear precision, followed the trail of the bandits and prevented an invasion of the villages

to orchestrate massive attacks planned by kingpin Dogo Gide and other bandits loyal to him.

The sources said intelligence diligently acquired from the agency’s renewed covert efforts revealed that the terrorists, who were from Bilbis forest, Maru Local Government Area of Zamfara State, and some parts of Kaduna State, were invited by Gide

to attack villages in the Kuchi area.

“In the early hours of Monday, 2nd June 2025, bandits from Kaduna and Zamfara states, numbering about 100, heavily armed with sophisticated weapons, advanced towards Kuchi town in Munya LGA. However, operatives launched a surprise attack and waylaid the bandits in the outskirts of Kuchi town,” a source said.

The operatives reportedly engaged the fleeing dissidents in a gun duel, which resulted in the elimination of the bandits, with several injured and motorcycles and ammunition recovered.

Reports, however, stated that five of the DSS operatives sustained severe injuries and were currently hospitalised.

IGP Orders DIGs, AIGs, Commissioners to Treat Every Crime as Attack on the Country

Police promise security at Sallah, NSCDC deploy operatives across Nigeria Niger govt orders low key celebration

Michael Olugbode, Linus Aleke, Kasim Sumaina in Abuja, Segun Awofadeji in Bauchi, Yinka Kolawole in Osogbo, Sylvester Idowu in Warri and Laleye Dipo in Minna

Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, has ordered Deputy Inspectors General of Police (DIGs), Assistant Inspectors General of Police (AIGs), and Commissioners of Police to treat every crime as an attack on the soul of the nation.

Egbetokun also urged them to review their local crime maps and

Ardo: Establishing New Political Party is Best Way to Approach Transitional Politics

of the

and

of

said establishing a new political party was the best way to approach the nation’s current transitional politics.

He also noted that in spite of visible disagreements among members of the emerging political coalition, he remained confident that the movement would eventually coalesce and succeed in challenging the status quo.

Speaking in an interview with ARISE News yesterday, Ardo spoke on the current state of Nigeria’s emerging political coalition.

Addressing the recent National Political Consultative Forum, where

delegates from Jigawa State reportedly clashed over representation, Ardo admitted that, “The coalition has not even yet crystallised. They are already fighting among themselves over who should speak, over which political party they should form.”

Despite these early signs, he remained optimistic about the coalition’s future.

“I think the coalition will stand. At the formative stage, usually you have these hiccups. But over time, they will shape up. Basically, the coalition is in place, but it’s just divided on the basis of ideology. Well, when I say ideology, I mean approach—how to approach the politics,” he said.

Ardo explained that the main concern was whether to merge

with an existing party or establish a new one.

His words: “Predominant members and even leaders of the coalition are in support of fusing into an existing political party. Another group, which I belong to, are in support of registering a whole new political party.

“This is actually where things stand. And I don’t know what the ultimate decision will be by the leaders and key stakeholders and movers of the coalition.”

Advocating a fresh political platform, he stated, “We insist from our side that our approach of establishing a new political party by the coalition, the entire coalition, is the best way to approach this transitional politics. And it is, for me, almost certain of victory.”

respond to incidents timely and decisively.

The order came as the Nigeria Police and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) deployed their men to different parts of the country to try to provide adequate security during the Sallah celebrations.

In Niger State, the government directed that the celebration of this year’s Ed-el-Kabir should be low key, to honour the memory of those who lost their lives in last week’s Mokwa flood disaster.

Speaking at a conference with strategic police officers in Abuja, the IGP said policing must be intelligencedriven and technologically enhanced.

He stated, “Let our actions speak louder than our uniforms. Let our leadership inspire confidence in the ranks. Let our service reflect the best of Nigerian resilience and sacrifice. Redouble your crime-fighting efforts.

“Do not rest on your laurels. Treat every crime as an attack on the soul of our nation. Review your local crime maps. Respond to incidents timely and

decisively. Let your presence be felt on the streets and in our communities.

“Stay ahead of emerging threats. From cyber-enabled crimes to transborder criminal networks, our policing must be intelligence-driven and technologically enhanced. Maintain heightened vigilance. Patrols must be proactive. Commanders must stay close to the ground.

“Let intelligence drive every aspect of your deployment. Strengthen interagency synergy. No single agency can fight crime alone. Deepen your liaison with the military, NSCDC, NDLEA, and all other law enforcement agencies, as well as community-based groups, for seamless operations. And embrace a whole-of-society approach to policing.”

Egbetokun urged the police high command to lead by example and inspire their officers, stressing that good policing starts with good leadership.

“Let your men and women draw courage and inspiration from your example. Uphold integrity in all your dealings. Corruption, brutality, and negligence must find no space within

our ranks,” he said. He also revealed that the police apprehended no fewer than 1,774 criminal suspects for various offences, including kidnapping, armed robbery, cultism, and murder, in two months. The IGP stated that the police also recovered 274 assorted firearms and 2,583 rounds of ammunition, including 187 stolen and unregistered vehicles.

In addition, he said the police rescued 476 kidnap victims within the period under review.

Meanwhile, the police deployed their men in different parts of the country for security during the Sallah celebrations.

In Bauchi State, the police command assured the people that adequate security had been put in place to ensure a peaceful celebration of Eid-el-Adha in the state.

The police gave the assurance in a press statement issued by the State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), CSP Ahmed Wakil, and made available to journalists in Bauchi on Wednesday.

