THURSDAY 14TH MARCH 2024

Tinubu: No More Ransom Payments to Kidnappers, Reads Riot Act to Security Agencies

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TURNING THE SOD...

L-R: His Royal Highness, The Oniru of Iruland, Lagos, Oba Abdulwasiu Omogbolahan Lawal; the Governor of Lagos State, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu; Chairman, Persianas Group, Mr. Tayo Amusan; Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Enoh, and the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority, Mr. Aminu Umar-Sadiq, at the groundbreaking of Africa's first purpose-built 12,000-capacity 'The Arena, in Victoria Island, Lagos... recently

10 Years After, Aig-Imoukhuede Returns as Access Holdings’ Non-Executive Chairman

Access Holdings aims to leverage his extensive experience, industry knowledge and exceptional leadership skills to consolidate on the growth and accomplishments recorded under Wigwe’s leadership

Nume Ekeghe, Dike Onwuamaeze and Kayode Tokede

Access Holdings Plc yesterday on the floor of the Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX), announced the return of Mr. Aigboje AigImoukhuede, as its Non-Executive Chairman.

Aig-Imoukhuede, replaces Mr. Abubakar Jimoh, the erstwhile Chairman of the HoldCo who remains on the Board as an Independent Non-Executive Director.

The Company Secretary, Access Holdings, Sunday Ekwochi, in a statement stated that AigImoukhuede, a visionary and accomplished leader is bringing an outstanding record of accomplishments, wealth of expertise and leadership to guide the Group into a new era of success.

“In response to the untimely passing of the immediate past Group Chief Executive Officer of Access Holdings, Dr. Herbert Wigwe, and following extensive consultations with key stakeholders, the Holdco

Board unanimously decided to invite Aig-Imoukhuede to the helm of governance,” the statement read.

Ekwochi added that, “With an illustrious career spanning several decades in the banking and finance sector, Aig-Imoukhuede has proven to be an exceptional and influential leader, having admirably laid a solid foundation for Access Bank’s success as Group Chief Executive Officer between 2002 and 2013 ably supported by his partner and deputy, the late Dr. Herbert Wigwe, who later succeeded him.

“Under Aig-Imoukhuede’s leadership, Access Bank experienced remarkable growth and established itself as a trusted financial institution within the community.

“The bank transformed from a minor player into one of Nigeria’s top five banks with presence in nine other African countries and the United Kingdom. Under his stewardship, Access Bank grew its customer base from ten thousand to over six million with more than 5,000 employees and an asset base of

Tinubu Replaces Eke with Onwudiwe On CBN Board

Sunday Aborisade in Abuja

President Bola Tinubu yesterday asked the Senate to confirm Mr. Ruby Onwudiwe, as a member of the Board of Directors of the Central Bank of Nigeria, (CBN) Onwudiwe, replaced Dr. Orum Kalu Eke, who declined the President's nomination due to his engagement at the World Bank and other financial institutions.

Tinubu’s request was contained in a letter addressed to the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio and read during plenary. The President, in the letter, said the request for confirmation was in compliance with provisions of section 10, sub-section 1 of the Central Bank of Nigeria Establishment Act, 2007.

Part of Tinubu's letter read, “I am pleased to present for confirmation by the senate,the appointment of Dr. Ruby Onwudiwe as a member of the CBN board of directors.

"The senate is invited to kindly note that Onwudiwe is a replacement for Mr. Kalu Eke, due to the unavailability of Eke for the position.

“It is my hope therefore, that the Senate will consider and confirm in its usual expeditious manner, the appointment of Onwudiwe. Please accept the assurances of my highest regards.” The Senate, had on February 29 confirmed four out of the five persons nominated by President Tinubu as members of the Board of Directors of the CBN. Those confirmed were Robert Agbede, Ado Yakubu Wanka, Murtala Sabo Sagagi, and Muslimat Olanike Aliyu, but they had declined that of Eke, who did not appear before the Senate Committee on Banking, Insurance and other Financial Institutions for screening.

Although, there was no formal explanation from Eke to the committee or the Senate, former Abia State Governor and Senator representing Abia North, Orji Uzor Kalu, informed his colleagues about what happened.

Kalu said the nominee, who was not confirmed could not appear for screening to take up the role because it would conflict with his current job as a consultant to the World Bank, among others.

USD $12 billion, achieving numerous milestones and becoming a globally recognised name.

“His strategic vision, innovative thinking, and deep market insight were instrumental to shaping the Bank's success.

“Following his retirement as the Bank’s CEO in December 2013, Aig-Imoukhuede cofounded the Tengen Family Office Limited which oversees a significant portfolio of investments and businesses in banking, finance, insurance, technology, real estate, and energy.”

It further stated: “Through the Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation, he is focused on building Nigeria’s

next generation of government leaders, helping transform public sector effectiveness, and improving access to quality primary health care.

“The decision to bring back Aig-Imoukhuede as the Group’s Non-Executive Chairman reflects the Board’s commitment to our core values and determination to build upon the strong foundation, he jointly established with Dr. Wigwe.

“With his return, Access Holdings aims to leverage his extensive experience, industry knowledge, and exceptional leadership skills to consolidate on the growth and accomplishments recorded under Dr. Wigwe’s leadership.

“In his new role as Non-Executive Chairman, Aig-Imoukhuede will collaborate with the Board of Directors to oversee strategy and provide guidance to the executive management team.

“His return is not only a testament to his unwavering dedication to Access Group but also a clear demonstration of the Board's confidence in his ability to lead the Group to new heights.”

Speaking about his return, past Chairman, Access Holdings, Jimoh expressed excitement, stating: “Aig-Imoukhuede’s appointment to the Board and subsequent election as Chairman is a landmark

development for Access Holdings. All our board members are excited about our future’’.

Commenting on his appointment, Aig-Imoukhuede the statement was quoted to have said: “I am thrilled to be back in active service to the Access Group ecosystem. I am confident that working with our directors, our exceptional team of executives and our best-in-class banking and finance professionals, we will deliver outstanding value to our esteemed stakeholders. I am determined that our shared vision which Dr. Wigwe gave everything for, will be realised.”

After Several Postponements, FG Finally Defers Student Loan Scheme

Presidency blames logistics for delay

Deji Elumoye and Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

After shifting the date for the launch of the much-awaited student loan scheme several times, the federal government has finally deferred the implementation of the programme indefinitely, citing the need to ensure all stakeholders are on the same page on the scheme.

Speaking on Arise Television, THISDAY’s broadcast arm, the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), Akintunde Sawyer, said the launch of the scheme which would have taken place today (Thursday) had been postponed till further notice.

President Bola Tinubu had a few days after taking over the reins of government on May 29, signed the bill which seeks to give interest-free loans to interested Nigerians for their higher education.

First expected to kick off between September and October 2023, the commencement of the programme was initially postponed, even after the president said it would later begin in January 2024, after missing the earlier October deadline.

But in January, the Minister of State for Education, Yusuf Sununu, said at a meeting that the scheme was set to kick off, with just a few ‘i’s remaining to be dotted. Next, Tinubu told leaders of the

National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) that the programme would start once more features like vocational studies were incorporated.

But Sawyer, in what looked like a U-turn, during the interview, said that the launch had been postponed as there were some ‘corrections’ that were being made around the launch of the programme.

He said: “Unfortunately, I won’t be able to commit to a specific date. We are sort of waiting to ensure that all the stakeholders are aligned to make sure that nobody is blindsided.

“ Then we can actually roll this out in a meaningful, comprehensive, wholesome and sustainable way. One thing that I will commit to is that this is a well-intended project.

“President Bola Tinubu means well around this and absolutely wants this rolled out as fast as possible, and we’re working very hard to help realise that.”

Stressing that the process is technically driven and necessary measures needed to be put in place for proper execution, Sawyer said that the pre-launch activities had reached an advanced stage, explaining that March 14 wasn’t feasible.

Explaining how the scheme works, the executive secretary said: “It’s supposed to be for institutional fees. So, there are lots of fees that get charged once a student is in a tertiary institution.

“In terms of the amount available, it would be 100 per cent of whatever the course that they are studying is. So, this is for public tertiary institutions, and the objective is to be able to cover the cost of their institutional fees in total.” Sawyer added that although the law proposes that those who earn up to N500,00 per annum would not be eligible, given the current economic situation, that clause may need to be reviewed.

“The law itself says families who earn above N500,000 per annum would not be eligible. Now clearly, that is not a reasonable proposition given the current climate.

“So, we’re looking very closely at

that to ensure that we can actually capture, in the process, those who earn more than that but are still in very difficult situations when it comes to paying institutional fees at tertiary level.

“So, even if we’re able to determine who is earning less than half a million naira, and those who are earning above that, it is still a net that isn’t fully finalised. And we are looking at that very closely to ensure that through guidelines, regulations, and possible amendments to the law itself, we can make this a more comprehensive, wide coverage law,” he added.

Continues

Naira Gains in Parallel Market, Slightly Weakens in Official Exchange

Nume Ekeghe

The naira yesterday for the first time in two weeks appreciated at the parallel market to N1,600/$1. This comes after it had been exchanging and hovering around N1,610 to N1,630 for the past two weeks.

However, the official Nigerian Autonomous Foreign Exchange

(NAFEM) depreciated yesterday closing at N1,615.94 signifying a N12.56 loss compared to N1,603.38 it closed on Tuesday.

Notably, the daily turnover recorded yesterday was $248.75 million indicating a 2.49 per cent decline from $122.18 million, quoted on Wednesday. Also, the highest spot rate yesterday was pegged at N1635, while the lowest spot rate recorded was N1,500.

BANK DIRECTORS VISIT SENATE COMMITTEE...

Edun: We've Devised Strategies to Plug Leakages, Deduct Automatically from Revenue Agencies

Says lower inflation, stable FX rate, low interest rates pathways to FDI Reforms in NSIP, direct cash transfers to vulnerable Nigerians ongoing

Ndubuisi Francis in Abuja

The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, yesterday disclosed that the federal government has now totally revamped its revenue streams through a combined application of digitisation, relevant regulations and guidelines to plug leakages.

Edun, made the disclosure during a podcast hosted by Bruit Costaud in collaboration with Ballard Partners of the United States of America, monitored by THISDAY in Abuja.

Fielding questions from the anchor, Nnamdi Atupulazi, the minister revealed that the federal government

no longer waits for reconciliation with revenue generating agencies and Government Owned Enterprises (GOEs) as was the practice in the past, but deducts automatically from source in a bid to plug leakages.

He said: "And if you know anything about Mr. President's antecedents, the first thing he did in Lagos was to get all of the revenue. What he did was that he used digitalisation, used the latest technology to plug leakages and to improve efficiency of monitoring and collection.

"And this is exactly the same thing that he has done at the federal level. Now, the revenue of

the federal government has been totally revamped.

"There has been an application of technology to make sure that what is due to the federal government, particularly from its various revenueearning agencies and companies and enterprises is now not taken based on compliance or not taken at the end of the year.

"Each day now, a federal government enterprise earns revenue, government checks and immediately it takes it seamlessly, automatically and digitally. So there is no issue of there may be a discussion later as to let us reconcile and so forth.

"But what we did is we looked

at the rules, the regulations, the guidelines, the Fiscal Responsibility Act and so forth. And then we looked at the percentage exactly due to government without waiting for whether there is a surplus or not, and so forth."

Edun's revelation appeared to be a refreshing departure from the general belief that revenue generating agencies were indulging in sharp practices and shortchanging the government by violating the provisions of the Fiscal Responsibility Act (FRA, 2007) as well as the subsequent amendment in the 2020 Finance Act concerning their Operating Surpluses.

Kyari: We Recorded 9,000 Infractions on Oil Pipelines in One Year

Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja

The Group Managing Director, Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited, Mele Kyari, has revealed that the company recorded 9,000 infractions on oil pipelines in one year.

He said it was obvious that crude oil theft was almost an end-to-end issue in Nigeria, adding that it was very clear that a lot of people was involved.

Kyari, disclosed this yesterday, in Abuja, when the House of Representatives Special Committee on Oil Theft went on an oversight function at the headquarters of NNPC Ltd.

According to him, from 2022 to date, “we have deactivated 6,465 illegal refineries. We have also removed 4,876 illegal connections to a pipeline out of 5,570 that we have discovered.”

He added that the NNPC was not sure if that was the actual number, adding that it still has about a thousand that the corporation knew had not yet been removed.

"Some of the scale of the infraction that we see is unbelievable; we are not able to deal with it. When you remove one connection, the next day in the same location, someone will replace it.

"In most of these locations, they are less than a hundred meters from the settlement; some are even less than a hundred meters from the local government headquarters,” he added.

He said notwithstanding the

distance, the evils “are being perpetrated unabated,” adding that this makes it impossible to guarantee the production that would happen the next day.

He added that the key issue had been security, adding that the NNPC moved to curtail the menace of pipeline vandals by incorporating all security agencies into a single platform, including private security.

Kyari stated, "It is very obvious that despite all the integrity issues with our pipeline and our facilities, we have capacity beyond two million barrels per day without doing anything.

"But today, we are struggling to meet the budget estimate of 1.6 million barrels per day. This by no means is related to crude oil theft; no, it's not true, but the core issue that is affecting the other core issue is crude theft.

"No one will produce oil, knowing full well that he cannot dispose of it, and that's why no one is putting money into it.

"In 2022, it became so obvious that if something dramatic is not done, we are going to run into trouble. On a specific date, our production came down to as low as 1.1 million barrels per day. "And on a particular day, we have gone below a million barrels to explain this except for the infraction and especially the oil thief,'' he said

Speaking, the Chairman of the Special Committee, Hon. Alhassan Ado-Doguwa, said it had been established and common knowledge that operating oil and gas pipelines

in Nigeria constituted a herculean challenge.

He was of the opinion that the opacity and non-transparency of regulatory activities at crude oil export terminals were alarming.

The lawmaker stressed that it was indisputable that Nigeria had been bedeviled by crude oil theft

and pipeline vandalism of enormous proportions, most of which occurs within the Niger Delta region.

Dogunwa noted: "It is also saddening that these infractions do not stop with the pipelines; daily breaches are also recorded at the oil well heads, flow stations, loading, and export terminals, among others.

The minister also noted that efforts were in place to totally rationalise, revolutionise and improve the efficiency of tax administration in Nigeria, not necessarily by increasing taxes, but increasing efficiency and eliminating wastage.

Edun, who underscored the necessity of the twin policies of removing petroleum subsidy and the unification of the exchange rate of the Naira, noted that, "there has been a programme to stabilise the economy, which is having positive effects."

The Coordinating Minister cited improvement in daily oil production from 1.25 million barrels per day (mbpd) before the Tinubu administration took over to the current of about 1.65mbpd.

He stated that before the current reforms by the Tinubu’s administration, "there was no longer revenue coming from the all-important oil company, NNPCL."

"Rather, there was payment of the unsustainable petroleum subsidy that was costing $10 billion a year.

"That was costing two per cent of GDP. That threatened the very finances of the federal government, and linked to that was the foreign exchange subsidy where the arrangements for putting foreign exchange into the economy were lopsided and were inefficient and lacked transparency and created tremendous

arbitage and rent-seeking.

"So, Mr. President removed those two subsidies and by taking those steps, he saved the Nigerian economy because you now have a recovery of government revenues and has also stopped the incentive, for instance, the flight of petroleum products across the borders.

"We have sluggish growth-less than population growth of 3 per cent in recent years which has shown up in increasing poverty, human development index and unemployment figures.

"But that was then. There has been a programme to stabilise the economy which is having positive effects," he said.

Applauding the growth of the All-Share Index (ASI) and the increasing appetite of portfolio investors in Nigerian securities, the minister said while the development was good, the government was desirous of putting in place enablers for foreign direct investment (FDI) in real sectors of the economy.

According to him, portfolio investments come in quicker and also exit quicker, stressing that the administration was concentrating and working assiduously to stabilise the economy and attract real investment by domestic and foreign investors.

Ogun Begins Payment of Cash Award to 100,000 Indigent Primary, Secondary Pupils

James Sowole in Abeokuta

Ogun state government yesterday, flagged off the payment of N10,000 cash award to 100,000 primary and secondary school learners in the over 2, 000 public schools across the four divisions of the state.

The payment is in fulfilment of the promise made by the Governor Dapo Abiodun, to pay N10,000 to indigent pupils and students in the state's primary and secondary schools.

Speaking while monitoring the disbursement of the money in some schools in Abeokuta, Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Prof. Abayomi Arigbabu noted that the payment was one of the strategies used by the governor to provide succour to parents as a result of the present economic situation in the country.

Arigbabu noted that the gesture was meant to provide succour to

pupils and their parents. He said: "In view of the economic realities in the country, the governor decided to provide succour to the people of the state using multiplicity approaches to achieve this.

"He believes that another strategy that could be used which has never been used by any government before is the health and education sectors to reach the populace. Through the education sector, you can truly reach out to those who need the palliative.

"We have over 2, 000 primary and secondary schools in all the four divisions of the state, and 100,000 learners in these schools would receive N10,00 each."

He emphasised that the government decided to pay through parents whose children are in public primary and secondary schools as the children do not have bank accounts due to their age. "As we meet and give the

parents the governor's message, they are receiving the alert for payment. The governor's gesture is to support the parents in meeting their children's needs," he added.

On how the children were chosen, the commissioner maintained that the process was objective, adding that it was easy to come up with the list of indigent students as teachers who are part of the school system were given the burden to find the indigent students as they are the closest to them.

"That is why we have not involved anybody who is not in the school system. The school system is not political. Civil servants are not supposed to be politicians, so the principals and the teachers have selected these children based on the fact that they have always seen them to be indigent students.

"How do they know them? These

are children without shoes, some of them have torn uniforms, some don't have enough exercise books, and some can't even buy textbooks. There are a number of things they would have seen, some of them, it is these teachers that will be contributing money to the support system.

"I can assure you that the children we have chosen are children that are indigent. To confirm that for you, a parent came to me, she said that her child in this school was chosen, but she has another child in another school that was not chosen. That is telling you that indigence is relative," he said.

He disclosed that 50,000 students of Ogun state origin in both public and private tertiary institutions have been captured to be paid N50,000 each. The payment, he said, has started with about 20,000 students to be covered by the end of the week.

SPEciAl committEE'S EngAgEmEnt with thE nnPcl mAnAgEmEnt...

L-R: Deputy Chairman, House of Representatives Special Committee on Oil Theft/Losses, Hon. Sesi Olusegun; Chairman of the Committee, Hon. Alhassan Ado Doguwa; Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPCL, Malam Mele Kyari, and Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Gas Resources, Hon. Nicholas Mutu, during the Special Committee's Engagement with the

Report: Nigeria Plans to Issue Eurobonds by June, Eyes $1bn External Borrowing

Addeh with agency report

Nigeria has hired investment banks including Citibank NA, JPMorgan Chase & Co., and Goldman Sachs, to seek advice on its first Eurobond issue since 2022.

A Bloomberg report yesterday, noted that the size of the Eurobond offer, which was expected before

June, was yet to be determined.

The federal government could raise as much as $1 billion in external borrowing this year to meet its spending needs, according to sources who spoke to the publication.

The report said Nigeria has also hired Standard Chartered Bank and Lagos-based Chapel Hill Denham as advisers.

On January 1, President Bola

Court to Decide Fate of Miyetti Allah’s President March 22

Alex Enumah in Abuja

Justice Inyang Ekwo of a Federal High Court, Abuja, yesterday, adjourned till March 22, to decide whether to release the detained President of Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore, Mr Bello Bodejo, on bail.

Justice Ekwo fixed the date shortly after lawyers to parties adopted and argued their briefs for and against the motion for bail.

Meanwhile, supporters of Bodejo, besieged the premises of the Federal High Court demanding his unconditional release.

Ekwo, had on March 5, fixed yesterday for the hearing of Bodejo’s motion on notice, seeking his unconditional release from the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA)’s custody.

The judge fixed the date following the federal government’s failure to produce Bodejo in court

for arraignment after the expiration of the seven-day order directing the FG to file charges against him.

Ekwo, had also on February 22, given the federal government seven days to file charge against the detained Bodejo.

The judge gave the order after the expiration of the earlier order granted the office of the AGF to remand Bodejo for 15 days in the custody of DIA, pending conclusion of his investigation.

The federal government, in a motion ex-parte marked: FHC/ ABJ/CS/141/2024, sought an order to remand Bodejo, the sole respondent, in the NIA custody pending conclusion of investigation and arraignment in court.

The motion was dated and filed February 5, by M.B. Abubakar, Director, Public Prosecution of the Federation in the office of the AGF and Minister of Justice.

Ahmed Tinubu signed the N28.7 trillion budget for 2024 fiscal year, with a deficit of N9.8 trillion — which would be financed by borrowings from local and international investors and multilateral lenders.

Tinubu had also received approval

from the Senate on December 30, 2023, to borrow the sums of $7.8 billion and €100 million as part of the 2022-2024 borrowing plan of the federal government.

The president had sent a request to the National Assembly to approve

the sum, saying the funds, when obtained, would be used to assuage the economic realities and undertake many projects cutting across various sectors of the economy.

Meanwhile, since he took office on May 29, 2023, Tinubu has been

seeking to attract foreign investors back into the economy through several reforms.

Tinubu's Executive Order Will Unlock Investments in Gas Sector, Says NLNG Boss

Reveals NLNG Train 7 project now 60% complete

Peter Uzoho

The Managing Director of the Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas Limited (NLNG), Dr. Philip Mshelbila, has expressed optimism regarding the recent Executive Order on Oil and Gas Reforms signed by President Bola Tinubu.

Mshelbila, in a statement issued yesterday, which was signed by the General Manager, External Relations and Sustainable Development, NLNG, Mr. Andy Ode, stated that the executive order would be crucial in unlocking the development of non-associated gas (NAG) in Nigeria, thereby driving domestic gas utilisation and ensuring a stable gas supply for NLNG's growth project - Train 7.

The managing director was quoted to have made comment during an interview on the Global Business Report programme on Arise News Channel, THISDAY's sister broadcast outfit

Mshelbila, highlighted the significant impact of the Executive Order on the gas industry, emphasising that the Order would incentivise the much-needed investments, addressing specific challenges hindering ease of business and attraction of investment in the oil and gas sector.

He stated, "Nigeria holds somewhere about 38 per cent of the reserves in Africa. However, we have only been able to attract about five per cent of investment in oil and gas. This means we are punching way below our weight when attracting investment.

"And there's a reason for this. Part of it is that when people want to invest, they look for certain things – returns, low risks and ease of business. If you focus on the fiscals in the Executive Order, what the government has done is (to) look at areas that have not been addressed by the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) or other fiscal laws that

Housing Minister, NIOB Move to Halt Incessant Building Collapses in Nigeria

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

The Ministry of Housing and Urban Development and the Nigerian Institute of Building (NIOB), have assured that the two parties would work closely to bring an end to the menace of frequent building collapses in the country.

Minister of Housing Minister, Ahmed Dangiwa, who is leading the charge, gave the indication when he received the leadership of the NIOB led by its National President, Alderton Ewa, who was on a visit to his office in Abuja.

A statement yesterday by the Director of Information in the ministry, Badamasi Haiba, quoted the minister as describing the menace as an ‘embarrassment’, given the many qualified professionals in the

building industry in Nigeria. Dangiwa stated: “ As the institute is set to mark the annual ‘Builders Day’ on March 13, the pressing issue is to tackle building collapses in the country.

“ It’s an embarrassment to the country where there are professionals such as architects, engineers, planners and surveyors. These building collapses are avoidable.

"The ministry is ready to stop the menace of building collapses across the country. The presence of the institute is a proof of the importance of collaboration between the government and the builders, in the pursuit of a sustainable development for the government.”

He also stated that the stakeholders engagement was a vital ingredient to the policies that the government

needs to drive in the housing and urban development, saying that it is in line with the agenda of President Bola Tinubu.

Accordingly, the minister took note of all the concerns tabled before him by NIOB and assured of immediate action that will improve the building sector and enhance the quality of housing, especially in the urban areas.

He explained that the solution to challenging the issue of building collapses is to avoid the use of substandard materials and ensure proper supervision and also certified approvals.

Speaking earlier, the president of NIOB, Ewa expressed the institute's unwavering commitment to partnering with the ministry of housing and urban development in achieving its vision and collaborate towards

achieving shared goals.

He highlighted some of the key areas for collective action like: Successful implementation of the Renewed Hope Cities and Estate, high cost of building materials, land availability, accessible financing, among others.

