FRIDAY 2ND AUGUST 2024

Glencore’s Billionaire Ex-oil Head Accused of Bribing

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

FG Officials Charged with Corruption in UK

The billionaire former head of oil at Glencore Plc, Alex Beard, has been charged with corruption by the UK’s top fraud agency, alongside four other ex-employees from the commodities trader. Beard, 56, who was one of Glencore’s top executives for more than a decade before his departure in 2019, is the highest profile individual to be charged in a sweeping series of investigations

into corruption and market manipulation at the company – and one of the most senior commodity traders ever to be charged with wrongdoing.

The UK’s Serious Fraud Office (SFO) accused Beard of conspiring

to make corrupt payments to benefit Glencore’s oil operations in Nigeria and other West African Countries. Specifically, the agency alleges that he conspired to make the payments to government officials and employees of state owned oil firms in Nigeria between 2010 and 2014, and Cameroon between 2007 and 2014.

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Review Your Strangulating Policies Now, PDP Advises FG

Laments life in Nigeria unbearable Urges President Tinubu to address nation, announce major policy reviews

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has charged the federal government under the All Progressives Congress (APC) to immediately review its anti-people policies that are suffocating the people and making life unbearable. PDP, in a statement by its

National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, PDP said the nationwide protest by Nigerians would not have come if the APC government had dropped its arrogance and insensitivity, and shown sincere commitment to the citizens by taking steps to address the current hardship occasioned by its ill-implemented polices.

PDP urged Nigerians to recall that it had on several occasions offered advice to the APC government on the state of the economy, the most recent being PDP's statement on June

6, wherein it urged that “President Tinubu should listen to the heartbeat of Nigerians. There is hunger and

Continued on page 5

Protests Turn Violent as 16 Die in Borno, 6 in Niger on Day One

South largely peaceful Tinubu meets Wike on FCT situation

Looting dents exercise Kano, Borno, Yobe declare curfew How Sanwo-Olu’s last minute broadcast saved day in Lagos NBA offers free legal support to protesters IG tasks officers on professionalism, threatens to deal with peddlers of fake news We’ll remain on the streets until FG yields to our demands, protests organisers declare, CPPE calls for suspension of action See story on pages 12, 27, 28

Coca-Cola, NBC Risk Fines over Alleged Breaches of Consumer Rights Law

James Emejo in Abuja

Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission, yesterday, said it will impose appropriate penalties in due course against Coca-Cola Nigeria Limited and Nigerian Bottling Company Limited (NBC) over alleged violations of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA) 2018.

with respect to transparency and clear disclosure obligations to their product patrons.

The FCCPC management, in a statement, said it was convinced, based on evidence, that Coca-Cola and NBC on multiple occasions and counts violated, and remained in violation of FCCPA, particularly

87 Legal Practitioners Make Final SAN List for 2024

Eighty Seven applicants yesterday emerged successful for the award of the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), for year 2024. They were found worthy to be conferred with the prestigious SAN rank by the Legal Practitioners Privilege Committee (LPPC).

“The Legal Practitioners’ Privileges Committee (LPPC) under the Chairmanship of His Lordship, the Hon. Chief Justice of Nigeria, Honourable Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, at its 164th Plenary session held today August 1, 2024, has approved the elevation of 87 Legal Practitioners to the Inner Bar”, a statement from the LPPC released to journalists read.

The statement signed by the Chief Registrar of the Supreme Court and Secretary of the LPPC, Mrs Hajo Sarkin Bello, explained that the SAN rank is awarded as a mark of excellence to members of the legal profession who have distinguished themselves as

advocates and academics.

Meanwhile, Bello stated that the meeting further considered five different petitions written against some of the applicants and determined that each of the petition lacked merit and thus dismissed.

“The swearing in ceremony of the 87 successful applicants is scheduled to take place on September 30, 2024”, she added.

Recall that the LPPC had on July 2, shortlisted 98 lawyers for the conferment of the rank of SAN for the year 2024.

Out of the 98 shortlisted applicants, 87 were advocates while the remaining 11 were academic.

However, only one, Prof Gamu Oke Aseyemi made the final list from the academic line and 86 of the advocates except one was not successful.

Among those in the advocate category are; Lateef Olaseinde Karim; Godwin Tagbo Ike; Johnson Odionu; Nnodim Marcellinus Duru and Innocent Adams Ovbagbedia.

It stated that the companies described their Coca-Cola “Original Taste, Less Sugar” variant as one and the same, as well as unchanged, "When in actual fact, same had, indeed, changed, was different, differently formulated and not the same as their otherwise classic, or Original Taste.

“One of the parties also attempted to, or misled the commission under Section 112 of the FCCPA."

The commission said it opened a formal investigation against the companies between June 2019 and December 2020, as well as engaged repeatedly, seeking and securing vast internal documents and production logs to determine the veracity or otherwise of allegations that were subject of investigation or explanations provided by Coca-Cola and NBC.

Specifically, the commission said it found misleading trade descriptions under Section 116 FCCPA by continuing to mislead consumers to believing Coca-Cola Original Taste was not materially different from Coca-Cola Original Taste “Less Sugar”.

The consumer rights protection commission further highlighted unfair marketing tactics, "Contrary to Section 124(1)(a) of the FCCPA, Coca-Cola Nigeria markets Coca-Cola Original Taste Less Sugar in packaging first, indistinguishable, and now not sufficiently distinguishable from Coca-Cola Original Taste, contrary to Sections 123(1)(a), (b), and (c) of the FCCPA."

GLENCORE’S BILLIONAIRE EX-OIL HEAD ACCUSED OF BRIBING NNPC, FG OFFICIALS CHARGED WITH CORRUPTION IN UK

the disclosure in Abuja during the ministerial sectoral update for the present administration.

He said the resolution was reached after the federal government entered a settlement agreement with the firm.

In Nigeria alone, the department said Glencore and its subsidiaries paid more than $52 million to the intermediaries, intending that those funds be used, at least in part, to pay bribes to Nigerian officials.

In the same month, Glencore agreed to pay about $1.5 billion in total to resolve investigations in the US, United Kingdom and Brazil — of which $1.06 billion was payable to agencies in the US and Brazil.

Yesterday, Bloomberg reported that also facing criminal prosecution was Andy Gibson, 64, Glencore’s ex-head of oil operations and for years Beard’s second in command.

The SFO charged him with four conspiracies of making corrupt payments in Nigeria and Cameroon between 2007 and 2014, and Ivory Coast between 2007 and 2010. He was also alleged to have conspired to falsify invoices between 2007 and 2011.

Additionally, Paul Hopkirk, Ramon Labiaga and Martin

destitution in the land. The reaction of a hungry people is better imagined!

Mr. President, please, act now”.

Ologunagba stated, "Sadly, these counsels did not receive the expected consideration, resulting in the current situation.

"It is alarming that instead of engaging Nigerians and addressing their concerns, the APC allegedly recruited hoodlums to instigate violence so as to justify a clampdown and killing of innocent Nigerians.

"The APC is completely insensitive to the fact that more than 120 million

Wakefield, former Glencore employees involved in trading West African oil, stood accused of conspiring to make corrupt payments to government officials and employees at state owned oil companies in Nigeria, Ivory Coast and Cameroon.

Wakefield was separately charged with one conspiracy to falsify documents between 2007 and 2011.

All the men are scheduled to appear at Westminster Magistrates Court in London on September 10. Peter Binning, a lawyer for Beard, declined to comment. Lawyers for the other four men didn’t immediately respond to requests for comment.

“Today’s action is an important step toward exposing overseas corruption and holding those who are responsible to account,” Nick Ephgrave, Director of the Serious Fraud Office, said yesterday . Glencore in 2022 pleaded guilty to corruption and market manipulation cases in the US and UK, admitting that it had paid bribes to win business in eight countries from Brazil to South Sudan and paying about $1.5 billion to resolve the investigations against it.

“Glencore cooperated with

Nigerians have become destitute and can no longer afford their daily meals and other basic necessities of life, as poverty rate soars to over 40 per cent because of the policies of the APC administration.

"As stated by the PDP on several occasions, any people-oriented government ought to have been wary of the suffocating effect of the hasty and ill-implemented twin policies of abrupt increase in the price of petroleum products and arbitrary floating of the Naira without due cushioning measures to ensure the

It said, "Further, Coca-Cola and NBC after regulatory intervention still failed to take appropriate steps to modify misleading behaviour, demonstrating that the companies acted intentionally by misrepresenting Coca-Cola Original Taste Less Sugar as Coca-Cola Original Taste in a deliberate business strategy.

"NBC used identical packaging for both Zero Sugar and its 50:50 variant of Limca Lime- Lemon flavoured drink, misleading consumers and violating Sections 17(g), 116(1) & (2), and 123 of the FCCPA and Section 2(a) of

the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control Act 2004.

"The commission found NBC applied deceptive trade descriptions to the two variants and supply these products to consumers, violating Section 116 (3) of the FCCPA.

"The commission has reserved the question of Abuse of Dominance and quantum of the penalty appropriate under the FCCPA and Administrative Penalties Regulation 2020 (APR) for further regulatory action, and same will be imposed in due course."

FG, NSIA to Set Up Funding Guarantee Facility to Bridge Infrastructure Financing Gap

Ndubuisi Francis in Abuja

The federal government and the Nigerian Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA), mangers of the Sovereign Wealth Fund (SWF), have proposed the establishment of a Nigeria Infrastructure Finance and Guarantee Facility (NIFF), a dedicated provider of credit and guarantees for local infrastructure projects.

The proposed NIFF seeks to bridge the infrastructure financing gap by providing a stable source of funding and guarantees for critical projects.

The move to set up the NIFF was considered when the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the

Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, met with a visiting delegation from the NSIA to discuss innovative solutions towards addressing Nigeria's infrastructure financing gap.

A statement issued last night by Director, Information and Public Relations, Ministry of Finance, Mohammed Manga, said the NSIA delegation, led by its Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Aminu Umar-Sadiq, comprised Executive Director and Chief Investment Officer, Mr. Kola Owodunni; Financial Controller, Mr. Victor Sesere; Partner at PwC, Mr. Tolu Adeleke; and Senior Assistant at PwC, Ms. Olumorin Motunrayo. The statement said, "The

meeting, which was held today (, yewterdau, August 1) in his office in Abuja, proposed the establishment of a Nigeria Infrastructure Finance and Guarantee Facility (NIFF), a dedicated provider of credit and guarantees for local infrastructure projects.

"The proposed NIFF aims to bridge the infrastructure financing gap by providing a stable source of funding and guarantees for critical projects.

“This strategic partnership between the federal government and NSIA demonstrates a commitment to driving economic growth and development through innovative financing solutions.”

PSC Elevates 7,194 Inspectors to Asst Superintendents of Police II

the SFO in its investigation into this past conduct and resolved its SFO investigation in 2022,” a Glencore spokesperson said, noting the charges.

Until his departure from Glencore in 2019, Beard was part of the inner circle of former chief executive Ivan Glasenberg as one of a dozen department heads who made up Glencore’s management board.

After working at BP Plc, he joined in 1995, becoming head of oil in 2007 and was known for his acumen trading Russian oil. When the company listed in London in 2011 he was revealed to be one of its largest shareholders with a stake worth $2.8 billion.

After leaving Glencore he started an investment company, Adaptogen Capital, to invest in large-scale batteries connected to the UK grid. He has been a major donor to Christ Church college at Oxford University and a trustee of Shakespeare’s Globe theatre in London. His net worth was estimated at £1.2 billion in the latest Sunday Times Rich List.

Beard’s role at Adaptogen Capital ended on July 12, according to a filing at Companies House. The firm said it had no comment on the situation at the time.

wellbeing of the people."

PDP alleged that the thoughtless policies of the APC administration were responsible for the crippling of the productive sector, with the crashing of the naira to over N1,500 to the dollar, and soaring fuel prices to over N1,000 per litre. It the rising prices had triggered high cost of goods and services, with over 34 per cent inflation rate, over 40 per cent unemployment rate, closure of millions of businesses, and mass exodus of major multi-national companies from the country.

Ikechukwu Aleke in Abuja

The Police Service Commission (PSC) yesterday approved the promotion of seven thousand, one hundred and ninetyfour Inspectors of Police to the next rank of Assistant Superintendents of Police, (ASP II).

The commission also said the benefiting officers were products of the recently concluded Inspectors Board interview which took place in all the Police Zonal Command Headquarters in the country.

A statement by Head, Press and Public Relations, Ikechukwu Ani, noted the chairman of the commission, DIG Hashimu Argungu rtd, reminded the newly promoted officers that their new ranks impose on them a burden of greater commitment to national duty.

Argungu also said their promotion came at the right time when they are expected to be properly motivated to put in their best in the service of their fatherland. He noted that Nigeria is currently undergoing

PDP said, "The APC has plunged Nigeria into a humanitarian crisis, where millions of citizens are literarily starving and dying of hunger. Sadly, today, a bag of rice sells for over N85,000; a bag of beans goes for N150,000; a measure of garri now sells for N1,500, while a measure of cooking oil, which sold for N1,200, now sells for N12,000, with prices of all food items increasing daily.

"More provocative is that while Nigerians are crying for food, the APC officials in government are busy looting the national treasury to

some positive restructuring which may have come with temporary discomfort and peoples' anger.

Calling on the officers to join hands in ensuring that the nation's nascent democracy is preserved, the chairman promised that the commission will continue to ensure that promotions in the Nigeria Police Force is timely and predictable.

He stressed that this gesture should not be taken for granted as the officers must reciprocate by conducting themselves within established laws and ensuring that banditry and terrorism are eliminated.

Argungu said the newly promoted officers are Ejiogu Eunice, Tiedei Deizigha, Falade Kayode, Agorua Chinedu, Noel Atuwa, Simon Oguche, Mohammed Maikuma, Somalia Maisamari, A'aron Gama'Àiki and Adesina Bosede.

Others, he said are Otoboh Theophilus, Olaifa Idowu, Abdullahi Yari, Labaran Musa, Benedict Mamman and Gaiyu Sharafa, adding that Inspectors Maureen Odogie, Oboh Samuel George, Anthony Oliver, Amos

fund their luxury appetite, including acquisition of luxury jets, expensive holidays abroad, renovation of official residential mansions, and other profligacies, without regard to the feeling and the pains of majority of Nigerians.

"Also disturbing is the scandalous revelation that the APC administration is secretly paying a whopping N5.4 trillion as fuel subsidy for 2024 even after the president announced an end to fuel subsidy.

"What Nigerians expect at this time is for President Bola Ahmed

Noku, Justin Boniface, Cleopas Kosulo and Daniel Eneche were also promoted to the next rank. He said that the commission's approval has been conveyed to the Inspector General of Police, Olukayode Egbetokun for implementation.

Meanwhile, the Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, reassured police personnel across board of improved welfare package. A statement by Force Spokesperson ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi said the current promotion by PSC followed IGP's recommendation.

Egbetokun charged the newly promoted officers to put their acquired experience to maximum use in line with the modern standards of policing and discharge their duties in accordance with the provisions of the law.

While congratulating the affected officers, the IGP reiterated the commitment of the force under his leadership to improve welfare for officers and men of the force, and ensuring promotions are timely and merit based.

Tinubu to personally address the nation, announce major policy reviews, and order investigation into the alleged looting of subsidy and palliative funds.

"Mr. President should also review all luxury items and purchases in the APC government and channel the resources for immediate intervention in the provision of food and other essential commodities to Nigerians." PDP called on Nigerians to remain peaceful and law-abiding in the pursuit of good governance in the country.

COURTESY VISIT OF MANAGEMENT TEAM TO GOVERNOR SANWO-OLU...

OPEC and Allies Keep Oil Output Policy

Unchanged, Nigeria Struggles to Meet Quota

Crude prices rise on risk of broader Middle East conflict

A meeting of top ministers of the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries and its allies known as (OPEC+) yesterday kept oil output policy unchanged.

This included a plan to start unwinding one layer of output

cuts from October, but the oil cartel repeated that the hike could be paused or reversed if needed. The OPEC ministers and allies led by Russia, or OPEC+ as the group is known, held an online joint ministerial monitoring committee meeting (JMMC).

OPEC+'s policy as agreed in

June called for some members to gradually phase out cuts of 2.2 million barrels per day from October 2024 to September 2025. The group also agreed to extend earlier cuts of 3.66 million bpd until end-2025.

However, although it currently has a monthly production quota of 1.58 million barrels per day, Nigeria

has for over four years been unable to meet its allocation.

After a low of 900,000 bpd in 2022, the country has struggled to raise output slowly, hitting 1.28 million bpd in April, 1.25 million bpd in May and 1.27 million bpd in June.

The country blames massive oil theft, pipeline vandalism as well as years

Report Highlights Human Rights, Environment Abuses in Nigeria's Extractive Industry

Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja

A study conducted by the Leadership Initiative for Transformation and Empowerment (LITE-Africa) has identified human rights abuses, child labour practices and environmental violations as major issues generating conflicts in Nigeria's extractive industry.

Years of operations in the extractive industry have resulted in many environmental and social abuses including gas flaring, oil spillages, erosion, and significant negative impacts on the livelihoods of people within the radius of exploration and extraction.

Mining companies have been accused of complicity in human rights abuses in Nigeria. Illegal mining and oil bunkering (oil theft) is widespread in Nigeria. It comes with its attendant problems of environmental degradation, child labour and other human rights abuse.

The study focused on eight local government areas in Abia, Awka-Ibom, Bauchi, Gombe, Kaduna, Lagos, Rivers and Zamfara States.

The project was sponsored by DCAF – Geneva Centre for Security

Sector Governance, UK Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office jointly with the Peace and Human Rights Division of the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs through the DCAF Security and Human Rights Mechanism (SHRIM).

LITE-Africa said it also partnered with the Nigeria Working Group (NWG) on Voluntary Principles on Security and Human Rights (VPSHR) and National Human Rights Commission in carrying study meant to assess risks, challenges and gaps in the respect for the security and human rights of communities in the Northern and Southern regions of Nigeria, by mining, oil and gas operators.

Speaking at the presentation of the report in Abuja on Thursday, the Manager Administration, Tolu Oyero who represented the Executive Director, said that the regional baseline study report provided a contextual analysis of the challenges, limitations, and drivers of human rights violations.

For the northern region, we carried the study in Bauchi, Gombe, Kaduna and Zamfara states while in the South it was conducted in Lagos, Abia, Akwa

Ibom and Rivers states.

Speaking on the findings of the group, he said: "One common thing in mining in the North, is that there is preponderance of under aged labour mainly due to the lure of money being paid by operators and there is little or no safety equipment available for them.

"If you see some them, their skin is in a pitiable form. Also, there is a lot of environmental violations. When they finish mining, the sites are not remediated.

"The mining sites are abandoned and thus posing dangers to life of the people living in the areas.

"For instance, in some states like Kaduna and Zamfara, the companies that operated there relocated the communities from ancestral lands because of the solid mineral deposits there but the places they took them to were not enough to accommodate them."

Oyero said that another bad practice observed during the study was in Bauchi State where a foreign company acts as of off taker of the proceeds from the mining activities, but preferred to keep a distance to

avoid being held accountable for violations and conflicts generated during the mining operation.

"The companies clearly avoids any avenue of the aggrieved communities holding them directly accountable for infractions by using the local people as middlemen. So, they let the people fight and destroy themselves in these mining communities.

"In the oil and gas being drilled in the southern part of the Nigeria, the major violations were oil spillages and pollution that has to do with gas flaring. Rivers State has more of such incidents," he said.

He said that report also captured data on key stakeholders and highlighted security and human rights issues in the mining, oil and gas sectors in the northern and southern parts of Nigeria respectively.

According to Oyero, the findings have resulted in targeted sectoral recommendations useful for policy makers and other critical stakeholders to advance human rights agenda, enhance business and human right issues, and further aid regional implementation of the Voluntary Principles Initiative in Nigeria.

Climate Change: 90,000 Kwara Farmers Get

Hammed Shittu in Ilorin

About 9,000 local farmers in Kwara State have benefited from 90,000 free seedlings in order to improve environment, food nutrients, erosion control and income generation in the state. The Team Lead of One Acre Fund, a non-government organization, Mr. Alfred Adzoyi, stated this in Jebba Town in Moro

Local Government Area of the state. He said the project was also targeted at boosting income of small holder farmers in the state.

The Team Lead of the group who said that 27 trees were given to each of the farmers added the project would help protect environment and combat climate change, diversify income of farmers and improve soil fertility.

"Benefits of the trees include

the fact it grows quickly, leaves can be used as fodder; can be used for erosion control of soil, fixes nitrogen in soil, improving soil fertility.

"Soil is improved if dropped; leaves are left to decompose; Shade for house and boundary marker. Provides nutrients for food. Fixes nitrogen in soil, improving soil fertility. Seeds can be sold to generate income.

of underinvestment for the challenge.

In a statement after yesterday’s meeting, OPEC+ said the members making the 2.2 million bpd of voluntary cuts "reiterated that the gradual phase-out of the voluntary reduction of oil production could be paused or reversed," depending on market conditions.

Oil prices had fallen from a 2024 high above $92 a barrel in April to below $82, pressured by concern about the strength of demand but finding support this week from increasing tensions in the Middle East.

Thursday's meeting also noted assurances from Iraq, Kazakhstan and Russia made during the meeting to achieve full conformity with pledged output cuts, the statement said. Those countries had earlier delivered plans to compensate for past overproduction.

“The JMMC reviewed the crude oil production data for the months of May and June 2024 and noted the high overall conformity for participating OPEC and non-OPEC countries of the Declaration of Cooperation (DoC).

“The committee noted the Republic of Iraq, the Republic of Kazakhstan, and the Russian Federation assurance during the meeting to achieve full conformity and welcomed the recent submission of their compensation plans for the overproduced volumes since Jan 2024 to the OPEC secretariat.

“During today's meeting (Thursday), the member countries that participated in the June 2nd, 2024 meeting in Riyadh along with Oman, reiterated that the gradual phase-out of the voluntary reduction of oil production could be paused or reversed, depending on prevailing market conditions.

“These countries had announced the extension of the voluntary reduction of oil production by 2.2

260,000 Free Tree

"Provides shade for crops. Has medicinal properties. Leaves and pods can be used as livestock feed. Drought resistant".

Adzoyi said that One Acre Fund commenced operations in Kwara State six years ago, adding that the organization started in Niger State and planned to take the tree planting campaign to Nasarawa State.

"We're only working with the small holder farmers alone by

giving free tree seedlings to the farmers free of charge as each of the farmers are given 27 free tree seedlings," he added.

Also speaking, Director of Forestry in the Ministry of Environment, Mr. Babatunde Idris, said that the programme would help complement efforts of Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq on environment.

million barrels per day until the end of September 2024 and outlined plans for this reduction to be gradually phased out on a monthly basis until the end of September 2025.

“The committee will continue to monitor the conformity of the production adjustments decided at the 37th ONOMM held on June 2, 2024, including the additional voluntary production adjustments announced by some participating OPEC and non-OPEC countries and will continue to closely assess market conditions,” the statement following the online meeting stressed.

The next meeting of the JMMC (56th) is scheduled for October 2, 2024.

The JMMC, which groups the oil ministers of Saudi Arabia, Russia and other leading producers, usually meets every two months and can make recommendations to the wider OPEC+ group.

Meanwhile, oil prices extended gains on Thursday after the killing of a Hamas leader in Iran raised the threat of a wider Middle East conflict and concern over its impact on oil. Earlier, global benchmark Brent crude futures rose 71 cents, or 0.9 per cent, to $81.55 a barrel. US West Texas Intermediate crude gained 72 cents, also 0.9 per cent, to $78.63.

The most active contracts on both benchmarks jumped about 4 per cent in the previous session, Reuters reported.

Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh was killed in the Iranian capital Tehran on Wednesday. With Israel's killing less than 24 hours earlier of Hezbollah's most senior military commander in Beirut, concerns rose that the 10-month war in Gaza between Israel and Hamas was turning into wider conflict that could disrupt oil supply from the region.

Seedlings

He also said that the programme was capable of boosting small holder farmers to be self-sufficient in terms of financial capabilities. Some beneficiaries of the project, Hajia Funmilayo Lawal and Musa Salau, as well as a community leader in the area, Chief Bello Samuel, praised the organizers for choosing their community for the event, saying that the project would impact well on their environment and their finances.

AWARD FOR NBA PRESIDENT...

House C’ttee Directs NNPC to Halt Crude-forloan Plan, Insists Policy Depleting Revenue

Some lawmakers say call for sack of Kyari, Farouk premature

Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja

The xs.