Adeleke Not Defecting to Any Party, He Remains in PDP, Declares Spokesperson

of defection agenda into the visit is mere fake news,” the statement clarified.

Specialists, Mr. Francis Samson Nkoka

Yinka Kolawole in Osogbo Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, is not defecting from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to any political party, spokesperson of

media speculation about

imminent

news. Governor Adeleke remains a member and leader of the PDP in Osun state. “The visit by the Adeleke dynasty to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is a routine courtesy visit. Any reading

Chuks Okocha in Abuja Convener

League

Northern Democrats,

former aide to President Olusegun Obasanjo, Umar Ardo, has

CELEBRATION OF WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY...

Tribunal Upholds Aiyedatiwa’s Election

Gov: Judgement reflects will of the masses We may appeal judgement, PDP reacts

The 2024 Ondo State Election Petition Tribunal, yesterday, upheld the election of Lucky Aiyedatiwa of All Progressives Congress (APC) in the November 16, 2024 governorship election in the state.

The tribunal dismissed the petitions filed by Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its governorship candidate, Agboola Ajayi, for lacking in merit.

The court also dismissed the petitions filed by Allied Peoples Movement (APM) and Social Democratic Party (SDP) challenging the victory of

The electoral court particularly said Ajayi failed to prove the case of academic certificate forgery against Aiyedatiwa’s running mate, Olayide Adelami, and also failed to prove the case of over-voting during the election.

The tribunal, in its ruling on APM’s petition, found that the case lacked material facts and was not supported by credible evidence.

Justice Benson Ogubu, who read the lead judgement, stated that the allegations of voting without accreditation, over-voting, corrupt practices, and substantial non-compliance with

the Electoral Act were not backed by any verifiable facts.

The panel further held that the evidence presented was of no probative value, and the written statement of APM’s witness should be discountenanced for failing to disclose the source of information.

Justices Daurabu Sikkam and Imelda Etiape supported the ruling. The tribunal concluded that APM’s petition lacked merit and the petitioner was not entitled to any of the reliefs sought. The case was subsequently dismissed with an order for parties to bear their respective costs.

Similarly, the tribunal dismissed the petition filed by SDP, represented by its counsel, Adewole Adebayo, who alleged discrepancies in vote entries in Form EC8A, over-voting, and noncompliance with the Electoral Act.

Responding, Chief Wole Olanipekun, SAN, counsel to the respondents, urged the tribunal to dismiss the petition for lacking substance.

In its judgement, the tribunal ruled that the SDP case lacked merit and failed to provide the required material facts.

It said the petition was based on speculation and not supported by

Mutfwang: Govs Pushing for State Police to Combat the Protracted Insecurity in Nigeria

Says president already keying into idea

Chinedu Eze

Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, has confirmed that about 90 per cent of the governors have been talking with President Bola Tinubu, and also using their representatives in the National Assembly to push for the passage of the bill for state police.

The governor said state police would be the solution to end the protracted insecurity ravaging the country, which his state has suffered from.

He made this known while fielding questions from journalists after signing Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on the development of cargo facility at the Yakubu Gowon International Cargo Airport, Jos, with the Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, in Lagos yesterday.

Mutfwang said he was strongly advocating state police because he knew that it would be the solution to the incessant insecurity, which has devastated his state, pushed farmers out of their farms and led to tragic bloodshed.

He also expressed optimism that many of his colleagues share similar view with him that the introduction of state police would significantly reduce the insecurity in Nigeria, adding that the governors had made their wishes known to the president who has shown understanding with them.

“As you know, I am one of the strongest advocates of state police and I keep advocating that one of the things we need to agree on as a nation is to decentralise security management that makes it more

community-based.

“These are the strategies we are adopting and hopefully, gratefully, Mr. President is keying into this and I am sure that before long we are going to see a great improvement in the overall security situation.”

According to the Plateau State governor, the governors in support of state police had mobilised their National Assembly members to canvass for the passage of the state police bill.

He said, “The National Assembly is already at this. Our members are fully mobilised, our members in the National Assembly, not only Plateau State but across the country.

“Like you know, almost 90 per cent of the governors are behind this and so I believe that it won’t take long before this bill is passed

and we will begin to work it out,” Mutfwang said.

He said despite the security threats in Plateau State, the state was growing into a business hub in northern Nigeria and there was boost in Nigerian and others, who visited the state, especially its capital, Jos, which had driven up room occupation in all the hotels in the city, an evidence that business is booming in the state.

“On the issue of bringing people to Plateau State, I want to tell you that before we came on board, there was a deliberate and orchestrated plan to demarcate Plateau State but I can tell you that we have gotten over that threshold.

“Today we have one of the highest hotel room occupation rates in the country and I would like you

journalists to come and verify this and people are flocking into Plateau State at the moment.

“Yes, we have challenges, not anything extraordinary beyond what is happening in other countries and yet commercial activity is going on but in spite of that we are doing our best, we are investing in technology to be able to change the dynamics in terms of security management. We are also making sure that we upscale the local presence.”

On the MoU signed between FAAN and state, the governor said the agreement would galvanise stakeholders in his state into action to improve the volume of all the cash crops produced in his state for export using the new cargo facility that would be built at the airport.

Zulum to NEDC: We Want Projects With Lasting Benefits

Michael Olugbode in Abuja Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum has called on the North East Development Commission (NEDC) to prioritise embarking on tangible projects that can provide lasting benefits and boost infrastructural development across the six states of the northeast region. The governor made the call on Tuesday at the Government House when he received the expanded management and board of the NEDC led by the State Minister

of Regional Development, Uba Maigari Ahmodu.

