WEDNESDAY 18TH JUNE 2025

CBN Affirms strength of Nigerian Banking Sector, Issues Routine Guidance for Banks Under Forbearance

Banks’ shares dip further

In a move aimed at calming market jitters and ensure smooth transition from regulatory forbearance, the

Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) yesterday affirmed strength of the Nigerian bank sector revealing that it

National Assembly Transmits Landmark Tax Reform Bills

www.thisdaylive.com

Tinubu: INEC Backbone of Our Democratic Journey, Role Key to Public Trust in Govt

Says his commitment to strengthen electoral system unshaken Commission rejects Damagum’s notification for June 30 PDP NEC meeting, says not compliant

Deji Elumoye, Chuks Okocha, Olawale Ajimotokan and Adedayo

President Bola Tinubu has described the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as the backbone of Nigeria’s democratic journey, stating that its role in the conduct of free, fair, and credible elections is central to the trust the public places in the government and in its democratic processes. Tinubu stated this yesterday at the ground-breaking ceremony for the new national headquarters annex building of the commission

Senate Leadership Joins Presidential Trip to Benue, Says It is Tired of Killings

SGF assures people of Yelewata of FG’s support, Obi thanks president for

Chuks Okocha, Michael Olugbode, Sunday Aborisade, Onyebuchi Ezigbo, Juliet Akoje in Abuja, Emmanuel Ugwu-Nwogo in Umuahia, Adibe Emenyonu in Benin City and George Okoh in Makurdi

The Senate leadership has offered to accompany President Bola Tinubu to Benue State today, to also commiserate with the people of Yelewata over the recent massacre of their kinsmen by suspected Fulani herdsmen, saying they are tired of the killings.

Senate Committee Chairman on Media and Public Affairs, Senator Adeyemi Adaramodu, disclosed the offer yesterday while briefing journalists on the activities of the upper chamber in the last two years.

Likewise, Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, who visited Yelewata in Guma Local Government Area and the Benue State University Teaching Hospital (BSUTH), Makurdi, where victims of the recent attacks were receiving medical attention, assured the people of the federal government’s support.

That was as the 2023 presidential candidate of Labour Party (LP), Mr.

Continued on page 9

PRESIDENT TINUBU FLAGS OFF THE INEC HEADQUARTERS BUILDING...

L-R: Minister of State for FCT, Muhamud Mariya; President Bola Ahmed Tinubu; INEC Chairman, Mahmood Yakubu; FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike; Speaker, House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abass; and Deputy Senate President, Jubril Barau, during the flag-off of the design and construction of the INEC headquarters, Maitama, Abuja, yesterday

James Emejo in Abuja, Nume Ekeghe and Kayode Tokede in Lagos

PHOTO: GODWIN OMOIGUI.

Akinwale in Abuja

COURTESY VISIT TO ACCESS BANK DMD...

L–R: Group Head, SME Banking, Access Bank Plc, Abiodun Olubitan; Group Head, Agency Banking and Financial Inclusion, Access Bank Plc, Chizoba Iheme; National Consultant, Private Sector Partnerships, Hansatu Adegbite; Deputy Managing Director, Access Bank Plc, Chizoma Okoli; United Nation (UN) Women Country Representative to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Beatrice Eyong; and Group Head, Women Banking, Access Bank Plc, Nene Kunle-Ogunlesi, during a courtesy visit to the DMD of Access Bank in recognition of the bank’s impact on women across all segments in Nigeria and beyond through the ‘W’ Initiative, in Lagos…recently

Tinubu Orders Immediate Execution of Approved Infrastructure Projects

Says public-only infrastructure funding no longer sustainable

Deji Elumoye and James Emejo in Abuja

President Bola Tinubu yesterday directed that all approved infrastructure projects must transition from planning to immediate real-time execution.

The president gave the marching order at the 2025 Nigeria PublicPrivate Partnership (PPP) Summit with the theme, “Unlocking Nigeria’s Potential: The Role of Public-Private Partnerships in Delivering the Renewed Hope Agenda.”

The president said his administration remained determined to deliver infrastructure that are both sustainable and inclusive.

The summit was organised by the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC) in Abuja.

Tinubu, particularly cautioned against any delays caused by bureaucratic hurdles.

Represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, he said the federal government planned to fast-track approvals for viable projects and intensify coordination among Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to ensure rapid implementation.

Tinubu also declared that the old model of public-only infrastructure funding was no longer sustainable.

He said, “Our national aspirations far exceed what public budgets alone can deliver. That is why we must innovate and work together.

“We’re not looking for investors

to carry burdens. We’re offering opportunities to create value. We seek long-term partners ready to help us bridge our infrastructure gap with purpose and precision.”

The president said, “We will fasttrack approvals for viable projects. We will ensure coordination across Ministries, Departments, and Agencies to enable swift implementation.”

He explained that Nigerians expect tangible results rather than mere promises, stressing the critical need to transform commitments into infrastructure that directly addresses citizens’ daily requirements.

He said, “We do this because we know that what matters to the average Nigerian is not promises, but power in their homes, roads to their farms, access to clean water, modern hospitals, and quality schools. We must build. We must deliver. And we must do it together.”

Tinubu further acknowledged existing challenges within Nigeria’s project implementation culture, observing that the country’s potential has not always been matched by action.

According to him, “Nigeria does not lack potential. What we have lacked, at times, is alignment of purpose and the courage to act decisively. Let us chart a new path, not just as government and investors, but as partners in nation-building.”

He said the current administration had taken measures to streamline bureaucratic processes and improve transparency in the public-private

engagement framework.

“We have aligned our processes with global best practices and investor expectations,” he added.

He stressed that a functional partnership between government and the private sector was central to national transformation.

He noted that ICRC had been strengthened to effectively regulate and de-risk PPP transactions.

Speaking on long-term infrastructure goals, Tinubu reiterated

the government’s commitment to the National Integrated Infrastructure Master Plan (2020–2043), which aims to increase Nigeria’s infrastructure stock from 30–35 percent of GDP to 70 percent by 2043.

However, he cautioned that, “blueprints do not build roads. Policies alone do not generate megawatts.”

He called on private sector stakeholders to look beyond perceived risks and seize the opportunity to

contribute to a rapidly transforming economy.

He said, “To our private sector partners, Nigeria offers scale, demand, and returns like no other African market. But we need more than investment.

“We need innovation, we need efficiency, and above all, we need integrity. I urge you to look beyond the risks and recognise the immense opportunity to shape a nation that is not just rising, but ready,” he added.

Earlier in his remarks, the DirectorGeneral/Chief Executive, ICRC, Dr. Jobson Oseodion Ewalefoh, assured both local and international investors that the country remained open for business and prepared for genuine partnership. He cited the country’s large population, expanding middle class, and significant infrastructure deficit—estimated at over $2.3 trillion—as clear indicators of the urgency and opportunity for PPPs.

Alawuba: N1.57tn Non-performing Loans Pose Risks to Credit System

Says no economy can flourish without enabling guardrails of justice Kekere-Ekun: Judicial predictability not just legal virtue but economic asset

James Emejo in Abuja

Group Managing Director/Chief Executive, United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc, Mr. Oliver Alawuba, yesterday, raised concerns over the Non-performing Loan (NPL) portfolio in the banking sector, valued at N1.57 trillion, describing it as a symptom of deeper institutional weaknesses that need to be tackled.

Speaking at the opening of the

23rd National Seminar on Banking and Allied Matters for Judges, in Abuja, Alawuba, who is Chairman of the Body of Bank CEOs, said the development could further hamper credit disbursement to the real sector without a functional and efficient judicial system.

NPLs have continued to pile amid judicial delays and enforcement bottlenecks.

The UBA CEO urged the judicial to do more to salvage the situation.

The seminar was jointly organised by Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN) and National Judicial Institute (NJI) at the NJI headquarters in Abuja.

Alawuba said the country’s financial system was exposed to systemic risk due to the judiciary’s current limitations in handling commercial and financial disputes, highlighting the huge volume of bad loans in the industry.

He said, “Without a strong, efficient judiciary, banks will struggle to extend credit with confidence,” adding, “Our partnership is not one of convenience, but of necessity.”

He called for urgent reforms to enhance judicial performance in financial matters, including digitisation of court processes, investment in judicial capacity building, and the establishment of specialised financial courts to handle complex cases involving fraud,

cybercrime, and contract enforcement. Alawuba said the banking industry’s success was tied to the effectiveness of the courts.

According to him, “No economy can flourish without the enabling guardrails of justice. From credit systems to contract enforcement, the banking industry depends daily on the efficiency, fairness, and predictability of our judicial processes.”

He stressed that the courts must evolve to meet the demands of a rapidly transforming financial landscape, especially as digital platforms, fintech innovation, and cybercrimes became more entrenched in Nigeria’s financial ecosystem.

House of Representatives Committee on Nutrition and Food Security has launched an investigation into the expenditure of N1.12 trillion under the Anchor Borrowers Programme (ABP).

The committee is also examining the disbursement of N215 billion by NIRSAL Microfinance Bank for agribusiness projects, as well as N3 billion distributed by the Bank of Industry to 22,120 smallholder farmers through the Agricultural Value Chain Financing initiative. The chairman of the committee, Hon. Chike Okafor, raised concerns during a hearing on the alleged mismanagement of agricultural and food security funds by federal departments, agencies, and programmes.

Okafor stated that while 24 participating financial institutions (PFIs) were involved in disbursing ABP funds, the committee had only found evidence relating to nine of them.

He emphasised that a central role of the committee was to monitor how intervention programmes tied to food security and nutrition were implemented by relevant government ministries, departments, and agencies.

He stated, “We are scrutinising how the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) disbursed approximately N1.12 trillion through the ABP to 4.67 million farmers cultivating maize, rice, or wheat, working through 563 anchor firms.”

Okafor pointed out CBN had engaged 24 PFIs to manage the disbursement of the funds, yet only

documentation from nine institutions was available.

He said some PFIs had made attempts to engage the committee.

He added, “The second issue under investigation is how NIRSAL allocated over N215 billion for agricultural and agribusiness purposes. Additionally, we are reviewing the Bank of Industry’s distribution of N3 billion to over 22,000 smallholder farmers under the agricultural value chain scheme.”

Reiterating the committee’s oversight duties, Okafor said their responsibilities included ensuring effective execution of intervention programmes by relevant government entities, scrutinising fund allocation, crafting new legislation, and enhancing existing laws on nutrition and food security.

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

The Policy Innovation Centre (PIC) is set to host the 4th edition of the Gender and Inclusion Summit, christened GS-25, on September 3 and 4, 2025 in Abuja. The summit is expected to convene over 1,000 in-person and virtual participants to explore urgent solutions for building a more inclusive society, a statement from the organisation stated. With the theme: “New Voices and New Approaches for Accelerating an Inclusive Society,” this year’s summit, the organisation said, will spotlight

bold strategies to address mounting challenges such as the shifting financial landscape. Besides other issues to be discussed will include: Unequal access to equitable healthcare, economic inequality, housing insecurity, climate challenges, educational inequity, and the exclusion of marginalised groups, particularly women, persons with disabilities, and youth. GS-25, according to the organisers, will feature interactive plenaries, roundtables, thematic breakout sessions, exhibitions, oral and poster presentations as well as a learning

workshop.

Confirmed participants include policymakers, civil society leaders, development agencies, youth advocates, the private sector, academia, diplomats, and grassroots organisers — all working to co-create scalable and inclusive solutions aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Since its inception in 2022, the summit, PIC said, has become a premier pan-African platform championing gender-transformative policies, digital inclusion, and behavioural insights in governance.

Juliet Akoje in Abuja

GRAND FINALE OF FCMB’S NATIONAL ESSAY AND DRAWING COMPETITION...

L-R: Divisional Head, Personal Banking, FCMB, Mr. Adetunji Lamidi; Competition winner, Adebayo Oluwaloni; Group Head, Consumer Liability, FCMB, Mr. Abubakar Etamesor; and Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission official, Mr. Nasiru Olajide, at the grand finale of FCMB’s National Essay and Drawing Competition for pupils and students aged 3–17 in Lagos…recently

LCCI: Latest Inflation Report Marks New Shift in Nigeria’s Trajectory

Nigeria requires new digital economy resilience tools to address cybersecurity threats, says NESG Tasks CIoD, board members on evolving, driving cyber-security risk management

Dike Onwuamaeze

The Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) has welcomed the latest report from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), which showed that Nigeria’s headline inflation rate eased to 22.97 per cent in May 2025, down from 23.71 per cent in April 2025. This comes as the Chief Executive Officer of Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG), Dr. Tayo Aduloju, stressed that in the face of growing digital disruptions and systemic cyber

vulnerabilities, “Nigeria urgently requires a new digital economy resilience analytics tool to support institutional preparedness” in responding to cyber-security risks and threats.

Furthermore, the LCCI noted that this marked “a positive, albeit modest, new shift in the country’s inflation trajectory after several months of persistent increases.”

Commenting on the NBS’ report yesterday, the Director General of LCCI, Dr. Chinyere Almona, said,

“The marginal decline may have been driven by the consistent monetary tightening by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), including interest rate adjustments and liquidity control mechanisms.”

Almona, however, noted that “this improvement must be viewed cautiously, considering prevailing structural risks and looming food production and distribution shocks.”

She said the recent spate of herdsmen-farmers clashes in the middle-belt region and flooding

disasters are negative signals capable of limiting food harvest this year, adding that logistics and supply chain risks also loom on the back of the current escalations in the Middle East and the deadlocked ceasefire talks between Russia and Ukraine.

“Importing fuel and other products may become more expensive as oil prices have gone up due to unbaiting tensions and trade wars.

“These shocks pose significant risks to food availability and prices, which could drive food inflation — an

ECOWAS Launches €110 million Projects for Regional Peace and Stability

Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has launched four significant projects worth approximately €110 million, aimed at strengthening regional peace and stability, supporting institutional reforms, and promoting trade within the sub-region.

The projects, funded by the European Union (€82.5 million), Germany (€26 million), and other partners, were support to ECOWAS in Peace, Security and Governance Project (EPSG). They were to aid ECOWAS Commission in the Implementation of the AfCFTA / Trade in Services Programme.

The projects were also aimed at supporting ECOWAS Commission on Organisational Development/ Institutional Support to ECOWAS Phase II and Africa Trade Competi-

tiveness and Market Access (ATCMA) Programme.

ECOWAS Commission President, Alieu Touray, said on Tuesday that the projects sought to strengthen regional peace and stability, as well as support institutional reforms and trade within ECOWAS.

Touray said, “The projects align with ECOWAS’ strategic orientations, including strengthening peace and security arrangements at regional and national levels, enhancing institutional effectiveness, and promoting sustainable trade.

“This initiative is crucial, considering ECOWAS’ Peace Fund requires approximately $300 million to implement its five-year strategic plan for peace initiatives in West Africa.”

Touray, while providing updates on ECOWAS’ engagement with countries that had decided to leave the organisation, stated that the status

quo will be maintained in areas, such as trade and free movement until a new agreement was reached.

He stated, “We have agreed until we come to a new agreement, we will maintain the status quo in all areas.”

Touray expressed gratitude to partners for their continued support and emphasised the need for accountability and joint decision-making in implementing these projects.

“With a focus on delivering concrete results, these projects hold considerable promise for the people of West Africa,” he added.

Earlier in her remarks, German Ambassador to Nigeria, Ms. Annett Günther, stressed the importance of regional integration and cooperation in West Africa.

Günther underscored the strength of the European partnership with ECOWAS, as she stated that the

EU, Nigeria Deepen Collaboration in Fight against Transnational Crimes

Alex

Enumah in Abuja

The European Union (EU) and the Federal Ministry of Justice yesterday deepened collaborative efforts against transnational crimes by smoothening legal processes for the investigation, arrest and prosecution of international criminals.

Speaking at a one-day High Level Meeting which was held in Abuja, the Vice President of Eurojust (the European Union Agency for Criminal Justice Cooperation), Mr José de la Mata Amaya, noted that

crime is borderless, and as such would require effective collaboration among states and agencies to put criminals behind bars.

The meeting which was hosted by the Federal Ministry of Justice, had in attendance the EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Ambassador Gautier Mignot, representatives of the United Nations office on Drugs and Crimes (UNODC), other agencies for the prosecution of crime, representatives of the EU Delegations to Nigeria.

Eurojust, is an agency of the European Union for international legal cooperation in criminal matters and is integrated by judges and prosecutors, whose task is to provide assistance, support, facilitate criminal cases, and criminal investigations that are handled by judges and prosecutors in the European Union.

Commenting, Eurojust Vice President expressed strong belief that nations can achieve a lot and move faster when they work together in eradicating trans-border crimes.

launch marked more than the start of four new projects.

“It reflects our shared commitment to trade, peace and security and good governance in West Africa,” she stated.

Günther said the projects addressed different aspects of ECOWAS’ Vision 2050, which aims to build a citizencentred community for peace and prosperity.

She highlighted the importance of the initiatives, saying, “Trade and services is a key driver of employment and innovation and a powerful lever for economic transformation.

In addition, countries that trade with each other are less likely to experience war or internal conflicts.

essential component of the headline inflation index — in the third and fourth quarters of 2025,” she said.

The chamber, therefore, recommend a coordinated mix of fiscal and monetary policy actions, including sustaining the reforms in the oil and gas sector that have slowed down fuel price increases recorded earlier in the year.

It said: “The Naira for crude and the mandated crude supply to local refineries should be sustained.

“The CBN should maintain prudent monetary policy while improving credit access to productive sectors, especially agriculture and manufacturing, to stimulate supply-side responses to inflation.

The stoppage of government ways and means provisions should be sustained no matter the pressure.

“There is an urgent need for the government to scale up support for dry season farming, irrigation infrastructure, and mechanisation to reduce Nigeria’s dependence on rain-fed agriculture.”

The LCCI also advised the government to remain focused on dealing with the challenges around food movement from the farms to the cities.

It said addressing inefficiencies in transporting goods—particularly food—from rural to urban markets could help to lower market prices and reduce post-harvest losses.

It added that, “government spending should prioritise critical sectors with high inflation passthrough, such as food, energy, and

transport, while eliminating leakages and enhancing social safety nets for vulnerable households.

“While the easing inflation rate is a welcome development, Nigeria must not lose momentum in addressing the structural drivers of inflation.

“The LCCI urges the government to act decisively in tackling insecurity, investing in resilient agricultural infrastructure, and improving policy coordination to ensure the current progress becomes sustainable and inclusive.”

Furthermore, the NESG CEO, Aduloju, also tasked the Chartered Institute of Director Nigeria (CIoD) and board members of Nigerian enterprises to take charge of evolving a framework that would counter the risks of cybersecurity threats on businesses and government organisations.

He said this would enable them to track and determine the extent and context of cybersecurity risk exposures of their respective organisations and be in a position to drive decisions to counter them.

He gave this task yesterday, when he delivered a lecture with the theme: “Building Digital Resilience: Governance, Risks and Compliance” at the 2025 Biennial lecture in honour of the President of the CIoD, Mr. Tijjani M. Borodo. He asserted that digital transformation was now global reality that every organisation must arm itself to appropriate its benefits and acquire the resilience to deal with its risks and threats.

The UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, Mr Mohamed Malick Fall, has said plastic waste accounts for 13 per cent of the total sum of waste generated in Nigeria, adding that if properly harnessed, it could create mass employment in the plastic value chain.

Fall stated this at a hybrid event convened at the UN House in Abuja, to commemorate this year’s World Environment Day Exhibition (popularly called WEDex) 2025.

The UN organised this year’s event in partnership with GreenHubAfrica Foundation, Sterling One Foundation, IHS Towers and other stakeholders.

He added that harnessing the plastic value chain could also trigger private sector driven investments and foreign direct investments inflows, while reducing plastic leakages into the environment.

At the event, GreenHubAfrica Foundation, an environmental sustainability media platform, launched a Climate Action SuperHeroes (CASH) Youth Network, a digital-first platform to train and empower 50,000 young changemakers in climate-smart innovation and circular-economy enterprises.

Founder and Chief Executive Officer, GreenHubAfrica Foundation, Henry Bassey, said there are huge employment and empowerment opportunities in the waste manage-

ment value chain and that youth engagement had economic benefits while protecting the environment.

He said the Foundation’s vision and mission are designed to enthrone a greener, more sustainable continent.

The CEO of Sterling One Foundation, Olapeju Ibekwe said there has been an ongoing collaboration between Sterling Bank and her foundation for over a decade to tackle plastic pollution and for better waste management.

She said the 2030 target to reduce plastic pollution to levels not harmful to biodiversity and ecosystem functions will be a mirage without multi-sector collaboration. “In our various spheres, let us take charge,” she said.

Bennett Oghifo

Michael Olugbode in Abuja

23RD NATIONAL SEMINAR ON BANKING AND ALLIED MATTERS FOR JUDGES...

L-R: Registrar/Chief Executive Officer, Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN), Akin Morakinyo; Chairman, Body of Banks CEOs and Group Managing Director/CEO, United Bank for Africa (UBA), Mr. Oliver

Chief Justice of Nigeria, Hon. Justice

Kekere-Ekun; Managing Director, First

of Nigeria,

Executive Director, Keystone Bank,

Bello; and President, CIBN, Professor Pius Olanrewaju, during the opening of the 23rd national seminar on Banking and Allied Matters for Judges in Abuja, yesterday

Tanzania Honours Adesina, Names 112km

Dodoma Ring Road After former AfDB President

Nume Ekeghe

In a moving tribute that underscored his pan-African leadership and the African Development Bank’s (AfDB) deepening development footprint across the continent, Tanzania has named a key national infrastructure, the 112-kilometre Dodoma Outer Ring Road, after the immediate past President of the African Development Bank (AfDB), Dr. Akinwumi Adesina.

The announcement was made recently during the inauguration ceremony attended by President Samia Suluhu Hassan and Adesina, who was on a two-day working visit to Tanzania.

The Tanzanian leader described Adesina as “a visionary leader, a tireless son of Africa who has dedicated his life to transform the narrative of the continent.”

In a statement, President Suluhu declared: “I have accepted a recommendation by the Ministry of Works

to rename the Dodoma Outer Ring Road as the Dr. Akinwumi Adesina Road.”

The newly named dual carriageway forms part of the Cape to Cairo continental corridor and is a strategic infrastructure project intended to ease congestion in Tanzania’s rapidly expanding administrative capital while enhancing regional trade and connectivity.

The road project was financed by the AfDB with $138 million, in addition to $42 million from the Africa Growing Together Fund, and $34.69 million from the Government of Tanzania.

Speaking at the commissioning, President Suluhu Hassan praised Adesina for the transformative support Tanzania has received under his leadership.

“Your visionary leadership has brought significant socio-economic change to Tanzania and across Africa,” she said, highlighting the role

of the AfDB in major infrastructure developments including the ring road, the Msalato International Airport, and the Standard Gauge Railway connecting Tanzania to Burundi and the Democratic

Republic of Congo.

“These projects address the realities of Dodoma’s fast-rising population and the increasing demand for efficient transport,” she added.

Since beginning operations in Tanzania in 1971, the AfDB has invested over $9 billion in the country, with $4.73 billion or 53 per cent disbursed in just the last decade under Adesina’s leadership.

Recognising this contribution, Suluhu said: “On behalf of the people of Tanzania, I express our gratitude to the African Development Bank for being a dependable partner of our country’s development journey.”

Tunji Bello: Tackling Unfair Trade Practices Will Stimulate Enterprise, Restore Trust in Public Agencies

James Emejo in Abuja

Executive Vice Chairman/Chief Executive, Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), Mr. Tunji Bello, yesterday said the commission remained committed to tackling unfair trade practices, promoting transparent market conduct, and safeguarding consumer rights in

PenCom, HoCS Mull Gratuity Scheme for Civil Servants

Oloworaran: Initiative to cost FG N30 billion annually

James Emejo in Abuja

Director General/Chief Executive, National Pension Commission (PenCom), Ms. Omolola Oloworaran, has disclosed that it is partnering the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (OHCSF) to introduce a Gratuity Framework for civil servants in treasury-funded Ministries Departments and Agencies (MDAs) under the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS).

The development followed a high-level meeting held on June 13, 2025, in Abuja, where Oloworaran, paid a courtesy visit to the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (HCSF), Mrs. Didi Esther Walson-Jack.

The PenCom boss said the initiative will boost retirement benefits.

She said the commission is currently working on modalities for the establishment of a Gratuity Scheme, in line with Section 4(4)(a) of the PRA 2014 for retiring employees of Federal Government treasury-funded MDAs.

The PenCom DG said the initiative had been estimated to cost the federal government only about N30 billion per annum as determined by PenCom and confirmed by the 2024 Stakeholders Committee on outstanding pension liabilities, if retiring federal employees are paid 100 per cent of their last gross annual remuneration.

She said the amount represented

a modest but impactful intervention to improve the welfare of those who have served the nation with dedication.

Furthermore, the DG highlighted the persistent issue of delayed pension payments due to delay in payment of Accrued Rights.

She noted that previous collaboration between PenCom and the Office of the Head of Service yielded significant progress, including securing a Federal Executive Council (FEC) approval for a N758 billion bond to clear outstanding pension liabilities under the CPS.

Oloworaran unveiled a one-time, comprehensive online enrolment exercise to establish the accrued pension rights liability of all serving federal employees of treasury-funded MDAs who were in service prior to June 2004.

She said the online verification and enrolment exercise, which will commence from August 2025, will enable PenCom present to the federal government the amount so determined with a view to possibly raise a bond to settle the entire liability once and for all.

In a statement, the DG added that the determined accrued pension rights for every eligible civil servant will be credited into their individual Retirement Savings Accounts (RSAs).

On the benefits of the enrolment, she said retirees will start earning

returns on these funds, and the system becomes shielded from political transitions, as Pension Fund Administrators (PFAs) will take full control.

Oloworaran told the Head of Service that PenCom was developing a digital application to streamline the enrolment process and which it plans to deploy the online application by August 2025.

She sought OHCSF’s support to issue a circular directing all MDAs to participate in the enrolment and submit the necessary documentation.

Speaking on the challenge of uncredited pension contributions among MDAs not enrolled in the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS), the PenCom boss said that contributions are often made without accompanying schedules.

However, she said PenCom had introduced a new Pension Contribution Remittance System that requires all employers to henceforth, utilise selected Payment Solution Support Providers (PSSPs) for the remittance of their employees’ contributions.

This, she said, will ensure accurate and prompt remittance of pension contributions into respective RSAs of employees.

In response, the HCSF, Mrs. WalsonJack, expressed her full support for all the initiatives and commended PenCom for its proactive approach to improving pension administration.

the country.

Bello said the campaign will restore trust in public institutions, stimulate enterprise, and ensure that the benefits of economic growth reached ordinary Nigerians.

He spoke at the Market Engagement Forum in Abuja.

Bello maintained that markets constituted the heartbeat of the economy, adding, “This is where everyday Nigerians hustle, trade, provide for their families, and contribute to national economic growth.”

He was represented by FCCPC Principal Consumer and Business Education Officer, Mrs. Bridget Etim.

Bello said the engagement was part of the commission’s ongoing national drive to directly connect with those who made Nigeria’s markets work, particularly traders, producers, buyers, and sellers, who powered the economy.

He said market engagement also aligned with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises economic reform, consumer empowerment, and inclusive growth.

He further stated that the commission’s mandate was to promote fair competition, protect consumers, and ensure lawful, transparent, and

responsible business conduct in Nigerian markets.

Bello stated, “This mandate guides all of our interventions; from consumer education to enforcement.

“But we cannot do this alone. Markets work best when everyone plays by the rules. Unfortunately, that is not always the case.

“Across the country, including right here in the FCT, we are encountering practices that are not just unfair, but illegal.”

He said, “Let me ask: how many of you have ever bought rice, beans, or garri only to get home and find out that the quantity sold to you is not what was promised?

“How many of you have purchased an item with a ‘new’ label, only to find it expired, diluted, or repackaged?

“How many traders here have faced losses because someone else is selling fake versions of your goods at lower prices?

“These are not just bad business practices, they are illegal. They cheat consumers and punish honest traders. That is why the FCCPA 2018 empowers the FCCPC to address them head-on.”

Bello stressed that FCCPC had already commenced surveillance

and enforcement across several markets.

He said, “Just two months ago, precisely in April 2025, the commission’s operatives sealed several shops in Utako Market, Abuja, after uncovering deceptive practices involving the re-bagging of illicit rice as foreign brands.

“Only last week, we inaugurated an Inter-agency Market Monitoring Taskforce to combat counterfeits and ensure consumer safety and welfare in four key pilot markets within the FCT. These include Wuse Market, Utako Market, Garki International Market, and Garki Modern Market.