The NIOB president also told the minister that the Builders' Day 2024 event is an advocacy against building collapses, creating awareness on the need for stakeholders on building projects to adhere strictly to standards, codes of practice and building regulations.

The high point of the visit was the decoration of the, minister as an honorary fellow of the institute. NIOB is a professional body for builders and those who are about to be engaged in the building profession.

Last year, on June 14, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) announced the unification of all segments of the foreign exchange (FX) market. are in existence. One of those areas is what we refer to typically as Dry Gas or Non-Associated Gas (NAG).

"When natural gas occurs in the reservoirs, typically and very often, it occurs together with oil or other liquids like condensate. So, when you produce them together, you can sell the oil or the condensate and make enough money to cover your spending on developing the gas.

"Where you have non-associated gas, the gas is occurring alone, and you don't have the benefit of the revenue from the condensate or the crude oil. You need to invest more to develop that gas because you don't have that offset."

Mshelbila maintained that one of the things that the presidential directive had done was to enable those who want to develop NAG to get the benefit of tax credits over the first 10 years of the project, after which it becomes a tax allowance.

"From here, they can recover their investment in NAG through those tax credits. We haven't had this before. There are a lot of NAG fields, both onshore and in the shallow waters that have not been developed. Hopefully, this incentive will unlock the investments within

this area," he stated. He, however, revealed that the NLNG Train 7 project was progressing well at 60 per cent completion status, explaining that the company was more than halfway through the project's engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC).

"It has been a safe construction, and the progress has been evident. At the site, you can see most of the big and heavy structures already in place.

"We are now focusing on ensuring that when the midstream project is in place, the gas supply is also there. One of the directives in the Executive Order is one of the things that will help us unlock the gas supply into Train 7," he noted.

On the directive by the government to suspend exports of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), Mshelbila said NLNG domesticated LPG supply in 2022 when the company's Board of Directors decided to supply 100 per cent of its LPG production to the domestic market, two years before the government's announcement.

He stressed that preceding the Board's decision, since 2007, NLNG had demonstrated an unwavering commitment to supplying LPG to the market.

Southern Senators Regroup, Elect Abiru Chairman

Sunday Aborisade in. Abuja

The 51 senators from the 17 states in southern Nigeria, yesterday, met for the first time since the 10th National Assembly was inaugurated nine months ago, and elected Senator Adetokunbo Abiru, a member of the All Progressives Congress, representing Lagos East Senatorial District, as their chairman.

Other members of the forum who emerged as officers were Senator Victor Umeh (Labour Party, Anambra Central) as Vice Chairman and Senator Mpigi

Barinada (PDP Rivers South East) as Secretary. Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong (APC Cross River North) as Publicity Secretary and Senator Kenneth Eze (APC Ebonyi Central) as Treasurer.

Addressing journalists shortly before the announcement of the new officers, Leader of the Senate, who was the Chairman of the forum in the 9th Senate, Opeyemi Bamidele (APC Ekiti Central), said like the Northern Senators Forum, the group has been in existence since the 9th Senate.

OPEC’s Secondary Data Shows Nigeria Upped Oil Production by 57,000bpd in Feb

Oil cartel leaves oil demand growth forecast unchanged

A THISDAY computation of crude oil production data for February released by the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) has shown that Nigeria ramped up production by about 57,000 barrels per day during the month.

However, OPEC’s calculation indicated that Nigeria added 47,000 bpd in the month under consideration, indicating a possible error in the organisation’s estimation.

A comparison of secondary sourced data from the oil producers’ bloc indicated that month-on-month, while output in January was 1.419 million bpd as released by OPEC in its February report, it however hit 1.476 million bpd in the March report, to give a net increase of 57,000 bpd last month.

Also, while the latest OPEC data revealed that Nigeria had 16 active

disclosed that food inflation increased by 11.10 per cent year-on-year to 35.41 per cent in January compared to 24.32 per cent in January 2023.

Speaking at a meeting with the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, alongside Minister of Budget and Planning, Senator Abubakar Bagudu, and deputy governors of the apex bank, Cardoso said the central bank’s intervention not only seeks to address the core objectives of the bank, and the ministry of agriculture but also resonates deeply with the livelihoods of all Nigerians, particularly the escalating cost of food in the country.

He said maintaining price stability remained one of the primary mandates of the CBN while food prices are a crucial component of inflation, especially considering that a substantial portion of household expenditure in the country is allocated towards food and non-alcoholic beverages.

The CBN governor, therefore, emphasised the critical need to address food inflation as a pivotal aspect of managing overall headline inflation rates.

He said while the CBN had

in the nation's capital.

At the same time, Commissioner, FCT Police Command, Benedict Igweh, disclosed that the correctional officer, Usman Ishaya Magaji, who shot and killed a convicted offender, Ibrahim Yahaya, at Wuse market on Tuesday, had been arrested for interrogation.

The government’s decision to put a damper on kidnapping for ransom followed recent incidents, particularly in Kaduna State, where some children were kidnapped and held in captivity while their abductors demanded billions of naira for their release.

Idris briefed newsmen on the latest developments at the end of the FEC meeting yesterday.

He stated, "In council today, Mr. President reiterated his directive to the security agencies and the Ministry of Defence to ensure that those our kids that have been abducted by these criminal gangs are brought back to their homes safely.

"Mr President has also reiterated his zero tolerance for payment of ransom. That was also mentioned by Mr. President at the council today.

So, the security agencies are working round the clock.

"So, these children and people that have been abducted by criminal elements will be brought back to safety pretty soon. The security agencies are working hard in that direction.

“And Mr. President has also directed that no ransom will be paid by government to any of these criminal elements. It is important that it will be put out there."

On the rising wave of kidnapping in the country, Idris said, "You're also

oil rigs, in February this year, the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), which is the primary source of production data in Nigeria, put the figure at 30, thereby underscoring the need to strengthen communication between both organisations.

“The country now has about 30 rigs in its upstream oil and gas sector, against 11 active rigs in 2011.

“That is a huge success for us, and you know that rig count is a measure of vibrant activities in the oil industry. We have been able to attract confidence, certainty, and predictability into the industry,” the NUPRC’s Chief Executive, Gbenga Komolafe, said last month.

It was also observed from the data released by OPEC that while both data from direct communication and secondary sources would usually move in the same direction (positive or negative), February’s information (direct) showed a decrease in output

been implementing comprehensive measures to curb inflation, it was evident that in the short term, inflationary pressures may persist, predominantly driven by escalating food prices.

He said the bank resolved to strengthen collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture to mitigate further a surge in food prices going forward.

Cardoso stressed that in alignment with the central bank’s strategic shift towards focusing on its fundamental mandate, the apex bank has veered away from direct quasi-fiscal interventions and transitioned towards leveraging conventional monetary policy tools for executing monetary policies effectively.

He said: “In this light, we aim to extend our support and foster closer ties with Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) with the mandate and expertise to undertake these critical initiatives.

“Consequently, we aim to enhance our partnership with the Ministry of Agriculture, bolstering your endeavours to enhance food productivity and security, ultimately curbing food inflation and fortifying

asking about the apparent surge in this kidnapping across the country.

Now, it is true that some of these are happening, we have seen what has happened in Kaduna, in Borno and then in Sokoto.

"Of course, government is watching that very closely and not just watching, also ensuring that security agencies are taking proactive steps to ensure that this is halted significantly.

"Now, like I said, Mr. President has said it is an unacceptable situation and the government will not condone abductions or kidnappings or any kind of criminality in that direction.

“We're seeing this happening and government is taking very proactive steps, first, to mitigate that, and also to stop the spread of this apparently.

"We are seeing that the more the security agencies are also hitting these targets or criminals, the more they are pushed to also getting some soft targets. But government is not taking any excuses.

"The president has directed that security agencies must, as a matter of urgency, ensure that these children and all those who have been kidnapped are brought back in safety and also in the process to ensure that not a dime is paid for ransom.

"So, it's important to underscore that no dime, government is not paying anybody any dime and the government is optimistic that these children and other people that have been abducted will be brought back to their families in safety."

Asked what specific support the United States was prepared to offer Nigeria in the rescue of the kidnapped children, the minister said other countries had also offered

while secondary (indirect) showed a growth in production.

OPEC’s secondary sources include: S&P Global Commodity Insights and IHS Markit -- both part of S&P Global, US Energy Information Administration, Argus Media and Energy Intelligence as well as Wood Mackenzie and Rystad Energy, which recently replaced the International Energy Agency (IEA).

But the secondary data showed that with the volume of oil produced in February, which was 1.476 million bpd, Nigeria remained on track to meeting its 1.5 million bpd renegotiated OPEC quota for 2024.

For about four years, Nigeria has been unable to meet its OPEC production quota, due mainly to oil theft, outright vandalism of assets in the Niger Delta as well as waning investment in the oil sector.

But if the secondary source figures released by OPEC are anything to go by, it means that

our pursuit of price stability.

“My team and I reiterate our unwavering commitment to prioritising price stability and instilling confidence in the Nigerian economy by upholding consumer price stability and ensuring a balanced foreign exchange market.”

He said despite the prevailing challenges posed by inflation and currency depreciation, the CBN remained resolute in its determination to surmount these obstacles.

He pointed out that while transient inflationary pressures may persist, the central bank anticipates substantial alleviation by the third quarter of 2024, coupled with diminished exchange rate strains.

He said: “Our resolve lies in implementing policies that cultivate a resilient macroeconomic environment and enhance the welfare of all Nigerians.”

Responding to the gesture, Kyari, expressed profound appreciation to President Bola Tinubu and the CBN governor on behalf of the Nigerian farmers “for giving us this wonderful gift”.

He further assured that the donation would be judiciously utilised and

to help. He stated, “Talking about what support, if any, are we getting from other countries, specifically the US, well, we're aware that it’s not just the US that has actually offered.

“Other countries have also offered to support Nigeria. But what we can tell you is that government is still reviewing these offers and the position of government will be made known to you."

Wike Assures of Improved Security in FCT

FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, assured of improved security, including reduction in kidnapping, in the nation's capital. Wike gave the assurance yesterday after a closed-door meeting with the FCT Commissioner of Police, Benedict Igweh, and the Senate on the state of security in the territory.

The minister said regarding the meeting, "It's nothing difficult, just normal interactions, just to brief them on what we have done as regards security in the FCT.

“I am glad they are all happy with what we have done and what we are going to be doing and the suggestion, which they have given to us but which I cannot disclose to the members of public. This is just a very interactive session.

"What is important is what the FCT should expect from now. I will say improved security, more infrastructure. You can see what is going on in the FCT. It has been turned into a construction site and you can also see what has happened in the FCTA.

“Now we have our own Civil

the current FX crisis in the country could be substantially be reduced in the coming months, provided the steady rise in output continues.

Nigeria relies on oil exports for over 80 per cent of its FX earnings, thereby throwing the country into crisis anytime there is a reduction in oil production numbers or a drastic fall in the international price of the commodity.

But if the direct communication by OPEC is to be followed, the oil bloc’s data stated that month-onmonth, production dropped to 1.322 million bpd in February 2024, from 1.427 million bpd in January this year, about 7.94 per cent slump.

The release of the NUPRC data for the month was still being awaited as of yesterday evening.

Nigeria has an oil price benchmark of $77.96 and a daily production estimate of 1.78 million bpd in this year’s budget. However, condensates, of which Nigeria

delivered to the last mile to reach the intended farmers who would no doubt appreciate the huge support.

The minister also said farmers would in turn cultivate and produce more to stem the galloping food inflation currently affecting the country.

“I must say that we have had a challenging period within the last eight months, it’s been challenging for us here in the ministry and for some reasons beyond our control.

“Right from the era of COVID-19, food prices and food cultivation have been impacted in Nigeria. And thereafter, in 2021/2022, we had the massive flooding that took place around the country as well as the impact of climate change,” he said.

Kyari added that CBN’s Naira redesign policy further impacted agriculture especially the rural low-income farmers as well as insecurity which also impacted agricultural production.

However, he said: “But I am happy to say that those things that I have mentioned are on the decline – insecurity is on the decline and we are also mitigating climate

Service Commission, now we have our own permanent secretaries, which had never been. There are new things in the FCT and the residents are happy." Wike added that from the interaction with the senators, it was agreed that security had improved in the FCT.

"Let me also say that there is no part of the world where criminality has been eradicated. We have heard several times in the United States of America, where criminals go to schools and shoot students.

“So, people should not have that impression that you cannot have one crime or the other. What we need is being able to limit or reduce the level of insecurity.

“But if anybody tells you that as societies are concerned, you will not have one crime or the other, that is not correct and we must tell ourselves the simple truth. Also, most of the kidnapping stories you hear, some of them are stage-managed by people."

Police Nab Killer of Wuse Market Offender

FCT Commissioner of Police, Benedict Igweh, said the correctional officer, Usman Ishaya Magaji, who shot and killed a convicted offender, Ibrahim Yahaya at Wuse market on Tuesday had been arrested for questioning.

Igweh also said sanity had been restored to the market. He assured the people that the FCT Police Command would continue to work for the security of the residents, stating that the force would continue to comb the forests bordering Niger, Kaduna, Nasarawa, and Kogi states.

produces over 300,000 bpd are not part of OPEC’s quota allocation.

Meanwhile, OPEC is sticking to its forecast of strong growth in global oil demand in 2024 and 2025, stressing that world oil demand will rise by 2.25 million bpd in 2024 and by 1.85 million bpd in 2025, unchanged from last month.

OPEC insisted that a "robust dynamic" for economic growth towards the end of 2023 was expected to extend into the first half of 2024 and raised its 2024 economic growth forecast by 0.1 percentage points, following a hike last month.

"While some downside risks persist, a continuation of the expected momentum from the beginning of the year could result in additional upside potential for global economic growth in 2024." OPEC said in the MOMR for February, released this March. For a while, OPEC has stuck to

change by incentivizing farmers to go into dry season agriculture.”

He stressed the need for irrigation infrastructure to ensure all year-round farming which he said, remained more secure than that of the wet season.

On his part, Bagudu, also commended the central bank governor and his team, for demonstrating that the bank remained committed to strengthening collaboration with MDAs that contribute to achieving the objectives of the CBN.

He said the fertilisers would go a long way in supporting the food security objectives of the current administration.

The minister said Nigeria was not alone in the challenges of the moment, adding that globally rising food prices had been mostly a result of energy costs.

“We have seen farmers demonstrating in India, Brussels, and the rest. But that we are not alone is not comforting,” he said.

He said the CBN’s gesture was quite commendable and a step in the right direction.

Bagudu also expressed confidence

ECOWAS leaders had at the Summit agreed to lift economic sanctions against the Republic of Niger, Mali, Burkina Faso, and Guinea.

Owing to this, the President directed that the following sanctions imposed on the Republic of Niger be lifted immediately: "Closure of land and air borders between Nigeria and Niger Republic, as well as ECOWAS no-fly zone on all commercial flights to and from Niger Republic.

"Suspension of all commercial and financial transactions between Nigeria and Niger, as well as freeze of all service transactions, including utility services and electricity to Niger Republic.

"Freezing of assets of the Republic of Niger in ECOWAS Central Banks and freeze of assets of the Republic of Niger, state enterprises, and parastatals in commercial banks.

"Suspension of Niger from all financial assistance and transactions with all financial institutions, particularly EBID and BOAD.

"Travel bans on government officials and their family members.”

Also, it disclosed that Tinubu also approved the lifting of financial and economic sanctions against the Republic of Guinea.

The ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State had at its last extraordinary summit held in Abuja on Saturday, February 24, 2024, resolved to immediately lift some of the sanctions imposed on Niger, Mali and Guinea, in response to unconstitutional change of government in the three countries.

President of the ECOWAS Com-

the same demand growth figure since making its first 2024 prediction last July, even as conflict in the Middle East and supply outages have supported oil prices in 2024.

But OPEC now sees world economic growth of 2.8 per cent in 2024, supported by the expectation of a continued easing in general inflation throughout this year, keeping next year's forecast steady at 2.9 per cent.

As of Wednesday afternoon, oil prices had shot to $83.39 per barrel for Nigeria’s benchmark, Brent, while US oil, West Texas Intermediate (WTI) was selling for $79.05 per barrel.

that the fiscal and monetary policy so far taken has shown that the government strategy is working.

He said the nearly N1 trillion appropriation to agriculture in this year’s budget further demonstrated Tinubu’s determination to ensure that the economy is diversified.

However, analysts who spoke to THISDAY hinted that the fertilisers donated to farmers were probably residues from the famous Anchor Borrower Programme (ABP) implemented by the previous leadership of the apex bank.

The ABP, which had been badmouthed by the current administration – led to the famous revolution in local rice production in the country and enhanced farmers’ access to affordable financing among others.

The source who claimed anonymity, disclosed that over N200 billion worth of fertiliser had been procured under the ABP but which were yet to be disbursed, adding that the latest intervention was a leftover of the previous programme. She added that no fertilisers have

Continued on page 29

mission, Dr. Omar Alieu Touray, who made the disclosure while presenting the communique issued at the end of the Extraordinary Summit, had however, clarified that political and targeted sanctions were still in force against the three nations.

According to him, while the political and targeted sanctions on Niger Republic remain, the regional bloc lifted some financial and economic sanctions on Guinea and some targeted sanctions on Mali.

On sanctions, Touray, had said the Authority resolved to lift with immediate effect the following measures imposed on the Republic of Niger: “Closure of land and air borders between ECOWAS countries and Niger to be lifted, no Fly Zone of all commercial flights to and from Niger is to be lifted and suspension of all commercial and financial transactions between ECOWAS member states and Niger is to be lifted.”

The Authority, he said, also resolved that the “freezing of all service transactions including utility services is to be lifted.

“Freezing of assets of the Republic of Niger in ECOWAS Central banks is to be lifted.

“Freezing of assets of Niger State and the state enterprises and parastatals in commercial banks is to be lifted.

“Suspension of Niger from all financial assistance and transactions with all financial institutions particularly ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development (EBID) and BIRD is to be lifted.

“Travel ban on the government officials and their family members is also to be lifted.”

As Senate Moves to Protect Its Integrity...

The tension generated by the crisis of confidence spearheaded against

a bdul Ningi was finally doused on Tuesday with the three months suspension slammed

Sunday Aborisade captures the drama.

The Senate was thrown into confusion last weekend when reports of the interview granted by the Chairman of the Northern Senators Forum (NSF), Abdul Ningi, to the Hausa Service of the British Broadcasting Corporation was published in many Nigerian media platforms.

Ningi, a Peoples Democratic Party member representing Bauchi Central Senatorial District, had in the interview alleged that the country was implementing two budgets.

He claimed that the National Assembly, after deliberating on the report of its Committee on Appropriation, which he is a member, on December 30 last year, passed a budget of N25 trillion for the 2024 fiscal year.

According to him, a team of financial experts hired by him on behalf of his colleagues in the NSF and paid N30million had discovered that the administration of President Bola Tinubu had inserted a whooping N3 trillion into the budget.

The Senator argued that the amount, which had shot the budget to N28trn was not attached to any project neither was the location where the projects were cited provided.

He further alleged in the BBC interview that the projects contained in the 2024 Appropriation Act were skewed towards the Southern part of the country, suggesting that Tinubu was executing anti-North agenda.

The Presidency, through the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga and the Spokesperson for the Senate, Senator Adeyemi Adaramodu, instantly denied both allegations.

In separate statements on the issue, both Onanuga and Adaramodu, clarified that the Federal Government was operating only one budget, which contained N28.77trn passed by the National Assembly and subsequently signed into law by President Bola Tinubu.

They wondered why Ningi deliberately chose to misinform members of the public despite knowing that there was never a time the apex legislative institution passed a budget that contained N25trn.

For the avoidance of doubt, Onanuga and Adaramodu, explained that President Tinubu proposed N27.5trn to the National Assembly as the 2024 budget and that the National Assembly, using its powers of Appropriation, increased the amount by N1.2trn, raising the total sum to N28.7trn.

Despite the detailed explanation provided by the spokespersons to the President and the Senate, Ningi addressed journalists on Monday and followed it up with an appearance at the Arise News Channel where he maintained his earlier position during the BBC interview

that N3trn was indeed inserted into the budget and that projects it was meant to fund were not captured anywhere in the fiscal document.

Also on Monday, three Senators –Steve Sunday Karimi (Kogi West), Titus Tartenger Zam (Benue North West) and Kaka Sheu (Borno North) - said the allegation of budget padding by Ningi, was unfounded, baseless and a figment of his imagination.

The Senators warned against what they described as the antics of blackmailers bent on creating an atmosphere of crisis in the Upper Chamber of the National Assembly.

Karimi, Zam and Sheu, in different interviews said they spoke on behalf of the Northern Senators’ Forum.

They also said no room should be allowed for division and acrimony between Senators from the North and South by those who may not want to accord priority to national unity and harmony.

Other members of the Northern Senators Forum in another statement on Monday, disowned Ningi and claimed

that they were never part of the decision to hire any consultant, neither did they subscribe to his claims that Tinubu was executing anti-North agenda.

The statement was signed by Senators Aminu Iyal Abass (Adamawa) and Ibrahim Bomoi (Yobe state) for Northeast; Abdulaziz Yar’Adua (Katsina) and Lawal Adamu Usman (Kaduna) for Northwest; and Jibrin Isah (Kogi), Diket Plang (Plateau) and Saliu Mustapha (Kwara) for the North Central zone.

Part of their joint statement read, “We, the undersigned on behalf of the Senators from the 19 northern states and the FCT, under the aegis of Northern Senators Forum (NSF), hereby state that Senator Ahmed Abdul Ningi of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Bauchi Central Senatorial District, who also happens to be the chairman of our forum, was on his own in the claims he made on the BBC Hausa Service on the 2024 budget.

“As such, the views he expressed was his personal opinion, sentiment and unfortunately skewed, incorrect and misleading. There was never a time where we held a meeting and mandated Senator Ningi to address the press on the said matter.

Also, Senator Jimoh Ibrahim, a member of

The decision to suspend the Peoples Democratic Party member representing Bauchi Central Senatorial District, was sequel to a motion moved by Adeola.

The All Progressives Congress member from Ogun West Senatorial District, said Ningi breached his privilege when he accused the Senate of padding the 2023 National Budget with over N3trn. He also said the embattled Senator claimed in an interview he granted the Hausa Service of the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) that projects in the 2024 National Budget was skewed towards the southern part of Nigeria. Adeola in his motion drew the attention of his colleagues to Ningi’s claims that a team of financial experts hired by the NSF had discovered that N3.7trn in the budget could not be traced to any project neither was the location indicated.

the Senate Appropriation Committee who also chaired the Committee on Inter-paliamentary Affairs, insisted that the presidency was not operating two budgets.

Ibrahim, at a news conference in Abuja also on Monday, said Ningi made false allegations and that his outburst were causing uncomfortable pains to the integrity of the entire members of the National Assembly.

He, therefore, called on the Inspector General of the Police, Kayode Egbetokun, “to charge Ningi for criminal information and conduct likely to cause breach of peace”.

According to him: “What Ningi said is very embarrassing. We in the 10th Senate will not just fold our hands.

“The Senate approved only one appropriation for 2024. We never approved two. The Presidency of Nigeria cannot operate two budgets.

“Senator Ningi made this false information and it is unacceptable, it is causing uncomfortable pains to our integrity and the integrity of our children and family because people read it all over the world and raising questions.

“I have decided as a Senator representing the good people of Ondo South to ask the IGP to, as a matter of urgency, charge Ningi for criminal misinformation and conduct likely to cause breach of peace.

“If the Senate will not move to do that in the next seven days. I will write a letter, and I have started that, to the IGP to investigate circumstances leading to approval of two appropriation and bring the culprits to book.

“If the IGP will not do it, I will ask for the order of mandamus to compel a public officer to do that.

“The rightful thing was for him to tender an apology to the Senate and his colleagues instead of going to the Senate President to complain”.

Those who arrived early for Tuesday’s Senate plenary knew that it would be filled with drama.

Chairman of the Senate Committee on Appropriation, Senator Solomon Adeola, got to the Chamber earlier and appeared visibly angry.

The managers of the Senate Chamber had initially cleared the gallery obviously sensing that the session would be held behind closed doors because of the tension that the matter had generated.

“No close door session. It must be open,” Adeola said.

Shortly after that, Sunday Karimi, senator representing Kogi west, walked up to his seat and they both engaged in a conversation.