Zulum listed security, Dry Inland Ports, African Intercontinental Free Trade Zone, independent electricity supply, and road networks as some of the key priorities for the northeast.

He said: “I think the time has come for us to prioritise our projects. We have gone into more than 50% of the lifespan of the NEDC. I am not saying that NEDC will collapse. What I mean by lifespan is the funding window allocated to the commission according to the act

that established it.

“So, let’s come up with what we can do to get maximum benefit from establishing the commission.

“Other commissions have come on board; we cannot afford to perform below them. This time around, we must have a yardstick. Otherwise, not only the minister, the chairman of the House Committee, or the MD, but all of you are from the northeast; a time will come when we will call you out that there is nothing tangible to show within your tenure.”

concrete evidence, emphasising that reliefs cannot be granted on the basis of hearsay, propaganda, or emotions.

The tribunal dismissed SDP’s petition as baseless and a waste of judicial time, and also directed that each party should bear their own costs.

On the petition filed by Action Alliance (AA), the tribunal, in a unanimous ruling, held that the party lacked the locus standi to challenge the election outcome, having failed to present a candidate in the poll.

AA and its National Chairman, Mr. Adekunle Omoaje, through their counsel, had alleged irregularities in the election and accused the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of deliberately excluding the party’s name and logo from the ballot papers.

However, in the lead judgement delivered by Justice Imelda Etiape and supported by Justices Daurabu Sikkam and Benson Ogubu, the tribunal declared the petition a nullity due to AA’s failure to field a candidate. The tribunal further held that the claim of unlawful exclusion was no longer a valid ground for challenging election results, as that provision was repealed with the enactment of the 2010 Electoral Act.

On the allegations of corrupt practices and vote buying, the tribunal stated that while such claims were serious and punishable under the Electoral Act, the petitioners failed to provide credible evidence to substantiate them, rendering the petition legally unsustainable.

PDP T o APC: 2027 IS Refe R en D um on How You mA n A ge D Se C u RITY, eC onom Y, w elfAR e

Assembly caucuses of the party, to state chairman, and other organs of the party, to National Executive Committee members of the party, in populating those committees.

“So, there will be broad consultation from every part of the country, every organ of the party is involved.”

PDP to Take Disciplinary Measures against Wike at June 30 NEC Meeting, George Says

Chief Olabode George hinted that disciplinary actions would be considered against Nyesom Wike at the party’s NEC meeting slated for June 30.

The PDP chieftain maintained that unlike APC, which was owned by “one man”, PDP was collectively owned by all members and as such, no one should lay claim to the party.

He stated, “I am a senior member of the party, I cannot tell you, you are fired from this party...there is a process. It is only NEC that can fire him.

“He has challenged the authority and the laws establishing the party, we will take it up at NEC that has the capacity to discipline people at that level.”

George added that at “the next meeting on June 30, there will be debate and discussion” on the matter.

He emphasised that the way the party was able to manage its affairs would show Nigerians how effectively they could manage the country.

Speaking on Arise News Prime Time programme last night, George explained that there were processes involved in taking actions against members, who might have erred. He stated that he will not exchange

words with the FCT minister. George observed, “Wike has insulted the late Pa Edwin Clark, former Rivers State Governor, Peter Odili and his wife, a retired Justice of the Supreme Court... he has insulted former President Goodluck Jonathan and his wife, who asked that he be made governor.”

The FCT minister had taken a swipe at the PDP chieftain for speaking up against the sealing of the PDP headquarters in Abuja, over a N7 million ground rent debt.

Reacting to Wike’s statement, George said, “I don’t want to denigrate myself listening and talking about the issue... when young people blow their pipe, the elders will advise them accordingly, if they don’t listen, time will tell.

“I am more interested in talking about our party and to convince the citizens that the PDP is in a better position to manage the problems plaguing the country.”

He admitted that PDP made a huge mistake at its last convention, when it allowed the process to be manipulated by some persons, adding that the party would zone the 2027 presidential ticket to the south to complete the eight years started by President Bola Tinubu.

George stated, “The last president was Muhammadu Buhari from Katsina, he spent eight years, it is just fair and equitable that the south must have their eight years.

“We have people competent and educated who will deliver, people who will manage the resources of the country...then 2031, it will go back to the north.”

He berated those leaving PDP, stating that they are jumping ship because of their personal and selfish interest rather than that of the people.

L–R: Aro of Ikate Kingdom, Chief Olalekan Bakare; Nollywood actress, Yvonne Jegede; Oba Saheed Elegushi of Ikate Land; Deputy Director, Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), Mrs. Tayo Abosede; and Alawe of Ikate Kingdom, Chief Mukail Elegushi, during the celebration of World Environment Day in Ikate Kingdom, yesterday

Fidelis David in Akure

Aiyedatiwa.

NEW LaWs FOR EKiTi sTaTE…

L-R: Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji; Speaker, Ekiti State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adeoye Aribasoye(sitting); Ekiti State Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye; Chief of Staff to the Governor, Mr Niyi Adebayo; Special Adviser Legislative Matters,, Hon Abiola Olowookere; Chief Whip, Hon Yinka Olowookere and Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon, Bolaji Olagbaju(backrow) during the signing of new laws at a special open plenary commemorating the second anniversary of the 7th Assembly in Ado-Ekiti...yesterday

FCT Natives Oppose Relocation Policy, Call for Inclusive Development, Justice

The indigenous communities of Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have expressed firm opposition to the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA)’s persistent relocation policy, criticising it as an infringement on their basic human rights

and a breach of legal principles. Instead of forced relocation, they advocated a more inclusive strategy centred on urban renewal and integration that emphasises acceptance, dignity, and fairness while offering humane and equitable solutions.