“More actions are underway. But if you are doing the right thing, you have nothing to fear. However, where infractions persist, the commission will act decisively.” He added, “Some of the unfair and unlawful practices the commission is investigating and taking action against include the re-bagging and mislabelling of food items.

“This occurs when old, expired, substandard, or unsafe goods are repackaged and falsely presented as fresh, genuine, or popular brands. This practice constitutes fraud, and is widespread in the sale of staples, like rice and other fast-moving consumer goods.

Tinubu Goes on One Week Official Visit, Vacation to Saint Lucia, Caribbean, June 28

Deji Elumoye

If report by St. Lucia Times, a Caribbean local media, is anything to go by, President Bola Tinubu is expected to depart Nigeria for Saint Lucia on June 28 for both official engagements and private leisure time.

The Caribbean prime minister, Philip J. Pierre, announced the trip at a pre-cabinet press briefing on Monday, the local media reported.

“Two of these days, June 30 and July 1, will be dedicated to an official visit, with the remainder of the trip set aside as a personal

vacation for the president.

“I believe that the visit of the president of Nigeria represents a unique and historic opportunity to deepen the bonds between Africa and the Caribbean.

“As descendants of a shared heritage, the people of our region trace deep links to the African continent, particularly Nigeria.

“These long-standing cultural and historical connections compel us to continue nurturing and expanding our partnerships with Africa in ways that are meaningful, strategic and sustainable,” the prime minister said.

Pierre added that he had extended invitations to all heads of government of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) to visit Saint Lucia during the official leg of Tinubu’s trip for formal talks. The OECS comprises Antigua and Barbuda, the Commonwealth of Dominica, Grenada, Montserrat, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines — all small island states. The discussions are expected to explore avenues for cooperation in economic development, education, infrastructure, and diplomatic exchange.

Alawuba;

Kudirat

Bank

Mr. Olusegun Alebiosu;

Abubakar

CREDICORP: We’ll

Link Citizens’ Credit

Scores to NIN for a Centralised Credit Bureau

Move aimed at combating corruption through account tracking and recovery of unpaid loans

Deji Elumoye in Abuja

The Federal Government yesterday disclosed that plans are underway to link citizens’ credit scores significantly to National Identification Number (NIN).

Through this, government will establish a centralised credit bureau for the whole country and build a comprehensive database of Nigeria’s credit profiles.

Addressing newsmen at the State House, Abuja, Managing Director of CREDICORP, Uzoma Nwagba, explained that linking credit scores to the NIN will have real-life benefits for Nigerians.

According to him, all lenders will be required to report loan repayments, guaranteeing that every Nigerian maintains an accurate credit score.

His words: “More importantly, there will be consequences for loan

defaulters, but these will be subtle and structured rather than predatory. May be you want to renew your passport, but if something shows that you owe money somewhere, you may not be able to proceed. The same applies to renewing your driver’s license or renting a house. There is no hiding place.

“This system ensures that whether your money is in a commercial bank, FinTech, or microfinance institution, loans taken and not repaid will be tracked and recoverable.

“The essence is for everyone to have a credit score. We are gathering comprehensive financial and nonfinancial data to develop a structural algorithm that will score every Nigerian; there will be no hiding place for anyone again.”

Nwagba further stressed that CREDICORP’s mission include establishing credit infrastructure and pointed out its role in combating

corruption and its key objective of driving industry growth by facilitating consumer credit to help Nigerians buy locally manufactured products, thereby promoting the Nigeria First policy. He said: “The first goal is to improve the quality of life. This is not even my idea. It is what the President has always said. His second goal is to stem corruption. Again, it comes back to this idea that people who are faced with pressures to get into unsavoury practices of corruption is because they do not have the capital, the funding that they need to lead a decent life, but like that. Of course, but quite a bit of corruption, especially in the civil service, comes from the need to have a decent life and not having the upfront capital to deal with it. So you want to build a house, and you have to put in 40 million naira of effort.

“So, by people having more access to consumer credit, the pressures on their current active income reduce. So the second reason stems from corruption. The third reason is to catalyze industry, which is that if we can channel the consumer credit that we are giving to Nigerians to purchase locally manufactured goods with a more deliberate about that, then what would happen is that those industries can also grow, because you are now bringing purchasing power to them, and you create jobs, so improve lives, stem corruption, catalyze industry.”

The Managing Director tasked all financial institutions to partner with CREDICORP, disclosing that Nigeria needs about N183 trillion in credit to effectively develop the country level towards an efficient consumer credit facility.

“No government has that kind of money, so all financial institutions

S E n ATE lEADE r SHIP Jo I n S Pr ESIDE n TIA l Tr IP T o bE nu E , S AYS I T I S T I r ED of kI ll I n GS

Peter Obi, commended Tinubu’s decision to visit Benue State in response to the gruesome killing of over 200 people last weekend.

Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Kalu, condemned the Benue killings, describing it as barbaric, disturbing, and totally unacceptable.

must commit to consumer credit. With the right infrastructure, lenders will be more relaxed and willing to provide loans, making credit more accessible.”

Nwagba also talked about government’s forthcoming consumer credit program targeting 400,000 Nigerian youths, noting that CREDICORP has already begun providing loans to National Youth Service Corps members through its YouthCred scheme.

He stressed that the initiative is designed to enhance the living standards of young Nigerians while equipping them with responsible credit management skills for the future.

Nwagba also revealed that all is now set for the official launch of the program, with all platforms, systems, and processes fully established.

“On the President’s announcement on youth cred, Youth cred is now,

Uzoma Nwagba

it is for the NYSC members and youth in general, the target is 400,000 Nigerians. All its platforms, systems, and processes have been set up. We are just essentially tightening up some sort of launch process. It has started, quite frankly”, he further stated.

In a similar vein, National Association of Seadogs, otherwise known as Pyrates Confraternity, said it was outraged and deeply pained by the continued orgy of violence and bloodletting that had once again erupted in Benue State. National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) also said it was deeply disturbed by the recent escalation of violent attacks and killings in Benue and Plateau states.

of Igbo Descent (AVID) called on the federal government to halt the genocide being perpetrated “in slow motion”, saying the federal government is treating the criminals with kid gloves.

On their part, American Veterans

An environment journalist and Chairman, Northern Christian Youth Professionals, Isaac Abrak, said Tinubu must be audacious in the battle to end insecurity and incessant attacks

and killings in the country.

In Edo State, as part of efforts to stop the rising incidents of herdsmen attacks, the governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, inaugurated two committees to tackle issues of security and land disputes in the state.

Addressing the activities of the senate, Adaramodu said beyond paying condolence visits whenever there were major attacks, the senate

T I nubu: I n EC bAC kbon E of o ur D E mo C r ATIC Journ EY, r ol E kEY T o Publ IC Tru ST I n Gov T

Tinubu’s comments came as INEC rejected the notification sent to it by Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for its proposed June 30 National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting, saying it is not in sync with due process.

The president said the construction of a new INEC headquarters was not merely about bricks and mortar, but about the strength of Nigeria’s democracy, the independence of its institutions, and the future of its electoral integrity.

He stated, “INEC has been and remains the backbone of Nigeria’s democratic journey. Its role in conducting free, fair, and credible elections is central to the trust our people place in their government and in our democratic processes.

“For this reason, it is only right that such a pivotal institution is housed in a structure that reflects its dignity, responsibility, and national significance.

“This new headquarters is a clear signal of our unwavering support for INEC’s autonomy, capacity, and growth. It will provide not just a home, but a hub for innovation, planning, training, and transparency in electoral administration.”

Tinubu described the country’s democracy as nascent, saying as it evolves, so, too, must the institutions that support and protect it.

He said, “We are committed to ensuring that INEC is fully equipped — not only in infrastructure, but in law, policy, and resources — to carry out its constitutional mandate with courage, fairness, and excellence.

“The FCT minister, Barrister Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, has taken another bold step in ensuring the protection of our democracy by initiating this lauding project. I salute his courage as I am, indeed, proud of him.”

The president applauded the leadership and staff of INEC, past and present, for their dedication in the face of challenges, saying with the ground-breaking, the administration has also laid a stronger foundation for democratic resilience in Nigeria.

He reminded Nigerians that democracy was not a destination but a journey, urging them to collaborate with government to strengthen national institutions, safeguard freedoms, and protect the future.

In his remarks, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, expressed gladness that Tinubu found time to personally perform the ground-breaking ceremony of the INEC Annex

Building to complement the current headquarters of the commission.

Wike said for a long time, the commission had been grappling with the problem of inadequate office accommodation. He said the current national headquarters, commissioned in 1997, was severely congested, as it was originally planned to cater for eight commission members.

He stated that since then, the activities of the commission had become more extensive, while the staff strength at the headquarters had more than doubled to 1,048 staff, including 13 full-time commission members, a chairman, 12 national commissioners, and 22 departments and directorates.

Wike said, “In response, the commission was compelled to rent two buildings in Wuse Zone 2 to ease the situation. Over the last 10 years, we made every effort to alleviate the situation until sometime last year, when the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory came to the rescue.

“In fact, today’s ground-breaking event is the third time in the last 34 years that the FCDA, in the discharge of its responsibilities, is stepping in to either provide office accommodation or alleviate the commission’s space constraint.”

He added that provision was made in the proposed headquarters for offices, meeting rooms, conference

tory support it had provided them. In a statement signed by its Acting Director, Corporate Communications, Mrs. Hakama Sidi Ali, the apex bank stated that the step was part of the CBN’s broader, sequenced strategy to implement the recapitalisation programme announced in 2023. Still reeling from the effect of the policy, the Nigerian equities market extended losses yesterday, as the NGX All-Share Index declined by 0.30 percent to close at 114,910.16 points. Market capitalisation also declined by 0.25 percent and closed at N72.50 trillion.

Sustained investor sentiment on the back of the CBN forbearance circular was the primary driver of the negative sentiment as United Bank for Africa shares dipped by 5.57 percent to close at N32.20 per share; FIRSTHOLDCO dipped by 4.15 percent to close at N25.40 per share, Access Corporation shares also depreciated by 2.2 percent to N20.05 per share, and Fidelity Bank dipped by 0.55 per cent to close at N18.20 per share.

rooms, a 1,000-seat auditorium, and offices for some of IT-based facilities, such as the Election Monitoring and Support Centre.

According to him, the building also has provision for a museum to serve as a repository of the fiscal and digital history of elections and electoral activities in Nigeria.

The minster stated, “This will afford citizens, particularly students, that regularly visit the commission on excursion, the opportunity to appreciate the evolution of our electoral history, as is the case in major jurisdictions around the world.

“The main building opposite the present site shall remain the national headquarters of the commission. When completed, the new building will complement the main building.”

Chairman of INEC, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, said the commission had been grappling with inadequate office accommodation.

Yabuku stated, “Our present national headquarters is severely congested. Commissioned in December 1997, it was originally planned to cater for eight commission members (a Chairman and seven full-time National Commissioners), 10 Departments/Directorates and 500 staff.

“Since then, the activities of the commission have become more extensive and the staff strength at

The CBN explained, “The programme, designed to align with Nigeria’s long-term growth ambitions, has already led to significant capital inflows and balance sheet strengthening across the sector. Most banks have either completed or are on track to meet the new capital requirements well before the final implementation deadline of March 31, 2026.

“The measures announced apply only to a limited number of banks. These include temporary restrictions on capital distributions, such as dividends and bonuses, to support retention of internally generated funds and bolster capital adequacy. All affected banks have been formally notified and remain under close supervisory engagement.

“To support a smooth transition, the CBN has allowed limited, time-bound flexibility within the capital framework, consistent with international regulatory norms. Nigeria generally maintains Risk-Based Capital requirements that are significantly more stringent than the global Basel III minimums. “

the headquarters has more than doubled. Today, there are 13 full-time ccommission members (a Chairman and 12 National Commissioners), 22 Departments/Directorates and 1,048 staff.

“Consequently, every facility is overstretched, from offices to meeting rooms for the commission’s 15 standing committees and other activities, including regular engagements with stakeholders.”

Yakubu stressed that general staff meetings always took place outside the commission. He added that the commission was forced to rent two buildings in Wuse Zone II to ease the situation.

The chairman added that over the last 10 years, INEC had made effort to alleviate the situation, until last year when the FCT administration came to the rescue.

He said, “I wish to make it clear that this is not the first time that the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) is constructing an office for the electoral commission.

“When the commission relocated its headquarters from Lagos to Abuja in 1991, it was the FCDA that provided it with offices in Garki to accommodate the national headquarters as well as the FCT office.

“When the facility became over-

“For example, Nigerian international banks are required to hold a minimum Tier 1 capital of 11.25 percent of the bank’s risk-weighted assets, nearly double the Basel III benchmark of six percent.

“These adjustments reflect a well-established supervisory process, consistent with global norms. Similar transitional measures have been implemented by regulators in the U.S., Europe, and other major markets as part of post-crisis reform efforts,” it added.

In a circular dated June 13, 2025, and signed by Director of Banking Supervision, Dr. Olubukola Akinwunmi, the CBN had instructed all banks currently under regulatory forbearance to suspend the payment of dividends to shareholders, bonuses to directors and senior executives, and investments in offshore subsidiaries or new foreign ventures.

The move, according to the apex bank, was part of a broader strategy to ensure that banks operating under forbearance supervision strengthened their financial resilience and fully

had perfected strategies to end barbaric killings across the country.

He stated, “About the tragic incident in Benue: it was very unfortunate. We sympathise with the victims and families affected. The senate, in collaboration with the executive, will visit Benue tomorrow (today) with a delegation of senators to commiserate with the Yelewata people.

“More importantly, we are organising a national security summit, not just for the military, but for CSOs, media, women, youth, and other critical stakeholders, because enough is enough. We cannot keep going from Plateau to Benue, paying condolence visits.

“We are tired of mourning. The time has come to act. Security is local, and locals must be part of the solution. With Mr. President’s support, the Senate and the House have appropriated adequate funds to support the military and security agencies.

“Together with traditional rulers and communities, we must put a stop to this bloodshed. Tomorrow’s visit to Benue will signal that the government is serious — both the legislature and executive.”

Adaramodu added, “When we hold the national security summit, we hope to uncover hidden problems and find lasting solutions to the killings of innocent Nigerians, not just in Benue or Plateau, but across the country.”

Akume, Others Assure Yelewata of Federal Government Support

Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, yesterday, visited Yelewata, in Guma Local Government Area, and Benue State University Teaching Hospital (BSUTH), Makurdi, where victims of the recent attacks were receiving medical attention, to assure the people of the federal government’s support.

complied with capital adequacy and loan provisioning standards.

CBN had emphasised that the restrictions were temporary and will be lifted once key conditions were met, a full exit from regulatory forbearance, and independent verification of capital and provisioning levels as being within acceptable regulatory thresholds.

The new CBN directives were designed to ensure full provisioning for high-risk exposures and improve cash-based profitability metrics.

In the latest statement, the CBN stressed that it remains fully committed to continuous engagement with stakeholders throughout this period via the Bankers’ Committee, the Body of Bank CEOs, and other industry forums, adding that the goal was to ensure a transparent, predictable, and collaborative regulatory environment.

“Nigeria’s banking sector remains fundamentally strong. These measures are neither unusual nor cause for concern, they are a continuation of the orderly and deliberate implementation of reforms already underway.

The visit preceded President Bola Tinubu’s scheduled arrival in the state today.

At both locations, Akume conveyed the president’s deep concern over the tragic loss of lives and displacement of residents caused by the renewed wave of violence.

He assured the wounded and bereaved of Tinubu’s commitment to not only providing immediate relief but also addressing the root causes of the conflict through a comprehensive and sustained security intervention. Speaking at BSUTH, the SGF expressed the federal government’s resolve to ensure that security agencies acted decisively in accordance with the president’s directive. He also reaffirmed that those behind the bloodshed, regardless of affiliation, would be apprehended and prosecuted.

While addressing residents in Yelewata, the SGF decried the killings as senseless and avoidable, adding that the federal government will not fold its arms in the face of such atrocities. Akume urged affected communities to remain calm and cooperate with security operatives currently deployed to restore order.

He echoed Tinubu’s charge to Governor Hyacinth Alia to initiate reconciliation processes among the people, particularly farmers and herders, stressing the importance of peace and justice in rebuilding communal trust.

Obi Thanks Tinubu for Visiting Benue State

The presidential candidate of Labour Party (LP) in 2023, Mr. Peter Obi, commended Tinubu’s decision to visit Benue State today following the gruesome killing of over 200 people last weekend. Reacting to the development, in

“The CBN will continue to take all necessary actions to safeguard the sector’s stability and ensure a robust, resilient financial ecosystem that supports sustainable economic growth,” it added.

THISDAY had reported that the genesis of the matter was that during the COVID-19 crisis, the CBN granted forbearance to the entire banking industry to enable banks withstand the challenge posed by the pandemic.

However, the industry regulator had given a deadline of December 2024 to phase out the policy. This saw some industry players putting pressure on CBN to extend it by another year, but the CBN Governor, Mr. Olayemi Cardoso, maintained that in line with his return to orthodoxy, he would not extend the deadline, which made him to give all operators six months extra, which expires this month. THISDAY learnt that Cardoso believed banks should not be paying dividends and bonuses to shareholders and directors while carrying forbearance.

Varsity Don: Leadership Crisis Hindering Development of Africa

Kemi Olaitan in Ibadan

A professor at the Wits School of Governance, University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa, Adebayo Olukoshi, yesterday identified leadership crisis as one of the major causes hindering development in Africa.

He said this in Ibadan, Oyo State, as the keynote speaker at the opening of the second annual Ibadan International Social Science Conference organised by the Faculty of Social Sciences,

University of Ibadan. Olukoshi in his keynote presentation titled: ‘Social Sciences for changing times’, said successive governments and regimes in most of the African countries have been marred with leadership crisis and lack of vision, maintaining that purposely governance that can change the status quo has eluded the continent for many years.

According to him, most of the western ideologies and theories

Mbaise to Host Iriji Cultural

Mary Nnah

The people of Mbaise in Imo State are set to host their annual Iriji Mbaise Cultural Festival, and have called on government agencies to embark on the rehabilitation of roads in the area.

According to a statement signed by the Ezuruezu Mbaise PRO, Chief Christian Nwokocha, the festival, which will take place at the Town School Itu in Ezinihitte Mbaise Local Government Area on August 15, 2025, promises to be a grand celebration of Mbaise’s rich cultural heritage.

The Chairman of the Central Planning Committee, Chief Steve Onu, stated that the ceremony would feature an exhibition of Mbaise cultural ensembles, complementing the status of Iriji Mbaise as a veritable national cultural festival.

Meanwhile, Louis Alozie (SAN) will chair the occasion.

Onu called on the Ministry of Culture and Tourism to critically examine the Lagwa Monkey Colony, Ahiara Declaration Centre, Mbari Cultural Centre, Nguru, and other tourist sites in Mbaise with a view to rehabilitating and providing tourist guides for Mbaise visitors, particularly during the cultural festival.

The committee chairman also appealed to the managers of hospitality industries to upgrade and clean up their hotel facilities and eateries in preparation for the 2025 Iriji Mbaise Cultural Festival.

“We call on the managers of hospitality industries to upgrade and clean up their hotel facilities and eateries in preparation for the 2025 Iriji Mbaise Cultural Festival”, he emphasised.

have failed to address the peculiar problems in Africa, charging African leaders and scholars to develop African-based solutions to solve the array of social problems

confronting the continent. He further enjoined African scholars and leaders to develop African-based curriculum that will be used to train future leaders on

the continent, urging government at all levels to develop curriculum that will address the needs of the people.

Olukoshi said: “By now, we

should begin to think of how to have our own solutions. For us in Africa, it is time to train people who will think in a way to provide solutions.

Tinubu, Kalu Lauded for Newly-approved Tertiary Institutions in South-east

Oghenevwede Ohwovoriole in abuja

A member of the North East Development Commission (NEDC), Sam Onuigbo, has lauded President Bola Tinubu and the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Kalu, for signing into

law three higher education bills for the South-east region.

Onuigbo praised the president and Deputy Speaker for the momentous event, noting that by the singular legislative action, the two leaders have expanded access to tertiary institutions for young people in the zone.

President Tinubu had

Oborevwori Reiterates

Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State has restated his administration’s unwavering commitment to equipping youths in the state with requisite skill training and other incentives that would help them to successfully navigate the rapidly evolving technologically driven economy.

The governor stated this during

recently signed into law three bills establishing federal tertiary institutions in the region. The Deputy Speaker sponsored the two bills for the Federal University of Medical and Health Sciences, and the Federal College of Education, Bende, Abia State, and strongly lobbied for assent for the Federal University, Okigwe, Imo State.

Onuigbo in a statement he personally signed and made available to journalists said: “This legislative achievement comes as a clear demonstration of Kalu’s visionary leadership, deep commitment to educational development, and dedication to the socio-economic advancement of the Southeast and the nation at large.

Commitment to Empowering Youths on Digital Economy

the closing ceremony of the first M.O.R.E Delta State Information and Communication Technology Youth Empowerment Programme (ICT-YEP), held in Asaba, noting that it was another major step in the “shared journey toward a more prosperous, innovative and inclusive Delta State.”

“Today’s ceremony stands as a bold testament to our administration’s unwavering

commitment to equipping the next generation of Deltans with the tools to thrive in a rapidly evolving world,” Oborevwori declared.

Represented by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Dr Kingsley Emu, the governor said that his administration, through the ICT-YEP initiative, was deliberately charting a new course; one where Delta youths

would not be merely job seekers but entrepreneurs, job creators, innovators and builders prepared for a technology-driven future. Oborevwori said: “In this digital age, Information and Communication Technology (ICT) is not optional; it is the engine of modern progress. It shapes how we communicate, learn, conduct business and unlock new opportunities.”

Lagos Aligns with Tax Body on Promoting Transparency

Omolabake Fasogbon

The Lagos State Government has reiterated its commitment to effective and transparent tax administration, just as it has intensified efforts to boost revenue for infrastructure development.

Governor of Lagos State, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu declared

this recently at the investiture ceremony of Mr Innocent Ohagwa as the 17th President of the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria(CITN), assuring the institute of state’s cooperation to drive voluntary tax compliance.

Sanwo-Olu represented by his Special Adviser on Taxation and Revenue, Mr. Opeyemi Ogungbo, lauded the institute’s influence in shaping national taxation and reforms proven to have enhanced tax system and professional practice.

He expressed confidence in the capacity of the 17th President to lead CITN to new heights, citing his track records and expertise in taxation spanning over three decades, which have earned him prestigious roles within and outside the institute across the continent.

Sanwo-Olu further charged Ohagwa on innovative practice, emphasising that his emergence came at a critical point in Nigeria’s fiscal landscape, while he pledged fullest support and collaboration.

Omon-Julius Onabu in asaba

Acting Group Politics Editor DEJI ELUMOYE

Email: deji.elumoye@thisdaylive.com

08033025611 sms only

Rubber Stamp Tag Trails 10th Senate’s Performance in Two Years

as nigeria’s 10th senate marks its second anniversary, the upper chamber of the national assembly finds itself at a complex intersection of productivity and perception, sunday Aborisade reports.

Without doubt, the 10th Senate under the leadership of the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio has recorded an impressive number of bills and motions but critics continue to question its independence, accusing it of functioning as a “rubber stamp” for the executive arm of government.

An elated Akpabio was obviously happy as he reeled out his achievements on Thursday, the 12th of June, during a joint session of the two chambers of the National Assembly for the Democracy Day address by President

Bola Tinubu.

Akpabio said a total of 844 bills had been introduced within the 10th Senate’s first two years, describing it as an unprecedented figure that underscores the Senate’s proactive posture in tackling pressing national issues.

According to him: “Out of this impressive volume, 107 bills are currently at the committee stage, undergoing the necessary scrutiny and stakeholder engagement that ensures quality legislation, 206 bills

are awaiting first reading, reflecting a robust pipeline of legislative ideas prepared for formal introduction, and 409 bills have advanced to second reading.

“Notably, the Senate has passed 96 bills, a record for any Nigerian Senate at this stage of the legislative cycle. Even more significantly, 52 of these bills have been assented to by the President, translating into enforceable laws that will shape governance, economic development, public welfare, and national security.

“These bills include the National Education Fund, local government autonomy bill, regional development commissions, tax reforms, uni-

versities and tertiary institutions, agricultural institutions, among others.”

Akpabio added that the 10th Senate had acted decisively on 26 Executive Bills, showcasing a healthy balance of cooperation and oversight in its engagement with the executive arm. He said, “These executive-sponsored legislations address key policy areas and benefit from the Senate’s thorough review and refinement before passage.

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

As Supreme Court Prepares to Hear Edo Guber Dispute...

as the supreme Court is set to hear the appeal filed by the governorship the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the Edo state gubernatorial election, Mr. asue Ighodalo, the people of the state are in hope that it will display courage, uphold the rule of law and the principles of democracy, Wale Igbintade writes.

Any moment from now, the Supreme Court will begin hearing on the appeal filed by the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the September 21, 2024 Edo State gubernatorial election, Mr. Asue Ighodalo. He is basically asking the court to nullify the victory of Governor Monday Okpebholo in the election.

Recall that the Court of Appeal in Abuja had recently affirmed Okpebholo’s election as the governor, and dismissing the petition filed by Ighodalo and the PDP.

After the election, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared Okpebholo, of the All Progressives Congress (APC), victorious with 291,667 votes, while Ighodalo, who garnered 247,274 votes, and Olumide Akpata of the Labour Party (LP) finished a distant third with 22,763 votes. But dissatisfied with the outcome of the poll, the PDP and Ighodalo approached the tribunal, praying it to nullify INEC’s declaration of APC and Okpebholo as winners of the contest.

The petitioners, among other things, alleged non-compliance with the provisions of the Electoral Act. They argued that the respondents did not secure the highest number of lawful votes cast at the poll.

However, in April 2025, the three-member tribunal, led by Justice Wilfred Kpochi, dismissed the case.

In its ruling, Justice Kpochi who headed the three man-panel, while delivering the lead judgment, stated that Ighodalo failed to provide credible witnesses or sufficient evidence to substantiate claims of electoral irregularities. He

emphasised that allegations of non-compliance with the Electoral Act must be clearly proven. The tribunal highlighted that the petitioners’ inability to present polling unit staff, presiding officers, or voters as witnesses critically weakened their case. It concluded that the petitioners simply dumped documents on them and failed to prove their case beyond reasonable doubt.

okpebholo

Ighodalo

Akpabio

Barau

Bamidele

FEaturEs Mutfwang’s Momentum in Transforming Plateau Through Strategic, People-centred Governance

In the face of mounting economic pressures, security challenges and long-standing infrastructure deficits, Plateau State is witnessing a new era of purposeful governance under Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang. With bold investments across transportation, healthcare, and education, the governor is rapidly redefining the development narrative through people-driven initiatives one at a time. From Metro Buses easing the burden of daily commute, to upgraded hospitals and revitalised campuses, Chiemelie Ezeobi writes that these interventions are not just symbolic, but sends a clear signal that the state is moving forward despite the odds

Amid the challenge of insecurity that has tested the resilience of Plateau’s people, a quieter but determined transformation is taking root- Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang’s administration is proving that governance is not only about responding to crises—but also about building a future.

With deliberate investments in public transport, healthcare, education, and infrastructure, the government is focused on delivering the best possible quality of life to its citizens. In towns and communities across the state, life-changing projects are being inaugurated, sending a clear message: even in the face of adversity, Plateau is moving forward.

Therefore, when Democracy Day came in Jos, the many inaugurations that took place was the symbol of a promise kept and a new vision taking shape across the state. That promise—of accessible transport, better healthcare, and stronger education—is at the heart of a sweeping campaign by Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang to restore Plateau’s dignity and infrastructure after years of institutional neglect. Flanked by Deputy Governor Ngo Josephine Piyo, Mutfwang recently commissioned a series of projects that reflect his administration’s deliberate and people-centred approach to governance.

The roll-out included the launch of Metro Buses 2.0 in Rayfield; the inauguration of a state-of-the-art laboratory, paediatric ward, and office complex at Plateau State Specialist Hospital, Jos; the long-awaited completion of the Utonkon Bridge and adjoining roads; and a newly refurbished one-storey administrative block at Plateau State Polytechnic, Barkin Ladi.

Rewriting Plateau’s Transport Story

At the Metro Bus unveiling, Governor Mutfwang spoke with visible emotion about fulfilling a key campaign pledge to provide efficient and affordable public transportation. He described the rebirth of the Plateau Express Service as a

revival of a cherished state asset.