Blessing Adesiyan: Empowering Women to Achieve Their Goals

Blessing Adesiyan founded Mother Honestly, also known as MH WorkLife, to empower ambitious women to thrive both as mothers and professionals. She is also the Executive Director of Caring Africa, where she advocates for comprehensive care services, supports care workers and promotes equitable care policies to empower communities and unlock Africa's full potential Recently, Adesiyan hosted the Caring Africa Summit in Ikoyi, Lagos, which brought together key stakeholders from both the public and private sectors to discuss caring for families in homes, workplaces, and communities, emphasising the need for gender equality. Her dedication and commitment to making a difference in the lives of others is truly inspiring. Writes

Blessing Adesiyan, Founder/CEO of Mother Honestly, which is also known as MH WorkLife and Executive Director of Caring Africa, is a remarkable individual who has dedicated her life to empowering women to achieve their goals.

She is a passionate advocate for women's rights and has been working tirelessly to create opportunities for women to succeed in their personal and professional lives.

Through her various initiatives and organisations, Adesiyan has supported countless women in realising their full potential and breaking down the barriers that hold them back. Her work has had a profound impact on the lives of many women, and she continues to inspire and empower others to create positive change in their communities.

Through online content, offline activation, and a successful podcast, Mother Honestly provides support, resources, and community for mothers navigating the challenges of parenting, work and life.

Adesiyan recently hosted the Caring Africa Summit at the Alliance Francaise in Ikoyi, Lagos. The event brought together key stakeholders from the public and private sectors to discuss the importance of care for families at home, in the workplace, and in communities.

During the event, with the theme "Elevating Care, Transforming Workplaces, and Strengthening Economies," Adesiyan highlighted the need for a conversation on care. She emphasised that Nigeria is at a pivotal moment where nothing works because there is no attention to care. The society has more children, ageing parents, elderly persons, people with disabilities, and chronic conditions, but none of them has access to a solid infrastructure in Nigeria. Therefore, it is essential to provide care for them.

Adesiyan stated that sourcing for child care, for instance, could provide children with access to a proper early education, which sets them up for success and economic productivity of the country down the line. The mothers and fathers of these children could also get back to work and participate fully in the economy.

Adesiyan also lamented that women starting small businesses are suffering from time poverty. They do not have enough time because, as women, they provide child care and caregiving for ageing parents, the ill, and the disabled in society. As a result, these women are not able to participate fully in the economic growth of the nation.

Speaking further she wondered: “What we have now is a situation where we have allowed women to become the care engine in society. So what we are saying is that how do we raise the value and awareness around care so that we can redistribute that labour; get more women to work and also seek for the well-being of the society? Can you imagine if we have proper childcare infrastructure for children; proper ageing facilities or ageing support for our elderly parents?”

Recalling her unpleasant experience a few years back, Adesiyan noted, “One of the things that was upsetting to me when I moved back to Nigeria was that I lost three parents in two years – my father, mother-in-law and father-in-law - what was painful was the undignified manner in which it happened.

“We are losing our elderly ones to an untimely death in this country because we have refused to seek a proper care infrastructure and so people who would have lived a much better life towards the end of their lives are deprived of the opportunity because we just have not sat down to think about care”.

Explaining further she said, “When I talk about care, I am talking about health care, disability care, climate care and so on, these things are so important. When you look at the spectrum of care, which we have 10 highlighted here today, you

will realise that women are the ones who bear the burdens for almost all of them. Women are the ones on the front line providing care. Even when you see healthcare workers, a lot of them are women and most of them are not even paid because we most always assume that women must work for free, so nobody is paying them well.”

“When we look at health care, disability care and even transportation, believe it or not, women are the ones suffering when we don’t have transportation infrastructure. Now we cannot get food easily and the children need to go to school, the mom is the one worrying about all these things”.

“So, for us, we are now in a pivotal moment in our society where we need to think about what is not working and how we can fix it. What we have said as an organisation, Carting Africa is that care is a vital component of our society. Care is the economic engine and if we want our economy to move, we have to provide care infrastructure.”

Adesiyan who hinted that proper care infrastructure could be achieved through policy, noted, “Not everything is money. We can do it through policy; a good example is care workers. If you want to drive better wages and living conditions for care workers, we can just put it in the policy, stating that everyone who hires nannies, drivers, house helps and so on has to pay them legally and need to pay taxes on them because they also have children that need to go to school.

"If you look at the way the public school system works, if you don’t have tax statements, you can’t put children into school meanwhile a lot of these care

workers who are nannies don’t have that infrastructure they are resourced and so they get paid under the table and nothing works for them either.”

She stressed therefore that there was a need to continue raising the awareness, adding, “There are no magic pills, we are not going to solve these problems one day but the most important thing is starting the conversation on the value of care.”

On how the government should come in, she said, “I think the government can help us. The government is the first step for us because we can achieve a lot through policy. Even if we want the private sector to step in, we can achieve it through policy. We can demand better from private companies. Through policy, we can say workplaces, you now have to provide more months for maternity leave because that gives the mother more time to provide child care and you can come back to work a better person and more productive.”

Stressing that the government can help with good policies to boost the care industry, she said, “Policy for care workers is number one, it is key; because a lot of these people are filling the care that society needs and I am probably here today because somebody is watching our children. That is the only way we can do the work we are doing. So, care is what is filling all of our work but we are not valuing that care because more than likely it is a woman who is watching all of our children and that woman is probably working

I believe in what I call the 4 R's: Recognising Care, Reducing Care Burdens, Redistributing Care, and Rewarding Care. We need to recognise that childcare is everyone's issue, not just women's. By reducing and redistributing care responsibilities, we can ensure that everyone participates. Finally, we need to properly reward the important work of care workers

for cheaper than the man”.

“So, for us, we feel like let us just even value the care. Let’s recognise that this is something that these people are doing. How can we then make their life better? When we make their lives better, we will reap the reward as a society. It is better well-being for them, more dignified work and more respect.”

She said that for Caring Africa, care is an economic engine, adding, “And what I love about this is that we have been able to link care to economic outcomes and that is why the government should pay attention. Even if you don’t have money, help us with better policies. Let’s hold individuals, families and companies accountable. Let’s see if we try this it will work.”

She emphasized the importance of having better policies for care workers. According to her, the government can contribute in a significant way by investing through public-private partnerships to build childcare centres. Universal childcare can be achieved, where children from zero to five can go to daycare.

She pointed out that many market women carry their children to the market, which makes it difficult for them to work efficiently since they have to take care of three or four children. If universal child care is implemented, more adults could work. It is the adults who are working and contributing to the economy, so they are an essential part of society. However, when 50 per cent of the population that are women are not participating fully in the economy because of children and because they are also the ones providing care for grandpa, grandma, and uncles who are sick, we won't be able to reap the economic benefits as a society.

She went on to elaborate that her organisations simply facilitate ensuring that people are aware of the existence of these products and services. Additionally, "We are also exploring ways to ensure that companies or organisations that provide care receive adequate funding from the government and private sector."

"We are examining how to bring the entire ecosystem together because there is an ecosystem that involves all key players - the market, government institutions, private sectors, even the home and men," she said.

While pondering the fact that many men feel left out of childcare discussions, the speaker questioned why this is so. "Women are often expected to bear the burden of childcare alone, which is why we need to redistribute care responsibilities. We should encourage men to take their fair share and call on governments and workplaces to provide support," Adesiyan explained.

"I believe in what I call the 4 R's: Recognising Care, Reducing Care Burdens, Redistributing Care, and Rewarding Care. We need to recognise that childcare is everyone's issue, not just women's. By reducing and redistributing care responsibilities, we can ensure that everyone participates. Finally, we need to properly reward the important work of care workers."

She lamented that right now we have a care industry in Nigeria that is largely unregulated and informal, noting, “Somebody can kill someone in the far North and come to Lagos and continue to be a nanny, and you will not know. We are exposing the working families and that is what happens when we do not seek proper care infrastructure.”

She expressed concern about the fact that even people with the financial means to pay for quality care often cannot access it. She believes that the care industry is very complex and the ecosystem is a mess, making it difficult for people to access good care.

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HAPPY BIRTHDAY, JONAH JANG SERIKI ADINOYI

pays tribute to Jang, statesman and ‘Father of Modern Plateau,’ at 80

See page 21

THE SPECIALISED DOGS AT THE NNAMDI AZIKIWE AIRPORT

The deployment of dogs in the airport for extra-security of passengers is welcome,

EDITORIAL HAZARDOUS FOOD PRESERVATION METHODS

Nigerians must not succumb to the present vicious vicissitudes of life, counsels MONDAY PHILIPS EKPE

NIGERIA’S AGE OF THE CAGED BIRD

When Paul Laurence Dunbar, an American writer who died in 1906, penned a poem titled, “Sympathy”, in his landmark 1899 collection, Lyrics of the Hearthside, he probably didn’t realise the degree of the impact his work would make. Apart from its successes in the realms of the arts, it has for more than a century refused to vacate the consciousness of people and groups concerned with the subject of emancipation. As a testimony to its towering status in the world of the fictive printed word, one of its iconic lines directly inspired the title of the 1969 autobiography of the legendary Maya Angelou, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings.

The transcendental nature of “Sympathy” manifests in its structural simplicity and thematic depth, devoid of aimless and empty esoterica. No poetic initiation is required to enjoy and identify with its enduring messages. The stanzas here: “I know what the caged bird feels, alas!/When the sun is bright on the upland slopes;/When the wind stirs soft through the springing grass,/And the river flows like a stream of glass;/When the first bird sings and the first bud opes,/And the faint perfume from its chalice steals/

“I know what the caged bird feels!/I know why the caged bird beats his wing/Till its blood is red on the cruel bars;/For he must fly back to his perch and cling/When he fain would be on the bough a-swing;/And a pain still throbs in the old, old scars/And they pulse again with a keener sting/I know why he beats his wing!/I know why the caged bird sings, ah me,/When his wing is bruised and his bosom sore,/When he beats his bars and he would be free;/It is not a carol of joy or glee,/But a prayer that he sends from his heart’s deep core,/But a plea, that upward to Heaven he flings/I know why the caged bird sings.”

Dunbar, son of former slaves, wasn’t a stranger to oppression. The society in which he lived had mastered the art of segregation, institutionalising the obnoxious practice with unbowed statutes, and conducting its daily affairs in black and white. All he needed was the image of a bird trapped in a cage but trying frantically to escape and enjoy the freedom that was its true destiny. If Blacks had already escaped slave trade in its raw form at the dusk of the 19th Century, racism was set to prove that it was equally lethal. This poem was a reminder that the outward conditions of the bird, though pathetic and gory, weren’t enough to obliterate its dreams of actualising its innate rights and goals.

What concerns Nigerians with birds?

To begin with, Nigerians are fliers in every sense of the word, many of whom aim for the heights. Their quest for knowledge and desire to accomplish strides in various fields have produced undeniable footprints at home and abroad. These are well-established facts. What

is perceived as an undue rush for western education is actually largely a manifestation of the hunger, not for cosmetic reasons, to remain relevant and competitive in an everchallenging world. You just can’t take the urge to explore and conquer the immediate and distant environments from Nigerians. This explains why they can be found in virtually every part of the planet. The bird in them simply cannot be kept under.

Unfortunately, however, these are not the best of times for these resilient, gogetting Africans. More than any other era in the modern history of this country, the citizens have had to grapple with a troubling emptiness, a feeling that goes with being helpless. The purchasing power of most people keeps draining away with the sort of speed that makes drowsiness, if not fainting or death, inevitable. The situation is already that dire. A former governor of the Ugandan Central Bank once dared to tell the country’s ex-dictator, the late Idi Amin Dada, that the currency had so lost its value that it was like toilet paper. One may argue against describing the naira in such a humiliating manner but the current realities show a legal tender on a rapid downward trip into oblivion.

“Jalopi” is the colloquial name for overused cars in Nigeria, vehicles that have served many owners, survived many mechanics and seen too many years with all the sorry implications. Usually, towards the end of its usefulness, meaning being able to move at all at whatever pace, it becomes a source of worry to its incumbent owner and other road users. It’s at such points one could be at a loss as to who or what to pity: the rider or the poor old machine. Either the people or naira. Most Nigerians have reached that sad juncture where they are to be pitied - a discomfiting dilemma occasioned by an unprecedented despicable time in the misfortunes of their currency.

Ambitions and well-laid plans, the types that motivational speakers recommend as prerequisites for success, are fast giving way to disillusionment, desperation and despair. Legitimate lofty aspirations are being whittled down to an endless preoccupation with

visceral needs. Young people who should rally their youthful, creative energies towards achieving noble objectives are now compelled to prioritise matters of the stomach. How many kilometres more do we have to return to the stone, pre-civilisation age when eating and drinking were the prime driving forces of homo sapiens?

Between an emasculated naira and the whirlwind inflationary trends, Nigerians are forced to re-evaluate their scales of preference, that is for those who still have that luxury, and take a harder look at the worth of the life they’re now faced with. The Consumer Price Index (CPI) released by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) last month gives an idea of the severity of the ongoing nationwide misery. In January this year, the nation’s headline inflation moved up to 29.90% from 28.92% which was recorded at the end of 2023, an increase of approximately one percent. Compared with what obtained in January last year, the latest figure accounts for 8.08% as the actual rate was 21.82%, quite a significant phenomenon. Within that period, on a year on year basis, the non-alcoholic beverages and food category accounted for the lion share of 15.49%. Understandably so, for, man must whack!

The NBS highlighted upward movements in bread and cereals, potatoes, yam and other tubers, oil and fat, fish, meat, fruit, coffee, tea and cocoa and others. As expected, everything can’t be captured in numbers for the simple reason that ours is not even a country that demonstrates real respect for a functional database as a matter of national policy. Something tells me that that CPI is grossly understated. Take rice, for instance. A 50kg bag sold for less than N55,000 early December last year. It’s now N85,000, barely three months after. No official promise of mitigating or arresting this slide has worked. And hopes of taking the right turn any time soon don’t seem to exist, thereby complicating the lives of many Nigerians. How the present predicaments have affected critical areas live health, education, transportation and the general wellbeing of the citizenry is better imagined. But no data is needed to know that most people are being stretched to the limits. Like Dunbar’s bird, an average Nigerian is clearly on an excruciating trial.

As trust in government continues to wane and the people’s patience is further taken for granted, the citizens do not appear to have viable options aside from looking inwards to draw strength from the kind of grit that reassures a tormented bird that it could still break into liberty away from its many troubles, survive and then thrive.

HAZARDOUS FOOD PRESERVATION METHODS

At a recent event convened by the Policy Innovation Centre (PIC) of the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG) in Abuja, experts agreed on the urgent need to tackle the high rate of food poisoning in Nigeria. With about 200,000 fatalities annually, some of the harmful practices said to be the cause include the use of carbide to ripen fruits, tendering of meat with paracetamol by food vendors, using formaldehyde to preserve fish, injecting poultry with hormones to conceal disease, and harmful food colouring, among others. Yet, according to Eva Edwards, a director with the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), food-borne diseases disproportionately affect the most vulnerable of the society - the infants, young children, pregnant women, the elderly and the immunecompromised people.

It is noteworthy that some of these problems are obvious and have been repeatedly pointed out on this page. Unfortunately, relevant authorities have done little or nothing about them. In 2015, for instance, the European Union (EU) banned the exportation of beans from Nigeria on grounds that the level of pesticide was dangerously high. The ban still subsists. Many of our produce shipped out of the country at great cost have also been rejected and shipped back because of their mode of preservation or shelf life. Indeed, only few days ago, the World Trade Organisation said many of the country’s agricultural exports are being rejected because they do not meet the sanitary and other health requirements.

the borders because of the manner in which they are preserved.

A few years ago, there was panic over beans, a popular staple food. The worry came as result of the public health implications of misapplied chemicals on food consumers. A video had gone viral on how some retailers were using Sniper, a powerful insecticide, to preserve beans before bagging it for sale. The practice was reportedly commonplace, often used to eliminate or protect beans from weevils’ infection. It has also been established that other food items like banana, plantain, corn, sorghum, apples, and vegetables are improperly preserved or hurriedly ripened with dangerous chemicals.

Authorities in the agriculture sector must ensure that useful and relevant information - from planting to harvesting and preservation - is passed on to farmers and retailers, many of whom are unaware of the risks

Sniper, a dichlorovinyl, available across the counter, is a dangerous chemical used for killing bugs and insects. The Coordinating Director of the Nigeria Agricultural Quarantine Service, (NAQS) Vincent Isegbe said sniper is injurious to health, if applied as a pesticide. “Sniper in beans is a material equivalent of death in pot,” he said. “So, it may not be an exaggeration to say that sniper in beans is a weapon of mass destruction.” Calcium Carbide, another dangerous substance used by welders, is also often used by many retailers in the ripening of banana and plantain and other produce for quick money.

Some of the meat and poultry sold in the open market are reportedly preserved with dangerous chemicals. “They inject chickens and make them look so nice and attractive. But people will rather go for them or even dig up buried ones by customs because they free meat,” a former Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Audu Ogbeh once said about the harmful chickens and related foods smuggled across

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Over the years, hundreds of families had perished after the consumption of contaminated food items either at home or at parties. Since the causes of many of these deaths were never accurately determined, it is becoming increasingly clear that some of them could have been caused by wilful contamination of foods. Authorities in the agriculture sector, at all levels, must ensure that useful and relevant information - from planting to harvesting and preservation- is passed on to farmers and retailers, many of whom are unaware of the risks. There is therefore the crying need to ensure that the food we put on the table for our citizens or the ones we export meet required standards. It is in our collective interest as a nation.

HUMANISM, FEMALE GENITAL MUTILATION AND THE GAMBIA

The West African Humanist Network deplores attempts by Muslim clerics and parliamentarians to repeal the ban on Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) in The Gambia. The move constitutes a threat to democracy and women's rights in the country. According to a BBC report, the government of The Gambia outlawed the practice in 2015. The then president, Yahya Jammeh, stated that the practice was incompatible with Islam. However, some Muslim clerics disagreed with him and have been campaigning to unban FGM in The Gambia.

FGM in The Gambia: Lawmaker tables bill in parliament to lift ban

An independent MP tables a bill in parliament to repeal the ban on female genital mutilation (FGM).

Female Genital Mutilation entails " removing the sensitive clitoris, the genitals are cut and stitched closed so that the woman cannot have or enjoy sex". More than three-quarters of Gambian females be-

tween the ages of 15 and 49 have undergone genital cutting.

Some Muslim clerics regard the practice of FGM or 'female circumcision' as consistent with their religious and Islamic beliefs. The main body of Muslim clerics, The Gambia Supreme Islamic Council, supports the move to unban FGM. The lawmaker who tabled the bill, Almammeh Gibba, noted that the "practice could not be described as mutilation if done properly". He added that the bill would "uphold (Islamic) religious purity and safeguard cultural norms and values". West African Humanist Network rejects this notion of 'cultural norms or values'. Bills should uphold human rights, liberty equity and justice.

Although the majority of the population identifies as Muslims, The Gambia is a secular democracy, not an Islamic theocracy. There should be separation of mosque and state, gender equity and justice

in The Gambia. West African Humanist Network joins The Gambia's Female Lawyers Association in condemning this bill and urges other parliamentarians to reject it.

Humanists regard this move to unban FGM as a backward step that Gambians of all faiths or none should oppose and resist.

Parliamentarians in The Gambia should propose bills looking forward, not backward, protecting the rights of women and girls, not undermining their reproductive rights and health in the name of religion, in this case, Islam. West African Humanist Network will work with other human rights groups to resist this retrogressive move to repeal the ban on FGM in The Gambia.

Leo Igwe is a member of the Western African Humanist Network

Keep Promise of 25% Forest Cover in Nigeria, Asiodu Tells FG

Renowned environmentalist and President Board of Trustees of the Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF), izoma Philip Asiodu CFR, has charged the federal government to keep a promise it made in the 1980s to return Nigeria “to a situation where 25% of our area is covered by forests.”

Izoma Asiodu made the call during a press briefing at the Lekki Conservation Centre, as part of activities to mark his 90th birthday. At the event, he advised young people to join in planting trees and to join environmental conservation clubs in schools.

About Nigeria’s forest cover, Chief Asiodu said, “It was 35% plus, at Independence. It is

3% now. Forests have been destroyed and there’s a world campaign, because until we’re good back to that recommendation of 25% of forest cover, the environment is in danger. Let us not be part of those who destroy the environment.”

He said, “I’m hoping that the government would abandon this immediate self gratification. They should think of children’s children and help to make

sure that the money voted for ecology is really channeled to ministries of environment and to NGOs who are trying to make sure the environment is safe.”

About tree-planting, he said, “In schools, we have school nature clubs organized by NCF. They should join, participate. In universities, we also have units and if there is space in their compound they consult

everybody, their parents and if they have the space to plant a tree, they should plant it. Not only plant it, but water it and make sure it reaches the point it can survive because when you have trees birds will come, when birds come in the case life is good. And so we would have to contribute to the situation where future generations will be able to live their lives in natural environ-

ments. Being able to see that, hear their songs, see butterflies and if they go into the village, see Brooks clear water it will be very good.

“The NCF is doing its best to replicate this Lekki Conservation Center in every state where they are done. They should participate keeping them on site undamaged and that way we’ll be helping our children and our children’s children.”

Lagos Charges Officers on Increased Responsibilities After Promotion

Bennett Oghifo

The Lagos State Government has urged Eligible Officers in the ongoing Year 2024 Promotion Exercise to be prepared for more responsibilities that are expected to come with their anticipated position.

The Chairman, Civil Service Commission Mrs. Olubunmi Fabamwo gave the advice on Tuesday at the opening ceremony of the physical sessions of the Year 2024 Promotion

Exercise, Revised Structured Training Programme organised by the Civil Service Commission for those eligible, at the Adeyemi Bero Auditorium, Alausa Ikeja.

The chairman underscored the importance of understanding that promotions to higher Grade Levels, also comes with proportionate increase in responsibilities, and urged the officers not to only aspire for career progression but to take cognisance of the added duties and obligations that accompany

such advancement.

She encouraged participants to utilise the training sessions as opportunities to hone their skills and acquire the necessary knowledge to excel in their prospective roles after promotion.

The Chairman reiterated the commitment of the Lagos State Civil Service Commission, in fostering a conducive environment for career development and advancement within the State Civil Service and assured the officers of the Commission’s

support in their journey towards a higher level of competence and effectiveness.

Speaking on the theme of the Year 2024 Promotion Exercise, which is “Promoting Excellence and Professionalism”, Mrs. Fabamwo charged the Officers to imbibe professionalism in their respective duty posts, stressing that the excellence of Lagos must reflect in all they do. She further averred that “The THEMESPlus Agenda of the current administration in Lagos

State has become a reality adding that Civil Servants being the vehicle needed to actualize the vision must display high level of professionalism and excellence.

Earlier in his remarks, the Permanent Secretary, Civil Service Commission, Mr. Akinbode Obadina, said that the annual Promotion Exercise shows that the State Government cares about the welfare and career progression of its workforce that have diligently contributed their quota in their

respective MDAs. He enumerated some of the required criteria which are mandatory for Officers to earn Promotion to include: a satisfactory assessment of Staff Performance and Development Evaluation (SPADEV) and active participation in the two components of the Revised Structured Training Programme (RSTP), which are the Cross-Cutting Knowledge Training Sessions and the Job-Specific Training Sessions among others

Managing Partner Perfection Real Estate, Olusegun Doles Empowerment Materials on Birthday

Fadekemi Ajakaiye

The managing partner of Perfection Real Estate Group, Engr. Dr. Dave Olutayo Olusegun, recently marked his birthday by spreading joy among the elderly and underprivileged youth in the Oworonsoki Community of Lagos State. Amidst an atmosphere brimming with jubilation,

Dr. Olusegun, the esteemed president and founder of the Dave Care Foundation, presented a variety of essential items including assorted foods, beverages, toiletries, and empowerment items, to the delighted recipients. The occasion was graced by distinguished Royal Fathers, including the Oloworo of Oworonsoki, Oba Babatunde Saliu, who is the Royal Host, Oba Olusegun Oyiri, Oloshoroko of Oshoroko Kingdom and Oba Sikiru Oyero, the Alaketu of Ketu Land, as well as esteemed dignitaries including Senator (Chief) Anthony Adefuye, former Senator representing Lagos East and a member of the Governor’s Advisory Council

(GAC) Lagos State, Aladeokun of Alade Idanre designate, Otunba Dr. Benson Akingbaso, Past Rotary District Governor Dr. Jide Akeredolu, APC National Women Leader, South West, Mrs. Yetunde Adesanya, Chief Mrs. toyin Sowemimo, the Ogun State Governor of “No Woman, No Nation organization”, Chief Dr. Adunni Kassim, and other guests. The donated items encompassed a wide array of provisions such as bags of rice and beans, cartons of noodles and pastries, loaves of bread, bags of garri, sewing machines, hair dryers, and grinding machines.