This stance was made public during a hearing conducted by

Fish Out Killers of Rano DPO, Kano Govt Tasked

igbawase Ukumba in Lafia

The Nasarawa State House of Assembly has urged the Kano State Government to fish out killers of CSP Muhammad Ali, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Rano Police Station, Kano State.

It was reported that CSP Muhammad Ali was attacked by youths leading to his death in the hospital.

The Assembly condemned in totality the gruesome killing of

UN

the police officer (a citizen of Nasarawa State) in Kano State for unjustified reasons.

The Speaker of the Assembly, Danladi Jatau, made the call after Hon. Solomon Yakubu Akwashiki, member representing Lafia Central, brought the issue under matters of Public Importance during the House proceedings in Lafia yesterday.

Jatau said that fishing out and punishing the perpetrators of the devilish act would serve as deterrent to others.

Calls for Reduction of Plastic Use in Ekiti

The United Nations has called on residents of Ekiti State to adopt greener habits by reducing plastic use, separating waste for easier recycling, reusing containers and choosing digital over paper.

The Project Coordinator of UN-Habitat for Southern Nigeria and Technical Advisor, Geographic Information System and Land Management, Akintobi Olusanmi, made this appeal in Ado-Ekiti during a visit to the Ekiti Dump Site and the Ekiti State Waste Management Authority

Complex, where samples are collected for the Waste Wise City Programme.

The Ekiti State Government, under the leadership of Governor Biodun Oyebanji also vowed to tackle environmental degradation, adding that it’s committed to achieving a greener, cleaner and healthier environment in the state.

The Chief of Staff to the Ekiti State Governor, Niyi Adebayo emphasized that the administration of Governor Oyebanji is deliberate about achieving its objective of ensuring the environment is safe for all residents.

Avon HMO Hosts

Free Medical Screening in Lagos

As part of its unwavering commitment to preventive healthcare, Avon HMO, one of Nigeria’s leading health management organisations(HMO), held a free hypertension awareness and screening outreach tagged ‘No Tension’ in Marina, Lagos.

The outreach was part of the organisation’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) efforts focused on chronic disease management, and aimed to encourage Nigerians to “know their numbers” by checking their blood pressure regularly.

The event brought together

healthcare professionals, volunteers, and members of the public for free blood pressure screenings, one-on-one medical consultations, and health education sessions.

According to the Nigerian Cardiac Society, one in every three Nigerian adults (about 30 per cent) is living with high blood pressure, a silent but serious condition that often goes undetected until it causes severe complications like heart attack, stroke, or kidney failure. Yet, with early detection and proper management, hypertension can be effectively controlled.

the House of Representatives Committee on Area Councils and Ancillary Matters at the National Assembly Complex

Hammed shittu in Ilorin

in Abuja yesterday.

During the opening of the session, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon.

Tajudeen Abbas, represented by Hon. Joe Oke Onuakalusi, encouraged all parties to voice their opinions openly.

2027: ‘No Automatic Ticket for

Ahead of the 2027 general election, the Kwara State Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Hon. Babatunde Mohammed, yesterday said that there would be no automatic

ticket for the emergence of the gubernatorial candidate to represent the party for the election.

Mohammed said that all the governorship aspirants of the PDP would pass through normal primaries that would produce an acceptable

candidate for the party.

He made the disclosure in Ilorin while receiving one of the governorship aspirants of the party, Alhaji Ladi Hassan, at the state secretariat of the PDP in Ilorin.

The party boss stated that the leadership of the party

He emphasised that the input gathered would help lawmakers in developing well-informed legislation.

would provide a level playing ground for all the aspirants so as to ensure an acceptable candidate to emerge for the election.

The party chairman also promised that the primary elections will be free, fair and credible.

A’Ibom Women Group Lauds Akpabio’s Appointment as MD of SSDC

sunday Okobi

The women of Nka Asian Iban Iboku Nka Asian Iban Iboku of Akwa Ibom State under the umbrella of Uruan Cultural Heritage Group (Women) have expressed delight over the appointment of one of their own, Princess Usoro Akpabio,

as the Managing Director of the South-South Development Commission (SSDC).

In a statement signed and made available to THISDAY yesterday by its President and Vice President, Prof Eno Urua and Mrs. Maria Therese Adiakpan respectively, the women who expressed pride

over her achievement, said: “We, your sisters, mothers, and daughters in heritage-rise in joyful unity celebrate you, Princess Usoro Akpabio, on the occasion of your 45th birthday.”

“We are proud to call you our own-a true daughter of Uruan whose strength, grace, and achievements reflect the values of our ancestors and the hopes of generations to come. Your recent appointment as the managing director of the South-South Development Commission is not only a national honour but a testament to your tireless dedication, wisdom, and excellence.”

NEMA Create Awareness on Tanker Accidents, Fire Outbreaks in Gombe

yinka Olatunbosun

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Gombe State Operations Office is campaigning against recurring fire incidents in the state.

In a one-day sensitisation campaign at the School of Nursing and Midwifery Gombe, on June 3, the focus of the stakeholders was on the dangers of tanker accidents and fire outbreaks.