“Today, we are witnessing the revival of one of Plateau’s legacy institutions. The Plateau Express Service had suffered years of neglect, but under our administration, it is alive again,” he declared. “These Metro buses were not federal gifts or grants. They were bought brand new, not Tokunbo, using Plateau State’s constitutional allocation, managed prudently for the good of our people.”

In a nod to national economic realities, Mutfwang noted that this investment in mass transit was a direct response to the Federal Government’s fuel subsidy removal.

“Instead of buying luxury vehicles for ministries and MDAs, we prioritised the people. With these buses, we are bringing the subsidy back to the masses. The applause and dancing I saw when these buses entered the city gave me renewed energy. We are just getting started,” he said.

So far, 30 buses have been deployed under the Tin City Metro initiative—15 last year and another 15 this year. The system now moves over 9,000 commuters daily, with plans to double that figure under Metro Buses Phase 2.0.

“This is not the end, we are planning Tin City Metro 3.0. We are reviving more than transportation; we are restoring Plateau’s pride,” the governor added.

Commissioner for Transport, Hon. Davou Jatau, broke the initiative down in practical terms: “Where a return trip used to cost ₦2,400, it now costs ₦400, saving each commuter ₦2,000 daily. Over 25 days, that’s ₦50,000 in savings per person. This is Plateau’s version of Conditional Cash Transfer, simple, efficient, and impactful.”

Meanwhile, Mr. Samuel Gwot, General Manager of Plateau Express Service, highlighted the system’s modern features, including CCTV cameras, AI-based analytics,

smart payment systems, and over 60,000 active travel card users.

Healthcare Gets a Vital Boost

In Jos, Mutfwang cut the ribbon on a new laboratory, paediatric ward, and administrative office at the Plateau State Specialist Hospital. These facilities are part of a wider plan to make the hospital a flagship centre for quality care in the region.

Commissioner for Health, Dr. Nicholas Ba’amlong, praised the governor’s timely intervention: “General hospitals across all 17 LGAs have received significant upgrades, while citizens’ health needs are increasingly met through the state’s health insurance scheme.”

The hospital’s Chief Medical Director, Prof. Christopher Yilgwan, affirmed that the upgrades have elevated the institution to world-class standards: “With modern equipment and improved facilities, we are now better placed to deliver quality healthcare to Plateau citizens.”

Infrastructure Restored, Legacy Respected

While commissioning the Utonkon Bridge and adjoining roads, Governor Mutfwang used the occasion to reflect on continuity and legacy in governance.

“On this 12th day of June 2025, Democracy Day, it is my pleasure and honour to formally unveil one of the dividends of democracy delivered to our people,” he said.

“After eight years of abandonment, a project initiated by our visionary leader, Da Jonah Jang, a PDP governor, is now completed by another PDP governor. It’s not because we have more money, but because we are prudent and prioritise rightly.”

Commissioners Hon. Joshua Ubandoma (Works) and Hon. Sylvanus Dontoe (Housing and Urban Development) noted that the bridge and road network, first awarded in

2007, were designed to link the Old Airport Road to the Central Business District and decongest Jos city. The nine-span flyover, complete with an underpass and four slip roads, not only improves access but also restores the vision of a more connected Jos.

Education as a Cornerstone of Change

At Plateau State Polytechnic, Barkin Ladi, the governor reiterated his ambition to upgrade the institution into a University of Science and Technology. “Change is about leadership. With the right leadership in place, transformation is possible,” he said. “We are determined to improve not only staff quality and curriculum but also the learning environment.”

He addressed a recent recruitment controversy, stating clearly that only candidates with a minimum of a second-class lower degree would be considered for academic appointments.

Acting Rector, Dr. Clement Chirman hailed the newly commissioned administrative block, twin theatre, Human Resource Development Centre, and Dariye Hall as milestones in the Polytechnic’s transformation.

Holistic Development

Governor Mutfwang also commissioned Dachom Road down to Nanmwa Junction, highlighting his administration’s goal of equitable development. “We are evaluating over 3,000 kilometres of roads across Plateau,” he disclosed. His vision, firmly grounded in delivery and fiscal discipline, continues to resonate with citizens. And for Ms. Luka Nambam, Plateau’s first female Metro Bus driver, who was proudly introduced during the event, the moment was deeply Wpersonal. The governor remembered sponsoring her years ago for mechanical training: “It is a joy to see a seed sown long ago bear fruit today.” In Plateau State, transformation is no longer a promise. It has found a driver—and the road ahead looks promising.

Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang of Plateau State; his Deputy, Josephine Piyo (second left); Director of Press and Public Affairs, Gyang Bere (extreme right); and other senior officials during the inauguration of the Laboratory, Paediatric Ward and Office Complex, at the Plateau State Specialist Hospital, Jos

The new metro buses to ease movement for the masses

The network of Utonkon Bridge and adjoining Roads, at the Utonkon - Abattoir Road

Elated staff of the hospital displaying their joy

Faces at the inauguration of the Mabushi Bus Terminal by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, represented by the Speaker, House of Representatives, Rt. Hon Tajudeen Abass in Abuja…yesterday

MD, Planet Projects, Abiodun Otunola, Minister of Transport, Sen. Said Muhammad Alkali, Minister of State FCT, Dr Mariya Mahmoud, FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, member representing Abuja South in the House of Representatives, Hon. Abdurrahman Ajiya, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt Hon Tajudeen Abass, Deputy Senate President, Senator Barau Jibrin at the commissioning of the Mabushi Bus Terminal on Tuesday

Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, former Governor of Plateau State, Senator Simon Lalong, Senators Agom Jarigbe and Allwell Onyesoh

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu laying the foundation of the new INEC HQ, supported by INEC Chairman, Prof Mahmood Yakubu, FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, House of Representatives Speaker, Hon Tajudeen Abass and Deputy Senate President, Senator Barau Jibrin

L-R: Minister of State FCT, Dr Mariya Mahmoud, FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, Speaker, House of Representatives Rt Hon Tajudeen Abass, MD, Planet Projects, Abiodun Otunola and Deputy Senate President Senator Barau Jibrin, taking a tour of the newly commissioned Mabushi Bus Terminal

Minister of Transportation, Senator Sa’idu Ahmed Alkali, former Governors of Abi and Enugu State, Okezie Ikpeazu and Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi

National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, Chief of Staff to the President, Hon Femi Gbajabiamila and INEC Chairman, Prof Mahmood Yakubu at the ground breaking ceremony of the new INEC HQ

Senator Magnus Abe, Hon Marcus Nleejii and PDP National Vice Chairman (South South), Chief Dan Orbih, APC National Vice Chairman (South South), Victor Giadom

Senators Philip Aduda, Mao Ohuabunwa, George Sekibo and PDP National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu

Following growing investors’ appetite for naira assets to hedge against double-digit inflation rate, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) sold N7.9 trillion worth of Treasury bills (T-Bills) in the first five months of 2025.

The total amount of bills allotted to investors accounted for about 39.2 per cent of all subscriptions received at the 12 primary market auctions conducted in the first five months of the year.

Investors staked N20.13 trillion across 12 Treasury bills auctioned by the Debt Management Office (DMO) on behalf of the CBN as N6.02 trillion was total amounts offered to investors.

According to the CBN’s primary market data, out of the N20.13 trillion

Oluchi Chibuzor

The United States Diplomatic Mission in Nigeria has expressed readiness to help drive foreign direct investment support for the Lagos Free Zone.

The U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard Mills Jr., stated this when he led a high-powered delegation of the U.S. Embassy & Consulate General in Nigeria on a visit and tour of the Zone.

Mills, who toured the world-class infrastructure available at the Zone, during the visit, stated that his

total subscription, a total of N12.24 trillion worth of bids submitted were rejected as the amount raised by the authority exceeded its target for five months of 2025.

T-Bills are typically issued by CBN to meet the government’s short-term financing needs and are considered a safe and low-risk investment.

THISDAY checks showed that the CBN increased interest rate during its NTB auction in first five months of 2025 in a bid to lure investors.

For instance, stop rate on 91-day NTB auction rate in May 2025 stood at 18.5 per cent from 16.5per cent in May 2024, while the 182-day rate moved from 17.45per cent in May 2024 to 18.5per cent in May 2025.

In addition, the rate on 364-day closed May 2025 at 19.50 per cent as against 20.69 per cent May 2024. By tightening its monetary policy

team will encourage more U.S. companies to consider investing in the Lagos Free Zone adding that the forthcoming 2025 U.S.- Africa Business Summit in Angola offers a veritable platform to meet with U.S. investors and companies.

“I am impressed with the masterplan for the Zone, the infrastructure and the level of investment here at the Lagos Free Zone, and it is gratifying to see major American companies and brands such as Kellogg’s and Colgate already having operations

through higher interest rates and large NTBs auctions, the CBN aims to curb rising inflation and stabilise the foreign exchange rate, thereby fostering a more balanced economic environment.

THISDAY observed that investors demand for long maturities NTBs continued to grow as its stop rate reached 20.32 per cent as of Feb 5, 2025, the highest so far this year.

The variation in stop rates across tenors also offers insight into investor sentiment regarding short-, medium-, and long-term economic outlooks.

While the lower stop rate on the 182-day bill suggests anticipation of stable interest rates, the higher stop rate on the 364-day NTBs could imply a cautious stance towards potential future economic volatilities.

Investors’ diversified demand across the different maturities of

in the Zone,” he said.

He expressed surprise that many Nigerian businesses had yet to take advantage of the African Growth Opportunity Act (AGOA), which was enacted 25 years ago. He noted that such trade initiatives or bilateral agreements were pivotal to deepening economic relations with Africa.

In her welcome remarks, the Chief Executive Officer of Lagos Free Zone, Mrs. Adesuwa Ladoja, described the LFZ as the most preferred investment destination

NTBs reflects strategic positioning for various investment horizons and signals a healthy trading environment in the Nigerian debt market.

The Mr. Olayemi Cardoso-led Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) of the CBN has jacked up the interest rate by 870 basis points to 27.50 per cent from 18.75 per cent at the start of the year to combat rising inflation, this has led to an equal increase in the yields of Treasury bills compared to last year.

Commenting, analysts at Cordros Research in a report titled, “Nigeria in 2025. Reform to Recovery: Navigating the Rebound,” said, “Given our expectations of a pause in monetary policy rate hikes and a moderate pace of borrowings in 2025, we expect yields to pare, particularly towards the second half of the year, after a further increase in Q1-2025.

with world-class infrastructure and incentives that any serious business needs to thrive and make huge returns on investments.

Ladoja explained that LFZ’s ecosystem is self-sustaining with facilities such as the integration of Lekki Port, warehouses, standard factories, Compressed Natural Gas, a fire station, broadband network connectivity, a helipad, a medical facility, solid waste management, a residential tower, a security command centre, and an Industrial Training Centre.

“Specifically, we expect the onset of the disinflationary process in Q1-2025 and the pause in rate hikes, which should begin in March, to influence market sentiments. Additionally, while we expect the demand-supply imbalance to persist, the slower borrowing pace could cause yields to temper.

“Considering all the factors, we expect yields to decline and settle at c.18.5 per cent and c.18per cent on Treasury bills and bonds by 2025 year-end, reflecting our expectations of successful policy pass-throughs.”

On his part, Investment Banker & Stockbroker, Mr. Tajudeen Olayinka attributed the high yield to demand and supply, stressing that the government deliberately increased NTB supply to encourage higher stop rate above 20 per cent

She stressed the need for the United States diplomatic community to assist by helping to convince American businesses and investors to consider the Zone as their investment destination of choice.

She explained that establishing the Zone has had a monumental impact on Nigeria’s economic prosperity, stating that this is evident in the increased volume of economic activities in Nigeria and the thousands of jobs generated. Expressing appreciation to

or that some institutional investors held back their bids.”

According to him, “The essence is to encourage foreign inflows that could help improve dollar liquidity in the foreign exchange market and cause a moderation in Naira exchange rate until the market attains equilibrium level.

“I have no doubt that this is the most appropriate decision on the part of CBN and the government at this time. There’s a need to improve dollar liquidity that will eventually force domestic interest rates to moderate subsequently. The higher interest rate will likely filter into the equity market to temporarily moderate the bullish sentiments in that market as well.”

the federal government for the immense support, she disclosed that the ongoing construction of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road and the proposed rail alignment on the route would further boost cargo evacuation from the Zone. She noted that the Zone has been instrumental in driving exports in Nigeria, as many of the businesses in the Zone have been taking advantage of different trade initiatives and agreements, including the African Continental Free Trade Agreement.

Kayode Tokede

Maritime Development: RMDB Secures Financing for $150m Shipyard Upgrade in Nigeria

The President and Chief Executive Officer of the Regional Maritime Development Bank (RMDB), Mr. Adeniran Aderogba, has announced that financing is currently being secured for a $150 million upgrade and expansion of a major shipyard in Nigeria.

This investment, he said, will serve as a catalyst for the transformation of ship repair and maintenance capabilities across the West and Central African subregions, representing a bold first step in RMDB’s commitment to revitalising the region’s maritime sector.

Speaking on the bank’s operational roadmap, Aderogba emphasised that this landmark project will position Nigeria and the broader subregion as a strategic hub for vessel servicing, reducing reliance on foreign facilities and significantly cutting

turnaround times for shipowners operating in African waters.

“As we officially kick off operations at the Regional Maritime Development Bank, our foremost priority is the empowerment of indigenous maritime players. We are strategically focused on directing developmental momentum into critical areas of the maritime sector across West and Central Africa,” Aderogba said.

According to him, the bank’s blueprint lays strong emphasis on deepening regional integration through interconnected trade facilitation mechanisms, while also expanding shipping capacity, shipbuilding, and maintenance infrastructure.

Beyond port infrastructure and shipping, RMDB is also casting a wide net across aquaculture and aquatourism, with plans to back emerging sectors that can enhance food security, create jobs, and attract investment into

Whitesands Agro Secures Union for Ethical BioTrade Certification

Oluchi Chibuzor

Whitesands Agro Commodities

Limited, an agro-commodities company has announced that it has successfully earned the Union for Ethical BioTrade (UEBT) certification.

Speaking on the implications for certification, a Director at Whitesands Agro, Zainab Sanusi said the certification further holds companies to high ethical standards in their sourcing practices, including respect for biodiversity, ecosystem protection, and the promotion of fair practices.

Sanusi said that this certification reflects Whitesands Agro’s unwavering dedication to setting the pace in modern agricultural practices, that lay emphasises on sustainability, eco biodiversity, and traceability.

He said, “We are incredibly proud to have received the UEBT certification, as it represents the culmination of years of hard work and dedication to sustainable, ethical sourcing. This certification reaffirms our ongoing commitment to protecting biodiversity, supporting local communities, and contributing to a sustainable agricultural industry. We’re excited to continue this journey and look

forward to the positive impact it will have on our partners and the planet, which encompass the working conditions of farmers, their accessibility to training, and supporting eco-friendly materials that can help improve their farming practices.”

The UEBT certification is a globally recognised standard that serves as a leeway for Agribusinesses to export their goods into the European market.

Commenting, a Director at Whitesands Agro, Babasola Aluko, said by earning the UEBT certification, Whitesands Agro demonstrates that sustainable agriculture can drive not only business success but also positive social and environmental outcomes.

“The UEBT certification was a natural next step for us due to the need to remain competitive in the international market and promote sustainability and traceability for a company that intends to endure for generations. Whitesands Agro’s focus is to continually Change the narrative in regards to agribusiness by Exporting superior quality agro commodities and nurturing sustainable agriculture, so the future generations can benefit from the planet’s rich resources,” Aluko said.

coastal communities.

“Our objective is to champion a sustainable maritime economy,” Aderogba noted.

“That means introducing clean energy solutions for maritime operations, ensuring environmental orderliness, and prioritising wreck removal and maritime waste management programs.”

He said one of RMDB’s most ambitious targets is to construct a comprehensive maritime value chain across the subregion. This includes the development of clusters for legal, financial, audit, accounting, insurance,

ship brokerage, and shipping agency services, all designed to professionalise and deepen sectoral offerings for local and international investors.

He further stressed that the $150 million shipyard expansion is not just a standalone infrastructure project but a

strategic enabler.

“This will spur a wave of localized services and increase our ability to retain maritime business within the West and Central Africa subregion, thus reducing capital flight and stimulating economic growth at home,” he explained.

Ports & Cargo Welcomes Largest General Cargo Vessel to Call Terminal

Ports & Cargo Handling Services Limited, a subsidiary of SIFAX Group, has said it recorded a historic milestone with the arrival of IPSARION, the largest general cargo vessel ever handled at its terminal at the Tin Can Island Port, Lagos. IPSARION, a Malta-flagged bulk carrier with a length overall of 199.99 meters and a gross tonnage of 36,560, arrived laden with bulk cargo and industrial equipment from Europe. Built by Tsuneishi Heavy Industries in Cebu, Philippines, the vessel

is managed by Helikon Shipping Enterprises Ltd and operated by YAKE BULK LIMITED.

Onboard the vessel were multiple units of construction equipment, steel rods, vehicles, chemicals, power generation machinery, and several other goods.

Managing Director, Ports & Cargo Handling Services Limited, Mr. John Jenkins, described the vessel’s arrival as a strategic step aimed at maximising opportunities and resources at the terminal,

while also facilitating trade and growing the country’s economy.

He said: “For a long period of time, our terminal has been servicing primarily container vessels, but a strategic business decision recently that bothers on opening up the space for more diverse business partnerships has tilted us towards welcoming general cargo vessels at our terminal.

“The general cargo business is not entirely new to us, as we have handled this at some point in time. So that means we have

the expertise, equipment and other resources to adequately meet and exceed the expectations of general cargo vessels calling at our terminal. We are excited that IPSARION has called at our terminal and unloading operations are currently going on. Handling a vessel of this large scale showcases our preparedness for large-volume cargo operations. It validates the massive investment SIFAX Group has made in port infrastructure and human capacity over the years.”

Iran Suspends Production at World’s Largest Gas Field After Israeli Attack

Iran has partially suspended gas production at the world’s biggest gas field after an Israeli strike caused a fire there at the weekend, in what would be the first attack on the country’s oil and gas sector.

Iran shares the South Pars gas field with Qatar. Striking it marks a major escalation in the conflict, which already

pushed oil prices up 9 per cent last Friday even though Israel spared Iran’s oil and gas on the first day of its attacks.

Israel launched an air offensive against Iran on Friday, killing commanders and scientists and bombing nuclear sites in a stated bid to stop Tehran building an atomic weapon.

The South Pars field is located offshore in Iran’s southern Bushehr province

and is responsible for the lion’s share of gas production in Iran, the world’s third largest gas producer after the United States and Russia, Reuters reported.

The strike caused a fire, which has been extinguished, the Iranian oil ministry said.

The fire broke out in one of the four units of Phase 14 of South Pars, halting production of 12 million cubic metres of gas.

Iran produces around 275

billion cubic meters (bcm) of gas per year or some 6.5 per cent of global gas output, and consumes it domestically as it cannot export gas due to sanctions.

Iran shares the field with Qatar, which calls the field North Field. Qatar produces 77 million tonnes of liquefied gas from the field with the help of global majors such as Exxon and Shell and supplies the gas to Europe and Asia.

C’River Transfers Ownership of 8,500 Hectares of Plantation to Wilmar

The Cross River State Government has signed an asset sale agreement with Biase Plantations Limited, a subsidiary of Wilmar International.

The formal signing took place at the Executive Council Chamber of the Governor’s Office in Calabar. The agreement transfers ownership of over 8,500 hectares of land and assets, formerly managed by Enghuat Industries Limited under the defunct Cross River Estates Limited, to Wilmar for full rehabilitation and productive use.

Describing the event as a “historic day,” Governor Bassey

Otu said the move represents the state’s determination to restore and activate legacy assets while shifting business operations into the hands of capable professionals.

“It’s very clear that government is not good at managing businesses,” Governor Otu said.

“We are here today because we want to restore value to what was once a thriving economic asset. Wilmar has demonstrated the expertise and integrity we need in this partnership.”

Otu revealed that previous operators failed to meet agreed terms, leading to disillusionment in host communities and degradation of

vital infrastructure. He praised the role of mediators who helped facilitate the transition and emphasized the government’s readiness to support Wilmar through infrastructure, energy development, and community integration.

The Attorney General of the State, Ededem Ani, Esq., noted that the agreement fulfills Governor Otu’s promise to reclaim and revive the state’s legacy investments. “A portion of the reclaimed land has now been allocated to Biase Plantations Limited. Compensation has been paid, and today, we are executing a new asset sale

agreement for the benefit of our people,” Ani said. Wilmar Africa CEO, Mr. Santosh Pillai, who led the company’s delegation, expressed gratitude for the renewed partnership. He recalled Wilmar’s initial entry into Cross River State 14 years ago and highlighted the company’s achievements since then. He said, “We are the largest private employer in Cross River with over 5,000 staff and the largest taxpayer,” Pillai said. “We are proud of our track record and are committed to developing the Ibiae and Kalaro oil palm estates to global standards.”

Sunday Ehigiator

Bassey Inyang in Calabar

Emmanuel Addeh in a buja

R–L: Executive Director, Mr. Elie Oguonigni; Independent Non-Executive Directors, Aisha bubakar and Taizir Ajala; Managing Director/CEO, Mr. Samuel Ogbodu; Independent Non-Executive Director, Mrs Olajumoke Bakare; Company Secretary, Mrs Taiwo Kuku; and Chief Financial Officer, Mr. Olusegun Oginni during Sunu Insurance Annual General Meeting in Lagos… recently

Lasaco Assurance to Invest Technologies, Systems to Deliver Value to Clients

Ebere Nwoji

Lasaco Assurance Plc, has said it would continue to invest in technologies and systems that delivers tangible value to clients and drive industry innovation.

The Managing Director of Lasaco Assurance, Mr Abiodun Razzaq, who stated this at the 2025 customer forum organised by the company for its northern region customers in Abuja, said the forum’s interactive session offered an invaluable platform for open and constructive dialogue.

He said the forum brought together a distinguished assembly of customers, including policyholders, brokers, corporate clients, and industry partners, to engage in a robust dialogue aimed at enhancing service delivery and aligning offerings with the evolving expectations of the Northern

Nestlé Deepens

market.

In his opening remarks, Regional Manager (Northern Region), Lasaco Assurance, Mr. Kunle Hamza underscored the company’s unwavering dedication to stakeholder engagement as a foundational pillar of its growth strategy. He emphasised that customer insights remain integral to shaping policies, refining service processes, and reinforcing the company’s brand promise. He provided a compelling overview of Lasaco assurance’s recent performance and strategic priorities. He highlighted the company’s consistent premium income growth, bold digital transformation agenda, and ongoing operational restructuring designed to ensure responsiveness and resilience in a dynamic insurance landscape. Addressing the customers, Mr. Adedayo Adetokun, Head of Strategy, affirmed that Lasaco assurance was actively

Environmental

developing multiple digital platforms to cater for various customer segments—part of a broader digital innovation roadmap that positions the company for future growth. He noted that human capital development was also being prioritised with targeted investments in talent acquisition and training to enhance operational capacity.

In his closing remarks, Mr. Muyiwa Anwoju, General Manager, Sales, expressed the management’s deep appreciation for the feedback received. He assured participants that all contributions would be meticulously reviewed, categorised, and integrated into the company’s improvement plans. According to Anwoju, this forum marks the beginning of a renewed customer engagement framework, one that would be expanded across other regions in due course.

Stewardship with Nationwide Clean-Up, Community Sensitisation Initiative

For the sixth consecutive year, Nestlé Nigeria has reaffirmed its commitment to environmental sustainability through a nationwide clean-up and community sensitisation campaign. This initiative, executed in collaboration with the African Clean-Up Initiative (ACI) and local authorities, mobilised a total of 516 Nestlé Cares volunteers from the Nestlé head office, branch offices, and factories.

In a statement, the company said the clean-up efforts spanned 11 cities, focusing on high-footfall market hubs such as Oke-Arin Market in Lagos, Utako Market in Abuja, Abubakar Rimi Market in Kano, Satellite Market in Jos, Sabo Market in Sagamu, Bodija Market in Ibadan, Okoko Market in Agbara, Abaji Market in Abaji,

Holyghost Market in Enugu, Aguawka Market in Awka and Mile 3 Market in Port Harcourt.

At the Lagos activation, Lead, Corporate Communications, Public Affairs, and Sustainability at Nestlé Nigeria, Mrs. Victoria Uwadoka, emphasised the alignment of this initiative with the World Environment Day theme, “Curbing Plastic Pollution,” She said, “At Nestlé, our commitment to fighting plastic waste is integral to our vision of a waste-free future. This vision encompasses internal accountability and proactive stakeholder engagement. Through strategic partnerships with the Food and Beverage Recycling Alliance (FBRA) and plastic waste recyclers such as Alef recycling, Wecyclers, Chanja Datti and Maladase Ecopreneurs

Management Ltd. (MECOM), we are supporting the advancement of circularity within the plastics value chain.”

Founder of the African Clean-Up Initiative, Dr. Alex Akhigbe, articulated the broader vision driving this partnership “This initiative transcends a mere clean-up, it represents a sustainability movement grounded in the principles of collective responsibility, collaboration and the circular economy. The fight against plastic pollution requires deliberate action. Every bottle collected, every conversation initiated, contributes to shaping a culture of environmental consciousness. Our goal is to inspire a generation that values and protects our planet.”

CAMCONIA Chairman Urges Operators to Participate Actively in Insurance Week Activities

The chairman of the Corporate Affairs Managers of Nigeria Insurance Association (CAMCONIA), Segun Bankole, has called on insurance sector operators to be actively involved through their individual companies in the forthcoming maiden edition of the Insurance Week which kicks off June 27 through July 4, 2025.

He made this plea at the monthly meeting of the Corporate Affairs Managers of the Nigerian Insurance industry.

He said the insurance week would be a pivotal platform for the insurance industry in Nigeria to showcase the importance of insurance to the everyday life of every Nigerian wherever they are located. The theme of the maiden edition of the Insurance Week is tagged, Insurance for All: Securing Nigeria’s Future. According to the President of CIIN, Yetunde Ilori, the Insurance week is an initiative of the institute designed to promote insurance awareness, stakeholder engagement and industry collaboration.

She said it was going to be a week-long event that would feature various activities geared towards enhancing the visibility of the insurance industry, educating the public on the benefits of insurance, and fostering professional growth within the sector. She further said that the week-long event would be the beginning of another positive turning point for the insurance industry in the country as all the lined-out activities have been planned to create an enduring and

lasting memory in the minds of the insuring public, the practitioners of the business and the general public at large.

Speaking on the planned activities of the Insurance Week, the Chairman of the organising committee and Past President of the Chartered Insurance Institute of Nigeria, CIIN, Mr

Eddie Efekoha, said a lot of rigour and deliberateness has gone into the planning of the Insurance Week and everyone involved was looking forward to having an event that would create the needed engagement and stimulate patronage for the insurance industry in the days ahead.

ProPerty & environment

Discarded Plastic Constitutes 13% of Waste Generated in Nigeria, Says UN

Bennett Oghifo

The UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, Mr Mohamed Malick Fall, has said that plastic waste accounted for 13 per cent of the total sum of waste generated in Nigeria, adding that if properly harnessed, it could create mass employment in the plastic value chain.

Fall stated this at a hybrid event convened at the UN House in Abuja to commemorate this year’s World Environment Day

Exhibition (popularly called WEDex) 2025.

The UN organised this year’s event in partnership with GreenHubAfrica Foundation, Sterling One Foundation, IHS Towers and other stakeholders.

He added that harnessing the plastic value chain could also trigger private sector driven investments and foreign direct investments inflows, while reducing plastic leakages into the environment.

At the event, GreenHubAfrica

Foundation, an environmental sustainability media platform, launched a Climate Action SuperHeroes (CASH) Youth Network, a digital-first platform to train and empower 50,000 young changemakers in climate-smart innovation and circular-economy enterprises.

Founder and Chief Executive Officer, GreenHubAfrica Foundation, Henry Bassey, said there are huge employment and empowerment opportunities in the waste management value

chain and that youth engagement had economic benefits while protecting the environment.

He said the Foundation’s vision and mission are designed to enthrone a greener, more sustainable continent.

Bassey acknowledged the 2024 Climate Action SuperHeroes (CASH) school outreach top performers who continue to demonstrate the knowledge they acquired through the CASH programme.

He said WEDex which started

as a virtual event due to restrictions of COVID-19 lockdown in 2020, has become a movement, adding that the 2025 edition of WEDex is another milestone after five years of COVID-19 devastation.

