FRIDAY 12TH APRIL 2024

Zenith Bank Achieves Historic Milestones in 2023 With Stellar Triple-digit Topline and Bottom-line Growth

Nume Ekeghe

Zenith Bank Plc has announced its audited results for the year ended December 31, 2023, achieving a remarkable triple-digit growth

of 125% in gross earnings from NGN945.6 billion reported in 2022 to NGN2.132 trillion in 2023. According to the audited financial results for the 2023 financial year presented to the Nigerian Exchange

(NGX), this impressive triple-digit growth in gross earnings resulted in a Year-on-Year (YoY) increase of 180% in Profit Before Tax (PBT) from NGN284.7 billion in 2022 to NGN796 billion in 2023. Profit After

Tax (PAT) also recorded triple-digit growth of 202% from NGN223.9 billion to NGN676.9 billion in the period ended December 31, 2023. The increase in gross earnings is primarily due to growth in interest

and non-interest income. Interest income increased by 112% from NGN540 billion in 2022 to NGN1.1 trillion in 2023. Non-interest income grew by 141% from NGN381 billion to NGN918.9 billion in the same

period. The increase in interest income is attributed to the growth in the size of risk assets and their effective repricing, alongside the www.thisdaylive.com

Fubara Now PDP Leader in Rivers, Says Odili

Those disrespecting me will end in disgrace, governor declares Woke slams Wike's critics

assertion came as Fubara

warned that those currently disrespecting him and his office would someday be disgraced. He added that he would not turn back from his human development projects in the state.

However, former Chief of Staff to incumbent Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, when he was Rivers State governor, Chukwuemeka Woke, slammed those criticising his former principal over the

statements he made during a recent media chat about the political situation in the state. Woke spoke during a stakeholders meeting at the Emohua local government council secretariat.

Odili, who served between 1999

and 2007, stated that Fubara, having secured his electoral victory through the ballot and the courts, had become the political leader of the oil-rich

Continued on page 5

FG Goes Granular, Defends Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, Says No Personal Interest

Explains why there was no public tender for contract Project is highway to fraud, waste, Atiku insists

The raging controversy over the 700-kilometre Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway continued yesterday, with the federal government attempting to explain the allegation of lack of transparency in the award and costing of the critical project that connects the South-west to the South-south of Nigeria.

Speaking on Arise Television, the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, insisted that due process was followed in the award of the contract to Hitech Construction Company without going through a public tender system. Umahi stated that competence and track record, especially given that Hi-tech was instrumental to the reclamation work on the beach in Lagos, were some of the reasons

the company was picked. Former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, had a few days ago in a statement stated that the project had exposed the current administration’s alleged penchant for dubious and shady deals.

Atiku, in a statement last Sunday, noted that the administration had while making the old project appear new, refused to make public the cost to tax payers. He maintained that the announcement that the project had been awarded to Gilbert Chagoury’s Hitech Construction Company Limited (Hitech), an alleged friend of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, without any record of a competitive bidding or a decision by the Federal Executive Council (FEC) smacked of opaqueness.

Ngelale: With Forex Gains, Refineries, Working Nigerians Should Expect Stronger Naira in 2025 Q1

Says Tinubu's FX intervention aimed at strengthening naira

Deji Elumoye in Abuja

Presidential spokesperson, Ajuri Ngelale, has predicted that with the success so far recorded by President Bola Tinubu administration's intervention in the foreign exchange (FX) market and the refineries resuming full operations, a stronger naira should be achieved in the first quarter of 2025.

Ngelale made the projection in a brief made available to newsmen in Abuja yesterday. He said the policy revitalisation

in the foreign exchange market was aimed at strengthening the naira in currency markets.

He, however, stressed that the recent successes being witnessed in foreign exchange market were not enough for the country to relax the policies and other efforts to strengthen the naira. Rather, he said, the successes required more serious efforts at sustaining the momentum.

The media adviser stated that with the various refineries, both public and privately-owned, resuming full operations and

capacity between now and the first quarter of 2025, the position of the naira should become stronger and this should start reflecting on prices of commodities.

Ngelale said, "The president has been very consistent in his view that the labour pains felt by our people and the incredible sacrifices made by our people over the past 10 months would be rewarded across the board.

"The president's multi-faceted approach to ridding the nation's foreign exchange market of malign actors and sharp practices have

FUBARA NOW PDP LEADER IN RIVERS, SAYS ODILI

Odili spoke at the commissioning of a Primary Healthcare Centre donated by his PAMO Foundation in Ndoni, his hometown, in Ogba-Egbema-Ndoni Local Government Area.

He emphasised the strategic importance of Rivers State, warning that if the state sneezes, the entire nation catches cold. Odili urged Fubara to act with this awareness in all its decisions.

Assessing Fubara’s performance, Odili commended him for making significant strides in critical sectors within his first year in office, particularly focusing on the well-being of the people.

He stated that Fubara’s administration was in alignment with President Bola Tinubu’s agenda, especially in the health sector, following the recent launch of the Primary Healthcare Fellows scheme by the federal government.

Odili encouraged the governor to maintain the alignment with the president and his policies to attract federal government’s attention and support to the state.

Fubara, who also spoke at the occasion, said his administration

would continue to protect the interest of Rivers people. He stressed that what detractors thought was for evil against his government, God had turned to good.

The governor stated, "Let me say it here that anyone of you who think you are disrespecting me, you have already dug your pit, you will fall inside it. Our minds are open and we do not wish anybody bad but we expect you to do what is right. For those of you that have decided to take that part you think leads to your destination, safe journey.

"Siminalayi Fubara and his team will continue to take that course that God has given us, we'll flow in a direction that your resistance won't matter to us. We will flow in a direction that will lead to our destination and we'll make our people proud.”

Meanwhile, Woke said instead of those, whom he described as failed politicians in the state, to address the salient issues raised by the FCT minister about their characters, they were diverting attention.

He said Wike's critics had failed in their antics of blackmail and fruitless

ploy to pit him against the president, stressing that their ill-fated attempt to diminish the image of the minister will continue to fail.

Woke said the critics’ desperate plot to pass through the backdoor

provided a platform for the sustainable strengthening of our national currency against all global currencies and this is what we are seeing.”

He added, "But there is still much work to be done and this is not a time for celebration. It is a time for doubling down and working harder to ensure that inflation is sustainably brought down in short order and that consumer protecting regulatory agencies step up enforcement to ensure that our people are not short-changed by enterprises

into the Tinubu administration had already failed, saying the president is aware of them and their antics.

Woke said, "Our leader, Nyesom Wike, had in a recent media chat where he informed Nigerians on the activities

that fail to reflect the prevailing exchange rates on the pricing of goods and services across the board.

"As our private and publiclyowned refineries resume operations between now and the first quarter of 2025, the nation's cash position will dramatically improve to the extent that Nigerians can rightly expect a stronger naira and a fair reflection of its strength in the prices of commodities in the market place.”

Ngelale stated, "Once you join the rising spending power

of FCT administration and, of course, arising from a question asked by one of the panellists, he talked about politics in Rivers State.

"Rather than addressing those issues, what we are seeing is name calling,

of Africa's population with the historic availability of trillions of naira for consumer credit that will bolster the real sector, you will see why Nigerians will be most pleased that they elected a financial engineer and businessman as president by the end of his first term in office, even as the signs are increasingly more evident today."

people trying to malign the person of the FCT minister and trying to blackmail him to see whether they can cause any disagreement between and the president, of course, they will not succeed."

FG GOES GRANULAR, DEFENDS LAGOS-CALABAR COASTAL HIGHWAY, SAYS NO PERSONAL INTEREST

“Till date, the Tinubu administration has refused to reveal how much the project will cost in total. Umahi, who even came on Channels Television recently, evaded questions as to the total cost of the project.

“But if 47.47km costs about N1.06 trillion, it means each kilometre is being built at N22.5 billion or $18 million. For a project that is going to be 700km, it means the total cost could be N15.7 trillion or $12.56 billion, which is higher than previous estimates,” he argued.

But Umahi argued that if the project was initiated by former President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration and reviewed by the Muhammadu Buhari administration,

ZENITH BANK ACHIEVES HISTORIC MILESTONES IN 2023 WITH STELLAR TRIPLE-DIGIT TOPLINE AND BOTTOM-LINE GROWTH

rise in the yield of other interestbearing instruments over the year. Growth in non-interest income was driven by significant trading gains and an increase in gains from the revaluation of foreign currencies.

The cost of funds grew from 1.9% in 2022 to 3.0% in 2023 due to the high interest rate environment while interest expense increased by 135% from NGN173.5 billion in 2022 to NGN408.5 billion in 2023. Notwithstanding the 32% growth in operating expenses in 2023, the Group’s cost-to-income ratio improved significantly from 54.4% in 2022 to 36.1% in 2023 due to improved top-line performance. Return on Average Equity (ROAE) increased by 118% from 16.8% in 2022 to 36.6% in 2023, underpinned by improved gross earnings, as the Group sought to deliver better shareholder returns. Return on Average Assets (ROAA) also grew by 95% from 2.1% to 4.1% in the same period.

The Group has continued to deepen its market leadership in key corporate and retail deposit segments as customer deposits increased by 69% from NGN9.0 trillion to NGN15.2 trillion in 2023. Its retail drive continues to yield dividends as retail deposits now constitute 46% of total deposits (compared to 44% in 2022) and grew by 77% from NGN3.97 trillion in 2022 to NGN7.04 trillion in 2023, also reinforcing increased customer confidence in the Zenith brand.

Total assets increased by 66% from NGN12.3 trillion in 2022 to NGN20.4 trillion in 2023, largely due to growth in total deposits and the revaluation of foreign currency deposits. Gross loans grew by 71% from NGN4.1 trillion in 2022 to NGN7.1 trillion in 2023 due to the revaluation of foreign currency

loans and the growth in local currency risk assets. As a result of the disciplined and diligent approach to risk assets creation and management, the loan growth did not significantly impact the Non-Performing Loans (NPL) ratio, which increased marginally from 4.3% to 4.4% despite the heightened risk environment and challenging operating environment, an attestation to the Group’s resilience despite headwinds and a challenging macroeconomic environment. Also, the prudential ratios remain within regulatory thresholds, with the Capital Adequacy Ratio (CAR) and liquidity ratio at 21.7% and 71.0%, respectively, at the close of 2023.

As a demonstration of its commitment to shareholders, the bank has announced a proposed final dividend payout of NGN3.50 per share, bringing the total dividend to NGN4.00 per share.

In 2024, the Group will complete the transition to a holding company structure, which is anticipated to position it advantageously for exploring emerging opportunities in the Fintech space while bolstering its digital and retail banking initiatives. Furthermore, the Group is undertaking urgent necessary actions to meet the new minimum NGN500 billion equity capital requirement to maintain its international authorisation within the timeframe stipulated by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). This will strengthen its presence in key markets to continue positioning for sustainable growth and value addition for stakeholders.

Zenith Bank’s track record of excellent performance has continued to earn the brand numerous awards, including being recognised as Best

Bank in Nigeria, for the fourth time in five years, from 2020 to 2022 and in 2024, in the Global Finance World’s Best Banks Awards; the Best Bank for Digital Solutions in Nigeria in the Euromoney Awards 2023, being listed in the World Finance Top 100 Global Companies in 2023; being recognised as the Number One Bank in Nigeria by Tier-1 Capital, for the 14th consecutive year, in the 2023 Top 1000 World Banks Ranking published by The Banker Magazine; Best Commercial Bank, Nigeria, for three consecutive years from 2021 to 2023, in the World Finance Banking Awards; Best Corporate Governance Bank, Nigeria in the World Finance Corporate Governance Awards 2022 and 2023; Bank of the Year (Nigeria) in The Banker’s Bank of the Year Awards 2020 and 2022; Best in Corporate Governance’ Financial Services’ Africa, for four successive years from 2020 to 2023, by the Ethical Boardroom; Most Sustainable Bank, Nigeria in the International Banker 2023 Banking Awards; Best Commercial Bank, Nigeria and Best Innovation in Retail Banking, Nigeria in the International Banker 2022 Banking Awards.

Also, the bank emerged as the Most Valuable Banking Brand in Nigeria in the Banker Magazine

Top 500 Banking Brands 2020 and 2021; Bank of the Year 2023 and Retail Bank of the Year for three consecutive years from 2020 to 2022, at the BusinessDay Banks and Other Financial Institutions (BAFI) Awards. Similarly, Zenith Bank was named Bank of the Decade (People’s Choice) at the ThisDay Awards 2020, Bank of the Year 2021 by Champion Newspaper, Bank of the Year 2022 by New Telegraph Newspaper, and Most Responsible Organisation in Africa 2021 by SERAS Awards.

he wondered what personal interests they were pushing, since Tinubu was being accused of pursuing a personal interest.

He argued that Jonathan put the cost at about $12 billion, but was renegotiated by Buhari to around $11.1 billion.

He pointed out that one way to tackle inflation, was to look at investment in infrastructure, stressing that that was exactly what the president was doing. “So there's no personal interest associated with that,” he explained.

On whether the project couldn’t have started from Calabar, rather than Lagos where it is likely to cause disruption to the Landmark Beach project, the minister explained that was the original plan. “We didn't call it Calabar-Lagos-Coastal Road. You called it Lagos-Calabar-Coastal Road, which means that there is a zero point,” he added.

He emphasised that Chagoury’s Hitech was picked because of its capacity, insisting that there’s a part of the procurement law that allows the government to pick contractors based on skills, rather than least cost.

“You have a section of the law that allows you to procure a particular project based on the skills a company has,” he pointed out, citing the case of 3rd mainland Bridge that was awarded to Julius Berger because they have specialty in that aspect of work.

“So we invited them based on procurement act. And so the way you are doing such invitation, there must be proof of track record of a company that has done such works. And so they gave us a quotation. We ran it with them,” the minister explained.

He argued that handing over the project to Hitech remains an advantage to Nigeria because not only did they stop the flooding along the axis, they also reclaimed a lot of land and have turned it to another Dubai.

The minister also disputed the figures churned out by Atiku, maintaining that the basis for his analysis was wrong and that it was about N4.329 billion per kilometre.

“Now this design on which he (Atiku) based his analysis is bound to fail. Now, I run my design. My design has 10 lanes and a total pavement of 59.2 metres. The other corridor is 52 metres, my corridor is 100 metres. And out of these 100 metres, you have 5 lanes on left side, 5 lanes on the right side.

“And then you have 25 metres for train track. Now our train is not starting at zero, because we reduced the corridor there. And even up to the landmark, we still reduced to 50 metres.

“Our design has 7.63 metres.

Additionally, if you look at the design that he predicated his own and you use N1,200 per dollar, then, first of all, if you use 23 metres, you divide it by 11.55, the standard gauge for a superhighway. Then you get that this design is 2.225 multiple superhighways.

“So it means that in this design, you have the standard highways to be 11 or 2.22. Now, in my design, I have my own to be 5.167. Which means that in every cross section, you have a standard highway of 11.55 to be 5.167. Now, if you divide 700 kilometres by this 11.11 by 700 kilometres, you get N19.1 billion per kilometre. If you divide them by $11.1 billion, you get this one at N19 billion per kilometre.

“And this kilometre is, 2.22 multiples of standard gauge. Now, when you divide this N19.1 billion by this multiple gauge, you get N8.59 billion per kilometre. So, if you have a total pavement of 23 metres, how much of it is the multiples of a standard gauge?

“And so, if you divide it by standard gauge of 11.55, you get that at every section of the road, what you have is 2.225 multiples of a standard gauge. So, when you have a cross-section per one kilometre of N19 billion, and then you now divide it by the multiples, you will know how much this thing is going to cost me if it were to be Lagos-Ibadan dual carriageway?

“So, it is going to be 2.225. So, you divide that N19 billion by 2.225, and you get N8.59 billion. That is what a standard gauge of this kind of construction is going to cost. My number is, you know, a total of 59 metres width in total pavements.

“And at the end of the day, there's no comparison. Apart from the cost elements that this one is cheaper by what he’s saying by half. My own is N1.06 trillion and if you divide it by 47, you will now multiply by 5.167, my multiple standard gauge. And then you will now have N4.329 billion per kilometre of standard gauge. That's what I'm doing.

“My own standard gauge has a lot of advantages, one is reinforced concrete, two, it has a lifespan of between 50 to 100 years. Three, it is suitable for the coastal road because of high water table, because concrete is very good with water.

“This (the initial design) cannot stand the test of time. Tell me any asphalt road that was built in this country that has stayed for 10 years?

“, he asked, adding that the rail component has not been estimated.

According to the minister, aside the Lagos axis of the project, other axes that criss-cross the other states were yet to be ‘costed’

Umahi explained that nobody can talk about the commercial integrity

of a project without talking about its technical integrity. “That's the first thing you must consider, ability to do the job,” he observed.

“So the issue of competitive bidding is in line with the Procurement Act, and we followed the Procurement Act. And the reason for competitive bidding is, one, to have a company that has the integrity, stability, and capacity to do a job, and then, number two, to have value for money. And we have those indices. We have them in abundance in this project,” he insisted.

Umahi argued that no job will be lost in the construction process as being speculated, explaining that the 12,000 jobs being bandied about was just a baseless figure.

He said that by law, the federal government owns 250 metres shoreline, stressing that because the government was taking only just 50 metres, all Landmark Group’s facilities were still in tact.

“His facilities are all intact because we reduced the corridor to 50 metres. There's no permanent structure other than few shanties along that route. No single job will be lost because of this,” he assured.

He explained that although the land belongs to the federal government, but because of the investment there, it decided to take just 50 metres out of the 250 metres that it ordinarily has a right to. The owners of the beach had appealed to the federal government to allow the road take its original route so that its investment in Landmark Beach will not be destroyed.

According to the specification, the 700-kilometre coastal highway project is designed to connect Lagos to Cross River, passing through the coastal states of Ogun, Ondo, Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, and Akwa Ibom, before culminating in Cross River. The first phase of the project that will run through the nine coastal states is the 47.47km section, beginning from Victoria Island. It has five lanes on each side of the dual carriageway and a train track in the middle.

Starting from Ahmadu Bello Way, Victoria Island in Lagos, the coastal road, would have two spurs that would link up with Northern Nigeria to further integrate the North and South in terms of movement of people, goods and services. Government says part of the funding will be sourced by Hitech, the contractors.

Meanwhile, Atiku, yesterday again described as wasteful and a ‘highway to fraud’ the claim by Works Minister, Umahi, that the highway will tentatively cost N15.6 trillion.

SALLAH HOMAGE TO THE PRESIDENT...

Consumer Protection

Group Blames

Corruption in Power Sector for Rising Electricity Tariffs

Wants Discos to account for N96bn loan for mass metering programme

Kaduna chamber of commerce says increase in rates ill-timed

The Electricity Consumer Protection Advocacy Centre (ECPAC), a group dedicated to quality service delivery as well as upholding values, ethics and professionalism in the power sector, has blamed alleged high level reckless by Distribution Companies (Discos) for the incessant tariff hikes.

Speaking during a briefing in Abuja yesterday, Executive Director of the group, Chief Princewill Okorie, urged President Bola Tinubu to curb sleaze in the sector as well as non-implementation of policies, to reduce the frequent reasons to increase rates.

The group argued that the current crisis in Eko Disco, for instance, was due to the inability to enforce discipline and curb wastages, observing that while Discos are complaining of inadequate tariff,

it is inhuman to obscure the level of financial imprudence exhibited by them.

“The N96 billion loan given to Discos for National Mass Metering Programme in 2020 is yet to be accounted for. Under the current Meter Asset Provider (MAP), it provides that customers who pay for meters should be refunded through energy credit.

“ As of today, nobody is aware of the number of consumers that have paid for meters and how many have been refunded. The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) approves Operational Expenditure (OPEX) for Discos annually, yet consumers fund repairs and provision of infrastructure which Discos fail to refund them as provided by Network Expansion Investment Policy,” the group argued. Stressing that there are fundamental problems in the sector,

Okorie argued that monitoring the utilisation of OPEX and CAPEX as well as the network investment policy would reduce the corruption within the Discos.

“The power sector is very fundamental to the social and economic development of this nation. Nigeria is a signatory to the United Nations Covenant on Human Rights, social and political and cultural rights. In fact, section 34, subsection 1 of the constitution is against torture, inhuman and degrading treatments.

“And the way Nigerians are treated today in the power sector, it is clear that they're being tortured, they're being dehumanised and treated without respect. So increasing tariff is not justified,” the advocacy group maintained.

Okorie stated that Nigerians were largely ignorant of their rights in the electricity supply

chain, emphasising that the Discos for instance, are shirking their mandatory responsibility of carrying out awareness and enlightenment programmes to their customers.

“There's a deliberate attempt by the powers that be to frustrate consumers and use the poor suffering consumers to fund the sector. If you go to the ministry of power today, there is a department in charge of transmission. There is a department in charge of generation. There is a department in charge of distribution.

“Apart from having those departments under the minister of power, you still have institutions set up to oversee transmission, oversee generation, oversee distribution. What of consumer protection? And it is these consumers that generate the money that sustains the sector. Now, the policies that deal with consumer issues, consumer protection component of the act, no unit of

Navy Arrests 2 Suspects for Alleged Oil Theft in Bayelsa

Host communities oppose FG's plan to move crude by trucks, badges

The Nigerian Navy has arrested two suspected oil thieves, one tank truck used for crude oil theft and a Mazda saloon car loaded with 1,300 illegally refined products, in Bayelsa State..

The Commander, Nigerian Navy Ship SOROH (NNS), Commodore Sunday Lakan, stated this yesterday, while parading the suspects, the truck and the vehicle before newsmen at the base of the NNS SOROH, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.

The Commander had earlier assumed duty on February 19, 2024, after taking over from Commodore Olushina Ojebode.

He said under the mandate of the Chief of Naval Staff and the mandate of Operation Delta Safe, the NNS SOROH had continued to carry out patrol in all areas within Bayelsa.

He said acting on credible intelligence, they received an information of products being stolen and transported from illegally refined site.

"Our men were dispatched to the area and reaching the scene, this truck behind me was arrested with suspected crude oil stolen from

a well head.

"However on sighting our men, the driver of the truck abandoned the truck and ran away, but he left the key behind. We were able to convey the truck to the base for further investigation and necessary action.

“So, while still on patrol, we arrested this other vehicle mazda 323 with products tied inside sacks suspected to be illegally refined AGO popularly known as diesel and kerosene about 1,300 litres.

"Also we arrested two suspects, a male and a female, conveying the products and we arrested them back to the base, and thorough investigation will be carried out," he said.

He assured Nigerians that all procedures will be followed and all those arrested will be handed over to the appropriate authorities or agency for further investigation and necessary action.

The Commander, said that the truck was coming from Biseni area, under Yenagoa Local Government Area of Bayelsa. The well head, he said , is under the Nigerian Agip Oil Company.

He urged those involved in illegality to desist from it and look

for legitimate business to do, because the law will surely catch up with them sooner or later.

The commander said he was seeking cooperation from the lawful citizens of Nigeria to assist the military in carrying out operation to curb crude oil theft, pipeline vandalism and illegal refining as they they cause a lot of damage to the country economy.