The special joint committee in a statement issued Thursday and signed by the Chairman, House Committee on Petroleum Resources Downstream, Hon. Ikenga Ugochinyere, urged the NNPCL not to undermine the forensic investigation.

The joint committee described the said fresh loan as a major threat to President Bola Tinubu's efforts to ensure local refineries have crude oil for their refining processes.

The directive of the joint committee was sequel to a reported plan by NNPCL to borrow additional $2 billion in crude oil-backed loans from international creditors to boost its financial inflow.

The Group Chief Executive Officer of the NNPCL, Mele Kyari, reportedly stated that the national oil company was in discussions with international creditors to raise an oil-backed credit facility in order to pay international oil traders a backlog of $6 billion amid subsidy removal.

The committee warned that this move, if allowed, would further worsen the situation of things, starve the refineries of feedstock, weaken revenue generation and create room for waste of future

Chucks Okocha in Abuja and Sunday Ehigiator in Lagos

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar yesterday denounced the recent #IgboMustGo campaign on social media, calling for the forced relocation of Igbo people from Lagos and other Southwest states from August 20 to 30, 2024.

Lagospedia in a continued rhetoric for the exit of Igbos in Lagos state and other Southwest states yesterday posted on its X handle that: “Lagosians and every S’West stakeholders should prepare for massive protest of #IgboMustGo from August 20

revenue.

Ugochinyere said the committee was already looking into the impact of past forward sales of crude, allegations of non-remittance of any part of the revenue to the federation account, unhealthy terms in the agreement and the effects of the deals on availability of crude for local refineries.

He said: "We want to bring to our notice today a shocking development and alleged move by the leadership of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) to mortgage once again our future crude oil assets and revenues for alleged mere administrative purposes.

“As the Chairmen of the Joint Investigative Committees on Petroleum Resources Midstream and Downstream, it' is our duty to act in the best interest of the citizens and ensure that the downstream and midstream sectors are protected from any decision that will further worsen the problems currently bedeviling the sectors.

“This move, if allowed will destroy things, starve the refineries, waste future revenue. We have ongoing investigation into past forward sales and allegation of non-remittance to federation account and non-availability of crude to domestic refinery.

“And now the citizens were

to 30.”

“They have one month from now to leave and relocate their businesses from all Southwest states. We urge all Yorubas living in the S’East to return home,” the online social media handle added.

But reacting to the statement, Atiku in a signed statement on his X account, described the rhetoric as "deeply troubling" and "fundamentally opposed" to Nigeria's principles of unity and coexistence.

“The recent call on X (formerly Twitter) for a protest under the hashtag #IgboMustGo, demanding the forced relocation

excited on the recent news of president Tinubu intervention for crude supply to local refinery in Naira and the committee has received intel of plans to mortgage

future crude revenue and oil for another loan at a time the nation is struggling.

“This is preemptive of the committee’s work and the

committee wants to announce its halt of this fresh move and for the state oil company to brief the parliament.”

The joint committee added that

the revenue being mortgaged are sovereign wealth of the people and the parliament has a duty as the watchdog of the commonwealth to step in.

FERMA: 286 Projects Completed, 22,800 Jobs Created in 12 Months

The Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) yesterday said it had executed 286 projects in the last 12 months, mostly under its current Managing Director, Chukwuemeka Agbasi.

In a statement by the Director of Information, Maryam Sanusi, the interventionist agency stressed that the various strategic initiatives were part of the agency’s efforts to support President Bola Tinubu‘s vision of a more connected and prosperous Nigeria.

“Under the leadership of the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Agbasi, FERMA has completed 286 capital, recurrent, and direct labour projects across the six geopolitical zones.

“Approximately 22,800 direct and

of Igbo people from Lagos and other Southwest states, is deeply troubling and fundamentally opposed to the principles of unity and coexistence that define our nation.

“Such rhetoric is not only divisive but also endangers our peace and security, as our Constitution guarantees every Nigerian the right to live and work freely anywhere in the country.

“History has shown us the consequences of allowing hatred and bigotry to fester, as seen in Rwanda. What began with inflammatory rhetoric led to devastating outcomes. We must

indirect jobs were created which has improved the quality of lives of the benefiting youths along the road corridors and communities where the agency worked,” the statement added.

The projects, from August 2023 till date, FERMA said, fall within the scope of its mandate and aim to enhance the economic wellbeing of Nigerians, promote their interests locally and internationally, and ensure safer driving experiences for all Nigerians.

"Our primary goal is to maintain and improve the quality of federal roads across Nigeria, thereby contributing to national development and economic growth. We are dedicated to supporting President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda by delivering on our mandate effectively and transparently," Agbasi was quoted

learn from these lessons and act decisively.

“I call on the Nigerian government and relevant authorities to take immediate and strong action against those inciting such hatred and division. It is imperative to investigate, arrest, and prosecute individuals promoting ethnic discrimination and violence.

“The rule of law must prevail, and those found guilty of incitement should face the full extent of legal consequences,” he noted.

Atiku argued that Nigeria's strength lies in its diversity, and that the country must resist any

as saying.

The scope of work includes: Patching of potholes to ensure smoother and safer driving experiences, pavement strengthening to extend their lifespan and improve their load-bearing capacity, repairs of failed sections of roads that had deteriorated to restore their functionality as well as limited rehabilitation works to improve road conditions.

Also, it said that bridge and culvert construction to enhance connectivity and prevent flooding and general and regular maintenance to keep roads in optimal condition were carried out.

“These projects reflect the agency’s commitment to supporting the President's agenda by improving the nation’s infrastructure, thereby fostering economic growth and

development.

“We urge all Nigerians to be patient and support the present administration’s efforts in the road sector development. FERMA remains dedicated to transparency and accountability in all our operations, and we will continue to update the public on our progress, aspirations and challenges,” the statement added. Meanwhile, FERMA has said it commenced ‘Operation Free our Roads’ initiative nationwide, a joint initiative between the Federal Ministry of Works and FERMA as part of government’s efforts to fix the roads, especially during the rainy season.

The projects executed under the different interventions of the agency’s programmes, according to the Managing Director, cut across the six geopolitical zones.

Says It’s Troubling

efforts to sow discord among its people.

“Lagos and the Southwest have long been melting pots of cultures where individuals from various backgrounds contribute to our collective growth and development.

The Igbo community, along with all other ethnic groups, is an integral part of this vibrant mosaic.

“I urge all Nigerians to stand united against this divisive rhetoric and to champion unity, tolerance, and understanding. Our future depends on our ability to live and work together harmoniously.

“The government and security agencies must act swiftly to protect this fundamental principle and ensure that every Nigerian can live free from fear of discrimination or persecution,” he added. He explained that it was alarming that five days after the threat emerged, there had been a troubling silence, stressing that immediate action to arrest, investigate, and prosecute those behind the agenda was crucial.

“This will serve as a deterrent to others who might consider pursuing similar paths that threaten our national security,” he pointed out.

COURTESY VISIT TO RURAL

AGENCY OFFICE IN ABUJA...

Food Security: Sanwo-Olu Urges Agro, Food Processing Companies to Crash Prices

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Thursday, urged agro and food processing companies to work towards reducing their prices during this time of economic hardship as a way of giving back to the society and ensuring food security in Nigeria.

Sanwo-Olu said Nigerians were currently going through tough times, and private organisations, particularly, agro and food processing companies, should think people’s survival and sustainability above profitability at this crucial period

in Nigeria.

The governor spoke during a courtesy visit by the senior management team of Olam Agric Nigeria, led by its Managing Director/CEO, Mr. Anil Nasir, at Lagos House, Marina. Sanwo-Olu stressed the need for food security and support from every well-meaning individual and organisation. He said his administration had done a lot through several intervention programmes to cushion the economic hardship on residents of Lagos State,

adding that he would do more to continue to provide succour for the people.

He said, "Agro and food processing is a critical industry because food security and food systems are as critical as people trying to safeguard either medical security or even sovereign security in times of war. There is no better security these days than food.

“Today, being the first day of August, you can see agitation in some streets in Nigeria as a result of hunger. You (Olam Agric) are in

a strategic position, and you have that structure and that capacity.

“At a difficult time like this, it shouldn't be only the government reducing costs and providing avenues for people to buy things at a reduced price.

"You must be able to tell your shareholders that you have been in this environment for such a long time, and today it should not be about profit-making. Let us go into this market and just cover our costs and let us pass on. Let the people feel the critical support.

Oluremi Tinubu Awards Scholarships to 200 University Students

FG gives bursary to 4,000 other undergraduates

Deji Elumoye in Abuja

The Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), a brainchild of the wife of the President, Senator Oluremi Tinubu yesterday unveiled 200 beneficiaries of the AUDA-NEPAD/ African School of Economics/ RHI Scholarships.

The 200 students in various fields are to commence their academic career at the African School of Economics, an affiliate of Priston University, USA with the scholarship.

"I want you to take this message back. The private sector needs to know that there are times when it does not have to be about value to the shareholders because of food security and the logistics nightmare that is happening everywhere due to the economic challenge.

“We are all joint stakeholders, and we need to slow down on shareholder returns. We need to be alive today to be able to make a profit tomorrow.”

Speaking earlier, Nair commended Sanwo-Olu for his leadership in Lagos State in the last five years, especially in the areas of security and making the state safe for foreign and local investments.

He sought more partnerships with the Lagos State government in the agriculture and food sectors, saying his company is ready to invest more in the state.

Nigeria, Lion Tolulope Ayodeji Senbanjo, as well as District Governor of Rotary International, District 9112, Rotarian Olufemi Adenekan, and District Governor of Rotary International, District 9111, Rotarian Oluwole Kukoyi, who paid him courtesy visits at Lagos House, Marina.

“The administration of President Bola Tinubu has done so much in the education sector. The recent zero interest student’s loans scheme, bursary and scholarship awards to students and various education infrastructure development projects, are all geared towards providing unhindered access to education for every Nigerian student.

“Last year, the RHI under its National Scholarship Programme (RHI-NASP)gave scholarships to the tune of N1,000,000 per annum for four years and a brand new laptop to students in Nigerian tertiary institutions. This is to assist the students with tuition fees, books,

At the unveiling, held at the Banquet Hall of the State House Abuja, the first lady stressed that the administration of President Bola Tinubu will continue to prioritise education as evident in the various policies and programmes it is implementing in the sector.

and other educational expenses. The second tranche of payment for the beneficiaries is due in September, 2024,” she said.

She explained that she had consistently emphasised the education and empowerment of the Nigerian girl-child, who were culturally and traditionally excluded, to a great extent, than her male counterpart, from receiving comprehensive formal education.

This, she said, has brought about the need for the establishment of Alternative High School For Girls across the country.

Also speaking, Education Minister, Prof Tahir Mamman who corroborated Mrs Tinubu's position described the first lady as

an education champion. He said: "Your commitment and drive in the education sector is highly appreciated and as the ,inistry, we are also supporting this drive with an additional 4,000 bursary grants for tertiary education students in the country”.

In her remarks, the Chief Executive of AUDA-NEPAD in Nigeria, Gloria Akobundu pointed out that the beneficiaries were set to receive qualitative education from within and outside Nigeria.

On her part, the Finnish Ambassador to Nigeria, Leena Pylvanainen, expressed the readiness of her country to explore more partnerships with the RHI in the area of Education.

Two Power Towers Collapse along Ahoada-Yenagoa after Vandals’ Attack

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) yesterday said that two transmission towers, T98 and T99 along the Ahoada/Yenagoa 132kV line were vandalised on July 29, 2024, in Igbogene community of Bayelsa state.

This incident, it said, caused the collapse of both towers, cutting off power supply to Bayelsa State, including TCN's Yenagoa sub-station and the Gbarain power station.

As of Thursday, TCN in a

statement by its spokesperson, Ndidi Mbah, said the Yenagoa metropolis and the entire Bayelsa state were still without power supply.

“Our engineers led by the General Manager Transmission, Port Harcourt Region, Emmanuel Akpa and accompanied by men from the Department of State Service (DSS) have inspected the site of the vandalised towers. Plans are already ongoing to mobilise a contractor on an emergency basis to reconstruct the collapsed towers,” she stressed.

TCN said that earlier that there was incident on June 16, 2024, where an individual was caught vandalising tower T238 along the Owerri/Ahoada 132kV double circuit transmission lines.

Another act of vandalism, it said, occurred on June 10, 2024, at the Ahoada transmission substation.

“TCN is urging the public to help in the ongoing fight against the vandalism of power infrastructure nationwide. The company will continue to collaborate with security operatives and host communities including

the DSS and civil defence corps to combat the menace.

“Meanwhile, we are interfacing with stakeholders including security operatives in Yenagoa to put in place other initiatives geared towards helping TCN curtail the menace within the state.

“As we continue to work towards a robust grid, it is pertinent to note that a nation's power sector cannot grow efficiently if funds intended for infrastructural expansion are repeatedly used to replace vandalised equipment,” Mbah said.

Sanwo-Olu, on Thursday, also received District Governor of Lions Club International, District 404B2

Speaking during the two courtesy visits, Sanwo-Olu commended Lions Club International and Rotary International for their humanitarian services in key sectors of the state, particularly, in the provision of infrastructure in the areas of health, education, and transportation, among others. He said his administration will continue to partner with Rotary International and Lions Club International for humanitarian services to make life comfortable for Lagos residents, in line with the THEMES+ developmental agenda, which aligns with the core values of the humanitarian groups.

UBEC Tasks Teachers on Advancing Multimedia Proficiency for High Quality Educational Content

Kuni Tyessi in Abuja

The Executive Secretary of the Universal Basic Education Commission, Dr. Hamid Bobboyi, has emphasized the significance of advancing multimedia proficiency among teachers.

Dr. Bobboyi made the remark while declaring open a 3-day Training for Smart Schools Teachers on the utilization of Multimedia Studio Equipment in Abuja recently.

The ES who was represented by the National Coordinator of the UBEC Digital Resource Centre (DRC), Professor Bashir Galadanci, noted with satisfaction that all the UBE model smart schools were being well-equipped with state-of-the-art multi-media content development studios and it was, therefore, crucial for the teachers to become fully familiar with how to utilize the various sophisticated tools and equipment in the production of high-quality educational content for their learners.

Delivering the welcome address, the Head of the UBEC DRC Training and Capacity Development Unit, Dr. Hafsat Lawal Kontagora, underscored the importance of the

training in refining the skills of the smart school teachers in content curation and its relevance in their professional development.

She explained that the workshop was aimed at developing the capacity and enhancing the skills of selected teachers from the thirteen (13) operational smart schools, staff of the UBEC DRC and some officers from the Public Relation Unit of the Commission.

The workshop was designed to equip the participants with practical knowledge and provide hands-on experience in managing multimedia studio equipment for educational content creation, video production, and multimedia presentations. The exercise furnished the participants with the requisite skills in the production of high-quality educational materials and enhanced multimedia communication through a combination of lectures, practical exercises, and group activities.

It also enriched their abilities to use multimedia equipment like cameras and sound systems effectively. The trainees were adequately upskilled in postproduction techniques and gained proficiency in effective editing and refinement of multimedia content.

GOVERNOR OBASEKI ADDRESSING PROTESTERS IN BENIN...

World Breastfeeding Week: UNICEF, WHO Call for Equal Access to Breastfeeding Support

Segun

United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) and World Health Organisation (WHO) have called for equal access to breastfeeding support in Nigeria for healthy child growth and development.

UNICEF and WHO stated that in the last 12 years, the number of infants under six months of age, who were exclusively breastfed in Nigeria, had increased by more than 10 per cent.

UNICEF Nigeria’s Country Representative, Cristian Munduate, in a press release made available to journalists yesterday, said, "Today, 34 per cent of infants in Nigeria benefit from this healthy start in life, translating to hundreds of thousands of babies whose lives have been saved by breastfeeding.

“While this significant leap brings us closer to the World Health Organisation target of increasing exclusive breastfeeding to at least 50 per cent by 2025, there are persistent

challenges that must be addressed.”

The release added that during, "This World Breastfeeding Week, under the theme, “Closing the gap: Breastfeeding support for all,” UNICEF and WHO were emphasising the need to improve breastfeeding support as a critical action for reducing health inequity and protecting the rights of mothers and babies to survive and thrive.

UNICEF Nigeria’s Country Representative stated, “Breastfeeding is the foundation of lifelong health and well-being. It is a simple, cost effective, and natural way to provide infants with the nutrients they need for heathy growth and development.”

The statement added, “However, despite its proven benefits, exclusive breastfeeding rates in Nigeria remain low.”

It said, “Many mothers face cultural, social, and practical barriers that prevent them from breastfeeding exclusively for the first six months of their child's life.”

The release also stated, "During this critical period of early growth and development, the antibodies in breast milk protect babies against illness and death.

"This is especially important during emergencies, when breastfeeding guarantees a safe, nutritious, and accessible food source for infants and young children. Breast feeding reduces the burden of childhood illness, and the risk of certain types of cancers and non-communicable diseases for mothers."

In Nigeria, key gaps in breastfeeding support include insufficient maternity leave policies, lack of workplace support, and inadequate access to breastfeeding education and services, particularly in rural areas.

Only seven states offer the recommended 24 weeks of paid maternity leave, and many women return to work without the necessary support to continue breastfeeding.

To close these gaps, the government, employers, healthcare providers, and communities need to collaborate, UNICEF said. Policies should be enacted to extend paid maternity leave, create breast feeding-friendly workplaces, and provide comprehensive breastfeeding education and support services, it added.

The statement said this year, UNICEF was supporting Nigeria in setting the world record for the highest number of lactating mothers breastfeeding simultaneously.

It said 30,000 mothers will breastfeed their babies across all 36 states in Nigeria and the Federal Capital Territory on August 1st, 2024. This initiative not only aims for a record but also seeks to draw attention to the importance of breastfeeding, as well as challenge harmful nutrition norms and practices, specifically the introduction of water and other pre-lacteal feeds during the first six months of a

Court Remands Student, Proprietor for Defrauding MTN of N1.9bn

Wale Igbintade

Justice Akintayo Aluko of the Federal High Court in Lagos, has remanded two alleged hackers for defrauding MTN Nigeria Communication of N1.9 billion.

The alleged hackers, Timothy Fashina Oluwabukola and Anthony Imonina Odemerho, were said to be students of Moshood Abiola Polytechnic (MAPOLY) Abeokuta, Ogun State, and proprietor of Resign Regal Academy in Benin City, Edo State, respectively.

They were arraigned before the court by the operatives of the Special Fraud Unit of the Nigeria Police, Ikoyi, Lagos.

The prosecutor, Justine Enang, while arraigning the defendants told the court that the defendants hacked into the company’s system and stole airtime and data.

The were arraigned on a four-count charge of conspiracy, unauthorized access into the company’s web-based platform known as Application Programming Interface (API) and unlawful conversion.

The two men and others said to be at large, were alleged to have committed

the offences between January and April this year, in Lagos and Edo States.

The prosecutor, said the defendants and others at large, conspired among themselves and accessed telecom’s Application Programming Interface (API) and obtained data from the said application, which they used to defraud the company (MTN) to the tune of N1.9 billion.

He also told the court that the alleged illegal acts of the defendants, contravened Section 27(1)(b); 6(2) and 28(1)(b) of the Cybercrime (prohibition, prevention, etc.) Act, 2015 as amended in 2024, but punishable under Section 8(2) of the same Act.

He further submitted that the offences are contrary to section 18(2)(b) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022 but punishable under Section 18(3) of the same Act.

The two defendants pleaded not guilty to the four counts charge.

Following plea of not guilty, the prosecutor asked the court for a trial date, and urged the court to remand them in the custody of the Nigerian Correctional Services (NCoS) till the determination of the charge.

But, the defence lawyer informed the court that he has filed two applications for bail and same have been served on the prosecutor.

In response, the prosecutor confirmed being served with the bail applications, but told the court that he was served while the proceedings was on.

He asked the court for a short date, to enable him study the applications and respond to same accordingly.

Consequently, Justice Aluko adjourned the matter to August 5, for hearing of the defendants’ bail applications.

Charges against the defendants are:

“That you, Timothy Fashina Oluwabukola, Anthony Imonina Odemerho and others at large, between January and April, 2024, in Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this honourable court, conspired amongst yourselves to intentionally and without authorization, gained access into MTN Nigeria Communications Plc computer system/network, with intent to obtain data from the said computer system/ network, which you subsequently used to defraud the company (MTN) to the tune of One Billion, Nine Hundred

Million Naira (N1, 900, 000, 000), and thereby committed an offence, contrary to Section 27(1)(b) of the Cybercrime (prohibition, prevention, etc) Act, 2015 as amended in 2024, but punishable under Section 8(2) of the same Act.

“That you, Timothy Fashina Oluwabukola, Anthony Imonina Odemerho and Others at large, between January and April, 2024, in Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this honourable court, intentionally and without authorization, accessed the computer system or network of MTN Nigeria Communication Pie through the unlawful use of authorization keys and passwords to gain access to MTN web-based platform known as Application Programming Interface (API), with intent of obtaining airtime data from the said computer system or network, valued at one billion, nine hundred million Naira (N1, 900, 000, 000), which you sold to the public and converted the proceeds of same to your own use and benefit, and thereby committed an offence punishable under Section 6(2) of the Cybercrime (Prevention, Prohibition, etc) Act, 2015 is amended in 2024.

baby's life, UNICEF said. It added that to support progress, data needed to be available on policy actions that make breastfeeding possible, such as family-friendly employment policies, regulation of the marketing of breast milk substitutes, and investment in breast feeding. It said improving monitoring systems will help boost the effectiveness of breastfeeding policies and programmes, inform better decision-making, and ensure support systems could

be adequately financed. The release further stated, "When breastfeeding is protected and supported, women are more than twice as likely to breastfeed their infants. This is a shared responsibility. Families, communities, healthcare workers, policymakers, and other decisionmakers all play a central role by Increasing investment in programmes and policies that protect and support breastfeeding through dedicated national budgets.

Firm, PIND Partner Rivers Government on Mangrove Restoration, Sign

Blessing

Ibunge in Port Harcourt

A firm, Serendib Capital, Eight Versa, and Foundation for Partnership Initiatives in the Niger Delta (PIND) have signed a 30-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Rivers State Government to launch a large-scale mangrove restoration and conservation project in the state.

The mangrove restoration project, which covers 240,000 hectares of seagrass, aimed to become the world's largest blue carbon project, integrating mangrove restoration, seagrass conservation next to 170,000 hectares of mangrove, sustainable agriculture, tree planting, biochar production, and others.

The project would be part of a larger mangrove marine ecosystem restoration program known as Delta AZURE which will be the world’s largest blue carbon project.

Speaking after the signing of the MoU, yesterday in Port Harcourt, the State Commissioner for Energy and Natural Resources, Maximus Nwafor, noted that the project would benefit the state and increase its revenue.

Nwafor said the state will ensure the sustainability of the project. His words: "We have signed an MoU with Serendib Capital, which will benefit our state and increase our revenue. I would like the Managing Director to further acquaint us with the project's details.

"We have requested that they provide us with all necessary requirements, including security and other aspects. Once we receive this information, we will ensure the project's success."

The CEO of Serendib Capital, Rafat

30-year MoU

Rizvi, explained that the collaborative effort seeks to drive transformative environmental and socio-economic gains in Rivers State, serving as a model for future mangrove restoration projects globally.

Rizvi said the project's launch marks a significant step towards preserving Nigeria's vital mangrove ecosystems and promoting sustainable development in the oil region. He further stated that the mangrove restoration project aims to prevent the deforestation of 170,000 hectares of forest through afforestation, reforestation, and revegetation, adding that the effort is part of the larger Delta AZURE program, poised to become the world's largest blue carbon project.

He said: "Nigeria's mangrove forests, spanning 10,500 km, are the largest in Africa and third-largest globally. These vital ecosystems provide biodiversity support, flood prevention, coastal erosion protection, and carbon sequestration.

"They face severe degradation, with the Niger Delta region losing approximately 40% of its mangrove forest between 1996 and 2016."

Rizvi said the conservation project would generate carbon credits, providing an alternative income source for local communities and supporting their involvement.

His words: “The credits will also bring tangible benefits to the state and contribute to the global fight against climate change. The initiative underscores the importance of preserving Nigeria's mangrove forests, which are crucial for coastline defense, pollution filtration, and carbon sequestration.

FERTILITY AWARENESS WALK TO COMMEMORATE 25TH ANNIVERSARY OF BRIDGE CLINIC...

L-R: Consultant Gynecologist

NUC Tasks Varsities to Embrace Relevant Computer Software for Virtual Learning

Kuni Tyessi in Abuja

The Acting Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission (NUC), Chris Maiyaki, has urged university administrative staff to acquire relevant computer software for the virtual learning environment as ICT literacy was no longer sufficient.

