THEWILL NEWSPAPER, January 14, 2024 by THEWILL NEWSPAPER

VOL 4 NO. 02

Humanitarian Ministry Probe: Nigerians Hail Tinubu

VOL 4 NO. 02 • JANUARY 14, 2024 • JANUARY 14, 2024

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GOVERNORSHIP ELECTIONS:

Supreme Court Opens a Pandora Box

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Onah Nwachukwu Editor, THEWILL DOWNTOWN

gbede “Praiz” Adejo is a famous R&B singer who came into the spotlight after he appeared on Project Fame West Africa. He is commended for his work in the Nigerian music industry, but it doesn’t stop there; he was recently made a member of the Grammy Recording Academy. Praiz isn’t your ordinary artist; he is also a producer, and it would interest you to know that he was a producer even before he started singing, so producing music and singing come easily for him. “…I started as a producer before I started singing. So, my love for music, when it comes to songwriting and producing, comes effortlessly. It’s not stressful. It’s a good balance…” When it comes to writing songs, the singer likes lyrics that inspire people. He once got feedback that someone who was on the bridge of suicide had a change of heart after listening to his song. Now, that’s the power of good music. As for his plans this year, the singer intends to take on a more executive role besides being an artist. He has also started his music label and will be touring. You can read more about him on pages 8 to 10.

VOL 4 NO. 02 • JANUARY 14, 2024

If you don’t own a pair of loafers, you must get one. The comfy accessories are perfect for every occasion, and that’s what our fashion pages highlight. See pages 4 to 5. Eki Ogunbor joins the team as Lifestyle Editor-at-Large and has her weekly column. We hope you’ll enjoy reading it. That’s on page 11. This week’s beauty page discusses common skincare concerns during pregnancy and how to tackle them. You’ll find that on page 12. Browse through this week’s issue for other exciting articles. Until next week, enjoy your read.

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GOVERNORSHIP ELECTIONS:

Supreme Court Opens a Pandora Box BY AMOS ESELE WITH UKANDI ODEY AND ABDULLAHI YUSUF

t the Supreme Court on Friday, some of the eight governors with election disputes arrived early and sat with their lawyers to await the arrival of the justices handling their cases amid palpable tension, some lawyers told THEWILL. Of the eight cases for ruling, two were particularly tricky from the point of social justice: Kano and Plateau States. Others, namely Abia, Bauchi, Cross Rivers, Ebonyi and Lagos States had got concurrent judgements at the Tribunal and Appeal Court and therefore, were as good as done for the respective governors, while the Appeal court declared the March 18, 2023 governorship poll in Zamfara inconclusive and ordered re-run elections in three local government areas of the state. For Kano, where the two main contending parties, the ruling New Nigeria Peoples Party, NNPP and the All Progressives Congress, APC, had been tearing at each other despite signing a peace accord and the police had repeatedly warned against violence, tension had been raised by a muddled and controversial Appeal Court ruling that warranted the withdrawal and re-issue of a Certified True Copy, CTP, for the Counsels of the litigants. Particularly unique was Plateau State where the governor, who was elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, had lost at both the Tribunal and Appeal Court because his party breached an order from a Plateau State High Court in Jos directing it to conduct valid ward, local governments and state congresses before nominating its candidates for the various elective positions. On the basis of that, the party lost two elected senators, three House of Representatives members and a score of House of Assembly members to the rival APC. The tension in the courtroom of the apex court on that THEWILLNIGERIA

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Friday was therefore understandable. Dressed in a grey caftan with serrated white strips, Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang sat at the back of the courtroom in studied silence. Of course, his opponent and candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Dr Nentawe Yilwatda, who was dressed in an off-white overall with a black cap, sat far away, looking quite hopeful. But right after the judgement had gone Mutfwang’s way, Yilwatda got up and walked straight to congratulate his rival. It was a display of sportsmanship, though occasioned by a fait accompli. Back home in Plateau State, the judgement has opened a Pandora box of sorts – a process that has been considered resolved, but may generate complicated problems.

on Friday, they carefully elaborated on their past rulings on party supremacy in the presentation of candidates for election. On that basis, they dismissed APC’s Nasiru Gawuna’s petition against Governor Abba Yusuf of Kano and painted a dismal picture for the judiciary with the ruling of the Appeal Court against the PDP in Plateau State for breaching a High Court ruling that directed the party to conduct congresses from ward to local government and state levels. Like his colleague, Justice John Okoro, who delivered the judgement on Kano, saying that Governor Yusuf was a member of the NNPP and party membership is an internal affair of the party, Justice Emmanuel Agim, who led the judgement of Plateau State, described the ruling of the appellate court as perverse.

“The judgements against our elected National Assembly and State Assembly members will be reversed. The Supreme Court which is the highest court in the land has given judgement, saying we have a structure for the 2023 polls in the state, unlike the Appeal Court and Tribunal that ruled against us on that basis. If the Supreme Court has said so, it will be a binding judgement,” an elated Chairman of the PDP in Plateau, Chris Hassan, told THEWILL in a phone conversation on Friday.

He held that the issue of the primary election that produced Mutfwang was outside the jurisdiction of the lower court and pointed out that the validity of nomination and sponsorship is not a valid ground to void an election.

When reminded that cases of the National Assembly and State Houses of Assembly ended at the Appeal Court, Hassan waxed analytical. “Elections are not won in the courts, but in the polling units. The Supreme Court called the Appeal Court ruling perverse. So, if a decision is considered perverse and we are in a country governed by law, do you leave that judgment like that or correct it?”

On the issue of a Plateau High Court order affecting the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the party, the apex court held that the appellate court was wrong in holding that the order affected the NEC.

WHAT THE SUPREME COURT JUSTICES SAID While the Justices of the apex court affirmed the elections of all the eight governors whose cases appeared before it

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According to the apex court, the lower court erred in its judgment since the petitioners, not being members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), had no locus to challenge the party’s primary election.

Justice Agim described the issue of primary election as an internal matter of political parties, in which the Tribunal and Court of Appeal lacked jurisdiction. The Court also pointed out that contrary to the claim of the petitioners and the judgment of the appellate court, the order of the Plateau High Court was not disobeyed

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COVER

...Opens a Pandora Box by the PDP as evidence showed that a fresh primary was conducted. He warned the legal profession to wake up or else it would render itself irrelevant to society. The Presiding judge, Justice John Okoro, also lamented that a lot of people had suffered because of the wrongful judgments of the appellate court, which had sacked several legislators who won elections under the platform of the PDP. In her submission, Justice Helen Ogunwumiju berated the appellate court for going into the issue of nomination and sponsorship despite several decisions of the apex court to the effect that a political party cannot challenge another party’s primary election. Justice Elfrieda Williams-Dawodu, led a three-man panel of the Appeal Court that gave that baleful judgement on Sunday, November 19, 2023. AWAITING JUDGEMENT ON DELTA, NASARAWA GOVERNORSHIP ELECTIONS Two other pending petitions that may require a similar treatment by the apex court are the Delta State and Nasarawa State governorship elections. On the one hand, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State secured a concurrent judgement at the tribunal and appellate court, which usually gets the nod of the apex court. But Nasarawa presents a different picture and the litigants are looking up to the Supreme Court to do the needful. In Nasarawa, Mr David Ombugadu of the PDP defeated Governor Abdullahi Sule at the election petition tribunal whose two members, forming the majority, declared him winner of the March 18, 2023 poll. But the Appeal Court, led by Justice Uchechukwu Onyemenam, upturned the tribunal’s judgement on the grounds that the evidence provided by 20 witnesses, who testified for the PDP governorship candidate, was insufficient to prove Mr David Ombugadu’s allegations of electoral fraud. Justice Onyemenam faulted the tribunal’s deduction of 1,868 votes credited to Mr Sule. The tribunal had reduced the governor’s scores because over-voting occurred in four polling stations. REACTIONS AND IMPLICATIONS A Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Ebun Adegboruwa, SAN, told THEWILL he was aware of the supreme court's rulings, but he would advise that “we wait to get the details to see the reasons the apex court justices gave before one can comment fully on it,” However, Barr. Douglas Ogbakwa, a lawyer who chairs a group, Vanguard for the Independence of the Judiciary, comprising lawyers dedicated to “total independence and financial autonomy of the judiciary so that Nigerians will have a judiciary that dispenses justice without fear or favour,” thinks otherwise. He told THEWILL that what the apex court Justices said about the Appeal Court ruling on Plateau governorship is a serious indictment of the Appeal Court Judges. “Those judges who are involved in the perverse judgement should be made to face the music. It again raises the question that the National Judicial Council of Nigeria should begin to do self-review of justice and justices of the judiciary rather than wait for petitions to be written against judges, which often lead to black listing of petitioners.” Arguing that though the Nigerian judiciary is one of the most vibrant globally, he however thinks that the apex court justices’ remarks on the shoddy case by the Appeal Court judges in question should serve as a wake-up call on the judiciary to embrace the peer review mechanism before the untold happens to it. The National Publicity Secretary of the PDP, Debo Ologungba, said the party was not in a hurry to make a statement on the implications of the Plateau judgement

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until it had studied the judgement carefully. Ologungba’s APC counterpart, Felix Morka, was more forthcoming. He told this newspaper that the party was as concerned with other rulings as that of Plateau State. He said, “APC has been consistent in its position that the judiciary must be left alone to perform its important duty of resolving disputes, including electoral disputes, as constitutionally mandated. The decisions today provide a strong affirmation of the authority, vibrancy and independence of the Judiciary.” Morka’s counterpart in Plateaus State made a similar assessment: “Whatever the direction of the apex court goes, the APC, which is a respecter of the rule of law and a string believer in our judicial system welcomes the outcome in good faith.” Unsure of how events will unfold in Plateau State in the days ahead, he called on the police to ensure there is law and order. Meanwhile, normalcy has returned to Kano after the Supreme Court judgement affirming the election of Governor Abba Yusuf, which electrified the town with wild jubilations. Before the judgement, most residents of the state capital stayed indoors, while the streets remained deserted, for fear of possible violent reactions to the Apex Court's verdict had it ruled against the very popular NNPP. Similarly, markets, shopping malls, banks, motor parks and eateries, among other public places, remained shut as their operators refused to open them, for fear of any possible breach of the peace.

normal activities, opening businesses and other public areas. Our Correspondent also observed that the tension that enveloped the city for several months before the judgement had been doused, with the residents now exchanging banter and thanking God for the return of normalcy to the city. An indigene of Kano and a senior journalist currently living in Liberia, Abubakar Hashim, told THEWILL that as “a bonafide member of the APC and a die-hard and fanatical supporter of Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, right from the campaign days,” the judgment of the Supreme Court saved the state from avoidable violence. “Kano is a politically enlightened and volatile state. The governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, is unquestionably popular, hence his nickname in Hausa, “Gida Gida”, meaning ‘house to house.’ APC can still win Kano in the next election through the current policies of President Tinubu anchored on social welfare for the people, which Nigerians desperately need today,”Hashim said. According to him, the judgement had avoided “unnecessary bloodbath in the state, which could have spilled over into neighbouring states.” Barr. Ogbakwa gives legal support to Hashim’s observation. “I agree with the Supreme Court justices that judgement must not follow what goes on in the social media. I however hold that the judiciary must be sensitive to its environment and feel the pulse of the people as long as the fact of the case tallies with the expectations of the people.” WAY FORWARD

However, the situation remained largely peaceful as the commercial city witnessed an eruption of wild but peaceful celebrations by supporters of the NNPP in reaction to the judgement.

Unlike Hassan, who is very optimistic about the reversal of the electoral fortune of his party at the National and State Assembly poll in Plateau State, following the apex court ruling, Ogbakwa is decidedly pessimistic.

The NNPP faithful trooped to the major streets of the state capital in cars and motorcycles, chanting the party's slogans in celebration of the judgement.

Hassan said the party’s legal team would look into the judgement before the party makes a decision on its next line of action. “There is serious hope for all our candidates,” he said.

The celebrations had hardly died down when the residents gauged the peaceful atmosphere and resumed their

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Those judges who are involved in the perverse judgement should be made to face the music. It again raises the question that the National Judicial Council of Nigeria should begin to do self-review of justice and justices of the judiciary rather than wait for petitions to be written against judges, which often lead to black listing of petitioners

Since petition cases on State and National Assembly elections ended at the Appeal Court, Ogbakwa said the PDP lawmakers who were sacked by the Elections Petition Tribunal and Appeal Court “can do nothing.” He suggested two long term solutions. The first is constitutional and the second, political. According to him, the Section 121, sub-section 3 of the 1999 Constitution as amended, which states that all monies allocated to the judiciary should be paid directly to the Heads of the Court, should be implemented to the letter or else, “ there will be no head way.” Secondly, Ogbakwa called for a review of the Constitution to allow the extension of National and State Assemblies election cases to go up to the Supreme Court. “If a case dealing with a 100 feet by 100 feet parcel of land goes up to the Supreme Court, how many more election cases at the National and State Assembly levels? It is unfair. It gives the appellate court powers that amount to dictatorship.” On the political solution, he said, “The danger to judgments are done at the tribunal level. The appellate court will only review. All justices of the election petition tribunal are drawn from the states. The states have governors. I leave you to work out the mathematics. The judiciary in the 36 states of the federation are mere agencies of governors. That is why the statement by the apex court justices is very unfortunate.” A Chieftain of the NNPP, Chief Ajadi Oguntoyibo, concurs with Barr. Ogbakwa. “Despite the past rulings by the apex court on party membership as an internal affair of a political party and issues of pre-election matters, the Appeal Court still went ahead to upturn the election of Governor Yusuf. It took the Supreme Court to do the right thing.” Raji Adebayo, his spokesperson told THEWILL.

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NEWS

L-R: Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, presenting a souvenir to the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen Taoreed Lagbaja, during a courtesy call to the Governor at Government House Owerri on January 11, 2024.

Schools Feeding Tinubu Seeks Deeper It's Wrong to Attempt Programme: Kogi Sacks Ties with France to to Wrestle Power From 111 Cooks Over Alleged Counter Terrorism APC – Commissioner Fraudulent Activities BY FELIX IFIJEH

FROM JOSEPH AMEDU, LOKOJA

he Kogi State Government has sacked 111 cooks in 2022 for allegedly engaging in fraudulent activities during the Federal Government’s Schools Feeding Programme in the state. The Kogi State Focal Person of the National Social Investment Programme (NSIP), Abdukareem Onyekehi Suleiman, disclosed in Lokoja at a public hearing held at the Kogi State House of Assembly on A Bill for a Law for The Establishment of Kogi State Social Investment Programme Agency It was gathered that the National Home Grown School Feeding Programme (NHGSFP) was introduced by the Muhammadu Buhari Administration with the aim of improving the health status, enrolment and educational outcomes of public primary school pupils. Onyekehi averred that the Kogi State Government had engaged 3,000 cooks in Kogi for the school feeding programme, adding that some cooks keep engaging in sharp practices after receiving payment from Federal Government to prepare meals for school children. He said, "Whatever you do in a public office, it is important you ensure accountability and sanctions in case of fraud. We are coordinated. We have local government coordinators monitoring the programmes and we are also working with anti-graft agencies and the secret service, which are parts of this programme. "We have had cases where some cooks that are supposed to be preparing meals for school children are paid, yet will not prepare the meals. We have about 3,000 cooks and we have disciplined 111 of them in recent time. "We recommend them for removal from the scheme. We have reported them to the appropriate authority for punishment, which they deserve. We found out that they received money and yet, will not prepare meals for our school pupils. "Some of them are also not doing it in line with the guidelines. All these things, we have our report and we have given appropriate punishment. We have also arrested some people who commit fraud in the various Local Governments concerning other interventions from the Government to cushion the hardship in our Country. THEWILLNIGERIA

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resident Bola Tinubu on Friday in Abuja called for strengthened cooperation to address the prevailing threat of terrorism, while commending the outgoing French Ambassador to Nigeria, Emmanuelle Blatmann, for her dedication to enhancing relations between France and Nigeria. In a farewell meeting, President Tinubu urged Ambassador Blatmann to leverage her new role as Director for Africa in the French Foreign Ministry to advocate the urgent need to ''upgrade technical cooperation'' between Nigeria and France to defeat terrorism and violent extremism. ''You have been excellent in promoting bilateral relations between both countries in the areas of economy, trade, education, arts and culture. Thank you for the hard work you have done in Nigeria. For President Macron to appoint you to a new position as Africa Director, it is a testament that you excelled in your assignment in our country. ''You will always be welcome in Nigeria. On regional security, we want you to remind Paris at every opportunity that it is necessary to upgrade our technical cooperation in our joint efforts to defeat terrorism and counter violent extremism in the region,” he said. Reflecting on her tour of duty in Nigeria, Ambassador Blatmann shared notable achievements, highlighting France’s significant investments and remarkable increase in bilateral trade. According to her, France is among the top foreign investors in Nigeria, with over $10 billion in investment stock, and with bilateral trade increasing by 51 percent in 2021 and 2022. ''We are also one of the biggest development partners with over 3 billion Euros invested over the last decade by AFD and PROPARCO. AFD now operates in 26 of Nigeria’s 36 states. ''Since I arrived here in October 2021, it has been a series of wonderful discoveries and amazing encounters. I will definitely take away with me the energy and creativity of this country that will forever guide me and fuel my afro-optimism,” she said.