One of the suspects Mr Nelson Adeh, said he was a driver who was only transporting the products for the arrested lady from JK4 community to Mbiama before the Navy van arrested him.

He pleaded for forgiveness and promised to never indulge in such illegal business again if granted bail. Meanwhile, the board of trustees of Community Development Committee of Niger Delta Oil and Gas Producing Areas (CDC) has opposed plans by the federal government to transport crude oil from point of production to export terminals by trucks and badges as alternative to traditional pipeline method.

Chairman of the Board of Trustees of CDC, Joseph Ambakederimo, in a statement issued yesterday, said the body is opposed to barging or

trucking crude oil to export terminals as being proposed by the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC).

The group noted that the idea of barging or trucking had been used in the past and jettisoned when it was discovered that crude oil was being diverted to unknown places by those who were contracted to convey the product.

It maintained that the idea as suggested by the commission was archaic and would give room for manipulation and more loss of crude oil.

"The suggestion to barge or truck crude oil to export terminals was as disappointing as it was an unwise suggestion coming from the NUPRC who are regulators in the Nigeria upstream oil and gas industry.

"This idea of barging and trucking of crude oil has been used sometimes in the past and jettisoned when it was discovered that oil was being diverted to unknown destinations by those whom were contracted to convey the products. The idea being suggested is archaic and it will give room for manipulation and more loss of crude oil", the group stated.

the ministry drives it.

“That is why you can see that network expansion investment policy cannot be driven for implementation. That's why you can see that map policy is not driven. That's why the money the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) brought out, nobody knows how much each of the Discos got. “Nobody knows the number of meters that were provided. Because no unit insists that this section will be implemented,” he lamented. Stressing that manufacturing companies were already shutting down, Okorie argued that while ordinarily, Discos should pay for their facilities, consumers are currently funding the infrastructure for them, including poles and transformers.

“I challenge the media and I challenge the Minister of Power. I challenge NERC. Let them bring a report of utilisation of OPEX and their CAPEX since 2013 when privatisation came on board. “What amount has the Discos invested from their operational expenditure every year? What have they invested in their capital expenditure every year? How many transformers have Discos provided?, he queried. He maintained that if these systemic issues are addressed, Nigerians will see that there is no justification for increase in tariff, insisting that there was lack of transparency in the management of the entire value chain.

Hike in Haulage Rate Will Further Raise Inflation, Say Freight Forwarders

Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt

Importers and exporters operating at the Eastern ports of the country, have lamented the impending rise in inflation, following an alleged 200 per cent hike in haulage rate by the Nigeria Shippers Council (NSC).

The operators unanimously threatened operational shutdown and declared a seven- day ultimatum if the council does not return to status quo by reversing the rate.

Speaking to journalists on behalf of the group in Port Harcourt, Zonal Coordinator, Association of Nigeria Licenced Custom Agents (ANLCA), Mr Joshua Ahuama, said the meeting became necessary to enable the body collectively reject the new rate, as it contravened the provisions of the NSC Act.

According to him, stakeholders consultation is an integral provision of the agency’s Act an pd should be respected.

He said: “Recently, the NSC approved a 200 per cent increment in haulage rate for transport owners and drivers operating under the maritime union of Nigeria.

“To this end, importers and freight forwarders association in the eastern zone have unanimously

disputed the new rate because it is outrageous, arbitrary and unacceptable to all stakeholders in the zone.

“We have however, resolved to adopt all peaceful efforts. We started this move on March 14, by calling on the NSC to ensure proper stakeholders engagement and renegotiation. These measures are also expected to help all parties to reach a benchmark that would be in the interest of all stakeholders in the maritime value chain.

“We also urge the NSC to return to status quo by suspending the implementation of the disputed rate, pending proper renegotiation covering the interest of all stakeholders.

“We are not on a selfish course, our demands are in the interest of Nigerians because any slight increase on haulage rate will reflect on prices of goods in the open market. A businessman incorporates total logistic costs into prices of goods.”

The group, however, said it might be constrained to take drastic measures that would include suspension of all declaration of goods and payment of customs duties, which could negativity affect national revenue and economic output.

POLITICS

David Mark: Bestriding Two Worlds at 76

Paul Mumeh and Law Mefor trace the military and political trajectory of ex-military governor of Niger state and former President of the Senate, Senator David Mark, as he marks his 76th birthday.

There is no cure for birth and death, save to enjoy the interval - George Santayana

The wise words, “Live your life so that the Preacher won’t have to lie at your funeral,” were displayed in a particular pastor’s office sentinel. The pastor expressed his admiration for the way it would loom large over the heads of people who came to confess yet another transgression, hoping that it would persuade them to change their ways and begin to act morally upright without him having to persuade them. The man said that the longer he had been a pastor, the more he had come to understand the peculiar theology the sign represented.

It suggests to him, that some people have lived such morally upright lives that preachers don’t need to tell lies at their funerals, and that some people have also led terrible lives that leave funeral orators in a difficult situation.

David Mark’s life has always been an open book. Even his detractors have to admit that he is a man who has elevated his life to such an extent that he has left profound imprints on the sands of time.

Given Mark’s sprawling personality, it would take many books to tell his entire narrative. Mark has essentially dominated two worlds like a colossus; politics and the military, where he has played prominent and historic roles. He left the military after attaining the rank of a Brigadier-General. He was a military governor of Niger state and a minister of the federal republic in charge of communications.

Holding the positions of chairman of the National Assembly and Senate President for two terms of eight uninterrupted years, [2007–2011 & 2015], he oversaw politics as the head of the legislative arm of the government in the nation’s presidential democracy.

This made him the most tenured senate president in Nigerian history. Mark stands out as exceptional and singular because he is most likely the only Nigerian to have achieved the combined rankings so far.

Indeed, how one chooses to tell his story will depend on both the main thrust and point of view of the storyteller. John Godfrey Saxe (1816–1887), an American poet, provides related useful insights in The Blind Men and the Elephant.

In the fable of The Blind Men and the Elephant, a group of blind men who had never seen an elephant before learnt about it and develop an imaginary image of it through touch. Though only one section of the elephant’s body — the side or the tusk, for example — each blind guy senses a distinct part of it.

Published in 1873, The Blind Men and the Elephant, is a poetry and rhyme collection by John Godfrey Saxe. The poet based his moral tale, which is really more of a parable disguised as a rhyme; on an Indian fable he dubbed a “Hindoo Fable.” That ballad was really lovely. It tells a story and offers a framework that bestows on the narrative its intended, deep lesson—just as Mark’s current account portends.

The story of The Blind Men and The Elephant serves as an example of how conflict and misunderstanding can result from our unique perspectives, or what Peter Senge refers to as our “mental models.” The purpose of this account on Mark is to provide an alternative viewpoint to those provided by previous and subsequent writers on this quiet and gentle giant.

It is acknowledged that although an individual’s subjective experience and opinion may be accurate, they may still be constrained by a lack of comprehensive knowledge about the subject. Because of this, the blind men’s accounts of the elephant varied from one another and were based on their limited experience. The blind men did not exchange blows because of this understanding. The parable’s lesson is that people often assert absolute truth based on their own constrained, subjective experiences while ignoring the constrained, subjective experiences of others that may be just

as accurate. The tale was first popularised in the ancient Indian subcontinent, from whence it spread abroad.

If this description of Mark turns out to be only a portion of the gentle giant and his amazing times, be willing to overlook its shortcomings.

Let researchers and histographers of the future fill in the blanks. We also think that Mark would compose a note on himself before going away at the end of life, which is an inescapable fate that awaits all mortals at some point.

Suffice to submit that Mark’s accomplished sojourn in the military, his political engagement and achievements as a leader of the legislative arm of government is a study in brinkmanship.

On April 8, 1948, Pa Mark Aikuta and Madam Eyum Mark welcomed a baby boy into their home. He was given the name Alechenu, which means “the unexpected.” Later on, the local Catholic Church baptised him as David. The parents worked in farming and trading, which were typical vocations of the Serene Otukpo community in Benue State.

David Mark was raised as a devoted Catholic Christian, a faith he has adhered to throughout his military service, career in politics, and retirement. Aware that childhood is the foundation of life; his parents took great care in raising him as their first child.

David Mark, as he is more commonly known in adult life, is a unique individual who was shaped by a combination of hard work, good upbringing, divine providence, military training, and intellectual rigor. He is like an octopus with numerous tentacles. His extraordinary life story serves as a powerful reminder that anything is possible for someone who works hard and has faith in God.

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

FIRS’s New Technological Drive for Tax Collection, Leakage Block

Musa Abdulmumuni writes about the current moves of the Federal Inland Revenue Service towards blocking revenue leakages as well as deploying new technology for its operations.

An efficient tax drive system inarguably, would always serve as the most run-of-the-mill and important government intervention to redistribute income among the population of any society such as Nigeria, with over 200 million people.

Aside from oil, which remains the major revenue source for Nigeria, tax revenue continues to impact the nation’s economy, building government’s fiscal capacity at both national and the sub-national levels to provide the public goods and services that citizens need for growth.

Despite being a veritable alternative system for raising government revenue for development purposes however, not many people are disposed to willful payment of taxes due to a lack of public confidence, official corruption, embezzlement, infrastructure deficit, high levels of evasion, and rising public debt among other issues. Several citizens are still oblivious to the fact that taxation is the key contribution they make towards national development. According to the chairman of the Revenue Mobilization Allocation And Fiscal Commission (RMAFC), Mohammed Shehu, less than 40 million Nigerians are presently captured in the tax net and paying taxes.

Like in many African countries therefore, available reports indicate that Nigeria has one of the lowest tax collection rates in the world at approximately 10.8 percent of gross domestic product (GDP), well below the African average.

President Bola Tinubu appears to be worried about this trend. His decision in July 2023, to set up a presidential committee on fiscal policy and tax reform, is indicative of the government’s readiness to enhance revenue collection efficiency, ensure transparent reporting, and promote the effective utilization of tax and other revenues to boost citizens’ tax morale, foster a healthy tax culture, and drive voluntary compliance.

The current executive chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Dr. Zacch Adedeji who served on this presiden-

tial committee, then, as a Special Adviser on Revenue to the President, believes strongly that the administration of President Tinubu is on a mission to reform Nigeria’s tax system and tackle some of the challenges hampering tax collection in the country. These challenges include multiple taxes and revenue collection agencies, a high prevalence of tax evasion, a complex tax system, and poor accountability in the use of tax revenue. There is the aspect of revenue leakages. Obviously, lack of data in the oil sector for instance has made it difficult in the past to determine the exact number of vessels of crude that is brought into the country and the amount of tax that should be adequately paid.

“Our aim is to transform the tax system to support sustainable development and achieve a minimum of 18% tax-to-GDP ratio within the next three years without stifling investment or economic growth,” Adedeji told reporters at the presidential villa in July, 2023.

The choice of Dr. Adedeji, a consummate tax expert, by President Tinubu to pilot the affairs of the nation’s top revenue agency, may be one of putting a round peg in a round hole.

While serving as Presidential aide, Adedeji undoubtedly also played critical roles in the formulation of the economic direction of the new administration.

One of the earliest promises of the FIRS chairman, was therefore, to build a tax administration that enjoys the trust and confidence of all stakeholders. Along this line, the FIRS boss acknowledges that having a data-driven system that makes revenue targets predictable is a precondition for the realization of the fiscal projections of the government for economic development.

This is imperative for the revenue agency, if it must achieve the mandate of collecting a record N19 trillion in the 2024 fiscal year as set by President Tinubu and legislated for in the budget.

To achieve this huge task, the FIRS boss in February this year, during a management strategic retreat in Abuja, declared that working with his team, the agency would be embarking on a structural transformation, to make the country’s tax collection system more tax-payercentric, seamless, and to encourage voluntary tax payment by both members of the public, as well as, corporate organizations.

A systematic implementation of this reform, would obviously place the agency in a vantage position to raise the unprecedented N19 trillion revenue target, within 12 calendar months.

“The cornerstone of this paradigm shift is the establishment of a customer-centric organizational structure designed to streamline processes and enhance efficiency in our tax operations. We are not merely adapting to change; we are leading it. The forthcoming structure, set to kick off from February 2024, embodies our dedication to modernize and digitize the tax administration landscape in Nigeria.

-Abdulmumuni

PERSPECTIVE

Ningi: Northern Senators Goofed

Democracy would lose its defining egalitarianism if it foreclosed the free expression of viewpoints by its adherents - not the least - experienced, ranking legislators. Against this backdrop, senior citizens who deploy discipline and intellectual honesty to achieve that delicate, firm balance between views that enlighten and lift society in contrast with contrived commentary that distorts and diminishes should be appreciated.

The downside of this scenario - the curious intolerance of free expression of a pertinent viewpoint - played out on March 12, 2024, when the Senate churlishly suspended Senator Abdul Ningi (PDP-Bauchi Central) for three months on March 12 over his allegation of padding of the 2024 national budget.

Senator Abdul Ningi, chairman of the Northern Senators Forum, until recently, served as the House Majority Leader of the Nigerian House of Representatives from 2003 to 2007 and was a member of the House of Representatives from 1999 to 2011. As Deputy Majority Leader, Abdul Ningi was a principal officer of the Nigerian Senate, until his recent falling out with the Senate

Of considerable puzzle was that this unprecedented action by the Senate was watched by Northern Senators who constitute voting majority in the Red Chambers without opposing the humiliation of a ranking Senator from the region. Curiously, the upper chamber neither gave Senator Ningi the floor to explain himself, nor provide facts why they think his claims were frivolous. They simply suspended him for three months.

The scenario playing out suggest that the Northern Senate Caucus sold out to both President Ahmed bola Tinubu and Senate President Godswill Akpabio. It’s no secret that President Tinubu installed the senate president who must be politically beholden to him.

It could be recalled that Ningi was suspended after about three hours of debate in Senate plenary over his interview in which he alleged that the National Assembly padded the 2024 N28.7tn budget. Senator Olamilekan Adeola had come under Orders 9, 10, 41, and 51 to move a motion of privilege and issue of purported national importance against Senator Ningi over his earlier interview with the British Broadcasting Corporation (Hausa Service).

Senator Ningi had, in the interview, alleged that the budget passed by the National Assembly for the 2024 fiscal year is N25tn while the one being implemented by the Presidency is N28.7tn. He was quoted as saying that, “For the first time in Nigerian history, today we are operating two different budgets. One budget was approved by the National Assembly and signed by President Bola Tinubu and the one was implemented by the presidency.

His words: “The one approved by us is N25tn while the one operating

by the Federal Government is N28tn. Apparently, we discovered N3tn was inserted into the budget for projects without locations. This is the highest budget padding that happened in Nigerian history under Senator Akpabio’s watch.”

Ningi, also at a subsequent press conference, said that N3tn was left unaccounted for in the 2024 budget. The BBC interview generated a lot of controversy as senators and the presidency attempted to counter the claim made by Ningi. It could be recalled that while

reluctantly signing the 2018 Budget, then President Muhammadu Buhari accused the National Assembly of ‘padding’ it by introducing 6,403 projects of their own amounting to N578 billion. He grumbled that the insertions “relate to matters that are the responsibility of the states and local governments, and for which the Federal Government should therefore not be unduly burdened.”

T could also be recalled that Buhari again wailed openly while signing the 2022 Budget, revealing that 6,576 new projects had been smuggled into it by the National Assembly.

According to Buhari then, “many of these new projects introduced by the National Assembly have been added to the budgets of most MDAs with no consideration for institutional capacity to execute them or the incremental recurrent expenditure that may be required.” In effect, the new insertions were, basically, duplications, yet the funds are approved.

The former president had clarified that, “The logic behind the Constitutional direction that budgets should be proposed by the executive is that, it is the executive that knows and defines its policies and projects.”

The puerile defence of NASS by then spokespersons, Senator Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi and Abdulrazak Namdas was that it had the powers to do what it deems fit with the budget.

Hear them: “Adjustments and reductions in the locations, costs and number of projects approved were made in order to address geo-political imbalances that came with the executive proposal. The introduction of new projects was done to ensure the promotion of the principles of Federal …Character as contained in Section 14, subsection (3) of the 1999 Constitution.

“The number of projects had to be increased in order to give a sense of belonging to every geo-political zone of the country to ensure socio-economic justice, equity, fairness, and to command national loyalty.”

This line of specious defence was similarly cloned by minders of the current tenth senate to attempt to contradict Senator Ningi’s startling revelations and explain away a widely perceived, serious legislative integrity deficit under the watch of Senate President Godswill Akpabio.

This was clearly why they brazenly neither gave Ningi the plenary floor to clarify his allegations, nor provide facts why they think his claims were frivolous but moved to quickly suspend him for three months.

Opay Faces Backlash from Dissatisfied Customers over Unresolved Card Disputes NEWS

Nume Ekeghe

A microfinance bank, OPAY, yesterday, grappled with intense backlash after a customer, Okunola Akinropo, made waves in the aftermath of his visit to their offices to air his grievances over unresolved transaction disputes.

A bricklayer and disgruntled customer, Akinropo’s visit had escalated quickly into a gathering of irate customers, all echoing similar complaints.

But in a response to the mounting dissatisfaction, the OPAY management had acknowledged experiencing delays in resolving issues and assured customers of

their commitment to resolving all outstanding matters.

The customer’s outcry, unfortunately, gained traction on TikTok, a social media platform, which accused OPAY of fraudulent practices.

He recounted an episode, where three weeks ago, he attempted to withdraw N190,000 from a fuel station, using his OPAY credit card, but the transaction was declined, prompting him to initiate a transfer, only to discover that he had already been debited.

He added that despite exhausting all available complaint channels, he received no response regarding the disputed transactions.

According to the Central Bank of Nigeria’s guidelines on customer resolution timelines, individuals are required to initially report any complaints against their bank at the respective bank branch, where the issue originated.

Subsequently, they should allow a period of two weeks for the matter to be addressed and resolved.

In a subsequent video, he reiterated that the issue remained unresolved.

“I would usually go to a fuel station to withdraw cash. On the 20th of March, we wanted cash of N190,000 so I used my OPAY

ATM card to withdraw N191,000 as N1,000 would be charged to the petrol station,” he explained.

But when he lodged his complaint, he said several other customers at the branch were also experiencing similar issues, including delayed responses or unresolved transactions.

A representative of the bank, who preferred anonymity, acknowledged that while efforts were underway to address such concerns, some customers always escalated matters unnecessarily.

The representative said: “While we acknowledge the issues raised, it’s important to note that such challenges are

not unique and are part of the ongoing process of managing customer resolutions.

“We are actively working to rectify the situation and assure our customers that their concerns are being taken seriously.”

However, in an official statement by the OPAY management, they addressed the circulating video on the social media and attributed delays in resolving card disputes to industry-wide challenges.

They reassured customers of their commitment to collaborating with stakeholders to expedite resolution and expressed gratitude for continued patience

and understanding.

In the statement, OPAY stated: “Our attention has been drawn to a video circulating on social media, where some customers voiced concerns regarding card disputes. We want to clarify that these disputes are taking longer to resolve due to an industrywide solution.

“We are diligently collaborating with all relevant stakeholders to resolve the issues as quickly as possible and will provide swift update on the progress. We sincerely apologise for any inconvenience and deeply appreciate your continued understanding.”

NEW

MUNGO PARKS: TWO PASSPORTS, TOO LOUD

No matter what, do not put down your country, writes JOSHUA J. OMOJUWA

See page 21

A VIGNETTE OF FEMININE STRENGTH CHIDI ONYEMAIZU pays tribute to Eyoanwan Otu, First Lady of Cross River State, at 60

See page 21

EDITORIAL TACKLING FEMICIDE AND OTHER ABUSES

The people’s resistance to increased tariffs reflects their disappointment with the sector, writes BOLAJI ADEBIYI

THE ELECTRICITY CONUNDRUM

It was the lot of Musliu Oseni, vice chairman of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission, to carry the sad tale of an upward review of tariffs in the electricity sector last week. He told Nigerians that the regulatory authority had approved an increase in the tariff for the premium band from N66 to N225, a 230 per cent rise. He said the hike was necessary to reduce the federal government’s N1.14 trillion subsidy and move significantly towards cost-reflective pricing.

As usual, the communication of the new tariff regime was tardy as the initial impression was that the increment was across all the bands. But with the deafening protest of the hike, clarifications, believed by many to be an afterthought, began to come from officials of the regulatory agency. The weary public was told the price raise would only affect the premium Band A, which is only 15 per cent of the 12 million customers nationwide. Despite the clarifications, most of the public remained suspicious that they had not heard the last of the price hike.

Public outcry against the tariff hike is understandable, and it arose from the deep discontent with the extremely suboptimal service delivery in the sector. This is particularly so because similar exercises in the past had not measured up to the promise of better service delivery. The current price being reviewed was set in December 2022 but became effective in July 2023. Nigerians were told that the increase was necessary for the distribution companies to charge the tariff that would make them provide more efficient services.

The much-talked-about premium Band A, was to pay N66 for a minimum of 20 hours supply, while Band B was to pay N63 for a minimum of 16 hours supply. Until last week’s price rise, none of these happened. Instead, the services rendered became worse with the distribution companies delivering worn-out excuses for their failure to supply power to Nigerian homes. If they were not complaining about the numerous grid collapses, they would plead persistent equipment breakdowns, vandalism of infrastructure, low tariff collection rates, energy theft, and outright refusal of unmetered customers to pay estimated bills.

Confronted by public outcry against the monumental failure of the distribution companies, Adebayo Adelabu, the minister of Power, at some point had to threaten them with the possible withdrawal of their operating licences if they did not sit up. The DISCOs did not take the threat seriously as the blackouts persisted, and rather than lose their licences, they got a price upgrade. For many Nigerians, this is a deadly blow below

the belt, which will not address their pains.

In the coming weeks, therefore, the power minister and the NERC will have a lot more explanations to make to the public on how this upward price adjustment policy will address their concerns about the abysmally poor power supply nationwide. This is particularly because the outage situation has worsened since the tariff hike, meaning that the two government agents must be ready to endure several cynical remarks from a public that is tired of justification of failed policies. Again, the cynicism would be legitimate given the people’s experience since the power sector reforms began in 2010.

When the reforms began, the public was told that the movement from public to private management of the sector would attract the funding and the efficiency required to drive it to provide an uninterruptible power supply. This has not happened significantly. In 2013, when the generation and distribution arms of the sector were handed over to the private sector, the generating capacity was 6,000 MW while the actual generation was around 3,500 MW. At that time the federal government had ongoing power plants with a total installed capacity of 10,000 MW. By the time President Goodluck Jonathan left office in 2015, he had completed the 10 power plants as well as the gas transportation infrastructure to power them.

So, in terms of generation capacity, the government handed over at various times between 2013 and 2015 about 16,000 MW. Generation was 3,500 MW. What has been Nigeria’s experience since then? Despite trillions of naira that the federal government has spent propping up the sector, private sector intervention has only added a meagre 384 MW to generation capacity to bring it to 16,384 MW. Actual generation moved by another miserable 1,877 MW in 2020 to 5,377 MW, the highest ever to date.