The campaign aimed at educating the public on emergency preparedness, safety strategies, and prevention, as part of NEMA’s mandate to build disaster resilience, was part of the ways of curbing this dangerous trend.

The Head of Operations, NEMA, Gombe, Mrs. Ummuna Ahmed, emphasised the importance of public enlightenment in reducing avoidable emergencies.

Presentations were made by the Federal Fire Service and Nigerian Red Cross Society with participation from key stakeholders, including transport unions, emergency services, security agencies, traditional institutions, and the media. NEMA reaffirmed its commitment to proactive disaster risk reduction through continued community engagement and stakeholder collaboration.

Educationist Identifies Solution to Sectoral Challenges

Kemi Olaitan in Ibadan

An educationist, Mr. Adeniyi Ajayi, has stressed the need for innovative online learning platforms to tackle the challenges of overcrowded classrooms, high transportation costs,

rising insecurity and limited access to qualified tutors in the country.

Ajayi, in a statement in Ibadan, Oyo State, said the traditional tutoring methods are insufficient to meet the growing demands of students.

“We are here to

revolutionise how learning happens, offering a secure and affordable alternative to traditional tutoring and reshaping hi knowledge is delivered and consumed in the 21st century,” he stated.

Ajayi, who is the Managing Director, eTutors Nigeria

Limited, noted that the launch of an online learning platform, which he is spearheading, will mark a defining moment in the evolution of education in Nigeria, stating that it will provide a vital solution for students who have long faced barriers to quality education.

Lawyer in Land Dispute Case with Gowon, Sultan Wants Professor Subpoenaed

The embattled lady lawyer, Ms Stella Oyiugo, standing trial before the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee (LPDC) for allegedly misrepresenting the interest of the Barewa Old Boys Association (BOBA) in an Abuja land dispute has asked the panel

to subpoena a former secretary of the association for her defence.

Ms Oyiugo is standing trial before the LPDC for allegedly taking over the representation of the interests of BOBA without the consent of patrons of the association including General Yakubu Gowon, Sultan of Sokoto, Abuabakar Saad, Justice Mohammed Uwais, among others.

secretary of the alumni association and one Ibrahim Salmanu to testify in her defence.

At the resumption of her trial before the LPDC, Ms Oyiugo issued subpoenas to Professor Ahmed Tijjani Mora, former

Ms Oyiugo’s counsel , Dr I.N Nwosu made the appeal at the resumed hearing of the Disciplinary Committee on Tuesday, 27th May 2025.

Company Launches Platform for Access to Solar-powered Cooling in Africa

Folalumi alaran in abuja

A Nigerian-based clean energy company, Kollboks, has launched Koolbuy, a new platform designed to deliver

affordable solar-powered cooling appliances to households and small businesses across Africa.

Speaking at the launch held in Lagos, the Chief Executive Officer f the company, Ayoola

Dominic, said the platform would allow users to acquire climate-smart cooling appliances through flexible payment plans, starting from as low as N1,500 per day.

He said the platform would reduce food waste, support small businesses, and promote sustainable energy use amid rising temperatures and fuel costs.

Juliet akoje in abuja

Gbenga sodeinde in ado ekiti

Ex-Lokomotiv Chief Blasts NFF for Presenting ‘Beach Footballers’ for Russian Friendly

Duro Ikhazuagbe

Ahead of the international friendly between hosts Russia and Nigeria’s Super Eagles, a former Lokomotiv Moscow

President, Nikolai Naumov, has criticized the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) over the absence of key Super Eagles players in the squad already in Moscow for the Friday clash.

Naumov expressed frustration over Nigeria’s squad selection, calling the situation disappointing

and unprofessional.

Marquee forwards, Ademola Lookman and Victor Osimhen, as well as Fulham stars, Alex Iwobi and Calvin Bassey were left out of the squad to face Russia.

Additionally, Wilfred Ndidi, Kelechi Iheanacho, Samuel Chukwueze, Ola Aina, Nathan Tella and Sadiq Umar — all of whom featured for clubs in Europe’s top five leagues during the 2024–2025 season — withdrew from the Super Eagles squad, citing injuries and personal reasons.

“The non-arrival of key players of the Nigerian national team for the match with Russia is very bad,” Naumov told Championat.

“When we agree with any national team in the current conditions, we incur significant expenses for flights, accommodation, etc. Such expenses... We must clearly indicate what lineup the opponent should have.”

Naumov believes such matches should only be scheduled with assurances that top players will feature, barring injuries.

“Only the strongest players are needed, except for force majeure: injuries or other emergencies.

“When the Nigerian national team agrees to such a match, the management must discuss this issue with their players in advance.”

The outspoken former club executive went on to mock the potential quality of Nigeria’s squad, suggesting that the replacements are far from the national team’s best.

“And now they will bring beach

Eagles players

40,000 Runners Expected at Maiden Asaba International Road Race

Event to showcase Delta’s capital on Asagba Azinge’s 1st anniversary

Omon-Julius Onabu in Asaba

At least 40,000 athletes, made up of local and international elite male and female athletes, are expected to participate in the inaugural Asaba International Road Race scheduled for October 5, 2025.

Cash prizes as well as trophies and certificates worth millions of naira and thousands of dollars would be won by male and female athletes in 10 different categories, The Asagba of Asaba, Obi Prof Epiphany Azinge, disclosed this at

a press briefing held yesterday at the palace of the Asaba monarch in Asaba.

The decision to make entry for the road race free to all the categories of participants was based on the advice of the World Athletics, the legal luminary-turned-monarch revealed.