He said WEDex had grown to become a highly sought after platform with annual events on WEDex platforms including webinars, podcasts and outcome capture sessions resulting in documented blueprint to climate action from the young and old.

In 1972, the United Nations designated June 5 as World Environment Day, marking the start of a global movement to raise awareness and accelerate action for the protection of the environment.

Bassey explained progress recorded by the foundation from years of partnership and how World Environment Day annual events held at the UN House, transforming conversations into panel-driven and public-private engagements.

Real Estate Leaders Call for Increased Financing of Infrastructure

Some leaders in real estate have called for an increase in infrastructure financing, collaboration between African developers and international financiers, and standardised land data systems.

They made the call at a summit of international real estate professionals hosted by the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) in Lagos, recently.

According to them, intercontinental investment, when

combined with local innovation, could catalyse real estate transformation in Africa.

Participants at the 2025 Regional Leadership summit also emphasised the crucial role of technology in the real estate sector, stating that “tech-enabled real estate is the future and the only viable path forward for the sector.”

They advised real estate practitioners to adopt digital ecosystems that can streamline property transactions and increase liquidity.

The realtors also stressed the

importance of collaboration between public and private sectors to address challenges unique to different real estate markets.

On the crucial role of technology, the CEO of Venco Nigeria, Chude Osiegbu, said it would solve core real estate challenges in Africa, “from property search and acquisition to urban infrastructure and affordability.”

Osiegbu said there are critical issues with connectivity, lack of standardised data, and digital illiteracy, adding that these were slowing the adoption of

Okorie: How Govt Can Support

Standards, Global Recognition

tech solutions in African cities.

The leadership summit, which brought together bilateral partners, affiliates, and key stakeholders from across the globe, provided a strategic platform for strengthening partnerships through collaboration, innovation, growth, and resilience, particularly in Africa’s rapidly evolving real estate markets.

NAR’s 2025 President-elect, Kevin Brown, stated the importance of collaboration of all stakeholders on common issues.

“Whether in the United States or here in Africa, the challenge of

making housing more available, affordable and accessible is very real,” Brown said.

“To capitalise on our shared strengths, overcome our shared challenges and build a better, more sustainable future, we must work together.”

Brown said there was an “urgent need to expand housing supply in the United States, where the deficit is now estimated at nearly 3.8 million homes.

“The housing gap cannot be closed without innovation and capital.” Brown said NAR has a role in regulating the

real estate industry, protecting property rights, and partnering with venture capitalists to fund proptech startups.

“NAR has already made investments across North America, Israel, and the United Kingdom,” stating that “the aim was to bring scalable solutions to a crisis that is both domestic and global.”

NAR officials used the occasion to share organisational updates with regional partners, while facilitating bilateral discussions on sustainable development goals in real estate.

COREN to Enhance Engineering

Prof. Okorie a ustine Uche, is the Registrar and Chief e xecutive Officer of Council for the Regulation of e ngineering in n igeria. In this interview with Funmi Ogundare , he discusses his vision to build on existing structures and introduce new strategies for advancing engineering in nigeria; and appealed to the federal government for support in achieving full membership in a key international body, which would increase opportunities for engineering graduates and benefit the nation’s economy. e xcerpt:

What are your vision when you assumed office as Registrar of COREN in March 2025

As I step into the role of Registrar and Chief Executive Officer of this respected Engineering Regulatory body, COREN, I envision a future where the engineering profession in Nigeria stands for the highest levels of integrity, innovation, and inclusivity. My goal is prioritising the COREN policies and use them to create a strong regulatory framework that not only enhances our global competitiveness but also prioritises the wellbeing and ongoing development of engineering practitioners, while also protecting the public’s interests through effective oversight and collaboration with our stakeholders. I am dedicated to making sure that our regulatory body does more than just enforce rules; we want to actively nurture the growth and sustainability of the engineering field. By embracing technology, promoting transparent governance, and forming strategic partnerships, we will cultivate a thriving ecosystem that empowers engineering practitioners to provide safe, sustainable, and impactful solutions to the challenges our nation faces.

How do you plan to strengthen the regulatory framework of engineering practice in Nigeria under your leadership?

As the Registrar, the COREN policies are priority and, on my assumption, a well thought out policy on engineering regulatory framework christened’ ROAD MAAP 2023’ has been adopted by the council. The road map has put in place the need for the strengthening of licensing and registration processes, enforcement of professional ethics and standards, strengthening, monitoring and enforcement through ERM&E, capacity building and Continuing Professional Development (CPD), collaboration and stakeholders engagement, technology and digital transformation as well as public awareness and advocacy. My duty as the registrar is to provide the

leadership and built on already established framework while ensuring new ones are not left out.

What are some specific initiatives COREN is undertaking to address the growing concern of unqualified engineering Practice?

As you know, the COREN Act (Engineers, Registration etc) Act, No 3 as amended in 2018 reposed the regulation of engineering education, training and practice in all aspects and ramifications to COREN. The council in its wisdom acknowledged the statutory rights of engineering sectorial regulators which uses the trained engineering practitioners in their sectors, and have set out to collaborate and synergise with 11 sectorial regulators in its Engineering Regulation, Monitoring and Enforcement (ERM&E) programme. The sectors include; built environment and construction, aviation and aerospace, maritime, communication and telecommunication, manufacturing,

agro- allied, oil and gas, mining, power and energy, transportation and bio-medical. This moves to encourage synergy and collaborative efforts in national economy will ensure that unqualified persons (quacks) have no place in practice of engineering in Nigeria.

As Fellow of several prestigious engineering bodies, how do you see the role of professional societies in national development?

The Engineering professional bodies in Nigeria has come of age. It is on record that the foremost of them all is the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) which was established in 1958. NSE is the umbrella of other engineering bodies which operates as division of NSE (NICE, NIMECHE, NIEEE, etc). Also we have other cadres of engineering professional organisations such National Association Of Technologists (NATE), Nigerian Society of engineering Technicians (NISET) and Nigerian association of engineering craftsmen (NAEC). As technical bodies or associations they are very important in advocacy of engineering practices in Nigeria as it affects their members. Their roles are very distinct and important in overall engineering education, training and practice. They are key stakeholders in engineering regulation, control and practice in Nigeria.

What has been your most rewarding experiences serving as the Chairman of the NSE Kano and Kabuga Branches?

I served as the Chairman of NSE Kano Branch from 2010-2012 and Chairman of Kabuga Branch from 2016 -2019. My services in these two branches were indeed very rewarding. In kano NSE branch, I built on already existing foundation as Kano Branch was inaugurated in 1968, but in NSE Kabuga, I laid the foundation. I was the pioneer chairman, ensured that the branch was registered, instituted a very robust and functional professional development attitude amongst colleagues. The

services in both branches were fulfilment of my professional calling and it also show that as engineering practitioner, you can reach the zenith of your practice away from home. It is a classical case of engineers without border.

How do you think Nigeria’s education can better align with the practical needs of the construction and infrastructure section?

Recently, the Council for Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN) has been enlisted as provisional member of Washington Accord (WA) of International Engineering Alliance (IEA). This is a global bench mark for engineering education in the World. This achievement places engineering graduates from COREN accredited programmes in Nigerian universities, that are certified and licensed to practice engineering in any member nation of the Alliance , which include USA, Canada, Mexico, UK and European Countries, China, Malaysia, Pakistan, etc). Engineering Education in Nigeria is now changed to Outcome Base Engineering Education (OBEE). This is different from the traditional method which have been critique by users of the product in the past. Engineers are being trained in our COREN accredited universities following the outcome base model, which put us in the global bench marking as against the traditional bench marking. Let it be on record that COREN is the first professional regulator in Nigeria that have placed Nigeria in global benchmarking index. Except South Africa, Nigeria is the second Nation to achieve this. We are calling on federal Government of Nigeria, to support COREN to ensure that we reached the full signatory of this important body, this will ensure the mobility of our engineering graduates and also improve the foreign exchange of our country amongst other benefits.

Okorie

Fadekemi Ajakaiye

Advancements in Biomaterials Science: Ebubechukwu’s Interdisciplinary Approach to Silk-mimetic Materials

Mary Nnah

In the realm of academia and education, innovation and discovery are essential for advancing knowledge and solving real-world problems. Ruth Ebubechukwu is a shining example of this, charting a path that blends scientific inquiry with educational excellence.

From the vibrant academic halls of Abeokuta to cutting-edge research laboratories in the United States and now to the global stage of the United Nations, Ebubechukwu is proving that the power of science and service knows no borders.

Ebubechukwu’s academic journey began at the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), where she graduated with a firstclass in Chemistry. But her journey has never been solely about grades or accolades. It has always been about purpose. Ebubechukwu views knowledge as a tool for transformation, and she wields it with clarity, discipline, and vision. This belief carried her across continents, earning her a coveted place in a competitive PhD programme in the United States, where she is now recognised as a rising leader in the field of biomaterials science.

At the core of Ebubechukwu’s scientific mission lies one of nature’s most elegant inventions: spider silk. Long admired for its extraordinary tensile strength, elasticity and biocompatibility. Natural silk holds immense promise for next-generation medical applications - but replicating its proper-

ties synthetically has remained an elusive challenge for researchers. Ebubechukwu is helping to change that. Her research pioneers the development of silk-mimetic materials through a novel peptide-polymer hybrid approach that draws on both synthetic organic chemistry and advanced materials engineering.

Her work involves designing and synthesising precisely sequenced peptides that mimic the repetitive motifs found in

natural silk proteins. These peptides are then strategically conjugated to polymer chains, creating robust, tunable building blocks. This unique dual-network system allows her to tailor the mechanical, biological, and chemical properties of the resulting fibres, offering promising alternatives for wound healing, tissue regeneration, and targeted drug delivery.

Ebubechukwu’s innovations go beyond chemistry. She is also designing fibres using eco-conscious, water-based spinning techniques that bypass the need for toxic solvents typically used in fibre production.

What sets Ebubechukwu apart is not only her mastery of complex synthesis and materials design but also her ability to integrate biomedical purposes into every stage of development. From the molecular scale to clinical relevance, her research is guided by real-world applications and patient-centred needs.

“I am designing fibres that don’t just perform well in the lab - they are built with the future of medicine in mind,” she explained.

While Ebubechukwu’s current work is rooted in experimental design, she is laying the groundwork for the next frontier: data-driven and machine learning-assisted materials discovery. Recognising the importance of sequence–structure-function relationships, she is developing a structured polymer–peptide database that will ultimately enable predictive modelling of fibre performance. This places her at the cutting edge of a rapidly

evolving field where computational intelligence meets materials science.

As a Youth Representative to the United Nations for the Widow Development Organisation (WiDO), she champions the rights of widows and marginalised women worldwide, using her voice to bridge the gap between science, policy, and human dignity. Her work aligns strongly with several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially SDG 3 (good health and well-being) and SDG 9 (industry, innovation, and infrastructure).

“Science must respond to the needs of the communities it serves. That principle deeply informs my work,” she said.

Ebubechukwu’s journey is more than a personal triumph. It is a call to possibility. This is a reminder that where you begin does not define where you can go. From Abeokuta to the United Nations, from the chemistry lab to the frontiers of global health, Ebubechukwu is not just creating new materials — she is creating a new model for what science can be when guided by purpose and justice.

“Never underestimate how far a good education can take you. It is one of life’s greatest privileges. Focus on everything you have because what starts in the classroom can take you to the boardroom and even the world stage,” Ebubechukwu said.

As she continues to break new ground in biomaterials science, Ebubechukwu is also charting paths for others to follow.

LG Chairman Awards MSc Scholarship to UNN First Class Graduate

The Chairman of Igbo-Eze North Local Government Area, Enugu State, Hon. Michael Ogalla, has awarded a scholarship for a master’s programme to Obinna Abugu, a first-class graduate of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka.

The 25-year-old graduate, currently serving a one-year national service with the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), was the best-graduating student in Political Science for the 2022/2023 academic session.

Ogalla announced the scholarship during a courtesy visit by Abugu to him at the Council Secretariat, led by the Special Adviser to the Chairman on Diaspora Matters, Hon. Cyril Chinedu Onu.

The young graduate said he came to thank the

council chairman for personally attending the convocation ceremony. He described Ogalla as an education-friendly leader whose passion for youth empowerment remains profound.

The chairman lauded Abugu’s outstanding academic performance, saying that he brought great honour to the people of Igbo-Eze North. He also promised that his administration would continue to encourage brilliant students in the area to pursue academic excellence.

Abugu, who said he intends to be a lecturer, described the scholarship as a boost to her career. He promised to make good use of the opportunity.

He recalled the challenging times he faced in school after the death of his mother during his first year. He said that he recorded his lowest grade the following semester, as he missed a lot of quizzes and class assignments. He said that, despite the pressures, he never thought of quitting.

He thanked his father and other relations for their support during the difficult period.

On the way forward, he said, “No other career appeals to me as much as lecturing does. The scholarship came as a shock to me. I am really thankful to my local government chairman for celebrating my academic feat in such a massive and generous way.”

Onu said the chairman had proved to be a

48 Students Set for 2025 Cowbellpedia

Forty-eight students from the junior and secondary categories that made it to the quarter finals quiz rounds of the 2025 Cowbellpedia Mathematics competition are set for a brain-powered clash that promises to keep everyone watching closely across the country.

This year’s competition had a major glow up with the dream board, wall of fame, practice pod for last-minute revision, cozy relaxation areas to take a deep breath and have fun with games, and the Cowbell Café to enjoy different snacks powered up with Cowbell.

This season is not just about who answers the most questions correctly; every episode has been

an intense moment that has kept Nigerians glued to their screens and buzzing on social media, rooting for their next champion.

Each episode had the Fastest Fingers segment, 60 Seconds of Fame, with pressurecooked performance, and Questions from the Cowbellpedia Bank, where the sharpest are separated from the merely brilliant.

In one standout episode, viewers watched Onyema Alexis and Adoga Agbo David make history with jaw-dropping performances in the ‘60 Seconds of Fame’ segment, securing some of the highest-ever scores recorded on the show.

visionary political leader who places a high premium on capacity building and human resource development.

“Your empathy, your vision, and your dedication have made you more than just a leader. You are a father to the fatherless, a beacon of hope to the hopeless, an inspiration to the younger generation and a builder of legacies,” he said. He added that Ogalla would be remembered as the man who changed the story of Igbo-Eze North LGA by bringing massive infrastructural development to the communities.

“At a time when hope can seem distant, you have become our shining light, rekindling dreams and opening doors of opportunities for the next generation,” he added.

Quarter Final Stage

Another tension-filled episode delivered a surprise tie-breaker round between Chidinma and Oyekale Obaloluwa, leaving the audience holding their breath. And no one could forget the emotional moment when a student, overwhelmed mid-round, made a powerful comeback and earned a standing ovation from peers and teachers.

After facing a three-stage intellectual battle, the students who made it to the quarterfinals in the junior categories are: Ayanfeoluwa, Sochima, Ufondu, Valentine, Odighienaan, Oluwaseyi, David, Jeremiah, KingDavid, Salvin, Hallel, Peace, Bryan, Blessed, Samuel, Joshua, Oladayo, Enike, Obaloluwa, Inioluwa, Gbolahan, Tochukwu,

Alexis, and Arthur.

The senior category quarter finalists are: Elizabeth, Ireoluwa, Isreal, Jessica, Kamsi, Modebare, Mufeed, Ofumfeke, Osamudiamen, Chinemerem, Daramola, Derek, Oluwadamilare, Prince, Sinmi, Umar, Lyon, Adoga, Kenechukwu, Makinde, Fopefoluwa, Mofetoluwa, Olumide, and Ololade.

With the quiz show host, Linda Ejiofor-Suleiman and quiz master, Ebuka Obi-Uchendu, the elimination episodes were more than just a show; it was a brain-powered battleground. While Linda keeps spirits high behind the scenes at the Cowbell Café, Ebuka leads the on-air mental warfare with charm and sharp precision.

Fasina’s Administration Boosts Academic Excellence with N441m Equipment at FUOYE

The administration of Prof. Abayomi Fasina, Vice-Chancellor of Federal University, Oye (FUOYE), has recently acquired approximately N44 million worth of laboratory and scientific equipment for the university, furthering his pledge to strategically utilise international and institutional collaborations to propel the fast-growing university to greater heights.

The first set of equipment worth about $250,000, which was facilitated by two top officers of the university, Prof. Oluyide Lawal, Director of Research and Development, and Prof. Olufunke Akintayo, former Director of Academic Planning, was made possible through the proactive intervention of the vicechancellor, who immediately directed that the 10,000 dollars counterpart institutional fees required for logistics leading to the release of the equipment and installation was promptly

paid, because over 137 institutions from 39 countries applied for donations.

The second donation, successfully facilitated by Prof. Joshua Ogunwole, Deputy ViceChancellor for Strategic Partnership, Research, Innovation, and Linkage, was the acquisition of a CASES GPS receiver worth $15,000 from Virginia Tech through the VT-NigerBEAR project, which did not require institutional funding from FUOYE.

Fortunately for FUOYE, due to Prof. Akintayo’s affiliation with the Schlumberger Foundation’s Faculty for the Future fellowship, the donor, Seeding Labs, provided a $17,800 subsidy, while the outstanding balance of $10,000, required to complete the process and take delivery of the facility, was promptly provided by the university.

The equipment includes 163 sophisticated research items, PCR thermal cyclers, chromatography systems, rotary evaporators, and

heating baths.

Seeding Lab’s CEO, Dr. Melissa Wu, lauded the university’s application and speed.

He noted that FUOYE’s application “demonstrates the values and vision to unlock the scientific potential”.

The acting Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Olubunmi Shittu, expressed his delight and commended his boss for the feat.

“We must acknowledge that Prof. Fasina’s swift financial intervention ensured that FUOYE gained access to this invaluable scientific facility,” said Shittu. “His unwavering support for research and innovation continues to place FUOYE on the global map.”

With the newly installed equipment, FUOYE’s research capacity, particularly in chemistry, agriculture, and related disciplines, is poised to reach new heights.

Ebubechukwu

Fasina

Boys Champions Organises Mental Health Talk for 1,500 Boys in Enugu

About 1,500 schoolboys from over 100 secondary schools in Enugu State recently participated in this year’s life-changing mentorship programme on mental health and well-being, organised by a non-profit organisation, Boys Champions. The event, tagged ‘Boys to Men Summit’, focused on the theme, ‘Boys’ Health and Well-being Matter’.

The event, held at The Base Landmark to commemorate this year’s International Day of the Boy Child, targeted boys and young men between 18 and 30 years, with female students also in attendance.

The founder of Boys Champions, Noel Alumona, said the programme became necessary to boost the mental health of young men and heal them of negative societal influences.

The event provided a platform for schoolboys to discuss pertinent issues related to their mental health, wellbeing, and masculinity.

According to the organisers, having an open conversation between both genders would foster mutual respect and build a more empathetic, respectful, and inclusive society.

The programme, which was part of Boys Champions’ The People’s Project, featured key speakers and guests, including Noel Alumona, Maxwell Thurston, the co-founder of Learning Without Limit, Dr. Alison Milofsky, MEDHRUS Medical Team, Havfy, Aproko Doctor, Hon. Mrs. Ngozi Enih, Commissioner for Children, Gender Affairs and Social Development, Remarkable Mary, Kelvin Onovo, alongside other industry leaders.

The sessions were educative and interactive, as experts in special education discussed the theme of the summit, ‘Boys Health and Well-being Matter’.

Enih highlighted the importance of recognizing boys as a vulnerable group and encouraging them to express their struggles instead of dwelling in silent rage.

She urged parents to pay close attention to their children and refrain from making negative comments that could harm a child.

Enih advised parents to be less aggressive towards their boys and encouraged them to share their silent pains and struggles for balanced mental development.

Egemba, known as Aproko Doctor on social media, restated the importance of parents acknowledging their limitations and seeking more effective parenting methods.

He noted that boys deserve affection, insisting that affection must not only be romantically inclined.

He urged older men to normalize being present for the younger boys and condemned the use of drugs by boys, stressing that drugs can never be a means of escape from the problems men face.

In her creative rendition, award-winning writer and poet Hafsat Abdullahi (Havfy) poetically pointed out the need for boys to speak up and be heard. Her poems highlighted the need to constantly reassure young men that their vulnerability could also become a source of strength if properly harnessed.

The panel sessions featured Onovo, founder of Boys Champions, and Egemba, who shared their life stories while encouraging positive masculinity.

The sessions also stated the need for older men to serve as positive role models to younger boys, as their experiences at a young age could shape the men they grow up to become.

The MEDHRUS medical team also created awareness of the adverse effects of hypertension, its causes and mindful prevention practices. The team offered blood pressure checks and medical advice to the participants.

The event also featured a physical exercise session led by Maxwell Thurston and a mindful practice session with Alison Milofsky.

The CIC saxophone team graced the event with instrumental performances. Young, talented footballers that make up the Boys Champions Football Club were presented with medals and cash prizes awarded to the champions.

Olufolabo: Statistics, Key to Innovation, Global Solutions

Funmi Ogundare

Dr. Olusesan Olufolabo, a chief lecturer in the Department of Statistics, Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH), has called on researchers and data users to go beyond collecting data and begin transforming raw figures into actionable insights that can address global challenges, foster innovation, and improve the quality of life.

He said this during the institution’s 18th inaugural lecture series, titled ‘Unlocking Insights: The Power of Statistics in Today’s Data-driven World’.

Describing statistics as more than just a discipline, Olufolabo reiterated its value as a powerful tool for insight generation and shaping the future. According to him, statistics is central to making informed decisions in all areas

of life.

“Chief executives, clinicians, business managers and professionals must justify their decisions with data,” said Olufolabo. “Even religious leaders and politicians can no longer operate without it.”

He stated that the decisionmaking process should be based on credible and reliable data, not personal opinions or unverified beliefs.

Highlighting the versatility of statistics, Olufolabo cited its relevance across diverse sectors, including engineering, manufacturing, economics, biology and social sciences. He particularly mentioned its growing significance in public health, stating that applied statistical methods in clinical trials and epidemiological studies are crucial in improving healthcare outcomes.

He pointed out that statisti-

cians are increasingly essential in the modern digital age, especially in sorting, analysing, and presenting large volumes of data for decision-making.

With the advancement of computing technologies and smartphones, vast amounts of data are generated, stored, and accessed daily, and statisticians must keep pace with this rapid evolution.

Olufolabo outlined key roles of statistics in the current data-driven era, which include making sense of big data, enhancing decision-making processes, driving innovation and research, as well as enabling personalisation and powering artificial intelligence.

“Statistics form the backbone of scientific inquiry. It enables researchers to test hypotheses, validate theories, and draw evidence-based conclusions,” added Olufolabo. “From

developing life-saving drugs to assessing climate change, statistics is at the heart of innovation and progress.”

However, he cautioned against the misuse of statistics, warning that misinterpretation can lead to misleading conclusions and serious consequences. Common pitfalls include overreliance on correlation without understanding causation, biased datasets, and misrepresentation of findings.

“With increasing concerns about data privacy and ethics, analysts must ensure that their work adheres to ethical standards and respects individual rights,” he added.

He advocated for the establishment of a Laboratory for Interdisciplinary Statistical Analysis (LISA) within the Department of Statistics, similar to facilities found in top institutions globally.

for over 1,500 schoolboys from

AAU Alumni Seeks Funds for Computerised Exams, Record Building

The Global President of the Ambrose Alli University Alumni Association (AAUA), Ekpoma, Edo State, Dr. Clifford Omozeghian, stated that plans have been concluded to raise funds for the completion of the university’s examination and record computerised building.

He said that the event will be held in Asaba, Delta State, on November 1.

In a chat with journalists on the sidelines of the association’s 4th annual lecture series and dinner, in honour of its national executive council members at the Edo House Building in Abuja, he said the times demand that the

institution transition its examinations and records to digital platforms.

Omozeghian stated that the exams and record building project, which alumni from across the world are sponsoring, will use the Asaba NEC meeting to raise funds to complete the building, which is at an advanced stage.

Excited at the stage of work on the building, he said, “We’re trying to digitise most of these things so that we don’t have issues of missing files or things that have to do with paper.

“All these things are going to go into a system that you can access your results,

transcripts or your certificates from just the press of your fingers from the centre of your sitting room from anywhere in the world.”

The Chairman of the annual lecture series, Mr. Festus Eguaoje, an alumnus, stated that the theme of the lecture, ‘The Role and Contributions of Alumni Association in Nation Building and Development,’ is both timely and compelling.

Eguaoje noted that every alumnus is expected to reflect on the power of collective action and shared responsibility, adding that as alumni members, “we are not only the imprint of our time at Ambrose

Alli University but also a duty to invest in the future of our alma mater, our communities and our nation”. He added, “We are honoured to have Justice Godwin Iheabunike as keynote speaker, a proud alumnus of this great institution whose career exemplifies the values of excellence, service and leadership.”

Eguaoje urged members to look forward to his insights on how alumni networks can transcend retrospective nostalgia to become engines of national progress.

He said the lecture series is more than an event but a call to action.

Rite Foods Donates Educational Materials to 2,000 Pupils in Lagos, Ogun, Abuja

As part of its corporate social responsibility initiative, and in celebration of Children’s Day, Rite Foods Limited, one of Nigeria’s leading food and beverage companies, donated educational materials to 2,000 pupils in 10 schools across Lagos, Ogun, and Abuja.

The materials include school bags and exercise books designed to support pupils in underserved communities on their academic journey.

The donations were made during visits to schools in Ososa (Ijebu-Ode), Ogun State, and the Oworonshoki area of Lagos. The initiative aims to enhance the academic

experience of the pupils and boost their commitment to education as future leaders.

In line with its sustainability goals, Rite Foods produced school bags using recycled nylon waste generated from its product packaging, such as labels from Fearless Energy Drinks, Bigi Water and Soft Drinks, and sausage wrappers. This not only reduces environmental waste but also teaches children the value of recycling and circular economy practices.

In Ososa, beneficiaries included pupils from Moslem Primary School, St. Thomas Catholic Primary School, and

St. John’s Anglican Primary School.

In Lagos, the Rite Foods team visited Oworonshoki Nursery and Primary School, Local Government Nursery and Primary School, Ayeroju Nursery and Primary School, Mosafejo Nursery and Primary School, and Muslim Nursery and Primary School in Kosofe Local Government Area.

Each event included a funfair and refreshments. It also featured an interactive session, educating pupils on sustainability and the importance of recycling packaging waste into useful products, such as school bags.

Ekuma Eze, Head of Corporate Affairs and Sustainability at Rite Foods, emphasised the significance of investing in children’s education.

“Our CSR programme is symbolic of the role children play in nation-building. By encouraging education and sustainability, we are shaping a generation that understands the value of learning and environmental stewardship,” he said.

Also, Ismail Ganiyu, Head of Human Resources at Rite Foods, noted, “As part of our commitment to education and youth development, we’re proud to support our future

leaders with materials that aid their academic growth.”

Dr. Chinedu Azih, Managing Director of Kazih Kits, Rite Foods’ technical partners in producing the bags, described the initiative as a testament to what can be achieved when corporate leadership aligns with grassroots innovation.

“Turning waste into hope for 2,000 children is both impactful and inspiring,” stated Azih.

Azih highlighted the project’s alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs4): Quality Education, SDG 13: Climate Action and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals.

Leaders of the schools and local education authorities commended the donor for its thoughtful gesture, noting that the initiative eases the financial burden on parents and supports pupils’ academic performance.

Idris Mukaila Olakunle, Head Teacher of Moslem Primary School, Ososa, lauded the company’s generosity and wished them continued success.

Kehinde Dare, Chairman of the School-Based Management Committee, Kosofe LGA, stated that Rite Foods’ action demonstrates a genuine concern for the educational development of Nigerian children.

Founder of Boys Champions, Noel Alumona, with some students, at a mentorship programme on mental health and well-being,

more than 100 secondary schools in Enugu State... recently

Report: Nigeria’s Furniture Industry Set for 300% Growth by 2027

Mary Nnah

Nigeria’s furniture and decor scene is undergoing a significant transformation, driven by urbanisation, a rising middle class, and increased investment in real estate, a report by Furniture Expo West Africa (FEWA) has revealed.

According to the report, the industry is valued at over $2 billion as of late 2024, with projections suggesting a 300 per cent growth in the next three years, potentially reaching $6 billion. Another estimate puts the industry’s value at $5 billion in 2023, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 12.10 per cent expected through 2028.

The smart furniture market in Nigeria is also on the rise, projected to reach $23.9 million USD by 2030, driven by tech-savvy consumers and sustainability trends, as highlighted in the

FEWA report.