Distribution in 2013 hovered around 2,500 MW to 3,200 MW. Eleven years later, the private investors are still perambulating around the same figures. Meanwhile, the transmission that remained in the hands of the government had acquired a wheeling capacity of 8,100 MW.

It is curious that despite the actual generation of 5,377 MW and a transmission wheeling capacity of 8,100 MW, distribution struggles around 3,000 MW.

It is clear, therefore, that private sector intervention in the electricity sector has not brought any significant relief. It has worsened in terms of the expected outcome of the regular supply of power. What the minister and the regulators should be explaining to Nigerians is why the country is in this bind. Is it that the current private operators lack the technical capacity or financial muscle or both? Whatever it is, the public needs more than just an explanation of the failure of this private sector model. It needs to be assured that it is not just a viable alternative to public management but also that the current operators deserve to hold their operating licences.

It will also be interesting to hear the regulatory authorities’ explanation on how despite the abysmal generation outputs of the generating companies, some of them, like Transcorp Power Plc and Geregu Plc, are declaring double digits in billions of naira profits. Transcop’s PBT grew by 84.61 per cent year-on-year, from N28.6 billion in 2022 to N52.8 billion in 2023. Geregu announced N21.9 billion profit before tax in its unaudited first quarter ended March 31, 2024, an increase of about 308 per cent from N5.37 billion profit before tax declared in Q1 2023. Interesting.

Adebiyi, the executive editor of Western Post, wrote from Abuja

Last week in Lagos, hundreds of women staged a walk to the State House of Assembly in Alausa, where they presented a draft bill on how to tackle increasing cases of ‘femicide’ (the killing of women and girls) in the state. That the Lagos event took place at a time the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) over the increasing incidence of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in Abuja is why authorities should be concerned. “Currently, there is nowhere in Lagos State laws on domestic violence that covers femicide,” said Mrs Temitope Ajayi who led the walk in Lagos. “Femicide is the highest form of genderbased violence, the most violent form because it results in the murder of women and girls.”

In Nigeria, hardly a day passes without a report of a man visiting violence either on his spouse or girlfriend. This is despite the stringent provisions in the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act 2015. The law prohibits, among others, abandonment of spouse, children and other dependents without sustenance, battery, and harmful traditional practices. Besides, it provides a legislative and legal framework for the prevention of all forms of violence against vulnerable persons, especially women and girls and prohibits economic abuse, forced isolation and separation from family and friends, depriving persons of their liberty, incest, violence in private and public life and provide

We must therefore understand that ignoring the subtle signals of violence can only lead to fatal consequences as we have witnessed lately. Assault law books, are hardly ever perceived as crimes by many of our law enforcement agencies, unless the acts ultimately culminate in the occurrence of death.

We cannot continue to ignore the societal upsurge in these occurrences, for the implications on our collective psyche, as citizenry, and our development as a nation, are ominous

CHAIRMAN

Against the background that curbing these incidents is a collective responsibility, both the authorities and the society must be alerted to the fact that battery and assault remain felonies in our

EMAIL: first name.surname@thisdaylive.com

While the challenge at hand may not be in the enactment of new laws, we agree that the manifestation of violence in new forms and trends against women and girls is worrying. From physical and verbal abuse to rape and even murder, it is evident that relevant authorities are not doing enough to tackle this menace. Due essentially to the patriarchal interpretations within our various faiths which preach endurance, our religious leaders most often advise forgiveness, even in the most bizarre of instances. Inevitably, the victim and the abuser (where summoned) are a way to settle their make public the injury. Again, most abused women who opt to remain in the most challenging of marriages claim stability for their children as the It is indeed imperative that the authorities make and dynamics of this growing violence. We cannot continue to ignore the societal upsurge in these occurrences, for the implications on our collective psyche, as citizenry, and our development as a nation, are ominous. More disturbing is that complaints of violence and abuse (against family members) made at our police stations, where girls and women can summon the courage to do so, are often dismissed as domestic matters, especially where such violence occurs between spouses. Government, at all levels, must address these concerns to assure our women and girls that we care about their welfare and wellbeing.

TAMUNO'S TASK AT ABUJA INVESTMENT COMPANY

A new Managing Director for the Abuja Investment Company Limited (AICL), Ambassador Maureen Tamuno, was recently appointed by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.

AICL is an investment company for the FCTA, which provides investments for economic development for Abuja and is into asset management, leasing services, infrastructural development, facility management as well as consulting services.

under her watch. These agencies include the Abuja Technology Village (ATV), Abuja Urban Mass Transit Co. Ltd., Abuja Property Development Company (APDC), Abuja Broadcasting Corporation, the Abuja Market Management Ltd. (AMML) and several others.

While commending the minister for bringing the right industry person to head the place, there is the compelling need for the new appointee to focus on some critical subsidiaries of companies like the Abuja Film Village which is one of the FCT super employment and revenue generating agency.

For her potential to be fully harnessed, it will be in the interest of all for the new leader to place a high premium on the

Abuja Film Village International (AFVI) and to adeptly sidestep commotions in the various agencies under her watch which had been attracting negative publicity to the FCT administration.

to mend the disconnect between these agencies under her purview, and actions which further aggravates multidimensional rivalry should be eliminated through fair engagement.

AICL at this crucial time needs a stabilizer who would create a synergy amongst the various agencies, represent a profound the systemic lapses that once plagued the agency.

Before being literally conscripted by FCT Minister, Dr. Tamuno has served Nigeria in many capacities over the years gradually establishing herself career trajectory as a thoroughbred diplomat.

Dr. Tamuno served as the Nigerian High Commissioner to Jamaica, Belize, Haiti, and the Dominican Republic.

less interaction. This bridge-builder, coming right on time, is one with enviable performance records and the capacity to

hold her own and deliver on all assignments.

It is without a doubt that Amb. Tamuno is very well prepared to change the narrative and hopefully acquit herself as

She should hit the ground running, by demonstrating her commitment to using public funds wisely and responsibly, them of a just and fair administration founded on entrenching and maintaining highest standards of accountability and transparency.

tenure should be a notepad which will be a platform to write a legacy of impactful change, and her actions to stand as a testament to her leadership potential that will hold and shape the destinies and the lives of the people of FCT.

The stage is now set for Tamuno’s legacy to continue to and resilience.

BUSINESS WORLD

Aviation Fuel Price Crash Imminent as Dangote Refinery Begins Supply of Petroleum Products

After months to turmoil and near bankruptcy as a result of the prohibitive cost of aviation fuel, Nigerian airlines are celebrating following the news that Dangote Refinery will start supplying the product to them in the coming days.

The airlines, it was learnt, hope to gain financial momentum with expected reduction in the cost of aviation fuel as a result of the development.

Currently, the price of aviation fuel ranges between N1,450 to N1, 500 per litre in Lagos and higher in Abuja, Port Harcourt, with almost N2000 per litre in Kano and Maiduguri. Research shows that aviation fuel constitutes about 60 per cent of cost of operation of domestic airlines and has made flight service unprofitable.

Nigerian airlines have been largely unable to pass the high cost of the product to passengers who are already complaining that cost of ticket has become too high,

hence the noticeable dwindling of passenger movement at the airports.

Airline operators told THISDAY that if they dare increase fares further, traffic would reduce drastically and airlines would go out of business.

Records from the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) showed that more people flew on domestic destination in 2022 than in 2023 and it is projected that if the cost of aviation fuel does not come down, the record of passenger movement this year will be less than the figures of last year.

The CEO of Cleanserve Energy, an oil marketing company and former Managing Director of Arik Air, Mr. Chris Ndulue, told THISDAY that although Dangote Refinery has not started producing aviation fuel, “everyone is expectant that it would soon start and when it does, it is also the expectation of everyone that there will be significant reduction in the price of the product.”

He said the cost of logistics of importing the product would no

more be there because it is being produced locally and expressed the hope that Dangote would not sell the product at the international price.

Also, Dangote will sell the product in Naira, not in dollars; thereby reducing the pressure on the naira and eliminating the struggle marketers go through sourcing for dollars to import the product.

He predicted that the distribution of the product from Dangote would still follow the current system where the product is moved to the Apapa from the refinery and distributed from the tank farms there.

THISDAY also learnt that some marketers have made financial commitment for the supply of the product, which indicates that the selling of Aviation fuel through Nigeria’s latest refinery and one of the biggest in the world, has become imminent.

“Dangote has not started producing aviation fuel; however, everybody is expecting that soon it will start. It is expected that the cost

will be cheaper as he is producing locally. First, there will be significant reduction in logistics cost, which will reduce the price and Dangote will not sell in dollars but in naira. This means that oil marketers will no more source for dollar for importation of the product. Dangote supply will ease the pressure on the naira; it will also reduce our import and give fillip to the recovery of the naira. When the naira is strengthened and these is an end to importation,” Ndulue said.

According to him, when the refinery fully comes on stream Naira will further appreciate on that account because petroleum product import is huge, which could be about 30 per cent of Nigeria’s total import.

He also admitted that the current price of aviation fuel is very high and that explains why airfares are also high, stopping many who hitherto travelled by air to seek alternative means of transport.

Speaking on behalf of Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON), the Chairman of United Nigeria Airlines,

Professor Obiora Okonkwo, said the association would meet with Dangote and have an agreement with the company on the supply of the product to the airlines without passing through oil marketers, adding that through that process, Nigerian airlines will reap full benefit of the cost of the product. He also believes that the price of the product when produced locally ought to be cheaper than when it is imported.

“We need to approach the company. There should be cost reduction. Import costs more but we cannot say until we see his price. I believe AON should make a deal with Dangote without passing through vendors and I heard that vendors have deposited money for the product already,” he said.

Importation, some industry observer said, constitutes a huge forex challenge for Nigeria adding that this explained why aviation fuel is very costly.

Numbers released by the National

Bureau of Statistics (NBS) indicate that Nigeria spent N292.56 billion on the importation of aviation fuel, known as Jet A1 in the first three months of the year – January to March 2022.

An Oil and gas industry publication recently stated that aviation fuel import featured prominently in Nigeria’s trade data for the stated period.

NBS in its Foreign Trade Statistics Report for First Quarter of 2022, said aviation fuel, accounted for 4.96 per cent of Nigeria’s total import of N5.9 trillion, with the commodity ranking the second most imported commodity in the country in the first quarter.

According to the report, aviation fuel import in the first quarter of 2022, represented a significant increase of 287.29 per cent compared to the N75.54 billion spent on its import in the fourth quarter of 2021.

The story continues online on www.thisdaylive.com

IMO Assures Nigeria of Support, Congratulates NIMASA Boss

The Secretary General of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) Arsenio Dominguez has congratulated the Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Dayo Mobereola on his appointment by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

In a conveyance letter personally signed by him, the IMO

Secretary General recognized the strides of the agency in building a robust maritime sector in Nigeria, adding that the IMO commends the significant effort, initiatives, and investment that Nigeria has made in strengthening its maritime institutions.

According to Dominguez, “the focus on strengthening maritime law enforcement and security architecture has been welcomed by seafarers and flag States. The Deep Blue project and the C4i Centre as well as maritime piracy laws under the SPOMO Act are just some of the many investments that have set a new gold standard in the region in maritime security capacity building.

“IMO has long supported the regional role of the Yaoundé Code of Conduct and its Member States in strengthening maritime

security and law enforcement. In this respect, we have been greatly encouraged with the continuation of this regional ownership with the formation and work of the Gulf of Guinea Maritime Collaboration Forum and Shared Awareness and Deconfliction (GoG-MCF/SHADE) in 2021.”

He commended the agency’s partnership with the various

regional bodies, and expressed readiness of the IMO to work with Nigeria and other member states on many maritime issues with the aim of jointly tackling these issues.

“NIMASA’s partnership with the Interregional Coordination Centre (ICC) and the collaboration with the shipping industry, navies and the Yaoundé architecture has been instrumental in suppressing

the threat of piracy to merchant vessels and seafarers in line with UN Security Council resolution 2634 (2022) on piracy and armed robbery in the Gulf of Guinea and IMO Assembly resolution A.1159 (32)”. I look forward to working with you and your colleagues on many of the maritime issues that we are jointly tackling

Air Peace Denies Abandoning Passenger at Gatwick Airport

Nigeria’s major carrier, Air Peace, which started Lagos-London flight service on March 30, 2024, has denied abandoning one of its passengers at its operating airport in London, Gatwick.

In a statement signed by the airline management, it said it never abandoned any of its passengers at the said airport and repudiated the video it alleged was purportedly made to tarnish the airline’s image.

“Our attention has been drawn to a video circulating on social media that Air Peace not only abandoned their passengers at Gatwick Airport, but closed their counter before closing time because the aircraft was overbooked on our London-Lagos flight on Monday, April 8, 2024.

“This video recording was a deliberate and malicious attempt to tarnish the image of Air Peace. In the video, a number of falsehoods were claimed, specifically: firstly, we closed our counter before time.

Secondly, we overbooked our flight and our aircraft was full, hence we quickly closed the door and departed for Lagos. Thirdly, take off time was supposed to be 12:00 noon.

“We want to state categorically that the passenger, who the narrator escorted to the airport, came very late after check-in phase was already concluded and the counter had closed. Gatwick Airport operate by slot timings allocated to each of the airlines operating out of this airport. The check-in operations of airlines are slot-based, and airlines take turns based on their approved times. Once your slot timing is up, you must vacate the counters for the next airline’s utilisation. The check-in process ends at 09:00am, as advised in the Terms and Conditions section of our e-ticket and website, and the counter was vacated by Air Peace in accordance with our slot allocation at 09:55am.

“To ensure passengers do not miss their flights, we send them multiple messages at different times before

their flight - 24hrs, 14hrs and 6hrs before flight departure. Departure for this flight was scheduled for 11:10am, so all processes needed to adhere to this time,” the airline stated.

The statement also said: “It was claimed that we overbooked our flight. The UK Civil Aviation Authority and the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority can attest to the number of passengers on our manifest for the said flight. The aircraft left Gatwick with some seats unoccupied, so no overbooking took place.

“Gatwick Airport has CCTV coverage showing the time the passenger arrived at the airport/ Air Peace counter and the time the maker of this video got to the airport. The late arriving passenger duly paid the no show fee, was booked to travel on a subsequent flight, and therefore the issue was resolved at the airport. It is disappointing that a different version of what transpired has been circulating.

Ethiopian Airlines Group Celebrates 78th Anniversary

Ethiopian Airlines Group, Africa’s largest airline organisation, has marked its 78th anniversary, highlighting a legacy of resilience and innovation since 1946.

Its Group Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Mesfin Tassew and Chief Commercial Officer, Mr. Lemma Yadecha accompanied the crew on a flight to Cairo, marking the airline’s inaugural international service. Their involvement extended beyond in-flight duties, as they also provided assistance to passengers during check-in and boarding processes, ensuring a seamless travel experience.

Ethiopian Airlines Group CEO, Mr. Mesfin Tasew said: “This event symbolises our unwavering

commitment to our passengers and our belief that true leadership lies in serving others first. Serving our passengers on this special flight to Cairo is not just a tribute to our first international service but a reaffirmation of our commitment to the ethos of servant leadership. From our humble beginning back in 1946, we’ve come to be the aviation giant in Africa that we are now, pioneering the African aviation with many first aviation innovation introductions to Africa along the way. As we are maturing beautifully, our commitment only gets stronger.”

In line with Ethiopian’s values of community engagement, passengers received Seasons Greeting Packages and Happy Fasting Messages,

reflecting the airline’s respect for diverse traditions. The packages included a postcard commemorating the anniversary, serving as a tangible reminder of the airline’s enduring legacy.

“Our mission extends beyond transportation. We strive to foster a sense of unity and belongingness among our passengers, regardless of their background or belief. This anniversary is a celebration of unity and diversity. By stepping into the roles of our dedicated ground and flight crew, we honor every individual who has been part of our story. Our service today is a promise of continued service excellence for all our passengers,” said CCO Lemma Yadecha.

IATA Re-examines Single Use of Plastic Products

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has released the report, reassessing single use plastics products in the airline sector to assist airlines, regulators, and the airline supply chain to mitigate the environmental impacts of single use plastic products (SUPP).

The publication is timely as the United National Environmental Program (UNEP) has convened an inter-governmental negotiating committee (INC) to develop an international legally binding agreement on SUPP use by the end of 2024.

SUPP are widely used in aviation due to their strength, lightness, and ability to meet safety and security

regulations. However, the airline sector faces challenges associated with improved cabin waste performance and the replacement of SUPP with sustainable alternatives. In addition, airlines face technical and operational obstacles, and the lack of harmonised and risk-based regulations presents a significant barrier to improving recycling and circularity of waste management. The absence of smart regulation continues to constrain airline efforts to improve the sustainability of cabin operations.

According to the report, collaboration across the aviation value chain is vital to enable the adoption of circular economy principles

and to facilitate the reduction and replacement of SUPP that is necessary for reducing waste and increasing material recovery.

The report advocates for a sectoral approach to managing SUPP in aviation with a clear set of recommendations.

Key recommendations of the report for airlines include: Reducing of waste at source by reviewing standards and procedures through the lens of waste reduction and reuse, and professionally assess the need for SUPP; Set clear targets for the elimination, measurement, and tracking implementation, and disclose progress.

AIR WATCH

Air Peace as Game Changers in Int’l Flights

Chinedu Eze

Nigerians travelling to international destinations have heaved a sigh of relief with the fall in cost of ticket to all destinations. The most affected is the Lagos-London route, from where it is projected that over 1000 people travel from Nigeria to UK every day.

Two factors have been attributed to the fall of the airfares: the entrant of Air Peace to Nigeria’s most lucrative international destination, Lagos-London route and the appreciation of the Naira.

the high cost of ticket in their country to buy cheaper ones outside their shores.

Sophos, a global leader in innovative security solutions, has released the Sophos Active Adversary Report for the first half of 2024.

The report, which analyses more than 150 incident response (IR) cases handled by the Sophos X-Ops IR team in 2023, found that cybercriminals abused remote desktop protocol (RDP)—a common method for establishing remote access on Windows systems, in 90 per cent of attacks.

This, according to the report, is the highest incidence of RDP abuse since Sophos began releasing its Active Adversary reports in 2021, covering data from 2020.

In addition, external remote services such as RDP were the most common vector by which attackers initially breached networks; they were the method of initial access in 65 per cent of IR cases in 2023.

External remote services

have consistently been the most frequent source of initial access for cybercriminals since the Active Adversary reports were launched in 2020, and defenders should consider this a clear sign to prioritise the management of these services when assessing risk to the enterprise.

Analysing the report, Field CTO at Sophos, John Shier, said: “External remote services are a necessary, but risky, requirement for many businesses. Attackers understand the risks these services pose and actively seek to subvert them due to the bounty that lies beyond. Exposing services without careful consideration and mitigation of their risks inevitably leads to compromise. It doesn’t take long for an attacker to find and breach an exposed RDP server, and without additional controls, neither does finding the Active Directory server that awaits on the other side.”

At the height of Naira slump, Business Class was going for N11 million. But a one way economy class ticket from Lagos to London on British Airways which cost N3 million for Economy and N11 million for Business Class, recently dropped to N1.7 million for economy and N6.8million for Business Class respectively.

On Lufthansa, a one way economy class ticket from Lagos to London, which also cost about N3 million and N9 million for Business class now cost N2 million for economy class and N7 million for Business Class.

On Virgin Atlantic, the same destination, which cost about N2 million for Economy, N5 million for Economy Premium and N12 million for Business Class now cost N1.5 million for Economy, N3 million for Premuim and N6 million for Business Class.

For the Lagos- London route, Ethiopian Airlines is the cheapest carrier, charging N838, 000 for a one-way economy class ticket on the route. Passengers have to connect flights on Ethiopian Airlines flight, which obviously would take longer time up to 17 hours.

Qatar Airways charges N900, 000 for a one-way economy class ticket from Lagos to London and will take as much as 36 hours for the travellers to arrive in London. Air Peace, which operates direct flight of six hours on the route, charges about N800, 000 to N1 million for one way ticket.

Other airlines are Asky Airlines and Royal Air Maroc charging N1,049,000 and N1,054,000 respectively with 20 hours and 10 hours flight time respectively.

For Business Class ticket, Air Peace charges the cheapest for a one way ticket on the Lagos-London route with a fare of N1.9million, Royal Air Maroc is N2.1million, Qatar Airways is N2.8million, Turkish Airways N3.8 million, and Lufthansa N5.2 million.

For a one-way economy class ticket on the Lagos-US route, Egypt Air charges the cheapest fare which goes for N1,064,000, Kenya Airways N1.14 million, Qatar N1.4 million, Ethiopian Airlines N1.5million and Royal Air Maroc N1.56 million.

For Business Class tickets, Egypt Air charges the cheapest with a fare of N2.7 million, Kenya Airways N4.8 million, Turkish Airlines N5million, Virgin Atlantic N5million and United Airlines N5.4 million.

Price war has further intensified on the LagosLondon route, as foreign airlines have literally crashed the cost of tickets to the destination.

The President of National Association of Nigeria Travel Agencies (NANTA), Susan Akporiaye, explained that while Air Peace’s arrival has certainly shaken things up, the main reason for the drop in flight ticket prices, particularly with foreign airlines, is the recent appreciation of the Naira.

She explained that the exchange rate plays a crucial role. A ticket that used to cost N1.8 million at N1,800/$1 now comes down to N1.3 million with the Naira at N1200/$1. She said although the dollar price of the ticket remains the same, the lower naira exchange rate makes it more affordable for Nigerian travellers.

Speaking at the pre-48th Annual General Meeting (AGM) media conference in Lagos on Tuesday, Akporiaye disclosed that last year when airfares were so high there was drop in ticket sales; however, a lot of Nigerians travelled but they bought their tickets from outside Nigeria’s jurisdiction like the neighboring countries, including Benin, Togo and Ghana, which must have recorded high increase in ticket sales enhanced by Nigerian travellers who shunned

This was because while the lower inventory was closed for Nigerians, it was open for other countries in foreign currency; so, Nigerians were buying the cheap tickets from other countries and travelling with the same airlines in Nigeria and elsewhere, thus diminishing ticket sales records in Nigeria and boosting that of neigbouring countries.

“It was difficult for us to be able to get foreign exchange. The restrictions put by the airlines because of foreign exchange availability led to the drop in sales from Nigeria. Our members had to put up survival mechanism.

“Majority of the tickets we sold were out of Nigeria. Those sales were not attributed to the Nigerian market. If we are going to access the Ghana market or any West African country market, they would see an unusual growth, while it is a downward trend for the Nigerian market. This is because the airlines closed the lower inventories while the same lower inventories were open in other markets,” she further explained.

But there has been a lot of improvement this year. The start of Air Peace service to London curbed the avarice on the route and the fact that the flights are affordable and passengers can buy with naira makes it even more competitive. The icing on the cake is the appreciation of the naira which continues with upward trend in the forex market.

The country manager of one of the international airline who is based in Lagos, told THISDAY that Air Peace operation to London helped tame the fares but beyond London, fares are generally coming down because naira is appreciating against all major currencies and this is reflecting in the fares.