Dr. Olusegun expressed his profound satisfaction in celebrating his birthday by extending support to those in need, emphasizing that such gestures hold far more significance for him than convening with affluent friends who possess the means to acquire whatever they desire at any time. He reiterated his commitment to sharing his special day with the elderly and indigent youth, urging fellow Nigerians of privilege

to recognize the importance of giving back to society as a regular practice, as even the smallest contributions have the power to bring smiles and relief to the less fortunate.

As the Onigegewura of Oworonsoki Kingdom and the managing partner of Perfection Real Estate Group, Dr. Olusegun elucidated that the establishment of the Dave Care and Shelter Foundation stemmed from the encouragement of friends to formalize his philanthropic endeavors. In its second year, the foundation has been steadfast in reaching out to the less privileged and positively impacting lives. Dr. Olusegun also emphasized, “Everyone needs some form of help, but in my opinion, those with the most need are these elderly and indigent youths, who are here through no fault of theirs. That’s why I chose to spend my birthday with them.” He further assured that his commitment to celebrating his birthday with the vulnerable in society is an enduring tradition, promising continued efforts in the years

to come.

Dave Care and Shelter Foundation also used the occasion to appreciate some of its supporters including Otunba Dr. Benson Akingbaso, as Grand Patron, Chief Mrs.Ibilola Sholaja as Grand Matron, Olori

Toyin Sowemimo and Dr. Kunle Abeshinbioke as Foundation’s Pillars respectively. Also Directors of the foundation were presented with appreciation plaques and they including Akindipe Oluwaseun, Dr. Adeniyi Adel-

eye, Mrs Temitope Adeyemo, Director,Funke Salau,Mr. Yemi Adams Aderibigbe and Bimbo Rosenje. Others are Bolaji PereEjiro Oghene,Oladele Gold, Winifred Ebiye, Akindipe Oluwaseun, Tejumade Williams and Arinze Okamelu.

Reliable Stable Energy Supply Will Bring Down High Cost of Building Materials to Good Percentage

Nigeria, often referred to as the giant of Africa, grapples with a myriad of challenges that hinder its progress and development.

While debates persist about the primary issues afflicting the nation, ranging from economic structure to resource management and leadership concerns, this editorial posits that the fundamental challenge lies in the inefficient energy power sector.

The contention is that Nigeria’s ongoing struggles can be attributed significantly to the inadequacies within its energy infrastructure, exacerbated by bad mindset among those in

positions of authority. Failure to address this critical issue promptly may perpetuate Nigeria’s status as a subject of ridicule among the international community.

Why emphasize the significance of electricity power supply and management as Nigeria’s primary concern?

1. Biblical Perspective: Drawing a parallel from the biblical narrative in Genesis chapter one, where God’s creative process commenced with the advent of light, underscores the pivotal role of light and energy in any developmental undertaking.

2. Job Creation: A robust and efficient energy sector can act as a catalyst for job {here is jobs

or job please your answer is needed} creation, particularly fostering the growth of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). This, in turn, contributes to economic development and stability.

3. Mitigating Mass Migration: Adequate power supply has the potential to reduce the phenomenon of mass migration, often referred to as the “Japa syndrome”. A stable and thriving economy at home can dissuade citizens from seeking better opportunities abroad.

4. Attracting Foreign Investment: Reliable energy infrastructure is a key factor in attracting direct foreign investment. Investors are more

likely to engage in a market with a stable and efficient power supply, leading to economic growth and diversification.

5. Reducing Production Costs: Access to affordable and consistent energy reduces the overall cost of production for businesses, making Nigerian products more competitive in the global market. A reliable stable energy supply will bring down the high cost of building materials to a good percentage to enable real estate developers and real estate industry in Nigeria to close the gap housing deficit in Nigeria in a short period, and building manufacturing companies will produce large quantities of

building materials to take care of the housing deficit in Nigeria, Dangote and other companies will be able to produce large quantities of their products into the system of real estate industry and other sectors.

6. Lowering Cost of Living: A well-functioning energy sector can contribute to a lower cost of living for citizens, positively impacting their quality of life.

7. A reliable stable energy supply will bring down the high cost of food and encourage farmers and agriculture sectors to produce and supply more food to take care of the food scarcity in Nigeria.

8. Addressing Insecurity: Adequate power supply can

play a role in reducing insecurity, as economic stability and job creation often correlate with decreased social unrest.

9. Boosting Production and Export: A reliable energy supply enhances production capabilities, leading to increased export potential and a stronger presence in the international trade arena.

10. Strengthening the National Currency: A robust economy supported by an efficient energy sector contributes to a stronger national currency, further enhancing Nigeria’s economic stability.

-Ibukunoluwa Otinwa, +2348056283180, otinwa1@ yahoo.com

BUSINESS WORLD

ch 13,2024

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), has called on telecommunications operators (Telcos), to adopt data-driven and intelligent solutions to enhance network performance, coverage, and capacity.

The NCC stated this in its latest survey report on Machine Learning (ML) and Data Analytics,

The survey, which stressed the need for the increased adoption rate of Machine Learning and Data Analytics among telecoms operators, said the telecoms industry has contributed so much to Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and has impacted the economy to a level that calls for protection of the industry, hence

The Nasarawa Technology Village, which stands as a testament to the power of collaboration between the public and private sectors, is designed to drive sustainable development through technology innovation, the Managing Director, Nasarawa State Investment Development Agency (NASIDA), Ibrahim Abdullahi has said.

Spearheaded by NASIDA, the Technology Village project, which exemplifies the transformative impact of strategic partnerships,

the need for the survey.

The study looked at the current and future landscape of machine learning and data analytics adoption in mobile communications network planning and optimisation within Nigeria. Utilising a crosssectional approach, the research incorporates surveys, focus group discussions, and key informant interviews to uncover trends, challenges, and opportunities in the telecoms sector.

The research, which was carried out by Hyjosam Integrated Service Limited on behalf of NCC, was obtained by THISDAY from the official website of NCC.

Giving details about the research objectives, the Director, Corporate Affairs at NCC, Mr. Reuben Muoka said: “Machine learning today

aims to boost skills development, and promote infrastructure development and job creation in the state.

The Technology Village project is coming at a time when nations, especially developing nations are leveraging emerging technologies to drive national development in the digital era.

According to Abdullahi, infrastructure development plays a pivotal role in shaping the economic landscape of nations, and Nasarawa

is more advanced than machine learning of the past. It was born from pattern recognition and the theory that computers can learn without being programmed to perform specific tasks. Researchers interested in Artificial Intelligence (AI) wanted to see if computers could learn from data. The iterative aspect of machine learning is important because as models are exposed to new data, they can independently adapt. They learn from previous computations to produce reliable, repeatable decisions and results. It’s a science that is not new, but one that has gained fresh momentum. While many machine learning algorithms have been around for a long time, the ability to automatically apply complex mathematical calculations

State is no exception. Recognising the importance of addressing the infrastructure deficit, NASIDA, under the guidance of Abdullahi, embarked on a mission to engage the private sector in driving the state’s development agenda.

The Nasarawa Technology Village project, situated along the Abuja-Keffi Road corridor, was conceived as a catalyst for economic growth and job creation, Abdullahi said, adding that through a competitive

to big data, over and over, faster, and faster, is a recent development.”

Findings from the survey report shows that many of the telecommunications companies (65 per cent) currently apply machine learning and data analytics techniques for network planning, capacity prediction, or optimisation, while the remaining 35 per cent do not. This according to the report, suggests that most of the telecommunications companies surveyed have implemented machine learning.

“Telecommunications companies use various key performance metrics to evaluate the effectiveness of machine learning models for network planning, such as network capacity utilisation and resource allocation efficiency, user experience

bidding process facilitated by NASIDA, ABS Blueprint Modern Shelter Consortium emerged as the preferred partner for a real estate development spanning 67 hectares in Aso Prada, in Karu Local Government.

“Despite initial challenges, including securing financing and navigating regulatory processes, NASIDA, alongside its partners, demonstrated unwavering commitment and resilience. With support from InfraCredit

metrics, prediction accuracy of future network demand, call drop rates and handover success rates, signal-to-noise ratio and mean opinion score, and quality assurance metrics. These metrics help to measure the impact of machine learning models on network performance, quality, and reliability. The study findings also show that the respondents from the focus group discussion and the key informant interviews are familiar with machine learning and data analytics techniques in network planning, capacity prediction,” the report said.

“However, some of them are not convinced that the incremental investment in machine learning can bring them a return on investment. The telecommunications companies

and other stakeholders, the project received a groundbreaking N12.5 billion guarantee line, paving the way for its expansion and sustainability.

“The Nasarawa Technology Village project is a testament to the transformative power of public-private partnerships. It underscores our commitment to driving inclusive growth and creating opportunities for our citizens,” Abdullahi further said.

In addition to its economic

encounter various challenges or limitations in implementing machine learning for network planning and optimization, such as organisation, culture, and decision-making being based more on intuition than data, external constraints or regulations, a lack of data architecture and technology, and a lack of budget and other forms of organisational commitment. These challenges hinder the adoption and implementation of machine learning for network planning and optimisation, and require solutions that can address organisational, technical, and regulatory barrier,” the report further said.

impact, the Nasarawa Technology Village incorporates a tech hub in partnership with Decagon Institute, aimed at nurturing local talent and fostering innovation in the technology sector.

As the project progresses, NASIDA remains dedicated to leveraging strategic partnerships and innovative solutions to address critical infrastructure needs and drive sustainable development in Nasarawa State, Abdullahi added.

Fostering Inclusion via Entrepreneurship Training

At the 2024 International Women’s Day Celebration organised by ImpactHER in collaboration with the African Union, experts agreed that there is a need for a more concentrated effort on dissemination of accurate information, more access to finance, enabling women to create a pool of like businesses, breaking down of various cultural and societal barriers and a more structured and enabling support from government at all levels, writes

According to the 2021 National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) and the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) Survey Report, of the 38.4 million nano and micro-businesses in Nigeria, women account for 32.9% of business ownership. Another study conducted by Small Firm Diaries and published by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) in 2003 shows that there has been an increase in the number of SME businesses owned by women. The study showed that 40% of MSMEs in Nigeria are now owned by women.

This report contrasts a World Bank report that stated that firms owned by Nigerian women was pegged at 16.8%. Another PWC report alludes to the fact that women are taking charge and expanding the business frontier when it stated that Nigerian women account for 41% ownership of micro businesses in the country. The prevalent question that abounds- why has the Nigerian economy not really felt the impact of this rising role women are playing in SME and business ownership? This formed the crux of discussion at the 2024 International Women’s Day Celebration organized by ImpactHER, a foremost non-profit organization with a mandate of empowering African female entrepreneurs by bridging the gender business financing gap so as to help them realise their full economic potentials. This event was held in collaboration with the African Union, ToolUp, BRAVE Women, GIZ, Lotus Bank and Rites Food. The theme of this year’s discussion and training was: Inspiring Inclusion: Unlocking Opportunities Using Digital Skills and Market Expansion.

The experts who served as facilitators at the training event that had over 400 women in attendance all agreed that there is a need for a more concentrated effort on dissemination of accurate information, more access to finance, enabling women to create a pool of like businesses, breaking down of various cultural and societal barriers and a more structured and enabling support from government at all levels.

According to Founder of ImpactHER, Efe Ukala, there is a need for women to forge a strong bond of unity, pull resources together and serve as a torch bearer in their various business enterprises. She explained that ImpactHER is an inclusion platform that seeks to help female entrepreneurs become the best version of themselves. “ImpactHER has trained close to 150,000 female entrepreneurs across the 54 African countries and has provided a platform where over $800m has been invested in various female-led businesses across the continent too.”

“The reality of ImpactHER came to be in response to a report by the International Finance Corporation (IFC) which noted that a $300 billion gap in financing exists for formal, women-owned small businesses and more than 70 percent of women-owned small and medium enterprises have inadequate or no access to financial services. Our platform has been a springboard that has shot many women to greatness. In brokering deals for various clients across Africa, I found out that only men get the largest chunk of the business finance deals. This prompted me to begin ImpactHER so that we can provide an inclusion platform for women to be able to access financing and take their business to another level,” she noted.

She explained that Inspiring inclusion is more than just a theme for International Women’s Day. It is a guiding light for us all, especially the vibrant community of African women entrepreneurs. It means creating spaces where every woman’s voice can echo with strength, where her ideas can flourish without boundaries and where her dreams are nurtured by the collective support of

a community that sees no limit to what she can achieve. It means each of us committing to lift as we climb ensuring that our success is not a solitary journey but a shared voyage that paves the way for more women to step into their power.

“The reality of ImpactHER came to be in response to a report by the International Finance Corporation (IFC) which noted that a $300 billion gap in financing exists for formal, women-owned small businesses and more than 70 percent of women-owned small and medium enterprises have inadequate or no access to financial services.”

“For this training, we had a slot for 250 women, but today, we have over 400 women in attendance. These women came from all parts of Lagos, Ibadan, Ogun State and even Benin Republic to learn. This shows that women across Nigeria and even Africa, truly need platforms like this where they can learn, network and receive guidance for sustainable business progression. Generally, ImpactHER helps even the most marginalized women to get free resources that allows them to build a more structured and sustainable business. For example, we provide free business registration service, book keeping and accounting so that they can access the finance needed to build their businesses. All these, we believe will help foster inclusion to help bridge the gender gap. During the event, we organized a market place with over forty vendors to showcase and sell their items. To practically show how inclusive of a platform we run, we sourced materials from the women in our network such as cassava flour, tiger nuts and other items and packed them into a gift bags for all participants at the training. Some of the women even volunteered their products as gifts to participants too. With this gesture, we are expanding the network of the women and providing a platform that truly cares for them too,” she expressed.

The first training of the day was from Chidinma Ndukwe, a TikTok Content Creator who spoke on the topic, “Leveraging Tiktok to Increase Business Visibility and Sales.” She explained that the Tiktok platform has an algorithm that is highly effective in showcasing content to users based on their interests, making it an excellent platform for businesses to reach their target audience. Tiktok’s benefits include- increased band visibility, authentic engagement and opportunity for creativity.

“The various strategies that can be adopted by any business owners to achieve success on the platform include- identify your target audience, create engaging content, utilize

trending challenges, sounds and hashtags, collaborations, community management, utilize storytelling and create a sales funnel. Best practices for Tiktok marketing includesconsistency, staying authentic, experimenting with different content formats, engage with the audience, and most of all familiarity with the content creation tools such as Capcut, Inshot, Lightroom and Canva,” she explained While delivering her training on the topicInspire Inclusion- Unlocking Opportunities in Exports and Empowering African Women to Conquer the Global Market, Chief Trade Promotion Officer, Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC). Florence Okafor urged the women to invest in quality packaging, acquisition of international licences, have an excellent knowledge of the laws guiding imports in various countries and international trade terms. Okafor exposed the women to the world of exporting with various topics such as – supply chain, logistics information, marketing, sales planning, pricing, export knowledge, planning and strategy, finance, communication, management, human resource management, HSE and compliance issues. She noted that for any women to succeed in exporting their products, they must first have a thorough knowledge of it. “Women constitute a small percent of those exporting abroad and earning forex for the country. I urge you to contact the NEPC for more information on how to export stress free. You can export items such as ewedu, ugwu, garri and others. The problem many women have is that they have not established themselves properly and they want to start exporting. First be solid on ground, refine and define your production process, connect with women in like business so that when you get an overwhelming order, you can be able to deliver. Have a knowledge of payment terms and PO. Communicate in language you understand and make sure you read the all the terms well to understand. Where in doubt ask a lawyer or an expert to translate for you,” she said. Another facilitator, Founder/CEO, W-Holistic Business Solutions, Olanrewaju Oniyitan who spoke on the topic, “Growing Wealth: Growing an Investable Company as a Woman Founder,”

hinted that people, a wonderful business model, track record of business growth, financial viability, scalability and risk management are some of the pointers needed for female entrepreneurs to become successful in their business. Oniyitan expressed further that some of the challenges besetting women founders/entrepreneurs include- access to finance, customer acquisition and retention, effective marketing, accessing new markets, branding, regulatory compliance, scaling operations, technology and innovation.

She said: “I urge you women to have a rich portfolio of your work and be deliberate about ensuring that you seek the right information always. Regulatory compliance is also very important in accessing finance. You need to be conversant with the tax laws, PAYEE and many more. On a final note, I want you all to know that innovation doesn’t mean you have to go digital or online. Innovation means, you can look at your process, refine it, add something to your product to make it unique and different and you have already innovated. You do not need an app to innovate. Continuous research and development can set your business on the path of innovation.”

To further strengthen the Ndukwe’s earlier position on Tiktok marketing, another facilitator, Olatunde Shobajo of Valor Reviews, a verified Youtube creator with over 200,000 followers also spoke on how the women can master and monetize Youtube as a small business owner. He hinted that Youtube provides the global reach, search engine visibility, branding building and monetization opportunities. “I am here to motivate and urge the women, they shouldn’t hoard their knowledge. It can serve as a springboard that can grow their business. Let them share tips about their business on Youtube because once you share authentic knowledge on Youtube, your brand will grow and will impact your business and you can even decide to monetize this at the long run,” he added. For the panelists, comprising of, Founder, Aruwa Capital Management, Adesuwa Okubo Rhodes; MD/ CEO, Emerging Africa Asset Management Limited, Adaku Ijara; Director of Finance, Entrepreneurship, Mastercard Foundation, Oluwatoyin Aralepo; Project Manager, BRAVE Women Nigeria, Onyeche Elisabeth Agbiti-Douglas; Chief Financial Officer, Digital Reality, Dr. Oluseyi Olanrewaju, and Founder, Corporately Lucid, Ayishat Olanrewaju, they all noted that there is enough grant and financial support for various women in Nigeria but the only challenge is that most of them do not have the right information to access these capital and many more women cannot match the requirements too. They noted that while asking for collateral from female business owners, many do not even have such assets and this constitutes a cultural barrier to women in the country. Debating on the topic: Unlocking opportunities using digital skills and market expansion, they noted encouraged the women to never in competition with anybody. “Know yourself. Don’t try to be like a man. Always have an aspiration for excellence. Make sure you know your onions. You represent all the other women that are trying to enter and play in your chosen business endeavor,” they told the women.

In a special message from the U.S. Consulate in Lagos, who was represented by Brittany Orange, to the women, she lamented the low representation of women in the country’s political and economic space and urged the government to provide a level playing field for more women to be active in politics and business.

ImpactHER is an award-winning not-for-profit organization awarded at the African Union as the Best Women SME (small and medium sized enterprises) Support Organization in Africa; we empower African female entrepreneurs by bridging the gender business financing gap so as to help them realize their full economic potential.

The NGO’s ultimate goal is to utilize its institutional investing experience to prepare best-in-class African female market leaders. This is done by training African female entrepreneurs on how to build scalable businesses and access institutional investors. ImpactHER believes that empowering African female entrepreneurs is critical to building the African economy and spurring economic growth. ImpactHER is committed to empowering African women entrepreneurs by providing them with the necessary digital training and resources to grow their small and medium-sized businesses. With a focus on bridging the gender gap in entrepreneurship, they have successfully trained over 150,000 female entrepreneurs across 54 African countries, helping to improve their businesses and livelihoods. As a result, these women have been able to create jobs, increase their income, and contribute to the economic growth and development of their respective communities.

Towards Restoration of Lake Chad

The United Nations Environment Programme recently noted that Lake Chad has shrunk 90 per cent in 60 years, and blamed the situation on climate change, irrigation, construction of dams and population increase. Efforts are however been made by the Lake Chad Basin Governors’ Forum to stabilise the affected region, writes ugo

The Lake Chad Basin has been devastated for a long time due to conflict with non-state armed groups, rapid population growth, climate change, and poverty, which together have triggered massive population displacement.

In December 2023, the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), stated that an unprecedented humanitarian crisis continued to linger in the North-eastern Nigeria, Cameroon’s far North, Western Chad and South-east Niger with 11.2 million people in need of humanitarian assistance.

OCHA noted that the complex crisis has resulted in the displacement of more than 3.1 million people, half of whom are children.

The UN body revealed that many affected people were living in desperate conditions without access to food or clean water. Malnutrition rates are alarmingly high and four million people are affected by food insecurity, including 2.9 million people in Nigeria.

ThE GovERNoR’s FoRum

Over the past two decades, the Lake Chad basin has been severely impacted by the Boko Haram insurgency and other related conflicts. The impacts range from massive internal and cross-border displacement, the destruction of the social fabric and property, human rights abuses, disrupted public services, and limited capacities of government institutions.

In response to the security and conflict challenges, the governments of the four riparian countries established a joint military task force called the Multinational Joint Task Force in 2015 to launch a coordinated military counter-offensive against Boko Haram.

The establishment of the Taskforce was later followed by the development of a Regional Strategy for Stabilisation, Recovery and Resilience by the Lake Chad Basin Commission with the support of the African Union and UNDP in 2018.

Since the development of the Regional Strategy for Stabilisation, Recovery, and Resilience (RS-SRR) in 2018, the strategy has acted as a regional architecture for responding to the complex security, humanitarian and development issues plaguing the region. It emphasises

the need for a comprehensive, multi-sectoral and coordinated set of sub-national, national, and cross-border initiatives to achieve long-term stabilisation, recovery, and resilience.

As a result, several initiatives and programmes have sprung up to facilitate regional cooperation, respond to humanitarian needs and foster peace and development in the region, one of which is the Lake Chad Basin Governors’ Forum.

The 4th Lake Chad Basin Governors’ Forum concluded with a solid commitment to enhancing joint efforts towards stabilising the region, promoting peace, and fostering sustainable development.

Speaking at the event, the Executive Secretary, Lake Chad Basin Commission and Head of Mission, Multinational Joint Task Force, Ambassador Mamman Nuhu, said: “I believe this meeting provides the needed opportunity to reflect on the journey so far and the lessons learnt, and to collectively strategise on how to effectively address the emerging challenges in the region.”

On his part, the UN Assistant Secretary-General, UNDP Assistant Administrator and Regional Director for Africa, Ahunna Eziakonwa, said: “What we have seen over three years is how the impact of stabilisation extends beyond numbers; it has restored hope and dignity across the region. It has brought communities together, fostering resilience and determination to rebuild their lives.

“Together with the governments of the Lake Chad Basin, and under the leadership of the Governors, we have built homes, schools and health centres; restored markets and feeder roads; repaired garrisons and police stations; given access to energy; and more than 400,000 displaced persons have returned home.”

AFDB INITIATIvE

Recently, the African Development Bank Group (AFDB) and the Lake Chad Basin Commission, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to rehabilitate and restore the Lake Chad Basin.

The agreement, signed on the sidelines of the

37th African Union Summit held in Ethiopia, would mobilise financial and technical resources to improve the development and management of water resources, support livelihoods and restore peace in the region.

Lake Chad, once considered the sixth-largest inland water body on earth for livelihood, has shrunk in area by some 92 per cent in recent decades. The larger Chad Basin contributes to food security for about 50 million people.

The Republic of Chad Minister of Water, Passalet Kanade Marssela, said: “The population living in this ecosystem are facing major socioeconomic challenges – add to that the insecurity situation due to terrorist groups which brings loss of livelihood, destruction of households, forced internal displacements and beyond our national frontiers.”

African Development Bank Vice President for Regional Development, Integration and Business Delivery, Marie-Laure Akin-Olugbade, told dignitaries and sector leaders in water and agriculture at the signing ceremony that the agreement would provide a framework for projects and programmes to improve the quality of life for millions of Africans.

“This Memorandum of Understanding involves transforming living conditions in the hydrographic basin of the six member countries of the Lake Chad Basin Commission, namely Chad, Nigeria, Cameroon, Niger, the Central African Republic and Libya. As the main financial partner of the Commission for several years, we will consolidate the gains made, through a new integrated regional programme that accelerates sustainable solutions to the challenges of Lake Chad and further improves the living conditions of the basin’s population,” she said.