“Key trends reshaping the industry include digital integration, customisation and luxury, sustainability, local manufacturing, smart living, and design meets culture. Digital integration and luxury demand are redefining the furniture landscape in Nigeria. Online furniture sales are booming through ecommerce and mobile platforms, while consumers increasingly prioritise bespoke, high-end designs and eco-conscious furniture. Despite the growth prospects, the industry faces challenges, including inflation and high material costs, access to finance, and logistics issues,” the report said.

According to the FEWA report, 81per cent of businesses in the sector identify inflation and high material costs as major challenges, followed by access to finance (33%) and logistics

issues (29%).

The report also revealed that 90 per cent of businesses in the sector report positive growth, with 52 per cent experiencing moderate growth and 38 per cent strong growth.

The report said the industry is driven by commercial real estate, residential housing, and home automation, with luxury demand on the rise.

“Nigeria’s contribution to Africa’s share of the $654 billion global home decor market is rising, with trends indicating digital-first discovery, style meets sustainability, and a resurgence of local artisans and heritage pieces. Exhibitions like FEWA play a crucial role in promoting brand visibility, discovery, and relationship building, with 85.7% of industry players viewing them as “valuable” or “extremely valuable.

Lagos Aligns with Tax Body to Promote Transparency

The Lagos State Government has reiterated its commitment to effective and transparent taxation, just as states intensify efforts to boost revenue for infrastructure development.

Governor of Lagos state, Mr Babajide Sanwo-olu declared this at the investiture ceremony of Mr Innocent Ohagwa as the 17th President of the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (CITN), assuring of state’s cooperation with the institute to drive vouluntary tax compliance.

Sanwo-olu represented by his Special Adviser on Taxation and Revenue, Mr. Opeyemi Ogungbo, lauded the institute’s influence in shaping national taxation and reforms proven

to have enhanced tax system and professional practice.

He expressed confidence in the capacity of the 17th President to lead CITN to new heights, citing his track records and expertise in taxation spanning over three decades which have earned him prestigious roles within and outside the institute across the continent.

Sanwo-olu further charged Ohagwa on innovative practice, emphasizing his emergence came at a critical point in Nigeria’s fiscal landscape, while he pledged fullest support and collaboration.

In a keynote address themed, “The Tax Professionals of Tomorrow: Skills, Ethics and Innovation,” Professor of Accounting at Nasarawa State University, Muhammad

Mainoma noted that traditional tax model was become obsolette for evolving global economy, and heightened demand for accountability and transparency. According to him, global initiatives like Base Erosion and Profit Shifting(BEPs) project, Common Reporting Standard (CRS) and push for global minimum tax are redefining tax juridictions. He said, “ The society demands a higher standard of ethical conduct from tax practitioner. In an age where public trust in institutions is fragile, tax professional play a key role in ensuring fair and transparent taxation. Ethical lapses not only harm client’s interest but also damage public confidence in the ba system as a whole.”

LAPO MfB: 70% of Nigerian Households Lack Access to WASH Loans

Sunday Ehigiator

LAPO Microfinance Bank has revealed that about 70 per cent of Nigerian households lack access to affordable loans for water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) infrastructure.

The bank revealed this at a recent workshop where it presented findings from its WASH Market Research Survey, held recently at the bank’s headquarters in Maryland, Lagos.

In her opening remarks, the Managing Director of LAPO Microfinance Bank, Cynthia Ikponmwosa, emphasised the institution’s resolve to bridge the financing gap in Nigeria’s

WASH sector through innovative loan products. According to her, “Access to clean water and safe sanitation is not only a basic human right but a catalyst for economic productivity, education, and women’s empowerment. Through our WASH loan program, LAPO MfB is enabling households to invest in infrastructure that transforms lives and protects future generations,” she said.

In his address, Head of Research and Business Development at LAPO MfB, Evbuomwan Efosa, presented critical insights from the research, which was conducted across six states representing

Nigeria’s geopolitical zones: Anambra, Edo, Kano, Lagos, Nasarawa, and Taraba.

The study covered 1,500 households and 600 WASHsector SMEs and employed a mixed-methods approach comprising surveys, interviews, and reviews of local and international WASH financing literature.

In his remarks, Senior Account Partnership Manager at Water. org, a strategic partner to LAPO MfB on its WASH initiative, Gilbert Okpono, noted that, “This partnership underscores our shared values of improving lives and commitment to environmental stewardship by providing equitable opportunities.”

Academy Unites Over 450 Alumni to Shape Africa’s Commercial Future

In a landmark moment for Africa’s marketing and business landscape, the Brand Management Academy (BMA) has officially launched its Alumni Network — a bold initiative aimed at uniting and empowering the next generation of brand and commercial leaders across the continent.

The inaugural ceremony, held in Lagos, brought together a powerhouse of professionals from diverse industries to celebrate, connect, and chart

a shared vision for the future of brand leadership in Africa.

The event officially launched a growing community of over 450 marketing and sales professionals trained by BMA, cutting across key industries including FMCG, tech, finance, telecommunications, and manufacturing.

Speaking at the event, the Founder of BMA, Dr. Abiodun Ajiborode, emphasized the importance of the Alumni Network to the Academy’s long-term vision.

“The alumni network was always part of the plan. We didn’t just want to produce skilled professionals, we wanted to build an ecosystem of brand custodians. A platform where leaders can grow, collaborate, and influence the industries they serve.”

The Network is already gearing up for impact, with plans for mentorship programs, thought leadership sessions, community outreach, and strategic partnerships to drive marketing innovation across Africa.

Saharan Blend (Algeria), Djeno (Congo), Zafiro (Equatorial Guinea), Rabi Light (Gabon), Iran Heavy (Islamic Republic of Iran), Basrah Medium (Iraq), Kuwait Export (Kuwait), Es Sider (Libya), Bonny Light (Nigeria), Arab Light (Saudi Arabia), Murban (UAE) and Merey (Venezuela).

Omolabake Fasogbon

Market Cap Down N183.31bn as Investors Dump FirstHoldco Shares

Kayode Tokede

Following investors profit-takingi in First Holdco Plc, 34 other stocks, the market capitalisation of the Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX) depreciated by N183.31 billion, yesterday to close at N72.497 trillion from N72.680 trillion it opened for trading.

The major stock market indicator, the NGX All-Share Index also fell by 348.61basis points or 0.3per cent to close at 114,910.16 basis

points from 115,258.77 basis points the market closed for trading the previous day.

The market for the second consecutive trading activities this week has witnessed profit-taking, most especially in the banking stocks.

Accordingly, the NGX ASI Month-to-Date and Year-to-Date returns settled at +2.8per cent and +11.6per cent, respectively. When it opened the new week, the market capitalisation

depreciated by N108 billion amid investors profit-taking in 45 companies quoted on the Exchange.

On the backdrop of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) forbearance package policy, investors continued to sell-off banking stocks on NGX.

As gathered by THISDAY, the stock price of banks that may suspend dividend payout to shareholders till 2028- First Holdco Plc, Zenith Bank Plc,

Access Holding Plc, Fidelity Bank Plc and United Bank for Africa Plc (UBA) saw their stock price on a decline as at the close of trading yesterday on NGX.

The stock price of First Holdco fell by 4.15per cent to close at N25.40 per share.

Zenith Bank dropped by 2.02per cent to close at N46.05 per share, while Access Holdings’s stock price dipped by 2.20 per cent to close at N20.05 per share. Fidelity Bank’s stock

price depreciated by 0.55 per cent to close at N18.20 per share as UBA’s stock price fell by 5.57 per cent to close at N32.20 per share on NGX.

However, the stock price of Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc (GTCO) and Stanbic IBTC Holding appreciated over the report that both banks have cleared the forbearance package with the CBN. The stock price of GTCO gained 5.80 per cent to close

at N75.65 per share as Stanbic IBTC’s stock price appreciated by 0.82 per cent to close at N80 per share.

On sectors, the NGX Oil & Gas Index dropped by 1.3 per cent on investors profit-taking in Oando that shedded 10per cent. NGX Consumer Goods Index (-0.5per cent) and NGX Banking Index (-0.2per cent) declined while the NGX Insurance Index (+0.4per cent) and NGX Industrial Goods (+0.2per cent) advanced.

TRibu T e

Legacy Leadership Lessons from Pastor Kumuyi at 84

banji Ojewale

Anewsmagazine editor was troubled after traveling extensively with Pastor William Folorunso Kumuyi, founder and General Superintendent of Deeper Christian Life Ministry (DCLM), on his missionary trips to parts of Nigeria, Africa and Europe. He was intrigued with how members of Kumuyi’s Deeper Life Bible Church (DLBC) embraced the evangelist wherever he went. He observed the dignifying discipline, stability and rare aura of oneness Kumuyi’s persona was giving the organisation.

But the newsman had concerns, agitated and worried about a post-Kumuyi order. Would the Church hold together again after the departure of its leader? Wouldn’t it suffer the fickle fissiparous fate of others orphaned by their founder’s exit? Wouldn’t that be a huge loss and complete cancellation of gains meant to be harvested by the future?

The writer asked the revered cleric: “What happens to the Church after Pastor Kumuyi is gone, especially when your members hold you in such high esteem and everything appears to revolve around you? Can anybody fill your boots? Are you thinking about…arrangements for succession?”

Kumuyi’s pithy response suggested that abiding leadership, in the long run, is building up a legacy; it’s about sowing success stories today for tomorrow to recount and build on. It’s hardly about a hazy and pre-determined end. Nor is it a deadly game of thrones, denominated by politics, lobbying and scheming in covens and nocturnal meetings. It’s also not about a condescending high-horse attitude. It’s about a humble and inflexible intentionality to pre-figure the years ahead in your image, even after your departure.

Kumuyi told his disturbed interviewer: “When you think that I started in 1973 with 15 people, it means I have basically influenced the lives of virtually all the members since we began, and I am still active…What I want to see is to plant myself in the life of not just one person, but the lives of the cream of our leadership…I am still imparting the experience, learning and teaching I have accrued over the years to the people.”

The pastor describes, in practical terms what legacy leadership theorist, Stephane Gervais of Canada, presents in a seminal work, Legacy Leadership: Crafting a Lasting Impact Through Conscious Decision – Making for Vision 2030. Gervais writes: “Legacy leadership is a philosophy that transcends all leadership models. It emphasises the long-term consequences of one’s actions and decisions in the

PastorKumuyi

present, looking beyond the immediate outcomes and focusing on the enduring impact on individuals, organisations and society.”

I don’t think it is out of place for the General Superintendent of DCLM to date the process of his legacy leadership from the point when Heaven led him to establish Deeper Life in August 1973. Many believe that is natural for him because it’s where God released him into public glare and subsequent microscopic scrutiny.

Chroniclers, however, would want to go farther back than the GS. Because, once he was discovered from 1973, there arose a thirst for more of his past. How did he get to the point where he was revealed to us? He couldn’t have sprung from nowhere. More of his background was needed to understand and examine him.

Early life didn’t have a promising tomorrow. At some stages, he wanted to quit school. He told his father he’d take to farming. Parents and teachers alike gave up on the lad. They failed to descry the mighty iroko tree waiting to emerge from the shrub.

Later, young William Kumuyi went to the famous Mayflower School, Ikenne, Ogun State, where legendary God-denier Tai Solarin, the

principal and founder, sought to conscript him into his army of atheists. The militant freethinker and sceptic failed, God stepping ahead of him and taking captive of Kumuyi’s soul on April 5, 1964. He hasn’t left him since.

But that’s not the main news. The rallying point is that Kumuyi’s Creator has over the decades gifted him to humanity as a fresh breath, not only in Christendom, but also in basic ethical matters guiding relationships among men and women. For, what seismic impact would he have made if, after being born again, Pastor Kumuyi had cocooned himself in a medieval-age closet or monastery, only reading the Bible, praying, fantasising about the hereafter and waiting for the cold hands of death in old age or the return of his Lord, whichever would come first?

At the moment, Pastor Kumuyi’s influence has long leapt past the precincts of Deeper Life Bible Church, beyond the doorsteps of the members, moving into other denominations here in Nigeria, across Africa and into the other continents of the globe. He has now produced a brand, Global Crusade with Kumuyi (GCK), that wings him and his messages of salvation and holiness and readiness for Heaven to every creature under the sun.

The respected cleric correctly believes that the Church wouldn’t be fulfilled until it is able to bring the love of Jesus Christ to all humanity, sectarian considerations notwithstanding. That led him to the initiative he christened, Change Makers International (CMI). Cross-denominational, like GCK, this new project left a memorable impact in Canada in the first quarter of 2025, with crusade participants experiencing raw Bible-time miracles, healings and signs and wonders, following the preaching and prayers of the man of God from Africa.

The Church may exclusively be gaining immensely from being in the same tent with Kumuyi. But we need to expose him to the outside world. This has become urgent, in view of the trouble society is having with leadership paradigms.

What late novelist Chinua Achebe said in the early 80s about leadership being our challenge is still valid. The trouble with the nations of the world, not Nigeria only, is leadership.

The issue is that society and its institutions of administration fall or rise, fail or recover, function or regress, according to the moral state of their leaders. Leaders given to living by what they want their position and office to give them would replicate the same selfish and greedy world-view in the society and its citizens and agencies of government. The other side of the coin gives us the leader that seeks to serve the people to mortifying points. Humanity is suffering because it is denied leaders who want to live by the power of example, not by the example of power.

We are not only to celebrate Pastor William Folorunso Kumuyi as he turns 84 on June 6, 2025; we must also learn from his righteous, altruistic, humble and lucre-rejecting leadership approach that’s been responsible for sustaining his organisation for decades, and with prospects that, because he has poured himself, as it were, into the Church, into the leaders and into the members, he’s unafraid of the present or the future revolting against those values; there’s no palpitation or anxiety over this; no, his legacy can’t be undone. You can’t be at war with yourself. He is a satisfied man beholding the foetus of the tomorrow of his own image. Surrounding him are new Kumuyis unquestioningly embracing his leadership ethics of a disciplined lifestyle, palpable holiness, labyrinthine labour in serving God and in seeking the welfare of fellowmen through the Gospel of Christ. Happy Birthday, Beloved Pastor! • Ojewale is a writer in Ota, Ogun State, Nigeria.

The Owerri Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (OCCIMA) yesterday lauded President Bola Tinubu for approving the release of the N75 billion intervention fund for Nigerian entrepreneurs. It described the gesture as a practical demonstration of the President’s commitment to empowering Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) , deepening economic inclusion, and driving an export oriented economy.

Addressing newsmen in a press conference, the OCCIMA President, Chief Tony Amadi urged the federal government to direct the Bank of Industry (BOI) to immediately establish a functional office in Imo State to ensure inclusivity in national development.

The OCCIMA boss who lamented the absence of BOI office in Owerri explained that the presence of such a branch would enable the organised private sector in the State access to the timely and transformative MSME Fund intervention which is disbursed by the BOI.

“Already, OCCIMA members are

being mobilized to apply for this BOI facility and position themselves to expand their operations, create jobs, and contribute to the country’s economic growth. However, we are constrained by a critical challenge: The absence of a BOI office in Imo State”, he said

The OCCIMA president who spoke in company of the Chamber’s Vice President, SME, Hon Gerald Nkwekeegbu, added that though few entrepreneurs had benefited from the Fund, a lot more entrepreneurs will have access

to the Fund once a BOI office is opened in Owerri.

“Already many MSMEs are constrained due to the absence of a BOI office in the State as most businesses are already grappling with high costs of doing business, but the establishment of a BOI office will lessen the burden and reduce the cost of doing business because of the single digit interest rates and long tenor of the loan facility,” he said.

Amadi, while responding to questions from newsmen confirmed

that there is already a BOI Manager for Imo State and that the Imo state government has also provided a temporary office for the bank, but expressed dismay that the bank is yet to open it for business activities.

“It is therefore with a deep sense of urgency and responsibility that OCCIMA urges the federal government to direct the BOI to establish a functional office in Imo State to enable Imo-based entrepreneurs to easily access the BOI loan and other critical services. This gesture would demonstrate

the Tinubu-led administration’s commitment to ensuring equity in the implementation of national development policies,” he added.

The OCCIMA boss noted that despite the absence of a physical office in Imo State, the Chamber appreciates the wonderful work done by the Managing Director and Management of BOI in the State. He , however, stressed that it cannot be over-emphasised that the presence of a BOI office in the State would complement these efforts and accelerate industrial growth.

Declaring that financial empowerment must be inclusive and regionally balanced and that Imo state must not be left behind in the ongoing economic revival across the nation, Amadi affirmed that:

“Imo state is ready, organised and prepared to productively utilise this intervention fund for job creation, industrial expansion, and national economic growth.”

“OCCIMA remains committed to facilitating this process and ensuring that our members uphold the highest

Businessman Remanded over Alleged N750m Fraud

blessing ibunge in Port Harcourt

The Executive Director of PennhydroPell Oil and Gas Limited, Ugochukwu Nwaemere, has been arraigned before a Federal High Court in Port Harcourt over an alleged N750 million fraud.

Nwaemere was dragged to court by the Port Harcourt’s Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

The oil magnate is facing 10-count charge before Justice E.A Obile for alleged conspiracy, forgery and

obtaining money under false pretence to the tune of N750 million.

When the matter was read before the defendant yesterday in the court, he pleaded “not guilty” to the charge. Following the plea, the prosecution counsel, C.Okorie, asked the court for a trial date.

In his reaction, counsel to the defendant, U. C. Ngeleoka informed the court of his application for the bail of the defendant, praying that the defendant be granted bail for him to stand his trial.

After hearing the submissions by the parties, the trial judge, Justice Obile remanded the defendant at the Port Harcourt Correctional Centre and adjourned the matter till June 21, 2025 for ruling on the bail application.

Nwaemere was arrested based on the allegations made by a petitioner on some alleged illicit financial dealings bordering on conspiracy and obtaining money from his victim under false pretence running into millions.

The petitioner alleged that the defendant and other still at large, sometimes in April 2023, approached Polaris Bank Limited, Garrison Junction Branch, Aba Road, Port Harcourt, Rivers State for a loan for the execution of dredging and stock-piling of 100,000 tonnes of sharp sand on the ongoing Bodo-Bonny Road Project.

It was learnt that to obtain the loan, the defendant allegedly forged a document titled “Pennydro-Pell Oil & Gas Invoice with No: 142

dated 29th of November, 2022”, purporting same to have been cleared by Julius Berger Nigeria Plc for payment of contract sum for a milestone completed by his company with intent that it may be acted upon as genuine.

EFCC’s investigation revealed that the defendant allegedly convinced the bank and obtained a total sum of N750 million but was later discovered that the loan proposal was false and all efforts by the victim to recover the said sum proved abortive.

Tony icheku in Owerri

Raising Tomorrow’s Men Today: The Bold Vision of the Boy-child Transformation Centre

In Nigeria, a quiet revolution is unfolding—one that aims to redefine what it means to be a man in today’s world. While much attention has rightly been given to the empowerment of the girl-child, the Boy-Child Transformation Centre (BTC), a Lagos-based initiative, is championing a cause often overlooked: the emotional, moral, and social development of the boy-child. Through innovative mentorship, bold messaging, and values-based programming, Uzoma Mba writes that the recent BTC annual flagship event, themed “Walk in My Shoes 2025: The Man I See”, served as both a rallying call and a celebration of boyhood potential to help raise a new generation of boys prepared to lead with empathy, integrity, and purpose

In a world where discussions on gender empowerment have long centred around the girl-child, a quiet but powerful shift is taking place in Nigeria. It is a movement that seeks not to compete with, but to complement the strides made for girls by addressing a growing void—one that affects the boy-child. Leading this mission is the Boy-Child Transformation Centre (BTC), a Lagos-based initiative determined to raise a new generation of emotionally intelligent, purpose-driven men.

Founded on May 29, 2021, BTC has a singular but powerful focus: preparing boys aged 10 to 19 to live lives grounded in empathy, purpose, and moral courage. At a time when conversations about toxic masculinity, absentee fatherhood, and rising youth violence are echoing louder than ever, BTC’s mission feels not only timely but critical.

A Movement Rooted in Vision BTC is more than a mentoring programme—it is a movement rooted in a transformative value system that promotes ethical decision-making and community responsibility. Its vision is aspirational yet practical: “Raising a Generation of Boys driven by Conscience, Empathy and Living a Purposeful Life.”

Speaking at BTC’s flagship annual event held recently at the Radisson Hotel, GRA, Lagos, the organisation’s founder, Mrs. Nkiruka Joel, addressed a hall packed with young boys, parents, mentors, and distinguished guests. The event, themed “Walk in My Shoes 2025: The Man I See”, served as both a rallying call and a celebration of boyhood potential. In her welcome speech, Joel’s passion was unmistakable. She said: “It is with immense pride and gratitude that I welcome you all to Walk In My Shoes 2025: our annual Boy-Child Initiative, dedicated to unlocking the greatness within the next generation of men.”

The Challenge of Self-Enquiry

Joel’s address was more than ceremonial—it was a challenge to the boys present to look inward. “This year’s theme, ‘The Man I See,’ is more than a title — it is a challenge. A challenge to every boy sitting in this room, and every young man watching from afar, to look within and ask: Who am I becoming? What kind of man do I see when I close my eyes and envision my future?”

For Joel and her team, greatness is not accidental; it is shaped through consistent mentorship and values. She continued: “At BTC, we believe that every boy carries a seed of greatness — the potential to lead, to build, to nurture, and to inspire. But we also know that greatness doesn’t just happen. It must be shaped, mentored, and watered with values that last a lifetime.”

Introducing the F.E.L.T Principle

At the core of BTC’s programming lies a unique moral compass known as F.E.L.T—an acronym that stands for Father, Envisioner, Leader, and Trailblazer. Each word represents a role BTC believes boys must internalise to become the kind of men society needs.

Joel broke it down to “A Father, not just in the biological sense, but as someone who protects, provides, and takes responsibility for others; An Envisioner, who dares to dream beyond his current circumstance, who sees possibilities where others see limits; A Leader, who leads by example, with integrity and courage — not waiting for the spotlight but stepping forward to serve; And a Trailblazer, who creates new paths, who dares to be different, and who is unafraid to be the first.”**

These are not abstract ideals but principles embedded into BTC’s everyday mentoring. The boys are not only encouraged to adopt these identities but are shown what they look like in practice, through exposure to strong role models and focused activities.

The ‘What I Make Is What I See’ Initiative

BTC’s WIMIS (What I Make Is What I See) programme encapsulates this vision. The annual platform provides a safe and dynamic space for boys to reflect on identity, share personal experiences, and

reimagine manhood through a positive lens. It is here that the transformation begins in earnest. What sets the initiative apart is its holistic approach. Through mentorship, dialogue, and age-appropriate engagement, BTC ensures boys in different age brackets—from 10 to 13, 14 to 16, and 17 to 19—receive tailored guidance to navigate their developmental stages.

The founder explained:“That’s why this year, we are focusing on the F.E.L.T PRINCIPLE. These are the qualities we believe every young man should carry into the future — not someday, but starting now.”

Beyond Talk: Actionable Impact

The event featured mentorship “spark sessions” and a keynote speech delivered not by an adult, but by Master Oluwadamipe Harold Oloyede, an 11-year-old boy from Dansol High School, Lagos—a symbolic act underscoring the power of giving boys a voice. Guest speakers included HRH Princess Dr Moradeun Ogunlana, Founder and CEO of AWHPI, and Dr Adetola Salau, Special

Adviser to the Kwara State Governor. Their presence added credibility and depth to the conversation, reinforcing that stakeholders across sectors must unite in nurturing the next generation of men.

One of the event’s highlights was a video competition, which saw boys creatively express their understanding of the theme. Prizes were awarded to the winner and two runners-up, acknowledging the importance of recognising effort and talent in young minds.

Why the Boy-Child Cannot Be Left Behind

On why the boy-child cannot be left behind, Joel issued a poignant reminder of BTC’s broader purpose. “To the parents, guardians, educators, partners and sponsors, here with us — thank you. Thank you for standing behind these boys, for believing in them, believing in our cause, and for being part of the village that raises strong, wise, and responsible men.”

She ended with a heartfelt address to the boys: “To every boy here today: this is your moment. This is your moment to embrace

goodness and honesty, to choose empathy in all your actions. Be open to learning, always. And above all, believe in yourself.

“The world doesn’t just need more men — it needs the kind of men you are becoming. Through experiences like this, and by seeing role models who live with purpose, you are shaping yourselves into leaders, innovators, and compassionate individuals. Step into that future with confidence. Once again, welcome to Walk In My Shoes: The Man I See.”

A Call to Action

As BTC continues to grow and touch more lives across Nigeria, its message remains clear: empowering one gender should never mean neglecting the other. In a world striving for balanced progress, initiatives like BTC are indispensable.

With support from communities, schools, and policymakers, the Boy-Child Transformation Centre offers not only a voice to the silent struggles of boys but a path forward—a future where men lead not with dominance but with dignity, empathy, and a sense of purpose.

Participants at the annual flagship event of the Boy-Child Transformation Centre (BTC) themed “Walk in My Shoes 2025: The Man I See”, which held recently in Lagos

BTC Founder, Mrs. Nkiruka Joel with special guests and the winner of the Walk in my Shoes online entry contest

POLITY

The Threatening Relapse into One-party State

A bizarre wave of defections is effectively turning Nigeria to a de-facto one-party state. Vincent Obia writes

In a curious admission of something “terrible” in the polity, during his Democracy Day address on June 12, President Bola Tinubu acknowledged widespread fears about Nigeria’s tilt towards a one-party state on his watch. But Tinubu elected the same contradiction to which most governments in these parts seem prone. He explained away the anomaly as part of “the game”.

Employing his oft-iterated description of the opposition parties as “a sinking ship”, he taunted them, “It is, indeed, a pleasure to witness you in such disarray.”

Tinubu’s words represented an admission of an oddity that no one could ignore.

Nigeria is sliding to a one-party state. The evidence is everywhere, with the gale of defections and political capitulations across the country.

Though, Tinubu insisted, “A one-party state is not in the offing.”

But in one of the latest twists in the ongoing wave of political capitulations, Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has given his supporters notice of a decision to not only stop resisting attempts to turn his government to a marionette remotely controlled by the whims of a godfather, but also to stop any demand for political independence.

There was hopelessness and frustration in his tone as he announced the climb-down on May 29 during a meeting in Port Harcourt with leaders and stakeholders of his Simplified Movement. The meeting was part of activities marking his two years in office as governor.

Fubara was sworn in on May 29, 2023 as governor of the oil-rich state. But he has had his powers and duties suspended since March 18, 2025 in a culmination of events following his insistence on his rights and privileges as a state governor.

But in apparent retreat, Fubara feted Tinubu for declaring the emergency rule that swept him from power, a presidential proclamation many in the state and the country, generally, condemned as draconian.

He thanked Tinubu “for his timely intervention to salvage the situation, and stabilise the polity and the state,” saying, “If not for Mr President, the story today would have been different.

“I don’t know how he gets his information, but the truth is that he acted with wisdom at the right time.”

The governor told the gathering of followers regarding Tinubu, “He is the one you should thank. And let me also thank him personally for his intervention, and the personalities across the country, who moved in and appealed to him to intervene.

“We have to come down from our high horses and subject ourselves to the peace process.”

Fubara also walked back his pushback against Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, assuring of reconciliation with his “Oga,” and claiming he is doing everything in the interest of Rivers State.

Fubara’s erstwhile godfather, Wike, a nascent Tinubu ally, is behind the whole hullabaloo in Rivers State.

The word on the street is that Wike is strategically being used by Tinubu to try to secure the state’s votes in the 2027 presidential election. And he is being compensated with a freehand to ride roughshod over the state and dispense with anyone or anything that gets in the way of his passionate political preoccupation, including the governor, many believe.

There is a strong feeling in political circles that

Fubara is being pressured into defecting to All Progressives Congress (APC), from Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), as a condition for regaining his position at the expiration of his six-month suspension.

Rivers State is only one in a wave of political apostasy sweeping across Nigeria, and knocking down even the most revered of democracy’s pillars.

On June 6, Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno formally announced his defection from PDP to APC, in what he called a “defining moment” following three months of consultation.

Eno was not categorical on his reason for the move. He stated, “We must be able to interpret the times, and flow with the times, and not run against the tide.

Having completed the rounds of my consultation, I have, therefore, decided to progressively move to the All Progressives Congress.”

About two months before, in April, the governor had likened PDP to a faulty aircraft, saying it is too fragmented to provide a proper vehicle for the 2027 election.