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FROM BASSEY ANIEKAN, CALABAR

he Cross River State Commissioner for Local Government Affairs, Chief Victor Felix Okon Idem. has said it would be a mistake for anyone to think they can wrestle power from the ruling All Progressives Congress at the state and national levels. Chief Idem said the reason is because the APC-dominated government at both levels is people-oriented and all inclusive. He made this known in his office in Calabar when the APC Legacy Group in Calabar Municipality paid him a visit. He said, “The APC has come to stay and anybody who thinks he is going to wrestle power from the party at the national and state level is making a mistake. "We will not allow any party intervene because it is that of the people and everybody has a stake in the administration. "We have returned all the power to the people and you must be a man of the people to be able to bring out people", he said. He assured the APC Legacy Group that the Bassey Otu Administration had a lot for the people of the municipality which would become clear by the end of the year when people start seeing the wonders in the state. He pleaded for understanding and support in the municipality. Earlier, the leader of the group, Comrade Iso Bassey Edim, said it was happy for having a leader like Chief Idem who had credibility and intellectual capacity. The group however made three requests during the visit. They demanded that the chairman of the municipality should come from Constituency One which is also Ward One. Secondly, they demanded that the next chairman should be a real Qua son as the present member representing the area in the Cross River State House Assembly is a non-Qua. They also requested that the next chairman should be a member of the Legacy Group because they are the foundation members of the APC in the state.

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POLITICS

Humanitarian Ministry Probe: Nigerians Hail Tinubu BY AYO ESAN

n line with his avowed commitment to uphold the highest standards of integrity, transparency and accountability in the management of the commonwealth of Nigerians, President Bola Tinubu last Monday suspended the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr. Betta Edu, from office with immediate effect. The President further directed the Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to conduct a thorough investigation into all aspects of the financial transactions involving the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, as well as one or more agencies there under. The President, through his spokesman, ordered the suspended minister to hand over to the Permanent Secretary in the ministry and to fully cooperate with the investigating authority. Furthermore, the President charged a panel headed by the Coordinating Minister of the Economy and Minister of Finance to, among other functions, conduct a comprehensive diagnostic on the financial architecture and framework of the social investment programmes, with a view to conclusively reforming the relevant

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The President, through his spokesman, ordered the suspended minister to hand over to the Permanent Secretary in the ministry and to fully cooperate with the investigating authority

institutions and programmes in a determined bid to eliminate all institutional frailties for the exclusive benefit of disadvantaged households and win back lost public confidence in the initiative. THEWIL recalls that the action of the President followed an allegation that Edu recently directed the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation to pay a whopping sum of N585.18 million to a private account owned by one Oniyelu Bridget. The ministry claimed Bridget currently served as the Project Accountant, Grants for Vulnerable Groups in Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Lagos and Ogun states. But the Accountant-General of the Federation, Dr Oluwatoyin Madein, rejected Edu’s directive and refused to pay the said sum of N585.18 million to the agent of the minister. It was gathered that in addition to this infraction of extant public financial rules, the minister was also said to have approved air tickets for trips to Kogi State, including airport taxi, even as the state had no known or functional airport, an allegation that has since been exposed with the approval memo now flying about on the social media. THEWILLNIGERIA

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POLITICS

...Nigerians Hail Tinubu It was as a result of this that the President appointed the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, to head a panel to investigate the alleged fraud in the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation. This action of the President attracted commendations from eminent Nigerians, including the Coalition of United Peoples Party (CUPP), the Presidential Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Atiku Abubakar and the Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Mr Peter Obi. They applauded President Tinubu for the suspension of Edu and the probe of the activities of the ministry. CUPP’s National Secretary, Chief Peter Ameh, urged President Tinubu to go beyond Edu and fish out anyone that is connected to or who partook in the stealing of the collective patrimony of Nigerians. CUPP warned that any attempt to use political consideration to sweep this monumental corruption under the carpet will be resisted by the Nigerian people. It thereby called on the Federal Government to rethink the role and mandate of the humanitarian ministry and save the nation from this embarrassment. The CUPP noted, “It is our belief that the suspended minister could not have carried out that heist without the urging of a stronger and perhaps high-ranking member or members of the present government. “The whole issue surrounding the palliative and the larger humanitarian affairs ministry has become a sore thumb in his government and the previous one. “The former minister, Sadia Umar, is still under probe for embezzling close to N40 billion before the present minister was fingered for her ignoble role in the transfer of N585 million to a private back account. “CUPP does not really believe in giving people fish to eat, which the ministry stands for, but in teaching people how to fish and become self-sustaining. “CUPP imagines what a budget of over N500 billion would provide in the areas of cottage industries with the attendant employment it will generate or farm settlements that will spring up.” Commenting on the development, many Nigerians have hailed President Tinubu for his response to the scandal. They also called for an impartial probe into the allegations, which they noted was the essence of the suspension of the official. Atiku Abubakar also commended Tinubu for suspending the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation. In a statement released through Phrank Shaibu, his special assistant on public communication, Atiku acknowledged the suspension as a positive step. However, he deemed it insufficient to address the more significant issues. “While Tinubu deserves commendation for suspending Edu, we believe this is a belated move,” the statement said. In his statement, Atiku expressed that while Tinubu’s decision to suspend Edu was commendable, it should be considered a belated move. Atiku argued that Edu’s appointment to such a sensitive ministry resulted from prioritising politics over competence. He questioned Edu’s qualifications, compared to other THEWILLNIGERIA

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In his statement, Atiku expressed that while Tinubu’s decision to suspend Edu was commendable, it should be considered a belated move

experienced candidates, particularly Imaan Ibrahim, who was overlooked for the role. “What experience did Betta Edu have in the development sector? How was Imaan Ibrahim, with her wealth of experience, overlooked? How did the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, stand as Edu’s referee during her clearance at the Senate?” Atiku questioned. Furthermore, Atiku emphasised the need for broader reforms within the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation and other interventionist programmes that have seemingly become channels for misuse of public funds. He stressed that Edu should not be the sole focus and called for a thorough investigation into others who might have unjustly benefited from funds allocated for the wellbeing of impoverished Nigerians. Atiku raised concerns about systemic corruption within the ministry and questioned the transparency of programmes, citing examples such as the alleged continuation of the school feeding programme during the COVID-19 lockdown. He called for immediate and urgent actions to address these issues, asserting that the ongoing probe into former Minister Sadiya Umar Farouq’s N37 billion fraud indicates the need for comprehensive reform.

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Reacting via his X handle, D. H Bwala, a spokesperson for the presidential candidate of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party in the February 2023 election, said, “Again @officialABAT is showing that when there is a credible substance in an allegation he will act in the public interest. He has suspended the beauty pageant minister. Give it to him.” Aliyyu Abubakar similarly praised President Tinubu’s decision, saying, “BAT is the best leader Nigeria needs at this critical time.” Former Spokesperson for then Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, Laolu Akande, expressed surprise over the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs’ admission of making the transfer of the money into a private account. “I was surprised when I saw the ministry’s statement saying it transferred money into a private account. It is an infraction of financial regulations,” he said. He said many government officials had gone with impunity for so long. He stated that the transaction was a departure from the financial regulations guiding the conduct of public officers. The Labour Party flagbearer in the 2023 presidential election, Peter Obi, on Wednesday commended President Tinubu for suspending the minister of humanitarian affairs and poverty alleviation over the N585 million scandals. Peter Obi told Tinubu what to do to others involved in the scandal In a series of tweets posted on his X page (formerly Twitter), the former governor of Anambra state opined that suspending Edu was not enough, rather a fullblown investigation should be launched into the alleged financial misconduct. Obi again expressed interest in the fight against corruption in Nigeria. He urged President Tinubu to ensure that "the investigation must be comprehensive so that all those guilty are brought to book. Obi tweeted: "I like to add my voice with most Nigerians concerned about accountability in government and judicious use of public funds. I welcome the suspension of the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Ms Betta Edu and subsequent directives for her investigation. While the action of the government i a welcome development, the investigation must be comprehensive so that all those culpable are brought to book.”

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POLITICS

Edo: APC Picks Candidate Feb 17, as PDP Begins Sale of Forms

benefits for the people of Edo State. “If the people of the state give me this chance, I will do my very best and I know that my very best will be good for the people.” Deputy Governor Shaibu, whose form was obtained for him by the Forum of Past National Association of Nigerian Students Leaders, said that it was the people’s turn to decide who will be the governor of Edo State.

BY AYO ESAN

Speaking on behalf of Shaibu, the Forum of Past NANS Leaders, led by Patrick Afubera and Godwin Maliga, said that once the deputy governor got the PDP ticket, the people would elect him.

The forum said: “For us, we believe that the primary election is for the party. If the primary is going to be held today, we are confident that the delegates, who are party members, will definitely pick our candidate.

reparation for the Edo State Governorship Election heightens as political parties begin the process of choosing their candidates. The main opposition party in the state, the All Progressives Congress (APC) has released its timetable and schedule of activities for the election.

“What we are doing here today is for the PDP. The PDP has never given its governorship ticket to anybody from Edo North. Go and check history. If you go to Edo Central, they have had the ticket of the PDP more than once. In most cases, they lost the election.

The timetable, released last Monday, was signed by the APC National Organising Secretary, Sulaimon Argungu. According to the party, the sale of Nomination, Expression of Interest and Delegate forms for contestants, which began on January 10 will end on January 29, 2024, while the party’s primary election will take place on February 17, 2024.

“In the PDP, the party on whose platform Philip is contesting, we saw that he has a bright chance of emerging as governorship candidate. It is about strength and capacity.”

The APC pegged the price for the expression of interest and nomination forms at N10m and N40m, respectively. The party said that female aspirants and persons living with disabilities are expected to pay for the expression of interest form, while the nomination form is free of charge.

Another aspirant, Akhabue said the PDP should pick him because of his ability to galvanise his people to win the primary. He said, “I am that kind of person that if I don’t have a conviction in anything I want to do, I don’t embark on it. There is nothing that I have done in the past that God has not blessed with success at the end of the day because I will pray about it and by the time I have a conviction, I will put in all my efforts.

“Youths from 25 to 40 years are to purchase expression of interest forms with a 50 per cent discount on nomination forms,” the APC stated. THEWILL recalls that aside from Edo, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) also scheduled the governorship poll in Ondo State for November 16, 2024.

“I will be able to galvanise my people to win the primaries. Yes, the big names are there, but that is not a problem to me. For me to have embarked on the race, you can be sure that old politicians like myself certainly have consulted widely across the state. I am not just planning to win the primaries; I am planning to win the election proper by God's grace.”

Ondo and Edo are two of the eight states where governorship elections are held off-season due to litigations and court judgments. The others are Anambra, Bayelsa, Ekiti, Imo, Kogi and Osun.

For now, Ighodalo remains the leading aspirants in the PDP as the Edo Central Senatorial District PDP has adopted him as its consensus governorship aspirant.

Meanwhile the Deputy Governor of Edo State, Philip Shaibu, Asue Ighodalo, Felix Akhabue and Anslem Ojezua last Thursday picked the nomination and expression of interest forms to contest the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship primary scheduled for February 22.

The resolution was announced during the Edo Central PDP Caucus meeting chaired by the Senatorial Vice Chairman of the party, Archbishop Anthony Okosun.

Barr. Blessing Omosede Igbenedion had on Wednesday purchased the forms, bringing the total number of aspirants to five as of last Thursday.

The party’s decision followed the report of the Edo Central PDP Special Committee chaired by the National Leader, Chief Tom Ikimi.

While the expression of interest form costs N5 million, the nomination form is N30 Million. At the cost of N35 million and with five aspirants, who had already purchased the forms, PDP has raked in N175 million into its coffer.

Archbishop Anthony Okosun, in a press statement made available to journalists after the meeting, said the Senatorial Caucus accepted the recommendation of the Special Committee and adopted Barr. Asue Ighodalo as the consensus aspirant of the PDP from Edo Central Senatorial District.

Speaking with journalists after obtaining the form, Asue Ighodalo denounced the rumour that he was the preferred candidate of the incumbent governor, Godwin Obaseki.

He said, “The Edo Central PDP Caucus met today, Thursday, January 11, 2024, in the PDP Senatorial District Secretariat in Uromi. The meeting was chaired by the Senatorial Vice Chairman of the party, Archbishop Anthony Okosun in accordance with section 20(1)(a) of the 2017 PDP Constitution (as amended).

He said, “I have heard the rumour. It has no basis. Prompted by the people that know I have the capacity to serve as the governor of Edo State, I decided to run and it took me a long time to agree to run because of many other things that I was doing.” Speaking on why he thought he was the best candidate for the job, Ighodalo said that experience taught him that in public office he would have the opportunity to affect the lives of many people. He said, “At this point in my life, when I have been able, by the grace of God, to do things in other spheres, maybe it is time or the hand of destiny that pointed me to the direction of wanting to help my state. “People can say what they like in order to discredit me. I am not in the business of discrediting other people and there are many good people that can be governor of Edo State. “What I am bringing to the table is definitive focus. I see a path that will move Edo State from where it is to first world economy. I see a path that will take all our children into school, to provide health services, to remove our people from poverty, to provide water, to provide electricity and provide security by working with our team, the Federal Government and other states. “I am a man of peace, I am a man of fairness, I am a man of justice. I want to see my love for the people translate into

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Meanwhile the Deputy Governor of Edo State, Philip Shaibu, Asue Ighodalo, Felix Akhabue and Anslem Ojezua last Thursday picked the nomination and expression of interest forms

“The caucus, in accordance with its functions as spelt out in section 20(2), considered the report of the Edo Central PDP Special Committee chaired by the National Leader, High Chief Tom Ikimi.” The statement enumerated the resolutions adopted by the Senatorial District to include, “One, the Senatorial Caucus applauded the members of the Special Committee for the diligence and transparency they applied in carrying out their assignment. “Two, the Senatorial Caucus accepted the recommendation of the Special Committee and adopted Barr. Asue Ighodalo as the consensus aspirant of the PDP from Edo Central Senatorial District. “Three, the Senatorial Caucus noted the adoption of Barr. Asue Ighodalo is without prejudice to the right of any other aspirant to pursue his or her aspiration.” Okosun added, “The Senatorial Caucus mandated the Special Committee to lead Barr. Asue Ighodalo and introduce him to all stakeholders in the state as the consensus aspirant of the Edo Central PDP.” THEWILLNIGERIA

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JANUARY 14, 2024 T H E W I L L N E W S P A P E R • www.thewillnews.com

POLITICS

ith two elections coming up in February and November this year, the main opposition party in Ondo State, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is already enmeshed in a crisis that may cost it its possible victory in the elections. On February 3, there will be a bye-election in Akoko NorthEast/Akoko North-West Federal Constituency and in November, there will be a governorship election in the state.

Ondo PDP in Crisis BY AYO ESAN due recourse to the national leadership as provided by the PDP Constitution. He maintained that Adams remained the party chair.

A bye-election became inevitable in the federal constituency following the resignation of a former member of the House of Representatives, Mr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, who had been appointed as Minister of the Interior by President Bola Tinubu.