Maiyaki stated this while delivering a lecture at the maiden Miva Open University Public Lecture, in Abuja.

Maiyaki who spoke on the theme “The Changing Role of University Administrators in an Open Distance Learning (ODL) Setting,” explained that administrative staff included staff from the vice Chancellor to both academic and non-academic staff who are given an assignment in the university.

The NUC boss urged administrative staff of the university to be prepared for full digital transformation as this was a necessity.

His words: “I must also say to my colleagues at the NUC

and administrative staff at Miva that l ICT literacy is no longer sufficient. The administrative staff must be prepared for full digital transformation.

“The administrative staff, especially those in Miva and the open universities, will require continuous training and retraining; they will require modern techniques and skills including exposure to the best practices in order to cope with the everexpanding nature of ODL.”

Maiyaki further advised them to be proficient in the relevant computer software which pertains to the virtual learning environment and also do away with counterproductive administrative bottle necks.

“We must align ourselves with the style of leadership which fosters efficient and effective ODL delivery.

“Your role in that organization is not to make it impossible for the organization to thrive. It is for you to act as an equal stakeholder in your day-to-day choices in whatever you do so that this university name will outlive

Boko Haram Commander Surrenders to Troops, One Killed

The High Command of the Nigerian Army, said that a notorious Boko Haram Commander identified as Babakarami Balawan surrendered to its troops deployed for counter terrorism operations across the country.

It also noted that in a display of unwavering courage and dedication the troops conducted series of operations that resulted in the rescue of abducted persons, neutralization of a notorious terrorist, interception of illegally refined Automated Gas Oil (AGO) and seizure of arms.

A statement by Nigeria Army revealed that in Kogi State, troops responded swiftly to a distress call along the Obajana Oshokoshoko road, where some civilians were abducted and taken into the forest.

The statement explained that the troops moved in swiftly to locate the victims, where they had a fierce gun battle with the kidnappers and successfully extricated the hostages.

"Similarly, in Benue State, troops acting on actionable intelligence engaged terrorists in a fierce battle along the Gbeji Afia Road in Benue State, neutralized one of the terrorists, captured one AK-47 rifle, ammunition and a motorbike, thereby preventing a potential attack, and ensuring the safety of the local community.

According to the service, troops in

Imo State acting on credible intelligence intercepted a vehicle transporting 21 sacks of illegally refined diesel (AGO).

The troops, Nigerian Army also apprehended armed individuals who were hired to escort the illegal product.

The statement said: "In another development in Borno State, a notorious Boko Haram fighter named Babakarami Balawan has surrendered to troops in Bama Local Government Area, following aggressive onslaught on terrorists' hideoutsin the area.

“Items recovered from the terrorist are one AK 49 rifle, a magazine, and a bicycle. The same troops during an encounter neutralized two terrorists and recovered 11 rounds of 7.62 mm NATO ammunition, 23 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, three rounds of 5.56 mm x 45mm NATO ammunition and three empty magazines.

"Relatedly, the gallant troops also rescued a woman and her two children in a search and operation in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State".

While the service said that its unwavering commitment to protect the nation and dismantle criminal networks is crystallized in these recent operations, it encouraged citizens to support the troops by providing valuable information to help rid the society of criminal elements while ensuring a safer and more secure country for all.

even its founding fathers”, he said.

The Executive Secretary further tasked them on the need to embark on aggressive sensitization and awareness campaigns to address the misconception that the quality of degree obtained from the print and the ODL mode of university education were the same.

CSOs

“There will be no university if there are no students, therefore the administrative staff must organize student centered activities”, Maiyaki advised. Earlier, the Vice Chancellor of Miva Open University, Prof. Tayo Arologun, stated that the topic was significant as the landscape

of higher education was rapidly evolving and open distance learning stands at the forefront of this transformation.

“The impact of ODL on Nigeria’s economic development cannot be over stated. By breaking down barriers to education, ODL empowers the diverse population

including those in remote and underserved areas to key in the skills and knowledge necessary for economic participation.

“This in turn leads to increased workforce competence, entrepreneurial growth, economic inclusion, cost effective education and bridging skill gaps,” he said.

Lament Shrinking Civic Space in Niger Delta

Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt

Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) operating in states of the South-South and Niger Delta have lamented the closure of public space by government and other state actors against the expression of free speech and other fundamental rights of their citizens.

The CSOs stated this at a multi stakeholders dialogue for organisations operating in the region, held in Port Harcourt, yesterday.

In his presentation on, "Civic Infractions by Non-State Actors and State Governments in the Niger Delta," Ken Henshaw, Executive Director of We The People, noted that governments in the region through various legislations and policy have continued to infringe on the rights of its citizens and making them unable to freely associate, assemble and express themselves.

He said: "When we talk about civic space, we talk about the right to associate, assemble and express ourselves and we are saying that

that space is shrinking; meaning that citizens are enjoying less of those opportunities. State actors, governments at the federal, state and local levels are taking actions that are restricting citizens from those basic rights".

He condemned the situations where governments are banning protest and urging citizens not hold protests against unfavourable policies.

This, according to him, "is against the spirit of civic rights which are fundamental to the existence of human beings", saying that "Human beings must be able to assemble and express themselves and even showing dissent around the policy of government. They should be able to freely do so within the civic space without any fear of intimidation".

Henshaw recalled that in most cases journalists were restricted to carry out their duties freely, while many have faced challenge of arrest and detention in the course of their professional duties.

His words: "We have seen

instances where journalists have been repressed, where the rights of citizens are being infringed upon, where journalists are not allowed to do their work appropriately, where journalists have been arrested and incarcerated.

“We are simply saying no. We need to push for a more enhanced, a more open and a more embracing space for those things to happen and for citizens to enjoy those rights".

He urged the government to respect the rights of citizens to freely associate and assemble.

He said: "My call to the government is that they must understand that the right of citizens to assemble, to associate and to freely express their views is fundamental and respected by law and government must respect those rights.

“They must as a matter of necessity take actions to protect and promote those basic rights of the citizens and not infringe upon it under any circumstances".

The activist disclosed that the dialogue is expected to create a framework to put pressure on the government to respect those rights.

"We expect that through the actions we are taking here today, we would be able to put pressure on different layers of government from national, state and local governments to better respect the rights of citizens and better respect those rights in the context of freedom to assemble, the freedom to associate and freedom to express ourselves," Henshaw said.

On his part, Barr Leonard Oragwa stated that in the last eight years, several government legislations and policies have been put in place to stifle the civic space ranging from intimidation of the media, judiciary, and even attempts to curtail free speech through the Hate Speech Policy and restriction of NGO activities.

He urged the government to free up the civic space for citizens no matter their class to freely exercise their fundamental rights.

A'Ibom Lawmaker Holds Free Medical Outreach for Constituents

Okon Bassey in Uyo

Hundreds of constituents of Ibiono Ibom State Constituency of Akwa Ibom State are to be provided with vital and comprehensive medical services free, courtesy of the member representing the constituency - Moses Essien. Essien told Journalists in Uyo that he was collaborating with relevant institutions in the healthcare sector to host the free medical outreach for communities in his constituency.

He explained that the free medical outreach would last four days starting from August 5-9 at the Community Health Centre, Ikot Uba, Ibiono Ibom.

Essien who chairs the House Committee on Health Services in the State House of Assembly said the outreach would feature a wide range of healthcare services including surgeries, general medical consultations,

diagnostic tests, treatments, and drug dispensation, ensuring comprehensive care for hundreds of persons who have so far registered for the exercise.

He said the initiative was in partnership with relevant institutions in the health care sector including Hellen Keller foundation, the Nigeria Medical Association, NMA, the Akwa Ibom State Agency for the Control of HIV and AIDS among others.

To ensure a smooth exercise, Essien added that the outreach has received the endorsement of the State Ministry of Health after the inspection of the medical facility that would be used in the outreach. According to him, the free medical event was aimed at tackling certain tropical diseases which are prevalent in rural settlements, especially hydrocele surgeries, and malaria fever.

Calling on his constituents to take advantage of what the outreach offered, the lawmaker said he was motivated by the overwhelming support he received during the elections and as part of activities marking his first year in office

His words: "It's my wish having been elected by my people, I'll use the committee I'm chairing to impact them health-wise by embarking on a free medical outreach.

"That medical outreach is billed to commence on 5th of August to 9th 2024. The areas of coverage for the medical outreach involve general surgeries, free blood pressure check and treatment. There will also be free blood sugar check and treatment. There will be deworming of children; there will be free malaria rapid diagnostic test and treatment for many constituents that may turn

up for the outreach. "There will also be free HIV test and counseling, free eye check and provision of eye glasses for those that may require it, there'll also be free consultations in whatever dimensions for my constituents.

"I know how challenging it is. So, I've decided to partner with lots of organisations that will help me execute this project. I've reached out to Chief Executive Officer of Excellence Community Education Welfare Scheme, (ECEWS), Akwa Ibom State Agency for the Control of HIV and AIDS; Chairman Nigerian Medical Association and Nigeria Pharmaceutical Association, Akwa Ibom State Chapters. "I want to use the office the House has given to me that is committee on health to impact on my constituents effectively.

Protesters in Abuja protesting hardship in the country... yesterday

PROTESTS TURN VIOLENT AS 16 DIE IN BORNO, 6 IN NIGER ON DAY ONE

Our Reporters

The fears and concerns of the Nigerian leadership and stakeholders alike, have been confirmed as day one of the planned nationwide hardship protests, yesterday, turned violent in most parts of the north , claiming 16 lives in a Borno suicide bomber attack and six in Niger state. The exercise was characterised by looting and confrontation with security operatives.

But as if yielding to regional scripts, the exercise, was largely peaceful in the Southern part of Nigeria, where the Niger Delta, had earlier elected to opt out of the protest for reason that its interests were not clearly factored into reckoning.

However, while the situation in the northern Nigeria had forced the governments of Kano, Borno and Yobe States to declare curfew as part of measures to contain the monstrous situation the protests had birthed, President Bola Tinubu, in another breath, met with the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, for what was considered a situation report on Abuja and environs.

Interestingly, for Lagos, the commercial nerve centre of the country, the last minute engagement by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, where he explained the futile efforts of traveling the route of protests, was believed to have contributed to the factors that saved the state from disaster, even though some protesters flouted court orders and held rallies at undesignated places.

Meanwhile, the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), has announced the establishment of pro bono legal support services for protesters amid ongoing nationwide demonstrations.

At the. same time, the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has reiterated the importance of maintaining a high level of alertness and professionalism within the force, saying the safety and security of the nation depended on the vigilance, gallantry, and readiness of officers in the Police and other security agencies.

This was as the Leadership of the organised Civil Society under the umbrella of United Action Front of Civil Society (UAFCS), rising from a major assessment meeting of its Situation Room, has said it was compelled to make a review of the protests.

It believed that the protests had achieved 50 per cent of its goal, and therefore, called on government to invite them for a dialogue

In a statement by Olawale Okunniyi , the Head, Coordinating Secretariat of United Action Front of Civil Society, the CSOs said the need for a review was due to the plea by the lead Solicitor of the initiators of the Nationwide Citizens' Protests, Mr Ebun Adegboruwa, SAN, that the plan for the protest should be reviewed since it had already achieved its essential purpose before commencement

"Our profound X-ray of the nationwide protests vis-a-vis the strong appeal by the lawyer of the

organisers and the emergency responses of government to the planned protests at our situation room this morning essentially agrees with the submission of Mr Ebun Adegboruwa, SAN.

“That with the sharp responses to the nationwide citizens' protests by various levels of government nationwide coupled with the numerous promises and panicky steps taken by government at all levels as well as government frantic appeals to citizens for time and restraint, the protest in our sincere view has already achieved fifty percent of its purpose.

"The concern of most leaders of the organised Civil Society is the long-standing history of government treachery and unreliability as touching its promises to citizens and peoples of Nigeria.

"This trust deficit between government and citizens in Nigeria is self-inflicted by government officials notorious for abandoning and ditching promises and commitments made to the people without scruples or batting an eye lid.

“This is why the organisers of this protest would like to stay out on the streets of Nigeria until government yields to their demands and starts implementing them.

"Therefore, in the light of this grave concern about the reputation of government that we call on the federal government and governments at all other levels of Nigeria that if they are indeed serious and sincere about their various promises and pleas towards averting the Citizens' Action, to immediately identify, invite and engage leaders and organisers of the nationwide mass protests to negotiate citizens demands and the implementation of agreements reached during the negotiations so as to enable protesters reduce the days of the nationwide protests as requested by Mr Ebun Adegboruwa SAN.”

This, nonetheless, situation reports on the outcome of the protests, are provided below across the country.

The FCT, Abuja

In Abuja, the seat of power, President Bola Tinubu met with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, in his office at about 4pm.

While the exact purpose of Wike's visit was not made public, it came in the wake of ongoing protests in the nation's capital.

The FCT witnessed protests in some parts including around the Central Area, particularly the vicinities of the Eagle Square, where protesters defied warnings from security agencies to vacate the area.

The protest, however, took a dangerous turn when one of the protesters was gunned down by security agents in Kubwa, a satellite town in Abuja. Also soldiers shot one protester in Nyanyan. Abuja was yesterday held by its jugular after large number of protesters

marched against economic hardship, clashed with security agencies and shut down the major highways in the nation's capital.

Soldiers had to intervene by unblocking the Kaduna-Abuja road after protesters blocked the road at Gwagwalada and obstructed the flow of traffic to the southern and northern parts of the country.

Bonfire was set up at several intersections of the road at Ado, New Nyanyan, One Man Village, Mararaba and Karu Bridge, impeding the free flow of traffic and leaving many commuters stranded. Scores of travellers spent several hours before getting to their destinations.

Wike later urged those protesting to embrace dialogue, saying government was ready to listen to them and also walk them through some governance issues that they might not have been privy to.

He made the appeal while presenting staff of office to the four newly appointed graded FCT chiefs of Karu, Kwali, Pai and Yaba.

The minister urged the protesters to resist those who wanted to destroy the nation, warning that the destruction of the FCT would have dire consequences on the entire country.

But the minister has implicated an unnamed serving senator as a collaborator in the protest.

He said the senator invited some security agencies to lead some of them to go and provide food for the protesters.

Wike said the action of the minister amounted to "sponsorship", adding at the appropriate time security agencies will up invite the senator to explain her role in the protest.

"Now we also have intelligence that a senator had to invite some security agencies to lead some of them to go and provide food for the protesters. That is sponsorship.

A senator providing food for protesters.

"At the appropriate time security agencies will invite the senator and find out how you will be sponsoring this kind of thing against the government of the day," Wike said.

Yet, the Police in Abuja fired several tear gas to prevent the protesters from gaining entry into the Eagles Square.

The protesters in their numbers had shunned an order by the Federal Capital Territory, which restricted them to the MKO Stadium in the city.

Justice Sylvanus Orji gave the order on Wednesday while delivering a ruling in an ex-parte application brought before him by Wike.

But contrary to reports, the FCT Police Command, said it was not the police division that was burnt, but the police container compartment at Nyanya checkpoint.

A statement by the Command's Spokesperson, SP Josephine Adeh, explained that the attempt to vandalise the Tipper Garage Police post by four suspects, Mathias Jude 29 'm' of Nyanya Area D, Mohammad Ahmed 23, Abba Jibril 18 and Mohammad Haruna 18, was also foiled and the

identified suspects arrested.

Commissioner of Police in FCT, Benneth Igweh, while acknowledging the right of residents to protest, frowned at destruction of public or police infrastructure.

Yet, it took the intervention by the patrol team of the Nigerian military, contingent of Nigeria Police, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), in collaboration with local vigilante group to dispel unruly hoodlums, who hijacked the protest in Mararaba, a border town, close to the federal capital territory.

Lagos State

Lagos held a largely peaceful protest as most residents stayed indoors, while business premises were under lock and keys. Markets in Ketu, Ojota, Mile 12, Maryland, Iyana Ipaja, Agege, Ogba, and Ikeja were also closed.

Protesters were sighted on the streets. The protest, led by about a thousand youths under the Ikeja flyover bridge, featured chants and solidarity songs criticising the country's economic hardships.

THISDAY observed that the protesters marched from Underbridge at Awolowo Way chanting antigovernment song. Some of their placards read: 'Reverse the bad policies,' 'the masses are suffering,' 'there is hunger in the land,' among others.

However, in Ojota, a team of police and military personnel, including an armored tank, was stationed near the protest site, observing from a distance. Despite their presence, protesters avoided entering Gani Fawehinmi Park, fearing potential set-up by the authorities.

The 'End Bad Governance' rally was also held at Ketu where dozens lambasted the government for the economic situation of the people.

Curiously, pro-government demonstration was also held in Alausa, Ikeja. At the Road adjoining the State Secretariat and House of Assembly, protesters converged in their large numbers. They were seen praying for the good of the nation and the citizenry.

Unfortunately, attempts to leverage the Lekki tollgate sentiments failed as it witnessed a low turnout.

The Lekki Toll Gate was instead dominated by a significant deployment of police and military forces. Armoured vehicles and barricades were strategically positioned, creating an atmosphere of heightened vigilance.

In all the leadership of Sanwo-Olu has been commended for the peace that was witnessed in the state after he came out to address the state the night before and justified why protest was not an option.

The government said it has watched closely the protest in some parts of the state and put it on record, the peaceful conduct of Lagosians.

Sanwo-Olu said, “We have also

noticed the slowdown of business in some parts of the State, perhaps because of the fear that hooligans and architects of anarchy might force their evil design on us all and endanger our harmony.

“Thankfully, that did not happen. To a large extent, Lagosians have chosen to embrace peace and shun the path of destruction while expressing their views and constitutional right to protest.

“The message of the protest –hunger in the land – has also been well noted. It is, however, important to reiterate the fact that the Federal Government is taking steps to reverse the situation.”

Kano State

Kano was ravaged by looters and hoodlums, leaving many malls, shops and government buildings looted and burnt, a few hours after the commencement of the hunger protest in the state. Most of the hoodlums involved were young urchins brandishing local weapons attacking shops, malls stores, government buildings, and setting bonfire on the roads.

The widespread looting soon escalated with some of the looters attacking a house and stores adjacent the Government House, where they catered away foodstuffs and properties worth billions of Naira.

Some of the hoodlums, launched attack on the Kano printing press, and office of the Digital Industrial Park of National Communications, Commission (NCC), located at the Audu Bako Secretariat.

Places like Baraka store along Lodge road, Rufaida, Yogurt in Kabuga, Haramain in Sokoto road, some shops and stores along Zaria and zoo roads were among the places looted.

Most of the thieves were seen carrying bags of rice, spaghetti, bags of flower, office furniture, air conditioners, cooking oil, refrigerators computers, metal signboards doors and windows.

A bus belonging to the Channels television carrying some journalists was attacked by the hoodlums along Sokoto road in the metropolis. The attackers used clubs, machetes and smashed the windows of the bus, while some of the occupants were showered with the sprinkles of the glasses.

It was against this development that the Kano State Government imposed 24-hour curfew in response to the breakdown of law and order in the State.

Governor Abba Yusuf, who announced the curfew, said it was with immediate effect.

He regretted how the peaceful demonstration was hijacked by thugs and hoodlums, who embarked on looting of business premises, government properties and maiming of innocent citizens.

He said, such miscreants have become persistent in wanton

destructions of private and public properties aided by enemies of the state, who have been reported to the security agencies few days back. At the same time, Yusuf received written grievances from the leaders of the protesters at Government House. He expressed his appreciation for how they conducted themselves. Yusuf assured the leaders that he would promptly lead a powerful delegation from the state to present the grievances of the people to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, pending the Presidency’s response. Meanwhile, the Kano State Police Command, has apprehended some criminals, who exploited the protests as a cover for their malicious activities.

A press statement by the Command's Spokesman, Abdullahi Haruna, said the thugs engaged in acts of violence, destruction, looting, and causing harm to innocent civilians resulting in the damage of public and private properties.

He said in a swift response to these criminal activities, a total of two hundred and sixty-nine (269) suspects responsible for destructions, looting, and instigating chaos under the guise of the nationwide protest were arrested.

"We recovered many Jerricans of 25 Litres of Groundnut Oil, a large quantity of Stationeries, Foodstuffs, and other valuable properties.

“The suspects are currently cooling their feet at the Command's Criminal Investigation Department (CID) and would be charged in court upon completion of the investigation.”

Borno State

Just like Kano, the Borno State Government yesterday also announced an immediate 24-hour curfew across the state in response to the tragic detonation of an improvised explosive device in Kawori Market, Konduga area of Borno State yesterday, killing 16 people.

The explosion suspected to be carried out by a Boko Haram suicide bomber resulted in the deaths of 16 individuals and critical injuries to several others.

Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Nahum Kenneth Daso, disclosed this in a press release titled: ‘Imposition of Curfew’.

The statement noted that the bomb explosion prompted Governor Babagana Zulum to consult with top security officials before implementing this measure, aimed at restoring law and order and ensuring public safety.

Also, a statement by the Special Adviser to Yobe State Governor, Brig. Gen. Dahiru Abdussallam read: “Yobe State Government has considered the security situation in Potiskum, Gashua, and Nguru towns where some hoodlums are taking advantage of the protest to vandalise and loot government and private properties.

“In view of the above, therefore, the

One year in office is not enough to assess the President, argues KENE OBIEZU

BAILING OUT NIGERIA

Who is to blame for Nigeria’s many woes?

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu? Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan or former president Muhammadu Buhari? Or is it Nigerians themselves? Just who?

As protesters pour out all over the country and cast banana peels in the path of the new administration, brigands wait in the wings, ready to pounce on a fraction of a second’s notice, and unleash mayhem whether at the instance of the government, or as their contributions to the protests.

At a tricky time, there is very little thenage, but it appears that Nigerians are fed up, belatedly so. The protests which have resonated across the country speak to pentup anger at the hunger harassing the country.

It is not so much the astonishing cost of a cup of garri and other staple foods than the chilling nonchalance of those who should wear the apron of explanation and stand morose and remorseful before Nigerians.

It is not so much about the noisy war insecurity continues to wage on the country as it is about the loss and lethargy of those to whom Nigerians have renounced the means of violence in exchange for safety of their lives and property.

Nigerians are right to be enrobed in rage. It is callous to beat a child and ask them not to cry and Nigerians have been beaten not just once, not even twice, but countless times. Nigerians are not just shy now, shame has lost its hold on them. To protest is to be vulnerable, to bare a wound. It is to be shameless, to show wounds that should be covered.

Between Nigerians and Nigeria’s policyare drawn around the themes of timing and treachery.

For the government of President Tinubu, country that is not broke but broken. On this score, the government has a point, no matter how sore it sits with Nigerians.

Nigeria gained independence in 1960. The problems Nigeria experienced before 1960 were well contained in the cage of colonialism, where future problems cooked unchecked. At independence, what Nigerians received was a poisoned chalice, which frothed in 1966 before completely boiling over in 1967-70 with the civil war. Nigeria has never recovered from the war. Biafran troops may have surrendered in Lagos in January 1970, but the war has continued on many levels. Nigeria has never really worked since then with episodic dalliances with progress brutally interrupted by devious destabilization.

In May, Nigeria marked 25 years since democracy returned to the country in 1999. A watershed in the country’s history of hell and high water had a rarity in the presidency.ocrat at heart to become Nigeria’s president. His unmistakable commitment to democracy fetched him exile following the annul-sis as Nigeria’s president and the chairman of the Economic Community of West Africa (ECOWAS) came when the military in neighbouring Niger Republic bludgeoned its way into the government house in Niamey. President Tinubu’s trenchant criticism of the coup plotters and defence of democracy in the country and sub-region cemented his commitment to democracy.

The morning tells the day and so far, there are signs that the president is not cut from the

same cloth as his predecessor. There have been signs that he is determined to address the problems of the country. Some of his key appointments have directly addressed the exclusionary politics of his predecessor. He has tried to be fair to every region of the country, strongly resisting the temptation to victimize any part of the country relying on voting patterns during the last elections. Insecurity has fallen sharply in Kaduna and Benue States which fed the country with vast

The clear signs of progress may be blurred by the removal of fuel subsidy and the sharp spike In the cost of living and the president’s perceived extravagance in lean times, but to be made seems lost on many Nigerians. Nigerians are making the point that the when it is not ready to make any. They argue that the fuel subsidy was peeled out without any plans, plunging Nigerians into debilitating hardship. They also question the government’s wisdom in purchasing new aircraft.

It is okay to feel a sense of betrayal but at this point, blame is, if not exactly, misplaced, mistimed. Nigeria is no doubt in a deep mess.