The Lake Chad Basin Commission named the African Development Bank the “Champion Lead Partner for resource mobilization for the revival of the Lake Chad,” Akin-Olugbade said.

The Executive Secretary of the Lake Chad

Basin Commission, Ambassador Mamman Nuhu, said: “Our shared goal is to ensure the sustainability of the Lake Chad Basin, especially the Lake, which has dramatically shrunk due to climate change and increased human demands. This is a manifestation of our commitment to ensuring water security, economic prosperity, and stability in the region. It is an integral part of our shared goal to build climate resilience and sustainable growth.”

The African Development Bank has a track record of impactful support for the Lake Chad Basin Commission and its goals. Since 2005, the Bank has financed $241.3 million for several multinational projects in the water, transport, environment, and social sectors.

Recently, the Bank approved $17.8 million for a United Nations Development Progamme initiative, tagged: ‘Rompre le cycle de fragilité à travers la stabilization au lac Tchad’ (‘Breaking the cycle of fragility through stabilization in Lake Chad’). This initiative is expected to raise up to $21.5 million in additional financing from partner organisations.

The Bank is also developing a multi-year institutional capacity building programme to strengthen the Lake Chad Basin Commission to carry out in-depth environmental, technical and economic studies that will inform solutions, decision-making, and financing requirements for Lake Chad Basin restoration.

In addition, the Bank’s African Water Facility is financing the development of the second, five-year investment plan to build a pipeline of projects for the sustainable and beneficial use of water resources in the basin, as well as prepare the groundwork for further investments.

EFFECT oF CLImATE ChANGE

Climate change has had a profound impact on the Chad Basin, particularly on Lake Chad, which has shrunk by more than 90 per cent since the 1960s. This reduction in size is primarily due to increased evaporation rates and reduced rainfall.

Driving Non-oil Export

Nigeria’s long-standing quest for agricultural self-sufficiency, industrial growth and greater employment opportunities for her teeming youths and women, has received a boost with the inauguration of a new supply chain complex by Valency Agro Allied Nigeria Limited, Raheem Akingbolu reports

Valency Agro Nigeria Limited, the third-largest non-oil exporter in Nigeria, has braced the odds and fulfilled its business projection of raising the bar in Agribusiness sector with the commissioning of a state-of-theart supply chain complex in Ibadan, Oyo State, to enhance its operations.

According to the company, the inauguration of the supply chain and other developmental moves by the company, was informed by the equity acquisition in its parent company, Valency International Group, by British International Investment (BII), a Development Finance Institute and impact investment organization owned by the UK government.

British International Investment was said to have injected an initial $15 million into Valency International Group, a Singaporean-based agricultural commodities trading house, with an option to invest an additional $35 million within two years of the initial investment.

As a subsidiary of Valency International, Valency Agro Nigeria Ltd recently assured stakeholders that it had concluded to expand its operations, construct more warehousing facilities, and enhance the processing of raw cashew nuts into high-quality cashew kernels for export.

Additionally, the investment aims to bolster the company’s ability to address sustainability concerns within its operations and value chain, particularly focusing on social and environmental considerations.

For the leading international conglomerate that is involved largely in food processing and value addition, the commissioning of its supply chain complex at a colourful and well-attended ceremony in the Oyo State capital was the peak of its strategic growth mechanism in the first quarter of 2024.

The event, which was held at Elebolo village along the Lagos- Ibadan Expressway on the outskirts of Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, was graced by a cross-section of dignitaries drawn from industry, government, the diplomatic community, representatives of the local community, the media and the general public.

Representatives of the British International Investment (BII), a leading partner with the Valency Group on this project, as well as those of over a dozen Nigerian commercial and development banks involved in its funding, were also present at the occasion.

Perhaps to demonstrate the the enduring bilateral relationship between the Federal Republic of Nigeria

and the United Kingdom and India, the national anthems if the tree countries were renditioned to the admiration of invited guests.

In his welcoming remarks, the Group Chairman of the Valency Group, Mr. Praveen Kumar Jain, described the occasion as the culmination of a dream that took concrete shape back in 2022 and was pursued with extraordinary vigour, passion and commitment.

This ceremony, he said, was a natural progression from its activities, which has seen the company establish its footprint in 34 states across Nigeria. When fully operational, he disclosed, the supply chain complex would employ over 10, 000 persons - over 60% of whom would be female and many of whom would be drawn from the immediate catchment area.

Kumar Jain also listed other expected benefits of the complex as follows: increased export revenue for Nigeria; a far-reaching value-add profile for a wide range of agricultural produce; importsubstitution for agro-chemicals; skill development and professional growth opportunities for workers; sustainable procurement processes; more robust participation in the value chain by farmers and suppliers; and greater impact on the integration and sustainability of the Nigerian economy.

On his part, the Deputy High Commissioner of the UK to Nigeria, HE, Jonny Baxter, hailed the involvement of British International Investment (BII) in the project, describing it as a veritable platform (especially for women and small holder farmers) to access the entire agricultural (processing and export) ecosystem at a go.

Baxter used the opportunity to call on Valency Agro Nigeria Ltd., to use its expertise and resources to advance ideas aimed at enhancing nutritional awareness and high yield among Nigerians generally, and farmers in particular.

Also speaking, the Consul-General at the Indian Consulate in Lagos, HE, Shri Chandramouli Kern, described his personal experience of Valency’s operations across Nigeria as highly inspiring - not least, he said, because of the sheer dedication of its female workers (some of whom have been with the company for almost a decade). He attributed this fidelity to Valency’s progressive business model and

its prioritization of worker satisfaction.

He also paid tribute to BII and to the banks which, he said, had risen to the occasion in such a heroic manner.

Pastor Ighodalo, a non-executive director of the company also offered brief remarks at the occasion, describing it as an emotional homecoming to the city of Ibadan, where he was born and raised. He hailed the commissioning as an example of a mutually-rewarding co-operation between two former British colonial subjects and their former master.

Quoting the lyrics of Nigerian pop artist TY Bello’s *’The Land is Green,’* the clergyman asserted that Nigeria was ripe and eager for the type of foreign investment that would help her economy grow, provide jobs for her people and deepen her immense natural and human resources.

Speeches were also made by a pair of representatives from the BII - namely Messrs Roman Frankel and Benson Adenuga, while the Group CEO of Valency, Sumit Jain presented for recognition a roll-call of the Nigerian commercial banks whose credit helped to make this project a reality - to the admiration of the assembled guests.

The highlight of the occasion, which was also punctuated by an energetic and highly entertaining Yoruba cultural performance, was the formal commissioning of the Supply Chain Complex by the Valency Group Chairman, Praveen Kumar Jain and other key dignitaries. This was followed by a tour of the facilities by guests.

Another highlight of the event was the ground-breaking ceremony for the upcoming Valency processing plant - work on which is set to begin shortly. The ground-breaking ceremony was performed by The Group Chairman, the afore-mentioned Indian and British diplomats, (Chandramouli Kern and Baxter), Pastor Ighodalo and others.

In separate interviews during the press briefing that followed the ground-breaking ceremony, the officials of the company, as well as the two diplomats and Pastor Ighodalo all reiterated the many benefits foreshadowed by this event, as well as their expectations for the future of the

company, the immediate communities around which the Complex is situated (as well as the company’s corporate social responsibility projections in the areas of healthcare and human capacity development, etc) and ways in which the government of Nigeria can enhance the influx of big-ticket foreign investments like Valency’s in the country’s economy.

According to various speakers at the event, the newly commissioned supply chain complex would serve as a critical support system for sourcing raw agricultural materials from farm gate suppliers, processing these materials into premium-grade products, and distributing them to wholesale and retail outlets as well as end-users. This strategic initiative underscores Valency Agro Nigeria Ltd’s commitment to advancing its operations and maintaining high standards across its value chain.

Speaking about the complex, the CEO of had earlier pointed out that “Valency is an integrated supply chain company that exports and trades in diversified portfolio of agro commodities and inputs, boasting of assets that include an already established extensive global reach, excellent sourcing networks directly with farm gate suppliers and manufacturing processors, a deep origination network across the country in all major producing states for raw cashew, sesame, soybean, cocoa, ginger, and pulses.”

With the challenge of food security in Nigeria due to lack of storage capacities, quality management infrastructure and cost of local transport in the country, players in the Agric-business space lose a large percentage of crop annually. Through Valency’s group’s subsidiary name GSCS (Global Supply Chain Solutions) the country is planning to work on all three aspects of food security- Warehousing and quality management Services, fleet services, and clearing and forwarding services.

In May 2022, the company did a groundbreaking by instituting 45,000 MT storage capacity of agri produce, over 150 own fleet and one of the biggest drying yards in the country.

According to a statement by the British International Investment on its website, the new investment will support value addition, create up to 2,800 jobs for low-income workers across the country and provide market access indirectly to a further 60,000 smallholder farmers and boost agricultural output and export.

Tinubu Commends GB Foods’ for Establishing Africa’s Largest Tomato ProcessingPlant in Nigeria

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has commended GB Foods’ for establishing the biggest tomato processing factory in Africa in Nigeria, saying that the investment has affirmed the confidence of foreign investors in Nigeria.

Tinubu gave this commendation during the inauguration of the GB Foods’ state-of-the-art integrated tomato processing plant and expanded farm facilities in Gafara, in Ngaski Local Government Area of Kebbi State.

The president, who was represented by the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, said: “Let me say that this is the second time

I am coming to Kebbi State in a little over a month. First, I visited a rice mill, the largest in West Africa, and today I’m visiting the largest tomato factory in Africa, all in Kebbi State.”

In his speech, the Kebbi State Governor, Dr. Nasir Idris, expressed gratitude to the company for engaging 3,335 local out-growers for tomato production in the state and pledged the state government’s support to ensure that the plant would operate at maximum capacity.

Idris emphasised the significance of the factory as the largest tomato processing facility and promised to provide the necessary assistance and protection for its success.

The Chief Executive Officer of GB Foods Nigeria, Mr. Vincent Egbe, said that the GB Foods’ farm and factory in Kebbi generated 75 per cent of the total tomato concentrate produced in Nigeria during the 2022- 2023 season.

Egbe said that the demand still exceeded the supply despite this significant contribution, which highlighted the need for further expansion and advancement in the sector.

He added that in December 2023, the company further solidified its position by expanding its Lagos tomato sachet factory to an unprecedented 100,000 metric tons, securing its position as the largest of its kind globally.

Fast Credit Redeems Series 3 Commercial Paper Issuance

In an exciting milestone for the financial technology sector, Fast Credit Limited has recently marked a significant triumph with the timely and successful payout of their Series 3 Commercial Paper issuance. This accomplishment not only underscores the company’s financial prowess but also highlights its unwavering commitment to innovation and growth in the dynamic world of fintech.

Fast Credit’s CEO – Emeka Iloelunachi stated that the timely payout of Series 3 Com-

mercial Paper was in line with earlier redemptions on Series 1 & 2 and therefore evidences the company’s core value of integrity, business innovations and strategic partnerships.

“We have not only utilised the funds in expanding our impact in our niche market but have bolstered investors’ confidence in partnering with us in our goal of redefining customers’ experience through product innovations and value creation. These redemptions and the impending issuance of a N10billion Bond Program

in April 2024 will further consolidate our successes and ultimately lead us to achieving the cardinal goal of being the leading non-bank financial institution with shared values; nationwide and beyond.

“As the company celebrates this success, the board and management, wishes to acknowledge the collective efforts of its investors, customers and dedicated team, whose commitment and ingenuity have played a pivotal role in reaching this milestone,” he said.

Foundation Champions Women’s Economic Empowerment

Funmi Ogundare

The Goke Dele Foundation (GDF), recently held a one-day financial literacy workshop for small-scale businesswomen in Lagos, in an effort aimed at advancing their economic capacity and scaling up their business enterprise.

The effort was also to commemorate the International Women’s Day (IWD) which aligns with the foundation’s commitment to fostering inclusive economic growth and addressing the gender financial inclusion gap prevalent in emerging African economies.

The Programme Manager of the foundation, Bethel Esamah, recalled that recent data from the

fifth annual Mastercard Index of Women Entrepreneurs (2021) reveals Sub-Saharan Africa as the global leader in women’s entrepreneurial activity, boasting a participation rate of 26 per cent

Despite this encouraging statistic, she explained that women in these regions often face challenges stemming from lower levels of education and regulatory barriers that impede their access to financial services. “Consequently, enhancing financial literacy among female entrepreneurs becomes imperative to unlock their full potential and contribute to national economic development,” she stated.

To address these challenges, she noted that the foundation collaborated with finance sector

experts to deliver a comprehensive workshop focusing on market expansion strategies, business financing, and proficient bookkeeping practices.

Esamah emphasized on the workshop’s theme, ‘Inspire Inclusion through Financial Literacy’ ,highlighting the pivotal role of financial literacy in enabling female business owners to navigate their finances effectively and propel their enterprises towards growth and scalability.

The workshop, she added, also served as a dynamic platform for participants to acquire practical skills and insights essential for managing and expanding their businesses.

Kuda Business Passes 100,000 Customer Milestone

Kuda Business, a management and banking platform has said it is now providing support to more than 100,000 freelancers as well as micro, small and medium scale enterprises (MSMEs) in Nigeria, as the business surpasses its 100,000 customer milestone target.

Speaking about the milestone achievement, VP, Product Innovation Strategy at Kuda, Nosa Oyegun, said: “Reaching the milestone of 100,000 customers is a testament to the value we bring to small businesses and freelancers. Our mission has always been to empower businesses with

the financial tools they need to thrive in today’s competitive market. We understand the importance of agility, efficiency, and accessibility, which is why we’ve developed a platform that simplifies banking processes and puts control back into the hands of entrepreneurs.”

WATISE: Experts to Tackle Infrastructure Funding Challenges

Following the successful hosting of the first edition of the West Africa Telecoms Infrastructure Summit and Exhibition (WATISE), the second edition is billed to hold April 18 in Lagos, where industry experts will discuss infrastructure funding challenges for rural telephony and green energy.

Convener of the summit and Managing Editor,

TechnologyMirror, Mr. Isaiah Erhiawarien, said with the theme: ‘Shaping the Future of the Telecoms Infrastructure Industry: Trends and Insights for a Digital Economy’, this year’s summit would focus on the digital economy, the challenges of funding, with particular reference to rural telephony.

The summit is expected to

L-R: Chief People Officer, Chivita|Hollandia (CHI Limited),Temitope Adedayo-Ojo; Managing Director, Eelco Weber; Group Chief Human Resources Officer, Sterling Financial Holdings Company, Temi Dalley; Chief Commercial Officer, Chivita|Hollandia (CHI Limited),Bola Arotiowa and Chief Executive Officer, BuildValley Consulting and Founder of Global Woman Africa, Omowunmi Akinnifesi at the Chivita|Hollandia (CHI Limited) International Women’s Day event held in Lagos... recently

bring together, leading players in the industry including the Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Dr. Aminu Maida, who will deliver the keynote address and a major paper presentation from the Chairman of the Association Licensed Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria (ALTON), Gbenga Adebayo.

Money Market Indicators (in Percentage)

The price of OPEC basket of twelve crudes stood at $81.30 a barrel on Tuesday, compared with $79.70 the previous day, according to OPEC Secretariat calculations. The OPEC Reference Basket of Crudes (ORB) is made up of the following: Saharan Blend (Algeria), Djeno (Congo), Zafiro (Equatorial Guinea), Rabi Light (Gabon), Iran Heavy (Islamic Republic of Iran), Basrah Medium (Iraq), Kuwait Export (Kuwait), Es Sider (Libya), Bonny Light (Nigeria), Arab Light (Saudi Arabia), Murban (UAE) and Merey (Venezuela).

UBA, MTN Nigeria, 30 Others Lift Stock Market by N273bn

The Nigerian stock market yesterday extended its rally, with N273 billion advance in market capitalisation, attributable to price uptick in United Bank for Africa (UBA), MTN Nigeria Communication Plc and 30 others.

As UBA appreciated by 2.37per cent to N25.90 per share and MTN Nigeria gained 2.26per cent to close at N249.00 per share, the

NGX All-Share Index (ASI) gained 482.87 basis points or 0.47 per cent to close at 104,007.31 basis points from 103,524.44 basis points it opened for trading.

The stock market early in the year crossed the 104,000 basis points as investors positioned themselves in penny stocks amid Federal Government economy reforms.

Also, market capitalisation rose by N273 billion to close at N58.807

trillion from N58.534 trillion iit opened for trading.

On sectors, the NGX Banking Index added two per cent, NGX Insurance grew by 0.8per cent and NGX Consumer Goods appreciated by 0.2per cent, while the NGX Industrial Goods and NGX Oil & Gas indices closed flat.

Investor sentiment, as measured by market breadth was positive, as 32 stocks gained relative to 23 losers. ETI and Julius Berger

emerged the highest price gainer of 10 per cent each to close at N22.00 and N67.10 respectively, while NEM Insurance followed with a gain of 9.92 per cent to close at N6.65, per share.

RT Briscoe advanced by 8.89 per cent each to close at 49 kobo, while Omatek Ventures rose by 8.70 per cent to close at 75 kobo, per share. On the other side, Skyway Aviation Handling Company led others on the losers’ chart with 10

per cent to close at N22.95, per share. SUNU Assurance followed with a decline of 9.62 per cent to close at N1.41, while May & Baker Nigeria shed 5.90 per cent to close at N5.10, per share.

Lasaco Assurance went down by 5.66 per cent to close at N2.00, while Japaul Gold & Ventures depreciated by 4.35 per cent to close at N2.20, per share. The total volume traded decreased by 42.21 per cent to

326.945 million units, valued at N9.120 billion, and exchanged in 9,570 deals. Transactions in the shares of Transnational Corporation (Transcorp) led the activity with 38.950 million shares worth N642.226 million. Unity Bank followed with account of 37.202 million shares valued at N69.827 million, while GTCO traded 26.435 million shares valued at N1.172 billion.

PRICES FOR SECURITIES TRADED ASOF MARCH /13/24

Gamin G Week

Ukanwoke: BetKing Consistently Pays Winners Their Winnings

Duro Ikhazuagbe holds a revealing conversation with Gossy Ukanwoke, Managing Director, Betking, one of the emerging leaders in the Nigerian sports betting landscape

Congratulations on BetKing’s sixth anniversary. How would you describe the platform’s journey, growth, and challenge over these six years?

Thank you! It’s been an incredible journey. We started small, but with the support of our customers, agents, and employees, we’ve expanded our offerings, improved technology, and established a strong presence in the Nigerian betting industry. In six years, I can say that navigating industry changes, adapting to market dynamics, and maintaining a competitive edge has been notable. At BetKing, we address these by staying agile, investing in relationships and technology, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement to meet evolving industry demands.

What sets BetKing apart from other online sports betting platforms, particularly in the Nigerian market?

Our commitment to providing users a seamless and enjoyable experience sets us apart. From an intuitive interface to innovative features like live betting through our Android app, we prioritise

technological advancements to enhance user engagement. We also prioritise user satisfaction as a core value. Our customer-centric approach includes prompt and efficient payouts, fostering trust and reliability among our users. This commitment to customer service and satisfaction distinguishes BetKing in the competitive online betting landscape.

Additionally, our emphasis on responsible gaming sets us apart. We prioritise the well-being of our users by promoting safe and responsible betting practices, aligning with regulatory standards and ethical considerations.

In essence, BetKing’s unique combination of a user-centric approach, diverse betting markets, technological innovation, and a commitment to responsible gaming collectively position us as a standout player in the Nigerian online sports betting market.

Given the dynamic nature of the betting industry, how has BetKing stayed innovative and relevant to its users’ changing preferences over the past six years?

BetKing prioritises innovation through regular technology updates,

introducing new betting markets, and enhancing user experience. By closely monitoring industry trends and listening to user feedback, we ensure our platform remains dynamic and responsive to the evolving needs of our users.

Moreover, we consistently invest in technological upgrades and enhancements. Regular app updates, responsive web design, and cutting-edge technologies enable us to provide a seamless and engaging user experience. Staying ahead of technological trends is a key strategy for our success.

Maintaining customer trust is crucial in the betting industry. How has BetKing tackled the challenge of building and sustaining trust with its user base over the six years?

Trust is paramount for us. BetKing has consistently paid its winners their winnings and maintained clear communication with our users. We provide comprehensive information about our operations, terms, and conditions, ensuring that our users are well-informed. This transparency extends to our commitment to responsible gaming, where we actively educate users about the importance of safe betting

practices.

We have a robust security infrastructure in place to safeguard user data and transactions. As mentioned earlier, our investment in cutting-edge technology ensures that user information is protected against potential

threats, bolstering confidence in the security of our platform.

BetKing places a strong emphasis on customer support. Our dedicated support team is available to assist users with any queries or concerns promptly. This commitment to excellent customer service fosters a positive user experience and reinforces our dedication to user satisfaction.

Lastly, BetKing actively engages with user feedback and continuously seeks ways to enhance our platform. This commitment to improvement demonstrates our responsiveness to user needs and underscores our dedication to providing an exceptional betting experience.

How does BetKing prioritise responsible gaming, and what measures are in place to ensure users gamble responsibly on the platform?

BetKing places an emphasis on responsible gaming by implementing various measures to ensure users engage in gambling activities responsibly on the platform. One notable initiative is BetKing’s partnership with Gamble Alert, a leading organisation dedicated to promoting responsible gambling practices. Through this partnership, BetKing provides users with resources and information about responsible gaming, including self-help tools and access to support services for those who may be experiencing difficulties related to gambling.

Additionally, BetKing incorporates age verification and KYC processes to prevent underage gaming. We also go through a rigorous process of ascertaining SOF for our highly engaged users to ensure that they are not showing signs of problem gambling. In instances where we pick this up, we close such accounts just as we do when we get complaints from users who share their gambling challenges with our customer service team. We promote clear communication about the risks associated with gambling, ensuring that users

are well-informed about the potential impact on their well-being.

Regular communication campaigns, both on the website and through various channels, reinforce responsible gaming messages. BetKing encourages users to set financial limits on their accounts, providing tools that allow them to control and monitor their gambling expenditures effectively. In the last two years we have championed the ‘Kings Know When to Stop’ Campaign to encourage our users to take personal responsibility and consider betting as only a form of casual entertainment.

BetKing has become a prominent figure in the Nigerian betting industry. How does the company approach corporate social responsibility (CSR), and in what ways does BetKing give back to the community?

BetKing is dedicated to making a positive impact on society through various CSR initiatives. We prioritise community engagement, sports development, economic empowerment and health. Some of our initiatives include supporting local charities, sponsoring sports educational programmes, and contributing to healthcare projects in the communities we operate in.

In a forward-looking approach, the 2023 BetKing Cares Initiative unfolded over six weeks, spanning eight states in Nigeria. Prioritising health, wellbeing, and food security, the initiative collaborated with Market Doctors to provide comprehensive health checkups and distribute essential items like glasses, hygiene kits, and maternity kits in 15 communities. Looking ahead, we are committed to expanding the reach of the BetKing Cares Initiative in 2024. Our goal is to touch more lives, furthering our dedication to making a positive and sustainable impact on communities throughout Nigeria.

Iyke Bede

In a twist of fate, the notorious ‘Drake curse’ is back in the spotlight as the multi-talented Canadian rapper Drake placed and lost a substantial bet of $615,000 on Francis Ngannou for the highly anticipated face-off against Anthony Joshua in Riyadh.

The ‘Drake curse’ became a pervasive narrative in the world of sports, with athletes blaming losses on the rapper’s mere association. However, the recent Super Bowl victory seemingly debunked the curse, prompting Drake to boldly place his bets on the unpredictable Ngannou.

Ngannou’s recent performance against Tyson Fury added an unexpected element to the narrative. The MMA star’s early knockdown of the ‘Gypsy King’ in 2023 left many considering him a formidable contender. However, the looming question remained if he could break the ‘Drake curse’ and secure a victory.

Notably, Anthony Joshua had once expressed reluctance to allow Drake into his dressing room, citing the curse as a potential jinx.

“If y’all telling me that (the Drake curse), I know I shouldn’t. [Do] you know about the ‘Drake Curse?’ it is crazy though. It is real though?” a puzzled Joshua said during a podcast.

As the fight night approached, fans of both Ngannou and Joshua were gripped by a mix of excitement and anxiety. Will Drake’s recent betting success extend to the MMA ring, or will his money go down the drain once again?