Travel expert and Founder of Akwaaba African Travel Market, Ambassador Ikechi Uko also told THISDAY that before Air Peace joined the London-Lagos route, there were particular airlines that airlifted Nigerians at relatively low fares and these include Qatar Airways, Royal Air Maroc, Ethiopian Airlines, which he said opened its lowest inventory for Nigerian passengers.

On how Air Peace entry into the London route has jolted the market, the travel expert told THISDAY that the competition is on, but premium passengers would still remain with the legacy airline, British Airways and that BA would use well known old rule by offering about 40 seats on very low fares, possibly lower than Air Peace fares on every flight to push for stiffer competition and during low season BA may extend the low fares to 80 seats or more, while holding tightly to business and first class cabin prices.

He remarked that BA has old clientele with mile accumulation that has existed for years, noting that Air Peace is the only Nigerian carrier that operated that Lagos-London route with very good Business Class and First Class product, disclosing that previous Nigerian carriers that operated the route never recorded high load factor on Business Class, “which is where the money is.”

Uko also told THISDAY that for a long-haul flight in-flight service remained key.

“Good in-flight service will take away from the passengers the lethargies of traveling for long distance. I travelled Business Class from Kenya and when I returned I went straight to my office and started working because I did not feel exhausted or cramped,” he said.

With affordable fares more Nigerians are going to travel and this will drive up passenger traffic and enhance a juicier market. But the Naira will be strengthened further if Nigerians patronise indigenous carriers on international routes.

Air Peace: The Local International Airline of Choice

You would need an oxymoron to describe the trajectory of Air Peace Airlines in the nation’s aviation industry, especially on the European route, which is dominated by foreign operators in the absence of a national carrier. If you do that, then Air Peace is our local international airline of choice.

From seven aircraft in 2013 when it debuted into the nation’s aviation industry, flying a few routes, Air Peace has expanded to a regional, a continental, and now an international airline. Air Peace is taking the aviation industry by storm - smooth storm.

On the local scene, the airline is weathering the storm stoically, and flying passengers to almost every part of the country. On the regional and parts of Africa, it is firming its dominance too. It flies to China, India, South Africa, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE before the disagreements between Nigeria and the gulf state led to the suspension of that route.

But of all these routes, none has excited Nigerians more like the Lagos - London Gatwick route, which the airline launched on March 30, 2024.

As the launch date approached, the traveling public waited with bated breath, excitement and trepidation. There was apprehension because past efforts to break into the lucrative Lagos - London route by Nigerian flag carriers and AirPeace in particular had been frustrated by what the Chairman and CEO of the airline, Chief Allen Onyema, CON, termed “dirty international aero politics.”

The day finally came and Chief Onyema and his AirPeace family pulled it off in the most spectacular fashion possible.

For far too long, Nigerians have had to pay exorbitant fares to fly to foreign lands and all efforts made by Nigerian flag carriers to checkmate this failed. Such airlines as Arik, Bellview, Medview, Air Nigeria, attempted to break the monopoly of the lucrative Lagos - London route, but were frustrated by both unwilling international and corrupt aviation officials. On the Nigerian side, corrupt aviation officials who make a kill by helping these foreign operators fleece the people of their hard earned money stood firmly against efforts to turn things around.

Not anymore!

Thanks to Air Peace Airlines dogged fight and eventual forays into the lucrative route, foreign airline have suddenly woken up to the urgency of now and the realities that the days of their monopolistic dominance are over. Unfortunately, they have started a dirty price war to frustrate Air Peace. They have lowered their fares and Nigerians must resist this dirty war.

To understand what Air Peace has just done, let’s look at the events that preceded the maiden flight of the nation’s bourgeoning airline.

According to Onyema, it took Air Peace seven years to get the necessary certifications and clearances before they could get into London. He said the airline was faced with both internal external conspiracies and that dirty the international aero politics stalled all efforts to fly into London.

Chief Onyema recalled that despite applying for the Technical Country Operators (TCO) permit, the road still remained rough because the Nigerian authorities denied knowing Air Peace Undaunted by this international aero politics, Air Peace kept pushing and finally got the necessary approvals and clearance to fly into London Gatwick. The airline, he said, “had insisted on flying into London Heathrow which is not just popular among Nigerian travelers, but a little closer

to central London. The UK authorities denied the airline permission to fly into Heathrow, citing unavailability of space.

“The choice of Southern Terminal, Gatwick Airport for the airline’s flight operations to London is because the United Kingdom refused to totally honour its bilateral aviation safety agreement, BASA, with Nigeria,” Chief Onyema told newsmen.

Speaking on The Morning Show, an Arise TV programme, Onyema said that when Air Peace applied for a terminal at Heathrow, UK’s primary airport, the airline was denied the necessary permission.

He said that although Gatwick was not his preferred choice, “it has turned out to be even better than Heathrow due to the numerous options it provides for passengers.”

His words: “The BASA we signed with the UK is this: You give me your primary airport, we give you ours. British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, both of them come into my country (Nigeria) using our primary airports – Lagos and Abuja. When we applied, they told us Heathrow was not available to us. They even suggested Stansted or Luton airports, which I found very insulting. They also suggested Gatwick, but I refused because I wanted to go to Heathrow, their primary airport.

“After some time, I saw that they wanted to frustrate us. So, I said let us go anywhere even if they wanted us to go to Scotland. We started to take Gatwick, which was

not really our choice. In the long run, we saw some good in it. Most of our people are down the Southeastern part of London. At the same time, when you look at the traffic situation in Heathrow to the centre of London, it is very excruciating, but from Gatwick, they alloted the Southern Terminal to Air Peace.

“And when you get to the Southern Terminal, you get out of immigration, take your luggage and you get into the Gatwick express train within three minutes, which will take you to Victoria right into cen tral London.”

While this international aero politics was playing out, Air Peace kept its cool and continued to w ork behind the scene with the new minister of aviation and aerospace management, Festus Keyamo, SAN. The March 30 maiden flight was the result of all that patience and hardwork.

As the flight prepared to take off, the crème of the society joined the chairman of AirPeace to cling the glasses and celebrate this milestone.

The flight took off on schedule, landed on schedule, and ever since then it has been testimonies galore. There has not been one single negative report from a cross section of Nigerians who were opportuned to be among the early birds of the big bird - the Beoing 777 otherwise known as triple seven. The airline has as a result of the surge of interest from passengers decided to allocate more seats to the route and add additional equipment in the likes of Boeing 787 Dreamliner.

The inflight menu had remained one of the hallmarks of the flight. For the first time in the nation’s recent aviation history, passengers were afforded the opportunity of choosing Nigerian dishes. According to some of the passengers, tasty local cuisine were served by the crew. Watching the accounts of the passengers will leave you salivating and looking forward to that day you’d fly AirPeace to London.

The story continues online on www.thisdaylive.com

Dr Omotola Bamigbaiye: Tales of an Indefatigable Woman

Trapped in a world of ebbs and curves as a child, Dr. Omotola Bamigbaiye learnt to overcome her fears by embracing her imperfections and chasing her dreams unapologetically. Now, she is telling others to do the same through her new memoir, writes  Vanessa Obioha

Dr Omotola Bamigbaiye was having a busy day recently on a Tuesday afternoon. Since I arrived at her residence on the Mainland, her phone has incessantly buzzed. Calls demanded attention, messages awaited replies. A delivery person sought directions, while an event planner eagerly outlined upcoming arrangements. With each ring and ping, the chaos intensified, leaving Bamigbaiye overwhelmed.

“Please, let me quickly respond to these messages so that you will have my undivided attention,” she pleaded, rapidly tapping on her phone.

Bamigbaiye’s bustling state was not solely driven by her career roles as a seasoned marketing professional or an adjunct lecturer at the University of Lagos. Instead, it was her birthday, coinciding with the launch of her new memoir titled ‘Imperfectly Awesome: Embracing and Becoming a Wholesome You.’

Therefore, amid the birthday wishes were calls from her dedicated team, finalizing the details of the memoir’s launch.

Over the past three years, Bamigbaiye has meticulously documented fragments of her life’s journey. Each challenge she faced and conquered was intentionally recorded.

“As a stutterer, I wasn’t talking a lot. I was rather writing. When I left my relationship, I wrote about how I felt. When I left my job, I did the same. When I started a new career, I did the same. So every time I encountered a challenge, I penned down my thoughts.”

As she reorganized her scribbled notes, they gradually coalesced into the narrative of a book.

Reflecting on her decision to share her story, Bamigbaiye remarked, “Why not tell the story?”

In her view, a memoir is a testament that should not be left untold. Despite questions from friends about why she chose to write a memoir at 46, Bamigbaiye saw no better time than the present.

“I don’t need a landmark birthday or a special occasion,” she affirmed. “I just want to tell my story at a time that seems right.”

While ‘Imperfectly Awesome: Embracing and Becoming a Wholesome You’ may not capture her entire life story, Bamigbaiye felt a compelling urgency to share her experiences thus far. According to her, one can never know who needs their light.

“Every chapter of this book is about an experience that had happened to me, and how I overcame it, a bit of advice to people who might also be in the same situation and how they can stand strong for themselves.”

The memoir chronicles Bamigbaiye’s journey of overcoming her stuttering disability from her early years, alongside navigating various challenges in her career and relationships. Written in the first-person narrative, she captivates readers with her simple yet elegant writing style, weaving vivid imagery of her experiences that will undoubtedly inspire. Each chapter opens with a compelling encounter, ranging from humorous to daring. For example, in the Introduction, she recounted attending a job interview while heavily pregnant, leaving the interviewers in a perplexed state as they wondered if she could endure the interview or if the baby would arrive before its conclusion.

“I got the job eventually,” she said amusingly.

In Chapter Five, she narrated a captivating encounter with a man she met at an event, where an instant connection led to the start of a seemingly fairy-tale relationship. Unfortunately,  the initial allure did not lead to a lasting relationship, leaving Bamigbaiye grappling with self-doubt and insecurities, from her weight to her looks and parenting. Nevertheless, she found the courage to rise above her imperfections and pursue her dreams with renewed determination.

Each chapter in the memoir is complemented by a profound life lesson, inspiring readers to navigate their own challenges with resilience and perseverance.

As the only child among her siblings who experienced stuttering, Bamigbaiye found herself trapped in her own world of pauses and stumbles.

“I was the only stutterer I knew until I grew up and realised it was okay to be a stutterer.”

Her speech impediment was severe, leading her to refrain from expressing herself out of fear of ridicule and mockery from peers and siblings. Fortunately, her mother provided support, discouraging any jests directed at her disability and assisting her in completing sentences. During these moments of encouragement, Bamigbaiye found solace and did not feel as self-conscious about her stutter. However, there were occasions when the fear of interaction with others was overwhelming. Although her parents tried to protect her by limiting her social outings, whenever she did venture outside, the fear of her inability to communicate effectively loomed large.

“Asking for directions was a big deal,” she recalled. “Some words just get stuck. It was the fear of talking to someone new. That fear itself gripped me in my throat that the words wouldn’t come out. But if I talk with someone I’m familiar with, I wouldn’t feel anything.”

to manage them effectively. Moreover, her journey with stammering has instilled in her a heightened sense of empathy towards others facing similar challenges. Bamigbaiye also delved into the impact of her parents in her memoir, particularly her mother, who made the sacrifice of resigning from work to raise her. Witnessing her mother’s determination to provide for the family served as a powerful inspiration, encouraging her to pursue her dreams fearlessly, regardless of any obstacles.

Throughout the memoir, she vividly captured cherished moments that exemplified the values her parents imparted. For instance, she recounted a time when she got lost on a journey with her mother. In another, she reflected on her father’s approach to discipline, recalling how he kept them engaged indoors with multiple assignments while they awaited their respective returns.

especially when you are in the professional space. Some people feel that one is taking over the other. They think that you probably didn’t have time for your husband, that’s why your marriage broke down or time for your children, that’s why they turned out this way.

“Striking the balance between career and home is too challenging for a woman. And being a single mother, there was this stereotype that something had to give for me to be where I was. No, it didn’t have to be. The relationship didn’t work. That doesn’t mean that I was a bad wife or that I superseded my work over my husband.”

Through the process of writing her memoir, Bamigbaiye gained invaluable lessons in resilience and self-confidence.

“The book has taught me that I don’t need the validation of other people and to invite my guests to my own table. If you don’t get a seat at the table, create your own table. Don’t force yourself into where you are not invited. I have learned to create my own table, invite my own guests and manage who sits at the table.”

Certainly, Bamigbaiye’s table is full- with a buzzing phone as a constant reminder of her busy life. Why be idle when one can be busy impacting lives?

An entire chapter is dedicated to her journey of overcoming the fear of speaking to strangers when seeking directions. Her ability to conquer this fear was fueled by her tenacity and conviction that her stutter should not hinder her progress.

“My parents gave me values. If I look at the generation of today I don’t see the same values in all honesty. We would kneel to greet, prostrate before our elders, get off the seats when an elderly person comes in,  and stand up to shake an elderly person. Today’s children nod their heads to greet elders.  And I’m constantly correcting my kids on the proper way to greet them. The values which they’ve instilled in us have helped us to become better parents today.”

This resilience permeates throughout her memoir, serving as a recurring theme.

“Nothing should hold you back. You should not judge yourself before judging others,” she said, explaining why she introduced her book with her job interview encounter.

“I had two challenges: I was heavily pregnant and I was a stutterer but I went to the job interview all the same. It didn’t matter. So the book is about hope and inspiration; a book that tells you that you are enough, and no matter what the circumstances or situations are, you should have the courage to fight, and the strength to keep going as long as you don’t stop. So every chapter has an embodiment of courage, tenacity and hope.”

There were numerous instances where she had to confront her fears of stammering such as when she embarked on a career in lecturing.

“I lost my job for a few months and I needed to get a job. I met my old professor at the University of Lagos and told him I was seeking employment. He offered me a lecturing job at Ajayi Crowther University in Oyo.”

Despite not getting support from her husband at the time, Bamigbaiye still went ahead with the job.

“It was my first time lecturing. I just knew that I had to resume class that morning,” she said, recounting her first ordeal as a lecturer.

“I just started sweating and the pools of sweat accumulated on my chest and rolled down my armpits. The energy to talk was not there. And for the first time, I literally read through a textbook. My legs were shaking and I had to put my hands in my pockets to gain composure. By the time I had my second lecture, I was more confident. I was surprised that the students did not laugh or make jests at me.”

“Every chapter of this book is about an experience that had happened to me, and how I overcame it, a bit of advice to people who might also be in the same situation and how they can stand strong for themselves.”

The strict upbringing turned out advantageous as it introduced Bamigbaiye to the world of literature. Even though there were no novels at home, she found solace in newspapers, devouring every publication with fervour. This early exposure to writing styles and diverse topics inspired her passion for literature and even sparked the consideration of a career in law. But she ended up studying Insurance and holds a doctorate in Marketing. She is currently the Marketing and Innovation Director of pladis Global.

Over time, Bamigbaiye gradually conquered her fears of speaking in public settings, reaching a point where she confidently delivered keynote speeches. While occasional stumbles still occur, she has honed her ability

king Her g d utter y hout eme. You ging she gg view vily went dn’t and that the ould ngth top g nt of here ring reer g nd I ssor im I me a rsity her went new ng,” as a g ools and y ime, y ands the more ents ered ngs, ntly g onal y bility

today ppy pp pgg gg ggy g ppgy ppg py pgy gy ppp pp p pyg yg g p g ppy pp

Being a stutterer has also helped her to express herself openly.

“Whenever I’m in a class or a session, I say upfront that my speech is stuttered and that they will experience it at some point, that gives me a soft landing. It has made people accommodate my speech impediment.”

A single mother herself, Bamigbaiye addressed the stigmatisation usually placed on single mothers.

yp y py pp p gg pp ypp p g gy g g a career woman gg

“Being a single mother and a career woman is challenging,

Agatha’s Interior Design Celebrates Three Decades of Class, Style

L-R:

Adesign and lifestyle-driven company, Agatha’s Interior Design Limited (AIDL), last weekend, marked its 30th anniversary in a spectacular display of pomp and pageantry.

Since its inception in 1994, Agatha’s Interior, whose primary mission is to be the foremost residential, project and hospitality furniture and accessories leader in Nigeria, has been committed to excellence, innovation, and customer satisfaction, and this milestone celebration marks the company’s momentous journey of growth and success.

Over the years, Agatha’s Interior has grown from a modest startup to a prominent player in the interior design sector.

Through unwavering dedication and a relentless pursuit of

excellence, the company has successfully executed several residential and office furnishing projects for prominent private and corporate clients satisfactorily.

Speaking during a press conference to announce its 30th anniversary, the Chief Executive Officer\Founder, Agatha EricUdorie, said that to celebrate this significant milestone in its existence, the company was also being rebranded. “Today is the 30th year celebration of Agatha’s Interior Design Limited and also the re-branding of theAgatha logo. If you know us very well, we were blue and yellow but now we have rebranded to soft pink, brown Russian red, burgundy and green - moving from the old to the new”, she noted.

Buttressing on the inspiration behind the rebrand, she said, “I have a young daughter who just

graduated from the University of the Arts, London and she read Interior Design while I have done 30 years and she is coming on board, she wants to have her colours. And then, change is constant and I am also happy to rebrand. I am almost 60 years old and I am trying to be young. So, the colours that are associated with youngsters are the colours I have accepted. We are all trying to look fresh and those colours are fresh.”

Eric-Udorie was quick to add that hard work, determination and tenacity have kept her standing in the last three decades, adding, “What is standing for us continuously is that I have an eye for detail. I know what to choose. I can go to the Mushin market and choose a fabric. If I were to pay for that fabric in the UK, I would probably be paying for it at 60

pounds per metre but I get it for N6,000 here. So, you must have an eye for details, be consistent and you must love what you do. I eat, sleep and wake up design.”

Inspired by the likes of Ms Phil Makenzie, a half-English and half-Urhobo, who ran a furniture firm in the ‘90s and the Late Mr Franco Gassani, an Italian who used to deal in marble products for furniture, Eric-Udorie, a young professionally trained Nurse turned professional interior designer, who exudes a rare mix of deep passion and intuitive knowledge, through what could be described as a fascinating twist in fate, found herself being tutored in the workshop of the aforementioned mentors, which eventually led to the birth of the success story called Agatha’s Interior Design Limited, being told today.

Bukky Wright Makes Nollywood Comeback on Rixel Studio’s Latest Project

Bukky Wright, a renowned Nollywood actress, is set to make a comeback in Rixel Studio’s latest project. The project is expected to provide a platform for the actress to showcase her acting skills to a wider audience.

Thisdevelopmentisasignificant one for both Rixel Studio and the Nigerian film industry as a whole as it is believed that the project will contribute to the growth and development of Nollywood by presenting fresh and captivating content to viewers.

Consequently, Rixel Studios, owned by Nora Awolowo, has introduced the cast for this highly anticipated feature-length film production titled, “Red Circle”. In a captivating video release, the audiencewastreatedtoasneakpeek of the exceptional talent behind the film.Aside from Bukky Wright, the productionboastsamixofseasoned veteransandcurrentfaces,eachwith auniquebackgroundandsetofskills that will undoubtedly contribute to anunforgettableviewingexperience.

DirectedbyAMVCAnomineeAkay

Mason, this action thriller marks the return of the legendary Bukky Wright from retirement, featuring other notable actors such as Folu Storms, Timini Egbuson, Tobi Bakre, Lateef Adedimeji, Chief Femi Branch, Omowumi Dada, Mike Afolarin, Ruggedy Baba, Debo Macaroni, and others.

Thecastrevealvideo,availablefor viewing, offers a tantalizing glimpse into the world of “Red Circle,” written by AMVCA nominee Abdul Tijani-Ahmed, who co-produced thefilmwithAMVCAwinner,Nora

Awolowo.

Thefilm,settobeagroundbreaking Nollywood event, promises to be a memorable cinematic experience.

The full cast list includes notable names such as Folu Storms, Femi Branch, Bukky Wright, Debo Adedayo(Macaroni), Tobi Bakre, Lateef Adedimeji, Omowunmi Dada, Ruggedman, Mike Afolarin, Timini Egbuson, Ibrahim Suleiman, Lizzy Jay, Detola Jones, Williams Benson, Taye Arimoro, Inem King, and Shamz Garba.

GTCO Food and Drink Festival Set for 7th EditionPromoting Cultural Tourism Will Drive Economic Growth- Says Minister of Tourism

The 7th edition of the highly anticipated culinary festival in Africa, the GTCO Food and Drink Festival, has been announced by Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc (GTCO). The festival is scheduled to take place from Friday, April 26th to Sunday, April 28th, at GTCentre, Plot 1 Water Corporation Drive, Oniru, Victoria Island, Lagos. The GTCO Food and Drink Festival is considered the largest food and drink festival in Africa, where millions of food lovers and entrepreneurs come together to celebrate the diverse culinary heritage ofAfrica. Over three days, attendees can enjoy a variety of culinary delights, from traditional African dishes to innovative fusion cuisines from around the world. The festival will also feature live cooking demonstrations, tasting sessions, and hundreds of food retailers showcasing a diverse range of mouth-watering offerings.

Group Chief Executive Officer of Guaranty Trust Holding Company

Plc, Segun Agbaje, expressed his delight in bringing this event to customers, exhibitors, and food lovers from across Africa and beyond. He stated that the event is not just a celebration of food, but of the unique cultures and traditions that make African cuisine so special. The festival aims to create memorable moments for everyone while providing a free and commercially viable platform for small food businesses in Nigeria to grow and thrive. Apart from its culinary offerings, the GTCO Food and Drink Festival is known for its family-friendly atmosphere. This year, the festival has curated an extensive lineup of activities for children, including a specially designed play area with games, interactive exhibits, and a children’s baking class. The class is a new and exciting feature that provides young aspiring chefs with a wonderful opportunity to discover the joys of baking, while also fostering creativity and confidence in the kitchen.

Yinka Olatunbosun

The Honourable Minister of Tourism, Lola Ade-John has declared that promoting cultural tourism will help to drive economic growth.

She disclosed this at the opening of the King Kosoko Memorial Museum in Lagos Island recently. The event which was an assemblage of cultural enthusiasts and custodians of history is a significant move by the royal family of King Kosoko to shape the cultural narrative in Lagos.

The Minister described the unveiling of the King Kosoko Memorial Museum as a reminder of the rich history that defines Nigeria, particularly Lagos State.

She said: “The King Kosoko Memorial Museum preserves and showcases our forebears’ legacies, echoing stories of resilience, creativity, and cultural diversity

ROTARY CLUB OF LAGOS HONOURS PEACE ADVOCATES

The Rotary Club of Lagos recently recognised individuals who have contributed significantly to peace and conflict resolution in the Lagos community.

The awards were given as part of the global observation of World Peace and Understanding Day, and they reflect the Club’s enduring commitment to promoting peacebuilding and conflict resolution at both local and global levels.

According to the Club’s Director of Public Image, Ifeoma Williams, the awards embedded in the principles of peace and understanding, underscored the club’s enduring dedication to promoting peacebuilding and conflict resolution at both local and global levels.

The awardees included the Baale of Ishaga Adesola, Ojokoro, Ifako Ijaiye LGA, who was recognised for his exemplary leadership in conflict resolution and dedication to building human capital that has earned him recognition as a beacon of peace in the community.