The country is steeply sunk in the muck of corruption. Corrupt syndicates which run many MDAs well predate the current government. There are many state governors who remain committed to incompetence and ineptitude. The fuel subsidy syndicate is fueling insecurity won’t go down without tools. While it is the responsibility of the government to give these groups a run for their money, one year two months is not enough enemy here.

It is understandable that Nigerians are impatient. Having woken up from their slumber during eight disastrous years under Muhammadu Buhari, they are itching to make amends for their docility. They expect of reality.

President Tinubu is not a miracle worker. He has never held himself out to be a miracle worker. To mold Nigeria’s myriad problems into a mound and expect him to be impaled atop less than two years into his administration is mere wishful thinking. At present, even a miracle worker would struggle to pick through Nigeria’s rubble. Since something appears to be stirring under President Tinubu, the least Nigerians can do is to wait with impatience but with mercy.

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JOSHUA J. OMOJUWA pays tribute to Onyeka Onwenu who passed at 72

ONYEKA ONWENU: NIGERIA AND CHOICES

These are just words on a screen or on the page of a newspaper, yet within seconds, if you are old enough, sing it and you will do a time travel.

“Fine young girl/ Love dey for body/ This thing they call love/ Na serious affair/ Make you think well/Before you gree/ Abeg o, if you love life, you go plan am well/ If you love me you go wait for me.”

Wait for me is a classic. Choices too. It probably isn’t as popular as the former. Leaves one wondering about the impact of music videos and the popularity of songs.

How was life then? I do not remember much from 1989/1990 but I do remember liking Wait for me a lot. We didn’t know much of the lyrics, but we knew the duo that made it a hit song; the peerless Onyeka Onwenu and the timeless King Sunny Ade. I was also aware it was meant to be a “Family Planning” song. That for me meant a campaign to discourage people from having too many children, to specifically keep it at four at most. That’s as far as I remember. The campaign was led by the Planned Parenthood Federation of Nigeria.

Nigeria’s population then was just under 100m, yet the government, and I believe the people, were concerned enough to advance and promote such a campaign. The population growth rate was about 2.6 percent, compared to 2.7 percent or more from 2002 through 2013. Interestingly, the immediate decade after the release of this song (1990-2000), and the other interventions that went with it, saw a marginal decrease in the population growth rate.

Onyeka Onwenu passed on Tuesday. In a glowing lifetime, she demonstrated her talents and abilities through music, broadcasting, activism, governance, movies, etc. One day, hopefully soon, Nigeria will return to having a crucial conversation about its population explosion. When that day comes, it will be clearer then than even now, that the lessons Onyeka shared through those songs, as with the songs themselves, are part of her legacy. Because any campaign around Family Planning will always be built on the success and lessons learnt from the Wait for me and Choices era.

This is being written before the August 1 protests. If the protests are half as popular as the noise before the day itself, then I expect some parts of Nigeria would have felt the weight of the agitations. It is my hope that it is well managed, that the people have their voices heard, that mischief makers aren’t able to create chaos out of it and that the authorities are able to keep things in check.

With its population rate hardly reducing despite the efforts of the late 80s and early 90s and without any major follow-up on the back of that, with the country’s poverty rate much higher today than even in those days, with the ubiquity of the Internet and the spread of information/misinformation and enhanced ability of citizens to organise, successive Nigerian administrations must always be ready for mass protests. The reasons may differ, the action itself is almost inevitable.

According to an assessment that was carried out about 18 months after Wait for me was released, 64 percent of people in urban areas had watched the video whilst the number was 22 percent for rural respondents. 90 percent of those who were surveyed agreed with the message of the song and the idea of family planning. I saw tweets after Onyeka Onwenu passed suggesting that some people had their behaviour moderated by the song. Whilst it could be simply correlational, it is interesting that the decade after the song had a marginally lower growth rate than the decade that succeeded that. Note that the succeeding decade had a bigger base to operate from. Nigeria’s

population was under 100m by the late 80s, it was around 130m by 2001.

We’ve got wicked problems scattered all around our country. Because of the pressures of politics, we are often given to fixing design problems like they are bugs. So, we patch things and keep going, aware that the problem has not been fixed. It has only been managed for the moment and will soon return to become a bigger and an even more complicated one. That was how fuel subsidies started about half a century ago in the 70s. That is how we have attempted to address a lot of our prevailing challenges; we want to fix insecurity by primarily deploying soldiers, we try to fix food shortage by distributing food. The system of education needs a hand, we try to build more school blocks.

We make judgments that suggest that we do not give much thinking to the future, we just want to get by today.

How can a country play by subsistence

existence and then expect to build sustained wealth and prosperity for its people? A friend told a story of how his school mate had gone to the cash machine to withdraw some money. He kept pressing and punching the buttons and would not leave the ATM. Then, another mate screamed from behind, “buddie, you only get what you put in. Let it go!” You cannot hope to withdraw from an account you haven’t made deposits into. We aren’t invested in the future enough.

Nigeria must settle itself into accepting that there are no shortcuts to development. That are tough judgments to be made and hard decisions to be taken. Those will inform some policies that may appear bad initially but will ultimately lead to sustained development. Whatever government decides to take and deploy these decisions cannot afford to assume that the people will immediately get it. Just as important is the fact that, you cannot tell me to understand that we need to make sacrifices for a better tomorrow whilst even aides of government officials are living like ours is a country with so much money without a clue what to do with it.

Like Onyeka Onwenu sang, we’ve got choices to make. May her soul rest in peace.

Omojuwa is chief strategist Alpha Reach/BGX Publishing

Editor, Editorial Page PETER ISHAKA

Email [email protected]

CONFRONTING THE RAGE OF NATURE

All the stakeholders should take NiMet's predictions seriously

Floods are among the most frequent and costly natural disasters in terms of human hardship and economic loss. While the annual seasonal climate prediction report by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) provides critical information to help guide decision-making across all sectors of the economy, most Nigerians hardly pay attention untiling has in recent years caused untold damage in several communities across the country. No fewer than community in Nnewi North Local Government Area of Anambra State. There have been similar such reports in other states.

The Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation and the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) as high-risk areas for sig2024. According to the Minister, Joseph Utserv, some of these states have already started experidisasters, adding that most intensities of long duration and poor and blocked drainage systems.

voirs and maintenance of other hydraulic and water infrastructure across the country”. Construction of and water retaining structures are also helpful.

Most of the flood incidents were flash/urban floods resulting from high rainfall intensities of long duration and poor and blocked drainage systems

T H I S D AY

EDITOR SHAKA MOMODU

DEPUTY EDITOR WALE OLALEYE

MANAGING DIRECTOR ENIOLA BELLO

DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR ISRAEL IWEGBU

CHAIRMAN EDITORIAL BOARD OLUSEGUN ADENIYI

EDITOR NATION’S CAPITAL IYOBOSA UWUGIAREN THE OMBUDSMAN KAYODE KOMOLAFE

To tackle the challenge, the federal government has recommended measures to include but not limited to educating citizens to imbibe attitudinal change topeople living along the waterways and those that plains, by authorities at all levels. States and local governments, according to the government, are encouraged to desilt river channels and canals and to

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF/CHAIRMAN NDUKA OBAIGBENA

GROUP EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS ENIOLA BELLO, KAYODE KOMOLAFE, ISRAEL IWEGBU, EMMANUEL EFENI

DIVISIONAL DIRECTORS SHAKA MOMODU, PETER IWEGBU, ANTHONY OGEDENGBE

DEPUTY DIVISIONAL DIRECTOR OJOGUN VICTOR DANBOYI

SNR. ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR ERIC OJEH

ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR PATRICK EIMIUHI

CONTROLLERS ABIMBOLA TAIWO, UCHENNA DIBIAGWU, NDUKA MOSERI

DIRECTOR, PRINTING PRODUCTION CHUKS ONWUDINJO

TO SEND EMAIL: first [email protected]

Letters to the Editor

As already predicted by NiMeT, there is more rain to come that will lead to the release of water from the Oyan River Dam in Abeokuta North local government area of Ogun State and from the Lagdo dam in Cameroon, which on account of its locationria on its way to the Atlantic Ocean. Authorities in adequate measures against the elements to avert another tragedy. Blocked drains, especially in areas accumulate and generate a strong force, should be cleared, and subsequently kept free. These and other measures must be taken to minimize our individual and collective vulnerability.

Another challenge reducing the alarming post-harvest losses in the agricultural sector. According to an assessment conducted by the National Agricultural Extension and Research Liaison Services (NAERLS), Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, an estimated N700 billion in economic value was lost to damages caused by the

in the livestock sector.

These losses that traditionally occur during the peak of the rainy season are detrimental to the country’s economy. It is one thing to have bumper harvest during the rainy season, but it is another thing to have the capacity to preserve the harvest for immediate gains of the farmers during the high demand for food that follows the dry season. The focus should therefore be on pre-emptive intervention.

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

OBASANJO, WITCHES AND DELAYED BIRTH

The Advocacy for Alleged Witches (AfAW) is concerned with the statement by the elder statesman and former president, Olusegun Obasanjo, linking his birth to witchcraft. At a recent event in Abeokuta, Ogun State, Obasanjo noted that witches and wizards were responsible for the mother's long pregnancy and delay in his birth. In this statement reported in many national dallies, Obasanjo stated that his birth was not nine months. The former president said the delay was "the handiwork of witches and wizards". Really?

This statement credited to Obasanjo is unfortunate and misleading. Obasanjo's claim that witches delayed his birth has no basis in reason, science, or reality because witchcraft is a form of superstition. Witchcraft is a belief informed by fear and ignorance. Witches and wizards are imaginary entities, with no causal power or force as popularly believed. The claim by Obasanjo that witches delayed his birth is baseless.

According to medical sources, a woman cannot carry a

of medical misinformation. At a time when allegations and abuses linked to witchcraft are rampant, it is an insensitive claim. If the former president wanted to make sense of his life and survival since he was one of the two who survived out of nine children, he should base the explanation on facts, logic, and science. In a society where witchcraft fears and anxieties are pervasive, and many people attribute their to occult forces, this declaration does much harm. The statement is likely to reinforce witchcraft beliefs and fears. It will fuel witchcraft accusations and witch-hunting. The Advocacy for Alleged Witches urges Obasanjo to stop spreading this false and mistaken narrative.

Instead, the elder statesman should lend his voice to campaigns to dispel the superstitious beliefs and other misconceptions associated with witches and wizards. Obasanjo and help end witch-hunting in Nigeria.

Leo Igwe directs the Advocacy for Alleged Witches

A COLORFUL TOPIC

It could be said that Donald Trump sees everything in black and white in that people either support him or they don't with no one in between. It's probably true that the public either loves or hates him but is it all that simple?

How can he say that Kamala Harris identity has changed as "she happened to turn black" and to say that in front of people at the National Association of Black Journalists con-ically in that he wants to appeal to as many people as possible.

one politician, so divisive in what they say and what they intend to do?

Value your vote and use it wisely. Dennis Fitzgerald, Melbourne, Australia

POLITICS

Acting Group Politics Edito r DEJI ELUMOYE

Email: deji.elumoye @thisdaylive.com

08033025611 SMS ONLY

Peaceful Protests and Tinubu Govt’s Score Card

Folalumi Alaran reports that Information and National Orientation Minister, Mohammed Idris, on Wednesday reeled out specific interventions of the President Bola Tinubu’s government especially in the area of youth development in the last one year.

The last few weeks have not been the best of times for the administration of President Bola Tinubu. The government at the centre in recent times had contended with various issues requiring urgent attention.

One of such issues has to do with the notice given by some aggrieved Nigerian youths to proceed on peaceful protests nationwide over rising cost of living in the country from August 1 to 14, 2024.

At various fora, government officials including President Tinubu had appealed to the organisers to give government some time to address the key issues raised by the youths.

On his part, Information and National Orientation Minister, Mohammed Idris on Wednesday invited Editors and Bureau Chiefs of media houses to a media parley where he laid bare programmes and activities of government targetted at the youths. He was in the company of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, Finance Minister and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun and Budget and Economic Planning Minister, Atiku Bagudu and some other Ministers.

He traced the present administration to May 29, 2023 when Tinubu was sworn in as President and Commanderin-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. His inauguration marked the beginning of a new era, one aimed at addressing the nation’s longstanding challenges and ushering in a wave of reforms that promise to reshape Nigeria’s socio-economic landscape.

The Minister spoke about the N70,000 new minimum wage bill which the President signed into law on Monday ending months of deliberations between government authorities, labour unions, and the private sector.

The President signed the bill into law at the State House in Abuja days after the National Assembly had passed the Minimum Wage Act, 2019 to increase the National Minimum Wage from N30,000 to N70,000.

Also, the Nigerian Educational Loan Fund on Wednesday disbursed the sum of N850M to institutions as fees.This was apart from the over N1.7 billion that has been disbursed to about 20,000 students.

The Fund’s Managing Director, Akintunde Sawyer, who.made this disclosure said “the sum of N850 million will be leaving the account of NELFUND Today to institutions. This is apart from the N1.7 billion that has already been disbursed.”

He revealed that the Fund had disbursed institutional fees to 20,000 students through their institutions while noting that a total of 260,000 loans including institutional fees and upkeep have been approved. No fewer than 1.2 million students are expected to benefit from this cardinal programme of President Tinubu’s administration.

The President had earlier on April 3, 2023, approved N35bn for the take-off of the scheme after signing the law backing the scheme.

With rising food inflation and shortages posing significant challenges, Tinubu’s government took urgent action to ensure food security. The distribution of 42,000 metric tons of food nationwide and the promotion of agricultural mechanization were key steps in this direction. These measures are intended to boost agricultural production and empower young farmers, thereby strengthening the agriculture

and food value chain.

Also recently, the Tinubu government sent 20 trucks of rice to each of the 36

states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory for distribution to the most vulnerable in the society

to cushion the effect of rising cost of food items.

From the beginning, the Tinubu Presidency made it clear that economic reform would be at the heart of his administration. His decision to remove the long-standing fuel subsidy was one of his first and most controversial moves. This policy, which had cost the government approximately $10 billion annually, was seen as a drain on public finances and a breeding ground for corruption. By eliminating the subsidy, Tinubu aimed to free up resources for investment in critical sectors and reduce the fiscal deficit.

The immediate aftermath of the subsidy removal was turbulent. Panic buying and skyrocketing fuel prices led to nationwide strikes and protests. However, the administration’s steadfast negotiations with labor unions and strategic communication helped to stabilize the situation.

The World Bank hailed the move, acknowledging its potential to strengthen Nigeria’s economy by curbing wasteful spending and stimulating private sector investment in the oil industry.

In line with subsidy removal, Tinubu’s administration also embarked on unifying the exchange rate. By floating the naira, the Central Bank of Nigeria aimed to balance the official, investors, exporters, and parallel market rates. This bold step was intended to attract foreign investment and stabilize the economy, despite initial shocks to the currency’s value.

Mbah and Contest of Measurable Outcomes in Enugu

Oguejiofo Ujam in this piece submits that Governor Peter Mbah has raised the bar of governance in Enugu State since assuming office over a year ago.

Within the past 431 days the breeze has blown in terms of governance across the 36 states of Nigeria and exposed the rump of state governors. Post-May 29, 2023, some of the first term state governors succeeded in hitting the ground running. Others had the uncomplimentary fortune of wriggling through political disputations either with their predecessors or burdening themselves with the excesses of their godfathers.

Although the media have helped Nigerians to guestimate and project the performance of some of these first term state chief executives, in Enugu State certain interesting patterns have emerged. This author had mounted an observatory to, not only monitor the lead up to the March 18, 2023 gubernatorial election, but also gauge the progress of governance in the state.

As one citizen who has kept close tab on the politics, governance and developmental goings on in Enugu State, I make bold to state that Governor Peter Mbah has kept faith with the deliverables in his manifesto and mandate. The lofty vision contained in Mbah’s manifesto aroused curiosity of cynics and pernicious critics, particularly his promise of leap-frogging the state’s economic threshold from $4billion to $30billion.

Apart from economic growth, the governor had set for himself another lofty baseline in the area of provision of critical infrastructure and social amenities, particularly supply of pipe borne water and construction of high quality access roads across the state.

This intervention was not intended to celebrate the achievements of the Enugu State governor, but to bring into national consciousness how far self-motivated sub-national leaders could go to remake governance trajectory in their domains.

Further, the decision to write this piece was propelled by Governor Mbah’s recent high

water mark offerings in the areas of agricultural productivity and provision of much needed security of life and property to make life worth living for the people.

It should be registered as a remarkable feat. The determination of a state governor to embark on signposting measurable outcomes of his administration’s policy options. From what have been seen after the new administration took root in the Coal City State, it is apparent that Governor Mbah made his campaign manifesto a scheme of work or course outline. Against that background, he has been religiously implementing the components in a comprehensive manner to achieve set targets.

One recalls vividly how during a three-day executive leadership retreat for senior political appointees, in September 2023, Governor Mbah fired up his aides. He assured them that transforming Enugu State to a $30 billion economy in a space of eight years is doable if only they could believe in it and put themselves to achieving that.

Governor Mbah actually showed that he meant every bit of what he was saying. He also demonstrated his seriousness to properly equip

his appointees to buy into the can-do spirit and positive energy he radiates around his vision and mission.

The caliber of resource persons arrayed for the retreat was a pointer to the governor’s determination to bring his private sector experience to bear on his mandate delivery. With eggheads like the Acting Chief Economist of African Development Bank, Ibukun Awosika; Driver at Synthesia, Mr. Joseph Urama; Joe Abah; Linus Okorie and Sam Onyia, among others, nobody was left in doubt that Mbah, a former playmaker in the Downstream Oil and Gas industry, meant business.

Of course, the Secretary to Enugu State Government, Chidiebere Onyia, had explained that the retreat was programmed to enable the senior appointees of government “to digest the governor’s vision and map out strategies for achieving the targets across the various Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs).”

Stressing the need for his disruptive action plan, Governor Mbah had declared that “applying the hands-on knowledge gained at the event was a sure pathway to disrupting the status quo, which, he said “was no longer acceptable.”

It was possible that some of those that listened to Governor Mbah’s remarks at the closing ceremony of the leadership retreat may have taken his bold declarations with a pinch of salt, based on the broad imperatives of his vision.

But, 14 months of his taking up the mantle of leadership of Enugu State, it is left for all to weigh his words against the works done by his administration in the period under review.

-Prof Ujam writes from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka.

NOTE:

Food Crisis Heightens as Prices Soars over 250% in One Year

Nigerians are at risk of facing hunger if urgent action is not taken, this is as the country is currently dealing with twin crises, record-breaking flooding, and a food shortage.

Several factors are driving this trend, including ongoing conflicts, climate change impacts, escalating inflation, and rising costs of both food and essential non-food commodities (in part due to the devaluation of the naira and the discontinuation of the fuel subsidy).

Also, persistent violence in the north-eastern states of Borno,

Adamawa, and Yobe hinders food availability and access.

A report from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) showed that prices of food and of basic items have skyrocketed- hitting over 250 per cent in one year.

Available data from latest Food Price Watch from the NBS, showed that the price of beans soared by 252 per cent between June 2023 and June 2024.

The report stated that the prices of major staple foods in Nigeria, such as beans, yam, potato, plantain and tomato rose by over 250 per

cent in the last one year.

A year-on-year comparative analysis indicates the average price of 1kg of brown beans stood at N2,292.76, representing a 252.13 per cent increase from N651.12 in June 2023 and a 14.11 per cent increase month-on-month from N2,009.23 in May 2024.

Tomatoes (1kg) also saw significant price increases, rising by 320.67 per cent year-on-year from N547.28 in June 2023 to N2,302.26 in June 2024. On a month-on-month basis, the average price of tomatoes increased by 55.59 per cent from

N1,479.69 in May 2024.

The price of Irish potatoes also rose by 288.50 per cent year-onyear from N623.75 in June 2023 to N2,423.27 in June 2024, and by 51.92 per cent month-on-month from N1,595.07 in May 2024. Additionally, the average price of 1kg of yam tuber increased by 295.79 per cent year-on-year, from N510.77 in June 2023 to N2,021.55 in June 2024. On a month-on-month basis, the price rose by 52.87 per cent, from N1,322.36 in May 2024 to N2,021.55 in June 2024.

Other staple foods also experienced

significant price increases over the past year. For instance, the average price of 1kg of loose white garri rose by 181.66 per cent year-on-year, from N403.15 in June 2023 to N1,135.51 in June 2024. Additionally, there was a 1.86 per cent increase on a month-on-month basis.

Also, the average price of local rice sold loose rose by 179.97 per cent from N608.20 in June 2023 to N1,702.24 in June 2024. Nigerians on the average paid double the price for wheat from June 2023 to June 2024 as the price rose from N1,380.45 per Kg to N3,157.75 indicating an

increase of 128.75 per cent during the 12-month period. Among food items with over a 250 per cent year-on-year increase, the South-West recorded the highest prices. For example, the analysis by zone showed that the average price of brown beans (sold loose) was highest in the North-Central at N2,923.45, followed by the South-South at N2,630.03, while the North-West recorded the lowest average price at N1,647.03.

The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo has projected that Nigeria will generate over $2 billion annually if it is able to establish major Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility. Doing so, he stated, will also save Nigerian airlines about the same amount of money that are repatriated annually to pay for aircraft checks overseas.

Keyamo who disclosed this at the League of Airport and Aviation Correspondents (LAAC) conference

in Lagos said it became critical for Nigeria to build such facility as quickly as practically possible.

Keyamo also disclosed that he had started speaking to investors who may become interested in partnering with the federal government to realise the project, “as government has concluded that such project could only be realised through Public, Private Partnership (PPP) because of the financial outlay and technical depth needed in the project.”

Keyamo had disclosed recently that he has made firm push to establish the maintenance facility,

“and some investors from overseas are showing interest.” Some have spoken about the MROs. I think it is at the heart of the improvement of our local aviation industry. We need to bring in the MROs.People are already talking with us. I don’t want to let the cat out of the bag. Very soon, we are going to advertise and call for partnership. That is the only way to go. And I think we need to call in people with money. So, for our local businessmen, our banks, financial institutions, financiers, don’t say that foreigners are coming to take your business away.”

Keyamo reiterated the importance of having major MRO, saying that it would save Nigeria a lot of money because Nigerian airlines would no more ferry their aircraft overseas for maintenance, an action that will reduce forex demand of Nigerian carriers, which require dollars to pay for aircraft maintenance overseas.

“It is big business. Anybody that establishes a world-class MRO now will make money.Such MRO facility that can attend to large-body aircraft like Boeing 777 will really attract a lot of customers from the whole of West Africa, Central Africa and even

Southern Africa. There is none so far in the whole of West Africa and Central Africa for the real big body aircraft, which are the wide bodies.

“The Arabs are talking to us. The Chinese are talking to us. The Europeans are talking to us.The Americans are talking to us because they want to invest. And you know why it has to be PPPs. It is difficult to establish an MRO at an independent venue, different from an existing airport. You can’t build it, because you need a runway to get to an MRO. So, it is pretty difficult.So, you have to talk with us for us to give you one within one of our international airports. We are in the process of doing a master plan. We are going to mark out clear areas for MROs within the international airports. So, we are calling. I won’t say we are begging.We are telling you to come and make money. So, we are not begging for investment. Come and make money,” Keyamo said. He reiterated that an MRO would generate a lot of money for the aviation sector and for the Nigerian government.

British Airways Honours SAHCO with

Chinedu Eze

Skyway Aviation Handling Company Plc (SAHCO) has been awarded the prestigious Punctuality Award by British Airways for its outstanding regularity and safety performance in the first and second quarters of 2024 at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport Lagos Station.

SAHCO has also won British Airway’s bronze award for achieving its punctuality target of 96 per cent for the second quarter of 2024 at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja station.

The company said this showed SAHCO’s consistent excellence at service delivery for winning the

Punctuality

awards in the two stations where British Airways fly into.

British Airways (BA) is a global airline that is the United Kingdom’s flag carrier headquartered at Harmondsworth, England, UK near its main hub at London Heathrow Airport.

BA being a renownedairline with over 100 years’ experience in the skies, is wholly dedicated to ensuring punctuality, safety and security are of utmost priority and the airline is committed to excellent partnership with their clients thereby promoting an enabling environment for making SAHCO’s excellent service delivery seamless.

In a congratulatory letter

Award

addressed to Managing Director/ CEO of SAHCO, Mrs. Adenike Aboderin, British Airways commended the Lagos and Abuja team for their exceptional performance due to the stations’ ability to meet or exceed the Adjusted Door Closure (ADC) target of 96 per cent each month during the quarter, with no significant safety events or repeat audit findings. This feat has been achieved for two quarters in a row for the Lagos station.