Ologunagba said: “The NWC declares the said suspension as null and void and of no effect, not being consistent with provisions of the Constitution of the PDP (as amended in 2017) and laid down rules. The PDP is an organised political party governed by strict adherence to the provisions of its Constitution and Rules and will not allow any individual or group at any level to violate its Constitution and Rules.

The crisis came into the open early this month, when the Chairman of Ondo PDP, Fatai Adams, was suspended by the State Working Committee (SWC). The suspension letter was approved and signed by nine out of the 11 members of the SWC. A statement signed by the committee stated that Adams’ suspension was due to his involvement in anti-party activities. Adams was also accused of allowing a purported infiltration of the party by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). The statement read in part, “Pursuant to section 58(1) (b. c, f, h and i) of the PDP constitution as amended in 2017, the State Working Committee has approved the suspension of the State Chairman, Mr Fatai Adams, for anti-party activities and for engaging in activities likely to bring the party to disrepute.

“The NWC cautions those involved in this illegal act in defiance of the PDP Constitution to retrace their steps as the NWC will not hesitate to take appropriate disciplinary or punitive actions to preserve the stability of our party and the sanctity of our Constitution and Rules.” But the State Working Committee countered the NWC over its stand on the suspension of Adams. It said that all levels of the party have powers to discipline erring members of the executive, whether at the ward, local government, state, or zonal levels.

“He is accordingly advised to appear before the State Disciplinary Committee of the party for further interrogations within the next one week. “The party wishes to state emphatically that it will deal decisively with any incursion by the ruling party, the APC, into its ranks,” the statement added.

The state publicity secretary of the party, Kennedy Peretei, dismissed the statement credited to Ologunagba, on behalf of the NWC, as embarrassing, accusing him of not being fully grounded in the constitution of the party, as well as happening within the PDP in the state.

Those who signed the suspension notice are Tola Alebere, Deputy Chairman; Oluseye Olujimi, Secretary; Kennedy Peretei, Publicity Secretary; Dare Akinwale, State Organising Secretary; Amos Fadope, Vice Chairman (South); Dayo Awude, Vice Chairman (Central); Moses Awofade, Legal Adviser; Boluwaji Bamidele, Financial Secretary and Olawumi Fasonu, Treasurer.

Peretei said what the party had done was a minor surgery that would help the health of the PDP in future elections in the state. Speaking with THEWILL, he said the constitution of the PDP allowed the executive at every level to discipline any of their officers.” So I don’t know what is the business of the National Working Committee of the party in what we are doing in Ondo State”.

The Ondo SWC said that Adams’ alleged actions against the party were capable of bringing disrepute to the PDP in the state. It said the suspension of the chairman was in consonance with the provisions of the PDP Constitution. They gave Adams one week to appear before the disciplinary committee of the party to answer questions on the allegations. But the suspended chairman insisted that he remained the chairman of the party and described his purported suspension as something that would not stand because it was politically motivated. He alleged that the suspension was done so that those involved would carry out what he described as an agenda for the Akoko North East/North West Federal Constituency byeelection in February. He accused some elements of trying to destroy the party. Reacting, the National Working Committee of the party nullified the suspension less than two hours after it was pronounced. The PDP’s National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, in a statement, said the party’s NWC had declared the said suspension null and void and of no effect. The purported suspension comes as political parties prepare for primaries ahead of the November governorship election. Party primaries are expected to hold from April 6 to 27, while the submission of the list of nominated candidates via the Independent National Electoral Commission’s online portal will start at 9 am on April 29 and close at 6 pm on May 20, according to the electoral body’s timetable. Ologunagba described the suspension of the Ondo chairman of the party as illegal and of no effect. He said no state executive had the power to suspend a state chairman without THEWILLNIGERIA

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But the State Working Committee countered the NWC over its stand on the suspension of Adams. It said that all levels of the party have powers to discipline erring members of the executive, whether at the ward, local government, state, or zonal levels

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Nonetheless, the crisis took a new twist last week when the SWC appointed the Deputy Chairman of the Ondo chapter, Tola Alabere, as acting chairman of the state PDP to avoid a vacuum. The choice of Alabere was ratified by nine out of the 11 members of the SWC, who alleged that Adams was suspended over anti-party activities and actions detrimental to the party’s reputation. When asked about the situation in the party, Peretei said, “It is only one leg remaining and that is the report of the disciplinary committee. The disciplinary committee has not brought its report. When it brings its report, which is when the matter will be laid to rest either to uphold some measures of punishment or to say no. For now Adams remains suspended. He assured that Adam’s removal will not affect next month’s bye-election and the governorship election in November, saying, “If you know the jubilation that is going on. We have a stakeholders’ meeting on Wednesday where the decision of the executive committee was ratified. The party is moving on. Everybody knows that the man has outstayed his usefulness. If he has integrity, if 10 out of 12 people said they don’t want you, you should resign. If he doesn’t resign, he will be disgraced.” Sources informed THEWILL that the immediate cause of the latest action was all about the House of Representatives bye-election coming up next month in the Akoko area of the state.

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EDITORIAL

JANUARY 14, 2024 WWW.THEWILLNEWS.COM

That Supreme Court Judgement

It is easy to surmise that at that stage in its affairs, Plateau was clearly in turmoil. With a halo of insecurity overhanging the state, Governor Mutfwang, the PDP and the people could do nothing but wait for justice to take its course. And that was exactly what happened

cross the country, Nigerians are still celebrating the Supreme Court judgement on the election disputes involving the governors of Kano, Plateau, Abia, Bauchi, Cross Rivers, Ebonyi, Lagos and Zamfara States. It is heartwarming to note that almost a year after bitterly lamenting the apex court’s final verdict on the conduct of the February 25, 2023 presidential election, the people have cause to celebrate a decision that was quite clearly aimed at upholding the principles of justice, especially in a matter as sensitive as an election dispute. In Kano, before the Supreme Court judgement, tension had been ignited by a muddled and controversial Appeal Court ruling that authorised the withdrawal and re-issue of a Certified True Copy, CTP, for the counsels of the litigants. Had the Supreme Court judgement gone the other way, the tension would have been stretched tight to bursting point. Needless to mention what would have happened next in a state so well-Known for violent protests. Considering the atmosphere in the capital city, parts of Kano State would certainly have exploded and innocent lives and valuable property lost in the ensuing conflagration. Perhaps aware of the inevitability of a bloody protest, especially at a time the country was undergoing excruciating economic pain, and its implication

NIGERIA BUREAU: 36AA Remi Fani-Kayode Street, GRA, Ikeja. Lagos, Nigeria. info@thewillnigeria.com / @THEWILLNG, +234 810 345 2286, +234 913 333 3888 EDITOR: Olaolu Olusina @OLUSINA LETTERS/OPINIONS: opinion.letters@thewillnews.com

under the prevailing conditions, the Justices of the Supreme Court must have been very mindful of coming up with an unpopular decision. The same thing may be said about their handling of the situation in Plateau State where less than two weeks earlier, unprovoked attacks on some communities by unknown gunmen believed to be herdsmen had left about 150 people dead and several others wounded. The judges probably figured out that delivering a carefully thought-out judgement on the issue at stake might go a long way to prevent a catastrophe in the state. Right or wrong, they chose the path of justice. The Governor of Plateau State, Caleb Mutfwang, who was elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, had lost at both the Tribunal and Appeal Court because his party breached an order from a High Court in Jos directing it to conduct valid ward, local government and state congresses before nominating its candidates for the various elective positions. On the basis of that, the PDP lost five elected members of the National Assembly – two in the Senate and three in the House of Representatives – as well as many members of the State House of Assembly to the rival All Progressives Congress, APC. It is easy to surmise that at that stage in its affairs, Plateau was clearly in turmoil. With a halo of insecurity overhanging the state, Governor Mutfwang, the PDP and the people could do nothing but wait for justice to take its course. And that was exactly what happened.

The judges of the Supreme Court were unequivocal in their denunciation of the ruling of the Appeal Court. According to the apex court, the lower court erred in its judgment since the petitioners, not being members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), had no locus to challenge the PDP’s primary election in Plateau. On the issue of a Plateau High Court order affecting the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the party, the apex court held that the appellate court was wrong in concluding that the order affected the committee. Justice Agim described the issue of primary election as an internal matter of political parties, in which the Tribunal and Court of Appeal lacked jurisdiction. The Supreme Court also pointed out that contrary to the claim of the petitioners and the judgement of the appellate court, the order of the Plateau High Court was not disobeyed by the PDP as evidence showed that a fresh primary was conducted. There could not have been a more appropriate decision on this matter. While we join other well-meaning Nigerians in congratulating the Supreme Court for a job well done, we shall not hesitate to point out that the justice should be properly served by ensuring the reversal of the Appeal Court judgement that so unfairly robbed the PDP elected lawmakers in Plateau State of their rightful positions. If left unattended to, this lacuna may give rise to complications that will undermine Nigeria’s democratic process in the future.

THEWILL NEWSPAPER TEAM Publisher/Editor-in-Chief

Business Editor – Sam Diala

Photo Editor – Peace Udugba

Austyn Ogannah

Copy Editor – Chux Ohai

Head, Graphics – Tosin Yusuph

Editor – Olaolu Olusina

Cartoon Editor – Victor Asowata

Deputy Editor – Amos Esele

Entertainment/Society Editor – Ivory Ukonu

Circulation Manager – Victor Nwokoh

Politics Editor – Ayo Esan

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Guest Art Director – Sunny Hughes

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OPINION

JANUARY 14, 2024 WWW.THEWILLNEWS.COM

What Time is it For Nigeria? BY OBIAGELI EZEKWESILI

here is Time for everything. Figuratively speaking, a person or country can be asked, “What Time is it?” with the intention to trigger a deep rumination from those who should know or care. The start of the New Year after a bloodied end of 2023 with yet another mass killing of over 150 children, youth, women and men during the Christmas week in several villages of Plateau State did provide the context for one to ask.

The soul of our country began to die when public leaders became bad examples, disdaining values and rewarding vices. As the people either helplessly watched on or simply did not care and many chose to join the leaders in sliding the scale of values, the soul of Nigeria started to erode. The soul of the country has eroded to a degree where today, the value and respect for human life is closer to zero than to one.

So, I ask first, those among my fellow citizens who have only always hoped against hope that our country will ultimately Become, “What Time is it for Nigeria?”

We shockingly arrived at a time in our country when, regardless of the number of mass abductions, maiming and killings of fellow humans in our country, the Nigerian state moves on without an iota of accountability and consequence for especially murderous criminals. We are in a time when Nigerians have normalised and accepted that their governments and leaders can conduct, enable or ignore acts of impunity. A time in which the lines between reward and punishment are so blurred that the country exists without any form of deterring consequence for the most atrocious behaviours.

THE SOUL OF OUR COUNTRY BEGAN TO DIE WHEN PUBLIC LEADERS BECAME BAD EXAMPLES, DISDAINING VALUES AND REWARDING VICES

I ask all those who have held and the ones currently holding political and public leadership positions in the country, “What Time is it for Nigeria?”

The blood of Fidelis Solomon and over 150 other victims gruesomely massacred in the latest Plateau State carnage, and the blood of the hundreds of thousands of innocent Nigerians cumulatively killed in the North-Central, North-East, North-West, South-East, SouthSouth and South-West geopolitical zones of our country are crying, “What Time is it for Nigeria?” What is your answer, fellow citizens? This really is the hardest question that all the people of goodwill in Nigeria must ask and answer candidly. Anyone who attempts to evade asking and confronting the inevitable tough answer to this question merely lives in delusion. For me, it is the critical time to confront the hard conversations on how to create a viable Nigeria that transits from a mere country to a nation of people who, though diverse, have collectively negotiated to unite themselves around a shared sense of nationalism to build a just, equitable, peaceful, orderly, prosperous, stable, resilient and ethical society based on shared values, national vision and common identity. It is the most feasible way to avoid Nigeria becoming a truly bankrupt country with all its people. Bankruptcy, an extremely scary word, was recently used by Nigeria’s National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, to describe the financial situation of the country. Bankruptcy in corporate use means the death of an entity because it stops all operations and goes completely out of business. Death is the loss of the soul. Like humans, a country also has a soul, and it contains the values and boundaries of what is acceptable or abhorrent behaviour. For example, in Nigeria, there was a time when a certain modicum of values served as filters for what behaviours were rewarded and punished.

So, even though evidence abounds in our public finance data to support Ribadu’s assessment of the current state of the country’s finances, Nigeria’s reality is worse than mere financial bankruptcy. The substantial and existential danger is that Nigeria as a country is totally bankrupt of values, void of soul and headed into a cataclysmic collapse of the kind that more money cannot change. What can more money do to reverse the callous acceptance of a brutish, short, and nasty existence into which the majority of Nigerians have now acculturated their minds? What will more money do for people who no longer expect their leaders to take responsibility for basic duties, including accountability for failure to produce results? What can more money do for a country where the kidnapping of citizens grew into an industry nationwide? The Nigeria we all lament today is a sad example of what failure to agree and uphold a national integrity and values system can do to any people. Nigerians chose to be lethargic about how our country is governed, so our public leaders willfully distorted incentives and sanctions in our society. Yes, the public coffers are empty, but the time now is to tackle the cause and not one of the symptoms of our national bankruptcy as a country and people. Nigeria must first overcome the existential sustainability question as our top priority agenda at this time. Is it not staggeringly alarming that Nigeria’s contemporary peer countries are contending to lead the 21st Century by shifting global economic dominance while we in contrast are steadily regressing farther away from being a country? Nigeria’s multiple existential threats to retaining the status of the country are fiercer than ever before. We now barely tick the boxes for the full status of a country, properly so-called. •Ezekwesili, a former Minister of Education and Solid Minerals, is the Founder and Chairperson of the Board of the School of Politics, Policy and Governance (SPPG) *Continues online at www. thewillnews.com

That we May Not Die in Hospitals Abroad BY BOB MAJIRIOGHENE ETEMIKU

ast year 2023, the tragic news of the death of a governor of one of the South-West states was announced. Before he died in Germany, he had been going back and forth seeking medical help in hospitals abroad. Because he seemingly did not fulfil constitutional requirements concerning his absence, he left his sickbed, only to pass on, upon returning to Germany to resume his treatment. Much of the discussion surrounding his death is about the kind of ailment that he had and about the man who would take over from him. In my estimation, this is a most unfortunate turn of events. I say this because the man who died in a German hospital or clinic or lab was a governor of a state in Nigeria. A governor is the equivalent of a president at the subnational level of governance. His position is akin to that of a CEO, a chief security officer and head of the political apparatchik of his state. While this recently deceased governor was alive, he received security briefings from members of the state security services. As governor, he was privy to key matters of state at the executive, judicial and legislative cadres of the government he led. It was also possible that he was part of the think-tank of the federal political structure in Nigeria, having attended meetings at the National Council of State and the forum of governors in Nigeria. As governor, this man attended high-level meetings and made decisions on behalf of the people of the state he governed for over six years. He made local decisions which may have had international ramifications. Part of his responsibility as governor was to make provisions for schools, hospitals, transport facilities and the like. He supervised spending from the allocation he received from the federal purse. Apart from this recently deceased governor, many other very highly placed Nigerian public officers also go abroad to receive treatment in foreign hospitals. The most notorious of them all was Nigeria’s immediate past president. Instead of utilising the billions of naira that were voted to run the clinic in Aso Rock, this former president often jetted off to get his ears and nostrils examined. Whilst patronising the hospitals abroad, the hospitals at home remained mere consulting clinics. Whilst paying massive sums to the doctors abroad, those at home began to leave in droves over the shabby treatment that the Nigerian state accords them. You will see ‘shege’ if you perchance fall very ill in today’s Nigeria. And that ‘shege’ that will betide you is a product of the seeming failure of highly placed public officials to focus on and develop our own health and educational institutions. If your case is an emergency, such as I experienced last year, your ‘shege’ is quadrupled. Unlike the governor and president who had access to public funds to get treatment abroad, you will just die for nothing in Nigeria if you take very ill. The pharmaceutical companies are leaving and the japa syndrome has permanently become part and parcel of our common lingo. I have met many hirelings of many a governor and of the immediate past president of Nigeria who THEWILLNIGERIA