Drake would’ve made three times his initial wager if Francis Ngannou had won the fight, but betting against the best version of Anthony Joshua proved to be a tall order. Out of the $615,000 bet on Ngannou, Drake aimed to win exactly $1,906,500. Unfortunately, the knockout suffered by Ngannou not only shook the combat sports world but also dealt a significant financial blow to Drake, who lost a fortune

Drake

once again. As the dust settled in Riyadh, Drake found himself on the

of a substantial fortune. The ‘Drake Curse’

prevailed, leaving fans and bettors to reflect on the unpredictable twists and turns accompanying the rapper’s ventures into the world of sports betting.

UkANwOkE: BETkING CONSISTENTLY PAYS wINNERS THEIR wINNINGS

In addition, BetKing, through KingMakers, passionately sponsored various Youth Academy teams, prioritizing the development of local football talent. The Kidsports Initiative, an after-school football program, identified and nurtured young talents in orphanages, strengthening their skills and potential.

How does BetKing involve its employees in CSR activities, and what role do they play in making these initiatives successful?

Employee engagement is crucial in our CSR efforts. We encourage our team to actively participate in volunteering opportunities and provide them with the means to contribute to local causes. By fostering a culture of social responsibility within our organisation, we amplify the

“They say lottery is gambling. I changed that word gambling to gaming because I believe it’s entertainment. Lottery’s where you play, where you try your luck either for fun or also for contribution; social contribution to help the government. If you win, good. if you don’t win, you’re still a winner because you’ve done a little bit of charity to the government to use the funds for good causes in all the sectors that it is required.”

– Lanre Gbajabiamila, Director General, National Lottery Regulatory Commission

Nigeria Esports Federation Partners Moonton, Endorses Mobile Legends; Bang Bang Official Partner

The Nigeria Esports Federation (NESF) has announced its partnership with Moonton Games, a leading mobile game developer and publisher, solidifying Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB) as the official esports partner of the NESF.

This groundbreaking partnership signifies a monumental step forward in the Nigerian esports landscape, as both organisations commit to fostering growth and development within the esports community. Under the terms of the partnership, Moonton will license NESFinitiated, organized, or supported third-party tournaments, including the prestigious national league, further enhancing the competitive gaming experience for Nigerian players.

Furthermore, Moonton will provide invaluable support to third-party tournaments through comprehensive marketing initiatives, broadcast assistance (including the provision of broadcast API and tournament access), and exciting in-game prizes. This support will elevate the visibility and accessibility of esports tournaments, attracting a wider audience and empowering aspiring esports athletes across Nigeria.

“Partnering with Moonton marks a significant milestone for the Nigeria Esports Federation,” said Yahaya Maikori, President of the NESF. “We are excited to collaborate with a global leader in the esports industry to enhance the competitive landscape and provide unparalleled opportunities for Nigerian gamers.”

impact of our CSR initiatives.

Running simultaneously with our BetKing Cares Initiatives was the Food Drive led by KingMakers employees. Working together, they supplied essential food packs to families in Lagos, Ibadan, Port Harcourt, and Abuja. It’s not just a programme; BetKing Cares is our promise to make a positive impact in our communities.

In what ways does BetKing address environmental sustainability, considering the increasing importance of eco-friendly practices?

BetKing actively addresses environmental sustainability by committing to ecofriendly practices. As part of BetKing’s “Month of Good” campaign, the company recently pledged to plant 10,000 trees, contributing significantly to the promotion of a sustainable environment. In addition to tree planting, BetKing is actively engaged in community clean-up activities, demonstrating a commitment to maintaining clean and environmentally responsible spaces.

These initiatives highlight BetKing’s dedication to addressing environmental concerns and aligning with the increasing importance of sustainability practices in today’s global landscape.

As the CEO, what message would you like to convey to BetKing’s loyal users and the broader community on this special occasion?

I want to express my sincere gratitude to our customers, regulators, agents and partners for their unwavering support over the past six years. BetKing is committed to providing the best possible betting experience, and we look forward to continuing this journey together.

Committed to providing the best betting experience, we’re excited about the journey ahead. We’ve achieved a lot, introducing new markets, improving our app, and focusing on customer satisfaction and responsible gambling.

Thanks to our loyal and new customers, we’re here to support communities. Ongoing projects like building a stadium in Ifako Ijaiye and upcoming endeavours, including the renovation of healthcare centres and football pitches for tertiary institutions, show our dedication to community development. We believe in the positive impact of sports and look forward to more success with our valued community members.

“We are thrilled to join forces with the Nigeria Esports Federation as their official esports partner,” said Jaime Lorenzo Cruz, Head of Esports, MENA and South Asia at Moonton Games. “Through this partnership, we aim to empower the Nigerian esports community, celebrate their passion for gaming, and elevate the esports experience to new heights.”

The NESF and Moonton are committed to driving innovation, inclusivity, and excellence within the Nigerian

Lagos Lotteries and africa gaming expo...

Sanwo-Olu: Lagos Targeting Control of 30% Africa's Gaming Industry

segun James Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, yesterday, said the State was aiming to increase the share of its African gaming market to at least 30 per cent.

The Governor who admitted that the gaming industry has seen exponential growth in recent years in Africa, noted that as a key

player in the rapidly growing the State government was determined to solidify its status as the sixth largest economy in the continent and the highest growing region.

Sanwo-Olu, who said this in his keynote address at a four-day conference on gaming in Africa tagged: 'Africa Gaming Expo 2024,' at Eko Hotel & Suites, Lagos, said the State government had re-calibrated

the thrust of gaming and tourism through the development of a designed strategy to make the sector not only as a huge revenue earner, but a model for economic regeneration.

The event with the theme: “Exploring the Future of the Africa Gaming Market: Emerging Trends, Prospects and Opportunities," attracted panelists drawn from industry experts, leaders

and operators all over the world. Sanwo-Olu said, "The theme speaks directly to the key objectives which the Expo is set to achieve, against the backdrop of the relatively nascent nature of the industry in Africa.

“Hence, the overall objective of this historic gathering of stakeholders and operators, game developers, investment bankers, venture capitalists,

PIA: Stakeholders Decry Delayed Implementation, IOCs’ Attitude

olusegun samuel in Yenagoa Stakeholders from Bayelsa State, including leaders of the newly inaugurated Host Community Development Trust (HCDT), have expressed frustrations with the processes and attitude of the multinational oil companies in accessing the three per cent Operating Expenditure (OPEX).

Over two years since the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) was signed into law, the leaders lamented that the OPEX which is accrued to the host communities by the PIA, to enable them carry out projects in their areas were not being accessed.

The leaders who expressed their discontentment during a town hall meeting organised by the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) for HCDTS, multinational oil companies and traditional rulers in Bayelsa State, urged the regulatory body to ensure that the host communities are not shortchanged.

In his opening remarks, the National President Host Communities Producing Oil and Gas (HOSTCOM), Chief Benjamin Tamaramiebi, described as shameful on the part of the federal government that the PIA was yet to be fully implemented in Niger Delta oil producing communities years after it was signed into law

Governor

His words: "We have a meagre three per cent but the question is, the three per cent that we are talking about have they implemented it? After two and a half years of the PIA, has the communities really been impacted with this three per cent?

That is the question, communities have waited for so long ,the first time we heard they are doing everything possible to ensure that they kick start, behold after six months they are still implementing, two years completed nothing has been done rather one story to another .

"The question is: Are these sectors deceiving us or the government deceiving the communities? These are small grants that are supposed to be coming in to the communities.

"How can we get our community to benefit? That is the reason why we came together to ask questions.

We will keep pressurising the head of the regulatory agency to tell us why they are not implementing it.

“Some HDCTs have received funds and some have not and we want to know exactly what is the problem."

In his remark, the Chairman of Yenagoa/Ogbia HCDT, Mr. Zuwa Konugha, regretted that they were yet to access the full funds required by the law from one of the multinational oil companies in the state.

Konugha said: "We were inaugurated in March last year and we

Mbah to Speak at London School of Economics

Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, will deliver a public lecture at the London School of Economics (LSE), Thursday.

The lecture entitled “Enugu State, Nigeria: New Political Leadership; Bold Economic Vision – Spotlight on the Health and Education Strategies”, will be delivered at the School of Health, LSE.

At the lecture, which is being

organised by the Department of Health Policy, LSE, and billed for Room 2.10, Marshall Building, Mbah is expected to break down the health and education policies and strategies of his administration.

It is recalled that the Mbah Administration voted 33 per cent of the state's N521.5bn 2024 budget for education, the highest in Nigeria by percentage.

had believed that immediately after inauguration, the funds will be release and things will take proper shape but one year down the line we are still waiting.

“The claims that they have funded the HCDTS, in our case, the dollar component up till now is not complete and so we are still expecting that something should be done quickly, so that the communities will start having a feel of the PIA implementation.

"So far the Implementation is our concern, we have come to the reality that the three per cent is too meager and for a community like us that is working on a capital intensive project to mitigate against flooding. We are appealing to the National Assembly to help us amend and review the

three per cent to at least 10 or 15 per cent to enable host communities execute legacy projects."

Also speaking the Chairman of the Bayelsa State Chapter of Traditional Rulers of Oil Producing Communities (TROMPCOM) and traditional ruler of Ekowe, Dr. Tobord Godswill, said although the funds accrued had been paid, they have not been given approval and authorisation to spend it.

He said: "I am from a different HCDT and our area is operated by different oil company fortunately for us they have paid us in full but they say that we cannot appropriate and spend until all the HCDTS are fully inaugurated across all. the oil producing communities nationwide."

government gaming regulators, and other gaming stakeholders across the globe is to discuss and examine the regulatory frameworks, emerging trends, challenges, opportunities and prospects in the Africa gaming market and the gaming value chain. “It will also provide a unique opportunity to review the present industry practices against global best standards and chart a new course for the future of gaming market in Africa, which is currently estimated at $7.8 billion.

"However, for us in Lagos State, as an emerging smart city, the subtheme of the Expo – ‘Entertainment, Gaming and Tourism: A Nexus for Economic Growth,’ would appear more germane as it speaks to the integral part of the State’s economic agenda and priorities.

"Lagos is indeed well-known for its commercial and political grandeur. It is regarded as the commercial and entertainment capital of Africa and has remained committed to the development of the nation’s tourism sector through entertainment and cultural export across various entities like movie, music, fashion and recently gaming, to mention but few.

"No doubt, we are indeed in the right place. Convening the African Gaming Expo in Lagos could not have come at a better time as it portends to strategically reinforce the State government’s development agenda as encapsulated in

T.H.E.M.E.S+ Agenda, specifically the sixth pillar - Entertainment and

Tourism.

"As part of our commitment and renewed determination to leverage the potentialities of the gaming, entertainment and tourism sector, the State government has re-calibrated the thrust of tourism through the development of a Tourism Master Plan and Tourism Policy designed to make the sector not only as a huge revenue earner but a model for economic regeneration as we have seen in cities such as Zanzibar, Johannesburg and Cape Town.”

Speaking further, the governor said: "These initiatives, aimed at increasing our share of the African gaming market to at least 30 per cent and solidify our status as a key player in this rapidly growing industry, are largely being propelled through the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model."

The governor noted that despite Lagos being the fastest growing cities in the world and ranks sixth in Gross Domestic Product in Africa, "Lagos State still needs more support in terms of investment in the entertainment and tourism sector.

“The State has one of the best protocols for ease of doing business. This Expo would provide our partners insight into the investment opportunities waiting to be explored in our Entertainment, Gaming and Tourism industry in the State. "

Kwarra: No Fixed Date Yet for National Census

Tinubu swears in 17 NPC commissioners

deji elumoye in Abuja

The Chairman of the National Population Commission (NPC), Nasir Kwarra, yesterday, disclosed that the Commission was yet to be given a new date for the conduct of the national population and housing census.

Speaking to newsmen after the swearing in of 17 NPC commissioners at the State House, Abuja, Kwarra, said the commission had made recommendations to President Bola Tinubu and was awaiting his approval.

Asked when the census was likely to hold, the NPC boss said: “No date has been approved for us yet but we have made recommendations to Mr President and we are awaiting his approval.”

Speaking on the importance of the swearing in of the commissioners, Kwarra said, the oath taking marked a critical step in assisting the commission to carry on the preparation

for the conduct of the census.

He said: “Today, we witnessed the swearing in of 17 commissioners. Last two weeks, we had one from Lagos State. We still have three more outstanding to make the full commission. So we like to seize the opportunity to thank Mr. President for this appointment and for making sure that there's no vacuum created in the commission.

“This marks a critical step in assisting the commission to carry on the preparation for the conduct of the census”.

On how the new appointment would impact on the task head, Kwarra said: “It actually positions us very well in the preparation for the census. You know it’s a national thing, so we have to be in every state of the federation, preparing for the census.

“If we don’t have a commissioner from that state, the pace for the preparation for the census will slow down because the director

in the state alone cannot handle it.”

Tinubu, had before the commencement of Federal Executive Council (FEC), meeting, sworn-in 17 commissioners of NPC at the Council Chamber of the State House, Abuja.

Nine of the Commissioners were re-appointed and sworn-in for the second term while eight others freshly appointed were also sworn-in.

The oath taking process of the commissioners were conducted in three batches of six, six and five.

The Senate recently confirmed 17 out of the 19 NPC commissioners nominated by President Tinubu on February 21, 2023, after the adoption of the screening report of the Committee on National Identity Card and Population at the Committee of the Whole.

Those sworn in were Emmanuel Eke (Abia), Chidi Ezeoke (Anambra), Alex Ukam (Cross River), Blessyn Brume-Maguha (Delta) and Jeremiah Nwankwegu (Ebonyi).

Others included Sa’adatu

Garba (Kaduna), Aminu Tsanyawa (Kano), Yori Afolabi (Kogi), Mary Afan(Plateau) and Ogiri Henry (Rivers)

Those returned are Isa Buratai (Borno), Tony Alyejina (Edo), Clifford Zirra (Adamawa), Ejike Ezeh (Enugu), Abubakar Damburam (Gombe), Uba Nnabue (Imo) and Sani Sale (Taraba).

Tinubu had at the launch of the Digital Civil Registration and Vital Statistics System, and the National Geospatial Data Repository at the State House, Abuja, last year, assured that the federal government would support NPC in the conduct of the next census. “Our population remains the greatest asset of the nation in the development process.

“Collecting accurate and reliable information on the size, distribution, composition, and characteristics of the population is an essential governance activity that is also consistent with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the present administration.

PREMIUM TRUSTS BANK INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY...

CAMA: Senate Vows to Protect Stakeholders in Banking Sector

Sunday Aborisade in Abuja

The Senate committee on Banking, Insurance and other Financial Institutions yesterday, assured stakeholders in the banking and financial sectors that the Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA) would be further reviewed in order to grant additional capacity to shareholders to oversee the operations of their business investments.

He said the CAMA Act amendment would complement ongoing amendment to the Nigerian Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) Act and the Central Bank (CBN) Act

The Chairman of the Senate panel, Senator Tokunbo Abiru, gave the assurance when members of the committee interacted with the board members of the Bank Directors Association of Nigeria led by its Chairman Mr. Mustapha Chike

Obi, who paid his committee, a courtesy visit.

Mustapha, had while tabling the challenges bedeviling the banking sector to the panel, stressed the need to further amend the CAMA Act.

He said the current CAMA Act stipulated that one-third of all the directors of companies (banks in this case) must be independent directors.

Unfortunately, he said half of

Otu Inaugurates C’ttee to Bolster Oil Palm, Cocoa, Coffee Value Chains

Cross River governor, Senator Bassey Otu, has inaugurated a multi-stakeholder committee to draw up a development framework for the optimisation of oil palm, cocoa and coffee value chains in the state.

Inaugurating the committee, Otu pointed out that cocoa, coffee and oil palm are crops in which Cross River State enjoys unchallenged comparative advantage in the country.

He said the state was determined to derive maximum returns in its areas of advantage, and has after a careful consideration, come up with the model of having key stakeholders to achieve the dream in an organised and co-operative manner.

"We have taken this option because of the belief that while the crops are different, your managerial and active experience from your respective backgrounds will complement each other for the greatest benefit of the state.

"The initiative is also to minimise duplication of effort in certain areas of production, while at the same time avoiding the tendency of reaching out to the same technical partners for

support, as it is more likely under an alternative multiple committee structure," he said.

The governor highlighted the committee's terms of reference to include the following: Develop a seven-year strategic plan that outlines strategies that enhance cocoa, coffee and oil palm cultivation, productivity and quality; to design value chain policies for cocoa and oil palm in such a manner that it encourages

direct investment, supports farmers and addresses market dynamics.

According to the governor, it was also to mobilise resources for the plan to establish six new cocoa estates in Cross River State which must be in line with climate and biodiversity consideration.

It is also to evaluate existing laws related to cocoa and oil palm production in order to make necessary adjustments to promote growth.

the bank directors were usually predominantly "executive directors".

He pointed out that if one-third was selected, it would imply that one-third of the half are independent.

To buttress his point Mustapha made an illustration with Fidelity Bank which he said has 15 board of directors out of which eight are non-executive members while seven are executive members.

Mustapha said the CAMA Act was currently unfair to the shareholders because its specified that five directors have to be independent.

He said the implication of this was that, "of the eight non-executive, five are independent while only three are representing the shareholders."

Mustapha said, "What we thought was that one-third of the nonexecutives should be independent.

"We are not talking of the one third of all the board members should be independent.

"So shareholders are complaining that we only have three seats on the board. Five are independent and the eight are Executives."

Responding to the concerns of the Bank Directors, Abiru said the

Senate was currently amending the NDIC and the Central Bank Act (CBN).

He pledged that the CAMA Act would also be reviewed after the amendment to the NDIC and CBN Acts to address the anomaly.

Abiru said, "Next is the insurance reforms which we shall go after and we shall also review the CAMA Act.

"Without being partial we can't have a situation where owners of business are being deprived of overseeing their business because of a regulation"

Another challenge presented by Mustapha was the inflation battle which the CBN was currently tackling.

He noted that the fight against inflation could impede GDP growth. He noted that banks were currently saddled with meeting up with targets given to them by the federal government to build a $1 trillion economy in the next eight years.

He said the policies deployed by the CBN to fight inflation might affect GDP growth.

This he said, was because the

banks needed to raise capital in order to meet up with the target of the federal government.

Mustapha asked the Senate to clearly define its policy direction between fighting inflation or raising GDP.

He said, "The administration informed us that they want a $1 trillion economy within eight years, part of that is that we have to raise more capital, because the capital we have in banks today cannot support a $1 trillion economy.

"All of us are going to raise capital to meet the objective within a year or two to meet the President’s objective which we endorse.

"However two or three weeks ago the CBN Governor took a policy that is inflation fighting and as you know it is the opposite of GDP growth.”

Abiru, while commenting on the concerns raised by Mustapha, identified two impasses between the monetary and fiscal policies.

He the policies undertaken by the federal government to address economic issues were important to save the nation's economic growth.

House to Probe Cement Manufacturers over Price Hike

To investigate collapse of drug revolving funds’ scheme, indebtedness of federal health institutions to pharmaceutical firms

Juliet Akoje in Abuja

The House of Representatives yesterday, mandated its Committees on Solid Minerals Development, Commerce, Industry and Special Duties to invite cement manufacturers over the arbitrary increase in the price of cement by in the country and report back within four weeks within for further legislative action.

The resolution followed the adoption of a motion on the ‘Need to Investigate the Arbitrary Increase in the Price of Cement by Manufacturers of Cement in Nigeria,’ sponsored by Hon. Gaza Jonathan Gbefwi and Hon. Ademorin Kuye, at plenary.

Gbefwi, noted that the manufacturers of cement had increased the price of their products by about 50

per cent, leading to sharp hike in cost of building materials, blocks as well as the price of rent in the country.

He also noted that raw materials for the manufacture of cement, which include lime, silica, alumina, iron oxide, and gypsum, are all sourced locally and not affected by exchange rate volatility.

The lawmaker further informed

Meta, Pulse NG Unveil ‘Creators of Tomorrow’ Campaign in Nigeria

Meta and Pulse Nigeria have announced the launch of ‘Creators of Tomorrow,’ a campaign that spotlights five emerging creators in Nigeria who are turning what they love into what they do and sparking a new wave of creativity/ community on Instagram.

A statement yesterday, explained that the spotlighted creators represents various creative industries, including lifestyle, comedy, dance and art. It noted that their inspirational journeys would be amplified through the strategic collaboration with Pulse, providing a platform to showcase their creative journey and inspiring a fresh movement of creative content online.

Corporate Communications

Manager for Sub-Saharan Africa, Oluwasola Obagbemi, said, “At Meta, we are thrilled to spotlight these creators who are using Instagram to express themselves in new ways, build community and bring people closer to the things they love,” while commenting on the launch of the campaign.

“Every day, we are inspired by the level of creativity and talent in Nigeria and across Africa who are innovating using Reels and shortform video content formats, as well as those leveraging and exploring new content formats.

“We are committed to helping them grow their audience and are excited to work closely with these creators as they unlock fresh content

and new possibilities for the future,” she added.

The spotlighted Creators of Tomorrow included Isaac Olayiwola (Layi Wasabi), an award-winning content creator, comedian and influencer; Tobe Ugeh (Tobeszn), a young fashion and lifestyle creator and influencer making a statement with his creative flair and infectious energy; Ifeoluwa Afolabi (Iphe), a vibrant content creator with energy and passion for creativity; Rodney Odinakachi (Rodney), an award-winning multitalented Nigerian entertainer, and Love Pever, a captivating dancer and choreographer, who has gathered a loyal following with her infectious dance styles.

Speaking on the collaboration

with Meta, Managing Director, Pulse Nigeria, Fiona Weeks, stated, “Over the years, Pulse Nigeria has established a commitment to creative collaboration. Through our platforms and events, we're always seeking out and supporting local creativity. “This collaboration with Meta provides just such an opportunity. We're excited to herald the creators of tomorrow and help shine the light on Nigeria's emerging creative talent to our extensive digital audience across Nigeria.”

African creators continue to use Meta’s technologies and apps, Facebook and Instagram, to express themselves and tell the African story to Africans and people from across the world.

the House that all factors of production and elements of the cement production flow chart are also sourced locally and have not changed significantly year-on-year.

"The manufacturers of cement are capitalising on exchange volatility to arbitrarily increase the price of the product, whose cost of production has not changed significantly since last year," he said.

He further alleged that cement producers were inflicting hardship on Nigerians as the prices of rent and associated services have increased.

Meanwhile, the House of Representatives yesterday has mandated its Committee on Health institutions to investigate the collapse of the drug revolving funds scheme, verify facts and also report back within four weeks for further legislative actions.

The resolution followed the adoption of a motion on the ‘Collapse Revolving Funds and Indebtedness of Federal Health Institutions to the Pharmaceutical Firms in Nigeria,’ moved by Hon. Adedayo Samuel Adesola, Hon. Amos Magaji Gwamna and Hon. Regina Akume.

Adesola, recalled media report of second November, 2023 that the Drug Revolving Funds scheme, created as a result of the Essential Drug Act, was to address challenges of the

perennial out of stock syndrome of drugs in public health institutions.

He also noted that the Drugs Revolving Funds scheme was initially successful, but had been hurt by hospital management.

He further informed the House of the existence of the Drugs Revolving Funds (DRF), a National Contingency Plan designed to tackles the menace of out-of-stock syndromes in public pharmacy department and ensure that Federal Health Institutions were adequately stocked with essential drugs for medically challenged Nigerians.

"This laudable initiative has been abused over a period of time through the accumulation of unpaid supplies from pharmaceutical firm under this funding arrangement, culminating in its eventual collapse.

“The Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN) has called on the past administration to probe the activities of the National Hospital, Igbobi affair in order to resuscitate the Drug Revolving scheme.

"Unless the collapse of the drug revolving fund is addressed, as a matter of urgency, further supplies of these essential drugs to Federal Health Institutions will remain a pipedream, thereby increasing pressure on the already struggling healthcare system," he added.

AMVCA PRESS CONFERENCE...