“We believe that what is happening and the state of the PDP is akin to that palm wine whose taste has changed and there was a need for us to change the drinking pattern,” he claimed.

Eno followed in the steps of Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, who dumped PDP for APC in April with the entire political structure of the PDP state, from local government to national.

Across the country, the story is the same.

Nigeria is slipping to a one-party state, and every defector to the ruling party is citing “fragmentation”, “division”, and the like as their reason. The president called the opposition “a sinking ship.” But they fail to explain their role in the instigation and escalation of the crises suddenly plaguing all the major opposition parties. Which seems to imply that internal crises in opposition political parties are being orchestrated to provide a basis for desertion.

The ruling party has been accused of complicity in the crisis plaguing the major opposition parties, PDP and Labour Party (LP).

APC National Secretary, Dr. Ajibola Basiru, defended such involvement as a legitimate art of politics. Basiru dismissed those criticising the ruling party as merely engaging in “beer parlour gossip”. He said recently, “Would there be anything wrong in you seeking to undermine your enemy? Democracy is about competition, so anything you need to do to ensure you become competitive, you must also

be able to do so.”

APC National Chairman, Abdullahi Ganduje, spoke in a similar vein, saying there is nothing wrong in having a one-party system in Nigeria. Ganduje cited the Chinese example.

He spoke when he led to Tinubu the three senators from Kebbi State – Adamu Aliero, Yahaya Adbullahi, and Garuba Maidoki – who moved to APC, from PDP.

“If a one-party state is a wish and blessing to Nigeria… a one-party state is not by force,” Abdullahi said.

The current slide to one-party system is certainly not by design, it is clearly by subterfuge.

Defection is not strange to Nigerian politics. What is bizarre is that the Tinubu era is debuting a virulent variant of decamping that is compromising everything democracy stands for, echoing something like, “If you cannot join us, resign from politics” – altering the more popular, yet dangerous, “If you cannot beat them, join them.”

Human rights activist and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Mike Ozekhome, calls the gale of defections “bootlicking at its highest level”.

Professor Mojubaolu Okome, professor of political science at City University of New York, USA, believes the opposition is being forced into oblivion through sundry machinations by the ruling party.

Many believe APC is using state resources to swell its ranks by hook or crook.

Okome says, “One-party state is dangerous. In order to make a one-party state work, considerable state constraints will be put on those who disagree.”

She adds, “Scholars of democratisation always celebrate when another party wins election, and when there is a rotation in terms of how elections are won.

“Now when everybody jumps on the bandwagon of the ruling party and says they are now APC, I think it is dangerous.”

But Tinubu and APC are celebrating the bandwagoning, doing everything in their power to encourage it.

Typically, in a one-party system, a single political party holds all political power, though there may be other parties, which are basically emasculated. This comes about through an assortment of factors, including legal tools, use of force and intimidation, propaganda warfare aimed at creating a sense of group loyalty, clientelism, cultural checks, and control

over economic resources.

Those conditions not only exist in unusually growing degrees in Nigeria currently, but there is also a fierce pro-APC polemic rationalising the descent to a single party profile.

Addressing the APC Renewed Hope Agenda Summit, held in Abuja last month, Tinubu said, in response to the rising fears about a one-party state, “A one-party system is not suitable for democracy. We are one party ruling and carrying on with the aspirations of Nigerians.

“You don’t expect people to remain in a sinking ship without a life jacket. I am happy with what we have accomplished and expecting more people to come; that’s the game.”

Tinubu reiterated that line in his Democracy Day speech at the National Assembly on June 12.

Classical economics defines development as growth plus positive change. But the Tinubu government has continued to award itself a curious pass mark, despite mounting hardship and poverty occasioned by rising inflation, insecurity, corruption, and poor governance.

World Bank’s 2025 Poverty and Equity Brief indicated a huge rise in poverty in Nigeria, with 75.5 per cent of rural dwellers and 41.3 per cent of urban dwellers living below the poverty line (calculated at $2.15 a day).

Okome says, “This is an indication that an oligarchy is in control. Oligarchies and democracies are contradictory. The oligarchy is only interested in the advantages that accrue to its very small percentage of the population.

“If you look at Nigeria, while all these admirable machinations are going on, the number of our multidimensional poor Nigerians is increasing.” She says, “We need to be concerned, because when you have one party dominance, that party does not have to listen to what the electorate is saying, it doesn’t have to be concerned about issues that go beyond its narrow circle of people who belong.”

The legislature, which ought to act as watchdog over the executive, has been reduced to a pack of impotent poodles, only whining occasionally, when their personal interests are hurt, but lacking the will to act in any responsible manner for the generalPresidentinterest. of the Senate and chairman of the National Assembly, Senator Godswill Akpabio, insisted on June 10, during the commissioning of the newly renovated International Conference Centre (ICC) in Abuja, that Tinubu was transforming Nigeria, whatever the people might think.

“Whether people like it or not,” Akpabio told Tinubu at the event, “The Nigerian parliament is very proud of you.”

Ozekhome says Nigeria is “gradually driving towards a one-party state”. He states, “In a one-party state, dictatorship reigns supreme. Everybody will agree. National Assembly pocketed, judiciary will be pocketed, and everybody will be saying ‘yes, yes, yes’.” Exactly the sound of music coming from across the country. Political strategists in Aso Rock tend to assume that the only way to retain power and deal effectively with the 2027 challenge is to obliterate the opposition. But the dangers are incalculable.

As the country counts down to another general election, many fear that the anti-democratic tendencies may increase. With this, the choice for the citizenry may just be between greater inclination to capitulate and “retreat inwardly” into political apathy, and “challenging their aggressors” with a huger recourse to self-help.

Both options are bad for democracy.

NEMSA, COREN Sign MoU to Strengthen Safety in Nigeria’s Power Sector

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

The Managing Director of the Nigerian Electricity Management Services Agency (NEMSA), Tukur Aliyu, has reiterated the agency’s commitment to partnering with the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN) aimed at strengthening and advancing the Nigerian power sector. Aliyu, who’s also the Chief Electrical Inspector of the Federation, made the assertion during the official signing ceremony of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between

NEMSA and COREN in Abuja, a statement by the Head, Communications and Protocol, Ama Umoren, stated.

He emphasised that the collaboration will enhance the effective delivery of their respective mandates, particularly in ensuring the safety of lives and property within the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI).

“This partnership will enable us to consolidate efforts in promoting professionalism, accountability, and competence in the power sector. By reinforcing COREN registration

requirements for all individuals and firms applying for NEMSA certification, we are creating a framework that prioritises regulatory compliance and quality service delivery,” Aliyu said.

He further noted that the agreement will facilitate efficient information sharing between both agencies, particularly relating to disciplinary actions and sanctions involving NEMSA-certified personnel and firms also registered with COREN.

This, he said, will help improve transparency, enforcement, and adherence to industry standards.

On renewable energy, Aliyu highlighted that the collaboration will promote skilled manpower development, address sector-specific engineering challenges, and uphold quality standards in certification and practices.

He also disclosed that COREN will be actively represented in NEMSA’s Competency Certification Panels, reinforcing fairness and shared responsibility in the certification process.

Also speaking at the event, the President of COREN, Prof. Abubakar Zubair, described the MoU as a

milestone in COREN’s strategic realignment. “COREN recognises the enormity of its mandate and views collaboration as a critical strategy in addressing regulatory and operational gaps,” he said.

He further revealed that COREN is already set to commence the implementation of this partnership and has invited NEMSA to participate in several of its key committees. These, he stressed, include the Codes and Standards Committee, Engineering Regulation Monitoring (ERM) Committee, the Engineering Investigative Panel, and the Disci-

plinary Tribunal—which addresses cases involving practitioners in the power sector.

Earlier In his welcome address, the Registrar of COREN, Okorie Uche, assured stakeholders that the MoU will ensure engineering regulations within the power sector are aligned with COREN’s statutory framework.

He noted that the partnership represents a step forward in harmonising regulatory efforts to achieve a more structured and effective engineering ecosystem in Nigeria.

Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno (left) andDeputyGovernorAkonEyakenyi

JOE AKHIGBE’S 60TH BIRTHDAY...

L-R: Senator representing Ondo Central, Adeniyi Adegoroye; his wife, Mrs Tokunbo Adegoroye; Chief Executive Officer/Celebrant, Joe Akhigbe; his wife, Mrs Ann Akhigbe; and Minister of Aviation and Aerospace, Festus Keyamo, SAN, during Mr Joe Akhigbe’s 60th year birthday celebration held at Metropolitan Hall, Victoria Island, Lagos, on Saturday

FG Flags Off Concessionary Gas Pricing Framework for CNG Programme

PCNGI targets 200,000 converted vehicles by year end

The federal government yesterday launched the concessionary gas pricing framework for Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) programme, with a view to making gas readily available and cheaper for the autogas segment in the country.

Speaking at the ‘Mobility CNG Supply Framework Kick-off Event’ in Abuja, the Chief Executive of the Presidential CNG Initiative (PCNGI), Michael Oluwagbemi, likened the framework to what happens in the power sector where Generation Companies (Gencos) get a ‘special’ pricing regime for gas-to-power.

Oluwagbemi recalled that the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authorities (NMDPRA), had earlier approved the concessionary pricing structure for autogas CNG nationwide.

This, he said, will allow autogas CNG to be priced as a strategic industry, much lower than even

gas-to-power or gas-to-industries and will serve as one of the incentives of President Bola Tinubu for the auto CNG segment as part of his energy reforms.

“What we are doing here today is to flag off the implementation of that concessionary pricing framework. So we needed to do it in an organised

Okpebholo: Private, Commercial Houses Built Along Waterways in Benin GRA to Be Demolished

Engages experts to understudy flood-prone areas

Adibe Emenyonu in Benin City

Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has disclosed plans by his administration to begin demolition of private and commercial houses built along waterways to pave the way for proper surface and underground drainage, especially in Government Reservation Areas (GRA) in Benin City.

He, however, said property owners with verified documents would be compensated by the government, while others would be relocated to safe areas.

In a statement, by his Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, yesterday, the Governor said there was an upcoming multifaceted flood control project to be carried out across the state capital which will commence after the heavy rains,

and the project to be completed in no distant time.

“Government is committed to ensuring that this process is neither cosmetic nor politicized but rather driven by empirical data and genuine concern for the safety and well-being of Edo residents.

“Unlike the intervention by the last administration that was marred by mismanagement, halfhearted execution, and diversion of funds under the guise of erosion control, this new initiative will be comprehensive, transparent, and targeted at delivering a permanent fix,” he said

The Governor while making clear his administration’s zero tolerance for corruption or cosmetic solutions added: “Every kobo earmarked for the projects will be accounted for and directed solely toward its intended purpose — the protec-

tion of lives, properties, and the environment,” pointing out that the era of seasonal flooding paralysing communities, and threatening livelihoods in Edo would soon come to an end.

To confront these challenges, Okpebholo disclosed that he has commissioned a team of environmental and hydrology experts to understudy the acclaimed flood control strategy implemented in Akwa Ibom and Rivers States, during the administrations of Godswill Akpabio and Nyesom Wike as Governors, respectively.

He added that the initiative underscores the pragmatic approach to governance by his administration, premised on learning from working models, and replicating tested solutions that deliver real results for the people.

Okpebholo said Akwa Ibom

Ogun Installs World-class Aerodrome Lighting System at Gateway Airport

The Gateway International Airport in Ogun State has been successfully built and equipped to compete with any airport of its type and category around the world, making it one of the best-equipped in Nigeria, the Ogun State Government has said.

According to a statement on Tuesday by the Special Adviser to Governor Dapo Abiodun on Media and Strategy, Hon. Kayode Akinmade, the airport has convincingly met all necessary standards, as the state government has installed state-of-the-art lighting systems ahead of the official inauguration

of scheduled local and international flights.

Akinmade said that part of the systems installed includes a Category I (CAT I) approach lighting system, which provides guidance to pilots during inclement weather conditions on final approach to landing; runway elevated end lights that inform the pilots of their proximity to the end of the runway; and displaced threshold lights that provide visual guidance to the displaced threshold of a runway, indicating the point prior to which the runway is not structurally designed for landing.

Also installed at the airport are runway edge lights that provide lateral visual cues for pilots during takeoff and landing, and Precision Approach Path Indicators (PAPI), which is a row of colored lights that, when properly aligned, visually provide glide path information to pilots during approach, helping them maintain the correct rate of descent to the runway touchdown point.

The statement further explained that, being a Category 9 fire cover airport, aircraft of all sizes can land at the airport at any time of the day or night.

and Rivers States’ models which are widely acknowledged for transforming some of Nigeria’s most flood-prone areas into states with efficient flood management systems, stand as credible blueprints for what was possible in Edo State.

According to him, with the rainy season already tilting towards its peak, the timing of the exercise was strategic.

“It provides the experts with a unique opportunity to observe and assess the true extent of flooding in real time across Benin City and other vulnerable parts of the State.

fashion, create the proper market for autogas CNG, and also then develop the marketplace where people can actually make demand and pay for it.

“That market has been growing tremendously in the last year. We went from just 20 daughter stations in the country, to well over 65, as of this morning. We opened two new ones yesterday in Ibadan with Bovas. And we have, easily 27, 28 new ones coming up in the next four to five weeks. So there is a growing market.

“We just got the announcement by Mr. Aliko Dangote that he’s also adding another 100 daughter stations to the 175 that we have under construction.

So you can imagine that we need to get this going in an organised way,”

Oluwagbemi stated.

According to him, the demand for autogas has grown rapidly in the last one year, going from just 4,000 CNG vehicles in the country to well over 50,000, excluding trucks.

“Like I said, it’s not going to be a perfect market from day one, but our work is to make it more perfect. So every day, we are working on this.

I would say that I estimate that we are looking to have at least 125,000 to 200,000 vehicles on the road, in addition to the one we already have running on CNG this year.

“We want to be on pace for 1 million. So, if we get closer to 250,000 or

300,000 total CNG vehicle count this year, at the end of this year, we’ll have done a lot of good work. Of course, this is an estimate, it’s not just the PCNGI that is doing this. The private sector probably converts about twice, if not three times the number of vehicles that we converted last time,” he added. According to Oluwagbemi, the most important thing is to incentivise the private sector to do the work because they have a bigger share of the sector, explaining that what the government is doing is to create an enabling environment.

Managing Director, Gas Aggregation Company of Nigeria (GACN), Chijioke Uzoho, acknowledged the tremendous role of the joint working team, made up of the members of the Presidential CNG office.

“The joint working team has worked tirelessly to transform that policy pronouncement into an operational, implementable framework. The mobility CNG framework we unveiled today is a product of this journey and all the hard work.

“It lays out a transparent, standardised, and committed gas supply structure from offshoot gas sourcing to last mile delivery. More importantly, it ensures that every molecule of gas delivered under this initiative is effectively accounted for,” Uzoho stated.

2025 Budget: NEFGAD Writes

The Network for the Actualization of Social Growth and Viable Development (NEFGAD), a leading public procurement advocacy group in Nigeria has alleged the insertion of over 11,000 projects without credible needs assessment, fall outside the statutory mandates, valued at N6.9 trillion in the 2025 Appropriation Act by the National Assembly

The organisation in a letter to President Bola Tinubu and the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) expressed serious concern over the insertion of over 11,000 projects valued at N6.9 trillion into the 2025 Appropriation Act by the National Assembly, many of which lack a credible needs assessment and fall outside the statutory mandates of the implementing agencies/ procuring entities.

According to the letter, the revelation, originally highlighted by BudgIT, a civic tech organisation promoting transparency in public finance, exposes a worrying trend of budgetary insertions that bypass due process, violate existing procurement laws, and distort national development priorities.

In the letter signed by its country head of office, Mr. Akingunola Omoniyi, NEFGAD referenced Section 18 (a–g) of the Public Procurement Act (PPA) 2007, which mandates all procuring entities to conduct needs assessments and cost evaluations as the most fundamental aspect of public procurement planning by any entity.

The letter read: “Implementing projects without such critical element contravenes the law and undermines principles of fiscal prudence, accountability, and strategic planning’’.

NEFGAD further argued that

executing projects outside the establishment mandates of MDAs has equally become a recurring problem that fuels duplication, weakens institutional clarity, and leads to policy incoherence.

The organisation warned that any budgetary allocation or procurement line item not backed by legally required planning frameworks or outside an agency’s constitutional mandate is not only procedurally defective but also a potential drain-pipe for public funds.

The group also pointed out the inherent contradiction of the National Assembly undermining the very law it enacted by inserting constituency projects without following due process or involving the procurement planning committees of the relevant MDAs, as prescribed under Section 20 (1) of the Act.

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

Michael Olugbode in Abuja

CONFIRMATION OF MEMBERS OF RIVERS STATE INDEPENDENT ELECTORAL COMMISSION...

Trump: US Has No Immediate Plan to Kill Iranian Leader, Ali Khamenei

President Donald Trump said yesterday that US patience was wearing thin but it had no immediate intention to “take out” Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, while indicating he could dispatch diplomatic envoys as the Israel-Iran air war raged for a fifth day.

He also said his early departure from the Group of Seven nations summit in Canada had “nothing to do with” working on a deal between Israel and Iran, and that something “much bigger” than that was expected. He further called for “unconditional surrender”.

Trump’s comments, delivered via social media, suggested a more aggressive stance toward Iran as he weighs whether to deepen US involvement, a Reuters report said.

“We know exactly where the socalled ‘Supreme Leader’ is hiding,” he wrote on Truth Social. “We are not going to take him out (kill!), at least not for now...Our patience is wearing thin,” he said. Three minutes later, he posted, “Unconditional surrender!” in all capital letters.

Trump’s sometimes contradictory and cryptic messaging about the conflict between close US ally Israel and longtime foe Iran has deepened the uncertainty surrounding the crisis. His public comments have ranged from military threats to

diplomatic overtures, not uncommon for a president known for an often erratic approach to both domestic and foreign policy.

Trump had predicted earlier on Monday that Israel would not be easing its attacks on Iran. But he also said he might send US Middle East Envoy Steve Witkoff or Vice President JD Vance to meet Iranian officials.

But Vance said the decision on whether to take further action to end Iran’s uranium enrichment programme, which Western powers suspect is aimed at developing a nuclear bomb, “ultimately belongs to the president”.

Trump was meeting with his National Security Council on Monday afternoon to discuss the conflict, a White House official said.

Khamenei’s main military and security advisers have recently been killed by Israeli strikes, leaving major holes in his inner circle and raising the risk of strategic errors, according to five people familiar with his decision-making process.

The Israeli military said Iran’s military leadership was “on the run” and that it had killed Iran’s wartime chief of staff, Ali Shadmani, overnight, four days after he replaced another top commander killed in the strikes.

With Iranian leaders suffering their most dangerous security breach since the 1979 Islamic Revolution,

the country’s cyber security command banned officials from using communications devices and mobile phones, Fars news agency reported, quoted by Reuters.

Ever since the Iran-backed Hamas attacked Israel on October 7, 2023, and triggered the Gaza war, Khamenei’s regional influence has been weakening as Israel has pounded Iran’s proxies - from Hamas in Gaza to Hezbollah in Lebanon, the Houthis in Yemen and militias in Iraq. And Iran’s close ally, Syria’s

autocratic president Bashar al-Assad, has been ousted.

Israel launched its air war, its largest ever on Iran, on Friday after saying it had concluded the Islamic Republic was on the verge of developing a nuclear weapon. Iran denies seeking nuclear weapons and has pointed to its right to nuclear technology for peaceful purposes, including enrichment, as a party to the international Non-Proliferation Treaty.

Meanwhile, new satellite images

suggest Israeli strikes damaged underground uranium-enrichment facilities at Iran’s primary nuclear-fuel production site, according to the United Nations nuclear watchdog, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

The agency identified additional elements that indicate direct impacts on the underground enrichment halls at Natanz. The agency has yet to detect damage at Iran’s other underground enrichment site in Fordow, according to the statement.

The IAEA wrote Tuesday on X that it “has identified additional elements that indicate direct impacts on the underground enrichment halls.” It’s the first independent confirmation of Israeli claims that it took out the site, which it targeted in the opening hours of the conflict, now in its fifth day. The Natanz facility, which had some 15,000 centrifuges separating uranium isotopes before Israel started its strikes on Iran, is built underground and is protected by a steel and concrete shell.

Nigerian Army: ICT Has Made Media Space a Warfare Domain

The Nigerian Army yesterday stated that global advancements in information and communication technology have made media space a warfare domain of its own, with far-reaching impact on territorial warfare.

The Service also stressed that disinformation, misinformation, propaganda, and sensationalism can undermine the morale of frontline

Collective Efforts of Surveillance Contractors, Stakeholders Yielding Positive Results, Says PINL

troops, compromise operations, and even endanger lives.

Speaking at the Army Headquarters, Department of Civil-Military Affairs’ two-day capacity-building exercise for media practitioners in Nigeria, the Chief of Civil-Military Affairs, Army, Major General Gold Chibuisi, noted that accurate and constructive reporting cannot be overstated.

He also stressed that national support enhances accountability and contributes positively to collective security.

Noting the military and media must build mutual understanding rooted in trust, accuracy, and balanced reporting, General Chibuisi said the capacity-building

initiative is part of the Nigerian Army’s commitment to enhancing civil-military relations and fostering a more informed, professional, and secure information environment.

The training, he said, is designed not merely as an academic exercise but as a strategic collaboration aimed at exposing media professionals to necessary doctrines of the army.

Reporting on defence and security issues, he said, is both informed and sensitive to national security interests.

According to him, “Let me also emphasise that this initiative is in no way intended to suppress freedom. Rather, it is an effort to bridge the knowledge gap between the security

sector and media practitioners.

“We believe that a well-informed media is a strategic partner in our fight against terrorism, insurgency, banditry, and other security threats confronting our nation. As we begin this training, I encourage all participants to engage with open minds, ask questions, share experiences, and seek clarity on complex issues.”

Declaring the training open, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, said the Nigerian Army is striving to strike a strategic balance between the protection of law-abiding citizens, national security, and the rights of the media to disseminate information.

FCT to Operate 24-Hour Bus Service Vandalism:

The Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited (PINL) has said the activities of pipeline surveillance contractors and the collective efforts of the stakeholders are paying off with the near-zero vandalism of pipelines in the Niger Delta.

This, it noted has improved efforts by the Federal Government to restore and curb depredation of the environment in the region.

The consultant on Community Relations, PINL, Akpos Mezeh, stated this during a stakeholders meeting held for oil communities along it’s area of operations, the Trans Niger Pipeline (TNP) in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State capital.

His said the collective efforts of communities along the TNP has increased oil production, which has added significant revenue to the federal government.

“Collectively, we have been able to achieve near-zero vandalism on the pipeline that we have been mandated to secure. The implication is that we are experiencing uninterrupted time on the TNP. Crude oil production from the Diebu Creek, Gbarain, and Nun River fields have been flowing uninterrupted to Kolo Creek, where it is channeled to the Bonney Terminal.

“Secondly, we used to experience soot, but the situation has changed for the better. That goes to show that our environment is now enjoying some level of restoration.

“We have experienced an increase in crude oil production, and the implication is that we are making more revenue available for the federal government, and this would go a long way to restore confidence of investors in our economy.’’

Mezeh, however, listed some challenges, including some stakeholders’ connivance with pipeline vandals, stressing that vital information is needed to ensure those responsible are arrested to achieve a zero incidence of pipeline vandalism.

Communities along the TNP in Bayelsa State have called on the federal government to address socio-economic conditions driving illegal oil bunkering and pipeline sabotage in the state.

Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has said the newly commissioned Mabushi Bus Terminal would operate for 24 hours a day.

He disclosed it yesterday at the commissioning of the bus station by President Bola Tinubu, saying the terminal would provide commuters with a safe and comfortable space to wait for their buses. There will be amenities such as food courts, restrooms, and entertainment facilities.

The minister also ruled out the operation of terminal by the FCT

Transport Secretariat, noting instead that it will be concessioned to private operators who will run it efficiently. He described as unfortunate that a city like Abuja had never had a bus terminal before, stressing the terminal would address the issue of indiscriminate parking on the roads and reduce congestion on the roads.

He explained the FCTA was constructing three bus terminals in the FCT in Mabushi Kubwa, and the Central Business Area, stating the terminal at Kubwa would be commissioned next week.

“We plan to commission another terminal at the Central Business Area before the end of the year.

Additionally, we will construct new terminals in Wuye, Bwari, and Kuje this year.

“The real essence of this project is to enhance security by reducing the number of unauthorized vehicles on the road. We are trying to eliminate the “one chance” syndrome, where commuters are vulnerable to attacks by unknown drivers. With this terminal, commuters will know the drivers and the vehicles they are boarding, making their journeys safer,” Wike said. The President was represented by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, the Rt. Hon. Tajudden Abbas.

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

Linus Aleke in Abuja

L-R: Deputy Chief Whip, Senator Onyekachi Nwaeboyi; Chief Whip, Mohammed Monguno; and Chairman of the Committee, Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, with members of the Senate Ad-hoc Committee on oversight of Emergency Rule in Rivers State, during the confirmation of appointments of Chairman and members of Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission in Abuja, yesterday

Olusegun Samuel in Yenagoa

NigeriAN ecONOMicS StuDeNtS ASSOciAtiON...

L-R: Lecturer, Department of Economics, University of Lagos (UNILAG), Dr. Ismaila Ojo; Lecturer, Department of Economics, Unilag, Dr. Elizabeth Ajayi; Head, Department of Economics, UNILAG, Prof. Simeon Akinleye; Managing Director, Remita Payment Services Limited, ‘DeRemi Atanda; and Senior Lecturer, Department of Economics, UNILAG, Dr. Ayodele Shittu, at the Nigerian Economics Students Association (NESA), Economic Discourse 8.0, held at the University of Lagos ... recently

National Assembly Transmits Landmark Tax Reform Bills to Tinubu

Sunday Aborisade in Abuja

In a significant step towards overhauling Nigeria’s fiscal

framework, the National Assembly has transmitted the landmark tax reform bills to President Bola Tinubu for assent, marking a critical

phase in the implementation of the administration’s Renewed Hope economicChairmanagenda. of the Senate Com-

mittee on Media and Public Affairs, Senator Yemi Adaramodu, confirmed the transmission during a press briefing at the National

Germany Handover Containerised Armoury to Nigeria Police Force

Michael Olugbode in Abuja

A newly constructed containerized armoury has been handed to the Nigeria Police Force by the German Ambassador to Nigeria, Annett Gunther.

It was delivered at the FCT Police Command Headquarters in Abuja on Tuesday.

According to a statement by the German Embassy in Nigeria, Beyond delivering a physical facility, the handover symbolised a meaningful partnership, shared responsibility, and a collective commitment to peace andThesecurity.statement lamented that illicit proliferation of small arms

and light weapons (SALW) in the West African region continues to fuel armed violence, severely impacting civilians and communities. To respond to these threats, Germany works together with the Nigerian government on collaborative and innovative initiatives that strengthen national and local capacities in arms control.

It added that one such initiative is the project being celebrated on Tuesday and implemented by The Mines Advisory Group (MAG) in close collaboration with the Nigeria Police Force and the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCCSALW).

The project is part of a broader, multi-year regional intervention funded by the German Federal Foreign Office aimed at reducing the human cost of armed violence in the Sahel and West Africa by supporting effective weapons management, building institutional and community resilience, and encouraging regional cooperation.

The project, according to the statement, is structured around three key objectives: To help Individuals and communities affected by and exposed to the risk of armed violence be safe and secure from risks posed by SALW and their associated ammunition; To empower security sector actors and other key state agencies

Food Security: NGO Set to Plant 1.3m Trees in Kwara

Hammed Shittu in Ilorin

A non-governmental organization (NGO), One Acre Fund, yesterday said about 1.3million trees would be planted in Kwara State so as to enhance food security and also to boost the afforestation initiative of the federal government.

In view of this, the NGO stated:

“About 46,550 smallholder farmers in the state would be receiving 1,303,400 fast-growing, income-generating tree seedlings, positioning the state as a key player in the national push for reforestation and rural climate resilience”.

Speaking at the presentation and distribution of the affected trees free of charge at Onipako Village via Jebba in Moro Local Government Area of the state, the Team Lead of One Acre Fund, Mr. Fred Adzoyi, said: “The initiative aligns with state and federal climate action priorities, including food security, environmental protection, and sustainable agriculture”.

By putting trees in the hands of farmers, Mr. Adzoyi stated that, “the organisation is transforming vulnerable communities into hubs of environmental restoration and

resilience.

“In Kwara State, the programme will see 46,550 smallholder farmers receive 1,303,400 fast-growing, income-generating tree seedlings, positioning the state as a key player in the national push for reforestation and rural climate resilience.