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have argued and rather strenuously, that it is within the fundamental human rights of “anyone” seeking medical attention abroad to do so. That is true. But what is also true is that there will never be any time coming that you will see Trudeau or Macron or any leader worth his name going to another country to receive treatment, all in the name of fundamental human rights. These people are not ordinary people, they are not “anyone”. The leader of THERE SHOULD BE A LAW France will not go to the US to receive treatment, and the leader of the US will BANNING PUBLIC OFFICIALS, not go to France or the UK to receive treatment. The reason being that, apart ESPECIALLY PRESIDENTS, from the moral dilemma involved in a MINISTERS AND GOVERNORS leader’s inability to make provision for functional healthcare centres in his FROM GOING ABROAD FOR country, these leaders know the deep and serious implications of subjecting MEDICAL CARE themselves to doctors from another country. Some of what the ‘doctors’ and ‘nurses’, aka secret service personnel, who will treat our governor or president will do is either to take a blood sample or insert a microchip in the anus of the president or governor while he is in a state of coma. With that blood sample, the entire medical history of that public official will be at the disposal of that foreign hospital for as long as they want. If they decide to clone that public official and do with him whatever they want, that will be their decision to make. If it is a microchip they have inserted in his anus, it will be possible to monitor that individual wherever he or she may be. They can access his itinerary and be present virtually at all of his local and national briefings. If another country has this kind of access to the key figures of another country, there is no way they cannot undermine and dictate to the country whose officials they are able to manipulate. When the PIID case lasted, we learned that the PIID people already hacked our systems and they were one step ahead of us at every turn and twist and at every twist and turn. This is a dangerous matter. And that is why I want to make the following recommendations. One, let us work hard at developing and investing in our people and our own institutions, hospitals, schools, roads, etcetera. We have all seen that going to get treatment abroad did not save this governor. •Etemiku is the publisher of WADONOR, cultural voice of Nigeria *Continues online at www. thewillnews.com

JANUARY 14, 2024 • VOL . 4 NO. 2 WWW.THEWILLNEWS.COM

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N1m

Drama: FG Transfers 40% Shares in DisCos from BPE to MOFI

Unity Bank Customer Wins N1m in CashToken Rewards Promo / PAGE 34

Exec Sec NCDMB Visits NUPRC, NIACOM, Outlines Collaboration Opportunities

EDITOR Sam Diala

Mixed Reactions Trail Dissolution of Union, Polaris, Keystone Banks’ Boards UNION BANK 5-YEAR PAREMETERS 2018-2022 (N’bn, trn)

2TRN 1TRN

(N’bn) 1.4 trn 968.8bn

868.8bn 114.1bn

99.9bn

Net Operating Income (N’bn)

Customer Deposits

19.1bn

29.0bn

24.6bn

18.4bn

24.3bn

10BN

PAT

1.3 trn

100.8bn

95.0bn

50BN

692.8bn

660.6bn

420.0bn

100BN

1.1 trn

886.8bn

500BN

86.1bn

Continues on page 33

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844.0bn

n a strange twist of events, the Federal Government has transferred its shares in the 11 electricity distribution companies (DisCos) from the Bureau of Public Enterprise (BPE) to the Ministry of Finance Incorporated (MOFI). This is coming after the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) had on January 8, 2024, announced plans to commence the sale of some of the government’s assets under the holding of the BPE, including the Kaduna DisCo. In a communication signed by its CEO, Dr Armstrong Takang, and made available to THEWILL, MOFI notified the electricity successor companies (the DisCos) of the government’s decision to transfer its shares from BPE to MOFI. The development followed the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI) Bill signed into law by President Bola Tinubu in June, 2023, which authorises states, companies and individuals to generate, transmit and distribute electricity. The new electricity law repeals the Electric Power Sector Reform Act (EPSRA) which was signed by President Olusegun Obasanjo in 2005 and it provided the legal, regulatory and governance frameworks underpinning the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI). The new Act signed by Mr Tinubu consolidates all legislations dealing with the electricity supply industry to provide an omnibus and ideal institutional framework to guide the post-privatisation phase of NESI and encourage private sector investments in the industry. “I now write to formally advise you that the Minister of Finance, recognising the repeal of the EPSRA, the long-standing competition of the privatization and the restructuring of MOFI, has by Order, formally terminated the Power of Attorney and directed the restoration of the FGN’s equity interests in all electricity successor companies to be held and treated by MOFI,” the communication stated.

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(N’bn, trn)

BY SAM DIALA

A A

2018

B B

he recent dissolution of boards and management teams of three deposit money banks by the Central Bank of Source; Annual Reports Nigeria (CBN) has sparked mixed reactions among stakeholders and industry experts. The CBN had announced the dissolution of the boards of Union Bank Limited, Keystone Bank Limited and Polaris Bank Limited on January 8, 2024, and appointed an interim management team (comprising a chairman and an executive director) for each of the banks. By this action, a total of 26 bank directors lost their jobs. The apex bank said it wielded the big stick on the three financial institutions for various infractions considered inimical to financial system stability. In a statement by its Acting Director, Corporate Communications, Mrs Hakama Sidi-Ali, the CBN said the action became necessary, following failure on the part of the affected banks and their respective boards to abide by the stipulated rules. “This action became necessary due to the non-compliance of these banks and their respective boards with the provisions of Section 12(c), (f), (g), (h) of Banks and Other Financial Institutions Act, 2020. “The banks’ infractions vary from regulatory non-compliance, corporate governance failure, disregarding the conditions under which their licences were granted, and involvement in activities that pose a threat to financial stability, among others”, the regulator said. A senior legal practitioner and versed in banking and finance matters, Victor Ukutt, picked holes with the Bola Tinubu-led government’s decision to sack the boards and management of the three banks. In a chat with THEWILL, Mr Ukutt, who is Principal Partner at Victor Ukutt Chambers in Lagos, condemned the action by CBN for lacking transparency. The legal practitioner argued that the CBN Act is clear on why and how it can take over a bank which he said was not in tandem with the recent action by the apex bank. “If you look at the provisions of the CBN Act and, also, the provisions of the

2019

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2021

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Loans & Advances 2022

(N’bn)

Banks and Other Financial Institutions Act (BOFIA), the CBN can intervene where the banks have not been properly managed. There are thresholds on which the CBN can act. If those thresholds have not occurred, the CBN cannot come in. “For example, the CBN can only come in when the financial adequacy of the banks is in trouble. And you have to first set up a special investigation committee. If there is no such committee to review and confirm that the financial status of the bank is in a critical condition, the CBN cannot wield the power, under the CBN Act and BOFIA, to intervene.” He noted that such interventions lead to investors bringing in money to boost the financial adequacy of the banks which was not the case in the recent intervention by the apex bank. Ukutt maintained that the exercise lacked the desired transparency and made it assume a political coloration, which is unhealthy for the financial services industry. He stressed that it is absolutely wrong to base such crucial decisions on a reason that is narrow and lacks transparency. He added that even the bank you are treating her case should be part of the decision-making process. The Lawyer predicted that the CBN action will trigger a series of litigations and said, “Whoever has advised President Tinubu on this kind of agenda did it wrongly.” He argued that Union Bank was not in a critical financial condition, so there was no basis for the intervention. On his part, a retired bank executive who pleaded for anonymity because of his closeness to some persons in the government, expressed concerns over the implementation process and possible outcomes of the CBN dissolution of the boards and management of the banks.. “Banking is a sensitive area. You don’t take action that could lend credence to insinuations that it was politically motivated or that no critical thinking THEWILLNIGERIA

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BUSINESS WEEKLY ...Union, Polaris, Keystone Banks’ Boards occurred before proceeding with the move”, he said. He added that the relevant sections of the CBN Act and BOFIA that the CBN quoted for sacking the boards and management of the three financial institutions did not tally with the action of the government through the CBN. According to him, there will be a plethora of legal fireworks in the days ahead because “you cannot confiscate someone’s assets without due process especially where the law spells out the way to do that”. “Right now, we do not know the basis on which the CBN acted. If it is true that the report of the Special Investigator, Jim Obazee, appointed by President Tinubu to investigate the central bank activities under Godwin Emefiele and related matters, was the basis for dissolving the boards and management of the affected banks, that will be the wrong thing to do.” A television presenter and member of The Morning Show team on Arise News Television, Dr Ruben Abati, said during the programme on January 11, that there are gaps to fill, especially on the ownership status of the banks. According to him, the CBN should explain those who have ownership of the banks now and for how long the interim management team would be in place. Dr Abati, who is also a Lawyer, urged the government to explain whether the banks have been nationalised, or being turned into bridge banks for eventual sale. A development economist and investment banking executive, Dr Nnaemeka Obiaraeri, said the dissolution of the banks’ boards and management teams was right but far inadequate in tackling corruption that has bedeviled the system. Dr Obiaraeri said in his response to THEWILL that the CBN’s action will help in unravelling many lingering issues that were shrouded in secrecy regarding the acquisition of Polaris and Keystone banks. He noted that the CBN is trying to trace the source of funds used in acquiring Union Bank, but in the case of Polaris and Keystone, he observed that their matters had lingered over time concerning the process of acquiring them. “What worries me is beyond what the CBN has done. If we want to sanitise the system, we must go the whole hog and identify policies that endanger financial system stability,” he said, adding that “CBN should extend its searchlights on the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) to ensure that any person with AMCON-related debts is not given the opportunity to enjoy a credit facility in the country.” An investment expert and Head of Securities Trading at Planet Capital, Dr Paul Uzum, commended the CBN for the action which he said will unveil the true ownership of the banks. “The banks are now owned by the Federal Government. The owners used free government money from CBN to acquire the banks. The banks had no issue. The banks were all private companies so no investor will suffer. “There may be legal issues if the owners of the Banks have evidence that they used their own funds for the acquisition. CBN lends Bank A N50bn, to lend to Mr B to acquire a bank for sale. Since CBN funded the acquisition, it can easily recall the loan and cancel the deal”, Uzum told THEWILL in a note. Another top banker who would not want his name in print, stressed that the kernel of the matter resides in the process. “You cannot claim to be doing the right thing the wrong way because you have the power to do and undo. The process should be transparent such that irregularities will make nonsense of any attempt to take a legal action. That way, we begin to see who is swimming naked,” he said.

You cannot claim to be doing the right thing the wrong way because you have the power to do and undo. The process should be transparent such that irregularities will make nonsense of any attempt to take a legal action

...FG Transfers 40% Shares in DisCos From BPE to MoFI According to the accompanying document directing the transfer of the shares also seen by THEWILL, Wale Edun, minister of finance and coordinating minister of the economy, in the Order, dated January 10, directed the board of directors of the MOFI to assume ownership, control, and management of all equity holding of the Federal Government of Nigeria in the 11 DisCos. Edun also directed MoFI to “Assume ownership, control, and management of all equity holdings of the Federal Government. of Nigeria, as contemplated and provided for by law and/or any contract; and issue all appropriate notices, instruments, and documents which are required to give effect to this directive”. Before this Order, under the statutory mandate in Section 9 of the now-repealed Electric Power Sector Reform Act, 2005, the BPE was the holder of record of the equity interests of the FG in DisCos. The BPE had also nominated various persons to be directors in DisCos and managed the implementation of the various rights and obligations of the FGN in the company “The BPE nominee director on the board of directors of this Company is withdrawn with immediate effect and share certificates of the Company issued in the name of the BPE are to be immediately withdrawn and cancelled,” said Takang, He said that new share certificate for all outstanding shares of the FGN in the companies is to be issued in the name of “MINISTRY OF FINANCE INCORPORATED”. “All minutes of Board meetings, current management operational reports, extant strategic business and operating plans, management accounts and audited financial statements going back to the 2021, 2022 and 2023 financial years should be immediately delivered to MOFI”. THEWILL recalls that BPE had last December disclosed plans to sell off the remaining 40 percent shares of the federal government in the DisCos and four other assets in 2024. Other assets that will be sold off via public offerings at the capital market include Eleme Petrochemicals Company Limited, Nigeria Reinsurance, NICON Insurance, and the Nigeria Machine Tools in Osogbo, according to BPE. The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) had on January 8 put up for sale the Kaduna DisCo, sixth largest power distribution utility over a $130 million debt, less than two years after the lenders who took over the company failed to turn it around and make it profitable. The power distribution company owes N110 billion ($130 million), NERC said in a notice on Monday, January 8, to companies including the Nigerian Bulk Electricity Trader and power generation firms. The regulator said it now considered the company a ‘failing licensee’, allowing NERC to dissolve its board using a law passed last year. Analysts express mixed feelings over the development as the government had indicated the determination to hands off the moribund public assets and sell its shares in investments that constitute a drain of resources. Now that the federal government is transferring its shares in the DisCos from BPE to MOFI, with accumulated huge debts, it becomes unclear how this will change the unending power challenges that have crippled the economy.

Dangote Petroleum Refinery Starts Production

angote Petroleum Refinery has commenced production of diesel and aviation fuel.

According to a statement by the group spokesman, Tony Chiejina, on Friday, January 12, 2023, President of Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, elatedly thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his support, encouragement, and thoughtful advice towards the actualisation of this project. Dangote also thanked the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Limited), the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) and Nigerians for their support and belief in the historic project. “We thank President Bola Tinubu for his support and for making our dream come true. This production, as witnessed today, would not have been possible without his visionary leadership and prompt attention to details. His intervention at various stages cleared all impediments thereby accelerating the actualisation of the project. THEWILLNIGERIA

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“We also thank the NNPC, NUPRC and NMDPRA for their support. These organisations have been our dependable partners in this historic journey. We also thank Nigerians for their belief and support in this project. We have started the production of diesel and aviation fuel, and the products will be in the market within this month once we receive regulatory approvals.” “This is a big day for Nigeria. We are delighted to have reached this significant milestone. This is an important achievement for our country as it demonstrates our ability to develop and deliver large capital projects. This is a game changer for our country, and I am very fulfilled with the actualisation of this project.” The refinery has so far received six million barrels of crude oil at its two SPMs located 25 kilometres from the shore. The first crude delivery was done on December 12, 2023, and the 6th cargo was delivered on January 8, 2024. The Refinery can load 2,900 trucks a day at its truck-loading gantries. The products from the Refinery will conform to Euro V specifications. The refinery design complies with the World

Bank, US EPA, European emission norms, and Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) emission/effluent norms. Employing state-of-theart technology. “I must extend our sincere appreciation to our Bankers and financiers, both local and offshore, who demonstrated a great deal of patience, in seeing us through many difficult times. In the same vein, we thank the Government of Lagos State, under the leadership of Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who has been incredibly proactive in ensuring that the many challenges we encountered in the course of executing this project were quickly resolved. I thank him immensely." “I also sincerely thank our host communities and their Traditional leaders for their sustained patience, forbearance, and admirable willingness to work with us to find amicable and win-win resolutions to the many issues we have had to deal with as the construction of this huge facility progressed. Our staff have also contributed so immensely to the success of this project. I thank them profusely.”

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BUSINESS NEWS

Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo (Right); Acting Managing Director, Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Capt. Chris Najomo (Middle), and Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Emmanuel Meribole, after the newly appointed Chief Executive Officers and Directors of Agencies of the Ministry signed the performance bond in Abuja on January 11, 2024.