The road race would serve not only as one of the activities lined up for the celebration of the first anniversary of the coronation of the scholarly Asaba monarch in 2024, but also to showcase to the

global community Asaba culture and traditions as

The initiator of the road race said that the segmentation of the race into categories was deliberately as the crown was intent on rebranding Asaba, to bring to fore why Asaba has been growing exponentially as host of the state’s seat of Government.

“The Asaba International Road Race was also aimed at promoting tourism and improving the economy of Asaba Kingdom through the influx of thousands of participants as well as sports scouts and investors pouring

Lagos Set to Consolidate on NSF’s Success at Prime Atlantic Squash Tourney

Chairman of the Lagos State Squash Association, Tomi Falase, says the Prime Atlantic Squash Tournament represents a defining moment for Nigerian squash, following the state’s dominant outing at the recently concluded National Sports Festival (NSF) in Ogun.

The 4th edition of the Prime Atlantic Squash Tournament is scheduled to hold from June 9 to June 14 at the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere, Lagos. Falase said that the NSF served as a solid build-up to the Prime Atlantic Tournament, and Lagos is eager to sustain its momentum.

“This tournament is coming at

the right time. Our athletes are still very much in competition shape from the National Sports Festival,” he said.

“We want to consolidate on our success, but more importantly, this is about raising the overall standard of squash in Nigeria. The Prime Atlantic Tournament gives us that platform to showcase and test our best.”

The Prime Atlantic Squash Tournament, now in its fourth year, has grown into one of Nigeria’s premier squash competitions, drawing top-ranked players, rising talents, and scouts from across the country.

“This year’s edition is particularly significant as it arrives just weeks after the NSF, where Lagos players stamped their dominance in both the male and female categories,” Falase added.

He noted that the tournament will also serve as a development opportunity, with junior players from across the country being given wildcard entries into the early rounds.

In the 2024 edition, Gabriel Olufumilayo was first runners up, while Busayo Olatunji took her pound off flesh when she defeated her most consistent rival Rofiat Abuduazeez.

into Delta capital city”, Obi Prof Asinge further said.

While the his royal majesty was driving the inaugural sporting event, he assured that the door was open for partcipation by the Delta State Government, corporate organisations and individual sponsorship.

The Chairman of the Asaba Sports Promotion Committee, Wing Commander Peter Iweze (retired) noted that the event would also complement government and private efforts at developing grassroots sports in the country, adding that he was a beneficiary of grassroots sports in the then Mid-West as far back 1964 when he emerged the tennis champion in the state.

footballers. Do we need this? The Nigerian team will only have a name. As a result, we will not get the opponent we want.”

Despite Nigeria’s depleted roster, Naumov acknowledged the quality of their European-based players but insisted Russia must still aim for victory.

“It is unlikely that the Russian team will have a crushing victory over Nigeria, because even in this squad there are many footballers

who play in Europe. The opponent is strong, but our guys must win,” he concluded. No Nigerian officials could be reached to throw light on why most of the key players are not in Moscow for the friendly . Earlier in the week, NFF had explained in a statement that both Osimhen and Lookman were excused from the trip to Russia so that he can go and sort out their transfer issues.

Nigerian Boxing Legend, Obisia Nwankpa, Dies

One of Nigeria’s boxing icons, Obisia Nwankpa, has died at the age of 75.

Family sources confirmed yesterday that Obisia passed away in the early hours of Tuesday, June 3, 2025.

Nwankpa was a former Olympian, as well as an All-Africa Games and Commonwealth gold medallist. for Nwankpa to be immortalised. Funeral arrangements are pending. Obisia Nwankpa’s death is the latest of series of past and present Nigerian sports icons to have died.

He was also a national coach. Nwankpa was a towering figure in African boxing for over four decades.

He represented Nigeria at the 1972 Munich Olympics. Obisia claimed multiple titles as a professional.

Later, he coached Nigeria’s Olympic boxing teams in 2004 and 2008. Nwankpa, who had been battling dementia in recent years, made a final public appearance in September 2024, visibly ailing.

President of the Nigeria Boxing Board of Control, Rafiu Ladipo, described the loss as a “big blow.” He called

Former Green Eagles Captain and coach, Christian Chukwu, followed the death in the ring in Ghana of Segun Olarenwaju late last month.

Osimhen Stalling Al Hilal Switch with Higher Wage Demands

The football future of Victor Osimhen appears to be heading to the Middle East as top Saudi Arabia’s Al Hilal are prepared to pay his release clause of 75 Million Euros, but the striker is demanding for more cash from the Saudis.

According II Mattino yesterday, what is stalling Osimhen from moving to Saudi Arabia is his demand for more cash from the deal.

His salary at the Riyadh club has been put at between 30 and 45 Million Euros a year.

The Italian newspaper reported that Al Hilal are still looking for an agreement with the player, who is demanding “very high figures” as salary.

The Al Hilal delegation has

already stormed Paris, where they are staying at the George V Hotel, to finalise the transfer of the 26-year-old striker.

Journalist Santo Aouna of FootMercatoconfirmed this development yesterday.

If the deal pulls through, Osimhen os to wear jersey No 29 at Al Hilal. The club had to take the jersey off their official webshop because Osimhen is still technically a player of Galatasaray as his loan deal is until June 30.

Simone Inzaghi, who yesterday quit as Inter Milan coach after leading them to the final of the UEFA Champions League, has been contracted to be the new coach at Al Hilal.