Honourable Hakeem Ibrahim Bakare Olawale was awarded for his selfless service to the Ifako Gbagada community, coordinating youth initiatives, and providing essential support services during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Mrs. Oluwadamilola Mercy Onabanjo, who is a Higher Law Enforcement Traffic Superintendent at the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), was awarded for her dedication to public service. Her expertise in traffic management and unwavering commitment to promoting road safety have earned her widespread admiration.

Fatima Yerima Askira, the Founder of Borno Women Development Initiative, was recognized for her exceptional peace-building efforts in Northeastern Nigeria. Although she was unable to attend the ceremony, Mohammed Isa Bukar was present to accept the award on her behalf.

The event was led by Rotarian Toki Mabogunje, the chairperson of the event, who presented the annual Rotary Club of Lagos Peace prizes and awards to the recipients.

The ceremony highlighted the transformative impact of peace advocacy and celebrated individuals who have made significant contributions to promoting peace and resolving conflicts.

President of the Rotary Club of Lagos, Major General Abiodun Role (Rtd), acknowledged the importance of peacebuilding in today’s world and emphasised the Club’s enduring commitment to peace and understanding.

He urged members to continue their efforts in making a positive difference in the community.

“Rotary Club of Lagos sets aside a day in February, which is the month for World Peace and Understanding Day, and we use it as a venue to recognise individuals, and groups within the community that have ensured that conflicts within the community.

“We also look at those who have given their time and their work to the sustenance of the less privileged. And that is exactly what you are witnessing here today”, he noted.

CELEB CLINIC SPA BY VCP OFFERS

Celeb Clinic Spa by VCP has recently hosted its Grand Opening event, marking a significant milestone in the transformation of the wellness and hospitality scene in Lagos.

that shape our identity.

“Museums, beyond artifacts, serve as beacons of enlightenment, fostering understanding and appreciation of our past while guiding our future steps. In a world of globalisation and technological advancement, institutions like this museum project authenticity, reminding us of our country’s beauty and complexity.”

She further reiterated the commitment of the Federal Ministry of Tourism to recognising and harnessing cultural institutions’ immense potential in advancing our national tourism agenda.

She added: “Collaborating with the museum presents opportunities to promote cultural tourism, drive economic growth, and foster social cohesion.”

Located in the vibrant Victoria Island neighbourhood, it is the first of its kind in Lagos, offering a comprehensive range of state-of-the-art treatments and services to transform the wellness landscape of the city.

The spa is committed to providing unparalleled experiences by offering top-notch services through a team of certified aestheticians and licensed medical professionals who offer consultation and education as a priority. Celeb Clinic Spa by VCP collaborates with Afrimedical Aesthetics by Mikano, a prestigious medical institution, to provide advanced wellness solutions and expert care.

The integration of hospitality and medical expertise makes Celeb Clinic Spa by VCP unique. It provides guests with an opportunity to enhance their well-being while enjoying the comfort and convenience of a luxury hotel stay.

The Grand Opening event allowed esteemed guests to experience the high-quality facilities, innovative treatments and non-invasive procedures available at the spa. Munachi Ogbonna, COO and Owners Rep, VCP Hotels, stated that the mission of Celeb Clinic Spa by VCP is to push the limits of wellness by offering refined and state-of-the-art services.

The spa is committed to raising the bar in the wellness industry by focusing on quality, service, and innovation. It effectively bridges the gap between medical treatments and serene relaxation getaways. Nancy Chady, Clinical Trainer Specialist, expressed her excitement about the remarkable possibilities that Celeb Clinic Spa by VCP holds in reshaping the wellness industry in Lagos and its environs. Celeb Clinic Spa by VCP is a one-stop wellness location that aligns with wellness and hospitality, with the entire space speaking of healing and calmness.

Spanish Navy Ship Strengthens Support for Nigerian Navy’s Regional Seapower

Chiemelie Ezeobi

To underscore the shared commitment between Nigeria and Spain in enhancing maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea (GoG) waters, Spanish Navy Ship (SNS) BAM FUROR, recently visited the Western Naval Command (WNC) of the Nigerian Navy (NN) in Apapa, Lagos.

The visit was strategic given the role the NN plays as a regional seapower in the fight against maritime crimes in the GoG region.

The vessel and Spanish diplomatic team in Nigeria, were received by the WNC Flag Officer Commanding (FOC), Rear Admiral Mustapha Hassan, who reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to deepen their cooperation to address security challenges and promote peace and prosperity in the GoG region.

Beyond this, he mentioned the expanded trade collaboration between Nigeria and Spain, noting that the positive trade balance was for the benefit of both nations, just as he expressed optimism for future economic partnerships.

On the part of the NN, he said the recent high-level interactions between the Nigerian Navy and its Spanish counterpart resulted in the recent visit by the Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Ikechukwu Ogalla, to Spain, which he noted was aimed at enhancing cooperation in training and military exchanges.

He said: “Very soon, the result of that talk will roll out and I know it has to do with training, shipbuilding, and other military exchanges which are a positive outcome expected from such a visit.

“We will continue to collaborate towards maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea, and make all efforts to improve bilateral relations between our two countries.

“I am really happy that things are blossoming between the two countries and we have started stacking up the building blocks one after the other and are making

Praising Spain’s proactive engagement in maritime security collaborations within the Gulf of Guinea over time, Rear Admiral Hassan pointed out that Spain’s membership in the G7++ Friends of the Gulf of Guinea and its active participation in initiatives like the annual Exercise OBANGAME EXPRESS demonstrates a shared dedication to regional stability.

progress.

“Another plus for our relationship is that Nigeria has a positive balance of trade with Spain and the figures for 2023 are very encouraging and we look forward to more trading collaborations.

“Nigeria has been on the positive side regarding the balance of trade with Spain and we look forward to expanding our trade corridor with the country and are also available to help Spain as the need arises.”

Earlier on, the Spanish Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr Juan Sell, who said Spain was part of the European Union’s Coordinated Maritime presence to preserve maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea, noted that both countries have a common challenge especially in securing trading and other activities at sea. He said: “Our maritime security is your maritime security too and we are happy to see that collaboration between the coastal states

of the Gulf of Guinea and other navies is yielding good results.

“We know that the country has embarked on a process of renewal and Spain wants to be part of that process so we are ready to support Nigeria and its Navy. With each visit of our ships to Lagos and Nigeria, we are building and growing a strong relation between the two navies and countries.”

Commending the Nigerian Navy for the leading role it plays in maritime security in

How Migration Can Fuel Africa’s Rise

Ibukun, a 26-year-old software developer in the IT department of one of Nigeria’s tier-one banks, recently resigned. When asked why he resigned, he said: “I gained entry into one of the online boot camps organised by an international tech company to develop my skills further and write exams, and I would qualify for a job role thereafter.”

The infectious courage displayed by this young man is replicated across the length and breadth of the African continent today. From the bustling streets of Lagos to the serene landscapes of Nairobi, the mass exodus of African talent is palpable. Fuelled by economic disparities, climate uncertainties, and geopolitical shifts, millions are crossing borders in pursuit of brighter futures.

It is not a new phenomenon. Throughout history, people of all ages, races, and social classes have migrated across borders. This movement, a fundamental aspect of human existence, has shaped nations, driven progress, and created wealth. Driven by the desire for better opportunities, safety, and health, migrants have continuously sought new places to live and work.

Migration occurs for various reasons and manifests in different forms. These include urban-rural (or vice versa) migration within a country, intra-continental migration within a continent, and international migration across borders. For this discussion, the focus will be specifically on international migration.

Since the beginning of 2022, there’s been a significant rise in people migrating across borders. This upsurge is likely due to a combination of factors, including the recent economic hardship caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, worsening climate issues, and political unrest in some regions. According to the United Nations, around 2.3 million Africans yearly migrate from Africa to Europe and the Americas. This adds to the already large number of Africans living abroad, with an estimated total of 170 million Africans spread across the globe. The mass migration of Africans can be attributed to several factors. A key driver is the desire for economic improvement, fueled by the continent’s underdevelopment and young population. However, this seemingly negative trend also presents opportunities that can be leveraged for its growth.

Despite the challenges it presents, international migration is a significant economic force. It generates an annual output of around $9 trillion globally, which is expected to more than double by 2050, reaching $20 trillion a year. This presents a unique opportunity for African businesses and governments. By being proactive, they can leverage this trend and

turn a seemingly negative situation into a positive one.

The outcome of this mass migration scenario, whether it poses a threat or presents an opportunity for businesses and governments across Africa, hinges on its management. Here are some strategies African countries can adopt to reframe migration as an opportunity and leverage its potential benefits.

DISCOUNT THE LOSS

There’s a tendency to focus on the downsides of migration, such as businesses losing skilled workers, manufacturers facing decreased demand, and societies losing their brightest minds. However, a different perspective exists. Africa faces high unemployment, with a vast gap between jobs needed and jobs created. Sub-Saharan Africa needs 18 million new jobs annually but only creates 3 million. Meanwhile, developed economies are experiencing an ageing population and a critical shortage of workers. By mid-2022, the world’s 30 largest economies had 30 million unfilled jobs, representing an aggregate $1 trillion to $3 trillion in lost productivity annually.

This presents a unique opportunity.

African governments can partner with countries facing labour shortages through bilateral agreements. These agreements could involve creating training centres in Africa for young people to develop skills needed in the partner countries. The international partners would provide training resources, while African nations would recruit and train their citizens. Additionally, a portion

of the salaries earned by these workers could be directed back to their home countries, boosting foreign reserves and investments. This type of collaboration is already happening. For example, Egypt and Greece recently signed a deal allowing 5,000 Egyptian seasonal farm workers to fill 30,000 open positions in Greece for nine months.

GAINS FOR AFRICA GOVERNMENTS

Through this partnership, African governments can establish a pipeline of skilled African youth who can be exported to generate foreign exchange inflows. Some may also be retained to address domestic skill shortages. Research indicates that there are approximately 50 million unemployed and unemployable youth across Africa, such that if jobs were created, there would be a gap in the skilled workforce to take up the roles. The revenue generated from expatriate taxes will be remitted to the governments of the originating countries, and migrants also send money back home to support their families. For instance, a recent Central Bank of Nigeria report revealed that international remittances exceeded $1.3 billion in February 2024. This trend of international remittances to Africa has increased and has become a significant source of foreign exchange earnings for many African countries. For example, Kenya’s diaspora remittances surpass its export earnings combined, with a projected growth of 3.7% in 2024.

Moreover, migrants often reinvest capital and transmit innovative ideas to their countries of origin, leveraging global networks for mutual benefit.

Additionally, bilateral cooperation enables governments to gather comprehensive data on citizens leaving the country, enhancing their ability to protect their interests and reducing incidental costs for embassies abroad. This arrangement also alleviates short- to medium-term unemployment pressures on the government and reduces the demand for foreign exchange, which is required for visa fees, travel expenses, and proof of sustenance.

Furthermore, governments can create an enabling environment for local businesses to thrive around human resources development and the value chain, fostering economic growth.

GAINS FOR INTERNATIONAL PARTNERS

Conversely, international partners benefit from a reliable workforce stream to fill their burgeoning job vacancies, thereby maintaining internal revenue flow. Some migrants may

the region, he added that the NN was in the right direction and well oriented towards its mission to benefit Nigeria and the region in the long run. While emphasising the common challenges faced by both countries in safeguarding maritime trade and activities at sea as well as the critical need for collaborative action, he expressed Spain’s solidarity with Nigeria’s maritime security endeavors, while pledging continued support to bolster the capabilities of the NN.

also be retained to bolster population growth, support ageing populations, and stimulate economic growth in host countries.

Migrants contribute substantially to their host countries, with an estimated 85% of their earnings spent locally. They also facilitate the transfer of knowledge and enrich societal diversity and culture. For instance, cities like New York have thrived on the contributions of migrants, enhancing diversity across various facets of society, from cuisine to art and economic output.

According to a report by Boston Consulting Group, a significant portion of Fortune 500 companies owe their origins to immigrants, with 45% founded by either immigrants or their children. Additionally, 50 out of 91 startup companies valued at over $1 billion had at least one immigrant founder.

Immigrants also play a vital role in driving the economy of destination countries. Studies indicate that since the 1970s, approximately 30% of all increases in per capita productivity in the US can be attributed to immigrants collaborating closely with native inhabitants.

Through organised cooperation, destination countries can effectively plan for and sustainably grow their economies, leveraging the contributions and talents of migrants for mutual benefit.

GAINS FOR MIGRANTS

In these arrangements, migrants enjoy significant advantages. They receive comprehensive training and become job-ready, securing employment in developed countries under controlled and favourable conditions.

Moreover, within the cooperation framework, migrants are spared the arduous visa processes, eliminating the risk of falling victim to fraudulent immigration schemes or being tempted into unsafe border crossings.

The migrants are equally relieved of the financial burden typically associated with migration, such as accumulating large sums of borrowed funds that are difficult to repay.

Given the financial benefits of working in developed nations, migrants are more likely to save enough money to return home and establish businesses.

SOME DIGNITARIES AT TOM IKIMI'S 80TH BIRTHDAY THANKSGIVING SERVICE...

L-R: Chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), High Chief Tom Ikimi; Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki; representative of Delta State Governor and Deputy Governor, Monday Onyeme, and former Governor of Delta State, James Ibori, during the 80th birthday thanksgiving of High Chief Tom Ikimi, in Benin City...Wednesday

Mele Kyari: Tinubu's Fiscal Policies Boosting Nigeria's Currency Landscape

Prices of goods will soon come down, says Bua Declares Tinubu’s govt has addressed nation's forex challenges

Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Mele Kyari, has emphasised the positive impact of President Bola Tinubu's monetary and fiscal policies on the country's currency market.

Similarly, Chairman of BUA Group of Companies, Alhaji Abdulsamad Rabiu, said prices of goods in the country would soon start to come down under the present government's economic policies.

Addressing newsmen after paying Sallah homage to the president, yesterday, in Lagos, Kyari said the clear policy directives implemented by Tinubu had been driving favourable changes in the currency landscape.

He said, "There are clear monetary and fiscal policies that the president has put in place that are working, and that is bringing about all the changes in the currency market.”

Kyari expressed confidence in the president's economic management, stating that the combination of improved stability in NNPCL’s projects and better pricing in the petroleum export market has resulted in additional resources for the country. He stated, "It is clear that the majority of our exports in this country is petroleum, and that can earn foreign currency. There is a significant improvement today in the market in terms of pricing, and we are also able to establish some level of stability in our projects, which is bringing additional resources to our country.”

Kyari reaffirmed NNPCL’s unwavering commitment to supporting Tinubu's agenda of delivering gas to both the domestic and international markets.

He said the Sallah holiday provided a platform for the company’s leadership to reiterate their obligation to serve the country and its

leader.

"The Sallah is always an occasion for citizens and those with the responsibility to affirm their commitment to their country and president," the NNPCL boss said.

He emphasised the importance of aligning with the president's vision for the oil and gas sector, which he said was crucial for Nigeria's economic transformation and prosperity.

Rabiu, who spoke with newsmen on Thursday after meeting with Tinubu in Lagos, predicted that prices would start to fall in the coming months as a result of the improved forex situation.

He said, "So I expect that in a month or two, prices will definitely come down. For example, the price of diesel. The price a few days back was N1,700/Litre, but today, it's about N1,200/Litre."

He highlighted the significant progress that had been made in addressing the country's longstanding foreign

exchange challenges.

According to him, "At a time, the exchange rate was almost N190/$, but today, the rate is coming down to almost N1,200/$. We knew then that the high rate was due to many factors, including speculation and manipulation, and a lot of people were actually commercializing their dollar."

Rabiu praised the Tinubu administration and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) for their efforts in stabilising the exchange rate, stating, "This is the first time in over 30 years that I have seen one exchange rate in Nigeria, so it's really commendable."

The BUA chairman revealed that his company recently purchased diesel from Dangote Refinery at a rate below N1,200 per litre, suggesting a broader trend of falling prices in the market.

He attributed the positive development to the government's reform efforts and the collaboration between the public and private

TCN, Ibadan Disco Clash over Inability to Supply Power to Selected Feeders

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) yesterday differed with Ibadan Distribution Company (Disco) for blaming its inability to supply electricity to some selected customers in its franchise areas

sectors. Rabiu disclosed that a committee had been established to facilitate this partnership, which was crucial for the country's economic recovery.

He said, "We all need to come together and support the government, her policies.

The government means well and they are trying to support Nigeria, but we need to be patient.

“These reforms will take time, it is not easy and it is not something that can be done in one day, so we are working together."

Oyebanji Engages BoI on Agric Devt, Women Empowerment Programmes

Gbenga Sodeinde in Ado Ekiti In a bid to foster robust development in Ekiti State, the Governor of the state, Mr Biodun Oyebanji on yesterday engaged in a crucial meeting with the leadership of the Bank of Industry (BoI) Limited , led by Dr. Olasupo Olusi, in Lagos. At the meeting held at the Head office of the Bank in Marina, Lagos, deliberations revolved around forging prospective collaborations in crucial sectors such as youth empowerment, agricultural revitalisation, women's empowerment, and infrastructural advancement, among others.

agenda. I can only expect a better collaboration, the critical government officials would be here to take this discussion further. I am extremely excited because of the opportunities it offers our people,” stated the governor He lauded the bank’s management for ita array of programmes and initiatives, stressing that the people of Ekiti state were eager for increased presence of federal government agencies and development partners in the state.

Olusi, while speaking, stated that the bank is committed to the collaboration between it and Ekiti , even as he lauded Oyebanji’s development agenda for the state.

A statement by the General Manager, Public Affairs of the TCN, Ndidi Mbah, stated that the transmission company had taken time to investigate the allegation and wished to set the record straight.

“

IBEDC's publication on the 9th of April 2024 across their social media platforms, attributing their inability to deliver estimated hours of supply to its customers is incorrect.

“The feeders mentioned in the publication are not within the TCN network.

The TCN, in a statement last night, noted that the publication circulated by Ibadan Disco on April 9, 2024, which stated that it was responsible for its failure to "deliver estimated hours of supply to your feeder", due to system outages and tripping on TCN 's feeders was incorrect.

This means that most of the listed feeders in the publication are 11kV operated by IBEDC and completely outside TCN's operational control and in IBEDC's network.

“The reasons given for the outage on IBEDC 11kV and 33kV are earth/ over current faults, which have no bearing on TCN's frequency control operations,” the organisation said.

It added that the statement by IBEDC had been verified by TCN's regional management in Osogbo in conjunction with IBEDC officials themselves and had been proven to be

false, necessitating necessary corrections being made.

“While TCN sees this misinformation of IBEDC as a ploy to undermine and mislead the public against regular power supply, we remain focused on supporting the government's move towards a more robust and efficient power supply.

“Consequently, TCN assures the public of its commitment to continue to work hard to effectively transport the entire bulk electricity received from the generating companies to distribution load centres nationwide,” it said.

Addressing newsmen after the strategic session, Oyebanji emphasised his unwavering commitment to engaging both governmental and nongovernmental organisations and agencies in realising the developmental goals of the state.

Stressing that a strategic partnership with the BoI was crucial in actualising his administration's shared prosperity agenda, Oyebanji expressed optimism in the anticipated outcomes of the collaborative efforts, foreseeing positive results in the near future.

“Bank of industry is very critical to our shared prosperity

"We will ensure a stronger collaboration between Ekiti state government and Bank of Industry. For Governor Oyebanji to be here demonstrates the strong interest in developing the state. Different areas of development have been discussed and we will follow up," Olusi added.

Present at the meeting were: The Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning and Performance Management, Mr Niyi Adebayo and his Industry, Trade and Investment counterpart, Mrs Tayo Adeola as well as the management team of the bank.

AKPABIO'S CONSTITUENCY BRIEFING...

L-R: Wife of the

Akpabio;

Adelabu: FG Carried Over N350bn Unpaid Electricity Subsidy Bill into 2024

Apologises for comment advising Nigerians to reduce freezers’ use

Addeh in Abuja

Nigeria’s Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, yesterday said that over N350 billion in electricity subsidy debts were carried over from 2023 into 2024 by the federal government, thereby overburdening its finances.

Speaking on Channels Television last night, the minister noted that government was mindful of the hardship Nigerians are currently facing, stressing that it was the reason the government ensured that only 15 per cent of power consumers in Nigeria were affected by the latest tariff hike.

However, he stated that despite that, the federal government was still paying subsidy on electricity for persons outside Band A supply level, which would gulp about N1.8 trillion this year.

He also spoke on the legality of the recent tariff adjustment, insisting that the review of tariff is legal, once it is within the exclusive responsibility of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC). “The Act actually provides for review twice in a year, every six months,” he added.

The minister listed the rising dollar value, increasing gas prices, the cost

Afenifere: FG Must Take Security Seriously

Seeks assistance for farmers

Adedayo Akinwale

A pan-Yoruba socio-cultural and political organisation, Afenifere, has called on governments and security agencies to take the issue of insecurity more seriously because of the serious dangers it is posing to lives and properties in the country.

The call was part of the discussions that took place during the caucus meeting of the body held at the residence of its leader, Chief Reuben Fasoranti, in Akure, Ondo State.

National Publicity Secretary of the group, Jare Ajayi, in a statement, said the caucus meeting deliberated on various issues pertaining to Yorubaland and Nigeria.

The meeting then called on governments in Yoruba speaking states to make it easier for farmers in their respective states to be able to access loan and grant facilities available at various levels – federal, state and local.

"The meeting took note of a 'save-our-soul' visit that some farmers paid to Afenifere Leader, Pa Reuben Fasoranti, OFR, beckoning on him to prevail on the authorities to let them have access to facilities that will enhance their productivity. These facilities are

in form of loans and grants.

"Those who came to Papa said they want to be able to enjoy these facilities as thier counterparts in other parts of the country.

"Sometimes, it was discovered that what made it difficult for farmers in the South West to access these funds is the failure or reluctance of state governments to pay counterpart funds or to even sincerely operate loans and grants facilities available to farmers.

The meeting therefore urged the governments to improve in this respect," Afenifere stated.

Ajayi added that the caucus meeting also took note of challenges posed by banditry to farmers, noting that if resources were available, farmers must have a sense of security to be able to do thier works in the farms.

"This was what made participants at the meeting to call on the government and security agencies to up their ante so as to put a permanent end to insecurity in the land.

“Availability of security would enable farmers to practice unfettered. It would enable traders and travellers to move around freely without any fear of being molested or kidnapped."

of power generation, transmission and distribution infrastructure in recent times as some of the reasons that prompted the inevitable tariff increase.

“Last year, it (subsidy) was about N720 billion which was not fully funded. We had about N305 billion carried into this year. If we retain tariff at the current level, the Nigerian government will be needing about N2.9 trillion to subsidise electricity.

“But with the increase in tariff for Band A customers, we are going to have a reduction of about N1.1 trillion. So, we are looking at about N1.7 trillion to N1.8 trillion in subsidy,” Adelabu said.

According to him, overall, government was paying an average of N67 per cent per kilowatt hour of electricity in subsidy while it is was paying about 90 per cent of generation cost incurred by the over 20 power

plants nationwide before the recent rate hike.