Unity Bank Customer Wins N1m in CashToken Rewards Promo

Unity Bank customer, Mr. Musa Dayyabu, has emerged winner of One Million Naira in the ongoing cash reward Promo by Unity Bank Plc and CashToken Rewards Africa. CashToken Rewards Africa is a Cash-Reward-as-a-Service company that rewards customers for patronage and loyalty. Mr. Dayyabu, a customer of the Bank from Bello Road Branch, Kano, won the cash prize after he activated his Unity Bank Verve card and having carried out transactions, received CashTokens and qualified for the weekly national consumer draw. It was in this draw, he emerged as the lucky winner of One Million Naira cash. The Unity Bank and CashToken Rewards promo launched in November 2023, is a cash reward program that offers guaranteed instant cash and a life-changing opportunity designed to reward loyal customers of the Bank who onboard and transact on any of the Bank’s electronic payment platforms, including the Unifi mobile banking application, the *7799# USSD platform. The program, which will run until the end of February is open to all customers. Each card transaction earns customers CashTokens, which qualifies the customer to enter into the weekly national consumer draw where they stand a chance to win from N5K -N100M Naira. Presenting the cheque to the winner in Kano on Tuesday, Unity Bank’s Head of E-Business, Eghomware Iyamu congratulated the winner and reiterated the Bank’s commitment to create a sustainable loyalty platform for customer engagement and satisfaction. Iyamu said, “We celebrate our customers for their loyalty to the Unity Bank and for being part of the ongoing Unity Bank and CashToken Rewards promo. The cash prize being presented today is just the beginning, we, therefore, look forward to having more winners from this programme. Let more and more people get on the Unity Bank's digital banking, transact on the different platforms and they will equally be rewarded.” He added, “The collaboration between Unity Bank and CashToken Rewards Africa will continue to create an unmatched customer experience. By tapping into CashToken Reward's exceptional reward platform, Unity Bank customers can continue to anticipate generous cash rewards, transforming every interaction with the bank into a truly rewarding experience.” Also commenting on the development, the Chief Business Development officer for CashToken Rewards Africa Africa, Simi Adeoye commended the customers of Unity Bank for the impressive number of onboarding and transactions in the build-up to the weekly draw held in the campaign period, adding that "with opportunities to win life-changing cash of up to N100M, the assurances of the transparent process will constantly be upheld to spread the benefits of the reward scheme to deserving customers". "The prospects of having more winners in the ongoing exercise is keeping the steam in the collaboration between the Bank and CashToken Rewards Africa," Simi quips.

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Exec Sec NCDMB Visits NUPRC, NIACOM, Outlines Collaboration Opportunities

he Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe on Tuesday visited the Chief Executive of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), Engr. Gbenga Komolafe and the Commissioner for Insurance of the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM), Mr. Sunday Olorundare Thomas at their respective offices in Abuja. The visit by the new NCDMB boss was aimed at familiarizing himself with chief executives of institutions that are represented on the NCDMB’s Governing Council as well as exploring areas of collaboration. In his remarks, the Executive Secretary conveyed the willingness of the NCDMB to deepen its partnership with key agencies of the Federal Government to achieve the economic aspirations of President Bola Tinubu administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda, adding that cooperation and teamwork were key to accomplishing any noble objective. He promised that NCDMB would work closely with NAICOM to review and operationalize the insurance services regulations jointly issued by both agencies in June 2022, to get Nigerian oil and gas companies to patronize local insurance firms and retain spend in the economy. The Commissioner for Insurance of the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM), Mr. Sunday Olorundare Thomas congratulated the Executive Secretary on his appointment, noting that he would be building on the solid foundation laid by his predecessors. He described NCDMB as a formidable institution and commended the founding fathers of the Board for their foresight in creating such an important agency. He also lauded the former Executive Secretaries of the NCDMB for their innovative projects and achievements while in office that added value to the economy. The Commissioner for Insurance described insurance as the oxygen of business operations. He expressed concern that the insurance services regulations that were signed by the commission and NCDMB were yet to be implemented. He requested the Executive Secretary to address the challenges, hinting that implementing the regulations would bring the needed changes in the insurance subsector of the oil and gas industry before being extended to other key sectors of the economy. At the NUPRC, the Executive Secretary reiterated the need for teamwork and partnership amongst various agencies under the Ministry of Petroleum Resources, to sustain the growth of the Nigerian oil and gas industry. He hinted that collaboration would create an enabling environment that would attract investments and new projects into the sector, helping to create employment opportunities for youths and address insecurity in the polity. While noting that Local Content development would be stunted if projects and investments in the oil and gas sector do not flourish, the Executive Secretary suggested that NCDMB and NUPRC should organize workshops to examine and resolve concerns identified by investors as obstacles to investments and new projects. He hinted that investment decisions by international oil and gas companies are often affected by their assessment of their Return on Investments (ROI). In his comments, the Commission Chief Executive of NUPRC, Engr. Gbenga Komolafe congratulated the Executive Secretary on his appointment, noting that the industry was pleased to have a person of his pedigree as the new helmsman of the NCDMB. THEWILLNIGERIA

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BUSINESS WEEKLY

Diaspora Remittances: Nigeria’s Economic Lifeblood From Abroad?

BY MARCEL OKEKE

narguably, the greatest challenge facing Nigeria today is economic in nature, marked by acute shortage of foreign exchange (forex, FX), especially the dollar. This is particularly evident in the ranking of its currency— the Naira—as the third among the world’s worst performing currencies in the global FX market in 2023, according to a Bloomberg report.

recorded in 2021. Also, a Pan-African credit rating agency and research firm, Agusto & Co projects that foreign exchange remittance flows into Nigeria will rise to about US$26 billion by 2025, and will be supported by “improved economic conditions in advanced economies.” World Bank’s reports show that Nigeria’s diaspora remittances have maintained a reasonably steady streak in the past five years or so. In 2018, Nigeria received US$23.1 billion; US$23.2 billion in 2019; US$23.6 billion in 2020; US$28.5 billion in 2021 and US$20.1 billion in 2022. Interestingly, these inflows have seen Nigeria consistently remain the topmost recipient of diaspora remittances in subSaharan Africa throughout the past five years (2018-2023), in the World Bank’s ranking. A number of factors account for this streak. For instance, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has implemented various initiatives to promote formal remittance channels, such as the Naira4Dollar policy and the licensing of mobile money operators. Fintech startups are also emerging with innovative solutions for faster, cheaper, and more secure remittance transfers. Also, financial literacy programs are helping in educating recipients on managing their finances and investing remittances for long-term benefits. Also accounting for Nigeria’s topmost ranking as remittance destination is its significant diaspora population spread across the globe, particularly in the United Kingdom, Europe, North America, and other African countries.

For decades, the country has remained largely a mono-product economy—producing and exporting virtually only crude oil— and living on petrodollars. Economy diversification has largely remained a mere ‘mantra’ by successive governments.

Nigerians are known for maintaining strong family connections, even after migrating, which encourages regular remittance flows. Economic instability in Nigeria, compared to other countries in the African region, makes remittances a crucial source of income for many families in the country.

However, in recent years, socio-economic and political developments within (and without) the country have combined to whittle Nigeria’s petrodollar earning capabilities. As a ‘global commodity’, crude oil business is usually prone to the vagaries of international politics and diplomacy.

Thus, in recent years, remittances have become a major source of foreign currency for Nigeria, contributing to its GDP and boosting economic activity. These funds play a vital role in supporting the living expenses, education, and healthcare needs of families back home in Nigeria.

Unfortunately, as the petrodollar inflow to Nigeria remains unsteady and keeps dwindling, other hitherto viable sources of FX are also practically drying up. Thus, for a combination of factors—including insecurity and high-cost business milieu— inflow of foreign direct investment (FDI) has dropped to an abysmally low level.

These significant strides notwithstanding, there have been persistent challenges associated with sending and receiving money. For instance, traditional money transfer services often charge high fees, especially for smaller amounts. These fees normally cut away a significant portion of the remitted amount, reducing the benefit for recipients.

The same with foreign portfolio investment (FPI)—since investors can hardly ‘cash out’ at will or fully claim/repatriate their capital and earnings at maturity—owing essentially to paucity of FX.

Again, a large portion of remittances still flow through informal channels like friends, family, or ‘hawala’ systems. Obviously, these channels lack transparency and regulation, making them vulnerable to fraud and money laundering.

Latest report by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) show that Nigeria’s total foreign capital importation declined significantly by 36.45 per cent to US$654.65 million in the third quarter (Q3) 2023 compared to US$1.03 billion in the preceding quarter.

Without a doubt, many recipients of the remittances, particularly in rural areas, lack access to formal banking services. This makes it difficult to receive and utilize remittances efficiently. Also, fluctuations in the exchange rate (especially in recent months) adversely affect the value of remittances received in Nigeria.

The NBS data showed that capital importation further dropped by 43.55 per cent compared to US$1.16 billion recorded in Q3 2022. Further breakdown of the data shows that ‘other investments’ accounted for the largest capital inflows of US$507.77 million or 77.56 per cent of total capital importation for the review period. This was followed by portfolio investment (FPI) which recorded US$87.11 million, representing 13.31 per cent of inflows. On the other hand, foreign direct investment (FDI) accounted for the least, a mere US$59.77 million or 9.13 per cent of foreign capital importation during the third quarter 2023. Surprisingly, however, as these FX sources are ‘drying up’, the World Bank’s latest figures show that diaspora remittance inflows to Nigeria are rising. Specifically, the World Bank’s Migration and Development Brief (MDB) 2023 shows that out of US$54 billion diaspora remittances to Sub-Saharan Africa, Nigeria, with US$20.5 billion, stands as the largest recipient of remittances in the region. According to the World Bank, Nigeria retains its position as the dominant remittance recipient country, accounting for approximately 38 per cent of the total US$54 billion remittances received by the region. Impressively, Nigeria also ranks among the top 10 recipient countries worldwide, solidifying its significance in the remittance landscape. As revealed in the World Bank’s MDB, officially recorded diaspora remittance flows to Sub-Saharan Africa increased marginally to US$54 billion in 2023; and this implies a 1.88 per cent increase from the US$53 billion recorded in 2022 and a significant eight per cent growth from the US$50 billion THEWILLNIGERIA

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This creates uncertainty and unpredictability for recipients. Complex regulations, many reforms and bureaucratic procedures discourage formal remittance channels and increase costs. Above all, concerns about corruption and insecurity in the land tend to also deter senders. It should also be noted that a significant portion of remittances is used for consumption rather than investment in productive activities. This limits the potential long-term impact of remittances on economic development. It is also pertinent to reckon that global economic slowdowns or recessions (and socio-political conflicts in a number of places) have led to decreased income and employment for Nigerian Diasporans— affecting their ability to send remittances. On the other hand, too, the continued decline in foreign direct investment (FDI) and foreign portfolio investment (FPI) inflow into Nigeria remains a complex issue with multiple contributing factors. Some of the key factors include macroeconomic and policy issues. Nigeria’s multiple exchange rate system (even after Naira floatation) and unpredictable access to FX create uncertainty for (FDI & FPI) investors, making it difficult to predict returns and repatriate profits. Inflation at over 28 per cent (as of November 2023) erodes the value of invested capital and makes long-term planning difficult. •The Okeke is a practising Economist, Business Strategist, Sustainability expert and ex-Chief Economist of Zenith Bank Plc •Continues online at www. thewillnews.com

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EDUCATION

Gov Aliyu Determined to Revive Female Education in Sokoto – Prof Namakka The Executive Secretary, Sokoto State Female Education Board, Professor Mustapha Namakka, speaks with TUNDE OMOLEHIN, about Governor Ahmed Aliyu’s desire to promote and revive female education in the state, as well as his commitment to help drive the governor's vision to success, among other issues. Excerpts:

What other plan is the Board making to revert the low enrolment rate of female children in schools in the state? Our plan is multidimensional. First, we want to engage and advise the state government to finance various programmes of the board on girl-child education in the state for those in school and out of school. We have programmes for partnership with both International and national development partners, philanthropists and civil society organisations that are interested in or working on the issue of girl-child education. But in all, we need to be autonomous to enable us achieve these laudable objectives. You are an academic in the field of Entrepreneurship Education, did you believe that entrepreneurship has a place in girl-child education in today’s school curricula? I will tell you that my feeling about entrepreneurship is so superb because of the key interest. Maybe it was due to my background. We are taking entrepreneurship handin-hand with education for girls while still in schools. We want to teach the girls the mode of enterprises before going out of school. It is not a good idea to introduce business management to the youths after leaving school. That has been the major predicament of graduates in the country. Teaching girl-child entrepreneurship courses in schools remains the best approach to empower women and reduce poverty in the society. Our board will be focusing on training related to ICT or computer skills and not limited to traditional skills of sewing, tailoring or knitting. Everyone needs to be computer literate to drive business ideas or promote existing business. Gudu LGA has the highest number of out-ofschool children in Nigeria. What is the position of the government on the N1 billion Gudu Model School established by the immediate past administration in the state for the purpose of driving children's enrolment in schools? Yes, I learnt that a huge sum of money was committed by the previous government in establishing that school and that money shouldn’t be a waste. I was told the school was abandoned due to insecurity and not to risk the lives of the children. There is a security challenge in the community and I won’t subscribe to allowing children to be exposed to such situations. But I believe that with the commitment of the present government, we are going to devise an alternative in ensuring that the aim of getting the children enrolled in schools is achieved. The board is planning to advise the state government on how to mobilise all children, mostly female children whose communities have been affected, to urban areas to enable them continue their education. That is the perfect way to resolve security challenges affecting enrolment of children from security-prone communities in the state.

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an you share with us the challenges facing girl-child education development in Sokoto? First, upon my resumption, I met a lot of challenges facing the Female Education Board, which had been hindering its mandate to function effectively. The board was established by the immediate past administration, but it was inactive. As a board, we need to function as an autonomous body and should have a composition of members that will sit and take some decisions and operate fully, like the inspection of female schools under it; renovate them if necessary, give recommendation for the establishment of new schools, recruitment and promotion of manpower, give punishment and reward staff, as well as training and retraining. But all these things had not been put in place by the previous administration. I don’t really know what brought this negligence on the government's part. But, His Excellency, Dr Ahmed Aliyu wanted to change this narrative by appointing me as the Executive Secretary of the board. We want to let the board function effectively as an entity. It was established by the law. The edict that established this board is very clear about its autonomy. How many female schools are under the board? We have more than 120 female schools across the state and by the edict that established this board, all the female schools that are not directly under the Ministry of Science and Technology and that of the Ministry of Arabic and Islamic Board are supposed to be under the board, but still only 20 of these schools were given to us. And we have a lot of limitations to those given to us. But we are making a lot of engagements and consultations with relevant agencies concerned and the State House of Assembly to make sure that these things are changed.

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There are data and statistics indicating that Sokoto is one of the backward states in the federation with a low rate of girl-child enrolment in schools and a large number of out-ofschool children. Is the Sokoto State Government worried about this development? It is something that should be very worrisome and alarming to any responsible government. We, as government, cannot just fold our arms and be looking at these statistics rising. But, let me state that the poor rate of girl-child enrolment is peculiar to the rural dwellers in the state. And this was caused by the misperceptions of western education and the poverty that often constrains some of the parents to enroll their children in a conventional school. So, because of these factors, they rather engage the children in roadside hawking or send them to farms to work for them. But, by the special grace of God, we have proposed to the Executive Governor by way of a memo to let the board carryout campaign and sensitisation programmes across rural communities to improve the enrolment rate. We are also recommending that schools should be established in urban areas for the benefit of children from those communities threatened by insecurity. They should be moved to less vulnerable areas for safety purposes.

What are the indications that Governor Aliyu is truly committed to improving girl-child education in the state? The Governor has deep interest in improving the education sector. I have seen his commitment in the budgetary allocation to the education sector. I have also seen the inclusion of education in his 9-point agenda. In all, female education is an important part of these commitments. My appointment to head this board as the Executive Secretary is another commitment of the governor. He has also been appointed a Special Adviser to the Female Education Board.

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The poor rate of girl-child enrolment is peculiar to the rural dwellers in the state. And this was caused by the misperceptions of western education and the poverty that often constrains some of the parents

What roles can parents can play to complement the state government’s efforts toward the development of female education? Parents have to see western education as a reality and means of personal development. They have to erase the wrong perception that has been attached to it and not see it as a civilising system rather than a self-reliant way of life. Certainly, the Islamic religion also encourages you to seek knowledge. I will advise parents to see society as it changes for good. We have seen many girls who through education are changing their communities for good. There are some exemplary women leaders that are numerous to mention within our immediate society. Did you see partnership as another key approach in achieving your targeted-goals for development of female education in the state? We are opening our doors for partnership in improving female education in the state and in supporting the commitment and developmental drive of Governor Ahmed Aliyu. In Europe, most schools are run by philanthropists and other civil organisations. So, if government is striving to develop education then all hands must be on deck to support it. We are calling on the relevant stakeholders to support by financing girl-child education in Sokoto State.

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SHOTS OF THE WEEK Photo Editor: Peace Udugba [08033050729]

L-R: Chairperson, The Court of Governors, Lagos State University College of Medicine (LASUCOM), Dr. L-R: Director-General of NYSC, Brig-Gen. Yushau Dogara-Ahmed, with the Director-General, National Olufune Lawson ,receiving a plaque from Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, during a Identity Management Commission (NIMC), Abisoye Coker-Odusote, during DG of NYSC visit to the courtesy call by LASUCOM members at the Lagos House, Marina, on January 10, 2024. Commission's headquarter in Abuja on January 10, 2024.