First Bank Partners Abeokuta Golf Club on OBJ Tournament

First Bank of Nigeria Limited has confirmed its sponsorship of the seventh edition of OBJ Golf Tournament, scheduled to hold at the Abeokuta Golf Club on Saturday, June 14th, 2025.

Put together in honour of former President Olusegun Obasanjo for his laudable roles in socio-economic and political development of the country, the Bank says the sponsorship is a proof of its unwavering commitment to the development of sports in Nigeria under its First@Sports initiative.

The event which is already generating lots of interests within

the golf community is one of the most regular golf tournaments in the club.

As preparations for the event gathers momentum, Captain of the Club, Sunday Ajiboye says all necessary arrangements at making sure the event goes as planned have been put in place while promising a fun filled atmosphere during the event.

This auspicious event is where golfing stars are made and the game enjoyed to its fullest. We promised unparallel experience, making this edition the best yet, Ajiboye said.

Over the years, First Bank has

been a driving force in the promotion of sports in the country, and this is evident in its legacy sports initiative, which includes Golf, Polo and Tennis.

The famous Lagos Amateur Open Golf Championships which has been sponsored for well over 63-years is a testimony to the Banks dedication to the development of golf in Nigeria.

The OBJ Golf tournament which debuted in 2015 has run for seven years with First Bank providing the funding.

Organized by Abeokuta Golf Club, 2025 OBJ Golf Tournament will feature Professional and amateur golfers drawn from across the country.

Super

leaving the turf after evening training in Moscow... yesterday. Now, a chieftain of Locomotive Moscow has frowned at the non-participation of key Nigerian players in the friendly clash

Obisia Nwankpa... end of an era

ARTificiAL inTELLiGEnT ScALinG hUB on ThEiR minDS...

L-R: Chairman, Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation, Mr. Agboje Aig-Imoukhuede; Founder, Bill Gates Foundation, Mr. Bill Gates, and Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital.economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, during the signing of an agreement between Bill Gates Foundation and the Ministry on Artificial Intelligent Scaling Hub in Abuja...recently

olusegun AD e NIYI

olusegun.adeniyi@thisdaylive.com

The Brutal Murder of Kano DPO

In a nation where hardly a single day passes without tragedy, it can be overwhelming for public officials to respond to all the bad news. From a vehicular accident claiming no fewer than 22 athletes returning from a national sports festival to almost 200 fatalities and dozens of others believed to have been swept away by devastating floods, it has been a period of mourning in Nigeria. Even at that, the official silence to the trending video of how CSP Baba Ali Muhammad was brutally murdered by street urchins is very telling on the value we place on the life of those we expect to protect us. Before I proceed, let me state that crime fighting is a risky enterprise all over the world. For instance, according to the website of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), 47 law enforcement officers were murdered in the first eight months of last year. “Firearms were used in 76.6 percent of the felonious deaths occurring in 2024. Among officers killed with firearms, four are confirmed to have been wearing body armour,” the FBI report reveals. “The leading circumstances surrounding the officers’ felonious deaths were related to investigative/

enforcement, unprovoked attacks, and ambushes (entrapment/premeditation).”

However, what is different in the case of Nigeria is the growing rate at which criminals are targeting our law enforcement officers for extermination without fear. Not to mention the way we treat our policemen—alive or dead. That is not the case elsewhere. In March this year, President Donald Trump called for a mandatory death penalty for anyone convicted of killing an American law enforcement officer. After signing an executive order that would make the death penalty mandatory in such cases, Trump called on Congress to ensure it becomes a permanent law. He also honoured the widow of NYPD Officer, Jonathan Diller, who was shot during a traffic stop in March 2023. Meanwhile, I am yet to see a presidential response to the mob killing of the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) for Rano in Kano State.

I once referenced the response by Vivek Tulja, a satellite communication expert, to a question on why criminals, including members of the Mafia, avoid killing policemen unless they are cornered. “If you happen to kill a cop, you are best off using the last bullet in your magazine on yourself,” Tulja concluded. That appears not be the case in

Health of the President

Last Thursday, former CBN Deputy Governor, Kingsley Obiora, sent me an interesting message, followed by two lengthy posts. First, the message: “I asked two AI-powered search engines to comment on ‘Power, Politics and Death’ by Olusegun Adeniyi and ‘Original Sin’ by Jake Tapper and Alex Thompson and see if there are any similarities. Below are the responses from Elon Musk’s Grok and Sam Altman’s ChatGPT.”

The first forwarded post by Kingsley was the response he received from Grok. “To address the query, I’ll compare the behaviors of key actors in Power, Politics and Death by Olusegun Adeniyi and Original Sin by Jake Tapper and Alex Thompson, focusing on their actions, motivations, and the consequences as depicted in the books.” Both works, according to Grok, “delve into political intrigue, leadership challenges, and the handling of crises, offering a lens to examine how key figures navigate power, secrecy, and public perception.”

In both books, Grok continues, “key actors exhibited hubris by overestimating their ability to control outcomes and denying the reality of their leader’s incapacitation. This led to catastrophic political consequences—Nigeria’s constitutional crisis and the U.S. Democrats’ electoral defeat.” But Grok also admits that while there are striking similarities, contexts differ in the two countries: “Nigeria’s political system in Power, Politics and Death was marked by weaker institutions, allowing personalities to dominate over constitutional norms. In contrast, Original Sin operates in the U.S.’s more structured democratic system, where the cover-up faced greater scrutiny due to media and electoral pressures.” On the outcomes, “Yar’Adua’s death resolved the crisis by forcing a transition to Jonathan, whereas Biden’s withdrawal led to Kamala Harris’s candidacy, which still failed to prevent Trump’s victory, highlighting different stakes and timelines.”