In the same letter, BA congratulated the entire SAHCO team for the remarkable performance and reiterated that the achievement reflected the team’s dedication and hard work.

Aviacargo Conference Postponed

The organisers of the 4th Aviacargo Conference, the premier cargo conference in West Africa, has announced the postponement of the event initially scheduled to hold on August 1, 2024, to August 22, 2024, due to prevailing circumstances in the country.

According to the organizers, the decision to postpone the event has been taken with the utmost consideration for the safety of esteemed participants and international guests.

“We prioritise the well-being

of all attendees and do not wish for anyone to be caught in any unforeseen circumstances,” the organisers said in a statement.

The 4th Aviacargo Conference will feature a distinguished lineup of speakers, including: Managing Director of Asaba Airport, Christophe Pennick, who will speak on ‘The Role of the Private Sector in the Development of Airports and Aviation in Nigeria: The Asaba Airport Story’.

Chief Operating Officer of Ibom Air, George Uriesi, will speak on the

topic: ‘Creating a Synergy Between Airport and Airline in Developing Air Cargo’.

They will join other industry leaders, along with other chief executives from aviation, insurance, logistics, and agro-export sectors, to offer invaluable perspectives on advancing Nigeria’s cargo sector. Additionally, representatives from key government agencies such as NAFDAC, NEPC, SON, Nigeria Customs Service, and Quarantine Services will be present to share their expertise and experiences.

Airbus A321XLR Aircraft Receives EASA Certification

The Airbus A321XLR powered by CFM LEAP-1A engines has received its Type Certification from the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), preparing the way for the entryinto-service of the new aircraft at the end of the summer.

The Type Certificate was handed over by Florian Guillermet, Executive Director of EASA, to Isabelle Bloy, A321XLR Chief Engineer. Certification of the Pratt & Whitney engine version is slated for later in 2024.

CEO of the Commercial Aircraft business of Airbus, Christian Scherer, said: “Here comes the A321XLR, a differentiated product that brings new value to the market, expanding the possibilities for our airline customers and passengers. With its long range, the A321XLR enables a host of new direct routes, offering natural growth opportunities to our customers and the travelling public. It provides airlines with the efficiency of commonality

inside the A320/A321 product range and its versatile cabin a range of service possibilities that are just unique. It is quintessential Airbus.”

With the certification, we have reached a key milestone. The next step is to prepare the aircraft for its first commercial missions with customers worldwide. We look forward to working with XLR customers to support the integration of the aircraft in their fleets,” he added.

ASKY Founder Chairman Honored

Founder and Chairman of the Board of Directors at ASKY, Mr. Gervais Koffi Gbondjide DJONDO, has been honored with an award at the 2024 BOMA Africa Awards held in Accra, Ghana recently.

The award recognises DJONDO’s “indomitable spirit, passionate dedication, and relentless pursuit of Africa’s integration and prosperity goals, in line with Agenda 2063,” as inscribed on the trophy. Under the theme “From the Africa We

Want to the Africa We Build,” the 2024 edition of BOMA of Africa celebrated personalities with radical ideas and actions driving Africa forward.

“We are incredibly honored

that DJONDO has been recognised for his outstanding contributions to Africa,” commented Chief Executive Officer of ASKY, Mr. Esayas Woldemariam HAILU.

AIR WATCH

Divergent Views over Grounding of Arik Air Operations

Chinedu Eze

On Tuesday this week, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo ordered the grounding of Arik Air operations in compliance with a court order.

The Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) later explained that it was the agency that took the decision in order to ensure that further execution by way of sale (assets mentioned by the court) can be halted whilst the parties go back to court to resolve the issues.

The agency said: “However, in order to preserve the subject matter of the present dispute which are the aircraft in question, we have decided to comply with the effect of the Supreme Court order, by grounding the aircraft (subject of dispute) so that they are not taken out of the jurisdiction of the court or tampered with in a way as to frustrate the courts.”

NAMA further explained that on the 19th day of July, 2024, the enforcement department of the FCT High Court enforced an Order made by the Court regarding a debt of $2.5 million owed by Arik Airline to one Atlas Petroleum International Limited by attaching their aircraft.

Arik was further given a notice of Public Auction of the planes by the Court which was slated to hold on the 26th day of July 2024, if they fail to pay the Judgment debt.

“All these were served on our agency and also on our Supervising Minister, the Minister of Aviation. The records show that on the 8th day of March, 2016, the Judgment Debtor (Arik) appealed the decision of the High Court of Lagos State entering judgment against it to the Court of Appeal and on 30th September, 2021, the appeal was dismissed by the Court of Appeal in a unanimous decision with cost.

“Arik again appealed to the Supreme Court for leave to appeal the decision of the Court of Appeal, and on the 9th day of January, 2024, the Supreme Court, per Okoro, J.S.C., delivered its Ruling dismissing the Judgment Debtor’s application for leave to appeal,” NAMA explained.

“The notion that a creditor could prompt a Minister to bypass established legal processes, such as the court’s directive to maintain the status quo, is alarming. It indicates a disregard for the separation of powers and the rule of law. The Minister, as a public servant, is expected to uphold legal principles and the judiciary’s decision not circumvent them based on the interests of a private entity. This behavior can be seen as a betrayal of the public trust and a deviation from the duty to serve the public good,” the source said.

However, some stakeholders believe this could be a new trend that when such decision is reached, the government agency involved takes swift action, which indicates progress, noting that the issue has nothing to do with safety or aviation regulation but court judgment.

But the impact of the grounding is still being felt.

THISDAY learnt that about 130,000 crude produced daily by Chevron may be at risk, following the grounding of Arik aircraft’s fleet. This is because Arik Air has a contract to carry the crew of Chevron Corporation to Osubi airstrip to operate the oil field, which extracts 130,000 of crude oil daily and the grounding of the airline by NAMA, has made it impossible for the crew of Chevron Corporation to be airlifted to Osubi airstrip by Arik Air.

The project is said to be a joint venture agreement between the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL) and Chevron Corporation.

THISDAY also learnt that the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) has been managing Arik Air under receivership since February 2017, in an effort to stabilize and restructure the airline amidst significant debt obligations. The grounding, however, seems to have occurred in a context where multiple legal proceedings were ongoing, notably a dispute involving the enforcement of a $2.5 million judgment obtained by Atlas Petroleum International Limited and Engineer Arthur Eze.

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EmbassyCard, a Nigerian Fintech company with presence in several states of the country, has introduced a new digital prepaid card to merchants and residents of Lagos.

Announcing the product during a media parley in Lagos this week, the Chief Executive Officer of EmbassyCard, Sunny Ojuroye said the initiative would be a game changer in the financial space.

Ojuroye stated that the organisation started developing EmbassyCard payment solution with its engineers and Providus bank, the official partner bank in 2019 before its launch in 2024.

Addressing mobile money agents present at the event, the CEO said: “Let us make history together with EmbassyCard, a new prepaid card for payment. This is a great opportunity to earn commission with us. EmbassyCard offers additional opportunities to make extra income in addition to what you already do. The cards come in LITE, GREEN and GOLD with photo ID for identification purposes, thus enhancing security of customers.”

A Co-director of EmbassyCard,

Leye Popoola noted that the company’s digital payment solution is different from others with a strong security feature, which enables users to either lock or unlock their EMBASSYCARD in the event of any loss.

Head of Brand Management in Wetherheads Advertising Group Limited, the organiser of the launch event, Emmanuel Udeagha, said the newly introduced payment solution would revolutionalise the payment system in Nigeria.

He said: “It is able to take payment online and offline. If you’re in a remote community without network, you can still receive payment as a merchant and make payment as a customer to pay for services at restaurants, petrol stations, utility bills etc. As a merchant, your phone serves as your terminal.”

In his remarks, the Chairman of Association of Mobile Money and Bank Agents in Nigeria (AMMBAN), Mr. Oluwagunwa Ibirogba commended EmbassyCard for the initiative, saying it has been a struggle to get cash.

The grounding of Arik Air has raised many issues, some industry stakeholders hail the decision, as one of the industry insiders stated, “The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has done what many political officeholders don’t have the courage to do—comply instantly with a court order.Yesterday (Tuesday), the Minister ordered the grounding of Arik Airline’s operations. The Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) said the grounding of the airline’s service was in response to a court judgment, stating that in order to prevent the aircraft from being taken out of the country, the airline had to be grounded, thereby justifying the minister’s directive.”

But other industry observers have different opinions about this. Some are suspecting the swiftness of the decision to ground the operations of the airline, noting that similar judgment had taken place in the past and the neither the aviation agencies nor the Minister reacted to the judgment.

“A start-up airline with outdated Air Operator Certificate (AOC) was supposed to be grounded but this was not done, even the airline had only one aircraft, which is against regulations, they have to borrow aircraft to operate and nothing happened,” the insider said.

Some also said that it is a conflict of interest because a private creditor’s interests could directly influence a minister’s decision-making process, especially when the creditor’s interests conflict with the government’s own agencies and legal obligations. The suggestion that the minister, who serves the government and the public, would act in a manner that favors a private party over a government institution like AMCON undermines the integrity of the public office. This scenario suggests a potential conflict of interest and questions the Minister’s impartiality.

The Corporation explained that in recent weeks, it has been actively defending its secured interests in Arik’s assets, including a fleet of aircraft. The Federal High Court of the FCT had ordered all parties to maintain the status quo, pending the resolution of AMCON’s challenge against a writ of attachment targeting Arik’s assets. Despite this directive, so, “the Minister’s action appears to have sidestepped judicial prudence, aligning instead with the interests of the judgment creditors—an unsecured party in this complex financial landscape.”

“The consequences of grounding Arik’s fleet have been immediate and far-reaching. Thousands of passengers have been stranded, flights have been canceled, and the aviation sector has been thrown into disarray. The knock-on effect has been a sharp increase in airfares, adding financial strain to businesses and consumers alike. Moreover, the grounding jeopardizes critical contracts, such as Arik’s role in transporting Chevron’s crew to Osubi airstrip, a key operational site for oil production,” a source from AMCON said.

However, travellers and industry insiders have commended the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) and the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) for their quick response to help the passengers slated to travel with Arik Air, which operations have been grounded.

Meanwhile, industry experts and stakeholders have urged the Federal Government to re-evaluate its decision and ensure that all parties adhere to judicial processes, noting that the grounding of Arik Air, if left unresolved, might threaten not only the stability of the aviation sector but also the broader economic interests of Nigeria.

Arik Air source also noted that with the aviation industry already facing significant challenges, the need for a balanced and equitable resolution has never been more pressing.

“The eyes of the nation are now on the government to see whether it will uphold the rule of law and protect the economic well-being of the country,” the airline source told THISDAY.

Impediments of Air Transport in Nigeria

One of the challenges Nigerian aviation industry faces is infrastructural limitation, which has plodded the rapid growth of the sector. Chinedu Eze reports that the inclination of government to embrace private sector investment in development of airport facilities may be the key to fast track development in the industry

Over the years, inadequate or obsolete airport infrastructure, lack of landing aids, state of arts communication system in the airspace, doppler weather rather for weather checks, modern security equipment and efficient fire cover have at one time or another dogged at the growth, safety and easy facilitation of air travellers at Nigerian airports.

The cry of industry stakeholders has become hoarse in their campaign to call attention of government to put development process in place to provide, modernise and upgrade airport infrastructure to ensure continuous growth of the industry.

Last week the discussion on aviation infrastructure came to the fore at the conference organised by the League of Airport and Aviation Correspondents (LAAC) in Lagos with the theme: “Aviation Survivability Amidst a Challenging Macro-Economic Environment.”

Speaking on the topic, “Infrastructural Impediment to Aviation Industry Growth,” the Chairman/CEO of Qwikio WA Limited and 2nd Vice President of Aviation Round Table, a think-tank body in the industry, Dr. Alex Nwuba, said: “Looking at the issue from the standpoint of the economy, operating environment, regulatory impediments, security issues, external factors and, of course, the Nigerian factor, one will observe that the economic situation Nigeria has eroded developmental indices and it is disincentive to growth.”

He noted that the current economic situation would affect infrastructural development of the industry.

“We are in a state of hyperinflation, and significant currency devaluation, in an industry that pays most of its bills in dollars and earns almost all its income in Naira; the inputs required for production have been impacted by multifold increases, while the marketplace demands a capping of revenues which they call high fares.The marketplace isn’t just the consumers, our passengers, but the basic demand and supply dynamics where the market clearing price is impossible to achieve for both buyer and seller,” he added.

Nwuba said that there are no exceptions to the challenges facing the aviation industry, not just airlines, noting that airlines are faced with huge costs from all service providers and airports are equally faced with what they deem, and many will agree, are unnecessary charges.

FUEL COST

He said that one of the major cost component in airline operation is the price of aviation fuel, which prices have been rising over the months, adding that this cost greatly influences the cost of airfares.

He observed that in different parts of the world, airlines hedge fuel, which tend to tame the costs, “but in Nigeria, such paraphernalia is lacking. Before 2017, Arik Air made efforts to hedge fuel but because there is no adequate infrastructure, such plan was put in abeyance.

“Also, the management of Bi-Courtney Aviation Services Limited (BASL) in the past wanted to build fuel hydrant, whereby pipes from storage tanks, located on the perimeter of the airport, carry fuel to various locations on the runway apron. At each of these locations, a manhole contains underground connection points or hydrants located just beneath the

surface. BASL was not encouraged to embark on this project, which could have helped in fuel hedging.

“If we examine aviation fuel, which is probably the largest cost component in the airline business, the prices keep rising.In many climes, hedging provides some breather, here, the business environment provides no such opportunity. The industry has proposed importing their fuel but this like many proposals represents a poorlythought-through demand that will fail to address the issue.”

“Unfortunately, it appears that there are limited things the aviation sector can do, it neither controls nor appears to have any input into monetary or fiscal policy, apparent from how the issue of payments to foreign airlines was handled without any real word on solutions for domestic airlines.

The result is that the economy acts as the single largest impediment to the aviation industry, creating instability in travel demand, price and cost inflation; as well as rising operations, high maintenance, and labor costs that erode profit margins and present an existential threat, “he said.

OPERATIONAL CHALLENGES

Nwuba said operational challenges for airlines remained an interesting one and generally includes delays and cancellations, overcrowded airspace, pilot shortages, maintenance and delay disruptions and supply chain disruptions.

According to him, the elements of these are generally considered impediments, which lead the industry to wrong assumptions, reflecting the well-known Nigerian environment.

“If Nigerians are asked about airlines’ operating challenges, one of the first issues to be named would be the need for slots to address the airline wave models that have many airlines leaving for Abuja and Port Harcourt at 7:00 am and the need to create a spread of the operationsto address what will be addressed as challenges.”

He said that the problem with the slot model was that it would probably be a solution looking for a problem because it fails to address the character and the operating model of Nigerian airlines’ as well as competition in the industry.

“Going back to the 70’s, 80’s and 90’s when Nigerian airlines were unreliable and before the era of online booking systems, consumers were programmed to catch the airline on the ground, ready to go; and even today, with all of the available technology, including the ability to analyze airline performance and reliability data, and with the persistent character of inefficiency and delays, which the airlinesoften blame on airports and operational issues, consumers still make every attempt to catch the first and most likely the most reliable flight of the day, which will give advantages to the airlines that can get the earliest slots.

“I am sure that is not the intended objective of slots, which will distort the market and the nature of competition.However, I started with the statement that the situation in Nigeria is

interesting because, if we look at the 7: 00 am wave for which we are demanding slots to address the issues, we do not see a long line of aircraft waiting in double-digit minutes to take off nor are there significant delays resulting from so many arriving flights,” he said.

Nwuba posited that at the level of Nigeria’s development in aviation, slot does not solve any problem and the same applies to terminal capacity and the number of counters to check-in passengers, handle the luggage and get them to the aircraft because “we do not see people missing flights because there aren’t enough counters even though some people will argue otherwise.”

“Rather, we must overcome the time mismanagement that is our character and the big man, airplane wait-for-me attitude.When we look at logistical delays like fueling for so many departures, we can identify the challenges clearly, asinefficiency; something equipment, manpower and efficiency can address.The issue of pilot shortage is a future problem, not a current one, but one that is going to become a major problem in the future, as we are making limited efforts in developing new pilots, engineers’ dispatchers and air traffic controllers, even though we can see the challenges ahead.I will therefore state that the operational impediments in Nigeria are the product of inefficiency and the lack of capacity in man and material,” Nwuba added.

REGULATION

Nwuba also noted that one of the major challenges facing the aviation industry is regulation, remarking that regulatory impediments are the complex, complicated and ever-changing aviation regulations that add to operational costs, which are already out of control. He said the industry has not even taken seriously future environmental restrictions aimed at reducing carbon emissions, which will ultimately lead to higher costs and operational limitations, insisting that the lack of respect for government policy around duties and AOG (aircraft on ground) requirements add to the burden of the industry while evolving trade policies, which will have an impact on aircraft manufacturing and maintenance.

He added, “Personally, I am glad that the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has taken us up on the development ofalternative certification requirements that should ease and introduce new regimes that do not moderate the core safety mandates but allow new categories of airlines that would open up most of the idle or unviable airports, create jobs and expand the consumer offerings. This is one solution aimed at addressing the regulatory impediments.”

AVIATION SECURITY

Nwuba identified security issues in air transport to include the threat of terrorism, which calls for increased security measures that ultimately would add costs in the total

budget of security architecture of the airports; while also adding to the inconvenience of passengers. He emphasised that a major factor in airport revenue loss is the inability of non-travelling passengers to enter Nigeria’s airports and patronise the many commercial enterprises which hurrying passengers are not supporting.

“In other words, due to sensitivity given to security at the airports, non-travelling public is not allowed easy access to even non restricted areas of the airports, like meeters and greeters and others like shops and service offering areas. It is indicated that majority of the passengers are in a hurry; so, they may not have time to patronize these business enterprises around the airports.

“Cybersecurity risks and the vulnerability to cyberattacks are impediments that must be addressed to prevent financial losses and reputational damage. And external factors which include geopolitical instability, conflicts and political tensions add to the impediment list and have the potential to disrupt travel routes and increase insurance costs.While natural disasters and extreme weather events are known to cause flight disruptions and damage infrastructure, we are fortunate to be limited to rain and dust.The next pandemic and possible global health crises may lead to travel restrictions and reduced demand,” he said.

NIGERIAN FACTOR

“I will now address the most significant impediment to the growth of the Nigerian aviation sector, which I mentioned earlier as the Nigerian factor. It is the impediment of doing and then thinking.The clear lack of consistency and policy somersaults and the lack of well-laid future-proof plans until reality stares us in the face, then we decide to draw up a new set of plans, which remains in the pending box until what we are doing hits another roadblock,” Nwuba said.

He indicated that the Nigerian factor include the failure of political leadership that head the Ministry to stick to the regulatory and constitutional roles; rather, they tend to micromanage the agencies, dovetailing everything to yield to their whims.

In his recommendation, he said that the industry needs a new and sustainable aviation business policy that drives growth and positions Nigeria for the coming common trade area for goods, services and in particular, a single air traffic market.

“Nigeria believes it has a large market, yet we see the same 5% of the population who have bank accounts as the percentage of air travelers. This is a huge impediment and at the same time an incredible opportunity. The question is, who will study the Azul Brazilian model or any other model that can be used to grow the industry?”

He posited that the identified challenges in his presentation are interdependent or interconnected; each amplifying the effects of others, noting that the aviation industry is constantly adapting to overcome these impediments to ensure sustainable growth.

“More effort must be made to address particularly the human factor and efficiency issues,” he advised.

How Nigeria Silent Heroes Awards Honoured

Nigerians Impacting Society Positively

The Nigerian Silent Heroes Award, NSHA, was borne out of the need to recognise Nigerians not just excelling in various fields of endeavours, but also impacting humanity positively within and outside. This year, the sixth edition of the award, held at the Wells Carlton Hotel, Asokoro, Abuja, honoured heroes drawn from the security services to captains of industry, clergy, farmers, judiciary, lawmakers, civil servants, traditional rulers, technocrats, businessmen and women, and even the media, Chiemelie Ezeobi writes

The fifth edition of Nigerian Silent Heroes Award (NSHA) was last year marked at Abuja Continental Hotel, formerly known as Sheraton Hotel and Towers, Abuja. At the event, honoured for their service to humanity were individuals from the security services, to captains of industry, clergy, judiciary, lawmakers, farmers, civil servants, traditional rulers, technocrats, businessmen and women, and even the media.

Though the sixth edition of the Nigerian Silent Heroes Award (NSHA) has come and gone, the memories of the honour still linger till date. On Saturday, June 8, 2024, at Cabana Hall, Wells Carlton Hotel, Asokoro Abuja, the annual NSHA hosted by Silent Heroes Initiative, a non-governmental organisation, expressed gratitude of society to selected award recipients for their service towards fellow individuals, families, community, environment and silent heroic service to fatherland.

WHO ARE THE SILENT HEROES?

The initiative was conceived by the founder, Odita Sunday-Udemaguna, veteran crime and defence journalist, as well as humanitarian, who noted that “In our larger society, there are men and women who are silently working assiduously behind the scenes to oil our nation’s wheel of progress.

“These people are SILENT HEROES in their own right but have largely remained unsung and undercelebrated. Believe it or not, they are the reason our nation has made the modest progress recorded in different spheres in contemporary times.”

2024 AWARDEES

Among the 2024 awardees were Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, Chief of the Naval Staff, who bagged the Silent Hero in Maritime Security; RT. Hon Sheriff F.O. Oborevwori, Governor of Delta State as a Silent Hero in Infrastructure Development; Prof. Leroy Chuma Edozien, Ubili Ka Nkwu Ahaba as a Silent Hero in Medicine and Politics; Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun as Silent Hero in Policing; and Pastor Ikechukwu Edmund Ezeobi as Silent Hero of Faith for his pastoral works spanning over two decades, both locally and internationally.

Other nominees include Minister of state for Defence, Dr. Bello Muhammed Matawalle, MON as Silent Hero in Governance; Alhaji Jibrin Baba Nadace, Director General, Voice of Nigeria as Silent Hero in Journalism; and Dr. Awele Elumelu, CEO Avon Medical Practice as SilentHero in Medicine.

Others include Mr. Dozy Mmobuosi CEO, Tingo Inc. as Silent Hero in Fintech & Agro Development in Africa; ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, mnipr as Silent Hero in Police Image Management; Dr. Ejikeme Odumegwu Owelle as Silent Hero in Philanthropy; Alex Nwankwo, CEO Amity Global Network as Silent Hero in Image Management; and Evelyn Usman, Asst. Crime Editor

Vanguard Newspaper as Silent Hero in Journalism (Print Media).

Ogbu Johnson Chinecherem got the Silent Hero in Nollywood; Mr Jason Bent as Silent Hero in Administration; Professor Muhammad Shafi’u Abdullahi, DFCISM as Silent Hero in Education; Mrs. Judith Ogunleye (Ofulue), Founder, Ubuluuku Community Outreach as Silent Hero in Community Development and Philanthropy; and Mr. Monye Lucky Ehiwogwu, MD/CEO as Silent Hero in Private Security Practice.

Others in the list include Shina Philips, CEO Matchmakers Int. Consult Silent Hero in Management; Dr. Osadebe Osakwe, MD North China Construction Ltd., Silent Hero in Business and Philanthropy; Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko, National Coordinator HURIWA, as Silent Hero in Human Rights; Chief Dr. Aisha Tosan, CEO Bi Communications Ltd, as Silent Hero in Media; Yushau Shuaib, Founder, PRNigeria as Silent Hero in Security Advocacy; Ebaide Omiunu as Silent Hero of Climate Change & Social Impact; Haliru Nababa, FICMC, MFR, mni, Controller General Nigerian Correctional Service, as Silent Hero in Public Service; and Moses Amiebenomo, CEO Sagesse De Dieu Limited as Silent Hero in Business & Enterprise. Zenith Bank bagged Silent Hero in Banking Sector; Prince Martins as Silent Hero in SME Development & Job Creation; Chief Nwoye-oba Chinedu Jonathan, CEO Lamido Motors as Silent Hero in Business and Enterprise; Christian Ogbonna, CEO Gorton Superstore Wholesale

Market in Manchester as Silent Hero In Business & Enterprise; Christopher Okonkwo, Silent HeroIn Cyber Security & Artificial Intelligence; and last but definitely not the least, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, Governor of Kogi State Silent Hero in Security Management.

A MEMORABLE EVENING

For all those that attended the award ceremony, including the awardees, it was indeed a memorable evening as the event witnessed the assemblage of the crème de la crème of Nigerian society ranging from the executive to legislators, security forces, monarchs, renowned academia, media and men and women who had made remarkable difference in improving humanity in their chosen endeavours.