L-R: Project Coordinator, Helping Babies Breathe Centre, Jane Ezetah; Regional Operations Director L-R: Managing Director/CEO, Nigerian Export-Import Bank (NEXIM), Mr Abba Bello; Minister of Budget (South-East), Airtel Nigeria, Chigozie Njoku; Managing Director, Helping Babies Breathe, Dr. Chinwe and Economic Planning, Sen. Abubakar Bagudu; Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Muomalo and Senior Business Manager (Imo state), Airtel Nigeria, Isi Nsofor, during Airtel’s official Economy, Olawale Edun; Mrs Amy Advoa Appiah; Wife of the Governor of kwara State, Amb. Olufolake presentation of medical items and N4 million cash support to the Helping Babies Breathe Centre and Abudulrazaq; Oloni of Eti-Oni, Oba Dokun Thompson Gureje and his wife Queen Angelique- Monet the centre’s patients in Imo state, on January 5, 2024. Gureje Thompson, during the International Cocoa and Chocolate Forum in Abuja on January 9, 2024.

L-R: The outgoing state Director of the DSS, Cross River State, John Sokoya; Cross River State Governor, Managing Director/ Vice-Chairman, Nigerian Agip Oil Company (NAOC), Mr. Fabrizio Bolonoi; Executive Prince Bassey Otu and the new state Director of the DSS, Cross River State Command, Mrs. Roseline Secretary of the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), Engr. Felix Omatsola Izuagbe, during her courtesy visit to the Government House in Calabar on January 11, 2024. Ogbe, after a meeting, at the Board's liaison office in Abuja on January 11, 2024. THEWILLNIGERIA

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What Now Becomes of Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo's Guber Ambition?

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ENTERTAINMENT &SOCIETY WEEKLY EDITOR Ivory Ukonu

ollowing the scandal that has rocked the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and by extension, the Ministry of Interior, one now wonders what will become of Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo’s governorship ambition? Continues on page 42

SUNDAY EHINDERO'S SON SET TO SECURE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY SEAT

•Tellem

•Adepoju

feoluwa Ehindero, the son of former lnspectorGeneral of Police, Sunday Ehindero, is all set to replace the Minister of Interior, Hon Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo at the National Assembly. Tunji-Ojo had won his return bid to the House of Representatives

Continues on page 42

•Dozie

•Ajayi

New 'Cats' on The Block THEWILLNIGERIA

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JANUARY 14, 2024 T H E W I L L N E W S P A P E R • www.thewillnews.com

ENTERTAINMENT &SOCIETY WEEKLY

New Stars to Watch Out For in 2024 With the New Year comes a new class of rising stars that are set to dominate the Nigerian entertainment scene. From the highly competitive music industry where everybody is expected to bring their best foot forward to the movie industry, otherwise known as Nollywood, which is currently enjoying the attention of international streaming giants; to content creators daily keeping us doubled up with rib-cracking skits as well as the business community. The list is endless. IVORY UKONU presents some of these rising stars:

Music Tosin Tellem

Shalipoppi

Raebel orn Christianah Ademuyiwa, Raebel is currently carving a niche for B herself in the music industry with a fresh sound that is a blend of alternative rhythm & blues, neo-soul, reggae/dancehall and a sprinkle

of the traditional Nigerian flavour. She has loved music since childhood and gained attention by posting song covers online, especially after covering songs by Oniyide Azeez, aka Zinoleesky, Adewale Mayowa Emmanuel, aka Mayorkun and Ikuforiji Olaitan Abdulrahman, aka Oxlade. Raebel’s biggest song ‘Miniskirt’ was originally freestyle. It became a smash hit after she teamed up with Timbun who produced the song. In 2023, she created more songs and with the latest song, 'Kash and Karry,' she’s definitely up to something for her fans, especially THE RAEBELLIONs, the name of her fan base worldwide.

Yarden

hallipopi, whose real name is Crown Uzama, gained recognition Scriticised in 2023 with the success of his track, ‘Elon Musk’. Though many the song, it was named on the Nigeria Top 100 Apple Music

chart. Building on that achievement, he released his debut album titled, ‘Presido La Pluto’, which not only secured the top spot on the TurnTable Top 50 Albums but also reached the fifth position on the Apple Music Top 100 Albums chart. He was also one of the most-searched Nigerian artistes of 2023 on Google.

he Netherlands-based Nigerian singer is an Afromelody artiste who Tinfluences is passionate about pushing musical boundaries with diverse global in a very seamless manner that creates a dynamic musical

fusion which in turn appeals to a wide audience while maintaining a distinct and innovative sound. He recently released his latest Extended Play, EP with a seven-track masterpiece. One of the songs which is already catching on like wildfire is ‘Otunba of Lagos,' where he combined Afrobeats with contemporary sounds to showcase his passion and commitment to new innovations. THEWILLNIGERIA

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kereke Blessed Jordan, popularly known as Yarden, is a Nigerian O singer and songwriter. The 23-year-old artiste from Abia State comes from a music and entertainment family and possesses a unique

sound that features a dark, groovy, and ominous vibe, which is a new and different sound for the world to accept and relate to on an unlimited scale. Currently signed to Etins Record Limited, Yarden started from performing in school and the church and enjoys the thrill of adding emotions to music. The reception to his songs such as ‘Wetin’ and ‘Busy Body’ have been surreal, and this is a confirmation that Yarden is one of the new kids on the block to watch out for.

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JANUARY 14, 2024 T H E W I L L N E W S P A P E R • www.thewillnews.com

ENTERTAINMENT &SOCIETY WEEKLY

Music TML Vibez

Movies Uzoamaka Onuoha

Chukwuemeka Joseph

zoamaka Onuoha U might be a relatively new face,

orn Timileyin Sulaimon, the 23-year-old is a talented Nigerian B singer and songwriter making significant strides in the Nigerian music industry who has managed to draw attention to his

exceptional talent. Signed under the management of Vibez Incorporation, the record label of fellow singer, Balogun Afolabi Oluwaloseyi, aka Seyi Vibez, TML Vibex has an infectious energy and genre-blending sounds with which he hopes to take the music scene by storm. Following the release of his debut project, 'Timileyin EP' last year, he sprouted up the chart with his single titled 'Goated' featuring his label boss, Seyi Vibez.

but her impeccable acting skills and the ability to interprete her roles perfectly have ensured her rise from an upcomingand-coming artiste to a breakout star. Honing her skill as an actress, Onuoha belongs to a generation of stars that are redefining Nollywood through diversity and sheer passion. The ImoState-born actress has appeared in several films, television and theatre productions. Her stage appearances include a lead in ‘Folly of Men’, ‘Emotan’, ‘Chapters’ and ‘The decision’. Onuoha received her most notable role yet by playing the eponymous character in Showmax’s six-part psychological thriller ‘Diiche’. ‘Diiche’ is the first Nigerian original limited series that tells the story of an actress who goes to a great length to vindicate herself from the high-profile murder of her fiancé, Nnamdi. Onuoha had always been interested in film from a young age. She had been mimicking stars she saw on TV, reenacting their actions and mouthing their words. No surprise, then, that she made up her mind, even at that early stage, that she “wanted to go into film’.

audiences with his amazing performances in movies like 'Dark October' and the web series 'Schooled.' He has also starred in 'Leaked' and will be the lead in the TV series 'Masquerades of Aniedo.' From Imo state, Chuks as he is fondly called, showed a strong interest in performing as a teenager and has always aspired to be a wellknown actor. He was a bright young guy and his parents encouraged him to pursue his goals by taking some acting classes to help him polish his skill. He acquired more skills and a distinctive style in the African International Film Festival Acting Masterclass, Royal Arts Academy, and Ebonylife Creative Academy. His capability to communicate with audiences is unmatched, and he infuses each character with authenticity and depth. In addition to his acting career, Chuks is a skilled model. In 2020, he placed first runner-up in the Mr. Ideal Nigeria competition and was elected Mr. Ideal Nigeria Earth. He has demonstrated his charisma and appealing qualities in a number of fashion shoots and advertising campaigns. Chuks has been making a big name for himself in the Nigerian entertainment scene and is a rising star to watch out for in 2024.

CJ Obasi

Abiodun Jimoh: 2024, F FObasiorfilmmaker, CJ will make

Nasboi lthough he is A known more for his hilarious

skit-making abilities, Lawal Michael Nasiru Bolaji, aka Nasboi, started out on the entertainment scene as a singer. Unable to make a headway with his singing, he resorted to mimicking David Adeleke, aka Davido, which he did so well until he got his attention. Unknown to many music fans, the graduate of Mass Communication from the University of Uyo has already released several singles, such as 'I'm Tired', 'Oga No Stress Me' and 'Bless Me'. He has also collaborated with Folarin Falana, aka Falz, and Simi. But rather than continue singing, he decided to focus and improve on his craft as a skit maker until late 2023 when he released another single titled, 'Umbrella' in which he featured Wande Coal. With a wellorchestrated social media promotional campaign, involving dance challenges and skits with other content creators, the song spread like wildfire. It is currently one of the trending songs in the country.

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e is an actor, model, H and television host who has captivated

so much buzz on the global film space. In 2023, his film, ‘Mami Water’ got several nominations and got quite a number of awards, but failed to make the final OSCARS nomination despite being Nigeria’s representative. Undeterred, Obasi has begun activities for 2024. Already, the filmmaker has been selected to join notable world opinion and industry leaders for the Rockafella Foundation Residency. He will be joining several industry leaders as a resident for the 2024 Bellagio Centre Residency Programme by the prestigious Rockefeller Foundation. This move will not only catapult his visionary acumen but also underscore his commitment to advancing innovative projects that contribute to positive societal impact. Obasi’s debut feature – a zero-budget film titled, 'Ojuju' – premiered at the Africa International Film Festival, AFRIFF, in November 2014 and it won an award in the Best Nigerian Film category. He also won the Trailblazer of the Year award at the Africa Magic Viewers' Choice Awards.

ilmmaker and director, Abiodun Jimoh will also be making a buzz on the film scene with his highly anticipated film, ‘Luwo Gbagida.’ Jimoh will be telling the story of the only female Ooni of Ife that ever existed in the new project. Sources claim that he is working on the final stages of the film scheduled to premiere in the cinema in 2024. Creativity has always been a part of Abiodun who grew up writing comics and interesting stories. After his university education, he got into filmmaking and wrote a couple of novels and also did a bit of acting. He was forced to become a director because of lack of attention on the part of movie directors. He writes all his scripts and directs them himself.

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ENTERTAINMENT &SOCIETY WEEKLY

Movies

Content Creators

Korede Ajayi

Isaac Olayiwola

Nasboi

skit maker, Layi Wasabi, wormed his way into the hearts of many A with the lawyer character he plays in his skits. In 2023, the skit maker who studied Law at Bowen University gained more fans and

won a handful of awards. His talent also caught the attention of comedian and actor, Bright Okpocha, aka Basketmouth, as the latter featured him on an online comedy series titled, ‘The Slurply Life of Basketmouth and Layi’. The lanky funny man is one of the most promising talents in the skit making industry, having proven himself even with less collaborations with his peers. Layi has been able to build a fanbase in a short period of time with different skit series like Mood, University Skits, GNCC and The Law. All aforementioned episodes are built on different characters that are very relatable to his audience.

e is more popularly known as Korexx, a multi-talented skit H maker well known for his entertaining content, chef and actor. He gained popularity by creating hilarious skits alongside Nigerian

s earlier stated, Lawal Michael Nasiru Bolaji, aka Nasboi, started A out on the entertainment scene as a singer. Unable to make a headway with his singing, he resorted to mimicking David Adeleke

aka Davido, which he did so well until he got his attention. But rather than continue singing, he got better with his craft as a skit maker. He expanded his comedy career which was mostly based on everyday scenarios and experiences with his unique style of humour and delivery. He created various characters such as Baba landlord, Mama Chi Chi and Brother John, all who became fan favourites.

comedian and activist, Debo Adebayo, aka Mr Macaroni. Korexx has also made appearances in some movies, such as 'Brotherhood', 'Her Mine Ours,' 'One Lagos Night,' and showcased his talent in stage plays, such as 'The Journey to One' and 'The Gods Are Not To Blame.' One of his notable roles was in Africa Magic’s 'Itura,' where he portrayed the character of Omo Oba Sijuade, the arrogant prince and ‘rightful’ heir to the Ibaokuta throne. This role highlighted his undeniable star power and showcased his ability to excel in both dramatic and comic roles.

Neekah

Tiwa Savage

ontent creator, C Aderonke Adepoju, aka Omooba, tried to

lthough she is A the queen of Afrobeat, Africa's

leading female music superstar is all set to give other actors a run for their money in 2024 with her cinematic content due to debut on Amazon Prime Video this year. Titled 'Water and Garri,' the movie is a production of Everything Savage and Unbound Studios and will see the debut of the award-winning star known for her soulful voice and hit songs. Directed by Meji Alabi, 'Water and Garri' joins Prime Video Nigeria’s expanding slate of rich Nollywood content as a great way to begin 2024. The drama tells the story of Aisha (Savage), an ambitious fashion designer, as she returns to her native country following the loss of a family member after she has been away for 10 years in the United States. With changes having taken place at home, including escalating violence and building tensions, Aisha must learn to live with her scars and confront the guilt she left behind while reconnecting with family, old friends, and her past love. Shot in neighbouring Ghana, the feature presents a great blend of cinematography and storytelling. If Tiwa's acting is anything to go by, then she will be one of the breakout stars in that industry in 2024. THEWILLNIGERIA

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Aderonke Adepoju

ita Uwayah Ginikachukwu, more popularly known as Neekah, R started out as a luxury bead maker and promoted her craft on social media. Not long after, she began to create hilarious content

for her very few followers and before one could say Jack Robinson, Neekah's craft of leaving her followers in stitches catapulted her to stardom, way beyond what she could imagine. In December, she emerged winner of the Best Online Content Creator among several heavy weights in a poll organised by NXT Honours, a platform dedicated to celebrating extraordinary individuals across Africa. Her followership keeps growing in leaps and bounds. Coupled with a hilarious face filter that has now become her signature feature, the sky is the limit for Ginikachukwu in 2024.

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keep busy during the lockdown resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic by making videos and posting them on Instagram and she has not looked back. Although she took a break in 2021, because of her studies in the university, she resumed content creation fully in May 2022 after her final examination and there has been no stopping her since then. Not only are her contents relatable for families, she has successfully created characters, such as Daddy Ronke’, ‘Mummy Ronke', ‘Ronke’ and 'Wale'. The law graduate, who says she gets her ideas from nostalgic memories, from things happening around her, during discussions with people and via the Holy Spirit comes from a royal background which explains the reason for her alias, Omooba.

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JANUARY 14, 2024 T H E W I L L N E W S P A P E R • www.thewillnews.com

ENTERTAINMENT &SOCIETY WEEKLY

Content Creators Muhammed Gilmore

e likes to refer to himself as the ‘president of Gen Z’. A sensational and talented comedian, TikTok star and content creator, Muhammed Gilmore is the gift that keeps giving. One of the reasons his skits are so popular is because they are incredibly relatable to Nigerians. He has a unique talent for capturing the humour in everyday situations and experiences that Nigerians can identify with. His skits touch on topics like Nigerian parents, school life in Nigeria, social situations, old fashion trends, transportation, nostalgia and more. By portraying these experiences in a humorous and lighthearted way, Gilmore is able to connect with his audience and make them feel seen and understood.

Wonder D Talk orn Ukenwor B Faith Ikechi, Wonder D

Talk gained recognition from featuring frequently in skits with Emmanuel Chuwkwuemeka Ejekwu, aka Sabinus. From being his protege, Wonder D Talk has grown to carve a niche for himself in the skit industry. The Port Harcourtbased comedian has since started his skit series where he adopts the lifestyle of a street scammer who takes no chances in scamming locals, even with zero knowledge of the business. Wonder D Talk has not only broken even from just being behind Sabinu but also creating a new character of his own building a fanbase with over 216,000 followers on TikTok alone. His slang, “I’m the don of a praying mother” is fast gaining popularity among young people.