After a lengthy disquisition of various aspects of the two books, Grok concluded: “The key actors in both Power, Politics and Death and Original Sin exhibit remarkably similar behaviors: concealing their leader’s health issues, prioritizing loyalty over public interest, manipulating political processes, displaying hubris, and being influenced by family dynamics. These actions reflect a universal tendency among political elites to cling to power, even at the cost of transparency and democratic integrity. In both cases, the consequences were severe—a constitutional crisis in Nigeria and an electoral disaster for U.S. Democrats—underscoring the dangers of such behaviors in leadership.”

The second post was what ChatGPT had to say on both books, which is remarkably similar. “Power, Politics and Death by Olusegun Adeniyi and Original Sin by Jake Tapper and Alex Thompson, though centered on different political landscapes—Nigeria and the United States respectively—both delve into the inner workings of presidential administrations during times of crisis. A comparative analysis reveals notable similarities in the behaviors of key actors in these narratives,” ChatGBT wrote. After also comparing different aspects of the books, ChatGBT concluded: “In summary, both books shed light on the complexities of political leadership during health crises, emphasizing how inner circles can influence decisions, manipulate information, and impact national stability. The parallels between the two administrations underscore the universal challenges of governance, transparency, and the human elements that shape political narratives.”

Reading through the posts by Grok and ChatGBT, I marveled at the incredible power of AI and the future of the knowledge industry. But the message from Kingsley also prompted me to get the book, ‘Original Sin (President Biden’s Decline, It’s Coverup, and his disastrous choice to run again’ which I read on

the long flight from Boston to San Francisco enroute Dallas last Saturday. The Biden book has, of course, elicited several reactions. Even the White House press secretary, Karoline Leavitt, waded in. “I think anybody looking again at the videos and photo evidence of Joe Biden with … a little bit of common sense can see that this was a clear coverup,” Leavitt responded to a question on revelations from the book. “And Jill Biden was certainly complicit in that coverup.”

I agree that both books are similar in subject. But they diverge on thrust. The Biden book is about shielding an incumbent president seeking a second term from the eyes of a public whose confidence is likely to be shaken by greater knowledge of his physical and mental state. In a way, it is also about protecting the institution of the US presidency from perceptions that could imperil orderly transition. In the case of Yar’Adua, it is about sustaining a power incumbency during a crisis necessitated by ill health. In both books, what comes out clearly is the uncharted territory of how to deal with presidential health confidence in an accountable manner without exposing the principal to public ridicule.

Perhaps because I was a participant observer in the narrative contained in the Yar’Adua book, I have sympathy for Mrs Jill Biden and Messrs Mike Donilon, Steve Ricchetti and Bruce Reed—members of what was described by the authors as the ‘Politburo’—the Nigerian version of the ‘Cabal’. From my own experience, the assumption that people around a leader with health challenges are there only to preserve their own power and privileges is not necessarily true. Some may simply be helpless after weighing several factors on a problem over which they have no control. While this is an issue for another day, the ultimate lesson is the challenge that comes with the illness of a national leader. For those close to such a leader and the country over which he presides.

Nigeria given how the Rano DPO was executed in a most brutal manner by a mob not even afraid to record their own bestial action.

In recent days, I have had revealing exchanges with Mr Tunji Alapini, a retired Assistant Inspector General of Police, regarding this tragedy. “That an officer of the law left his home for the office and ended up being gruesomely murdered in a ‘sane’ society is beyond imagination,” said Alapini who admitted shedding tears after watching the gory video. “I am not in full picture of the incident that made those criminals believe they have a right to take the life of an officer on legitimate duty, but from the aftermath of the Police Interim Investigation report, the mob massacred the DPO because a suspect allegedly died in the cell at his station.”

While advocating that the culprits (most of whom have been arrested by the police) be made to bear “the full consequences of their action,” Alapini also expressed concern about the lack of outrage from critical stakeholders in our country on the tragic incident. “While the Police cried out about what happened to the unfortunate officer, there was a deafening silence from the Governor of Kano State, traditional rulers, National Assembly members etc. It is almost as if the lives of our police and military personnel don’t matter. And that is both concerning and saddening.”

I share Alapini’s sentiment. As the principal custodian of peace, order and security in a constitutional democracy, no institution is arguably more important than the police. But so abused is this law enforcement authority in Nigeria that both the government and society seem not to care about their personnel. Yes, I have in the past written several columns on the excesses of the police, but we should also be fair. If the life of a divisional police officer could be taken by a mob in such a gruesome manner and we all move on as if nothing happened, what justification do we have to hold them accountable when they misbehave? Alapini suggests that the Rano Police station be named after the deceased CSP. I agree. But I also hope those in authorities can understand that the manner in which the life of the Rano DPO was taken is a direct assault on social order and a grave threat to the foundation of any functioning society. And there must be severe consequences, if only to serve as a deterrence to others that when you kill a policeman in Nigeria, you are digging your own grave. It must never happen again!

Ihave received several messages on whether there will be a public presentation of my coming book, ‘The Ghost of June 12’. There will not be any such formal ceremony. But the book will be available for readers from Monday, June 16. For pre-order, those interested should contact www.rhbooks.com.ng or Call/WhatsApp: +2349092158968; +2348028287089.

CSP Baba Ali Muhammad