L-R: Senior Brand Manager, Amstel Malta and Hi-Malt, Francis Obiajulu; Executive Head of Content and Channels, West Africa MultiChoice, Busola Tejumola; Head Judge of Africa Magic Viewers' Choice Awards (AMVCA), Femi Odugbemi; Host of the AMVCA, IK Osakioduwa; and General Manager Marketing, Seven-Up Bottling Company, Segun Ogunleye at the 10th AMVCA Press Conference in Lagos…. yesterday PHOTO: SUNDAY ADIGUN

Ningi’s Suspension Causes More Anger as Bauchi Governor Stands by Senator, Faults Action

BudgIT confirms alleged N3.7trn padding Obi: Senate’s verdict yet to address allegation

Embattled lawmaker can challenge action in court, says Suswam PDP advises Akpabio to step aside over devt TI, CISLAC worry over oppositions’ rights

Chuks Okocha, Kasim Sumaina in Abuja and Segun Awofadeji in Bauchi

Anger over the suspension of Senator Abdul Ningi by the senate continued to spread yesterday, as the governor of his native Bauchi State, Bala Mohammed, declared that the state government was behind the senator.

Mohammed, who spoke during the State Executive Council meeting at Government House, Bauchi, also faulted the decision of the senate to suspend Ningi for three months.

But in an interesting turn of events, a civic organisation focused on the Nigerian budget and public data, BudgIT, confirmed the N3.7 trillion gap in the 2024 budget presented to the National Assembly.

Similarly, the presidential candidate of Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 general election, Peter Obi, said Ningi’s suspension had not addressed vital issues in the allegation of senate’s padding of the 2024 budget raised by the lawmaker.

Former governor of Benue State, Gabriel Suswam, yesterday, said Ningi could challenge his suspension from the senate in court.

But Ningi’s party, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), asked the senate president, Senator Godswill Akpabio, to step aside and allow for an independent investigation into the budget padding allegation.

Civil Society Legislative Advocacy

Centre (CISLAC)/Transparency International in Nigeria (TI-Nigeria) expressed worry over the “undemocratic action and questionable decision” of the senate leadership against Ningi.

Speaking at the council meeting, Mohammed said, “Yesterday, I was very sad the senate suspended one of our best from Bauchi for saying the truth, for standing up to be the beacon of the truth.”

The governor, who is also the chairman of PDP Governors’ Forum, said, “Equally, I don’t know what we will do, but we will discuss privately to see what we can do to support him because I support whatever he is doing and that is our best position, especially if what he is saying is the truth.”

BudgIT Confirms Alleged N3.7trn Padding

The director and co-founder of BudgIT, Seun Onigbinde, in an interview with Channels Television, yesterday, said Ningi was right if he stated that there was no detailed allocation for N3.7 trillion in the 2024 budget and that two versions of the 2024 budget were passed at the National Assembly.

The BudgIT boss said there were “statutory elements” in the budget that did not have comprehensive analysis.

Onigbinde said the allocations to the National Assembly, National

Judicial Council (NJC), Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) and others did not carry detailed breakdowns.

He added that citizens had the right to know how the funds earmarked for the aforementioned agencies were being spent.

Onigbinde stated, “Around N2 trillion of the budget presented by the president is the government-owned enterprises budget. So, if Senator Ningi says there is a N25 trillion budget, yes, that is the MDA’s budget. It’s different from the governmentowned enterprises budget, which was now added.

“It is factual that he said that but it doesn’t mean that we are running two concurrent budgets. There is a different conversation that those projects should be detailed. TETFUND should not just get an allocation.

“What are you spending the money on? INEC is collecting a huge chunk of funds but there is no public details about what the funds are used for. The same thing with NJC, even the National Assembly.

“In the current budget, the National Assembly gave a very broad summary of its allocations but there are no detailed allocations on a granular level that everybody can interrogate.

“These are transparency issues and if you put all these together, that is around N3.5 trillion to N3.7 trillion.

So, if that is what he (Ningi) wants

Customs Returns Six Confiscated Trucks of Grains to Owners in Katsina

Francis Sardauna in Katsina

The Katsina Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service has handed over six confiscated trucks of assorted grains to owners in the state in accordance with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's directive.

Speaking while handing over the grains to the rightful owners yesterday, the Area Controller of the command, Mohammed Umar, said the release of the seized grains to the owners was in compliance with the presidential directive.

He said Tinubu had directed the Nigeria Customs Service to return the grains to the owners on the condition that they would be sold in the Nigerian markets to ensure food security and assuage

the hardship faced by Nigerians. He averred that the command, in collaboration with the Customs Intelligence Unit (CIU), Federal Operation Unit, and the joint border patrol team, would monitor the trucks to ensure that they are not smuggled out of the country.

He explained that the Service under the leadership of Mr. Adewale Adeniyi and his management team was committed to fostering a constructive dialogue and collaboration with the border communities to ensure security and prosperity in the country.

Comptroller Umar said: “Following the directive of the Commanderin-Chief of the Arm Forces, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to release all assorted grains under the custody of

the Nigeria Customs Service, we are hereby today (Wednesday) formally hand over six trucks and containers to owners.

“The CGC, during his official working visit to Katsina, passed across the presidential directive, which mandated the returns of detained food items to owners on the condition that they are to be sold in the Nigerian markets.”

He added that: “The response to the presidential directives is to ensure food security and alleviate the hardship faced in the country.”

He, however, called on the general public to provide credible information to the Nigeria Customs Service that will assist in curtailing the smuggling of food stuffs and other essential commodities out of the country.

to interrogate, there are components of the budget where there is no breakdown. That is very factual.”

The BudgIT leader added, “But the National Assembly needs to push back. We need a breakdown. What is NJC spending money on? We give more money to the NJC and say take it arbitrarily. What are they spending that money on?

“There should be a detailed breakdown to the public. On that point, Senator Ningi is right, but to look as if we are running parallel budgets, that is not right.”

Obi: Ningi’s Suspension Hasn’t Addressed Vital Allegations

Presidential candidate of Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 elections, Mr. Peter Obi, said the suspension of Senator Abdul Ningi by the senate had not addressed the vital issues in the allegation he raised.

Obi stated this in a statement via his X handle yesterday. He said the fuss over the alleged N3 trillion padded into the 2024 budget still raged as the senate’s reaction of suspending the whistle-blower had not addressed vital issues emanating from the allegation.

He said, “The senator is insisting on his allegation, and the executive agreed that there was only N1.2 trillion padded, not N3 trillion, as alleged by the senator. Fresh allegations have also cropped up over the indiscriminate and unbalanced allocation of constituency projects by the senate leadership.

“A civic society group, Budgit, through their officials, has also added their voice to agree with the senator. They allege that there were no detailed project allocations for about N3.7 trillion in the 2024 Appropriation Act.

“As the senate suspension of the senator involved has not addressed the issue, they still owe the Nigerian public a clear clarification over the various claims and counterclaims, including that of the executive arm, to be able to know exactly what is happening, and also disclose to the public, the exact amounts allocated for constituency projects for appropriate monitoring of implementation by the public.

“I had particularly elucidated in my earlier comment on what we can use the N3 trillion to achieve, by showing that it is more than the national budget of the two most critical components of the human

development index, health and education, combined.

“Now that the executive arm has accepted that the padded amount is only N1.2 trillion, it is still a very significant amount, when you consider that it is almost five times the N251.47 billion proposed for Universal Basic Education, which is the foundation of education, in the country.

“Today, in Nigeria, the greatest challenge to human resource development is education, which has been identified as most critical at the basic level.”

The LP leader said Nigeria had about 20 million out-of-school children today because of the poor investment in education. He said those were resources that could have been utilised to ensure that the Nigerian children were taken off the streets and returned to school.

Obi said the N1.2 trillion, which the executive admitted to have been padded, if channelled into any of the critical areas of development, could have positively impacted the nation and uplifted the people.

According to him, “And if, indeed, the report from Budgit is true, that there is about N3.7 trillion without any detailed project allocations, I strongly urge the senate to do more detailed work of channelling these funds into the critical areas of development — education, health and pulling people out of poverty, which will in turn, minimise the criminality we are facing today.

“We must, as a matter of urgency, put a stop to all the wastage of our scarce resources, amid the excruciating hardship in the country. Let every penny of our public funds be used for public good. That is the only way to achieve the new Nigeria we are working towards.”

Suswam: Ningi Can Challenge Length of Suspension in Court

Former governor of Benue State, Gabriel Suswam, yesterday, said Senator Abdul Ningi could challenge the length of his suspension from the senate in court.

Suswam added that some senators were “agitated” because some of their colleagues got more funds for constituency projects in the 2024 budget.

and budget padding. He said the allegation of budget padding by Ningi was a “misuse of words” and the claim constituted a “serious offence”.

Suswam added that Ningi might win in court if he challenged the decision of the senate to suspend him.

He stated, “I think the issue has always been that the leadership of the National Assembly – the senate and House of Representatives – would normally take the lion’s share of the constituency projects.

“That has always been an issue that agitates the minds of most senators. I think that is what Senator Ningi was talking about. It is just a misuse of words.

“Instead of him to accuse the leadership of enhancing their constituency projects above other members of the senate, he rather said the budget was padded.

“When you say the budget was padded, it constitutes a very serious offence. I don’t think that was what he meant.”

Suswam frowned on the duration of Ningi’s suspension.

He said, “I think a three-month suspension is way out of order. I don’t think the rules allow the senate to suspend any member for that length of time.

“If he decides to take that up legally, I don’t think the senate will win in that case. The rules provide copiously the number of days a senator could be suspended when he breaches the rule.

“I don’t think what has happened in the senate is budget padding; it is just that some members have taken well over others. A lot of senators are agitated about it.”

Step Aside, PDP Tells Akpabio

Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), yesterday, stated that the senate president, Senator Godswill Akpabio, should step aside and allow for an independent investigation into the allegation that N3.7 trillion was discreetly inserted into the 2024 budget for alleged non-existent projects.

The party also demanded that Akpabio should report at the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over the pending case of alleged looting of N108 billion belonging to the people of Akwa Ibom State under his watch as governor of the state.

Speaking in an interview on Arise TV on Tuesday, Suswam said the recent controversy in the senate was due to constituency projects Continues online

LAUNCHING OF WTO-ICT TRADE SUPPORT PROGRAM IN NIGERIA...

L-R': Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) Sen. George Akume; Imo State Governor, Sen. Hope Uzodimma; Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite and Director General, World Trade Organisation (WTO) Dr. Ngozi Okonjo- Iweala, during, the official launch of WTO-ICT Trade Support Program for Nigeria in Abuja... yesterday PHOTO:

FEC Approves N759bn For Obajana-Benin, Isheri-Ogun Roads

Okays N114bn for outer marina shoreline protection Umahi: concrete road construction not cause of hike in cement price

Elumoye in Abuja

The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved N873.23 billion for the Federal Ministry of Works to execute three major road projects across the country.

Works Minister, Senator Dave Umahi, who disclosed this to newsmen at the State House, Abuja, after the week's FEC meeting, also debunked insinuation in some quarters that the ministry's concrete roads policy was responsible for rising cost of cement.

Speaking on the approvals his ministry obtained from the memoranda it presented to Council, the Minister said there was an approval of an additional N757bn as augmentation for the dualisation of the 489km Obajana-Benin Road, N2.23bn for the Isheri-Ogun Road and N114bn for Outer Marina shoreline protection.

Acording to him: “Today we’ve got augmentation approved for Obajana in Lokoja to Benin Road, a total of 244km and 489km dualised. Recall that in 2012, this project was awarded to four contractors: CGC, Mothercat, Dantata & Sawoe and RCC at a total cost of N122bn, and that was for light rehabilitation.

“Around 2018, the past administration reviewed the project and dualised it and that's why you have a total of 489km and then now got 'No Objection' from BPP. When I

came on board in August, we were supposed to present the no-objection to FEC in line with due process and we decided to review the project, one, to determine whether the dualisation was desirable in view of the economic challenges and two, to see the texture of the soil and what to do.

“So we had to restore the project now, but we didn't increase the cost. We got approval for argumentation from N122bn to N897bn. The contractors were off-site because they would not be working and they would not be paid based on the new basic rate. So we got them back to the site and today we got approval.”

FEC also approved N2.23bn for the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency for the rehabilitation of the road from Isheri North to Ogun state.

Umahi said: “Now, under FERMA, we got approval for the construction of Isheri north, Lagos route, which is to connect Ogun state. This is an alternative route to Lagos - Shagamu Road and we’re going to toll this Lagos-Shagamu when completed.

But by law, you only toll a federal road when you have an alternative.

“This approval of about N2.23bn to connect Isheri North to Ogun state. It is a breakthrough that has freed the Lagos-Shagamu for tolling"

Explaining the Council’s approval for the N114bn Outer Marina shoreline protection, the Minister said,

“The shore protection was done over 50 years back with sheet piles and we had to take the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, on a tour with Julius Berger through the entire shoreline of 3.92km.

“We took the tour with Julius Berger, CCECC, CBC and BuildWell, and demanded for them to inspect and then give us their proposal. Only BuildWell and CCECC brought their proposals.

"Whereas CCECC was quoting on 3.2km at N134bn, BuildWell was quoting on 3.9km at N114bn. We sent the two to BPP and BPP found merit in BuildWell because of cost and, of course latest technology in doing shore protection using interlocking concrete, which will not be subject to rusting. So we got approval for Build Well in the sum up N114bn", he stated.

Umahi said the shoreline protection project was necessary given its proximity to the recently inaugurated Red Line and other existing structures in the area. He added that his ministry sought to leverage the low-water levels of the dry season to drive piles down the shore.

The Minister also spoke on insinuations that cement prices had been skyrocketing because of his ministry's concrete road construction policy, saying cost of production for cement companies, rather than his

Heirs Technologies Appoints Obong Idiong as Chief Executive Officer

Heirs Technologies, a digital transformation company, has announced the appointment of Obong Idiong as its Chief Executive Officer.

Idiong, brings considerable experience in the technology sector and a visionary approach to this role.

Prior to joining Heirs Technologies, he served as the MD/CEO at Africa Prudential Plc, where he spearheaded the digital transformation of its registrar services and repositioned the company as an agile and technology-driven organisation.

According to a statement, Idiong has held a series of senior management roles, including at the United Bank for Africa Plc and Heirs Holdings Limited.

Heirs Technologies, a subsidiary of Heirs Holdings, delivers efficiency and scalability to enterprise customers, offering specialised and localised services that include IT Consulting, Managed Services and Business Process Outsourcing.

In addition, the company offers locally relevant enterprise solutions to enable companies scale and transform their services. The company is committed to developing local talent through tailored skills development programmes.

Idiong stated, “We are proud to bring Heirs Holdings’ core values and business approach to the tech sector, leading with excellence, execution, and enterprise.

“We are committed to bridging an enormous gap in the technology ecosystem by delivering local relevance to a global market and offering cutting-edge solutions to enable our customers to become more competitive.”

In addition, Dr. Fumbi Chima has been appointed as the Chair of Heirs Technologies. She has served as CIO in global companies including Adidas, Fox Network Group, Burberry Corporation, Walmart Stores Inc. Asia business operations, and American Express’ Global Corporate

Technologies.2

In her statement she said, “I am pleased to be a part of this movement to unlock Africa’s potential. Having worked in technology leadership roles across global organisations, I am confident that Heirs Technologies will create impact that will improve lives and transform the continent.”

Heirs Technologies is Africa's digital transformation partner, driving innovation across the continent. Building on Heirs Holdings’ track record of digital transformation in financial services, Heirs Technologies specialises in delivering world-class technology solutions to corporate customers, including Managed Services, System Integration, and bespoke IT Consulting.

Heirs Technologies empowers businesses to thrive, through the delivery of innovative solutions, world-class expertise, and access to global providers, while enhancing local capacity and value.

ministry's policy, has sent cement prices upwards. He stressed that concrete roads will not phase out traditional asphalt roads, but is only an alternative for sites with high water tables and poor conditions. On the claim that concrete road projects are driving cement prices up, Umahi said “this assertion is highly misplaced because the policy has not even taken off".

Shedding more light on the issue, Umahi cited recently released documents showing that Dangote Cement Plc, BUA Cement Plc and Lafarge Africa Plc spent N598.14bn

been procured under the current regime for distribution to farmers free of charge.

Meanwhile, the federal government has disclosed that the distribution of the 42,000 metric tons of assorted grains promised by Tinubu as part of his administration's relief package for Nigerians has taken off in the Northwest Zone.

The president had on February 8, 2024 directed the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security to distribute 42,000 metric tons of grains from the nation's strategic reserves as well as 60,000 metric tons of rice from rice millers association to citizens as a short term response to rising food shortage in the country.

Answering reporters' questions on Wednesday after this week's Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting, presided over by the president, Kyari said distribution had commenced in earnest in the North-west geo-political zone.

Kyari who said he could not give elaborate details of the activities of the ministry with regards to the distribution for security reasons, however, said it is working with the Office of the National Security Adviser and other security outfits to address the risk involved in vandalism of food warehouses across the country.

"We are distributing to state capitals in the first instance as you all are aware the risk involved in the vandalism of foodstuff so we are working with the office of the National Security Adviser and other national security agencies.

"Distribution has commenced, however I will not want to comment on the security aspect of the distribution. I can assure you that we have started distributing in the north-western states, and we are distributing out of seven points," he stated.

Also speaking to newsmen, Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr Bosun Tijani, said his ministry was

on power during the full year ended December 31, 2023. “I just got a document this morning where three companies producing cement, Dangote, BUA and Lafarge, said in 2023, the total cost of their gas rose by over 42 per cent. So, if the cost of their gas rose by 42 per cent and then the import duty exchange rate has also gone up, it is expected that the cost of cement would go up. “But Mr. President has discussed with them and I think there are a couple of incentives being made available to them which should reduce the cost of cement. In

in the process of raising a $2 billion fund to achieve interconnectivity of the entire country through fibre optic network.

Tijani further disclosed that achieving the project total connectivity of the entire length and breadth of the nation, the programme would be covering a stretch of 120,000 kilometres of fibre optic cables, revealing at least states will be part of the pilot stage of the programme.

According to him, the programme is staged to make use of existing facilities in the nation's communications sector to address the various challenges facing the country, including security.

He said: "So the first thing we're doing which is being pushed by Mr. President, is leveraging existing infrastructure that we have within NIGCOMSAT, which is the satellite company.

“Most of you know that Nigeria is the only country in West Africa with its with a satellite, but also leveraging the fibre network of Galaxy Backbone to deploy connectivity to all the 774 local government Secretariat. Those who are following that project, which was announced about two three weeks ago, would also see that we've actually started the connectivity.

"So a number of local government secretariats in Kogi State are now connected, a number in Zamfara are being connected this week, a number in Imo State are being connected this week. In the next six months, our goal is to reach at least eight of the states within the country to demonstrate the pilot and the goal is to then take it from there and cover the entire country.

"We believe that if these local government secretariat are connected, because they're the closest form of government, to our people, that we can help them use technology to serve the people better, but also it can enhance security significantly as well.

"The second thing we're doing,

Sokoto, where I visited recently, the BUA Executive Director said that the ex-factory was N6000 and that was down from 8000.

"We are getting there because Mr. President has directed them to reduce the price and they have to comply and I think Mr President has also offered them some incentives to them.

“So it’s not because we are going from asphalt to concrete. And we are not totally leaving the asphalt. It is just an alternative, especially where we have a very high water table and then a very poor sight condition", the Minister further said.

which the president has backed is actually now investment in extending our backbone for connectivity. Again, what drives connectivity in any country is the fibre optic network.

"This is the biggest foundation for connectivity. Nigeria is projected to invest in 120,000 kilometres of fibre optic cable to be able to cover the entire country. At the minutes were at about 35,000 kilometres that the 5000 kilometres.

"We've done the numbers working with the best companies in this space. It will cost us less than a billion to complete the deployment of fibre optic cable. And the president is given the go ahead for us to source funds for that.

"So we are in the process of setting up a $2 billion fund, I said it costs less than 1 billion. But the reason why we're setting up a $2 billion fund is to use the balance to drive down the cost of connectivity in the country.

"We want to ensure that all schools are connected all hospitals in the country, that country that that they are connected, and also all government facilities as well. So we are in the process of setting up this fund.

"We've already received significant interest from the African Development Bank (AfDB );who are looking to put about $200 million into this we've also were an extensive and deep conversation with the World Bank on this as well.

"The model we're taking, which is we're using the special purpose vehicle, is to actually also crowd in investment from the private sector to be able to deploy the fiber optic network that we want to deploy in the country.

"Lastly, is to actually also speak to the work that we've been doing with Ministry of Defence. So we are in conversation with the Ministry of Defense to see how we can use enhanced satellite capabilities to help our security agencies to be able to do their work better.”

aFRiCa asia aRaBia iMPaCT FUNd PaCT...…

Police Arrest Three for Alleged

Murder of Tricycle Owners Leader in Kwara

Police rescue security man kidnapped alongside UNTH director

Hammed shittu in Ilorin and Gideon arinze in Enugu Operatives of the Kwara State Police Command have arrested three suspects for alleged culpable homicide in Ilorin, the state capital.

The police command said that, the victim was the

Chairman of Tricycle Owners and Riders Association of Nigeria (TOAN), Mr. Musibawu Aliu and was earlier declared missing last Friday before the dismembered corpse of the deceased was discovered in an uncompleted building in Ilorin on Tuesday.

In another development,

‘Presidential CNG Initiative ‘ll Reduce Energy Cost, Boost Economy’

sunday Okobi

The Chief Executive Officer of Mezovest, Tosin Thompson, has said the systemic issues stalling the implementation of the Presidential CNG Initiative aimed at powering vehicles with CNG to reduce energy costs, should be addressed on time.

Thompson agreed with the President Bola Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Energy, Mrs. Olu Verheijen, on the need for fiscal incentives to deepen supply of CNG and liquid petroleum products, arguing that the government should offer tax

incentives to gas producers and remove taxes on gas produced for local demand.

He said the time taken to procure licences and secure approvals should be reduced by eliminating bottlenecks.

According to Thompson, “… I think that addressing the issues quickly will be a boost for the economy. In terms of priority, I believe it is important to give incentives that encourage production to encourage independent participants … achieve a surplus, and see prices come down while adoption scales.”

Pensioners Demand Living Wages

Okon Bassey in uyo

The South -south zonal forum of Nigeria Union of Pensioners has lamented the increasing hardship and deplorable plight of its members, and appealed to stakeholders to come to their rescue, especially with the present state of the country.

The appeal was contained in a communique endorsed by Comrade William Seleipere and Obong Cosmas Essien, zonal chairman and secretary on behalf of the pensioners, and was made available to journalists yesterday in Uyo, thye Akwa Ibom State capital.

According to the communique, “The South-South Council observed with dismay that some pensioners are still earning N1,500, N2,000, N3,000, and therefore urged all state governments to harmonise increase on the low-income earning pensioners.

The group regretted that most of the communique issued at the end of our meetings to the government are not attended to by state governments to ameliorate the plight of pensioners.

The forum called on all its state councils to reach out to different state governments to ensure the implementation of most of the communique.

Niger Pays N20,000 Wage Award to Workers

Laleye dipo in minna

The Niger State Government yesterday began the payment of N20,000 wage award to its workers

THISDAY learnt that most workers received the alert confirming the payment from 4p.m.

The payment is in line with the agreement reached between the officials of the Organised Labour and the government which led to the calling off of an industrial action declared by the Labour after 24hours.

It was learnt that in line with the agreement, workers in the local government areas will receive their wage award from today, while the payment for pensioners will follow subsequently.

Some civil servants, who received the alert, however, said they received less than N20,000 because the banks deducted between N1000 and N900 from the amount.

When contacted, the Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Idrees Lafene, confirmed that his members have started receiving the money, but said it fell short of what we agreed on.

operatives of the Enugu State Police Command said they have rescued the security man who was kidnapped alongside

a director at the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH), Ituku Ozalla in Enugu state.

The suspects arrested in Ilorin are Ibrahim Abdullahi of Medina area, Ismaila Ajirerin, (38) of Akata compound, Alore,

and Adeola Adeosun, (40) of Omo compound, Eruda, all residents of Ilorin the state capital.

Coordinator Raises the Alarm as Hunger, Starvation Loom in Edo IDP Camp

adibe Emenyonu in Benin-city

There are strong indications that inmates of the Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp in Edo State may face starvation as the camp is challenged by acute food scarcity among the over 4,000 persons who are

taking shelter there.

It was learnt that basic food items such rice, beans, garri, yam and other grains are running out of supply occasioned by the worsening food crisis situation in the country.

This development has

informed the appeal by the operators of the camp to call on the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the Ministry of Humanitarian Affair, non-governmental organisations, the Nigeria Custom Services, and faithbased groups to come to the

rescue of the camp. The once lively camp bustling with activities is now a shadow of itself as the management and the founder makes frantic efforts in anticipation of where the next meal to feed the thousands of hungry IDPs will come from.