“If we have been paying the tariff at the same level in the last two years, it logically means that someone has been paying the burden of all these increases.

“As it is today, looking at a total production, transmission and distribution cost, the Nigerian government is bearing 67 per cent percent of that cost before the increase in tariff for Band A customers.

“But when you look at generation cost, the Nigerian government is paying 90 per cent but in terms of total subsidy, it is about 67 per cent of subsidy on the tariff.

“The fact that the tariff for Band A, which is 15 per cent of the total consumers will increase by over 200 per cent, does not necessarily translate into 200 per cent increase in their electricity

bill if power is properly managed in terms of consumption,” he stated.

Adelabu pointed out that while power to premium customers will be ramped up, other bands will not be short-changed by distribution companies, explaining that by cutting down the inefficiencies of some operators in the sector, plus the ongoing gains by the naira against the dollar in the last few weeks, tariff paid by Nigerians should moderate.

“The tariff is flexible and I can tell you that even if naira gains more and the exchange rate comes down below N1,000, it must positively affect the tariff and the tariff even for the Band A will come to down below the N225 kilowatt per hour that we are currently charging,” he stressed.

Adelabu also apologised to Nigerians for saying that they usually leave their freezers switched on all the

time because they pay low electricity tariff.

“Anything we have said that are considered offensive, we are sorry about that,” Adelabu said.

The minister had said that Nigerians lack the culture of electricity consumption management because of “cheap” power supply partly offered by the government.

But while expressing regret over his comment, he added: “It was never intended to insult the sensibilities of Nigerians in any way”.

“It was an innocent advice with regards to energy consumption management which we believe will go a long way in reducing people’s energy bills. And that advice was directed at those that we believe that because of the recent increase in tariff will start enjoying 20 hours of power per day.”

NSIB Signs MoU with Aerospace Varsity to Improve Air Safety in Africa

Chinedu Eze

The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the African Aviation and Aerospace University (AAAU), Abuja for personnel training.

It said that this is to prepare them on how they would prevent and mitigate accidents and incidents in the country's transport sector and in the region.

The AAAU is the first panAfrican university dedicated to aviation, aerospace, and environmental science, which is poised to collaborate with NSIB to further strengthen the safety status in Nigeria’s air transport sector. Addressing two critical needs within the continent's industry, AAAU tackles the research and development gap in Africa's aviation and aerospace sector while simultaneously cultivating a skilled workforce to propel it forward.

collaboration between the Bureau and AAAU.

As part of its support, NSIB has granted AAAU access to its facilities, to enhance an efficient exchange of resources and expertise, and further solidifying the commitment to mutual advancement in aviation safety in Africa.

Speaking at the ceremony held at the NSIB Training School, Director-General/Chief Executive Officer of NSIB Captain Alex Badeh Jr. emphasised that the MoU sets the stage for facility sharing, capacity building, and

"I am confident that this MoU will enhance the effectiveness of our collaboration and commitment to promoting safer skies and operational excellence in the aviation industry in Nigeria and beyond," Badeh remarked.

Appreciating the Bureau's

support and partnership, the Registrar of AAAU, represented by the Director of Physical Planning and Works, Masud Yerima, said: “The journey of AAAU's establishment and progress would have faced considerable challenges without NSIB's generous support."

Furthermore, the Registrar commended Badeh for his exemplary leadership and steadfast dedication in propelling NSIB to greater heights.

He affirmed AAAU's readiness to engage in mutually beneficial endeavours with NSIB, ensuring the successful realisation of shared objectives.

2024 UTME Notification Slip Ready for Printing, Says JAMB

Kuni Tyessi in Abuja

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has directed candidates who registered for the 2024 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examinations (UTME) to print their notification slips for examination.

The board disclosed this in a statement in Abuja yesterday by its

spokesperson, Dr Fabian Benjamin. Benjamin said the 2024 UTME notification slip, which shows the date, venue, and time of their examination, was ready for printing.

“All candidates who have registered for the 2024 UTME scheduled to start on Friday, April 19, are urged to print their notification slips before the date.

“This is for them to know the

date, venue, and time of their respective examinations, as well as some other vital information.

“To print the slip, candidates are to visit the JAMB website: www.jamb.gov.ng; click on “2024 UTME Slip Printing,” input their registration number, then click on print. The slip can be printed anywhere, provided there is an internet-enabled computer,” he said.

He added that to successfully sit the examination, candidates were advised to print on or before Friday, April 19. This, he explained, was to enable them to locate the venue of their centre, to prevent lateness on their scheduled examination date.

Recall that the 2024 UTME is scheduled to start on Friday, April 19, and end on Monday, April 29.

LULU-BRIGGS FOUNDATION’S 39TH FREE MEDICAL MISSION...

Tinubu, Buhari, Akume, Obi, Barau, Uzodimma, Others Mourn as Ogbonnaya, 72, Passes On

Ex-president says he was

Deji Elumoye, Onyebuchi Ezigbo, Sunday Aborisade in Abuja and David-Chyddy Eleke in Awka

President Bola Tinubu and his predecessor, Muhammadu Buhari, have extended their condolences to the Onu family over the passing of the first civilian governor of Abia State, Chief Ogbonnaya Onu. He was aged 72.

Other Nigerian leaders, who sent condolences to the Onu family included the presidential candidate of the Labour Party in 2023, Peter Obi; Deputy President of the Senate, Jibril Barau; Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodinma and former governor of

an intellectual giant, loyal party man

Abia State, Senator Orji uzor Kalu, among others.

The president, in a release by his Media Adviser, Ajuri Ngelale, mourned a luminous star in Nigeria’s political firmament who was minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, a principal draughtsman in the founding of the All Progressives Congress (APC), and a valiant partner in the victory of the party in the 2015 elections.

Tinubu celebrated the life of Oni as an accomplished scholar, first-class engineer; a man of proven integrity; defiant to indiscipline, but ever yielding to the highest standards of rectitude.

Support Children Suffering from Drug Abuse, Salami Advises Parents

Wale Igbintade

Property developer and Managing Director of Mubdhab Homes Ltd, Dr. Abubakar Salami, has advised parents of children suffering from drugs abuse not to give up on them, saying that such children can still stay out of the practice and become successful.

According to him, only God can decide who is useless, adding that once someone with drug addiction takes personal decision to stop the bad habit, he or she is capable of changing the narrative and becoming a useful individual in the society.

Stating, Wednesday, during an interview with journalists in Abuja, Salami disclosed that he was involved in substance abuse for about 12 years before he decided to stay out of the bad practice.

He also said that he became diligent in property business and can now share his success story for others to emulate.

Advising parents of children with drug abuse, Salami said, “Don’t give up on your children suffering from substance abuse. don't lose hope. It's like we say, it's an illness, right? You would continue to find help and cure.

“Then another advice I have to parents is make your house a shield.

“The first point that drives people into these things it’s like a form of escape. So, what are the

children, the young ones trying to escape from? Abuse from unconventional homes.

“So, many times the parents have subconsciously driven their children into this lifestyle with their ways and lifestyle.

“Just imagine, you come to the house and you're beating your wife all the time and your child doesn't like that sight. Your child goes to stay in the streets and he gets hooked.

“You're a father in absentia. You're not always around. Your child finds solace in the streets, your child gets hooked. It's mostly from the streets, right? Now, if you build a proper home where there's love, protection, shield around your children, your place of children, even when they go to school and they meet children from those unconventional homes, that love and that guidance will shield them.”

Regarding his practical steps for dynamic society, Salami said, “What makes me happy is to bring a lot of people out of these dark places, because I know how it feels to be there, it is not a place anybody wants to be.

“So, I use my platform, my business to drive a lot of these things, giving hand in service to those who have been suffering for so long. I also use to tell them - it is only the grace of God that can bring you out of that place.

He affirmed that Onu epitomised Nigeria in concord; in wholeness, saying the late statesman believed in and defended Nigeria's unity, advocated peace, and promoted fellowship across the Niger. Tinubu also condoled with the friends and associates of Onu, Ebonyi and Abia State Governments, and all Nigerians grieving the loss.

Muhammadu Buhari

On his part, Buhari, who joined family members and the entire nation in mourning the demise of a Onu, in a statement, said the nation has lost “one of its most outstanding scientific minds and intellectuals. "He was an intellectual giant. My heart goes out to his family, the government and people of Abia State and the country at large. May his soul rest in peace.”

Akume

Also the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Sen. George Akume, CON, has on behalf of the Federal Executive Council (FEC), mourned the death of the former Minister of Science and Technology, Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu, aged, 72.

In a statement yesterday by the Director Information, OSGF, Akume described the late former minister as detribalised Nigerian and a statesman

who believed in the unity of Nigeria which saw the abolition of the Stateof-Origin Syndrome as exemplified by the appointment of non-indigenes into key positions of responsibilities during his administration as the first civilian Governor of Abia State.

Akume described the late Ogbonnaya as an epitome of a thorough-bred politician with impeccable integrity whose unflinching support and loyalty contributed immensely to the evolution of the All Progressives Congress (APC), and also a quintessential philomath whose indelible footmark in the academia , especially in the engineering world will remain evergreen.

He commiserates with the Government and people of Ebonyi State, his immediate family and prays to God to grant the soul of the departed eternal repose.

Peter Obi

Obi, while expressing sadness at the news of Onu’s passing, described his death as a significant loss to the nation.

In a condolence message, Obi hailed Onu as a patriotic and inclusive Nigerian leader, who served the nation diligently in various capacities.

He highlighted Onu's notable contributions to Nigeria's educational

advancement, both as a lecturer and author.

"Dr. Onu epitomised leadership characterised by a commitment to peace, progress, and justice. He courageously championed equity and good governance, leaving a lasting impact on our nation.

"The passing of Dr. Onu is an immense loss to our nation. May God comfort his family and all of us as we mourn his departure, granting us the strength to bear this irreplaceable loss. May he rest in eternal peace," Obi concluded.

Jibrin Barau, Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Jibrin Barau, in a condolence message by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ismail Mudashir, said Onu was a consummate patriot, who served his people and the entire nation.

He commiserated with the immediate family of the deceased, friends, political associates and the whole people of Abia State over the loss.

"The demise of Dr. Onu is not only a loss to the Ndigbo but our entire country. Throughout his lifetime, he was committed to nation-building.

"He was a consummate patriot who lived a life of service not only to his people but to the entire nation.

He left indelible footprints in the political space of our country. He was a progressive politician par excellence," he said.

Orji Kalu

Chairman, Senate Committee on Privatisation, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, has expressed sadness over the passing of Onu.

Describing him as a nationalist with passion for unity and progress of Nigeria, Kalu acknowledged the invaluable contributions of the former minister to nation building. The former governor admonished the Onu family to take solace in the fact that their late patriarch lived a purposeful life, even as he urged the deceased's children and loved ones to sustain his worthy legacy.

"The demise of former Governor of Abia State, Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu is a huge loss to Ndigbo and Nigeria in general. The late statesman was a consummate politician and selfless philanthropist who was committed to nation building.

"Having served meritoriously in various capacities in the public sector, his wise counsel on national issues will be greatly missed. He will be remembered for his outstanding leadership qualities. The former governor will be greatly missed," he said.

FG Partners NBA on National Summit on Justice

Alex Enumah in Abuja

The federal government is partnering the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) to host the highly anticipated National Summit on Justice.

The event slated for April 24 to 25, is aimed at addressing critical challenges in the justice sector.

According to the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, the Summit is tagged, "Repositioning the Justice System: Constitutional, Statutory, and Operational Reforms for Access and Efficiency.

He said, "This crucial event seeks to address the significant challenges plaguing Nigeria's justice sector and pave the way for much-needed reforms that will make justice more accessible to all Nigerians.

"It will bring together experts, legal

professionals, and key stakeholders from across the country to engage in constructive discussions and develop practical solutions that prioritize the justice needs of the average Nigerian".

The Minister while speaking with journalists in Abuja, on Thursday, stated that the National Summit on Justice presents a unique opportunity to collectively tackle the pressing issues hindering the efficient, fair, and people-centered delivery of justice in our nation.

His words: "One of the Summit's goals is to review, validate, and adopt the revised National Policy on Justice 2024- 2028 to drive prison reforms, access to justice for the average Nigerian, as well as the review of electoral laws and procedures in handling election related cases, among several other reforms.

"This comprehensive policy

document outlines a broad framework and initiatives in 17 thematic areas aimed at reforming the justice sector to enhance its effectiveness and accessibility to all Nigerians, ensuring that justice is not just a privilege for the few, but a right for all.

"The policy aims to address various challenges within the legal framework, seeking to promote social cohesion, bolster economic development, and foster good governance.

"Furthermore, the Summit will deliberate on draft legislations proposed to address specific identified challenges within the justice sector, relating to the judicial appointments process, administration, funding and budgeting for the judiciary, the elimination of delays and inefficiencies in justice delivery and to evolve ways to reduce the amount of time for adjudication of cases, eliminate some

of the associated technicalities, and reduce the number of cases getting to the Supreme Court.

“In this regard, we intend to look at a situation where many cases will terminate at the Court of Appeal to reduce the burden on our noble justices of the Supreme Court.

"These proposed laws are expected to serve as a catalyst for collective action and provide a guiding framework for relevant governmental institutions at both the national and sub national levels to establish an effective, efficient, and people-centered justice system.

"We cannot afford to remain complacent in the face of the obstacles impeding the efficient delivery of justice for all Nigerians. This Summit presents an opportunity for us to unite our efforts, leverage our collective expertise, and chart a course toward a more just and equitable society."

DANGOTE'S SALLAH HOMAGE TO THE PRESIDENT…

Abimbola Ogunbanjo’s Family Sues Helicopter Charter Company in US

The family of Abimbola Ogunbanjo, a Nigerian business leader who died in a Southern California helicopter crash that killed Access Bank’s Chief Executive, Herbert Wigwe, along with his wife and son in February, has filed a lawsuit, claiming the flight should have been grounded because of treacherous weather.

Relatives of Ogunbanjo, the former chair of the Nigerian Exchange (NGX), allege in the court filing that the charter company, Orbic Air LLC, improperly flew the helicopter despite a “wintry mix” of

snowy and rainy conditions in the Mojave Desert where the crash occurred, the Associated Press reported.

Ogunbanjo, 61, along with the other deceased were on their way to Las Vegas to attend the Super Bowl. Both pilots — Benjamin Pettingill, 25, and Blake Hansen, 22 — also died. They were licensed as commercial helicopter pilots as well as flight instructors, AP said. Andrew Robb, one of the attorneys who filed the lawsuit, said Ogunbanjo’s family is seeking “answers and accountability.”

“Helicopters do not do very well in snow and ice,” Robb

Fuel Subsidy Removal: Obaseki Extends Free Bus Service by Another 3 Months

The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has approved the extension of the free bus scheme implemented by the state government for another three months.

The free transport scheme, now extended to July 2024, was introduced in September 2023 for an initial two-month period to cushion the effect of the fuel subsidy removal by the Federal Government on the people of the State.

Following the success of the first phase which benefited over 1.5 million Edo people, the governor thereafter extended the palliative programme till February 2024 and later April 2024.

The free transport scheme covers all intra and intercity routes operated by the State-owned Edo City Transport Services (ECTS), including Auchi – Igarra – Ibillo–Ososo; Uzebba–Ikhin – Otuo, and Abudu-Ubiaja, Abudu-Urhonigbe and Ewohimi to Ewatto.

The intra-city routes are Ramat–Kingsquare; New Benin–Kingsquare; Kingsquare – Ekenwan Road; Kingsquare–Airport Road; Kingsquare–Sapele Road and Kingsquare – Adesuwa, Kingsquare–Ogida; New Benin – Upper Mission; Kingsquare–Ugbowo; Kingsquare–Agbor Road; Kingsquare–Upper Sokponba; New Benin – Ugbowo and New Benin–Aduwawa.

In a statement, the Managing Director of Edo State Transport Authority (ESTA), Mrs. Edugie Agbonlahor, said the extension is in furtherance of the government’s commitment to the welfare of Edo people, noting that the free bus scheme will now run till July 2024. “His Excellency, the Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has graciously approved the extension of the free bus service till July 10, 2024.

“The decision is on the back of the success and feedback that have trailed the eight-month programme and in furtherance of the government’s commitment to the welfare of Edo people, especially in the face of recent economic challenges caused by the federal government's fuel subsidy removal,” she said.

Noting the impact of the programme over the past eight months, Agbonlahor said nearly 5 million Edo residents had benefitted from the programme since its launch in September 2023.

She stated: “The extension followed the success and positive feedback which we have continued to garner since the launch of the programme. We are glad with the positive impact of the scheme as over 4,799,960 Edo residents have benefited, including 142,289 intercity passengers and 4,657,671 intercity passengers.”

told The Associated Press. “This flight was entirely preventable, and we don’t know why they took off,” he added.

Ogunbanjo’s wife and two children filed the suit in San Bernardino County Superior Court on Wednesday against Orbic Air and its CEO, Brady Bowers, alleging wrongful death and negligence.

The suit also names the unidentified successors of Pettingill and Hansen, whom Ogunbanjo’s family also faults. Orbic Air did not reply to an email and phone call seeking comment by AP.

The National Transportation Safety Board is still investigating the cause of the crash. In February, the agency released a preliminary investigation report that outlined the helicopter’s flight path and provided details about wreckage that was strewn across 100 yards (91 meters) of desert scrub.

Investigators found the fuselage was fragmented, and the cockpit and cabin were destroyed. Damage to the engine and the metal deposits that were found would indicate that it was operational at the

time of the crash.

The report cited law enforcement, saying several witnesses who were traveling in vehicles along Interstate 15 had called 911 to report observing a “fireball” to the south. The witnesses reported that it was raining with a mix of snow.

The helicopter left Palm Springs Airport around 8:45 p.m. on February 9 and was traveling to Boulder City, Nevada, which is about 26 miles (40 kilometres) southeast of Las Vegas, where the Kansas City Chiefs and the

San Francisco 49ers were set to play that Sunday in Super Bowl 58.

The lawsuit seeks a jury trial and payment for Ogunbanjo’s burial and funeral expenses, as well as other damages.

Robb’s firm, Robb and Robb LLC, represented Kobe Bryant’s widow, Vanessa Bryant, in her lawsuit against the pilot and owners of the helicopter that crashed in Calabasas in 2020, killing the NBA star, his daughter, Gianna, and seven others. The lawsuit was settled in 2021 for an undisclosed amount.

NCEF: Nigeria Facing Organised Invasion

By Foreign Forces Posing as Extremists

Kuni Tyessi in Abuja

National Christian Elders Forum (NCEF), has said the nation was facing an organised invasion of foreign forces masquerading as religious extremists disguising the problems as religious intolerance.

It, therefore, called on the leadership of President Bola Tinubu to as a matter of urgency implement the report of the 2014 National Conference, which included the draft for a new Constitution for Nigeria.

It also stated that the perennial amendment of the Constitution

by the National Assembly should cease, and that the legislators should start work on a new constitution for Nigeria.

It said after five alterations to the constitution, without any significant positive impact on the country, the National Assembly should commence work immediately on adopting the report of the 2014 National Conference with its draft Constitution.

The forum advised Tinubu to appoint a Special Investigator to conduct a Commission of Inquiry into the causes, as well as

expose the actors in the various acts of terrorism and religious insurgency that overwhelmed Nigeria since 2009.

Chairman of the forum, Dr. Samuel Gani, who made the call during a briefing yesterday in Abuja, said the NCEF called on the indigenous Muslims to calmly examine the issues and take positions that would be in the long-term best interest of their ethnic groups, saying, “What is going on is more than religion.” He noted that in Plateau and Kaduna States, data existed that

hundreds of villages of the ethnic nationalities had been taken over by foreign Fulanis and with the owners of the land being driven into IDP camps while names of the villages had been changed to Fulani names.

He said this was the time for the indigenous ethnic nationalities to carefully define their friends and foes, saying the amount of blood so far shed in Nigeria, involving indigenous Christians, Muslims, and traditionalists, proved that the indigenous ethnic nationalities had the same enemy.

LP Crisis: Abure Group Says Ajaero, NLC Bad Students of History

Chuks Okocha in Abuja

The Julius Abure-led leadership of the Labour Party (LP) has said members of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) bent on removing him were bad students of history, having failed to learn from the failed attempt by a former leadership of the congress to take over the party.

The National Publicity Secretary of the party, Obiorah Ifoh , said this yesterday in response to the move by the NLC to take over the party.

Recalling what he claimed as an

attempt by the Ayuba Wabba-led leadership of the NLC to take over the party in 2015 and the snub it got from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Ifoh said the move to oust the Abure leadership would similarly end in failure.

He said: “A good student learns from history. Where people refuse to learn from history, history will continue to repeat itself. When the NLC in 2015 attempted to crookedly take over the leadership of the Labour Party and wrote INEC,

INEC replied them that they have no locus standi to interfere or change the leadership of the party.

“They have failed to learn from that trajectory and it is surprising that Joe Ajaero’s NLC is also taking the same line of action and trajectory and they are expecting a different result.

“A reasonable NLC would have been thinking of how to consolidate with the leadership of the Labour Party having made huge exploits and having achieved great results from the 2023 general election rather,

they have chosen a collision course which will neither help them nor help Nigerians.” The leadership of the Labour Party had dismissed the caretaker committee set up by the NLC to take over the party, stating that the party does not have such constitutional mandate to do so.

The party further said that the NLC is a body not recognised by the constitution of the party or any of any known laws for that matter, to arrogate to itself powers it does not possess.

SERVICE OF SONGS FOR UZODIMMA'S POLITICAL ASSOCIATE...

Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma (left), consoles Mrs Victoria Ohuruzo, widow of foremost businessman and political associate of the Governor, Chief Christopher Ohuruzo, during the Service of Songs held for the deceased in Owerri... Wednesday

Cites terrorism, banditry, ethnic militia Intelligence Group: Violence on the Rise, 812 Killed in March, 855 Abducted, 770 Incidents Recorded

A security consulting group, Beacon Security and Intelligence Limited, involved in tracking and analysis of crime and violent occurrences across the country said the crime wave in the country was on the rise with 812 people killed and 855 citizens abducted while 770 incidents were recorded in the month of March.

It its latest report, Beacon Intel said a total of 770 incidents were recorded, indicating a 4.19 percent increase in comparison to the 739 recorded in February 2024.

It said the incidents of kidnapping surged within the month under review from 654 to 855.

"In the review period, March 01 - 31, 2024, we recorded monthto-month (February 2024 - March 2024) increases across the three main metrics; incidents, fatalities, and abductions.

"Below is a comparative analysis between February 2024 and March 2024.

"A breakdown of the incidents indicates an uptick in the growing frequency of violent occurrences within Nigeria in March 2024", it said.

"A total of 770 incidents were recorded, indicating a 4.19% increase

Fatalities, the report said, soared across the country. It said the increasing violence in the country were the products of terrorism, armed banditry and ethnic militia.