“The 2025 campaign is a significant scale-up from last year’s reach. In 2024, One Acre Fund distributed 6.57 million trees to 243,465 farmers in Kwara, Niger, and Nasarawa States including 11,150 high-value trees (HVTs) like mango, cashew, and citrus directly benefitting over 2,600 farming families”.

He added: “The trees not only regenerate degraded land but also diversify farmer income, with longterm benefits such as fruit harvests, timber sales, and improved soil fertility”.

While defending the initiative of the planting of 1.3million trees in the state, Mr. Adzoyi stated that, “Nigeria is losing its forest cover at an alarming pace of 350,000 hectares per year, a trend that threatens water sources, biodiversity, and the sustainability of the country’s food systems”.

He noted: “Small holder farmers who grow the bulk of Nigeria’s food are often the hardest hit by climate shocks like flooding, desertification, and erratic rainfall.

“The One Acre Fund Trees Programme empowers these farmers to become climate defenders, offering free, climate-resilient tree seedlings, On-farm technical support, income-generation opportunities from high-value species, carbon sequestration and environmental restoration

“These trees reduce erosion, improve farm yields, and help communities withstand the effects of a changing climate - all while unlocking new sources of revenue”.

Also speaking at the event, the State Commissioner for Environment, Hajiya Nafisat Musa Buge, said the state government is committed to enhancing livelihoods of our farmers and promoting sustainable agricultural practices in the state.

The commissioner who said the initiative by the One Acre Fund will not only help to improve agricultural productivity, added that it would safeguard our environment for generations to come.

to be better able to implement good practice management of SALW and ammunition;

To Increase state capacity to individually and collaboratively address risks related to SALW and ammunition.

The statement said in Nigeria, MAG and partners have already recorded key achievements under the current project including the following: • 1,311 SALW Risk Education sessions have been delivered, reaching over 22,660 individuals in high-risk communities.

It added that 56 security and defence forces personnel were trained in armoury storekeeping and 24 personnel were trained in armoury management; 10 personnel were trained in weapons marking; 10 personnel were trained in weapons cutting; and 1 containerized armoury to secure small arms and small arms ammunition.

It revealed that in the coming months, MAG and partners will also continue to work in vulnerable communities affected by armed violence to deliver SALW risk education.

Assembly complex yesterday. He disclosed that the harmonisation process between the Senate and the House of Representatives had been concluded, paving the way for the final legislative action.

“Yes, the bill has now been transmitted. It is out of our hands and on its way to the executive,” Adaramodu stated.

The legislative package comprises four key bills: the Joint Revenue Board (Establishment) Bill, the Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Bill, the Nigeria Tax Administration Bill, and the Nigeria Tax Bill. Collectively, they aim to modernise tax collection processes, broaden the tax base, and enhance coordination across all levels of government.

Originally submitted in November 2024, the bills underwent scrutiny, multiple revisions, and intense negotiations before being passed by both chambers. Adaramodu emphasised the necessity of the extended legislative process.

He said: “Tax legislation of this magnitude requires detailed examination. Our legal departments had to ensure alignment with existing statutes before the final transmission to the Presidency. It’s not something that happens in two or three days,” he explained.

He noted the role of joint committees, legal review teams, and document aggregation in shaping the final drafts.

Following the harmonisation, the final documents were signed by the Senate President and the Speaker of the House before being

sent to the Presidency.

Just last week, Senate President Godswill Akpabio credited the eventual passage of the bills to what he described as “national interest, inclusive legislative engagement, and strategic leadership.”

Among the more contentious provisions was an initial proposal allowing tax-generating states to retain 60 per cent of Value Added Tax (VAT) revenue. The clause triggered fierce opposition, especially from lawmakers representing Northern states who raised concerns over regional economic disparities.

A compromise was later reached, reducing the retention rate to 30 per cent and replacing the term “derivation” with the more neutral “place of consumption.”

The reform process also faced pushback from state governors and divisions within the legislature. Nonetheless, Akpabio lauded the eventual consensus and praised House Speaker Tajudeen Abbas for uniting younger legislators around the national cause. He said, “We must commend the courage of our governors who, despite initial resistance, accepted the revised framework in the spirit of unity.”

If signed into law, the bills will usher in one of the most sweeping overhauls of Nigeria’s tax and revenue administration systems in decades—streamlining tax oversight, promoting fiscal federalism, and plugging longstanding leakages across government revenue channels.

Niger Govt: More Non-indigenes Affected by Mokwa Flood Disaster

Veritas University donates to appeal fund

Laleye Dipo in Minna

Niger State Government has said that more non-indigenes were affected in the Mokwa flood disaster which occurred more than three weeks ago.

This is just as the Veritas University Abuja has donated to the appeal fund launched to take care of victims of the disaster.

Niger State Deputy Governor Comrade Yakubu Garba said this when he received officials of the Veritas University Abuja who paid a condolence visit on the state government in Minna on Tuesday.

He also insisted there were more

people from outside Niger State that were affected by the disaster.

“This is why we describe the disaster a national catastrophe; there are more non-indigenes – Yorubas, Igbos, Hausas that were affected,” Comrade Garba declared though he said the exact statistics has not been got.

He said the spread of the disaster across national divide “is why most parts of the country are mourning”. Comrade Garba said it would be almost impossible for the victims to recover from the effect of the disaster “between now and one year” because of the huge losses suffered insisting that “between now and 1 year the displaced

people cannot be settled”. The deputy governor disclosed that Veritas University was the first faith-based organisation to pay condolence visit on the government and donate in support of the victims saying the “Mokwa incident cut across faith and ethnicity”.

Commenting on the Benue State incident in which over 100 people were said to have been killed Comrade Garba described it as “absolute wickedness” adding that “it is not a natural disaster but man to man wickedness” before appealing to faith-based organisations in the country to pray for the repose of those killed and for peace to return to Benue State.

X UNILEVER CAMPUS AMBASSADOR PROGRAMME CAREER SEMINAR...

L-R: Future-X Unilever Campus Ambassador (UNILAG), Tunde Dare; Skill Development and Youth Empowerment Specialist, UNICEF Nigeria, Bharat Kundra; Human Resources People Partner, Unilever Nigeria, Zainab Ajadi; Chief Field Officer, UNICEF Nigeria, Celine Lafoucriere; Deputy Vice Chancellor, Development Services UNILAG, Prof. Afolabi Lesi; and Human Resources & Employer Brand Projects Specialist, Unilever Nigeria, Oreoluwa Dina, during the Future-X Unilever Campus Ambassadors Programme (FUCAP) 2.0 Career Seminar organised by Unilever in collaboration with UNICEF and University of Lagos, yesterday

George to Tinubu: Nigeria Under Impunity Yoke

Segun James

Former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Bode George, has lamented that the nation was languishing under the yoke of Impunity under President Bola Tinubu.

He, however, raised the alarm over planned local government elections in Rivers State, saying Tinubu was making an effort to legitimise illegality.

George made the remark during a press conference in his office at Ikoyi, Lagos on Monday, in a speech titled: ‘Enough of Executive Recklessness and Brigandage.’

Tinubu had declared a state of emergency on March 18, 2025, which led to the suspension of Governor Sim Fubara, his Deputy and the State House of Assembly.

Following the declaration, Tinubu appointed Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd.), as the Sole Administrator to oversee the state’s affairs.

Subsequently, Tinubu formally sought the National Assembly’s

stretched, the FCDA again built our present headquarters. The building in Garki now operates exclusively as our FCT Office.

“In fact, today’s ground-breaking event is the third time in the last 34 years that the FCDA, in the discharge of its responsibilities, is stepping in to either provide office accommodation or alleviate the commission’s space constraint.”

INEC Rejects Damagum’s Notification for June 30 NEC Meeting, Says Not Compliant

INEC rejected PDP’s notification for its proposed June 30 NEC meeting, saying it is not in sync with due compliance.

The June 30 NEC meeting was to formally discuss the issue of the substantive national secretary of the party and approve the report of the zoning committee for the national convention in Kano scheduled for August 29 and 30.

The zoning committee is headed by Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State.

PDP had formally informed INEC of its plan to convene a NEC meeting on June 30.

In the letter dated May 30 and addressed to the INEC chairman, acting National Chairman of PDP, Umar Damagum, informed the commission that the 100th NEC

approval for key appointments in Rivers including a Chairman and six members of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC).

George considered the move to appoint RSIEC members by Ibas as an attempt to impose an ‘illegality’ over the affairs of Rivers State.

“Nigeria currently finds itself at a critical juncture, where the actions of the current political administration threaten to erode the very foundations of our hard-won democracy.

“Twenty-six years after the restoration of civilian governance, a growing number of Nigerians are left questioning the authenticity of a government that claims to be of, by, and for the people. It is time for us to confront these challenges head-on and demand a democracy that truly serves its citizens.

“It is noteworthy, that prior to and subsequent to the emergency declaration, Rivers State witnessed no significant incidents of violence, not even a ‘chicken’ was killed in the state.

meeting would hold on June 30 at the national secretariat of the party in Abuja.

Damagum said the notification was in line with INEC regulations requiring a 21-day notice before any NEC meeting to decide on issues, like National Secretary and others.

But INEC, in its response dated June 13, 2025, said, “Your letter on the above subject refers. The commission draws your attention that the notice is not in compliance with the requirement of part 2(12)3 of the Regulations and Guidelines for Political Parties, 2022, that provides ‘the National Chairman and National Secretary of the party shall jointly sign the notice of convention, congress, conference or meeting and submit same to the commission’. Be guided. Please, accept the assurance of the commission’s high regards.”

The acting secretary to the commission, Haliru Aminu, signed the letter.

A fortnight ago, friends of the FCT minister had cautioned that any move made without involving or recognising Senator Samuel Anyanwu as National Secretary would be considered invalid and could worsen the ongoing crisis within the party.

But an insider disclosed that Damagum took the initiative to write to INEC regarding the 100th NEC meeting in line with decisions taken at the 99th NEC meeting.

“Nevertheless, a group entangled in this manufactured man-made crisis shamelessly praised President Tinubu’s decision, revealing that the motivations behind the declaration were politically motivated—a deeply

troubling reality that cannot be overlooked.

“Currently, there appears to be an effort to legitimize this illegality. Last week, President Tinubu formally sought the National Assembly’s

approval for key appointments in Rivers State as part of the measures instituted under the state of emergency.

“In a letter presented and read by Senate President Godswill

for the appointment of a Chairman and six members of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC). These nominees were

Fact Check: Kefas Resigned as PDP State Chair to Contest Taraba Guber

CP-PDP tells FCT minister to respond to disputed claims

Chuks Okocha in Abuja

There are contrary facts to the claims by the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, during a stakeholders’ meeting of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on June 9, that the Taraba State Governor, Col. Agbu Kefas, did not resign as PDP State Chairman before contesting the 2023 governorship election and only resigned after winning.

The source said, “The letter is in order. The 99th NEC had already scheduled and announced June 30 as the date for the 100th NEC meeting. Due to many unresolved issues from the last meeting, the party had to write INEC ahead of the next NEC meeting to ensure the commission was involved in efforts to address those pending matters.

“Don’t forget that the 99th NEC set up the National Convention Committee and the Zoning Committee and assigned other responsibilities. So, the upcoming meeting will approve and populate the committees, as well as receive reports where necessary.

“Apart from that, the 100th NEC may also take decisive action to resolve the dispute over the national secretary position and is expected to ratify the zonal congresses, among other key matters.”

When contacted, Anyanwu simply said, “INEC has spoken.”

The implication is that the planned NEC meeting slated for June 30 may not hold, as it would not meet the 21 days’ notification requirement for any meeting as specified in Section 2(12)3 of the Regulations and Guidelines for Political Parties, 2022.

That section provides that a party’s national chairman and national secretary shall jointly sign the notice of its convention, congress, conference or meeting and submit same to INEC.

A letter dated May 17 2022 by Lt. Col. Agbo Kefas, (as he then was) to the then National Chairman, Dr. Iyorchia Ayu , titled: “Notice of my resignation as the state chairman of PDP in Taraba state’’, stated that his resignation was to give him time and space as required by the PDP constitution to pursue his aspiration as the Governorship candidate.

Also, evidence from the archive of the party confirmed that Kefas actually resigned from his position as Taraba State PDP Chairman prior to contesting the party’s gubernatorial primaries in 2022.

Kefas’ letter of resignation was received and signed in the office of the national chairman on May 19, 2022.

According to the documents made available to THISDAY, Kefas stepped down as PDP State

Chairman before emerging as the party’s governorship candidate, defeating five other aspirants in the primaries.

This evidence was supported by multiple sources, including some online reports, which explicitly stated that Kefas had “recently resigned” as PDP State Chairman before securing the PDP gubernatorial ticket for the 2023 election.

The FCT Minister, had said in the communique of the stakeholders’ meeting wanted Nigerians and PDP members to support his surrogate, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, who has been battling his removal by the South East zone for abandoning his office as National Secretary to contest for Governorship of Imo State, saying he was not supposed to resign before contesting.

‘’The misrepresentation of these

facts risks creating confusion among PDP stakeholders and the general public.

‘’Governor Kefas adhered to the electoral guidelines, which mandate resignation from such elective positions before contesting for another elective office,” a PDP source said.

The source added: ‘’His resignation was a procedural step taken to ensure compliance with the PDP’s rules and the Electoral Act, paving the way for his successful candidacy and eventual victory in the March 2023 Taraba State governorship election, where he secured 257,996 votes.

‘’This clarification is critical to maintaining transparency and trust within the PDP and among the Nigerian electorate. Therefore, Minister Nyesom Wike lied in his assertions.’’

LP Acting National Chair, Usman, Mocks

Tinubu over APC Members Fight in N’East

Chuks Okocha in Abuja

The chairman of the Labour Party national caretaker committee, Senator Nenadi Usman, yesterday, mocked President Bola Tinubu over the All Progressives Congress(APC) adopting him and leaving behind the Vice-President, Ibrahim Shettima.

Mocking the president, Usman said in a statement, ‘’His statement, far beneath what’s expected of a democratic leader, betrays a worrying disdain for the essential pillars of democratic engagement.

“A president who celebrates the weakening of opposition is, by extension, celebrating the weakening of democracy itself.’’

According to her, “Today, we witness the irony of history in

motion. Just days after the President’s unguarded and undemocratic remarks, his own party, the APC, has descended into a public crisis in the North East.

‘’In their reckless bid to enforce a one-man agenda without regard for process, respect, or even the dignity of their own Vice President, the APC has exposed the rot at the core of their politics.

‘’The people of the North East rejected the charade, and the fallout is now visible for all to see smuggled party officials, a fractured house, and a nation watching.

‘’This is not poetic justice. It is political karma. What President Tinubu wished for others has turned to plague his own political household.

‘’The attempt to undermine Vice

Kashim Shettima in his own region is not just a sign of internal decay, but a dangerous signal to the nation that loyalty, dignity, and truth are traded cheaply in the corridors of power,’’ Usman stressed. Accordingly, she said, ‘’Let it be known: democracy thrives not when power is consolidated, but when it is contested with responsibility and honour. We in the Labour Party will not gloat, but we will stand firm.

“This moment should be a mirror to the President, a time for deep reflection, not petty celebration. Nigeria deserves better than the politics of sabotage and suppression.

‘’To every Nigerian watching: the time has come to look beyond the noise and choose leadership rooted in humility, truth, and national interest.

Akpabio during a plenary session, the President requested confirmation

President

TInubu: InEC bACkbonE of our DEmoCrATIC JournEY, rolE kEY To PublIC TruST In GovT

AFRICA SOCIAL IMPACT SUMMIT 2025...

L-R: Director, Programme Quality and Influencing, Plan International, Dr.

Ibekwe; and Director, Philanthropy, Plan International, Amaka

2025 in Abuja, yesterday

during

Senate Explains Why Rivers Emergency Rule Approval Was Done at Closed Session

Panel screens state electoral commission nominees, faults appointment of non-indigene

Sunday Aborisade in Abuja

The Chairman, Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Senator Adeyemi Adaramodu, yesterday, explained that his colleagues took the decision to approve the emergency rule declared by President Tinubu on Rivers State, behind closed doors, in conformity with with the rules of the upper chamber.

Adaramodu gave the explanation while briefing journalists on the

a statement, Obi, who had earlier criticised Tinubu’s leadership style, said it was refreshing for Nigerians to learn that the president had “finally decided to visit the scene of the brutal killings in Benue State”.

While thanking the president for his decision, Obi asked him to also visit Niger State, where floods claimed many lives.

Obi stated, “It was refreshing news on Monday to a bewildered nation learning that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has finally decided to visit the scene of the brutal killings in Benue State.

‘’For this, I thank him even as I make further request that similar gesture should be extended to Niger State that lost more number of human lives in a natural disaster, flood recently.”

The opposition leader maintained that the presence of the president in these “devastated and grieving communities” will be very reassuring and uplifting. Both Benue and Niger states have lost over 200 lives each due to recent tragedies. In Mokwa alone, more than 200 people were confirmed dead, and over 1,000 are still missing following the floods.

“These are not just statistics; they are the lives of Nigerian families torn apart and their communities destroyed,” Obi stated.

He advised the president to let his visit to Mokwa in Niger State send a strong message that all Nigerian lives matter and that no community, no matter how rural, was forgotten.

Obi also urged Tinubu to step up security across the country, especially in disaster-prone areas.

Kalu Condemns Benue Killings, Tasks National Security Agencies on Collaboration

Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Kalu, condemned the killings in Yelewata and Daudu communities in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State, describing the massacres as barbaric,

midterm activities of the 10th Senate.

Critics had accused the red chamber of secretly voting in support of the Rivers emergency rule instead of giving such approval at open plenary.

But Adaramodu said, “Our Standing Orders say such matters must be debated in closed-door sessions — Rule 131, 132, and 134. Once a decision is reached in a closed session, it cannot be reopened in plenary.

“Everyone is now a lawmaker, a lawyer, a coach — questioning what

disturbing, and totally unacceptable.

Kalu, in a statement, urged security agencies to collaborate and act decisively to apprehend and prosecute the perpetrators of these heinous crimes.

Condoling the bereaved families and the Benue State government, the deputy speaker pledged the full support and commitment of the National Assembly to assist the federal and state governments, as well as relevant authorities through legislative measures in restoring peace and security.

He stated that as part of that commitment, the House Committee on Constitution Review on Monday convened a dialogue on National Security Architecture, and deliberated with key actors, getting their candid perspectives on the “malaise” in the constitution that impeded effective delivery of their mandates.

Kalu expressed optimism that the ongoing constitution review process, focusing on security and policing reforms, would facilitate inter-agency collaboration and intelligence coordination, as well as enhance border security strategies and promote regional stability for a unified approach to national security.

Kalu said, “The recent incident in Yelewata, Benue State, is not only disturbing but also deeply disheartening. The barbaric killing of members of the community is utterly unacceptable. I strongly condemn this wicked act carried out by unidentified individuals.”

Seadogs Call on FG to End Cycle of Bloodshed

National Association of Seadogs, also known as the Pyrates Confraternity, said it was outraged and deeply pained by the continued orgy of violence and bloodletting in Benue State.

In a statement by NAS Capn, Dr. Joseph Oteri, the association said it was in solidarity with the traumatised and bereaved families of Yelewata and other communities, who were victims of the senseless carnage.

Seadogs said, in a statement, “It

they don’t know. But the rules are clear.During the closed session, we debated for three to four hours. Once an agreement is reached, it’s final.

“The presiding officer then comes back to plenary and puts the question: ‘Do we affirm what was agreed in the closed session?’ Everyone said ‘Yes’. No one said ‘No’. That’s where it ends.”

Meanwhile the Senate Adhoc Committee on the Emergency Rule in Rivers State, yesterday screened

is unconscionable that in the year 2025, entire communities in Nigeria still live under the shadow of fear, unable to sleep, farm, or assemble freely, because their lives are constantly under threat from well-armed killers who operate with brazen impunity.

“Reports of the recent massacre in Yelewata, with over 100 lives reportedly lost, should shake the conscience of every Nigerian and spur the government into decisive, responsible action. Tragically, that has not been the case.

“We strongly condemn not only the heinous acts of violence committed against innocent villagers but also the lukewarm response of the authorities whose duty it is to protect lives and property.”

The organisation said while it acknowledged Tinubu’s recent directive to security chiefs and the deployment of special forces to Benue State, these actions must not become yet another reactive gesture that fizzled out once the media spotlight waned.

NHRC: Killings in Plateau, Benue Can Lead to Crisis in Violation of Human Right to Life

National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) said it was disturbed by the recent escalation of violent attacks and killings in Benue and Plateau states.

Executive Secretary of NHRC, Dr. Tony Ojukwu, lamented that the incidents had resulted in the tragic loss of lives, displacement of innocent people, and wanton destruction of property, leaving many families and communities in trauma and despair.

Ojukwu emphasised that the right to life was a fundamental human right, enshrined in various international and national instruments.

He expressed concern that the attacks were degenerating into ethnic, religious, and communal tensions, warning that these, if not checked, can exacerbate the situation and lead to further human rights violations.

Ojukwu stated that NHRC was

nominees for appointment as chairman and members of the state Electoral Commission.

The panel chaired by the Leader of the Senate, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, however, faulted the nomination of Dr. Michael Ekpai Odey, a non-indigene of Rivers State, as Chairman Odey is from Cross River State, the same state with the Sole Administrator in Rivers State, Ibok Ekwe Ibas.

Other nominees screened by the

worried about the consequences of the ongoing carnage in Plateau and Benue during this rainy season, being the farming season.

He said, “As we are all aware, Benue is the food basket of the nation. The present insecurity, if unchecked, means that people can no longer go to the farms this farming season.

“The ongoing insecurity, particularly in the food producing regions of the country, all point to the looming famine and food insecurity in the near future.

“The trillions and billions borrowed from the banks to support local agriculture risk being wasted due to persistent insecurity and apparent lack of political will to deal with this menace for the past 10 years and more.”

American Military Veterans Blame FG for Treating Armed Herders with Kid Gloves

A group, American Veterans of Igbo Descent (AVID), called on the federal government to halt the genocide being perpetrated “in slow motion”.

The US-based group also stated that the continued detention of the leader of Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, had paved the way for armed Fulani herders to have a field day, spreading terror unchallenged.

In a statement by President of AVID, Dr. Sylvester Onyia, the group said with Kanu out of the way, the herders had been emboldened to continue perpetrating “widespread atrocities”, killing, maiming and displacing people from their ancestral homes.

AVID called on the international community, human rights organisations, and global democratic institutions to take notice of the ongoing atrocities occurring in Benue State and other indigenous regions of Nigeria.

It stated that the extra-judicial rendition of Kanu, “a British citizen and prominent voice for indigenous self-determination from Kenya in 2021

as chair panel as members of the SIEC were, Mr. Lezaasi Lenee Torbira; Professor (Dr.) Arthur Nwafor; Professor Godfrey Woke Mbudiogha; Professor (Dame) Joyce Akaniwor; Dr. (Mrs.) Olive A. Bruce and Professor Chidi Halliday.

Reacting to the question that he was not an indigene of Rivers State, the chairmanship nominee said, “With utmost respect, I have gone through the RSIEC’s enabling law, and there is nothing that precludes

in clear violation of international law”, had weakened resistance of indigenous peoples against armed herders.

The military veterans pointed out that there was more than met the eyes in the continued detention of the IPOB leader, despite multiple court orders for his release, adding that “it is not a matter of legal oversight”.

‘Tinubu Must Be Audacious in Seeking Solution’

An environment journalist and Chairman, Northern Christian Youth Professionals, Isaac Abrak, said Tinubu must be bold in the battle to end insecurity and incessant attacks and killings in the country.

Reacting to the recent Benue killings, in a letter to Tinubu, Abrak said, “But we cannot afford to fold our arms in despair. We must act differently. We must try something new, even if it has never been attempted anywhere in the world.

“For the sake of our people—our children, our farmers, our security personnel—we must do something bold to stop this carnage.”

Abrak also stated that “many of those who will oppose this letter are not the ones burying loved ones or watching their communities burn. They analyse from afar, removed from the pain. But real solutions come from those who feel the loss, from the hearts of those closest to the suffering”.

He said, “The Forest Guard must be led not by theories, data sheets, or Harvard-trained analysts alone, but by those who bleed when our villages bleed. I write this letter with a heavy heart.

“As someone who has spent most of my life reporting from hostile zones across our region, it has become painfully clear that the cycle of killings in our beloved country, particularly in the Middle Belt, as seen again in Benue, is unrelenting.

“Despite the gallant efforts of our military, police, and other security agencies, the attacks persist. Each time our forces strike a blow against the

an appointment of anybody outside the state as chairman of the electoral management body in the state.” When asked whether he has the copy of the Rivers State independent electoral commission Act, he said: “No, I don’t have it, but I went through it.” Asked what integrity he would be bringing to the local government elections in Rivers State, Odey said, “First and foremost, on character and indigene-ship.

perpetrators, they appear to retreat briefly, only to re-emerge with even greater violence, targeting our most vulnerable: poor, innocent rural dwellers.”

Herdsmen Attack: Okpebholo Inaugurates Security, Boundary Committees in Edo

In order to tame the rising incident of herdsmen attacks, Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo inaugurated two committees aimed at tackling issues of security and land disputes in the state. The committees were Livestock Control Committee and Boundary Committee, with the mandate to ensure peace, stability and development across the state.

Inaugurating the livestock committee, Okpebholo said their mandate was to bring an end to the pervasive clashes between crop farmers and herders.

The 27-man committee was chaired by General Cecil Esekhaigbe (rtd). It had as members Dr. Ernest Afolabi Umakhikhe, AVM Charles Oghomwen, Mr. Alex Oijiagba, Comrade Saturday Okhuakhua, Samuel Arabomem, Sylvanus Bawa, Mrs. Aikefe Agbavboa, Dr. Osagie Aibuedefe, SP Eneremen Sunday, Uche Nnatube, Sir Ignatius Enabulele, Ebaloghemen Godwin, and Ibgnigie O. Osaheni.

Others were Hon Moses Edo, Hon Haruna Muhammed, Dr Tony Ikpasaja, Oba palace representative, Onojie of Uzea, HRH Moses Akpamuka ETSU, Abdullahi Binne Danna, Adum Harun, Erhauyi Alfred Iyekekpolor, Mr. Akhimien Obomehelu, and Omoh Yusuf, with Mrs. Diana Emaga Idahosa as the secretary. During the inauguration, Okpebholo emphasised the gravity of the assignment, saying, “There is a task that we need to handle carefully while this assignment is being carried out. We have to carry it out with the fear of God so that we can have, especially, the best time and result.

Helen Idiong; Country Director, Plan International Nigeria, Mr. Charles Usie; Chief Executive Officer, Sterling One Foundation, Mrs. Olapeju

Ojei,

the press conference on the partnership between Sterling One Foundation and Plan International for the Africa Social Impact Summit

PHOTO: KINGSLEY ADEBOYE

Sen

IN HONOUR OF AMESBURY MAYOR…

L-R: Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Wiltshire, Mrs. Jo Del Mar; a devoted member of Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministry (MFM), and Major of Amesbury, Dr. Monica

and wife of the General Overseer Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries, (MFM), Dr. Folashade Elizabeth Olukoya, when Olukoya graced the Mayor-making ceremony of Devendran in Amesbury, United Kingdom…recently

Police Foil Attempt to Kidnap Victim’s Sister in Niger, Arrest Two Suspects

Laleye Dipo in Minna

The police in Minna, Niger State have stated that they foiled an attempt by two suspected kidnappers to abduct the sister of a kidnap victim in Kata community of New Bwari in Tafa Local Government Area of the state.

The state Police Public Relations Officer(PPRO), Superintendent of Police Wasiu Abiodun, in a statement said two suspects, 28-year-old Japhet James of Ijah- Gwari town and 30-year-old Usman Ibrahim have been arrested in connection with the crime.

two knives, a walkie-talkie, two cartridges, four handsets, one ATM card, two electric Tasers, a pepper sprayer, and some charms.

The police spokesman said

Abiodun said the suspects were arrested last Saturday with a locally made pistol,

BDAN Records Income Growth, Appoints New Directors

The Bank Directors Association of Nigeria (BDAN) (LTD/GTE) reported a marginal increase of 2.6 per cent in total income for the year 2024, as reported during its 28th annual general meeting (AGM) yesterday via zoom.