Presidency Begins Vocational Training for 500 Inmates Per Correctional Centre Nationwide

adedayo akinwale in abuja

The presidency has announced that it has commenced the training of 500 inmates in each correctional facility across the country.

This, it said, was part of plan by the President Bola Tinubu-led administration to drive down

the 133 million people that are said to be living in poverty in Nigeria.

The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Technical, Vocational and Entrepreneurial Education, Abiola Arogundade, while addressing a press conference yesterday in Abuja, said her office, alongside a few

offices, has the mandate to train 5 million people a year.

She explained that part of the plan was to train at least 500 inmates in each correctional centres across the country.

The presidential aide stressed that the inmates would be trained in fashion designing, Information Technology, soap

making, fashion, poultry, fishing, among others. Arogundade was of the opinion that this perspective recognises the humanity and potential for change in every individual, adding that the preliminary assessment underscore the urgency of the intervention.

N15bn Fraud: Alleged Ponzi Scheme Operator, Ajetunmobi, Opts for Out-of-Court Settlement

Wale i gbintade

A Ponzi Scheme Operator, Bamise Samson Ajetunmobi, who is facing trial over alleged N15 billion fraud, yesterday informed a Federal High Court in Lagos that he has opted for out-of-court settlement of the matter.

Ajetunmobi, through his lawyer, Dr. B. U. Ukpenna, informed the court presided over by Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke that he had written a letter to the office of the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) to settle the matter out of court.

Ajetunmobi, alongside

his company, Imagine Global Solution Limited, are being tried in the court on amended 35 counts charge of conspiracy, and obtaining the sum of N15 billion, by the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) on August 12, 2023.

Prior to his arraignment,

the Force Criminal Investigation Department (ForceCID) Annex, AlagbonIkoyi, Lagos, through one of its legal officers, Morufu Animashaun, had obtained a remand warrant against the defendant for jumping an administrative bail granted him by the police.

2Baba: Rivers Police Recovers Remains of Late DPO Angbashim

Blessing ibunge inPortharcourt

The Rivers State Police Command has announced that it has recovered the remains of late SP. Bako Angbashim, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Ahoada East Local Government Area, who was

gruesomely murdered by cultists in the area.

THISDAY recalled that SP. Angbashim was killed by a group of notorious criminal gang led by one Mr. Gift Okpara (popularly known as 2Baba) on September 8, 2013, in Odiemude community in

Ahoada East. Based on the commitment of the Commissioner of Police, Rivers State, CP. Olatunji Disu and his team, 2Baba, who was declared wanted by the state government after the heinous crime, was killed on February 17, 2024.

Speaking on the development, the State Police Public Relations Officer, SP. Grace Iringe-Koko, announced that the command during investigation, tracked the shallow grave where some body parts of the DPO was buried.

Aggrieved Delta NNPP Chieftain Calls for Meeting of Stakeholders

sylvester idowu in Warri

Former House of Assembly candidate for Isoko South constituency 1 on the platform of New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) in Delta State, Chief Oyibo Clement, has urged

the national leadership of the party to prevail on the state’s Transition Chairman, Rex Ogboru to summon a meeting of the stakeholders and party members in the state.

Chief Clement, in an open letter to the national leadership

Stanbic IBTC Pension

dike Onwuamaeze

In a significant display of corporate social responsibility(CSR), Stanbic IBTC Pension Managers, a subsidiary of Stanbic IBTC Holdings, has committed over N100 million in the renovation of the Federal Neuro Psychiatric Hospital Yaba, Lagos State. The renovation included female

of the party and made available to THISDAY yesterday, alleged that Ogboru had refused to summon meetings of the party since he was appointed the transition chairman of the party since last year. He said it appeared the

leadership of the party was not preparing for future elections by not reviewing what transpired in the state during the 2023 elections when the immediate-past party chairman allegedly sold out to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Managers Renovate Yaba Psychiatric Hospital Ward

and male wards, as well as offices for medical personnel and a recreation area for the patients. The initiative, which is part of the company’s corporate social investment (CSI) programme, is aimed to enhance patients’ living conditions at the renowned psychiatric facility.The management of Stanbic IBTC Pension Managers announced

the completion of the project during a hand-over event that was held in Lagos yesterday at the premises of the psychiatric hospital.

The comprehensive renovation project totalling N107.857 million included the installation of hospital beds, air conditioners, fans, refurbished kitchens with refrigerators and cooker units;

toilet seats with sinks and soap dispenser units; bathroom stalls with showers and water heaters; load cables, refurbished nurses’ stations with swivel staff chairs, tables, cabinet racks; air conditioners, sinks with soap dispenser units; water tanks with a pumping machine unit, and bedside lockers for hundreds of patients who visit these wards annually.

NFF’s Technical Committee to Meet on Peseiro’s Successor Today

With the World Cup 2026 qualifiers against South Africa and Benin Republic fast approaching with no substantive coach in charge of the Super Eagles, the Technical Committee of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) will meet this morning in Abuja to shortlist coaches who have applied to replace Jose Peseiro.

The Portuguese gaffer quit the Nigerian job at the expiration of his contract with the Super Eagles days after leading the three-time African champions to finish as finalist at AFCON 2023 in Côte d’Ivoire last month.

Sources at NFF’s Sunday Dankaro House in Abuja hinted yesterday that the Technical Committee will peruse all the applications from coaches who are interested in handling both the senior national team and the Under-17 Golden Eaglets.

“So far, we have applications from coaches like Emmanuel Amuneke, Finidi George, Daniel Amokachi, Samson Siasia and Salisu Yusuf for the vacant Super Eagles post while the likes of Manu Garba, Nduka Ugbade and Abdullahi Biffo have also applied to handle the Golden Eaglets,” observed the top football source.

Although there are reports of Nigerian coaches based in the diaspora for the Super Eagles job, nobody at the NFF secretariat could volunteer names of the foreign-based gaffers who have applied to Coach Super Eagles.

One name that keeps coming up

in football circles all through last weekend was Sunday Oliseh, the fiery former captain and coach of the Super Eagles.

The former Juventus and Borussia Dortmund player handled the team in the first term of Amaju

Pinnick as president of the NFF but had to leave the post due to irreconcilable differences with the federation officials.

When asked on Channels television sports show recently on wether he was keen to return to

the Nigerian job, Oliseh expressed excitement at coaching the Super Eagles once more.

“As I have often said, if Nigeria needs my services, I will always help my country if the right conditions are met. Right now, what I can say on

Gusau Charges Flying Eagles to Go all out for S’final Ticket

President of Nigeria Football Federation, Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau has called on players of the U20 Boys, Flying Eagles to be ready to put up more than their level best when they confront Senegal’s Young Lions of Teranga on Friday in a make-or-break 13th African Games group phase final match at the University of Ghana Sports Stadium in Accra.

The NFF boss minced no words in saying he has not been impressed with the outing of the seven-time African champions at the continental meet so far, in which they have lost 1-2 to Uganda and edged South Sudan thanks to a late penalty converted by Isiyaka Muhammad Sadiq.

“Nigeria has a high pedigree in youth football across the globe and that is a fact that should ring loud in the minds of every player wearing the green-white-green at that level. We did not fare well against Uganda and I gave the boys a piece of my mind.

“Against South Sudan, we should have done more and taken the three points quickly but had to struggle. I believe the players have the potential to do far more and they should start by showing their stuff against Senegal on Friday. It is a match we have to win to reach the semi finals.”

AFRICAN GAMES

Initially, the group B housing Nigeria had five teams, which would have amounted to each team playing four matches instead of three. However, Tunisia pulled out late in the day, and with sixpointer Uganda having picked the first semi-final ticket from the pool, the second ticket is a straight fight

between Nigeria and Senegal. South Sudan are out of the running having lost both games. On their part, defending champions Falconets have no such worries in the women’s event of the Games as they head into their final match of the group phase having picked up the semi-final ticket, with six points from their first two matches.

Chioma Olise and Yina Adoo scored to send Morocco packing on

Matchday 1, before an avalanche from Loveth Edeh, Motunrayo Ezekiel, an own goal by Aisha Kales and again Chioma Olise put Senegal to the sword on Monday night.

Cameroon, who have endured a string of defeats by Nigeria in various sporting spectacles in recent weeks, face another humiliation as they must take on the supercharged Falconets at the Cape Coast Stadium on Friday evening.

...Nigeria’s Yellow-Greens Clinch Cricket Bronze with Win over Uganda

In a historic feat, the Nigerian Women's Cricket team, YellowGreens beat the Ugandan Women’s team by 3 wickets to pick the Bronze medal at the ongoing All Africa Games in Accra.

Zimbabwe won gold at the event after they beat South Africa to Silver Medal in a Super Over. The two teams tied with 112 runs a piece in 20 overs on the Achimota Senior Secondary School A Field in Accra.

Nigeria was the least ranked of the eight teams that the International Cricket Council-(ICC) Africa put forward to take part in the maiden

outing of Cricket at the continental sports fiesta.

Hence, beating highly ranked Uganda for the third-place match complimented the team’s earlier accomplishment of dismissing Namibia with 55 runs during the group game.

Captain of the Nigerian Team, Blessing Etim, said this event crowned her cricket and the leadership of the team and she will live to cherish the moment.

“I am very happy about this win and credit should go to the President of the Federation (Uyi Akpata), for

his encouragement. I think this moment wouldn’t have happened if not for his encouragement and motivation. This is for him. And I want to thank God for this too,” gushed the Nigerian Captain.

After winning the toss, Nigerian Women had opted to bowl first, showcasing exceptional bowling prowess that saw them restricting Uganda to a modest total of 76 runs for the loss of 8 wickets in 20 overs.

The Nigerian innings commenced with an early stumble, losing three wickets within the first three overs. However, a resilient partnership

the question of coming back to the Eagles job is: I am going to put my wildcard on this question,” Oliseh said in reply to question on wether he was called king back to Eagles.

After the Technical Committee meeting today, the list of those recommended will be forwarded to the NFF Executive Committee that has the final say on who will step into the shoes vacated by the Portuguese coach who against all odds, took Eagles to the final of AFCON 2023 in Côte d’Ivoire. The substantive coach is expected to be announced before next week.

Europa League: Salah Ready to Start for Liverpool at Sparta Prague

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp insisted yesterday that forward Mohamed Salah is "ready to start" when the Reds take on Sparta Prague in the second leg of their Europa League last-16 tie today.

Salah has not started for Liverpool since 1 January after picking up a hamstring injurywhen representing Egypt in the Africa Cup of Nations.

Liverpool hold a 5-1 leadafter a convincing win in the Czech Republic.

"It's super important we build up Mo, he's ready, top fit," said Klopp.

"I'm not sure he's ready for 90 minutes, I'm not sure we should do 90 minutes, but he's ready to start.

"He would've been ready to start the last game [the 1-1 draw with Manchester City] but you don't know how long it would've made sense for and that's always the problem when players come back.

"There are 10 more Premier League games and hopefully more European and cup games, and they are as important.

"Mo usually can play game after game, now he was out for a surprisingly long time. He's back and we have to make sure we can really count on him consistently."

Salah is the club's top scorer this season with 19 goals, but tore a hamstring in Egypt's 2-2 Afcon draw with Ghana in January.

He came on as a substitute and scored in Liverpool's 4-1 win at Brentford on 17 February but then missed the Reds' next four matches, including the 1-0 Carabao Cup final win over Chelsea.

RESULTS

UCL

Atletico 2-1 Inter (2-2 agg. 3-2 pen)

Dortmund 2-0 PSV (3-1 agg)

EUROPA LEAGUE

Rangers v Benfica

S’Prague v AC Milan

Villarreal v Marseille

West Ham v Freiburg

Atalanta v Sporting

Leverkusen v Qarabag

Brighton v Roma

Liverpool v Sparta P’

NPFL(MIDWEEk)

Plateau 4-0 Gombe

Doma 0-1 Shooting

Akwa Utd 3-1 Insurance

Heartland 2-0 Abia War

Pillars 1-1 Rangers

Lobi 3-2 Rivers Utd

Tornadoes 1-0 Sporting

Remo Stars 1-0 Enyimba

Sunshine 1-0 katsina

Plateau Utd on Goal Rampage as Lobi Retain NPFL Top Spot

Former champions, Plateau United continued their goal scoring form with a resounding 4-0 win at home against Gombe United in a midweek clash yesterday.

The win allowed the Jos side to retain the second position on the log but with superior goal difference over other contenders with 15 goals advantage.

This feat is coming after a crushing 5-1 away win two weeks ago against embattled Heartland FC in Owerri.

After a goalless first half, Alexander Enejo opened the score for the home side in the 54th minute while Silas Nenrot doubled the lead in the 68th minute and went further to complete a hattrick with goals in the 72nd and 79th minute to banish the Savanah Scorpions to the bottom of the log 22 points and miserable minus 24 goals.

In the other matches played yesterday, Lobi maintained their supremacy at the top with a 3-2 win against visiting Rivers United. Samuel Tiza Iorwuese opened the score in the 10th minute but Ukeme Williams restored parity in the 24th minute but the home side scored again via a penalty converted by Aloa Danbani in the 43rd minute.

Lobi Stars scored again in the 58th minute by Kumaga Suur but Mark Gibson pegged the advantage in the 82nd minute.

In Ikenne, Remo Stars rose from the 1-4 loss to Sporting Lagos last Sunday and secured a lone goal against former champions, Enyimba FC.

After a goalless and uneventful first half, the home side had the best of the chances to score and it was Adams Olamilekan’s goal in the 71st minute that assured the side their second home and way win against their opponent after the same scoreline against Bayelsa United two weeks ago on the same ground.

The win only puts the side in fourth on the log with a game in hand.

Meanwhile, Shooting Stars of Ibadan picked maximum points away at Doma United. The Oluyole warious maintained the lone goal scored on the dot of half time and moved to seventh position on the log while Bendel Insurance lost 1-3 away at Akwa United with a brace from John Ubong Friday in the 22nd and 75 minute and another from Sani Suleiman. But the visiting team pegged the margin via Zaidu Ayuba on the dot of halftime.

and disbelief.

“I want to thank His Excellency for assuring me that I am safe. But I am too old to be afraid. If God has granted me more than 60 years, I shouldn’t be afraid of death. I thank God I had the courage to come. Nigeria belongs to all of us, and this is the time to unite—VisitingFirst Lady,reactingtotheviralvideoofanIslamicclericdescribingherasan ‘infidel’whoshouldbekilled,forwhichtheBauchigovernorapologised.

Ningi and the ‘Underground’ Budget

Since the conclusion of my ‘missionary journey’ to Aso Rock almost 14 years ago, I have written more than a dozen columns on the need to reform the budgeting process in Nigeria. Notable ones include ‘The Illusion of Budget Performance’, ‘Budget War and Dysfunctional Envelope System’, ‘Buhari and the Budget Palaver’, ‘Nigeria’s 2016 Zero Budget!’ and ‘Of Government and Budget Blues’. The kernel of these interventions has always been to underscore the fact that what we call budget in Nigeria is essentially about the distribution of ‘political spoils.’ I have also repeatedly referenced a Twitter thread by ‘Laolu Samuel-Biyi who once concluded: “If you want to keep hope alive in Nigeria, don’t look at the budget”.

Had I heeded that admonition I would not have spent the whole of Monday and the better part of Tuesday perusing the 1000-page ‘2024 Appropriation Act FGN Budget Details Volume One’. By the time I was done, I was depressed enough not to bother with volume two of the same report. That second volume contains 1962 pages plus an additional 55 pages that are devoted to chronicling “Zonal Intervention Projects”. Had our lawmakers been content with what they get from that aspect of the budget, we probably would not have had this controversy. But before I get ahead of myself, it is appropriate to ask: What exactly was I looking for?

Last Saturday, Senator Abdul Ahmed Ningi alleged that the N28.7 trillion 2024 budget being implemented by President Bola Tinubu was “done underground” with an “added sum of N3 trillion”. He then delved into the arena of sectional politics. The presidency was quick to debunk Ningi’s allegation, accusing him of lying. At the end, I was not surprised that Ningi received a three-month suspension from the senate or that he walked back on his allegation. There is neither North nor South, East nor West when it comes to sharing the proverbial ‘national cake’ at the National Assembly. This much could be glimpsed from the contribution of Senator Agom Jarigbe before he was shouted down. “All of us are culpable. Some so-called senior senators here got N500 million each from the 2024 budget.

I am a ranking Senator; I didn’t get anything. No senator has any right to accuse Senator Ningi...” Jarigbe said to the displeasure of colleagues, in a scene described by a former governor as ‘Off the Mic 2.0.’

No matter how ill-motivated his allegations may be, Ningi cannot be casually dismissed. He is one of the most experienced lawmakers in Nigeria today having served in the National Assembly since 1999. He has also, at different times, been Majority Leader in the House of Representatives as well as in the Senate. When a man like that makes such weighty allegations, it is safe to conclude that there is no smoke without fire. But let’s first look at the bigger picture in the 2024 budget.

Under ‘Capital Supplementation’ (please don’t ask me what that means or how to explain the details below) many items come with round figure sums which raises questions about the process by which they were arrived at. For instance, ‘Contingency (Capital)’ has a vote of N200 billion; ‘Outstanding liabilities’, N50 billion; ‘Clean Energy Initiatives: Development of Local Infrastructure,

Conversion to CNG, Electric Vehicles etc.’, N130 billion; ‘Consumer Credit Fund’, N100 billion; ‘Infrastructure Project Preparation Fund’, N21 billion; ‘Mortgage Development Promotion Fund’, N65 billion; ‘Recapitalization of Ministry of Finance Incorporated (MOFI)’, N20 billion; ‘Restructuring/Recapitalization of NIPOST’, N10 billion; ‘Special Projects SGD’, N30 billion; ‘Subscription to shares in International Organizations’, N15 billion; ‘Recapitalisation of Development Finance Institutions’, N10 billion etc.

The interesting bits of course come with the breakdown of budgets for the Ministries Department and Agencies (MDAs). I have decided to pick the budget of the Ministry of Works. Not because of the quantum of money allocated to the ministry (more than a trillion Naira) but rather because I recently commended the Minister, Dave Umahi when he made a declaration of preference for concrete roads as opposed to bitumen roads in the country. From the budget, I doubt if he would be constructing any serious road this year—bitumen or concrete.

As an aside, in view of Senator Jarigbe’s allegation, I did ‘research’ on the N500 million projects. There are nine road constructions/ rehabilitations under the Ministry of Works with each allocated N500,410,000. Two are in Akwa Ibom State, another two for the Ibadan-Ogbomosho expressroad, one for the Enugu-Port Harcourt Road, one for the Ilorin-Jebba-Mokwa road, and one for the Bida-Lambata Road in Niger State. The one for the ‘Ifaki-Oye-Ayedun-Omuo-Kogi border in Ekiti State’ is simply for a rounded figure of N500 million without any ‘addendum’.

In the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, 20 projects totalling N18 billion (and most of which have nothing to do with agriculture) are going to Akwa Ibom North West senatorial district being represented by Senate President Godswill Akpabio. There are also five ‘empowerment’ projects in the Ministry of Women Affairs each costing N500 million, all to the same senatorial district

in Akwa Ibom State. You find many such projects in the constituencies of National Assembly Principal Officers across several ministries. And these are not part of the ‘zonal intervention projects’ that are solely for the lawmakers.

Now, to the Ministry of Works. The 2024 capital budget for the ministry is N916,574,239,856. There is an additional allocation of N70,611,518,333 for the Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA). Aside the N2.2 billion for vehicles and N4.1 billion for electricity, provision for the construction of roads takes N438 billion while ‘Construction of Infrastructure’ takes N209 billion. Then you have another 242.9 billion allocations for ‘Rehabilitation/Repair’ of roads.

In all, I counted 961 projects in the ministry’s 2024 budget listed as ONGOING. Interestingly, I have been told by those who should know that when you see ONGOING after a project, it is to circumvent the public procurement process. Many could be new projects. But let’s even leave that matter for now. Any critical observer will see that most of these ‘ONGOINGs’ are just about leaving small money ‘on the table’ for some local operatives, considering the amounts involved. For instance, there is a vote of N4.1 million each (yes, N4.1 million) for more than 20 ‘ongoing’ road constructions/rehabilitations in this ministry. They include ‘Special Repairs of Ilesa-Ijebu Road in Osun State Route number F117 (Phase 2)’; ‘Special Repairs of Birni Kebbi-Argungu-Kan Iyaka (Sokoto State border) Route 219’; ‘Special Repairs of Talatan-Marafan Sokoto Border Road, Routes 85’ and so many others. If we can excuse all that, what about the vote of N1.4 million for each of these major projects? ‘Reconstruction of Benin-Warri Dual Carriageway (Section 3: Ibada-Elume-Warri) (Km 66+275-KM+800 in Delta State’; ‘Construction of Bidda-SacciNupeco Road across River Niger linking Nupeco and Patigi in Niger/Kwara State’ etc.

I know we have magicians in Nigeria but to construct a road and bridge across River Niger for N1.4 million is something else. Under NEW projects which I will come to shortly, there is also a N1.4 million vote for the ‘Rehabilitation of Makurdi-Gboko-Katsina Ala Road’. The ‘Design and Construction of Ogrite (Enugu State)—Akpanya-Oduru (Kogi State) Extension 2 With Extension to Obollo Afor’ takes N61.5 million. The same amount is voted for ‘Washout and Critical Threatened Road section of Federal Road in Kaduna State’ and more than 30 other road projects across the country. And please don’t bother to correct the grammar. I merely dubbed what is in the 2024 appropriation law of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. And please also don’t ask me how; but those amounts of money will leave the treasuries.

If the above are for ‘local operatives’, we can guess to whom no fewer than 85 percent of the road projects with the same amounts of monetary allocations would go. About 130 of them have a vote of N71,750,000 (that’s N71.7 million) each, while most of the rest are either N61,500,000 or N287,000,000 or N100,410,000. The interesting thing about the last figure is that two votes stand out. ‘Construction of Ikorodu-Itoikin

Wara Road in Kebbi State’ it is going for N10,100,410,000. Obviously, some people are clever at juggling figures!

Collectively, we have about 1200 road projects (ONGOING and NEW) to gulp almost a trillion Naira in the Ministry of Works. With the budget already cannibalized, Nigerians who expect Umahi’s ‘concrete roads’ would wait in vain. Let’s now go to some of the NEW projects of which there are 237. Most of them are also in round figure sums, ranging between N10 million and N100 million. Of course, there are also ‘small potatoes’ here. Like the ‘Improvement of Electricity to Shagari Town, Sokoto State’, with a vote of N1 million! Same for the ‘Improvement of Electricity Supply to Argungu-Iyabo, Sokoto Community’. If you think such amounts make no sense or imagine the projects should be under the Ministry of Power, then you don’t understand budget in Nigeria.

Meanwhile, what you find in the Ministry of Works is replicated in all the other MDAs where monies are simply shared. For instance, under the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, you have a vote of N100 million for the ‘Renovation and Equipping of Block of Classrooms in Selected Communities of Yewa North LGA and Imeko Afon LGA in Ogun State.’ I guess that is part of ‘boosting food security’ in the country!

Overall, if you combine the N1.2 trillion ‘officially added’ by the National Assembly (which President Bola Tinubu has gleefully accepted) to other insertions, you will be looking at around 30 percent of the capital budget that does not pass the test of transparency and accountability. But nobody is deceived. The insertions are not only for the lawmakers, many of the ‘projects’ are also for members of the executive and judiciary as well as their friends in the private sector. The more interesting thing is that if you check the budgets of previous years, they are based on the same template.

What I find disturbing is that President Tinubu is comfortable with what the National Assembly has done with the 2024 budget and is even defending it. This is strange. Signing the 2022 Appropriation Bill into law two years ago, then President Muhammadu Buhari expressed concern over the alterations made by the National Assembly. These changes, according to him, “are in the form of new insertions, outright removals, reductions and/or increases in the amounts allocated to projects.” He added that ‘‘provisions made for as many as 10,733 projects were reduced while 6,576 new projects were introduced into the budget by the National Assembly.”

The distortions by the National Assembly on allocations for those critical projects, Buhari further warned, “may render the projects unimplementable or set back their completion.” He added that most of these projects “relate to matters that are basically the responsibilities of states and local governments, and do not appear to have been properly conceptualised, designed and costed. And many more projects have been added to the budgets of some MDAs with no consideration for the institutional capacity to execute the additional projects and/or for the incremental recurrent expenditure that may be required.’’