Ondo Guber: PDP to Hold LG

Congress on Saturday, April 13

Aspirant admonishes against fielding wrong candidate inAPC

The National Working Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has approved the nomination of the following party members to serve on the local government area Congress Electoral Committee to conduct the LGA national delegates congress for the purpose of electing one national delegate per LGA in Ondo State.

In a statement by the National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, the Congress is scheduled to hold on Saturday, April 13, 2024 at the INEC Collation Centre in each LGA in Ondo State.

Hon. Kingsley Chinda is Chairman of the committee, while other members are Hon. Kalu Uduma, Taiwo Adeniyi, Abdulhamid Yusuf as members, while Ismaila Alkali will serve as Secretary

The NWC, however, charged all governorship aspirants, leaders, critical stakeholders and members of the party in Ondo State to take note and be guided accordingly.

in comparison to the 739 recorded in February 2024.

"For abductions, the surge in the number of persons abducted from 654 to 855, indicating a 23.51% decrease, underscores the heightened risk faced by individuals and communities, with abduction emerging as a prevalent tactic employed by various armed

groups for various purposes, including ransom, coercion, and furthering political or ideological agendas", it said.

Beacon Intel said increasing fatalities depicted the human toll on escalating violence requiring urgent intervention.

"For fatalities, we recorded an 8.71% month-to-month increase from 747 (February 2024) to 812 (March 2024). This trend further emphasises the human toll of the escalating violence, highlighting the urgent need for effective measures to protect civilian lives.

"The main factors responsible for these trends include threat elements associated with ongoing terrorism, banditry, and ethnic militia activities which underscores the complex nature of the security challenges facing Nigeria", the report said. The group lamented the spiralling violence in the country in spite of the security measures in place.

APC United, Good to Go for 2024 Guber Poll, Oshiomhole Assures President Tinubu

Deji Elumoye in Abuja

Former governor of Edo State, Senator Adams Oshiomhole, has assured President Bola Tinubu that the state chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) was united and good to go for the upcoming gubernatorial election in the state.

party has already put in place a "campaign council" and was eagerly awaiting the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to announce the election timetable, to kickstart the campaigns on April 24.

briefed him on all of that we are happy and he is there for us as a father but we are not going to sleep believing the father will do it for us because he is not going to come to Edo to vote," he said.

a foreign media that says the naira is probably the best currency in 2024, given the fact that in Nigeria's history, once the naira goes down, it never bounces back again," he stated.

Odimayo, who is the current Chairman, House Committee on Population in the House of Representatives, explained that Ondo South earnestly yearned for a two-term of eight years for whoever would represent the district as governor from February 24, 2025.

Speaking at the official declaration of his intention to run for the race at the NUJ Press Centre in Akure, Odimayo said the law did not permit the incumbent governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, to be sworn in as governor thrice if he intends to run for two terms because he was sworn-in as deputy governor alongside his late principal, Rotimi Akeredolu, on 25 February 2021.

The lawmaker said he believed it would be right for any aspirant, who by law would be deprived from spending a two-term of eight years to jettison his governorship ambition in the best interest of Ondo South senatorial district.

Meanwhile, a governorship aspirant of the APC in Ondo State, Jimi Odimayo, has called on the national leadership of the party not make a mistake of fielding a wrong candidate for the party in the forthcoming governorship election in the state.

Oshiomhole, who spoke with newsmen on yesterday after paying a Sallah homage to Tinubu in Lagos, expressed confidence in the chances of the APC winning the 2024 Edo State governorship poll.

He said, “We are due for elections. We are happy and we are perfecting all the arrangements to ensure that this coming election. We will win because our house is united. We sorted out all the issues arising from primaries 100 percent."

The Edo North Senator said the

While expressing confidence in APC's chances, Oshiomhole acknowledged that the party's opponents, including the Labour Party, were also facing internal crises.

According to him, "Our opponents have one crisis or the other, even the Labour Party has their crisis so at least APC is not in any form of crisis."

The former national chairman of the APC said he briefed Tinubu on the developments in the state, noting that the president was supportive of the party's efforts. "We are all waiting for INEC on April 24 to get started. So, I

Oshiomhole emphasised that the party would have to do the "voting" and "mobilisation" to capture the "campaign message that captures the imagination that Edo people can relate to."

Oshiomhole also said he came to pay Sallah homage to the president and to "appreciate some of the positive developments we have begun to see."

He was specific about the strengthening of the Naira, which he said has appreciated from as low as N2,000 to the dollar to the current level of around N1,100 to a dollar.

"I read this morning a story from

Oshiomhole noted that many Nigerians had resorted to dollar speculation when the Naira hit 2,000, fearing it would continue its downward spiral, but have since suffered "huge losses" as the currency regained strength. The former President of the Nigeria Labour Congress credited the Central Bank of Nigeria's effective management of the foreign exchange system for the naira's recovery.

"We are beginning to see a central bank that has devised very effective tools to quietly manage the system in a way the naira is appreciating and finding its level," he added.

WEF: Space Economy to Outpace Global GDP Growth by 2035

Ndubuisi Francis in Abuja

The global space economy is projected to expand to $1.8 trillion by 2035, marking a threefold increase from $630 billion in 2023, a new research by the World Economic Forum (WEF), has found.

The report highlighted that growth is anticipated to outpace global Gross Domestic Product (GDP) rate by nearly twice the margin, rivalling the scale and influence of the global semiconductor industry, which is

expected to grow at a comparable rate.

It also underlined four key findings — space’s economic contribution, its impact extending beyond the “traditional” space sector, the expansion of industries in connecting people and goods, and space’s role in addressing global challenges.

Developed in collaboration with McKinsey, the research indicates that while “traditional” space activities such as space infrastructure, satellites, launches

and exploration are expected to increase significantly, their growth rate will be slower compared to space-enabled technologies and earth-based businesses.

In his remarks on the report, a member of the executive committee at WEF, Sebastian Buckup said:

“Space technologies are delivering greater value to a more diverse set of stakeholders than ever before, including in industries as varied as food and beverage, retail, consumer goods and lifestyle, supply chain and transportation, and even

climate disaster mitigation.

“As costs reduce and accessibility rises, these technologies could reshape whole industries, and have as much impact on business and society as smartphones or cloud computing.”

Ryan Brukardt, senior partner at McKinsey & Company, said that a growing number of businesses across various sectors, including agriculture, construction, insurance and climate-change mitigation, would drive the new and expanding space economy.

OLUWANISOLA ESTATE MOSQUE PRAYING GROUND IN LEKKI...

L-R: Alhaja Rashita

Navy Probes Death of Civilian Personnel

Allegedly Beaten by Naval Officers

Kingsley Nwezeh in Abuja

The Nigerian Navy, yesterday, said launched an investigation into the death of a civilian staff of the Ministry of Defence attached to Nigerian Navy Reference Hospital (NNRH) Ojo, Lagos.

A statement by the Director of Information, Commodore Adams Aliu, on behalf of the Chief of the Naval Staff, said on March 31, 2024, the deceased was found lifeless in his office at NNRH.

The statement said preliminary investigation revealed that four days earlier, on March 26, 2024, the deceased was involved in an altercation with a civilian lady and some NN personnel in Navy Town barracks.

"The Nigerian Navy (NN) is deeply saddened by the demise of Mr Ifeanyi Richard Onumaegbu and the circumstances surrounding his death.

"The NN wishes to inform the general public that the deceased was an integral part of the NN family as a civilian staff of the Ministry of Defence attached to the Laboratory Department of the Nigerian Navy Reference Hospital (NNRH) Ojo, Lagos since 2009 and he served meritoriously.

"On 31 March 2024, he was found lifeless in his office

at NNRH. A preliminary investigation revealed that four days earlier, on 26 March 2024, the deceased was involved in an altercation with a civilian lady and some NN personnel in Navy Town barracks. "Consequently, all suspected personnel and the civilian lady involved in the previous altercation were identified and are currently under close custody.

"The NN has facilitated the movement of the deceased’s body to a reputable government hospital in Lagos based on the request of the family for an autopsy.

"The NN further wishes to assure his family and general public that all necessary measures are being taken to unravel the cause of death and any person found culpable would be prosecuted according to extant laws," it said.

The late personnel was said to have been battered and brutalised for several hours from 8pm on March 26 to 1am of March 27 by four naval personnel.

The personnel were alleged to have been mobilised by a female civilian, who had

severally bullied the deceased. Richard was said to have died in his office following the injuries he sustained from the beating by the naval personnel. His death had since triggered an online campaign with the hashtag #justice for Richard.

Sanwo-Olu: Lagos Commits to Tourism

Devt, Tours Badagry, Visits Heritage Sites

Segun James Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has reiterated his administration's commitment to tourism development, even as he stated his resolve to make the Badagry axis of the state a tourist attraction city.

Sanwo-Olu, who spoke yesterday during a working visit to Badagry’s historical sites and projects, said the ancient city of Badagry, with many historical and tourist sites, has a lot to offer in tourism.

Accompanied by Chairman/ CEO of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Hon. Abike Dabiri-

Erewa, members of the Lagos State Executive Council and Lagos State House of Assembly, as well as officials of the Lagos State Diaspora Commission, he visited the Slave Market Museum International Vlekete Badagry, which was recently restored and upgraded by the administration.

He also visited the Badagry Heritage Museum, the seat of the fallen Agia Tree, where Christianity was first preached in 1842, the first-storey building in Nigeria, the first Christian burial site, the Hospital Road construction project, and the Old Governor's Lodge, a purpose-built 70-room and hotel complex.

The visit was considered a testament to Sanwo-Olu’s commitment to gaining firsthand knowledge of the needs and challenges of the people of Badagry, paving the way for continued progress and development.

Sanwo-Olu also took a boat ride to the Point of No Return, where slaves were taken to different parts of the world during the slave trade era.

Speaking to journalists during the working tour, Sanwo-Olu said his administration would complete ongoing projects in Badagry and restore some of the heritage sites to tell a compelling story about what Badagry holds for the tourism

potential of Nigeria.

"The visit is really part of our tourism ecosystem, and I have had to come and see things for myself to evaluate what we have done, additional things that we need to do, and how we intentionally make Badagry, an all of the tourism potential that it has, a real destination.

"For us, it is to complete the ongoing projects that we have seen, to restock some of the heritage sites that we have seen, to generally preserve what we have, and to speak a compelling story about what Badagry holds for the tourism potential of our country.

"You have also seen that Badagry actually has a major

FG GOES GRANULAR, DEFENDS LAGOS-CALABAR COASTAL HIGHWAY, SAYS NO PERSONAL INTEREST

Atiku also knocked Umahi for altering the initial plan of the project after Gilbert Chagoury’s Hitech had been awarded the contract without any competitive bidding.

He said: “Umahi had announced that the project would be fully funded by Hitech, and based on this, there was no competitive bidding. He (Umahi) then turned around to say that Hitech could only raise just 6 per cent of the money for the pilot phase. This smacks of deceit.”

Umahi had during his media rounds at select TV stations said the road project would cost N15.6 trillion ($13bn at exchange rate of N1,200/$1) while the rail which will pass through the road will be estimated separately. The minister had also said the government

would be providing 15 per cent to 30 per cent counterpart financing.

Responding to Umahi’s revelation, Atiku said the tentative cost was the equivalent of the total budget of all 36 states of the federation combined.

He said: “The total budget of all 36 states of the federation for 2024 stands at about N14 trillion. If you add that of the FCT, the entire budget of all sub-nationals is N15.91 trillion. This is scandalous. Worse still, they have already awarded the contract, but are still not sure of the level of the counterpart funding component of the federal government.

“Umahi had said in September 2023 that Gilbert Chagoury’s Hitech had the money to construct the highway and that it would be PPP. Hitech was to build, operate, and transfer it back to the Nigerian

government after years of tolling.

“It was reported by every media organisation, including those owned by Tinubu. It was on the basis of this proposal that Hitech was picked. Why did Umahi then turn around to claim that it was not to be a PPP but that the government would pay 15 per cent to 30 per cent”

The former vice president noted that in the 2024 budget, the project was captured as the Lagos-Port Harcourt coastal highway and was put at a cost of N500 million.

“Although the National Assembly approved N500m for the project this year, the Tinubu administration has released N1.06 trillion. That is more than 200 times what is in the appropriation act. This is what happens when the National Assembly fails in its duties,” he added.

Atiku said it was curious that the N15.91 trillion announced by Umahi did not include the cost of the railway component. He therefore wondered how much the project would cost if the railway component is included. “If N15.6 trillion is for the road component alone, then the total cost could be far higher when the railway is included. We want to know the cost of the railway,” he said.

The PDP presidential candidate also lambasted Umahi for admitting that the project was given to Hitech construction company without a competitive bidding. He asked Umahi to stop trying to deceive Nigerians with the claim that only Hitech was competent enough to do the project, wondering if it is the same that has been grappling

with the execution of its projects in Lagos.

The former vice president stated: “The essence of a competitive bidding is so that Nigerians can get the best value for money. It is so that you can compare prices and pick the company that can afford the project. “It is wrong for him to have concluded that only Hitech could handle this project when such a project has been done by other reputable firms in the United States, China and South Africa. “He claims he didn’t know there was a business relationship between Gilbert Chagoury and Tinubu, but this is another lie because Tinubu has publicly acknowledged this fact,” Atiku stressed.

Atiku called on members of the National Assembly to be alive to their responsibilities instead of acting like

face. There are lots of roads that you have seen, including dual carriage roads that are nearing completion, and you have all seen that we came around the last time to open a hospital. You have seen roads that have been done extensively.

"Indeed, I am very impressed with Badagry because it is actually wearing a more cleaner road. We all came by road from Lagos Island, and you could see that it took us just about an hour and a half from Lagos and down to Badagry.

“So, these are journeys that have hitherto taken almost four hours. We have experienced it ourselves, and I can see that the citizens are very excited."

an annex of the presidency. “Until I exposed the dubious nature of this project, no member of the National Assembly thought it wise to investigate. The total cost was never made known until now. The fact that there was no bidding was never made known until I blew the whistle,” Atiku pointed out. The former vice president also knocked Umahi for claiming that no money had been released yet to Hitech, which he described as another lie.

He said: “On March 31, 2024, Umahi came on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics programme where he pointedly said that the sum of N1.06 trillion was released to Hitech. Only for him to say on TVC on April 11 that the same money had not been released. Which one is true, and which one is false?”

PHILANTHROPY…

L-R: Representative of Zonal Education Officer and the Commissioner of Education, Ogun State, Mrs. Akinyinka Tolulope Olufunke; representative of First Lady of Ogun State, Mrs. Adeleye Olufunmilayo; Governor, District 911, Rotarian Ifeyinwa Rita Ejezie; President Rotary Club of Omole Golden, Rotarian Veronica Isijola; Principal, Ajuwon Junior School, Mrs. Oluwatosin Dada, during the inauguration of block of classrooms and school furniture donated to the school by Rotary Club of Omole Golden in Ogun State…recently

Gunmen Kill Police Officer, Set Patrol Vehicle Ablaze in Ebonyi

Benjamin Nworie inabakaliki

Suspected gunmen at the early hours of yesterday attacked the police check point at Ishieke junction in Ebonyi State and killed one police officer.

He explained that the hoodlums shot sporadically at the officers, who engaged them fiercely and were able to repel them.

According to him, “On April 11, 2024, at about 7:15a.m., hoodlums in an ash colour Toyota Sienna vehicle attacked the police check

Confirming the incident, the state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Joshua Ukandu, said the hoodlums also burnt the police patrol vehicle.

Bauchi Gov Reiterates Loyalty to FG

Segun Awofadeji in Bauchi

Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Abdukadir Mohammed, has declared that despite being in the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), his administration has high respect for the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and All Progressives Congress (APC)-led federal government.

point at Isheke junction in Ebonyi LGA of Ebonyi State. However, one of the officers was fatally wounded and a patrol vehicle set ablaze.” DSP Ukandu noted that though

normalcy has been restored to the area, the state Commissioner of Police, Augustina Ogbodo, has immediately deployed police operatives to the scene, and they

were on the trail of the hoodlums. The PPRO further called on well-meaning individuals in the state to avail the Command with useful information that would

aid in apprehending the fleeing hoodlums while noting that the Command remains resolute in its fight against crimes, and ready to protect lives and property.

Police Order Investigation into Boat Mishap that Killed Nollywood Actor, Junior Pope, Others

David-Chyddy Eleke in awka

The Anambra State Commissioner of Police, Aderemi Adeoye, has ordered investigation into a boat mishap that occurred last

Governor Mohammed pledged his government’s determination to continue to collaborate with federal government in order to improve the living conditions of the citizens.

The governor, who observed that the time for politicking is over, noted that all energy and resources needed to be channeled towards good governance as being undertaken by his government.

The governor stated this when he received the Emir of Bauchi, Alhaji Dr Rilwanu Sulaiman Adamu alongside other emirs and traditional title holders on a Sallah homage yesterday. Mohammed said regardless of the political differences, his administration is poised towards collaborating with the federal government to ensure that the much needed democracy is provided for the good people of Bauchi state.

Gombe APC Passes Vote of Confidence on Yahaya

Segun Awofadeji inGombe

Gombe State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has passed a vote of confidence on the state Governor, Alhaji Muhammadu Yahaya.

This was contained in a communique it issued yesterday at the end of an expanded State Executive Committee meeting to discuss political developments in the state.

The APC SEC commended the governor “for his dynamic and energetic leadership, especially in these challenging times.”

Wednesday in Anambra West Local Government Area of the state, which killed popular Nollywood actor, JohnPaul Odonwodo, popularly known as Junior Pope and others. This came as the police,

Nigeria Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) and local divers in the area are taking credit for the rescue of survivors of the mishap and retrieving of the bodies of deceased persons.

In a statement issued by the state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Tochukwu Ikenga, said investigation into the matter was to know if there is any criminal activity behind the mishap.

Taraba Commissioner Condemns Attack on Travellers by Tiv Militia

Wole Ayodele in Jalingo

The Taraba State Commissioner for Cooperatives and Poverty Alleviation, Habu James Phillip, has described last Monday’s attack on travellers on Wukari-Tsokundu road by acclaimed Tiv militia as highly condemnable and reprehensible.

Habu, who is the political leader of the Tiv in the state, stated that those behind the attack are criminals and agents of destabilization, who do not have the interest of the area at heart.

Three people, including a woman were killed in the attack that occurred at about 5 p.m., while two other persons sustained

serious injuries and are presently receiving treatment at the Federal University of Wukari Teaching Hospital, Wukari.

The commissioner, who expressed bitterness over the dastardly act, urged all the Tiv leaders in the area to fish out those behind the killings and hand them over to security agencies for prosecution. He noted that the state Governor, Dr. Agbu Kefas, is doing everything humanly possible to unite all the tribes in the state in his determination to bring peace and development to the state, saying all hands must be on deck to ensure the governor realises his objective.

US-based Nigerian Professor, Adebanwi, Wins Guggenheim Award

Sunday Okobi with agency report

A Nigerian scholar, Professor Wale Adebanwi of the University of Pennsylvania(UPENN), United States, has emerged one of the 188 scholars to win the Simon Guggenheim Memorial Foundation awards.

The party also resolved to pass a vote of confidence on the leadership of the governor acknowledging his remarkable achievements and dedication to serving the people.

It stressed that: “The successful delivery of essential services and benefits, as well as his ability to adapt and overcome challenging circumstances, have been instrumental to the continuous development and progress of the state.”

According to the SEC, “The governor’s dedication to serve his people and deliver on his campaign promises despite pressing economic challenges is a testament to his commitment to their well-being. “His leadership has been instrumental in delivering essential services and benefits to the greater number of the population, ensuring continuous development and progress across the state despite the economic challenges being faced.”

Eno Emerges Nigerian Best Tourism Governor

Okon Bassey in Uyo

Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, has emerged the Nigerian Tourism Governor of the Year 2023, and the state named the most active tourism state in Nigeria.

The governor floored two other state Governors, Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti State and Bassey Otu of Cross River State to emerge the winner in Nigeria.

A letter signed by the Project Director, Ikechi Ukoh, said: “Nigerians have recognised and appreciated the hard work

and dedication demonstrated by the governor in promoting tourism in Akwa Ibom State.

He stated that: “Your efforts have not gone unnoticed, as evidenced by the acknowledgment from tourism professionals who have voted you as the Best Tourism Governor of the Year 2023 in Nigeria.

“Your commitment to enhancing the tourism sector and showcasing the beauty of Akwa Ibom State is commendable, and we applaud your achievements in driving tourism growth and development in the region.

The Simon Guggenheim Memorial Foundation had just announced winners of its 2024 prestigious awards after months of a rigorous peer review of a long list of about 3,000 candidates. Out of the lots, 188 world-class scholars, scientists, writers, historians, artists and photographers came top. Adebanwi, who made the enviable list, teaches in the Department of Political Science and the Department of Africana Studies, where he is the current director.

Before he was headhunted by UPENN, he taught at the University of California-Davis and University of Oxford where he was the first African ever to be appointed as the Rhodes Professor of Race Relations and Director of the African Studies Centre. Adebanwi holds a doctorate in Political Science from the University of Ibadan and another Ph.D in Social Anthropology from the University of Cambridge,where he was a Bill and Melinda Gates Scholar.

Kogi Attack: Community Leader Tasks NEMA, SEMA to Assist IDPs with Relief Materials

Ibrahim Oyewale in lokoja

Worried by the level of devastation in Agejoju-Odo community, a leader, Thomas Acheneje, has called on the National Emergency management Agency (NEMA) and Kogi State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) to assist displaced persons of community in Omala Local Government Area with relief materials.

Acheneje made the call while speaking with journalists in Lokoja yesterday.

Agojeju-Odo community in Omala LGA of Kogi , was on April 4 attacked by bandits and no fewer than 25 persons were confirmed dead while several others injured.

The gunmen had sacked the entire inhabitants of the community and are now taking refuge in neighbouring communities.

Acheneje said that since that April 4, the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) have been encountering untold hardships due to lack of food, drinking water and conducive places to stay.

“Our people are living in terrible conditions. This is why as a community leader, I am pleading with NEMA and SEMA to consider it necessary and expedient to take some relief materials to them.

Niger Signs 556km of 252 Roads Contracts with 37 Contractors

The Niger State Government has signed 556km of road contracts with 37 construction companies.

The contracts, according to a statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary to Governor, Bologi Ibrahim, which will spread across the 25 local government areas of the state, were sealed at the Government House in Minna. The state Commissioner for Works, Suleiman Umar, signed on behalf of the state government while representatives of the contracting firms signed for their respective companies.

while speaking at the event, the state Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, stressed that the execution of the projects became necessary to engender development across the state in line with his Urban Renewal Policy.

According to the statement,

He observed that the state is

having a huge infrastructural deficit hence his administration is poised to construct 2,000 kilometres of roads in the next four years, adding that about a trillion naira funding has been secured to cater for infrastructural development in the state.

Appoint Special Adviser on Library Matters, Librarians Tell President Tinubu

Kuni Tyessi in a buja

The Nigerian Library Association (NLA) has called on President Bola Tinubu to restore the appointment of a special adviser on Library

and Information Matters who would double as the librarian of the Presidential Library as it was in the day of President Olusegun Obasanjo.