Meanwhile, on the sideline of the award ceremony, guests were conducted round a motor show, where latest version of choice brands were on display for prospective buyers.

To the award proper, setting the stage for the evening was an Abuja based cultural troop who entertained the guest with their titillating and traditional dance steps, while choicest wines and starters flowed.

In her address, the wife of the convener, and Project Coordinator of the Silent Heroes Awards Initiative, Mrs. Ozioma Sonia Odita Sunday, explained that the silent heroes awards is anchored on a process of identification, recognition, and celebration of those whose life activities have positively impacted humanity within or outside

their own immediate environment.

While declaring open the Award Ceremony, the Special Guest of Honour, and Senator representing the good people of Delta North Senatorial District at the National Assembly, Senator Ned Nwoko, while commending the organisers, also tasked them to also seek out less privilege individuals who had contributed to the advancement of humanity in one way or the other in their little corners unnoticed by the larger society.

Speaking on the award, a recipient of Silent Hero in Medicine and Politics, Prof. Leroy Chuma Edozien, who expressed surprise at his nomination, commended the organisers for recognising silent heroes.

Earlier in a good will message at the award night, the Governor of Kogi State, Usman Ododo, who was represented at the event applauded the organisers for fishing out silent heroes for recognition and celebration of monumental proportion.

Also speaking with THISDAY afterwards, one of the award recipients, Pastor Ezeobi said it pays to serve God diligently, adding that He has never failed him in the over 40 years of serving Him.

COMPENDIUM LAUNCH

Keeping to tradition, this year, the organisers also unveiled a magazine and a compendium of the “NIGERIA’S SILENT HEROES volume 11”, a documentation of some of the milestones of such hardworking individuals with achievements cutting across diverse fields like Education, Security, Journalism, Industry, Oil and Gas, Religion, Real Estate, Governance etc.

ROAD TO INSTITUTING THE AFRICAN HEROES AWARD

Seeing the trajectory of the NSHA, the convener intends to stretch the reach to encompass Africa. While appreciating the support of the Minister of Arts Culture and Creative Economy, management of United Bank for Africa (UBA), PLC, Zenith Bank PLC, Chairman of North China Construction, Mr. Osadebe Osakwe; former Director of DSS, Sir Mike Ejiofor; former Director General of Nigeria Institute of Advanced Legal Studies (NIALS), Prof Epiphany Azinge SAN; former Minister of Women Affairs, Dame Pauline Tallen; the IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, and others for their encouragement and support, the project coordinator also announced plan to Institute the Africa Heroes Awards in no distant time with a view to celebrating unsung achievers within the continent of Africa.

Above all, it was indeed a memorable gathering with the most overarching objective that citizens must in one way or the other give back to the society, without expectations of reward.

ANALYSIS

As Unsettled FX Forwards Threaten Companies, Industrialisation, Pressure Mounts on CBN to Act

In this piece, James Emejo and Dike Onwuamaeze, write on the increasing campaign by the Organized Private Sector for the CBN to settle valid FX forward transactions to save jobs and the economy in general.

The delay by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to settle valid and mature Foreign Exchange (FX) forward transactions has continued to attract due attention from stakeholders in the real sector of the economy including manufacturers and corporates.

Analysts said apart from its potential to negatively impact companies’ ability to remain in operation, the non-resolution of pending genuine forwards could further defeat efforts by President Bola Tinubu’s administration to industrialise the country.

It was learnt that the forward transactions which took place between 2022 and 2023 are yet to be settled at maturity, prompting anxiety by analysts, especially as the development puts the affected companies in difficult situations and threatens economic sustainability.

Notably, companies that used bank confirmed lines to open Letters of Credit (LCs), paid import duties, and received the goods, while suppliers were mostly settled by their banks’ correspondent banks are increasingly concerned over the continued delay by the apex bank to clear its forward liabilities.

The stakeholders therefore, called on the central bank to settle the forwards and get EFCC to prosecute companies involved in any act of round-tripping or abuse in the utilisation of the liquidity.

The Organized Private Sector (OPS) has warned that the continued delay in settling the outstanding liabilities of companies could see them lose about N2.4 trillion, coupled with the farreaching implications for the companies and the economy in general.

This could expectedly impact companies’ profits for the next two to three years as well as harm federal government’s income, and potentially subject the Naira to undue pressure.

Moreover, these could also trigger bank losses as confirmation lines used may not be serviced by the SMEs and corporates as well as put over one million jobs at risk.

As one of the fallouts of the nonsettlement of forwards, and its impact on their operations, members of the OPS have tied the implementation of the new minimum wage of N70,000 in the private sector to the settlement of FX liabilities.

The OPS, including the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA), Nigeria Association of Small and Medium Enterprises (NASME), and the Nigerian Association of Small Scale Industrialists (NASSI), have particularly demanded that the CBN redeemed “all validly transacted outstanding forex forwards for companies in the productive sector.”

A source told THISDAY that unsettled forward transactions had been maturing and piling up since the current leadership of CBN stopped honouring the obligations.

Earlier in March, the CBN announced that all valid FX backlogs owed to various sectors of the economy had been settled, fulfilling a key pledge of the CBN Governor, Mr. Olayemi Cardoso, to process an inherited backlog of $7 billion in outstanding liabilities.

In a recent interview with Arise Television, a sister broadcast arm of THISDAY, Cardoso revealed that about $2.4 billion out of the acclaimed $7 billion outstanding foreign exchange liabilities of the federal government were not valid for settlement.

He said while the bank had settled verified FX requests which amounted to $2.3 billion at the time, the total outstanding FX obligations remained at $2.2 billion.

The central bank governor further indicated that part of the headline $7 billion outstanding FX claims were not valid, citing the outcome of a forensic audit by Deloitte Management Consultant which the apex bank commissioned.

He maintained that the CBN would not pay for FX requests that are not validly constituted, adding that the bank had written to authorised dealers to explain the disparities identified.

Furthermore, Cardoso said the bank had contracted the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to investigate suspicious transactions to prosecute individuals and entities with fraudulent entries.

However, the OPS stressed that while CBN/EFCC investigation continued almost endlessly, the corporates that believed their transactions were not fraudulent are bleeding and under intense pressure from their banks and their suppliers.

The manufacturers therefore, called on the central bank to settle the forwards and get EFCC to prosecute companies involved in any act of round-tripping or abuse in the utilisation of the liquidity.

Moreover, these transactions involved largely manufacturers that have already imported inputs on the ground that the CBN would honour its obligations but are presently indebted to their foreign suppliers, a development that would threaten their future business relationships.

According to the source, all the FX forward transactions were signed off by the CBN before they were consummated. So, for the CBN to turnaround and declare them as fraudulent beats ones imagination.

According to him, the apex bank is merely creating panic in the system that would affect many private enterprises.

He said that many members of the Manufacturers Association are affected and now they could not go back to their suppliers for further importation of machineries and raw materials because of the current unfaithfulness in meeting their obligations due to the stance of the CBN.

He said that the manufacturers who are trapped in this impasse had already paid their Naira equivalent of these transactions with interests through their banks.

The issue now is that manufacturers are being punished unnecessarily because the apex bank had presumed all forward transactions that matured after Mr. Godwin Emefiele left office as governor of the CBN as fraudulent.

“Even if the current leadership of the CBN do not trust their predecessor, it should look at the whole transactions holistically to be able to determine how best to resolve the issue,” sources further confided in THISDAY.

Meanwhile, financial experts believed that the current unfaithfulness to settle contractual obligation would make it difficult for affected Nigerian business to access credits from abroad.

Commenting on the development, Chief Executive Officer, De-SME Facilitators Limited, Mr. Tony Chinwe, said, “The implications of not honouring the matured FX forwards obligations are numerous.

He said, “First, it will trigger loss of confidence in Nigerian financial instruments by foreign investors and suppliers.

“Secondly, it will leave in its trail sticky debts and worsen the level of toxic assets in the banks’ balance sheets. Chinwe, who was the former Group Head of SME Banking of the Fidelity Bank Plc, also stressed that this would erode the goodwill of these companies and wipe out the trade credits they enjoyed from their suppliers.

He said many of the companies may not survive it thereby plunging thousands of their employees into the already saturated labour market. Among other things, recommended that the CBN should settle the obligations to maintain confidence and stability in the system.

He said the federal government should “focus on stopping crude oil theft and recovering money stolen by these thieves. This is a low hanging fruit if the political will is there.”

He said, “In 2022, the Chairman of the United Bank for Africa (UBA), Mr. Tony Elumelu stated that ’95 per cent of crude oil is lost to theft.’

“Even if we put it conservatively at 69 per cent, it is a lot of money that can conveniently cover foreign exchange gaps in the short to medium term, while the government focuses on diversifying the economic base, and developing the petrochemical industry in particular.”

Also, Director General, NASME, Mr. Eke Ubiji, said businessmen and women that approach the FX market do so with definite purposes in mind, adding that any delay would affect their businesses and lower their productivity, thus putting many workers out of job. Also, in a recent interview with THISDAY, Managing Director/Chief Executive, Dignity Finance and Investment Limited, Dr. Chijioke Ekechukwu, urged the CBN to separate the genuine claims from suspected fraudulent transactions in the interest of the economy.

He said, “There are two sides to these claims: Firstly, CBN said they are still investigating these claims, and there may be some suspicious claims being investigated. Amongst the claims may also be very genuine claims.

“Whatever the case may be, investigation cannot be forever. The outcome of the investigation should be out by now after a reasonable time.”

Ekechukwu, a former Director General, Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI), also said, “I agree that business and counter-party confidence may be affected adversely.

“We do expect that the apex bank will assess the claims in their entirety and sieve the chaff from the substance in order not to affect genuine corporates from pursuing their business goals.”

HUNGER PROTEST...

Policemen at Ojota monitoring protesters...yesterday

PROTESTS TURN VIOLENT AS 16 DIE IN BORNO, 6 IN NIGER ON DAY ONE

state government has imposed a 24 hour curfew in Potiskum, Gashua and Nguru. The public is hereby advised to abide by the curfew order and stay at home for peace to reign in these areas and the state at large.

“The Security Agencies have been directed to ensure enforcement and full compliance of the curfew order.”

Benue State

Uneasy calm pervaded many streets in Makurdi, Benue State and other parts of the state as the first day of protest against bad governance began across the country. Major roads were deserted even though some motorist were seen moving around.

At the Federal and State Secretariats, civil servants were seen going about there jobs

At Benue Links, Duku, New Nyanya, Pleasure Travels and Yaman parks, activities were ongoing as passengers were boarding vehicles to various destinations in the North and Southern parts of the country

While security forces stationed their vehicles at strategic points for any eventuality, others were seen patrolling the streets, especially in areas like Wadata.

Meanwhile, Governor Hyacinth Alia has sent his warm appreciation to the people of Benue, for heeding his words not to join the nationwide protest.

The governor praised the organised labour, trade unions, civil society organisations, the youth and other groups in the state for keeping to their word not to participate in the protest.

He said the decision of the people to shelve the protest in the state demonstrated their firm belief in the policies of the APC-led administration in the country, saying it was an indication that the people were willing to give the government more time to improve on their welfare.

South East States

The Apex pan-Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, yesterday, took an inventory of its political stewardship, and further affirmed its support for the President Bola Tinubu administration.

It also expressed its 'profound gratitude' to the Igbo both at home and in the Diaspora, for the “unwavering commitment to the decision to boycott the nationwide protests.”

In a statement by its SecretaryGeneral, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, Ohanaeze said, “We, the leadership of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, wish to express our profound gratitude to all Igbos at home and in the diaspora for their unwavering commitment to the decision to boycott the nationwide protests.

“The South-east region has shown remarkable unity and resilience in standing against external pressures and manipulations aimed at using the Igbo as sacrificial lambs for selfish political agenda.

“The South-east's total compliance

with the directive to abstain from the protests is a testament to the newfound sense of unity and determination among Ndigbo to put an end to the systematic manipulation and exploitation by certain unpatriotic elements and privileged elite.''

This, in. Enugu State, residents did not take part in the protest. But markets and streets within the Enugu Metropolis were not as busy as they used to be as many residents stayed indoors for fear that the protest, if it held, might turn violent.

Shops were locks even as there was limited vehicle movement. There was no gathering suggestive of protest observed anywhere as at the time of report. Also, in Imo State, the protest was observed as sit-at-home. Owerri and its suburbs were completely deserted without any form of movement as people refused to step outdoors

But heavy security presence either as patrol teams or checkpoints were observed in and around the state capital.

All business premises including markets, commercial banks, filling stations, motor parks, hotels, and shops in the streets of Owerri were closed down. There was no vehicular movement either of private or commercial types

Ebonyi State residents also boycotted the protest in all parts of the state.

THISDAY, after going round some parts of the state, noted that though some shops were shutdown, there was no incident of protest in the state.

There were also human and vehicular movements in the major streets of the capital city and all major markets had full business activities.

Abakaliki, the capital, witnessed the presence of security agencies at major designated junctions while some other security operatives were patrolling from one place to the other.

Businesses in parts of Anambra State were closed as a result of fear of violence arising from the protest.

Though there was no gathering of people for a physical protest, shops, markets banks, schools and other public institutions were all closed.

THISDAY reported that streets of Awka, Onitsha and Nnewi were also deserted, just as the roads were devoid of vehicular movements.

The Dr Alex Ekwueme Square in Awka which also served as rallying point for protesters was deserted, too. Similarly, in Abia, the protest did not hold as no group took to the streets as directed by the organisers. Instead, residents of the state opted to stay at home and observed the unfolding events in other parts of the country.

The streets were empty and most shops at the city centre were closed for the fear of the unknown. But in the inner parts of the city shop owners were doing their businesses.

In fact, day one of the hunger strike was observed like the Monday sit-at-home and not as a national day of rage.

Banks, as it has become customary at any hint of protest, closed their

gates and doors to customers.

The situation was the same in Aba, the commercial hub of the state, which is also the hotbed of the state in protests and demonstration of anger against governments.

However, after the initial wait and see attitude in the morning hours, the streets of Umuahia and Aba came alive later in the afternoon.

Delta State

There was partial compliance in Delta South Senatorial District of Delta State as people went about their normal businesses without any harassment.

Except in Warri, Effurun and environment where there was no iota of any protest, same cannot be said of Ughelli, Sapele and Abraka where pockets of protests erupted at about 1 pm with bonfires on major roads within the towns.

In Warri, residents shunned the much anticipated protest and went about their legitimate businesses. Shops were opened for businesses, private and commercial vehicles where also on the roads while people moved freely from one place to the other.

Heavily armed security agents were stationed at the popular Effurun roundabout slated as venue for protest to forestall possible breakdown of law and order.

Security operatives were also stationed at Enerhen junction, Airport junction, Jakpa junction, PTI Junction, DSC Roundabout and the Estate Roundabout and others.

Warri Area Commander of the Nigeria Police, Graham Imade, an Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP), told Journalists at the Effurun Roundabout, that his personnel were deployed to ensure a peaceful protest and to boost the confidence of the people.

Bauchi State

In Bauchi, hundreds of youths gathered in front of the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Memorial Stadium (ATBS) close to the Wunti Gate entrance to Bauchi metropolis to join the nationwide protest.

The youths who displayed placards with different inscriptions, calling for reversal of the fuel subsidy, availability of food, reduction in school fees among other demands, matched from Kobi football field to the point of gathering.

THISDAY monitored the protest in the state capital and observed that they (protesters) were fully protected by a team of security personnel comprising Police, NSCDC, Soldiers and other uniformed and plain cloth security personnel.

Meanwhile, one of the leading CSOs in the forefront of the protest, Northern Agenda for Good Governance & Allied Groups, has called out its members to withdraw from the protest with immediate effect.

Announcing the decision to withdraw its members from the protest, Comrade Hashim Bala

Pali, Deputy National Coordinator stated that hoodlums, irate youths and disgruntled elements have hijacked the peaceful protest turning it into violence and looting spree.

Briefing journalists at the NUJ Press Center, he stressed that the decision to cancel the peaceful protest in Bauchi became necessary in order to save lives and properties of citizens.

Niger State

Six protesters were reportedly shot dead, with many others sustaining injuries in the ongoing hardship protest in Suleja, Niger State.

The victims were reportedly killed while security operatives were struggling to dislodge a group of protesters who mounted a barricade on a section of the Abuja-Kaduna highway, trapping motorists for several hours.

An uproar occurred after the arrival of the reinforcement team, which was sent to restore sanity to the area.

A resident of Hassan Dalatu Road, Suleja, identified as Yahaya Nda Isah, was reportedly hit by a stray bullet while on his bike in front of the Suleja Police ‘A’ division, where protesters had assembled.

A nephew of the deceased who spoke with Daily Trust said his uncle was on his bike without joining the ongoing protest when the bullet fired to disperse the protesters hit him on his chest, and he died on the spot.

Another victim identified as Mallam Abu also died on the spot with three other people shot at the same scene while 2 others were shot at the Suleja Junction on Abuja-Kaduna road.

Spokesperson of the Niger State Police Command, SP Wasiu Abiodun, said some hoodlums attempted to set the Tafa LGA ablaze, but security operatives dispersed them.

Meanwhile, the Chairman, Senate Committee on Finance, Senator Sani Musa, has appealed to Nigerians currently protesting the economic hardship in the country to sheath their sword and embrace peace in the interest of the country.

Musa, who is representing Niger East Senatorial District in the National Assembly, made the appeal in a statement.

He specifically urged elder statesmen, traditional and religious leaders to open channels of communications with the youths on how to achieve good governance through peaceful and meaningful dialogue.

Adamawa State

Adamawa protesters joined others to protest against bad governance and hardship bedeviling the country. Unfortunately for them, they found themselves competing for prominence with groups canvassing support for the policies and leadership style of President Tinubu.

The anti-government hardship protesters began their protest March at the Police Roundabout in Yola at

about 9am and mostly demanding return of fuel subsidy and taming of inflation, pro-government groups gathered at the Ribadu Square

However, the pro-government protesters were seen speaking against the hardship protesters and urging Nigerian to be patient and give Tinubu's pro-masses programmes time to begin to yield fruits.

There was a mild commotion at the Ribadu Square about 11 am when a lone protester emerged there carrying a placard calling for return of fuel subsidy.

As the message of his placard ran contrary to what the pro-government people at Ribadu Square were preaching, they swooped around ‘the intruder’ and forced him out of the place.

The pro-government campaigners had gathered early at the Ribadu Square, restricting the anti-government protesters at the Police Roundabout where they waved placards proclaiming their demands: 'Bring back Fuel Subsidy', 'Let fuel sell at most N200 per litre', 'Government is Service, not Self-service', 'End High Inflation, End Hunger,' among others.

A spokesman of the protesters, Ibrahim Waziri, a former member of the Adamawa State House of Assembly, emphasised need for government to return fuel subsidy.

Another protest leader, Danladi Jonah, holding a placard reading, 'End Insecurity, Bring back fuel subsidy, Reduce electricity tariffs,' said government needed to be awakened to the prevailing acute insecurity and inflation throughout the country.

Taraba State

Youths and children marched through some streets of Jalingo, Taraba State capital to participate in the protest.

This was in spite of several efforts by Governor Agbu Kefas and other stakeholders including former governors of the state and the Minister of State for Steel Development, Alhaji Uba Maigari, to prevent the youths from joining the protest.

The youths, mainly children of less than 15 years marched through major streets of Jalingo carrying different placards calling government's attention to the prevailing hunger in the country and calling for the restoration of fuel subsidy.

Security operatives were however stationed at different junctions in the town to prevent breakdown of law and order and looting of shops and properties.

At the government house in Jalingo, they were addressed by the governor who asked them to select 20 people among them to have a conversation with the governor.

THISDAY gathered that the governor pleaded with them to shelve the protest action and promised to distribute rice and other food items to them to assuage their anger.

The protest however grounded business activities within the metropolis

as many shops remain closed while only a few commercial tricycles were operational as many people remained indoors.

Kaduna State

It was obvious that the nationwide protest was going to turn violent in Kaduna State as the protesters attempted to force themselves into Government House. They also attempted to block major roads leading to the Government House. The protest eventually turned violent when demonstrators started burning tires and throwing stones in an attempt to force their way into the Government House.

Security operatives, too, responded immediately, shooting cannisters of teargas to dispersed them.

Angered by the action of security personnel, the protesters resorted to vandalising Governor Uba Sani's bill board and traffic light as they flee Sokoto Road where the Government House was located. The protesters were mainly youths and underaged children They sang anti-government slogans and carried placards, demanding the reintroduction of fuel subsidy and good governance.

Before they moved to the Government House, the protesters held a rowdy procession from the NEPA roundabout along Ahmadu Bello Way, to the Leventis displaying placards with various inscriptions. They also chanted anti- government slogans, saying unprintable things about President Bola Tinubu.

Meanwhile, as the protest became more violent, a policeman was shot by protesters. One person was also reportedly killed, but it could not be confirmed.

Chief of Staff to Governor, Sani Kila, said the police man was taken to the Nigeria Army Referral Hospital, opposite the Government House. Kila also dismissed reports that a 24-hour curfew was imposed by the state government, saying the story is fake. But Mansir Hassan the spokesperson of the Kaduna state police command said 25 suspected hoodlums had been arrested.

Oyo State

Members of various Coalition of Civil Societies organisations and groups in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, joined their counterparts all over the country to protest against widespread hunger and scarcity of essential commodities. One of the protests started in front of the University of Ibadan, while another one started at Iwo Road. Another protest started at Mokola Roundabout, while another one started at Dugbe. One of the protesting groups passed through the University of Ibadan, Bodija and Secretariat Road. The procession that started at Mokola Roundabout passed through

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L-R: Representative of the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Mr. Animashaun Folayinka; Chief Executive Officer, Ministry of Finance Incorporated (MOFI), Dr. Armstrong

Choke; Director General, Security and Exchange Commission (SEC), Emomotimi Agama and Board Member, Afrinvest, Adewale Folowosele, during the

economy, in Abuja .... recently

PROTESTS TURN VIOLENT AS 16 DIE IN BORNO, 6 IN NIGER ON DAY ONE

University College Hospital (UCH), Total Garden and Agodi Gate.

The protesting groups passed through major areas of the ancient city. While the protest was peaceful, it however resulted in closure of many shops within the city, while major markets were closed and streets deserted in some areas.

A handful of workers reported for duties at the Oyo State Government secretariat, Agodi with heavily armed security agent on standby

Popular markets and business stores in the ancient city such as Bodija, Oje, Ojoo, Adelabu market, Orita challenge, and Iwo road among others were closed for business activities.

Other affected markets included popular Ojoo market, Agodi Motor Spare Parts market, Bodija market Adelabu Market, Iwo road electronic market, Alesinloye markets and cattle market in Akinyele

Banks were also seen offering skeletal services while gates of some other banks in the Iwo road area were under lock and key.

Edo State

Commercial activities were grounded yesterday in Edo State in the wake of the protest against bad governance. Worst hit were the urban areas. In Benin-City, capital of Edo State, the roads were empty without commercial vehicles and a few people seen in the streets.

Besides, business premises such as banks, petrol stations, markets were all closed to customers. Even State Government Secretariat was not left out as both civil/public servants were no where to be found, except the presence security personnel seen at strategic locations apparently to forestall any breakdown of law and order.

That notwithstanding, some people used the opportunity to also organised themselves in their respective areas barricaded major highways with used tires and stones with occasional interjection from vehicles which were promptly searched to ensure they were not carrying passengers.

This was witnessed in areas such as Upper Sokponba, Sapele, Upper Ekenwan, New Lagos Roads, as well as Benin-Ekpoma-Auchi axis of the federal highways without any form of violence being witnessed.

In these areas, youths who were chanting "Tinubu Must Go", "We Are Hungry" among others, insisted the Tinubu administration must end poverty and hunger or go if he does not have solution to Nigerian problems

But the Edo State Government has said, contrary to reports, it did not keep relief materials in its warehouses, as the government’s feeding programme for vulnerable persons in the State was being implemented through religious bodies.

A statement by the Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, Hon. Chris Nehikhare, stated that, the videos making the rounds emanating from the Urora axis of Ikpoba Hill, Benin City, was the handiwork of the

All Progressives Congress (APC), in a desperate attempt to score cheap political points.

“The Edo State Government has received information about the looting of bags of rice from an unidentified truck and private residences in parts of Benin City in the wake of the #EndBadGovernance protests.

“The videos making the rounds are said to have emanated from the Urora axis of Ikpoba Hill, Benin City, and the government does not have a warehouse in that location.

“The government supports the vulnerable with relief materials through religious organisations particularly the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria and the Muslim leaders in the State.