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Business Adegoke Olubusi

Samuel Okwuada and Victor Benjamin

ore than half of the private M healthcare facilities in Nigeria lack access to external financing and to

his duo set THealth, up Remedial an e-health

bridge this gap, Adegoke Olubusi, the CEO of Helium Health, launched the start-up to digitise electronic mediva; records in the country. Today, Helium Health is the largest Electronic Medical Records (EMR) and Hospital Management Information (HMI) Systems provider in West Africa. In 2020, Olubusi and his team launched HeliumCredit to give hospitals, clinics, pharmacies and diagnostics centres loans to buy medical equipment and medication and facilitate business expansions. Helium Health bridges the data gap by enrolling hospitals in HeliumOS—its core product which digitises electronic medical records. Recently, it raised $30 million in a series B funding round led by global investment leader, AXA IM Alts. Other participants in the funding round include Capria Ventures, Angaza Capital, US-based Flatworld Partners and existing investor, Tencent. Helium Health intends to use this new investment to scale up operations and expand credit in the African healthcare sector.

Sandra Dozie he is the Chief Executive Officer at Spassion Salpha Energy. She brings deep and proven business acumen in

creating and implementing innovative business models for delivering off-grid solar solutions to communities and micro-enterprises in Nigeria. Sandra also serves as Director at Dozzy Group, a conglomerate with holdings in diverse business segments from oil and gas, power generation, manufacturing and real estate across Nigeria. Having worked with the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation as a Sustainable Development Consultant, with a focus on clean energy and energy efficiency in industrial development for developing countries, Sandra holds advanced degrees from the University of Manchester and University of Dundee Centre for Energy, Petroleum and Mineral Law and Policy (CEPMLP). Equipped by the diversity of her accomplishments, she offers a fresh, practical and futuristic paradigm in tackling the challenge of energy poverty globally.

startup that has developed solutions to make Africa’s pharmaceutical value chain more efficient. The start-up delivers a range of technology solutions that make it easier for healthcare providers to access affordable and genuine retail medicines, consumables and medical devices from manufacturers and distributors. Remedial Health operates at the intersection of healthcare, supply chain management, technology and financial services, delivering the digital procurement infrastructure to power effective healthcare distribution for Africa’s 1.2 million pharmacies. Since commencing operation in the country, it has built an effective operating system for pharmaceutical buyers and suppliers, working with more than 300 manufacturers and serving more than 5,000 hospitals, pharmacies and PPMVs across 34 of Nigeria’s 36 states, with regional hubs to enable a seamless experience across the country. In August 2023, the start-up announced that it raised $12 million in Series A equity-debt funding, with a mission to scale operations in the West African country, before expanding to the rest of Africa. The funding will enable Remedial Health to deepen the reach of these services across Nigeria and deliver more game-changing solutions to drive greater efficiency across the pharmaceutical value chain.

Bayo Lawal and Lukman Shobowale

Victoria James t just three years old, the Veekee A James luxury fashion brand stands shoulder to shoulder with some of the

already established fashion brands in Nigeria and towers gigantic over some others that have been in operation for decades. Victoria James, the name behind the brand attributes it all to consistency, dedication, constantly improving on her craft and above all, God. Although her craft was inborn having understudied her mother who was and is still a seamstress, the urge to show forth what she is capable of forced her to abandon her tertiary education where she was studying for a degree in Biochemistry in order to focus on her passion. And she has not looked back since then. She broke fashion protocols in 2023 by making some very daring moves, this 2024, the world waits to see what next daring move she will be embarking on.

hey are the co-founders of and CEOs of Dukiya Investments, Tbridge a real estate firm created on the notion of giving her quota to the housing shortfall while also defining new trends in real

estate development. In a country where the real estate industry seems saturated, both Bayo and Lukman bring a burst of fresh air with the way they broker deals for billions of naira. Their primary mission at Dukiya is to redefine comfort, create joy, and guide their clients’ homes safely. They aspire to extend their mission statement across all segments of society by enhancing their real estate experience sustainably while championing innovative housing solutions that tackle Nigeria’s current housing crisis estimated at 24 million.

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ENTERTAINMENT &SOCIETY WEEKLY STORIES BY IVORY UKONU

HOW BOLA ARE CELEBRATED 50 YEARS AS A GOSPEL ARTISTE

Few weeks ago, veteran artiste, Evangelist Bola Are celebrated her 50th anniversary as a minister of the gospel. The celebration also coincided with her 69th birthday. The event held at the Halls of Grace, Jogor Centre, Ibadan, the Oyo state Capital. Many important personalities, cutting across various spheres of life came from far and near to celebrate with her. Proceedings at the event was steered by Master of Ceremony, Kofoworola Olofinyo, popularly called Mc Kofo The ceremony was declared open with an opening prayer, followed by the ushering of the celebrant into the event venue. Thereafter, there were ministrations from Are different gospel artistes, such as Evangelist (Dr.) Bukola Akinade; Esther Igbekele; Folasade Taiwo; Adeynka Alaseyori; Elijah Akintude Olorun; Harmony Band, and a host of others. A welcome address was immediately followed with a keynote address by the Mother of the Day, Prophetess Esther Ajayi. In her goodwill message, she lauded Evangelist Bola as a woman who is always in the spirit of God whenever she calls for ministration,

stating that she has continued to be a source of inspiration to most gospel singers particularly in the Yoruba genre and is still relevant today. She then charged the gospel singers of today to emulate Evangelist Bola who has taken gospel music to the next level, while praying for her to live a long enough to continue to reap the fruits of her labour. Bayegun Oluwatoyin, popularly known as Woli Arole, as well as Ayo Ajewole, aka Woli Agba, spiced up the ceremony with hilarious rib-cracking jokes. A former President of the Gospel Musicians Association of Nigeria, Evangelist Bola has successfully churned out over 100 studio album to her credit. The 69-year-old holds a honorary doctorate degree in Music from St. John's University. she also runs the Bola Are Gospel foundation international aimed at catering for the needs of the less privileged in Nigeria, it was founded in 1995. Her recording studio, school of Gospel Music International was founded to give gospel musicians a platform that would lead them in the way of the Lord.

Continued from page 38

What Now Becomes of Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo's Guber Ambition? It is not secret among political watchers and insiders that Tunji-Ojo who was working his way to become the poster boy for President Bola Tinubu's administration, silently nursed the ambition of occupying the number one seat in Ondo State come November 2024. But recent events may have just changed all that. Recall that when the scandal involving billions of naira broke, Tunji-Ojo was alleged to have been a beneficiary of the sleaze. His company, New Planet Project Limited received the sum of N438.1 million as consultancy fee. The company was one of the numerous consultants awarded contracts from the sum of N3 billion given out by the suspended Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Betta Edu, for the National Social Register contract. But Tunji-Ojo denied any involvement. He claimed to have resigned from directorship of the company he founded 10 years ago in 2019 when he contested for a seat in the House of Representatives from where he was subsequently the Chairman of the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC committee. He claimed that he is just a shareholder in the limited liability company, which is a private entity, not a signatory to any of the company's accounts and not involved in the day-to-day running of New Planet Project Limited. What Tunji-Ojo however failed to THEWILLNIGERIA

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clarify is who he handed the company over to after his resignation. He also did not clarify if his wife, who is a director, also resigned her directorship neither did he clarify who the signatories to the company's account are. Investigation into the sleaze at the ministry of humanitarian affairs at the behest of Tinubu has already begun. Whether Tunji-Ojo escapes Tinubu's hammer remains to be seen. But if he does, will he damn the consequences of the scandal, which has now put a dent on his political curriculum vitae, or will he shelve his ambition to such a time when the dent would no longer hold any significance and Nigerians would have developed amnesia (because we have seen this play out time and time again. Nigerians will develop selective amnesia in Tunji-Ojo's case) enough for him to resuscitate his ambition? Will his political mentor who is a powerful member of Tinubu's cabinet roll the dice in his favour or leave him to stew in his mess? This is also not forgetting the alleged scandal surrounding his National Youth Service Corps certificate from which he eventually got an alleged all clear from the body. Regardless, all eyes are on him and Nigerians watch with bated breath to see both his and the president's next line of action. THEWILLNIGERIA

Continued from page 38

Sunday Ehindero's Son Set to Secure National Assembly Seat

Nyame

JOLLY NYAME NURSES SECOND GUBER AMBITION

to represent Akoko North East and North West Federal Constituency in Ondo State on the platform of the All Progressives Congress, APC. But his nomination as a minister left his seat vacant for replacement. About eight aspirants had indicated their interest to occupy the seat, but after the primary, which took place last weekend, Ehindero emerged winner. Ehindero reportedly scored 105 votes out of 106 delegates that were cleared for the exercise while another aspirant, Bimbo Makinde, scored only one vote. The remaining six candidates reportedly didn't score any vote. Unfortunately, Ehindero's victory is being contested

by the other aspirants as the leadership of the party in the constituency is being accused of manipulating the election to favour him. They allege that they were schemed out by the way the delegate list was generated by the party at the local governments that made up the federal constituency and as such, will not accept the outcome of the election. The aggrieved aspirants have been advised to approach the appeal committee and stop heating up the polity, but more importantly, for them to be true democrats and join hands with the winner of the primary, assuring that the party will win the bye-election in the federal constituency.

Yemi Lawal Throws Lavish Wedding Party For Daughter

f wishes were horses, beggars would ride. This is exactly how one can comfortably describe the alleged plans of Jolly Tavoro Nyame, a former governor of Taraba State, to occupy the number one seat for the second time. The ordained Reverend in the United Methodist Church of Nigeria was convicted of stealing N1.6 billion from the coffers of the state and sentenced to 14 years in jail during the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari without an option of fine. Nyame was arraigned on a four-countcharge of receiving gratification, obtaining public funds without due consideration, criminal breach of trust and gratification. He, however, got a pardon from Buhari after spending only four years behind bars. He was convicted alongside Joshua Dariye, a former Plateau State governor who also got a pardon after spending only four years. But recently, Nyame had cause to voice out his inner most thoughts - to govern Taraba again. He promised to emerge as a more capable leader, following his incarceration, if given a second chance to preside over the affairs of the state. He explained that the experience of being incarcerated had bestowed on him invaluable lessons, which has now shaped him into a better leader for the people of Taraba State, having learnt a lot while in Kuje Correctional Prison. "If given another opportunity to lead the people of Taraba State, I will do better because of the experience I have gained," he stated emphatically. He emphasised the importance of faith and resilience, advising leaders to stand strong in the face of challenges. Nyame's submission is exactly why it is difficult to redeem Nigeria. Hopefully, the people of Taraba State are not so gullible to give him a second chance.

Couple with officiating Imams

ocialite and real estate top shot, Yemi Lawal recently hosted the creme de la creme of society to the wedding ceremony of his daughter, Olayemi to her lover, Olanrewaju. Both ceremonies held in Lagos with the Nikkah taking place at the Oriental Hotel, Lagos and the reception at the Landmark Event Centre, Lagos. Lawal, who owns Seagle Group of Companies, ensured that no stone was left unturned to give his daughter a befitting wedding party. Ace juju musicians, King Sunny Ade and Ebenezer Obey got the guests shuffling their feet on the dance floor with their evergreen songs, and commanding stage presence. Master of ceremony, Tunde

Adewale aka Tee A steered proceedings at both ceremonies. One of the highlights of the lavish party were the bottles of champagne, which were brought into the venue in flûtes on trays. Some of those who made it to the party of the Ekerin Bobagunwa of Egba land were Femi Gabajabiamila, President Bola Tinubu's Chief of Staff who was there as a representative of the president; Governor of Ogun State, Dapo Abiodun; a former Governor of Lagos State, Akinwunmi Ambode; Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi; business mogul, Adebutu Kessington and his son, Ladi; Senator Musiliu Obanikoro; Reverend Esther Ajayi among others.

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Declining Fortunes in Nigerian Universities BY MICHAEL JIMOH

t is easy to forget now that at some time in Nigeria, big corporations routinely turned down job applications by degree holders from universities in India. At the time, not one of the opulent companies will consider shortlisting for interview graduates from institutions of higher learning in the subcontinent. The reason was blindingly obvious. With a laudable educational system operating in many of the tertiary institutions in Nigeria, graduates from Indian universities were seen as academic inferiors to their compatriots back in Nigeria. So, in the estimation of some of the company execs in Nigeria at the time, graduates with a university qualification from India were just not comparable to degree holders from indigenous universities. Business Editor of THEWILL Sam Diala recalls that sometime in the eighties in Kaduna Polytechnic where he taught in the College of Business and Administrative Studies as a youth corp member, a fellow corp member was unable to hold down a job post-youth service. He was never offered one because he was never invited for any interview. “I don’t know what later became of him but I remember that for many years after youth service, he never worked,” Diala says. “At the same time, some of us from Nigerian universities were changing jobs and were even selective about which to take up.” The major turn off for most of the companies Diala’s co-youth member applied to was his degree from a university in India. They just as soon shut their door as soon as the chap turned his back on the few companies he went to for the rare interview. Only a few years down the line, the situation has reversed completely. Now, the same big time corporations are turning down applicants with certificates from Nigerian universities in favour of ones from Indian schools or any other country for that matter. An educational system prone to yearround strikes isn’t a plus for teachers and students however much you consider it. In other words, a system that does not guarantee students graduating in the allotted period of four, five or six years for a particular course can’t be of any advantage. It is perhaps for that reason that there are a lot more Nigerian students in Indian institutions of higher learning studying in various disciplines today than it was in the eighties or early nineties. If that is so, say concerned stakeholders in the sector, it means there is something basically wrong with the Nigerian educational system, a situation that was clearly not so three or so decades ago. Some point to an analogous situation in the medical sector where Nigerians – old and young, men and women, those in leadership positions and ordinary citizens – have since been looking up to Indian doctors for relief from different maladies. A worse situation, they contend, may just be happening in the education sector, offering the following scenario as proof. If, for instance, two applicants (one with a degree from a Nigerian university and another a graduate of a university in India) were to sit before a panel of interviewers in a blue chip company in Abuja, say, or Lagos, it is clear who will get the job.

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With a laudable educational system operating in many of the tertiary institutions in Nigeria, graduates from Indian universities were seen as academic inferiors to their compatriots back in Nigeria. So, in the estimation of some of the company execs in Nigeria at the time, graduates with a university qualification from India were just not comparable to degree holders from indigenous universities

Where Nigerian universities once boasted of world class graduates company bosses eagerly awaited to snatch up for managerial positions, it is the exact opposite now. Head hunting CEOs of multinationals are more likely to shop for degree holders from IT hubs like Hyderabad or its equivalent in Nairobi. So, what suddenly went wrong such that in just a generation graduates of Nigerian universities who were once the darlings of company bosses have lost that privileged position to graduates from other countries? A possible answer? The educational system, Stupid! How stupid it was became clear last year when the Nigeria Universities Commission accredited 37 more universities alongside the existing ones bringing the total number to 147. The Federal Executive Council (FEC) sitting on May 15 with less than two weeks for President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration to go, approved operational licenses to the private universities. Executive Secretary of NUC Professor Abubakar Rasheed was more than elated about the addition to the private schools. “The Nigerian statistics of high demand of tertiary education is grossly inadequate,” Rasheed said at the time. “Statistics put the number of enrollment in tertiary institutions at 2.23 million which is about 12 per cent of the total population of 220 million," pointedly telling the proprietors of the schools in question that "in establishing universities, you don’t expect to get financial rewards. If your main motive is to make money, then you are in a wrong THEWILLNIGERIA

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...Fortunes in Nigerian Universities place. You are here to pay back to humanity. The establishment of private universities is in dire need of passion from people, so that passion should drive you.”

work, paid an agreed sum and was duly issued a certificate bearing the scan code of Ecole Superieure de Gestion et de Technologies, ESGT, Benin Republic. He was supposedly admitted in 2018 and then passed out four years later. The investigative reporter would then proceed to NYSC camp with the fake certificate where he posed in the olive-green regulation uniform in camp if only to make his point very clear.

But stakeholders have questioned the motive behind approving licenses for the new schools. Their contention is that many of the schools lack the financial resources to start off such capital-intensive project. Institutions without the adequate provisions for staff and students can hardly be world standard, schools without laboratory equipment, schools where staff are owed salaries for months and where teaching facilities are at best inadequate or nonexistent.