The AGM, chaired by Mr. Mustafa Chike-Obi, was a strategic session that underscored the association’s commitment to growth and enhanced advocacy in the Nigerian banking sector. As part of the meeting’s resolutions, two new directors, Mrs. Subulade GiwaAmu (Non-Executive Director of Polaris Bank Limited) and Mrs. Remilekun Odunlami (Non-Executive Director of First Bank of Nigeria Limited),were appointed to BDAN’s Board.

Also, in accordance with the Association’s articles, two directors - Mr. Mustafa Chike-Obi (Chairman of Fidelity Bank Plc) and Dr. Mrs. OluwayemisiOlorunshola, (Chairman of Wema Bank Plc), retired by rotation but were

unanimously re-elected for another term, reflecting BDAN’s dedication to sound corporate governance practices.

Speaking at the meeting, Chairman of BDAN, Mr. Mustafa Chike-Obi, emphasised the significance of the Association, stating that it exists to serve member banks and act as a collective voice, especially in areas where individual banks cannot advocate for themselves. He stated that the Association’s advocacy responsibility is serious business.

Mr. Chike-Obi, reinforced the association’s proactive stance on industry matters, particularly its increasing focus on regulatory engagement and safeguarding the reputation of banks. He called for legislation protecting banks from circulation of unsubstantiated and careless statements that undermine confidence in the banking sector which affects the legitimate interests of financial institutions and threatens the economy.

Gov Otu Appoints Linus Obogo, Nsa Gill as Key Media Aides

The Governor of Cross River State, Senator Bassey Edet Otu, has announced the appointment of Mr. Linus Obogo as Chief Press Secretary and Special Adviser on Media and Publicity in a strategic move to bolster the state’s communication architecture.

Similarly, the governor has also appointed Mr. Nsa Gill as Special Adviser on Public Affairs.

The appointment, which takes immediate effect, is part of the administration’s deliberate efforts to enhance the effectiveness, reach, and responsiveness of its information machinery.

Mr. Obogo, a renowned journalist and media strategist, is expected to bring his wealth of experience in public

communication to bear on the governor’s media engagements. With a career marked by in-depth political reporting, editorial leadership, and a strong grasp of governance dynamics, his appointment reflects Governor Otu’s vision of a professional and proactive media team capable of articulating and projecting government policies with clarity and impact.

On the other hand, Mr. Gill, an accomplished media practitioner is to serve as a bridge between the government and the public, fostering greater transparency, citizen engagement, and policy clarity. The appointments were confirmed in a statement signed by the Secretary to the State Government., Professor A. Owan Enoh.

the suspects reportedly entered the premises of the victim in Kata town near New-Bwari and attempted to kidnap his sister, adding that police operatives at Tafa division were

immediately contacted leading to their arrest.

Abiodun said during interrogation, the suspects confessed that they (suspects) arranged to abduct the lady in

order to request ransom, adding that items recovered from them were bought from one of their members under the disguise of being members of the civilian Joint Task Force (JTF) members.

Court Orders NRM to Serve Yakubu Mahmood Contempt Charge via Staff

Alex Enumah in abuja

A Federal High Court in Abuja, yesterday, granted the National Rescue Movement (NRM) permission to serve its contempt charge against the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Yakubu Mahmood, through substituted means.

According to Justice Obiora Egwuatu, who issued the order while delivering ruling in an exparte application, the charge should be served on the INEC boss by handing same to any staff of INEC at the national headquarters.

The applicant had specifically sought permission of the court to serve court processes (Form

48, which is a notice of the consequence of disobedience of a court order) on Mahmood through substituted means.

Moving the motion, the NRM, through its team of lawyers led by Mr. Oladimeji Ekengba, alleged that INEC and its chairman spurned an order of mandamus the court made on March 5, which directed

them to accept the outcome of an Emergency Convention that produced the Chief Edozie Njoku-led Executives of the party. Ekengba said the essence of the emergency convention which held on January 17, was to fill vacancy and correct lopsidedness in the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the NRM.

N’Delta Group Alerts FG to Brewing Ethnic Crisis in Warri

Omon-Julius Onabu in asaba

An appeal has gone to the federal government to take urgent steps to avert looming crisis in Warri South Local Government Area of Delta State following allegation of distortion of the existing harmonious ethnic order through biased electoral ward delineation

Faulty Toilets:

Sunday Okobi

by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) which has triggered ripples of tension between the different ethnic groups in Warri.

Members of the Isoko Political Youth Leaders of Thought made the appeal in Asaba, at a press conference to draw the attention of the government and stakeholders to what they

called a red flag over Warri. The group indicated that something has gone seriously wrong with the ethnic harmony and peace that previously existed until the recent INEC ward delineation exercise in the area.

The Chairman of the group, Comrade Daniel Omoraro, flanked by Comrades Henry Oviomahigho (Secreatary),

Godwin Elohozino and Gift Kokori (members) stressed that the Isoko Political Youth Leaders of Thought was motivated by desire to help in charting the path of peace as concerned citizens and stakeholders particularly in Delta South Senatorial District, which for decades have been relatively peaceful.

NRC Boss Inspects Coaches, Facilities at Abuja Train Station

In response to recent public concerns over the condition of train facilities, particularly the functionality of onboard toilets on the Abuja-Kaduna Train Service (AKTS), the Managing Director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), Dr. Kayode Opeifa, recently

paid an unscheduled inspection visit to the Idu Railway Station in Abuja.

The visit was prompted by an article currently in circulation, which alleged that all toilets aboard the Abuja-Kaduna train service were not functioning.

Determined to verify the claims and uphold service standards, Opeifa boarded the

train and moved from coach to coach to conduct a thorough on-the-spot assessment of the toilets and other facilities inside the coaches.

According to a statement issued by the acting Deputy Director, Public Affairs of NRC, Callistus Unyimadu, Opeifa was accompanied on the inspection by senior

officials and technical staff of the corporation, who provided insights into the state of the facilities, ongoing maintenance routines, and improvement plans.

Opeifa reaffirmed the NRC’s commitment to ensuring safety, cleanliness, and comfort for all passengers across the national rail network.

Firm Trains 100 Nigerian Youths on Vocational Skills Acquisition

Kasim Sumaina in abuja

A firm, Federation of Construction Industry (FOCI), through its academy, yesterday officially flagged off the Nigeria Youth Employment through Skills Acquisition Fund (NYESAF) project of training 100 students in masonry in six months.

FOCI Skill Academy in collaboration with the World Bank and the Federal Ministry of Education noted that as the voice of Nigeria’s construction sector, it has consistently championed policies, interventions, and partnerships that strengthen the industry and support the workforce that drives it.

The President of FOCI, Mr.

Vincent Barrah, at the official flagoff ceremony in Abuja hinted:

“We view today’s event not just as a ceremonial flag-off, but as a powerful statement that the time has come to invest in the next generation of builders, and to do so boldly and intentionally.

“We started already since April. We are already two months into the programme.

Today is just the official flag-off.” Barrah, while speaking on the sidelines shortly after the event, added: “In the next four months or thereabouts, we will be through with this training program. As I said earlier, you can see practically what is on ground. Maybe when you came here, you saw the trainees in action.

MFM Member, Devendra, Begins Second Term as Amesbury Mayor

A member of Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries (MFM), Reading, United Kingdom(UK), Dr Monica Devendran, who is a spiritual daughter of the wife of the General Overseer of MFM, Dr Folashade Olukoya, has taken the oath of office for the second term as the Worshipful Mayor of Amesbury.

According to a statement, the celebration service to mark the event was held at the Amesbury church and followed by a grand reception at Antrobus House. Dignitaries from across the world, including the General Overseer of MFM, Dr Daniel Olukoya and his wife, Dr. Folashade Olukoya, representatives of the Royal Family, the British Army, and global civic and faith leaders, attended the event.

Dr Devendran, who was reelected for a second consecutive term, made history as the first woman of Indian Tamil origin and the first woman of colour to serve as Mayor in Amesbury’s 1,040-year history.

The statement noted that Devendran’s leadership is a proud reflection of the growing influence of diverse communities in British public life — particularly significant as nearly half a million Tamils now call the UK their home.

Devendran,

Victor Osimhen Wins Goal of the Season in Turkey

Duro

Ikhazuagbe

Udo-Obong Lists Benefits of CAA African U18/U20 Championships in Abeokuta

Sydney 2000 Olympic Games 4x400m gold medalist, Enefiok Udo-Obong, has said countries and athletes should not take the fast-approaching CAA U-18/U-20 Championship as a do or die affair by thinking about results alone, rather should concentrate on the development of their athletes for future gain.

The championships scheduled to take place at the MKO Abiola Sports Complex, Abeokuta, Ogun State between July 16 and 20, will see both the youths and junior athletes fighting for honour for their respective countries.

Speaking ahead the competition, Udo-Obong, who is the Chairman of the Technical Committee for the championships said the benefits are far beyond the results.

“The benefits of the U-18/U-20 athletics championships in any level cannot be underestimated” began the former quarter miler. “It’s the beginning where young and developing athletes get their first chance at exposure, international exposure, the first feel of pressure, and this is by no means a little win

developing the mental toughness, the competitive mobility of an athlete.

“Competing at such underage tournament is at times termed the identification phase, the development phase. It is the beginning of the exposure phase and the ability to weather this type of pressure, whether it is in terms of adversity, expectation, or the strict competition rules, regimented kind of programme, and still succeed,”observed Olympian.

Speaking further, Udo-Obong, who anchored the Nigeria 4x400m relay to success at the Sydney Olympics said; “It is part of the process in building talented athletes. So the experience gathered by young athletes can by no means be overestimated.

“Results are not really the most important thing at this level. It is what the athlete can learn and the experience gathered are the most important things at this level. And how they navigate through this is what will make them better athletes in future,” concludes Udo-Obong who is now a technical instructor with the Saudi Arabia athletics team.

Kaduna Polo Dedicates Playing Turf after Late Legend Dawule Baba

The just concluded Dawule Baba Memorial Polo Tournament that was highlighted with the unveiling of Dawule Baba Polo Ground, was not just another polo event. It was a special sporting fiesta where polo enthusiasts savour the noble game and paid glowing tributes to the foremost Nigerian legend of the game.President of Kaduna Polo Club, Mohammad Babangida, who led members of the Board of Trustees, Vice President, Gen Kapeh Kazir, members of the Management Committee of the club to the unveiling arena, said the club is dedicating the main ground to the everlasting memory of the foremost Nigerian polo ambassador.

“His passion for polo, his sportsmanship, and his enduring legacy both on and off the field will be remembered with admiration and respect,” the Kaduna polo boss declared, before leading the DeeBee

Polo team to win the inaugural Dawule Baba Memorial Cup.

The cup has been institutionalised as one of the major polo prizes to be contested for at major tournaments in Kaduna.

The high-goal match up against the foremost Kaduna Kakuri team was a cracking encounter that gave the overflowing stands of polo buff plenty to cheer as DeeBee Farms warriors handed a thumping defeat to their hard-fighting opponents.

General Kazir who doubles as the Chairman of Clearwater Polo Farm said numerous legacies of the Nigerian polo ambassador are worth celebrating and treasured for future generations.

He explained that in identifying with the event, Clearwater Polo as one of the sponsors is keying into the highly treasured legacies of the late “Teacher” whose passion for the game transcends mere love for the noble game of polo.

want

League

ing the idea of selling their training ground to raise Osimhen’s €72million release clause in

set to move to Anfield from Bournemouth. Liverpool are also looking to sign a new striker in the summer transfer window, and TEAMtalk can reveal that the Reds have made a move for Osimhen.

The 26-year-old is a world-class striker and is back at Napoli after a loan spell at Galatasaray last season. Osimhen scored 37 goals and gave eight assists in 41 appearances last season, as Okan Buruk’s side won the Turkish Super Lig and the Turkish Cup.

Described as “the best striker in the world” by Nigeria manager Eric Chelle on BBC Sport Africa earlier this week, Osimhen is the subject of interest from a number of clubs, including Manchester United, Chelsea, Arsenal and Real Madrid.

Sources have now told TEAMtalk that Liverpool have become the ninth club to be involved in the race for the 26-year-old striker and are ready to include Darwin Nunezand Federico Chiesa in a potential swap deal.

Charterhouse Gives Reason for Backing Fencing in Nigeria

Kunle Adewale

After hosting the first-ever Fencing World Cup in Sub-Saharan Africa, a landmark event that brought global attention to Nigeria’s growing fencing community in November 2024, Charterhouse Lagos is now set to host the 23rd African Fencing Championships from June 25 to 29, to further cement its role as a hub for elite fencing in the region.

The school will once again welcome top fencers from across the continent for the prestigious African Championships.

According to Chief Operating Officer of Charterhouse Lagos, Angela Hencher, the school’s embracing fencing is deeply rooted in its heritage and educational philosophy.

“Charterhouse UK is one of the few traditional British independent

President Federation Cup: Ilorin Emir Rallies Support for Kwara Utd FC

Hammed Shittu in Ilorin

Ahead of the final of the 2025 President Federation Cup, the Emir of Ilorin and Chairman Kwara State Traditional Rulers Council, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, yesterday rallied support for Kwara United Football Club as they take on Abakaliki FC.

The final match of the 2025 President Federation Cup is

scheduled to hold at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Onikan, Lagos, on Saturday 28 June, 2025.

Alhaji Sulu-Gambari, a former Vice Chairman of Nigeria Football Association, (NFA) stated this during the visit of the team to his palace in Ilorin. He urged the team to remain focused and determined for victory.

He promised to continue to pray for the team to succeed and emerge

victorious in the match. The Emir urged the team to bring a major national trophy home to Kwara State.

Sulu-Gambari further said: “I was once an official of Shooting Stars and the Nigeria Football Federation. I know what is at stake in a crucial match like this. Prepare well, remain focused, and stay united. We will continue to pray for your success,” he concluded.

schools with a strong and historic fencing programme. The sport promotes precision, mental agility, and sportsmanship, qualities we actively cultivate in our students,” Hencher explained.

“We plan to introduce a scholarship programme in our secondary school soon. Our senior school opens this September, so we are still in the early stages.”

Reflecting on the impact of hosting the 2024 World Cup, Hencher noted: “The impact has been profound. It reinforced Charterhouse Lagos’s position as a trailblazer in

elite, holistic education in Nigeria. It also aligned us with like-minded organisations such as Lagos Fencing.

Hosting such a prestigious event immediately positioned us as a serious institution for elite sport and co-curricular excellence, and aligned us with global standards in sports organisation and performance.”

She added that the event fostered a strong sense of pride within the school and the broader community.

“Parents and the wider school community feel proud to be part of a school that leads in such a prestigious event. It has helped

spread the message that we are here, we are real, we are serious—and we are here to stay.”

Looking ahead to the African Championships, Hencher emphasised the significance of the event.

“Hosting the African Championships is a major milestone. It reflects our commitment to providing world-class opportunities that enrich the student experience and elevate the school’s regional and global reputation. It’s also about being part of the global community.”

For the visiting teams, she promised a top-tier experience.

N40m Prize Money Offered at NYLC Super 8

The Nigeria Youth League Cup (NYLC) has announced the total prize money of N40 million for all the teams at NYLC Super 8 Championship billed for Mobolaji Johnson Arena in Lagos between June 23 and 30.

The President, NYLC, Robinson Adakosa, announced this yesterday at a press briefing and draw for the championship in Abuja.

The participating teams are from the two Northern Conference and the Southern Conference.

Teams from the Southern Conference include; Enyimba FC of Aba, Sunshine FC of Akure, Atlantic Business FC of Lagos and Shuffle

Select FC of Lagos. The four top teams from the Northern Conference include; Kano Pillars FC, Plateau United FC, Kwara United and Mailartanki FC of Abuja. Four matches will be played daily on round robin basis.

Adakosa noted that the N-Youth League Cup is an elite Youth League competition, a youth development programme with the mission of providing world-class football experience and competition for teenagers and young adults between ages of 16 and 19 years in the country.

“Our cardinal objectives among several others is to enable young people to benefit from participating in team sports and activities in a safe and structured environment,

to inspire youths, regardless of race, creed or national origin to practice the ideals of sportsmanship, scholarship and physical fitness,” Adakosa said. He assured stakeholders that NYLC will provide opportunity for the youths with the level of competitiveness and experience needed to play international professional football.

He added that the logistics for a successful championship were in place as well as comprehensive security for all the participating teams and match officials. The winner of the Super 8 will go home with a princely sum of N10 million, while the runners-up will receive N8 million and third placed N6 million.

Istanbul giants as well as finished as Goal King of the Turkish Super Lig. Now, chiefs at Galatasaray don’t

to let him go even after the season-long loan spell in Istanbul. They have been reported to be mull-

his contract with

This was the Victor Osimhen spectacular ‘bicycle kick’ against Antalyspor in October 2024 that won the Best Goal of the Season in Turkey’s 2024/2025 Super Lig.

Olawale Ajimotokan and Folalumi Alaran in Abuja

ToUR oF pRoJECTS FUnDED BY AFRiCAn DEVELopmEnT BAnK...

Eric Te NI o LA

We Are Victims of Past Intrigue Within The Military

General (rtd.) Jeremaih Timbut Useni (16 February 1943 – 23 January 2025) alias JERRY BOY, who answered the final call in Paris, France, was partly a fulfilled man.

The then Head of State, Major General (rtd.) Muhammadu Buhari (82) GCFR appointed him as the Governor of Bendel State (now Edo and Delta States) in January 1984. He was there between January 1984 – August 1985. On September 12, 1985, General Ibrahim Babangida (83) GCFR appointed him Minster of Transport and Aviation while General Sani Abacha appointed him Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) between 1993 and 1998. He narrowly missed being Head of State after General Sani Abacha GCFR (20 September 1943 – 8 June 1998) died on the night of June 7, 1998. That is twenty-seven years ago, this month. If General (rtd.) Jeremiah Useni had become the Head of State on June 8, the course of history would have changed. He is alleged to have been among the last persons along with Group Captain Emeka Omeruah (14 August 1943 – 4 December 2006) and who served as governor of Anambra State from 1985 to 1987 and as Minister for Information, Youth, Sport and Culture, to see General Sani Abacha, before he drove to the Guest House in THE VILLA where he died. Group Captain Omeruah (rtd.) was in THE VILLA that night for the financial approval of the budget for the 16th FIFA world cup edition held in France from June 10 to July 12, 1998.

Till today, General Sani Abacha’s passage is still full of mystery.

All that is known is that the Palestine Liberation Organisation, Leader, Yasser Arafat (August 1929- 11 November 2004), flew to Abuja on Sunday, June 7 and he invited General Sani Abacha to a meeting of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU) to hold in Ouagadougou, Burkina Fasso on Monday, June 8. The meeting was to decide on the internal crisis that rocked the OAU. In addition, President Blaise Compaore (74) of Burkina Fasso, was to take over the leadership of OAU from President Robert Mugabe of Zimbabwe on Monday June 8.

General Sani Abacha GCFR (20 September 1943 – 8 June 1998) declined to attend the meeting and instead, he instructed the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Alhaji Gidado Idris GCON (15 March 1935 – 15 December 2017), who was also the Head of THE CABINET Secretariat to summon a meeting of the Provisional Ruling Council (PRC) for that week.

Part of the schedule of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation at that time was also to serve as the Secretary to the National Council of States, Secretary to the Federal Executive Council, Secretary of the Provisional Ruling Council, Secretary of the Security Council and head of the staff of the then State House. THE VILLA at that time had no Permanent Secretary or Chief of Staff. It was under the office of the Principal Secretary to the head of State.

The Provisional Ruling Council (PRC) was summoned to decide on the report of General Victor Samuel Leonard Malu (rtd.) (15 January 1947 – 9 October 2017), who was then the Commander of the Lagos Garrison.

At that time, the following were members of the Provisional Ruling Council, General Abdusalam Abubakar GCFR, who was the Chief of Defence Staff and Rear Admiral Mike Okhai Akhigbe GCON, who was the chief of Naval Staff. Others were Air Vice-Marshal Adamu Musa Daggash (Commandant, Nigerian Defence

Academy, Kaduna), Chief of Army Staff - Maj. Gen. Ishaya Bamaiyi, Chief of Air Staff - Air Vice Marshall Nsikak Eduok, Rear Admiral Jubril Ayinla, Inspector General of Police Ibrahim Coomassie, Lt. Gen. Jeremiah Useni (Minister of the Federal Capital Territory) Commandant, Command and Staff College and Maj. Gen. John Inienger, Commandant, National War College, Abuja.

Others were Maj. Gen. Chris Abutu Garuba, Commandant, Nigeria Defence Academy Kaduna –Brigadier Gen. Bashir Magashi, Maj. Gen. Abdullahi Muktar - General Officer Commanding 1st Division at Kaduna, GOC 2nd Division (Ibadan) - Brig. Gen. Felix Mujakperuo, GOC 3rd Division (Jos) - Brig. Gen. Peter Shaa, GOC 82nd Division (Enugu) - Maj. Gen. Oladayo Popoola, Commander, Lagos Garrison - Maj. Gen. Victor Malu, Flag Officer commanding Western Naval Command – Rear Admiral Rufus Eyitayo, Flag Officer commanding Eastern Naval Command - Commodore Victor Ombu, Tactical Command (Benue) - Air Commodore Emmanuel Edem Training Command, Lagos Commander of Ecomog Forces - Air Vice Marshal G.Y. Kontagora, Representing Defence Headquarters, Lagos - Maj. Gen. Timothy Shelpidi Representing Defence HQ, Lagos - Air Commodore Ibrahim Musa, Representing Defence HQ, Lagos - Brig. Gen. Muftau Balogun, Representing Defence HQ, Lagos - Commodore Taiwo Odedina, Representing Defence HQ, Lagos - Naval Captain Anthony Oguguo, Representing Defence HQ, Lagos - Air Commodore Cannis Uwenwaliri, Brig. Gen. Patrick Aziza (Minister of Communications) and Lt. Gen. Mohammed B. Haladu. On Tuesday, April 28, 1998, General Malu’s Tribunal sentenced General Diya and others to death. Those sentenced to death were Lieutenant-General Oladipo Diya, former Vice Chairman, Provisional Ruling Council, and Chief of General Staff; Major General Abdulkareem Adisa, former Minister of Works and Housing; Major General Tajudeen Olanrewaju, former Minister of Communications; Major Seun Fadipe, Chief Security Officer to Diya; Colonel Olu Akiode, former Military Assistant to General Olanrewaju and a civil engineer, Bola Adebanjo, an associate of Diya. Four of the accused persons were convicted of “information gathering” and implication in the alleged coup plot, and sentenced to life imprisonment. They were Colonel Edwin Jando, Mr. Isaiah Adebowale, Mr.

Niran Malaolu (Editor of Diet Newspaper) and Mrs. Shola Soile.

Two of the accused persons were convicted of theft and sentenced to 14 years’ imprisonment: Lieutenant-Colonel I.E. Yakasai and Major Biliaminu Mohammed. Colonel Yakubu Bako was convicted for illegal importation of fire arms and was sentenced to 10 years imprisonment. Three were convicted of theft and handling of stolen goods. They were sentenced to various prison terms: Ojeniyi Adeola (two years), Michael Maidamino (five years) and Galadima Tanko (two years). The Tribunal acquitted 14 persons on unspecified charges: Major Yusuf Isiaku, Navy Captain B.A. Shoetan, Warrant Officer Coker Oladosu, Staff Sergeant Moses Eni, Corporal I. Kontagora, Corporal Eddy Egbunu, Bawa Machido, Omatimehin Abimbola, Halima Bawa (female who was never shackled), Eliyasu Mohammed, Professor Femi Odekunle, Chief Yomi Tokoya, Mr. Musa Adede (a businessman) and Ibrahim Moussa Orgar. Released uncharged on 20th April 1998: Colonel Daniel Akintonde, former Military Governor of Ogun State and Colonel Emmanuel Shoda.

In sentencing the officers, General Victor Malu said there was overwhelming evidence proving Diya had amassed a small army of loyal troops by the time his plot to overthrow the regime was discovered. Malu, dismissed Diya’s claims of innocence. “The findings of the Tribunal were that he presided over and actively participated in several meetings in which the coup was discussed.” Malu said.

Those sentenced pleaded not guilty and insisted that the General Malu’s report was biased.

All of them have since been pardoned by President Muhammadu Buhari GCFR (82) and their pardon has been published in the Federal Government Gazette including General Diya and Major General (rtd.) Tajudeen Olanrewaju alias Jasper.

When General Sani Abacha GCFR (20 September 1943 – 8 June 1998) summoned for the PRC meeting, it was to decide on the General Malu’s report, either to confirm or to reject the report. If the PRC had confirmed the report, the officers found guilty would have been executed that week. Fate intervened on the issue.

On Monday morning the members of the PRC that met on that Monday June 8 were simply told that General Abacha had died the previous night. There was confusion all around THE VILLA that Monday. Most civilians working in THE VILLA were not allowed to enter THE VLLA including members of THE CABINET secretariat who were to take the minutes of the PRC meeting.

Alhaji Gidado Idris had to intervene with the soldiers to allow his personal staff including me to be allowed in.

Hostile soldiers were at the gates leading to THE VILLA.

When the PRC finally met in the morning it was very brief. There were two meetings of the PRC that day—one in the morning, the other in the night. The morning meeting was interrupted by the Inspector General of Police, Ibrahim Coomassie (18 March 1942 – 19 July 2018) and General Bashir Salihi Maggashi (75) who both pleaded that General Sani Abacha should be allowed to be buried in Kano before the issue of successor be decided.

The members of the PRC then agreed to honour General Abacha GCFR by burying him in Kano before coming back to THE VILLA to select his successor.

From that moment the intense lobby to succeed General Sani Abacha began. Those in the know of things were never tired to conclude that if the first meeting of the

PRC had been concluded, General Useni would have been, maybe the Head of State. guil At that time there were three Lieutenant Generals in the Nigerian Army. They were Lieutenant General Donaldson Oladipo Oyeyinka Diya (rtd.) GCON (3 April 1944 - 26 March 2023), who was in chains, Lieutenant General Mohammed Balarabe Haladu and Lieutenant General Useni. General Haladu (1944 – 28 June 1998) was indisposed at that time and unfortunately, he died 20 days after General Abacha’s death.

After serving as Commandant of the Nigeria Defence Academy, General Haladu’s last posting was to the Ministry of Industry. A brilliant officer from Kano. General Haladu had his military training in Nigeria Military School, Zaria, Pakistan Military Academy and University College of Wales.

If we are to go by seniority, one of the Lieutenant Generals should have been selected as Head of State. Some will argue that at the time of General Abacha’s death, General Useni was holding a political appointment as FCT Minister. That appointment made it ineligible for him to be voted for, by the members of the Provisional Ruling Council as Head of State.

When I saw Major General (rtd.) Muftau Balogun who was a member of the Provisional Ruling Council at that time, last week at Ikoyi Club, he said he has put June 8, 1998 behind him and has allowed bygones to be bygones, “Eric don’t forget this happened twenty-seven years ago”. He has moved on, for in 2017, he was elected Chairman of Ikoyi Club.

The PRC meeting that was to decide on the fate of General Diya instead selected General Abdusalam Abubakar as the Head of State after burying General Abacha in Kano. Till today the Malu report was never approved or rejected. It was never considered.

If we are to believe the report of what happened that day, the then Chief of Army Staff, Lt-General Ishaya Bamaiya wrote in his book titled, “THE VINDICATION OF A GENERAL”, “General Abacha died in the early hours of 8 June 1998. His family decided he would not be given a military burial and had to be buried at night in Kano. Before leaving Abuja for Kano with the remains of General Abacha, I observed that some officers were not ready to go to Kano for the burial. At the Airport, I had to order Marwa to go into the aircraft to proceed to Kano. At that time, I had already given orders to Lt Colonel Mana Co81Bn Keffi to ensure no officer took any step against the government; he was not to take orders from anyone but me. He was ordered to deal with anyone who made any move to take over the government while we were in Kano.

We returned from Kano and went into the Chambers to decide who would become the Commander in Chief. While in Kano, some senior officers had decided the Chief of Army Staff would take over the government. I had never been interested in any political office, had avoided so far, and had no intention of taking up the position of Commander in Chief. I made this clear to the to the senior officers who insisted I should take over, including Generals Victor Samuel Leonard Malu, Bashir Salihi Magashi and Patrick Aziza. I was also aware of some junior officers who were against my taking over as Commander in Chief because they knew I would not tolerate them in service.

The problem I had convincing the senior officers to allow General A.A. Abubakar to take over.

Useni

L-R: Wife of President of Africa Development Bank (AfDB), Grace Adesina; President of AfDB, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, and President of Tanzania, Samia Suluhu Hassan, during a tour of transport projects funded by AfDB in Dodoma, Tanzania…recently