“The State government does not keep any relief material by itself but reaches out to the people through these channels.”

Also, the senator representing Edo Central Senatorial District and the governorship candidate of the APC in Edo State, Monday Okpebholo, has appealed to the people of Edo State and other Nigerians to shun acts of violence in their protests against government.

Okpebholo, in a statement released by his campaign office, condemned Edo State government for supporting the violent protests against the federal government and the APC in the state at a time, said “other state governors were working round the clock to prevail on the youths to shun violent protests.”

The statement also said that intelligence reports had revealed that the state government was mobilising some hoodlums with money to join the planned protests.

Okpebholo, however, appealed to the people to give Tinubu time as the process of rebuilding Nigeria has started on a good note, within the short time he has been in office as President.

Plateau State

A mammoth crowd of protesters led by a former Minister of Youth and Sports, Solomon Dalung and a frontline Cleric and General Overseer of EBOMI Ministries International, Prophet Isa El-Buba, took over the city centre of Jos, Plateau State capital, to express disenchantment over the bad governance of the Tinubu administration.

Speaking to the crowd which gathered at Old Airport roundabouts, Dalung, who began by chanting some protest songs, warned security operatives not to intimidate any protester because the amended Nigerian constitution gives right to citizens to stage such protest, since it's peaceful.

Dalung, who served in the first tenure of President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration lamented that the sufferings Nigerians were facing had become unbearable as many had died out of hunger.

He said, despite warnings and pleas by government, and religious

organisations for citizens in the state to shun the nationwide protest, the people could not heed to such warning in the face of the intolerable hunger killing them and their families.

El-Buba, who led both Christian and Muslim faithful in chanting protest songs in Hausa and English Language called on Tinubu to resign if he couldn’t lead Nigeria. “President Bola Tinubu must resign; we cannot wait for 2027 to change him. Hunger will not allow us to endure for that long,” he said.

Meanwhile, the General Officer Commanding (GOC), 3 Division Jos, Major General E. A. Abubakar, visited the venue of the protest where he briefed the soldiers and warned them to be on red alert.

The stern-looking soldiers and anti-riot policemen were seen at strategic locations around the city.

Cross River State

But for a few protesters numbering less than twenty, the people and residents of Cross River State, especially its capital, Calabar, didn't participate in the protest.

As a result of the apathy towards the protest, the state was peaceful as the people went about their normal businesses.

Government offices remained open throughout office hours with workers who had arrived early to work. Markets, shops, fuel stations and other businesses premises also opened.

Heavily armed policemen were stationed in strategic places within Calabar to forestall any breakdown of law and order.

A handful of the protesters who gathered at first at the Mary Slessor Roundabout in the heart of the town took turns to speak about the import of the protest and the state of the nation, before marching towards Rabana Roundabout, accosted by the police.

At some point, some of the protesters, among them, the Managing Editor of CrossRiverWatch Jonathan Ugbal, were arrested by the police. A publication announcing the arrest stated that Ugbal and others were taken away by the police to an unknown destination.

The police public relations officer, PPRO, Iren Ugbo, said she was yet to get any report on the alleged arrest of some of the protesters.

Nasarawa State

Angry youths in Lafia Local Government Area of Nasarawa State blocked the Makurdi-Jos highway, preventing commuters and motorists from entering into the state capital.

The protesters, who trooped out in their numbers at about 12:30pm, burnt tires at several locations and sang solidarity songs to reject the current hardship ravaging the country. They were, however, dispersed with teargas cannisters by officers of the Nigeria Police Force in the state. The

protesters were seen stoning at the security operatives who were stationed to control any possible break down of law and order in the state capital.

THISDAY gathered that the protesters broke into individuals shops and looted their goods and other personal belongings in Lafia and its environs.

Before the crowd was dispersed, the operatives who were led by the Commissioner of Police, Nasarawa State command, Umar Shehu Nadada had to call for reinforcement of personnel to chase away the protesters, who were keen on continuing with the protest despite its violent nature.

Earlier, the Youths in Lafia, had shunned the ongoing nationwide protest on the hardship being faced by citizens of the country.

When THISDAY went round Lafia, which was the headquarters of the Lafia Local Government Area of the state, it observed that the Makurdi/ Jos and Shandam roads leading to the Government House, Lafia were deserted as security operatives were seen stationed at flashpoints to control any possible breakdown of law and order in the areas.

Also, residents were seen going about their lawful businesses without any form of harassment. Other areas visited by THISDAY in Lafia, the capital city of Nasarawa State, included the UAC, Kwandere, and Makurdi roads.

At these locations, youths, market men and women were seen going about their lawful businesses in a peaceful manner without any hindrance or molestation from security operatives in the state.

Bayelsa State

The peaceful atmosphere enjoyed by residents of Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital, was almost breached as Ijaws youths yesterday dispersed pockets of protesters who dared the resolve of the Ijaws and Niger Deltans not to take part in the protest.

Before the little skirmish, THISDAY had earlier observed a near zero protest in the Yenagoa metropolis as at 8am while security agencies were seen stationed at major junctions and roundabout with socio-economic activities completely shut down.

People were seen going about their normal business and there was no restriction of vehicular movement. Banks, shops, supermarkets and fast food joints were also closed while the two major marker, Swali and Tombia were partially operating.

However, around 9am protesters gathered at the Tombia roundabout and moved towards Biogbolo community in Yenagoa local government when Ijaws youths in the area stoped them and asked them to go home as the state government and the Ijaw leaders had declared no protest in the state

It was gathered that most of the communities in the state capital were mobilised to resist any form of protest in their respective domains.

It later took a new turn as a large number of protesters came out and began to march again from Opolo

Chief

axis of the Mbiama/Yenagoa road towards Ebi Mechanic junction when they were stopped by a team of police officers monitoring the situation to ensure that there was no breakdown of law and order.

The protesters insisted that the protest would continue and expressed their grievances about the economic situation of the country, hence it is their right to protest.

Katsina State

Commercial activities in the ancient city of Katsina, Katsina State, were grounded as a result of the protest.

Banks, markets, filling stations, motor parks and offices were shut while major roads in the city were devoid of the usual vehicular movements and pedestrians. Residents, most of whom were too afraid, remained indoors, trying to observe the situation despite the heavy presence of security forces asking them to go about their duties.

THISDAY, while monitoring the situation, observed that some youths staged a peaceful protest from GRA roundabout to the new Government House.

Leader of the protesters, Ambassador Umar Ahmed Jibrin, said they embark on the protest for the government to tackle hunger, insecurity and restore fuel subsidy.

Ondo State

Streets across major cities in Ondo State were deserted and shops closed as a result of the protests. In the coastal state, there was no report of protest except for a lone protester seen around NEPA area of Akure, the state capital.

However, mild drama occurred as unknown hoodlums beat up the protester, who immediately ran for his life.

The personnel of the agencies comprising the Nigeria Police Force, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), the Nigerian Army, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Department of State Services (DSS), Nigerian Correctional Service (NCos), Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) and the South West Security Network codename Amotekun were armed to the teeth and stood gallantly across major junctions in Akure.

The popular Oba Adesida, Arakala, Ondo, Oyemekun roads located in the heart of Akure were empty without the usual vehicular or human traffic while some youths were seen playing football in various streets.

Besides, all the government offices located at Alagbaka, including the Governor’s Office were all locked without any activities. As of the time of this report, public transportation systems were operating at low capacity as most commuters stay indoors perhaps, with the believe that the day would be bloody.

Kwara State

The venue of protest earmarked for yesterday protest in Ilorin, Kwara state capital was boycotted by protesters in the state. The state government, in a last minute court injunction obtained in one of the courts in the state, restricted the protesters to Ilorin Metropolitan Square as against street protests. Security operatives including police, and civil defence among others, were seen at different locations in Ilorin to protect life and property.

Though socio-economic activities were paralysed in the early hours, they later picked up as private business premises were opened for business while government offices were beehive of activities.

A visit by THISDAY to banks’ locations in Ilorin revealed that, they were under lock and keys while Shoprite and other business mauls were guarded by the armed security personnel.

Rivers State

In solidarity with aggrieved Nigerians and against the Niger Delta resolution, protesters defied heavy rainfall and embarked on a peaceful protest in streets of Port Harcourt, Rivers State. Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, had reassured the people of sustaining the implementation of policies and programmes that would continue to make living better by the day for all residents in the State. The protesters mostly youths in their thousands moved from the popular Pleasure Park along Port Harcourt-Aba Road through Isaac Boro Park to the Government House, Port Harcourt. The protesters with Nigerian Flag chanted songs of liberation, insisting that there should be a reformation of the system, and called on the president to tackle the hardship and hunger biting hard on the society.

Though there were no record of violence or destruction of properties within the state, the youths said the protest would continue for the next nine days, commending the police and other security agencies for the peaceful cooperation during the movement which was terminated at about 1:30pm.

Gombe State

Hundreds of youth in Gombe State metropolis took to the streets to stage a peaceful protest. The protesters, chanting in Hausa language, marched through the city to the Government House, demanding urgent action from the authorities to address the rising inflation, devaluation of the naira, increase in electricity tariff, and removal of fuel subsidy.

Carrying placards with inscriptions such as "Hunger is too much" and "We need change", the protesters expressed their frustration with the current state of the economy, which they say has made life unbearable for ordinary citizens.

WORKING TOWARDS CASSAVA REVOLUTION…

L-R: General Manager, CAVISTA Holdings, Mr. Tony Ilori ; Chairman/CEO, CAVISTA Holdings, Mr. John Olajide; Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji ; Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Mr. Ebenezer Boluwade, and Director, Government and External Affairs, CAVISTA Holdings, Mr. Olumide Olayemi, during a follow-up meeting with the governor on the recently signed Memorandum of Understanding on Cassava revolution Ado Ekiti...yesterday

NAPTIP Wants Legal Framework Combating Human Trafficking-related Corruption Strengthened

The Director-General, National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), Prof Fatima Waziri-Azi, has recommended the strengthening of legal framework as a measure to combat corruption in human trafficking.

The NAPTIP boss made this recommendation in her research paper presented at the 8th inaugural lecture series of the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies (NIALS) on Thursday in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the title of the research paper is, “The Interplay

between Corruption and Human Trafficking Epidemic: The Implications and Solutions for Nigeria.”

Waziri-Azi stated that the reasons why arrests, investigations, prosecutions and protection had not been successful in human trafficking issues was because of high-level corruption endemic in the system.

She said that corruption had seriously interfered in Nigeria’s policies, adding that if corruption in trafficking in persons was jointly addressed, it would help effectively in combating human trafficking.

The NAPTIP boss said that strengthening of the country’s legal framework would help

immensely in ending human trafficking issues, which she said, was prevalent in the country.

She recommended the strengthening of the country’s domestic laws on trafficking in persons, adding that it should be in line with international standards.

Benue SUBEB Calls for Transparency as it Opens Project Biding

George Okoh in Makurdi

The Benue State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) yesterday took a bold step towards transparency and accountability in the execution of its projects, as the Board flagged off the public opening of bids for the SUBEB/ UBEC intervention fund from matching grant under the first to fourth quarter of 2002 to first to fourth quarter of 2003.

In a ceremony attended by contractors and representatives of regulatory bodies, the Chairman of SUBEB, Dr. Grace Adagba, emphasised the Board’s commitment to transparency and accountability in the execution of its projects. “I want to assure and reassure you that we will ensure our best to see that transparency, due process and accountability are seen here,” she said.

The SUBEB boss noted that, Benue SUBEB was the only SUBEB that had announced coordinates and locations of intended projects, which was proof of transparency in the whole process. Adagba stressed the need for contractors to ensure that all projects were executed to specifications and timely too, while assuring everyone that the process was going to be the most transparent ever to be witnessed in Benue State.

Nyanya Crash: FRSC Orders Recertification of Dangote Fleet Nationwide Saraki’s Former Chief of Staff, Makanjuola, Quits PDP

Hammed Shittu in Ilorin

Former Deputy Chief of Staff to the former Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, Hon. Gbenga Makanjuola, has resigned his membership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Kwara State.

Makanjuola was a two-term member of the House of Representatives representing Isin/Oke-Ero/Irepodun/ Ekiti federal constituency of the state between 2003 and 2011.

In his resignation letter, which was signed by Makanjuola personally and obtained by

THISDAY yesterday in Ilorin was dated July 30, 2024.

The letter was equally addressed to the chairman of the party in his Omu-Aran Ward 1, Irepodun Local Government Area of the state.

Also copied in the letter were the local government chairman and the state chairman of the PDP respectively.

A Federal High Court in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory, recently discharged Makanjuola and one Kolawole Shittu, both former aides to Saraki of N3.5 billion fraud allegations.

Group Demands SangoOta Roads Repair

One of the protesting groups, ‘Take-It-Back (TIB),’ has listed the repairs of some bad roads in Sango-Ota as one of its demands.

The group also called on the federal government to reverse all the “biting economic policies”.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) correspondents monitoring the protests yesterday reported that the protesters were chanting solidarity songs from the take-off point at Jendor Supermarket in Oju-Ore to Sango Under-Bridge.

Speaking on behalf of the protesters, Mr Akanbi lfadola, the Head of TIB, Ogun Chapter, said that the economic hardship and dilapidated roads in Ota and environs had become major concerns to them.

Ifadola said that the government must construct Atan-Agbara Road, Sango Under-Bridge, Lagos-Abeokuta

Expressway among other such infrastructure in Ota.

“We are here on behalf of Nigerians who are suffering because of some of the policies of the current leadership at the state and federal levels.

“We are tired of this suffering. “Look at Ota, we have the largest number of companies, see our roads, they have become death traps.

“In Ota, the number of unemployed youths has hit the roof because many companies can no longer produce because of inflation, hence retrenching workers.

“Enough is enough, we want better life for the people,” Ifadola said.

According to him, protesters want their voices to be heard by those in the corridors of power at the state and federal levels.

The Corps Marshal, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Malam Shehu Mohammed, has directed the immediate re-inspection and recertification of Dangote fleet nationwide.

Mohammed gave the order in a statement by the Acting Corps Public Relations Officer (CPRO) Mr Olusegun Ogungbemide

yesterday in Abuja.

He said that the directives had become necessary following a fatal road traffic crash involving a Dangote truck on Wednesday on the Nyanya-Maraba highway, which claimed five lives and injured 14 others.

He added that the crash, which occurred at 08:40p.m , involved

10 vehicles, including a Dangote truck was caused by break failure and speeding.

“From the analysis concerning the cause of the crash, the Dangote trailer which was conveying full load of cement, had a break failure.

“The driver lost control of the wheels while on a speed that was already against the prescribed legal speed limit on that road, before crashing into the vehicles,”he said.

The Corps Marshal also ordered the Road Transport Safety Standardisation Office (RTSSO) of the Corps to ensure maximum compliance with safety standards.

NDLEA Seizes 606.998kg of Illicit Drugs, Nabs 159 Suspects in Kaduna

The operatives of National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Kaduna State Command seized 606.998Kg illicit substances and nabbed 159 suspects in the month of July.

The NDLEA Commander, Isma’il Danmallam, confirmed the development to the News Agency

of Nigeria (NAN ) yesterday in Kaduna.

Danmallam said the 159 detention figure represented drug traffickers, dealers and drug users.

He also confirmed that one single barrel gun, ammunition and six empty cartridges were intercepted by the command.

The NDLEA boss added that the operatives had dislodged numerous illicit drug joints across the state.

He listed the 606.998kg recovered illicit substances to includeL: Cocaine, Heroin, Cannabis, Tramadol, Methamphetamine and other psychotropic substances.

Danmallam said the command had succeeded in arraigning 48 accused persons and charged a total of 28 suspects in the month under review.

According to him, the command also secured the conviction of 23 accused persons who faced the wrath of the law.

Adeleke Pays N2bn 2022 Cooperative Deduction

inka Kolawole in Osogbo

In compliance with his administration’s agenda for peoples’ welfare, Governor Ademola Adeleke has paid the October 2022 cooperative deduction inherited from the Gboyega Oyetola’s administration.

Additionally, the governor has paid another half salary debt, totaling seven months half salaries debt paid by the current government.

Governor Adeleke inherited billions of naira in pension, cooperative deductions, and half salaries from the governments of both Oyetola and Rauf Aregbesola

covering the 12 years of All Progressives Congress (APC) government in the state.

Yesterday, the State Government paid the October 2022 cooperative deductions totaling N971,823,786.59.

Aside the payment of the deduction, the state government also paid a total sum of N716,401,287.13 for the seventh half salary payment. The total paid is N1.688 billion. Commenting on the payment, Governor Adeleke noted that the government is committed to the phased payments of all inherited pension, salary, and deduction debt as part of the cardinal agenda of his administration.

NOA Charges FG to Grant Exemptions on Import Duty, VAT on Optical Devices

Kemi Olaitan in Ibadan

The federal government has been urged to grant exemption from custom import duty and value added tax (VAT) on optical devices and lenses towards reducing financial burden on eye care providers and patients

Igbo Think-Tank

Sunday Okobi

Igbo foremost group, the Aka Ikenga (the Igbo Think-Tank), has expressed sadness over the unfortunate and sudden passage of Lady Onyeka Onwenu, who they described

in the country.

The National President, Nigeria Optometric Association (NOA), Dr. Chimeziri Anderson, made the appeal yesterday at a press conference to herald the 47th annual scientific conference/ annual general meeting and vision expo, with the theme: ‘The

Optometrist: An Indispensable Partner in Primary Healthcare’, and also tagged: ‘Oluyole 2024’ organised by the association taking place in Ibadan from July 31 to August 3, 2024.

He said policymakers should equally integrate optometrists into the National Eye Health

Programme and primary healthcare workforces in order to recognise their expertise in eye care delivery, advocating direct employment of optometrists in federal health institutions with a view to addressing the brain-drain and ensuring adequate eye care services in public health facilities.

Mourns Onwenu’s Passage, Describes her as Legend

as an extraordinarily talented musicologist, composer, and rare generational inspiration. Reacting to the tragedy of her demise in a statement issued and made available to THISDAY by the Director of Publicity, AKA Ikenga, Mr. Collins Steve Ugwu,

the President of the group, Dr. Chike Madueke, said: “Our deeply proudest and cherished elegant stallion, Lady Onyeka Onwenu, has painfully signed out in the very best way she desired, and circumstances concurred. “We appreciate that that is the way

of authentic legends, that she definitely was, and awesomely lived all through her earthly renaissance sojourn. It is the mystique of her creation, which ordinary mortals are never privileged to know, exploit or understand.

Army: Our Troops are Adequately Fed

Ikechukwu Aleke in Abuja

The Nigerian Army has said its troops deployed in various operational theatres across the country are properly and adequately fed with good meals.

The Director, Army Public Relations, Maj.-Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, said this in a statement yesterday in Abuja.

Nwachukwu said the viral video on social media alleging that soldiers of 159 Battalion in Kanama, Geidam Local Government Area of Yobe, were being poorly fed, was false and malicious.

He said that the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, ordered an investigation headed by the Commander Sector 2 Operation HADIN KAI to ascertain the veracity of the claim with a view to address any problem of poor feeding in

the unit.

According to him, it is crucial to clarify that the video in question was not created by soldiers of 159 Battalion, but was rather recorded by a police officer staWtioned with the troops deployed in Geidam.

“Contrary to the claim made in the video, no personnel in that location was served substandard meal as shown in the video.

“Preliminary investigation has also revealed that the police officer who recorded and shared the video did so with an ulterior motive yet to be uncovered by the investigation.

“It is anticipated to be unraveled during further investigation.

“It is expedient to unambiguously state that the leadership of the army places premium on the welfare and well-being of troops and their families to ensure that they

are adequately rewarded and motivated,” he said.

Nwachukwu said the COAS had continued to show undeniable passion and commitment to the well-being of soldiers, particularly those deployed in the frontlines.

According to him, the COAS recognised that the troops are making priceless sacrifices in defence of the nation and ensuring the safety and security of the citizens. He said it was evident in the several welfare schemes berthed and currently being implemented by the army chief.

The welfare schemes, according to him, include increase in the Ration Cash Allowance, prompt medical evacuation of wounded in action soldiers for both foreign and local treatments, commencement of payment of the backlog of Group Life Insurance Scheme that had accumulated since 2012.

Zioncity Launches Documents- recovery Services in Africa

Sunday Okobi

A digital solution company, Zioncity Innovation Services Limited, has unveiled a document-recovery service called Back2U in Nigeria as well as other countries in Africa, with the assurance to the public that any lost document could be recovered and returned to the owner within 48 hours.

At the service launch in Lagos recently, the Chief Executive Officer of the firm, Hero Usiagwu, told journalists that Back2U is webbased service whose objective is to return lost and found official documents, like personal identity cards, passports, drivers’ licence, academic certificates among others.

On the mode of operation, he said: “We are partnering MTN

Nigeria to executive this project. Value added services are what we are bringing to the mobile operators. It is an effort to ensure that if you misplace a document, within 48 hours you have it back and the service has been approved by the Nigeria Communication Commission (NCC).”

He described Zioncity Innovation Services Limited as a place where innovation meets excellence, adding that: “We are a forward-thinking company. We strive to push boundaries of what is impossible, making it possible with the power of cutting-edge technology, and creating ingenuity to address complex challenges and problems.

“The service will ease the difficulties often faced with trying to retrieve lost document and also

those who try to return lost but found documents to the legitimate owners.”

Usiagwu noted that if a loss of document is reported to the company, the first thing they would do is to run a check about the existence of such a document, identify the document, its location and how to get it back to the owner.

He equally noted that if a reported lost document could not be found within 48 hours, the subscriber could go for a replacement and approach the company to get a refund of the exact amount spent to get a replacement.

According to him, “We all have experienced challenges of losing documents at some points in our life.”

50 Journalists Undergo Training on Technology, Innovative Reporting

StartupSouth Enterprise Development LTD/GTE, yesterday trained 50 journalists in the South-south region on how to utilise innovative technology tools in reporting events and ecosystem in the Niger Delta and beyond.

The organisation is a startup ecosystem development and advocacy outfit that inspires founders building high-scale ventures in Nigeria with specific focus on the South-south and South-east regions.

Addressing the participants, the Convener, Uche Aniche, said that the workshop was aimed at training journalists in technology reporting.

Aniche also said that the workshop would enable journalists in the Niger Delta region to understand the terms and tools of innovative technologies to be able to report the upcoming launch of innovative groundbreaking solution built by Xend Finance.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly known and addressed as MRS. FAITH EGO TONY-ONU, now wish to be known and addressed as MISS FAITH EGO ANI. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as MISS ANENE VICTORY CHUKWUJINDU now wish to be known and addressed as MRS OMENUWA VICTORY CHUKWUJINDU. All my former documents remain valid. General public to take note.

He urged journalists to be passionate and intentional in their understanding of technology innovation, the importance of applying them in their daily reportage to promote accountability in society.

One of the facilitators and Head of News, Nigeria Info FM, Port Harcourt, Mrs Chioma Ezenwafor, said that technology reporting had gone very far and creating publicity about latest innovation.

Ezenwafor said that technology and innovative reporting entailed using modern and innovative technological tools in reporting events and the ecosystem.

She further underscored the importance of knowing innovative technology terms

and using them appropriately in reporting or writing articles as journalists.

She said that technology journalism helps to drive innovations, can also drive power, and help journalists to ask right questions when things are going wrong in the technology industries, and hold them accountable.

Ezenwafor urged journalists to understand the tech journalism landscape, the key tech and innovation, which she mentioned as Fin tech, Edtech, Agritech, blockchain and Health tech.

She also urged them to niche down and report on any of these tech keys and also identify the relevant stories in the tech innovation.

Makinde Appoints Tlhaselo Special Adviser on AfCFTA

Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has approved the appointment of Ms. Neo Tlhaselo as Special Adviser on African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and International Trade.

A statement issued yesterday , in Ibadan, by the Chief Press Secretary, Mr Sulaimon Olanrewaju, indicated that the appointment is contained in a letter signed by the governor’s Chief of Staff, Mr Segun Ogunwuyi. According to the statement, Tlhaselo is a business development expert and media entrepreneur.

”Tlhaselo, who is the founding Director of Conversation with Africa and the Business KRAAL, will promote trade and investment between Oyo state and members of the AfCFTA as well as the global community,” the statement read.

Makinde, while congratulating the appointee, urged her to work for the actualisation of “the Roadmap to Sustainable Development 2023 – 2027 and the development of Oyo State as a whole.”

The appointment takes immediate effect, according to the statement.