If the certificate scandals in LASU and AAU were simply tremors that rippled through academic corridors in Nigeria, Audu’s report was an earthquake that shook the entire educational foundation of Nigeria. It was discussed in the legislative chambers of the National Assembly, trended on social media for weeks after publication, caused not a little apprehension in the Ministry of Education and related departments.

Is there any surprise lecturers and other university staff have found shortcuts to making money under such circumstances? Around November last year, two stateowned universities were involved in a certificate for sale scandal. It was the first such reported case in the history of higher learning in Nigeria. In an extensive report by SaharaReporters headlined “Degree For Sale: Sting Operation Exposes Lagos State University Certificate Racketeering, Shielding Of Workers Charging Up To N3Million Per Buyer,” with a rider “Degree available for N2 million - N3 million,” the online publication disclosed how academic and non-academic staff began a profitable racket of selling certificates to willing buyers. “Once they have their client, the only things they will ask from the client are money and their O-level certificate,” SR wrote. “They check the number of credits you have. That will determine the course they will recommend. As professionals, they know the course you should do or the degree you should go for once you have this or that. Once that is settled, they have members of the syndicate in the ICT department of the school who will input the person’s date into the server. They collect the money and input all your scores and, after, it will be posted on the server of the university. Once you go to the school's server with the matric number generated for you, you get the name and details of the student there as an authentic student.” In the same week, newspapers were awash with another certificate scandal from another state-owned institution Ambrose Alli University Ekpoma in Edo state. Acting Head of Department of Accounting Dr. Omoregie Nosa was queried by the school authorities for his role in “largescale certificate and transcript racketeering at the institution.” They also accused him of “establishing a cyber café which is dedicated to the illegal issuance of fake certificates and transcripts of the university.” The cases of certificate forgery and sale are under investigation. Stakeholders are concerned that a frightening spectre might just be looming in the education sector if the accusations turn out to be true. What Nigerians know to be true of certificates for sale was exposed through the vigilance of THEWILLNIGERIA

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an investigative reporter Umar Audu of Daily Nigerian newspaper early in January. Nigerians were still reeling from the abundance of Yuletide and New Year when Audu’s extraordinary piece of legwork and reporting jolted them out of their lethargy. “Fake certificate: My Cotonou degree was delivered like pizza” the headlines declared from newspapers. It was Audu narrating his rather courageous feat in uncovering a racket in a Benin Republic university where Nigerians and many others obtained fake degrees in record time of six weeks. “This certificate will be delivered to you just like you ordered for a pizza or something and you give them your location, and it is delivered to you,” Audu recalls the authorities of the school tantalizing him. It galvanized him into beginning his investigative report. Audu promptly commenced his undercover

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Faster than a rifle shot, the Federal Government, probably prompted by top officials of the NUC, fired its own canon by proscribing dozens of universities in the West African sub-region. Nigerians who go to those schools will be doing so at their own peril. It also closed down some suspicions institutions in Nigeria, revoking their licenses presto. As it is, they might just be fire-brigade solutions to problems that have been plainly obvious in the academia in Nigeria. One major problem is lack of funding in institutions of higher learning in particular and education in general. In one 2018 interview by Funmi Ogundare of THISDAY with Professor Yakubu Ochefu who was Secretary-General of Committee of Vice Chancellors in Nigeria, the don highlighted the problems in the sector and possible solutions. “We have not made the right investments in the training of the teachers. We have not made the right investment in the curriculum of our educational institutions with the economy and society. We have not made the right quantum of equipment in terms of infrastructure, especially teaching and learning infrastructure. We have not gotten it right in terms of the changing dynamics in the philosophy of education, which is very important in the sense that depending on your development agenda and where you are in the context of your development status, your philosophy of education must be aligned to that.” As for solutions, Ochefu suggested that “for Nigeria to drive the necessary change, we need to make the right investment in education. At this stage of our national development, our education budget should be at least 15 per cent of GDP across all levels.” The inference is that with all that in place, teachers may not be inclined to trade sex for marks to underserving students who may also not need to acquire fake certificates worth no more than the paper it is printed on. And hopefully, just hopefully, company execs may begin to smile at applicants with degrees from Nigerian institutions of higher learning during interviews. PAGE 45

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What Change Can Enoh’s Sports Summit Bring About? BY JUDE OBAFEMI

Enoh

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Senator Enoh has firmly embedded expectations of collaboration and mutual accountability across the previously siloed Sports Federations

long overdue shift in strategic direction seems to be taking shape in Nigerian sports administration. An impactful air of change appears to be unmistakably blowing through the halls of power after Senator John Enoh, Minister of Sports Development, gathered an impressive assembly of presidents from Nigeria’s national sports federations in Abuja on January 11.

national sporting glory.

In calling this urgently needed high-level congress, Senator Enoh has set pivotal events in motion that could redefine how Nigeria approaches and performs at upcoming major competitions like the 2024 Africa Games. This was a watershed opportunity to synchronise plans, bolster collaboration between the previously disjointed federations and catalyse impactful collective action.

Currently, the landscape already looks different in the wake of this congress. Senator Enoh has unambiguously signalled that shared podium ambitions at the 2024 Africa Games and beyond will shape all preparation decisions. No longer can we accept excuse-laden losses blamed nebulously on “inadequate preparation”. Future preparation shortfalls will be measured against tangible medal expectations.

There have been no shortage of frustration over the chronic shortcomings of disunified, personalitydriven sports governance in our nation in the past. However, finally, the winds seem to be changing direction. Now, a cloud of optimism is hanging over the segment and there are a handful of reasons why this could prove a turning point on the road to restored

Goal setting is foundational to any achievement, whether in business, politics or sports. Yet, all too often, Nigeria steps into major competitions without clearly defined targets underpinning a shared national ambition across public, athletes, coaches and our sports administrators alike.

With a definitive top-level ambition now established, decision-making on resourcing, coaching appointments, training camps, and athlete selections should become more focused. Politicking around player and technical team selections, which ex-head coach of the Super Eagles Gernot Roche alluded to have been in play during his tenure at the helm of the senior men's national football team under Amaju Pinnick’s administration at the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), should be reduced. If this occurs, sports enthusiasts across the country will need no convincing to rally behind the country's sportsmen and women, as they always do. Furthermore, by very publicly convening this crisis meeting - and signalling his leadership’s intent to

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...Enoh’s Sports Summit Bring About? sustain engagement through regular collective checkins - Senator Enoh has firmly embedded expectations of collaboration and mutual accountability across the previously siloed Sports Federations. What the Sports Minister has now done is to tether each Federation President together like crewmates on a racing boat. If one fails to pull their weight in preparation commitments made at this congress, their peers will know. Also, Senator Enoh will know. This tight collective accountability should galvanise unprecedented levels of lateral teamwork.

Federation for ages.

This gives a peripheral belief that the days when these presidents can retreat narrowly into their own sporting silos oblivious to developments or regression in the ambit of their colleagues. Their peers now expect tangible progress reports at each checkin towards stated medal projections. This rising collaborative tide is aimed at lifting all boats. This drive is billed to become a standard and not just in the lead up to the All Africa Games in Ghana alone, but hopefully for years to come.

Those presidents and coaches that resist this cultural reset or pay it lip service will soon stand out glaringly without tangible progress to report. By calling this congress, Senator Enoh has left the Federations in no doubt that the time to modernise approaches both on and off the field of play has arrived. No Nigerian sports minister in two generations has been able to move the needle on the chronic underfunding debacle that has stunted sporting ambitions locally. Senator Enoh desires to

Continued from Back Page

Humanitarian Affairs Ministry Graft Scandal Taints President Tinubu's Young Government

especially as they are meant for the most vulnerable of our population. This fact also makes Edu's alleged crime even more egregious. It is part of the challenges and controversies that have plagued the NSIP, which had been criticised for poor implementation, lack of transparency, corruption and political interference. It is worthy of note that President Tinubu has ordered a comprehensive investigation into the entire ministry with Edu, the immediate past minister, Sadiya Umar Farouq and Halima Shehu, the National Coordinator of the National Social Investment Programme Agency, who was fired for allegedly diverting about N40 billion from the programme, directors, past and present officers of the ministry as well as a contractor, James Okwete, now before investigators at the EFCC. The investigation of the entire Humanitarian Affairs Ministry is a test of the Bola Tinubu Administration whose crusade of Renewed Hope aims to lift millions of Nigerians out of poverty. The President must now show that he indeed has zero tolerance for corruption and that there will be no sacred cows, not even in his kitchen cabinet. That is the best way to turn this around in his administration's favour and he has begun well with Edu's suspension and THE THEWILLNIGERIA

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sacking of Shehu. He needs to go beyond that and act decisively when the investigation is over.

In all, this is a setback for the NSIP, which had been hailed as an ambitious and comprehensive social protection programme, even though a nebulous cloud of suspicion hangs over it due to the acute lack of data to support its cash-sharing programmes. Now, this scandal has eroded the public confidence and trust in the programme and raised doubts about its impact and sustainability. The fate of Edu and everyone else linked to the scandal in the ministry currently lies in the hands of the EFCC, which has the mandate to investigate and prosecute them for any financial crime. The EFCC has not yet commented on the matter, or confirmed if it has commenced its investigation. Nigerians are watching keenly, and expecting justice to be done. They are also hoping that the Tinubu administration will take decisive steps to reform the NSIP and ensure that the funds meant for the poor and vulnerable are not diverted or mismanaged by unscrupulous officials. The way this ends will be a marker for this administration.

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Now, with a unified cohort of sports federations behind him, Senator Enoh has amplified calls for action on far greater budgetary allocation. Backed by the momentum of this rare collaborative preparation congress, this collective voice will be difficult for the government to downplay or ignore publicly. With shared ambition established and unprecedented collaboration now embedded, this cross-federation position holds real influence - both the political capital and administrative progress to justify demanding far greater resource allocation. Unlike the hollow talk shops of the past, Senator Enoh has convened an incisive action congress with embedded crossfederation accountability through regular future check-ins. This ensures continuous engagement on preparation commitments towards the 2024 Games rather than being just more empty bureaucratic rhetoric and salutary talks devoid of follow through.

Rohr

For too long, the administrator culture in Nigerian sport has been infected by varying degrees of nepotism, self-interest and corruption when it comes to critical issues like fielding athletes for track and field competitions and for player selections to national teams. Allegations that the NFF had a quota system for players from different regions or clubs, or that they received kickbacks from agents or sponsors for including certain players, have plagued that

Under Senator Enoh’s assertive reformist zeal, an altogether different culture centred on meritocracy, accountability and transparency appears to be taking shape. This will undoubtedly filter down to tangible impacts on athletes fielded to represent and players selected to don the country's green and white jerseys, if properly sustained.

advance beyond that impediment. Coming across as an administrator with the political clout, high-level finance committee experience and fierce personal determination to shake up the status quo, he made it clear to the sports federation presidents that the issue of funding was a matter of priority for his administration as sports minister.

Importantly, it also provides an invaluable structural template for cross-Federation collaboration and peer accountability that can be evaluated, strengthened and replicated ahead of future competitions. A platform is now established for continuous improvement cycles geared towards restoring Nigerian sports to glory the nation can be proud of. Genuine high-performance sporting culture is sculpted over years upon layers of communal effort, transparency, biting off achievable milestones and relentless accountability. By assertively convening this crucial congress, Senator John Enoh has put in place the structural, cultural and psychological foundations for a restoration of Nigerian sports. Of course, progress relies entirely on sustained buy-in across Federations over months to come. Allegations that the NFF had a culture of a quota system for players from different regions or clubs, or that they received kickbacks from agents or sponsors for including certain players, are not practices that can be uprooted overnight. Still, the winds of positive change are unmistakably in the air. Come the Opening Ceremony in Accra on March 8, 2024, the hope is that Nigeria can enter the Africa Games with unified intent, clear expectations, accountable preparation, and coaching teams empowered to deliver podium results. The performances may yet surprise us all and catalyse a restoration of national pride in the greenwhite-green. However first, our sports leaders must stay the course charted at this pivotal congress. That responsibility lies squarely with Senator John Enoh and his team more than any other.

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Humanitarian Affairs Ministry Graft Scandal Taints President Tinubu's Young Government

uspended Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr Betta Edu, was once seen as a rising star in President Bola Tinubu's cabinet. At just 37, she was the youngest minister in the government and considered to be close to the President. She was in charge of overseeing the National Social Investment Programmes (NSIP), a flagship initiative that aimed to tackle poverty and empower vulnerable groups in Nigeria. However, on Monday, January 8, 2024, her political career came to a screeching halt, when the President suspended her from office with immediate effect and ordered the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to investigate her for alleged financial misconduct. The suspension was announced in a statement by presidential spokesperson, Ajuri Ngelale. In the statement, the Presidency said that the suspension was in line with Tinubu's commitment to uphold the highest standards of integrity, transparency and accountability in the management of the commonwealth of Nigerians. The President promptly charged a panel headed by the Coordinating Minister of the Economy and Minister of Finance, Wale Edun, to conduct a comprehensive diagnostic on the financial architecture and framework of the NSIP, as well as to reform the relevant institutions and programmes to eliminate all institutional frailties and win back lost public confidence in the initiative. The suspension of Edu and all the social intervention programmes of her ministry came as a government response to the public outcry that greeted the scandal that had engulfed the ministry in the past week. The scandal broke out when local media reported on a leaked document that allegedly showed Edu instructing a senior treasury official to transfer N585.18 million of public money into the personal bank account of Bridget Oniyelu, the accountant for the government's Grant for Vulnerable Groups initiative. The Grant for Vulnerable Groups is one of the NSIP programmes that Edu's ministry was responsible for. It is a cash transfer scheme that provides N20,000 to poor and vulnerable households every month to help them cope with the economic downturn. According to the ministry, the programme had reached over 1.6 million beneficiaries across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory as of December 2023.

I have been a vitriolic critic of government programmes in the country that purportedly pays cash to "vulnerable people" in our country where there is hardly any verifiable data of people. They are just avenues to steal money. The leaked document, which was signed by Edu, stated that the transfer of the funds to Oniyelu's account was for the "implementation of grants to vulnerable groups" in the first quarter of 2024. It also stated that the transfer was approved by the Accountant-General of the Federation (AGF), Dr Oluwatoyin Madein. However, the AGF denied that she authorised the transfer and said that she had only received a request from Edu's ministry to release the funds to a designated government account,

not a personal one. The revelation of the document sparked public outrage, as Nigerians questioned how Edu could have approved such a huge amount of money to be transferred to a personal account, rather than a government one. Many also wondered how the money was supposed to be used for the implementation of the grants, when the beneficiaries had not yet been identified or verified. Some also accused Edu of embezzling the funds for personal purposes so early into the Tinubu administration. Edu, however, denied any wrongdoing and said that the document was part of a plot by mischief makers to tarnish her reputation and that of the President. She said that she had acted in good faith and that at no time did she divert public funds to private accounts. She claimed the misinformation was diversionary and aimed at deviating the attention of the EFCC. According to the statement released from her office, “There is no substance in the said publication currently in some online media and it does not deserve a response.” She said she was simply clearing the air “because social media, in recent times, has been riddled with lots of fake and unsubstantiated news. The desire to drag traffic and also make a desperate living by many bloggers has spurred several online content makers to throw caution into the wind and rev in propaganda aimed at attacking government appointees.” Indeed, her explanations fell on deaf ears. Personally, I believe the minister should have resigned and her failure to do so says a lot about the content of her character. With the evidence piled up against her, her reputation has been dealt a massive blow and leaving with what is left of her name is wise counsel. Should the EFCC investigation prove beyond doubt that she is culpable, I will recommend that she be dismissed, prosecuted and made to serve time together with any other accomplice involved in the scandal. She has betrayed the trust of Nigerians and violated the principles of public accountability and due process. All the monies stolen from the NSIP since its inception must be traced and refunded to the treasury, Continues on Page 47

The investigation of the entire Humanitarian Affairs Ministry is a test of the Bola Tinubu Administration whose crusade of Renewed Hope aims to lift millions of Nigerians out of poverty. The President must now show that he indeed has zero tolerance for corruption and that there will be no sacred cows, not even in his kitchen cabinet PAGE 48

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