The association has

indicated that the Head of Service has refused to utilise special waivers to employ librarians that would fill vacancies arising from retirement and job migration. The NLA also labeled the

management of Covenant University, Abia and Kwara State Governments as bad examples for allegedly appointing non-librarians to head their libraries despite an initial interface.

SAFETY AGREEMENT

in Abuja…recently

Fire: Sanwo-Olu Orders Integrity Test on Standing Structures

Segun James

Following recent and rampant fire outbreak in market places on Lagos Island, the Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide SanwoOlu, has ordered full assessment of buildings in Dosunmu and adjoining areas to determine their structural integrity

The order followed the fire outbreak that destroyed property worth billions of naira. This was coming two days after the fire broke, the site of which remains an active disaster zone, with first responders from the Lagos State Government still battling isolated inferno in some

of the affected buildings as at yesterday.

At least, 14 multi-storey buildings were completely razed to rubble in the incident allegedly caused by reckless handling of flammable materials by some traders. Sanwo-Olu in company of top government officials visited the fire site to assess the situation and met with victims.

Although the governor had directed full investigation into the immediate cause of the fire, he said unapproved and failed structures in the market area will be pulled down.

Arguments have, however,

Afrobeat Music Has Recorded Appreciable Progress Globally

Ugo Aliogo and Lawal Kehinde

A United States-based singer and song writer, Somi Pakoma, has revealed that Afrobeat music has recorded an appreciable progress globally, adding that the music genre has taken a life of its own.

She also noted that the music genre is promoting itself, adding

ensued between the traders and some residents over the cause of the fire incident.

Some traders were said to be dealing in illegal sale of

I,

I, formerly known and addressed as miSS JoSepHine oluWatoYin makinWa, now wish to be called and addressed as mRS JoSepHine oluWatoYin opaRe. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

that truth would always find its way to the light, therefore, the progress is measurable.

Pakoma, who disclosed this yesterday in Lagos during the unveiling of the Fabric of Courage exhibition, said the event is aimed at celebrating the memory of FESTAC 1977, and the archive of the event.

The artist further explained that Nigeria is a cultural giant on the global stage and this is evident across various spheres of life such as music, literature, fashion, visual arts and others.

She hinted that the creative economy here is robust, vibrant, vast, and influential.

Pakoma stated: “I have lived in Lagos over the last 10 years, and one of the things that I always find challenging is realizing that despite so much art making and cultural production, there are these sacred spaces like where we are standing right now. Nigeria has always been in a position to be able to inspire, guide, encourage other people, other, not only national Nigerians, but across the continent and the world to continue to do this type of work.

I, formerly known and addressed as miSS. belinda GoGWim, now wish to be known and addressed as mRS. belinda oSHoFiSan All former documents remain valid. The general public should take note.

combustible liquids, which were stored in warehouses attached to the affected buildings.

Some believe the fire was an act of sabotage allegedly arising

from the rivalry among some of the traders. Sanwo-Olu said the government would come hard on structures and property not

conformed to the government’s guidelines across markets, directing that Dosunmu market remain shut until the full report of the incident is ready.

DANG Community Charges Men on Women Inclusion, Leadership Advocacy

Ayodeji Ake

The Diary of a Naija Girl (DANG) Women have charged men to join the advocacy for inclusion policies, leadership and mentorship for women.

DANG is an online community, founded and managed by Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of DANG Lifestyle, to inspire women across the world through creative storytelling. It is a growth-centered platform where empowerment, inspiration, advocacy, people and ideas are celebrated.

Speaking at DANG Women Fest 2024 mega event held in Lagos, with the theme “Inspiring Inclusion and Breaking the Norms,” the Vice Chairman of Exxon Mobil Nigeria, Adesua Dozie, urged women to seize every opportunity to learn and get empowered.

In the same vein, she urged the men to join the advocacy for women’s development. She said: “Women should be the architect of their destiny and don’t take no for an answer. I want to call on women to embrace the opportunity to learn. Let’s commit first to ourselves and next to each other, promoting unity and pride in our identity.

Obijackson Foundation, HFH Partner on Children Heart Surgeries

Ugo Aliogo and Lawal Kehinde

The Obijackson Foundation and Hospitals for Humanity (HFH) have partnered to bring life-saving intervention to Nigerian children suffering from congenital heart defects, particularly those from struggling families.

In a statement, it was noted that through surgical procedures sponsored by the foundation, the partnership aims to correct the defect in 50 children selected through clinical screening from a long-waiting list of sufferers in need of help.

The initiative also provides the opportunity to transfer medical skills and build capacity in Nigeria’s healthcare system considering this is a specialist field and local staff from the Obijackson Women and Children Hospital (OWCH) will work alongside HFH during the operation.

The first phase of the intervention saw a heart screening programme conducted between March 19 and 22 March at the OWCH in Okija, Anambra State, to determine the status of the condition, its severity, and the level of intervention required.

Ombugadu Joins PDP National Chairmanship Race

Sunday Aborisade in abuja

Nasarawa State-born David Ombugadu has joined the race for the national chairmanship of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

A pressure group in the main opposition political party, the PDP Frontliners, disclosed this in a statement it made available to journalists in Abuja yesterday.

The group said Ombugadu would ensure the strategic repositioning of the PDP towards restoring party values and vibrancy.nIn a statement signed by the President of the group, Alhaji Hussein Mohammed; Secretary, Moses Abidemi and the Publicity Secretary, Mr. Dan Okafor, they disclosed that some concerned stakeholders have begun serious consultations towards making the Ombugadu’s ambition a reality. They added that Ombugadu was being drafted into the chairmanship race as a consensus

candidate at both the North Central geopolitical zone and national level.

Part of the statement read: “PDP’s renewal of commitment to party values and the actualisation of a much sought repositioning can be more actualised by David Ombugadu.

Mother Alleges Abuse of Disabled Child by Lagos Officials, Child in Critical Condition

Omolabake Fasogbon

Mrs. Ayoola Janet, mother of a child livingz with cerebral palsy, Ayoola Toluwalase, 12, has pleaded with Lagos State Government to come to the aid of her dying child in custody of the state home for Special Children in Ketu Special Children Centre (KSCC).

Toluwalase was reportedly admitted in Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH) on January 6 over chronic life threatening bed sores that developed all over his body, including his private organ, allegedly due to neglect and negligence of his caregivers at KSCC.

Toluwalase was born with cerebral palsy, a condition described as a group of disorders that affect a child’s ability to move and maintain balance and posture. Janet said he enrolled him in KSCC when he was five to enable him socialise with peers, while he normally returned home by weekends and public holidays to spend time with parents.

Niger Concludes Plans to Establish Smart Schools

KuniTyessiinabuja

The Executive Secretary of the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), Dr. Hamid Bobboyi, has expressed the commitment of the commission to assist state governments in transforming their schools to become smart institutions in line with the demands of 21st century education. He made this assertion when he visited Science Model Primary School Chaza Suleja, one of five science model schools, which the Niger State Government has decided to convert into smart schools. The Head, Public Relations and Protocol, UBEC, Mr. David Apeh, conveyed this in a statement in Abuja.

Wale Igbintade

Lagos State Government has concluded arrangements to arraign two legal practitioners, Ademola Owolabi and Adebayo Akeju, as well as a real estate

developer, Alex Ochonogor, over alleged forgery and willful damage to property. Already, Justice Sherifat Sonaike of the Lagos High Court at Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS) has fixed April 29, 2024,

The Chairman, Niger State Universal Basic Education Commission, Alhaji Muhammad Ibrahim, explained that the Niger State Government had made this decision in view of its desire to upgrade its schools to world class standards and ensure that its young citizens were getting high quality education that would make them compete with their peers in other parts of the world.

Earlier to the visit of the Executive Secretary, a team from the Digital Resource Centre of the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) led by Dr. Hafsat Lawal Kontagora arrived at Minna on an inspection visit to the schools to evaluate their readiness to commence smart education.

Lagos Set to Arraign Lawyers, Estate Agent for Alleged Forgery, Illegal Demolition

for their arraignment.

The adjournment was sequel to the defendants’ absence and their counsel when the matter came up for the first time on Monday, before Justice Sonaike. The two lawyers and the

realtor are facing a five count charge of conspiracy to commit forgery, forgery, and willful damage to property pressed against them by the Lagos State Government in suit marked LD/23611C/2024.

Europa: Boniface on Target as Leverkusen Gain Advantage

Super Eagles forward, Victor Boniface scored his first goal last night after coming on board as a late substitution against West Ham in a Europa quarter final first leg. Boniface headed home from a corner kick to give Bayern Leverkusen the advantage. It was also his first goal since leaving Nigeria's camp at AFCON 2023 in Cote divoire.

The Hammers had defended heroically for 83 minutes before goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski was finally beaten by substitute Jonas Hoffman.

A one-goal deficit might have given David Moyes’ side hope going into next week’s second leg at the London Stadium, despite facing a side unbeaten all season. But disaster struck in stoppage time when a second substitute, Boniface, headed home Hofmann’s cross, to leave West Ham’s hopes of a third consecutive European semi-final looking horribly slim. A yellow card for Lucas Paqueta, ruling the Brazil international out of the second leg, only adds to the task facing the east Londoners. The Hammers, without injured top scorer Jarrod Bowen and defensive midfield linchpin Edson Alvarez through suspension, were almost undone in the seventh minute when Josip Stanisic’s wayward shot was flicked towards goal by Patrik Schick but the ball went straight to Fabianski.

NNL Chairman, Aluo, Canvasses Community Ownership of Clubs

Chairman of Nigeria National League (NNL), George Aluo, has called for community ownership of football clubs in the country.

Aluo in his mid 50's will be a year older today, April 12, 2024. He said he is humbled by the blessings of God on his life and will continue to serve Him as a devout Christian of the Catholic Faith.

Speaking on his birthday, he said, "I'm a destiny child born on the day a bomb exploded in my village market square, Umuohiagu, Ngor Okpala Local Government Area of Imo State during the Nigeria/ Biafra civil war killing over 300 people, including goats, sheep, cattle and fowls and even flies were not exempted.

"On that day, according to my mother's account, it was not up to 15-20 minutes she left that place with my umbilical cord because there was no operational hospital then; carrying my elder sister on her back and my elder brother on her head in a basin that the bomb exploded and so I must thank God and continue to glorify his name for attaining my new age in good health and sound mind.”

Aluo jokingly pointed out that he has no picture of himself as baby to show his kids as, according to his parents, nobody was talking about photographs amid Nigeria/ Biafra war since the only thing that mattered then was survival.

The NNL boss, who expressed satisfaction with the successes recorded by the country's second tier league since he took over, advocated government hands off running football club sides, arguing that clubs will be better managed by private individuals and communities as it is done in other climes.

"It's unfortunate that governments are still managing professional club sides in this country, and our football can never grow with government ownership of clubs. All we need to do and encourage is to have community based clubs and private ownership of club sides, and things will begin to change.

"When you look at Remo Stars that's privately owned, you will discover that the club is well managed without government subvention. Even at the NNL, Sporting Supreme flies their players to match venues, and yet it's owned by an individual. So, we must discourage government involvement in our football.”

The NNL boss while appreciating the Chairman of NFF, Alhaji

Ibrahim Gusau, for the opportunity given to him to serve, identified paucity of funds as the greatest challenge facing his board just as he appealed to corporate organisations to take interest in NNL to make the country's lower league stronger and attractive.

"I must continue to express my appreciation to Alhaji Gusau for finding me worthy to serve as NNL chairman and a board member of the NFF.

"My appeal is that corporate organizations should come to our aid and do what GTI is doing for the NPFL. We're not saying they should give us money to put in our pockets, let them take care of referees indemnity and once this is done, the referees will not be intimidated but rather be at their best and it will now be possible for teams to be winning on the road as is presently being witnessed in the NNL.”

season

The side gained promotion into the elite division two seasons ago but has found itself in a difficult situation as the season hit its final stretch.

Aina joined Forest last summer and he has been able to contribute immensely to the progress of the team.

“I don’t see the team going down.

We’ve had a difficult season by our standards, but I very much expect us to improve in our next game.

More importantly, it’s about playing well and trying to get a result to stay up", he told Nottingham Post.

It’s been a topsy-turvy season for Nottingham Forest, and they currently sit 17th on the EPL log, level on points with Luton Town but with a superior goal difference. Forest narrowly escaped relegation in their first EPL season with the effort of another Nigerian International Taiwo Awoniyi.

Paris-bound Super Falcons Back from South Africa Ola

Commend Nigeria’s Charge d’Affaires in Pretoria for wonderful hospitality

Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja

Nigeria’s triumphant delegation to South Africa for Tuesday’s Women’s Olympic Football Tournament final qualifying game flew back to the country on Wednesday night, with words of praise for Nigeria’s Charge d’Affaires at the Nigeria High Commission in Pretoria, Alexander Tope Ajayi.

With a 1-0 win over the Banyana Banyana in Abuja on Friday last week, The Pride of Africa dug their feet into the ground to grind a favourable scoreless draw that qualified Nigeria to the Women’s Olympic Football Tournament for the first time in 16 years.

While most of the players and Coach Randy Waldrum left for their different bases direct from Johannesburg, eight players and the other team officials flew back to Lagos on Wednesday night aboard a South African Airways flight.

NFF’s Director of Competitions, Ruth David confirmed that South African Football Association authorities abandoned the Super Falcons immediately after Tunisian referee Dorsaf Ganouati’s final whistle confirmed that Nigeria, and not Banyana Banyana would be joining Brazil, Spain and Japan in Group C

of this year’s Olympic Tournament. “SAFA officials made it clear that we were thenceforth on our own. They said the bus would not move us to anywhere again, that their responsibilities ended with the final whistle. They only took us back to the hotel, and no

longer detailed security personnel for the delegation. “We must commend the Charge d’Affaires in the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria, Mr. Alexander Tope Ajayi for all his efforts. He made the team feel comfortable and at home right

from our arrival, organized dinner for the team and mobilized and provided transport for Nigerians based in Pretoria to come to the stadium and support the team. He also organized transport and saw the team off to the airport on departure.”

Mr. Alexander Tope Ajayi (in-between Coach Waldrum and leader of delegation Rt. Hon. Margaret Icheen) with some members of the Super Falcons’ delegation in Pretoria...on Wednesday.

Philip Shaibu to His Traducers

“The impeachment that has happened is because God wants to open a new chapter...I am somebody that is strong willed and when I mean something, I mean it and when I look at the whole thing, I am paying the price, I also believe that it is only the man that God impeaches that is impeached. By the grace of God, I know the judiciary will do the needful because it is an impeachment that I have not been served...” –Impeached Edo State Deputy Governor, Philip Shaibu, says his impeachment won’t stand, takes solace in the judiciary to upturn it.

AKIN OSUNTOKUN

DIALOGUE WITH NIGERIA

akinosuntokun@thisdaylive.com

Peter Obi and the Civil War Syndrome

“Nigerians will probably achieve consensus on no other matter than their common resentment of the Igbo”

–Chinua Achebe.

Another characterisation of what the great scholar, Chinua Achebe, is saying above is what I call the ‘civil war syndrome’ in which the rest of Nigeria banded together to engage in hostilities against the Igbo from 1967 to 1970. Delving deeper, Anthony Kirk Green observed “The tragedy of 1967 is that many of its seeds were not, as is often claimed, sown in October or even July 1966, but in the 1950s or, as some see it, in 1914 or maybe in 1900 itself.”. Inferring from Achebe, S.K Panterbrick noted that “The Ibo seemed to be unaware of the degree of hostility which they inspired in others. Tactlessness in high places was paralleled by insensitivity among the masses”.

Given the Northern minority identity politics of the United Middle Belt Congress, UMBC, it is difficult to estimate the degree of intra Northern regional integration prior to the chain of reactions unleashed by the January 15th 1966 coup. Such uncertainty was dashed by the precipitous ethno-regional lopsidedness of the execution of the coup (of the executors on one hand and the casualties on another). It was certainly not the intention of the coup makers, but the January 1966 coup fostered a renewed sense of Northern regional political unity. They exercised no distinction between Northern Moslem and Northern Christian in the choice of their victims. John Walsh Pam, Abogo Lagerma, Zakariah Maimalari and Kur Mohammed were united by their fate at the hands of the coup leaders.

Harold Smith offered a controversial perspective that “There is little evidence of Igbo responsibility and none of Dr Zik’s. Each assertion of Ibo involvement can be countered by a counter-argument. For example, the young Majors were largely Ibo? Yes, but the many more NCOs and ordinary soldiers were Northerners. Given the scenario of 15 January and hindsight of a civil war that cost up to one million lives, I regret that Zik and the Eastern Region Prime Minister were not assassinated. Had they been killed, a million other lives might not have been lost, for the plot was perceived as an Igbo conspiracy”.

Ruth First elaborated “The bulk of the riflemen in the Army-some say as many as 75 percent-were Northerners, but mostly from the Middle Belt. There was also heavy enlistment from among men from Bornu, and from Niger and Chad, who crossed the border into Nigeria so as to join the Army”. With this configuration, no further explanation was needed for the upper hand of the North in the ensuing balance of terror power politics, which was put to devastating effect in the counter coup of July 1966.

The Western region input in the civil war syndrome centred on the role of Chief Obafemi Awolowo upon his release from the Calabar prison. The January 1966 coup amounted to a vindication of sorts for him. The vindication consisted of the resumption of his political career at a higher level including a Yoruba political martyrdom. There was also the credible speculation of the desire of the coupists to appoint him the Prime Minister of Nigeria. For authentication, read Emeka Ojukwu “dont forget that the political purpose of the coup, the Ifeajuna coup that began all this, was to hand power over to Awo”.

It is an irony of fate that the Northern/ Western regional power politics alliance that orchestrated the incarceration of Awolowo, was largely the same political constituency he found himself in warm political embrace after his release from prison. His proxy political party, the Igbo personified United Political Grand Alliance, UPGA, had reemerged to become his civil war foe. The open secret is that more than any personal desire, Awolowo wanted to be the President of Nigeria. With this desire in view, it makes practical sense for him to make the best of the circumstances and seek political rapport with the Northern political power brokers.

The philosophy of the civil war, (as encapsulated in a Northern-writ-large Nigeria nationalist ideology) was that might is right.

That, henceforth, any Nigerian who wishes to become Nigerian President must do so on the terms of the conquerors. It is an ideology that has been long in coming. “In the early 1950s the North tried to retard progess towards independence. But when it became evident that the demands of the Southern politicians could no longer be contained the Northerners joined them, intending not to be co-equal partners in the Federation but

to be dominant over them”.

Staying true to the reputation of being ‘clever, sensible and moral whom the British had cause to fear would upset the Northern bandwagon’ it was an ideology Awolowo did not buy into. He was given an opportunity to prove himself to the contrary in his appointment as the Chancellor of the Ahmadu Bello University, ABU. He did not. To begin with, Awolowo was not likely to fancy himself as a functionary of an institution named after the personification of Northern hegemony and a bitter rival. He had to draw a line in the sand of the extent he would go in seeking the kingmaker favour of the North.

He ended up calling their buff by floating an exclusive Southern Presidential ticket in the general elections of 1979. There was an element of political blindness in taking recourse to this flight of fancy. First, it was a non-starter in the numbers game. Were he to surmount the implausibility of securing all the votes of Southern Nigeria, he will still fall short of winning the majority votes. Second, if he was a hard sell to the Igbo before the civil war, he was much more so after the tragedy.

Against the background of the role he played in the civil war, the war had deepened the political schism between the South West and the South East. Given the conspicuous role, Awolowo readily became a convenient scapegoat for the Biafran tragedy. Waiting in the wings to cash in on this resurgent bad blood was their mutual foe which has a vested interest in the near perennial Yoruba/ Igbo estrangement.

Truth is said to be the first casualty of war, (because war is a continuation of politics by other means). Accordingly, what Awolowo supposedly pledged to Ojukwu concerning the position of the Yoruba on the civil war has remained contentious. Not given to political controversy, I was taken aback to find the reputable international technocrat, Ngozi Okonjo Iweala in the ranks of Igbo vs Yoruba propaganda warriors. She authoritatively asserted “The Igbos had made the secessionist move with the promise from Chief Obafemi Awolowo in the Southwest that the Yoruba would follow suit. Awolowo, however, failed to honour his pledge”

With a total lack of restraint, Chinua Achebe hammered “It is my impression that Awolowo was driven by an overriding ambition for power, for himself and for his Yoruba people. In the Biafran case, it meant hatching up a diabolical policy to reduce the numbers of his enemies significantly through starvation – eliminating over two million people, mainly members of future generations.”. In demonstrable capacity for Awolowo vilification and demonisation, Ojukwu did not follow suit. His attribution of what Awolowo said was “that if the Igbos were forced out by Nigeria that he would take the Yorubas out also. I don’t know what anybody makes of that statement”.

This recurring theme of Awolowo/Yoruba

betrayal was not consistent with what Awolowo said. Neither was it in sync with the subsequent disposition of one who had just betrayed the Igbo (reference his 1979 Presidential ticket). At the occasion of the celebrated Awolowo-Ojukwu summit of May 1967 in Enugu, he was on record not urging the Biafran leader to war but counselling Ojukwu against secession. “I think it is generally agreed that some units have done more for the unity of Nigeria than others. The East certainly have not yielded first place to anyone in that regard. I would like you to consider that aspect very seriously”.

Predictably, Awolowo (the Yoruba/Igbo Presidential ticket) lost the 1979 Presidential election which effectively marked the end of his Presidential ambition. “Why, wondered S.K Panterbrick, have the Ibo and Yoruba been so unsuccessful in combining against the fulani, allowing the latter to play one off against the other”?.

At the Northern end, there ensued an escalating deterioration in the social and political relationship between the dominant conservative wing of the Northern political establishment and the subordinate Christian minority, aka, the Middle Belt. Just like the January 1966 coup fed the “one North’ ideology, nothing has categorically unravelled this myth than the contemporary genocidal assault of a fulani militia against the Middle Belt community.This dramatic reversal is best illustrated in the political/military career of General Theophilus Danjuma (from been a leader of the 1966 counter coup to finding himself and his people on the run from the Nigerian army in 2022).

Addressing himself to the Taraba people some years back, Danjuma lamented, “You must rise to protect yourselves from these people; if you depend on the armed forces to protect you, you will all die…,” Just like he was a ringleader of the Northern army mutiny of 1966, so has he become the defacto godfather of a recrudescent Middle Belt resistance politics. In a major breach of the civil war syndrome, Danjuma was the chief facilitator of Peter Obi’s triumphalist incursion into the middle belt in the 2023 elections. Were Peter Obi to have gotten the full measure of his votes in Lagos state alone, he would have won the majority votes in the South West and go on to win the entire South. The singular lesson of the 2023 elections was that it was one thing to win the elections, it was entirely another to be so declared by the INEC. Peradventure, were Obi to have found himself sworn in as President in May, last year, I’m not so sure whether he would have surmounted the civil war syndrome. My speculation is that the National Assembly (consisting of the same members as we have today) would have paralysed his government with implacable hostility which will quickly snowball into a credible impeachment threat. The best bargain, he would likely get, would be an invitation by the Muhammadu Buhari led North to commit himself in letter and spirit to become a proxy President.