Edited by: MJO Mustapha Email [email protected]

What is the Secret to True Luxury? (II) WORLD OF ISLAM

Spahic Omer/IslamiCity

People Are Born Free and with Free Time

All human beings are born free and with free time, after which they either sustain their freedom and make the most of their free time or lose the freedom to various forms of subjugation and, consequently, fail to take advantage of their free time, eventually losing it as well.

The Qur’an is unequivocal that time is relative and that there are different dimensions and measurements of time. The external time, with man and his physical world as its focal point, is not faring impressively in the hierarchy.

The more a person is detached from the deficiencies of this world, the freer he becomes and the more free time he has, both internally and externally. This will allow him to concentrate on the dynamics of the endless spiritual growth journey, which in fact is the raison d’etre of human existence to whose ends the rest of life’s aspects are to be subjected.

The success, or otherwise, of one’s life mission and purpose is the backdrop against which the extent of one’s free time and its optimization is to be measured. Positive outcomes will indicate that a person was in charge of his free time, using it properly, while negative ones will point towards the idea of free time being in charge of its client, gradually destroying him.

For the successful accommodation and utilization of inner free time, a pure heart and a peaceful soul are needed. That is why, as part of the Islamic spiritual terminology, the concepts of soul purification, healing the heart from heart diseases, the blindness of the heart, and the tranquility of the heart and soul have been coined and widely used.

Once liberated and afforded ample free time, a person is destined to grow from strength to strength and, unimpeded, can keep elevating his spiritual standing from one station to another. The sky (heaven) is the limit, literally.

Free Time Between Belief and Non-belief

One of the hallmarks of faith (iman) is to always have a sufficient amount of internal and external free time. This is so because the faith of Islam is synonymous with freedom. A believer is what he is for the reason that he is free, thinks, and behaves freely. He is firmly grounded in the realm of the truth, dedicating all his resources to its cause. Thus free, he levitates above the vagaries of the stifling matter and the traps of its evanescent time.

On the other hand, caged in matter and its inhibiting time, a non-believer turns disoriented and lost. Feeling that everything wholesome keeps fading away from him and that everything harmful keeps closing in on him, a non-believer is locked in a neverending cycle of negativity and pessimism. Under such conditions, time in general and free time in particular present themselves as the most precious resources, yet they are the quickest to dwindle.

The above is indicated in the Qur’anic chapter al-‘Asr (Time) wherein Allah relates the success of the believers and the loss of the rest of mankind to the notion of time. That means that the believers in the end succeed because they succeed in managing and making best use of their time, whereas non-believers in the end lose because they fail to follow suit.

One of the reasons why non-believers become enslaved by the transience and unrelenting demands of time is that, on account of their non-belief, Allah gives them “ma’ishatan dhankan” (Ta Ha 124), meaning “a depressed and woeful life, and a life of hardship and narrowness.” Such is the reality of a life where time easily transforms from an ally to an enemy.

Due to this, the Prophet (pbuh) implored Allah not to let this world become the main concern for him and the Muslims, nor the limit

of their knowledge (narrated by al-Tirmidhi). This implies that this world and everything it can offer is so small that it is not worth the exertion. This world’s much is the Hereafter’s little, and its complete knowledge is the latter’s rudiments. Lastly, this world’s all time is nothing compared to the Hereafter’s eternity. That said, there is certainly no better deal than recognizing and maximizing the limited free time a person is afforded in this world to secure infinity in the next life.

The Qur’anic Concepts of “Sharh” and “Dhaaqa/Dhayyiq”

The terms used in the Qur’an to describe these realities are “sharh” (expanding the breast) and “dhaaqa/dhayyiq” (to straighten/be straightened). A believer’s breast is expanded in order to absorb free time which in turn will lead to more piety and more quality deeds. On the contrary, a non-believer’s breast is rendered closed off so that neither free time nor faith can find its way into it, i.e., into the heart contained inside the breast.

A non-believer thus becomes preoccupied with his own self and his own problems, leaving no time for others or more important matters. Indeed, a misguided one cannot guide others, a burdened one cannot elevate the burdens of others, and an unilluminated one cannot illuminate the path for others.

The Qur’an says, for example: “So whoever Allah wants to guide - He expands his breast to (contain) Islam; and whoever He wants to misguide - He makes his breast tight and constricted as though he were climbing into the sky. Thus does Allah place defilement upon those who do not believe” (al-An’am 125).

Towards the same end were the acts of opening the chest of the Prophet (pbuh) and washing his heart with Zamzam water, after which the heart was filled with wisdom, faith, and knowledge. These acts happened twice in the life of the Prophet (pbuh), first when he was a small boy and second when he was about to be taken on the miraculous isra’ and mi’raj journeys (narrated by al-Bukhari and Muslim).

The Prophet’s (pbuh) heart and chest were purified so that he could easily resist Satan’s deceptions, the imperfections of this world, and any distractions that could disturb his focus, dedication, and (free) time.

Finally, there is a chapter in the Qur’an called “al-Sharh” (the Opening Forth). In it, Allah highlights that He expanded for the Prophet (pbuh) his breast, He removed from him his burden which had weighed upon his back, and that He exalted his fame.

Then, after being taught that a life lived in the shadow of faith is designed in such a way that with every hardship there will be relief (yet two reliefs), the Prophet (pbuh) was instructed to strive hard whenever he becomes free (after he gets free time following his everyday tasks and obligations), directing all his attention and longing to his Lord (al-Sharh 1-8).

In this chapter, the believers too are reminded that the Islamic faith has relieved them of all psychological burdens, liberating them and expanding their breasts (their attitudes and perspectives). They are also motivated by the fact that a spiritual-cum-righteous life is full of enthusiasm and positivity.

There is absolutely nothing that should be fretted over. Their spiritual freedom within the framework of servitude to the Creator should be appreciated by harnessing as much free time as possible in order to exert utmost diligence in the pursuit of worshiping none other than Almighty Allah.

In the same way that all freedom should be at the service of the lone Master, all time, likewise, should be dedicated exclusively to its Creator. It is only then that both freedom and time will start to make sense and command worth. It is only then, furthermore, that free time will start to function as a portal to higher dimensions with higher orders of things and experiences.

Nigeria Kick off Track and Field Medal Chase with Mixed Relays, Throws

Duro Ikhazuagbe Live in Paris

As the track and field events of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games began yesterday morning, Nigerians will be looking enthusiastically towards the country’s mixed 4x400m relay team to give yearning compatriots something to cheer in the face of fading hopes in some of the events already concluded.

The mixed quartet will need to surpass the 3:12.87 African record they set in finishing fourth at the World Relays in May in the Bahamas to secure a lane in Saturday's final.

Today, the Nigerians quartet have been drawn in the second semifinal heat released Wednesday by World Athletics ahead of the event today and will battle for one of the three automatic qualification tickets with Great Britain, Netherlands, Italy, Ireland and the Dominican Republic.

Three of the countries, Italy (3:10.69), Netherlands (3:10.73) and Ireland (3:09.92) have ran faster than Nigeria this year while Great Britain have the strongest squad in the group.

The Britons have at their disposal the fastest man in the 400m this year, Matthew Hudson-Smith who is one of just two athletes to have gone under 44 seconds this year (43.74) as well as two other men, Charles Dobson (44.23) and Samuel Reardon (44.70) they can call on and who have both

PARIS 2024

broken 45 seconds this year.

On the women’s side, they have two athletes, Amber Anning (49.51) and Laviai Nielsen (49.87) who have broken 50 seconds this year and ‘Nigerian’, Victoria Ohuruogu (50.76) who is also available.

The Irish, complete with their ‘Nigerian’ star, Rhasidat Adeleke, edged Nigeria to the bronze medal in the Bahamas to set a new 3:11.53 national record. Since then, Adeleke has set a new 49.20 lifetime best and may just be the difference in Paris.

The Dutch are another team that will rely heavily on 400m hurdles runner, Femke Bol who ensured they came second behind the USA at the World Relays in May.

The Dominican Republic will hope Marileidy Paulino, the reigning world champion who led them to the Mixed 4x400m relay gold in 2022 at the World Athletics Championships, can get them across the finish line into the final while the Italians who have run faster than Nigeria this year will hope Luca Sito, who has done a 44.75 this year and ‘Nigerian’, Ayomide Folorunsho, the 400m hurdles runner who they can call upon can see them too.

Before the relays, high jumper, Temitope Adeshina, will take to the

D’Tigress Lose to France

D’Tigress’s quest for the back-to-back win at the basketball event of the Paris Olympics was cut to size as host nation, France defeated Nigeria 75-54 score line.

The Rena Wakama-led ladies were out-of-depth against the French in front of their home crowd at the Pierre Mauroy Stadium. Thus Nigeria failed to build on their impressive opening game, where the team defeated Australia.

The victory was the team’s first win in an Olympic match since Athens 2004 when they defeated South Korea in an inconsequential classification game after crashing out.

But against France, D’Tigress were inadequate, they were down 24-20 at the end of the first quarter.

Although Nigeria rallied back in the second quarter, the lead was extended to 35-30 by halftime.

The French increased their dominance in the third quarter and wrapped the game up for a 21-point victory.

Ezinne Kalu led the D’Tigress with 18 points, two rebounds and assists, followed by Murjanatu Musa with 14 points and nine rebounds.

Nigeria will face Canada in their final group game on Sunday, August 4.

Paris 2024 Games Village

Thefts Reported to Police

Athletes have been victims of thefts at the Paris 2024 Olympic village and the incidents had been reported to the police, organisers said yesterday.

The Kyodo news agency on Monday reported that a Japanese rugby sevens player had his wedding ring, a necklace and cash stolen from his room at the village, which is situated just north of central Paris.

The head coach of the Argentine Olympic soccer team, Javier Mascherano reported last week that some of his players were robbed before their first game last Wednesday.

“Those incidents have been reported to the police,” Paris 2024

spokesperson Anne Descamps told a press conference.

“We are supporting the athletes and delegations. The village is a very highly secured place.”

“There are more than 180 security cameras, we’re very committed to making the village a safe place for the athletes.”

Organisers could not immediately say how many security agents were deployed at the Olympic village, which was expected to accommodate some 14,000 athletes across 52 hectares (128.5 acres).

A police station is located nearby but no law enforcement officers are actually in the village.

field of Stade de France at 10.15 am this morning to kickstart her campaign for a medal.

Adeshina, 25, is making her debut at the Games and will be seeking to not only become the first Nigerian woman to qualify for the final of the event after three futile attempts by Doreen Amata in 2008, 2012 and 2016 but also the first climb to the podium.

To do that, Adeshina will have to equal the 1.97m lifetime best and Nigeria record she set at the NCAA Outdoor Championships in Eugene, Oregon, USA in June or be among the top 12 finishers if enough athletes do not make the qualification standard set by World Athletics for the event.

The Nigerian has cleared 1.95m and above three times this season and hope she can do it again to qualify

for Sunday's final. Adeshina will be followed by the trio of Discus throwers, Ashley Anumba, Chioma Onyekere and Pamela Obiageri Amaechi who are all making history with their debut at the Games.

The first Nigerian who competed in the event at the Games, Chinwe Okoro did not get through the qualifying stage and a similar fate has been predicted for the trio.

Reigning African Athletics Championships champion, Anumba and African Games queen, Amaechi must throw well beyond their personal best to secure tickets to the final of the event when it starts on Friday evening.

Anumba holds a lifetime best of 61.98m and has done a 61.00m this year while Amaechi set a new

lifetime best of 63.17m this year but they must now up their game and throw at least 64.00m to be sure of qualification or be among the top 12 from the two qualifying groups.

The third Nigerian in the event, African record holder at 64.96m, Chioma Onyekwere only needs to throw 96m lower than her lifetime best to secure her passage but the 30-year-old has only thrown 61.35m personal season's best this year and has not hit the 62m mark since she set the African record in April last year.

No Nigerian woman has made the final of this event and the trio of Anumba, Amaechi and Onyekwere will be looking to make history again like the duo of Amaechi Onyekwere did at the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, United Kingdom in 2022 with Onyekwere climbing the

Onyekwere Obiageri Amaechi

Omar Assar Sets New African Record at Paris

In an extraordinary display of skill and resilience, Egypt’s Omar Assar has etched his name in the annals of African sports history.

The 2023 African Games champion has become the first player from the continent to reach consecutive quarterfinals at the Olympic Games.

His remarkable comeback victory over Kazakhstan’s Kirill Gerassimenko at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games is a testament to his tenacity and determination.

After a challenging start that saw him trailing 2-0, Assar staged an impressive recovery, clinching the next four games with scores of 12-10, 12-10, 11-9, and 11-3, culminating in a 4-2 triumph.

This victory not only showcases Assar’s prowess but also keeps alive the hope of surpassing his quarterfinal record set at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.

Assar’s journey to the quarterfinals was marked by a series of convincing wins, including an 11-5, 13-11, 11-3, 11-2 victory over Ecuador’s Mino Alberto and a 4-1 win against Madagascar’s Fabio Rakotoarimanana.

The Paris Olympics have been a

stage for stunning performances, with Swedish sensation Truls Moregard securing his place in the quarterfinals and 2023 WTT Contender Lagos champion South Korea’s Shin Yubin as well as 2024 WTT Contender Lagos champion India’s Sreeja Akula

making significant strides in the Women’s Singles. Assar will face a familiar foe in the Swedish star when both players clash in the quarterfinal of the Men’s Singles as the African star is inching close to another milestone in Paris.

Nigeria’s Captain, Opeyori, Gets Standing Ovation

The Spirit of Olympism based on “Excellence, Respect and Friendship” was displayed when Team Nigeria’s captain, Anuoluwapo Opeyori played his final Group N game against China’s Li Shi Feng. Opeyori fought gallantly but lost 21-17, 21-17 to the World Number 6. It was a thriller all the way. The three core values of Olympism are a central focus of the Olympic Games and Youth Olympic Games.

Excellence means doing the best we can, on the field of play or in our professional life. The crowd at Court 1 of La Chapelle Arena appreciated the Opeyori’s display and gallantry. The packed arena gave him a ravishing ovation despite losing the contest.

Following his exit, Opeyori said that he has showcased what Africa can do in the game of Badminton.

"Thank you, guys, again, for all the support. We showed what Africa

Colombia 2024: Danjuma Confident as Falconets Intensify Preparations

Coach Christopher Musa Danjuma has expressed confidence in his Nigeria U20 girls as the ever-present Falconets intensify preparations for this year’s FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup finals taking place in Colombia, 31st August – 22nd September.

The two-time silver medalists will contend with Germany, Venezuela and the Korean Republic in Group D of the first tournament to welcome 24 teams, an increase from the 16 teams that featured at the last tournament in the Central American nation of Costa Rica, with their matches in the Colombian capital, Bogotá and Cali. “The girls have been working very

hard, and I am delighted at the level of improvement I have seen in the squad. There is greater understanding and ambition to accomplish. At an individual level, they continue to grow and show their determination to excel with a focus on the larger picture.

“We must be very ready from the first blast of the referee’s whistle in Colombia, as there will not be many minutes to make mistakes and adjust against the Korean Republic and Germany. Those two games will be key to our progress to the knockout rounds. We also cannot afford to under-rate Venezuela – they went

through the qualifying rounds. The import is that we must bring our ‘A’ game to the party in all three matches.”

FIFA Women’s World Cup

Australia and New Zealand superstar Salma Paralluelo of Spain, Brazil’s Marta, USA’s Megan Rapinoe and Nigeria’s perennial African Player of the Year Asisat Oshoala are among women football stars to have graced the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup.

Oshoala was the top scorer when the Falconets reached the final of the championship in Canada 10 years ago, losing narrowly to Germany.

has to offer the sport of Badminton," he said.

This was his second defeat at the Paris Olympics as he exited the Olympics, playing very good matches against higher-ranked opponents.

The Paris

and athletes

were

well as

But days

has turned the opposite. Temperature has been on the rise hitting sometimes 36 degrees Celsius (97 Fahrenheit). Water breaks had to be introduced into football matches.

Air conditioning is not common in French hotels, apartments, homes, shops and restaurants. One had to endure the heat and fans often blow hot air when

on. While on a train in Paris, Sports Village Square observed people holding ice-blocked plastic bottles to cool their faces.

Friday, August 2, 2024Price:

MISSILE

Northern Elders to President Tinubu

“Nigerians have been thrown into a state of social dislocation that has plunged citizens, especially the youths, into disillusionment, disappointment, frustration and hopelessness. Having been in the trenches himself leading several protests, from NADECO days to 2014, President Tinubu knows more than others the value of protests” –Prof. Usman Yusuf and other Northern Elders, call on the President to do the needful and ameliorate the economic hardship and hunger in the country.

AKIN OSUNTOKUN

[email protected]

Nigeria: Bound to Socioeconomic Decay

The moment it was announced that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was going to enlist the collaboration of the Supreme Court in seeking financial autonomy for the 774 local governments, I knew it was game over. What we know of the relationship between the Nigerian judiciary and President Tinubu is of the dimension that if he requested the court to jump, the response would be how high.

My experience (of fulfilling all righteousness in seeking judicial redress of the INEC subversion of the last Presidential election) is quite baffling in an important respect. The Judges, all the way to the Supreme Court, were not just overtly biased against the complainants, they were outrightly malicious as evident in such verbal assaults as ‘how dare you bring this unworthy evidence and witness..”.

In a conspiratorial demonstration of guilt conscience, the Chairman of the Appeal Court Tribunal actually acknowledged as such in his closing remarks. He winked at the lawyers caught on the wrong foot of the judgement that there is enough room for compensation in the post election season. The Supreme Court panel fared worse.

The status of the Nigerian Judiciary today is that the greatest weapon any appellant can get in winning cases at the Supreme Court is the nod of the Nigerian President. Talk of the prevalent phenomenon of ‘state capture’. This typical subversive government behaviour is complemented by the short attention span and instant gratification syndrome of many Nigerians. The inability to reconcile short term, mid term and long term perspectives. This predisposition often renders many Nigerians easy prey to populist political predators. And so, the purveyors of a return to ‘True Federalism” excitedly became the choristers of Local Government autonomy.

An averagely talented political strategist knows that the Nigerian State Governors are sitting ducks for the deflection of the boiling angst of Nigerians against the elected government. And so when Tinubu, in desperate need of a respite, threw a shrouded poisonous feed into the fish pond, unguarded Nigerians swooped on the poison as if their lives depended on it.

Totally consumed with venom at the targeted despised state governors, they hollered that a totally disreputable INEC should usurp the role of the state electoral commission in the conduct of elections into the local governments, the constitution be damned. As Saint Bernard is quoted to have said, “the road to hell is often paved with good intentions”. They are the kind of compelling temptations that are brandished by Satan to lure unsuspecting victims to his kingdom. As in a Yoruba repartee, enu okere, ni okere fi npe olode (the squirrel is given to summoning the attention of the hunter with its uncontrolled heckling).

In a recent commentary on Nigeria, the

Financial Times of London noted ‘It does not help either that the state is implicated in the wholesale theft of oil, depriving the nation’s coffers of billions of dollars’. Yet as we speak, I do not know of a single Nigerian who has been held accountable for the worst scandal in the history of Nigeria. Not only has anyone been held accountable, the key figure at the centre of it all namely Mele Kyari has been commended for a job well done hence his reappointment as the Group Managing Director of the NNPC for another five years tenure.

The Nigerian President had no qualms directing two hundred million Nigerians to seek atonement for the sins of people like Kyari and his accomplices have largely perpetrated. Where then is the logic in hounding former Central Bank Governor Godwin Emefiele if Kyari is held not to have committed any crime?

I have just read that the President has signed the N70000 minimum wage bill into law. The question arises, does this amount include housing and transportation allowance? Does it take into account the potential health bill, electricity bill and school fees?. If it does not, can we in good conscience, blame any of these victims were they to seek recourse to extra legal measures to make ends meet? Should we not worry at the mentality of a Nigerian President, who, in the thick of the existential challenges Nigeria confronts, chooses to prioritise an inexplicable fiddling with the National anthem?.

General Muhammadu Buhari may be the worst President in the history of Nigeria but he is easily one of the most politically effective politicians to emerge from the Northern region. Have you wondered why a man once reputed as the avenging Angel of corruption turned out to have run the most corrupt government? No matter how false his anti-corruption reputation is, he must have come early to the realisation that Nigeria is a lost cause (as it stands today). Hence the need to make hay (for his people) whilst the sun is still shining.

Given its free fall, there is hardly anyone in a position of authority today (including otherwise good people) who is not mentally and realistically predisposed towards personal exploitation of office.

The quick learner that he is, his successor has comprehensively followed in his footsteps. You can rightly guess that the main intra Yoruba political argument today is between those who realistically believe that we should stand behind Tinubu and join the multitude to do the Buhari evil and those who do not.

To quote the Financial Times once again, ‘Nigeria’s elite learnt a lesson that was toxic to the nation’s prospects: why produce anything when you can make a killing through arbitrage?’

What the London publication is telling us is that for Nigeria to endure and prosper there has to be the acculturation of the ethic of a positive correlation between productivity and reward. The prevailing Nigerian status quo ethos is nearly the exact opposite of this ethic.

In the liability for corruption and the damage it does to the country, many will find it difficult to believe that the civil servants often tower over political office holders. Both of them view any capital expenditure of the government from the standpoint of how they individually stand to benefit, how much capital projects are prone to corruption and personal enrichment. Moreso the former.

Sundry projects have been sabotaged, stalled and killed the more impervious they are to graft. It was within the cesspool of this culture that the National Independent Power Project, NIPP of the President Olusegun Obasanjo government found its Waterloo. Obasanjo domiciled the execution of the project in an inter-agency task force not solely the Ministry of power.

Nonetheless, the Ministry was charged with the provision of the blueprint of the logistics of delivery, especially the conveyance of the imported power turbines to the permanent sites. The turbines duly arrived on schedule only for the suppliers to discover that many of the access road bridges to the different destinations could not withstand the weight of the turbines. Hence they were stranded in Lagos for years. In prior full knowledge of this incapacity, the staffers of the Ministry of power simply looked the other way.

The theoretical and practical response to the menace of corruption is the dual instruments of incentives and deterrence measures. The deterrence consists of rigorously applied punitive measures for those apprehended of corrupt practices. But you do not need to look far to see the extraordinary failure of lawfully prescribed deterrence measures in Nigeria today. Just go and take another look at the record and reputation of the man who sits atop the Nigerian parliament as Senate president.

At the moment of his election to the exalted office no one had a worse and active case of corruption culpability before the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.

The dictionary meaning of incentive is “a thing that motivates or encourages someone

to do something”. In contemporary Nigeria, is there any better incentive than leading by example and sharing empathy with the toiling masses whose miserable standard of living has been further degraded? Economic recession is not the problem of Nigeria. It is routine stuff for all societies and individuals to go through periodic crisis and challenges. So the prevailing economic crisis of Nigeria is nothing peculiar.

What matters most at the end of the day is the willingness and ability of the leadership to grapple with the challenge, to mobilise the citizenry behind the effort of the government. When Ghanians saw the publication of a shirtless Jerry Rawlings driving a tractor to cultivate a farm, they were more than happy to line up behind their leader regardless of whether or not they were able to obtain three square meals a day. Whereas in Nigeria, four hundred and sixty parliamentarians were buying two hundred million naira worth of luxury SUVS for each one of them while their country was rated as the poverty capital of the world.

Let Dangote Be

“The Pipeline Infrastructure at the Dangote Petroleum Refinery is the largest anywhere in the world, with 1,100 kilometres to handle 3 Billion Standard Cubic Foot of gas per day. The Refinery alone has a 435MW Power Plant that is able to meet the total power requirement of Ibadan DisCo*.

“The Refinery will meet 100% of the Nigerian requirement of all refined products and also have a surplus of each of these products for export”.

I do not dismiss nor trivialise the reservations about Dangote but they are inevitably exaggerated. Right now in Nigeria, he personifies, warts and all, the Peter Obi political vision of moving Nigeria from ‘consumption to production’. It is the reason I’m a fan of the Max Weber thesis of ‘the protestant ethic and the spirit of capitalism’, especially the inference of attitudinal dedication to money-making and rational self control as sine qua non to capitalist development. Like many others, I was struck by the video clip of a home video practitioner, who, in a burst of prescience, accurately predicted the fate that lies ahead of the Dangote refinery, way back in 2015. The sum of it was that it was fated to become the victim of a devious Nigerian dysfunction. That no matter its conspicuous utility it stands to be sabotaged. We can begin to decode the prediction when we factor the vested interest of the oil import cabal with tentacles at the highest echelon of government.

The likelihood is that a similar vested interest cabal is at the root of the perennial failure of Nigeria to meet ten percent of its electricity power requirement. Let us hope that the panacea recently proposed by the Nigerian President to solve the contrived obstruction against Dangote would be allowed to work.