ON SATURDAY

Vol. 40, No. 17,183 Saturday, July 29, 2023 N200

Music / 19 SaturdayPolitics / 4 GuardianWoman/ 15
DIRECTOR C... Why Prudent OYINDAMOLA
Lights, Management
Of Subsidy BERNARD
Cameras, Savings Amid When Women Are Given
Legacy  Growing Needed Tools, Resources
And Encouragement,
Concerns They Can Achieve
Is Vital Remarkable Things

TWOMONTHSAFTERSUBSIDYREMOVAL

LIFE HAS
BECOME
MISERABLE,
NIGERIANS
TELL PAGE 24

TINUBU
Nnamdi Kanu Declares End To Sit-at-home In South East /Page 29
Subsidy Removal: Deadlock Buhari, EU Condemn Coup,
As Labour, FG Fail To Meet Over Express Concern Over Ousted
Lack Of Quorum / PAGE 10 Nigerien President /PAGE 3
Nigeria Willing To Support Google In Creating One Million Jobs, Says Tinubu / PAGE 3
2|
Two Months After Subsidy Removal: Life Has Become Miserable, Nigerians Tell Tinubu
From Lawrence Njoku(Enugu),
Seye Olumide(Ibadan), Saxone
Akhaine(Kaduna), Rauf Oyewole
(Bauchi) and Kehinde Olatunji
(Lagos)
E XACTLY two months after
President Bola Ahmed
Tinubu removed subsidy on
petrol and said the decision
would free up money for ed-
ucation, regular power sup-
ply, transport infrastructure
and healthcare, Nigerians
have started lamenting that
they are yet to feel any posi-
tive impact of the policy.
Among their complaints is
that life has rather become
more miserable for them.
They criticised the president
for ‘foisting an anti-people
economic policy’ on the
country.
Tinubu had during his inau-
gural speech at the Eagle
Square on Monday, May 29,
after he was sworn in as Nige-
ria’s 16th president, stated
that the 2023 budget made
no provision for fuel subsidy,
adding that subsidy pay-
ment was no longer justifi-
able. He promised that his
government would instead
channel funds into infra-
structure and other areas to
strengthen the economy.
However, two months after,
Nigerians have assessed
their lives and concluded
that they were far better off
two months ago, as it was be-
coming increasingly diffi-
cult for them to attend to
their needs and those of
their loved ones.
They urged the president to
either reverse the policy im-
mediately or fix the nation’s
refineries for local refining
of petroleum products to
bring the pump prices with-
in the reach of the average
citizen.
Coordinator of the Arewa
Defence League (ADL), Mur-
tala Abubakar, who spoke
with The Guardianin Kaduna,
said the policy had thrown
thousands of families in the
northern part of the country
into severe hardship.
“A lot of our members who
are professionals, artisans,
traders, civil servants and
businessmen can no longer
afford three square meals be-
cause of the decision of Pres-
ident Tinubu to remove
subsidy on fuel at a go.
“It is unfortunate that the
government that is sup-
posed to ameliorate the suf-
fering of Nigerians is
imposing more hardship on
us. Imagine the situation we
now find ourselves. Instead
of the government to go af-
ter those who stole subsidy
funds, bring them to book
and make them to return the
money they stole, the gov-
• Decry Delay Of Interventions, Repair Of Refineries
• Pregnant Mothers Skip Antenatal Care Over High Transport Fare
• CLO: Current Hardship Orchestrated To Punish Nigerians
ernment is leaving them to
go away freely and imposing
hardship on the citizens.
“In a sane society, the subsidy
thieves are supposed to be be-
hind bars by now. But this
government is shielding
them away from prosecution
and from returning the mon-
ey in their possession, which
they stole.
“Go to the streets of Kaduna,
there are more beggars. Peo-
ple are also selling their prop-
erties for survival. People can
no longer afford essential
foodstuff because the prices
have skyrocketed and their
income is stagnant,”
Abubakar said.
A trader and businessman,
Alhamdu China, who oper-
ates a barber’s shop in Bar-
nawa area of Kaduna, said the
removal of fuel subsidy had
affected businesses in the
state.
“Even the barber’s shop that
we are operating is no longer
breaking even because our
customers are no longer pa-
tronising us. This is because
we had to increase our prices
as a result of high cost of
petrol, which we use to pow-
er our generators.
“The government should
help us, because we don’t
have other means of survival
apart from this work we are
going. And we have to feed
our children, pay school fees
and also cater for our domes-
tic needs. This removal of fuel
subsidy has killed businesses,
and is even sending many
people to their untimely
graves.
“Go to the hospital, you will
see that the number of sick
people have increased. And
where is the money to buy
drugs and food? The price of
everything has increased. The
government should help
Nigerians and solve these
problems of poverty and
hunger in the land. They
should repair our refineries
and make them work to
make the price of fuel to
come down.”
Amina Mustapha took her 15
months malnourished
Senator Ede Dafinone (4th right); Senator Joel Onowakpo Thomas and prominent women leaders at the thank giving ceremon for successful campaign,
election victory and ultimate inauguration of the 10th National Assembly held at the Praise Baptist Church, Ogorode Road, Sapele, Delta State.
News
daughter to the Primary
Health Care Centre (PHCC)
in Duguri, Alkaleri Council
of Bauchi State to get the
Ready-to-Use Therapeutic
Food (RUTF), a life-saving es-
sential supply item that
treats severe wasting in chil-
dren under five years, but
was told that the food was
out of stock. The thought of
a fruitless journey over-
whelmed her as she was con-
templating the next visit.
Her community, Yalo, is
about 25 kilometres from
Duguri and she boarded a
truck conveying goods to
the area to be able to visit the
health facility.
“I will need N1,000 for oka-
da(commercial motorcycle)
back home or wait till
evening when people will be
returning from the market,”
she told The Guardian.
Her daughter was ostensi-
bly hungry and crying but
Amina was helpless. “I will
trek because my baby is hun-
gry and I don’t have any
money on me to feed her,”
she said when asked to at-
tend to the crying baby.
A staff of the clinic, Yahaya
Duguri, told The Guardian
that most of the patients,
particularly pregnant
women and nursing moth-
ers, were skipping their an-
tenatal care and
immunisation schedules
due to high transport fare.
“Their number has reduced
compared to what we nor-
mally record. Most of them
are complaining about the
hike in transportation fare.
You know most of them are
from neighbouring com-
munities. They have to hire a
bike,” he said.
The situation is not differ-
ent at Yelwa Domiciliary
PHCC in Bauchi metropolis.
One of the auxiliary health
care providers, Umar Mo-
hammed, said: “Before, as
early as 5:00am you will see
so many of them here to pick
numbers because of the
crowd. Sometimes we at-
tend to more than 300
women. This is about
9:30am and we have less than
150 of them.”
According to him, many of
the women lament the high
cost of transporting them-
selves to the clinic.  farmers’ unions and the gen-
Hanatul Luka was seen at Ba-
yara General Hospital with
her antenatal care card argu-
ing with a commercial mo-
torcyclist over the sudden
hike in fare.
“Things are really hard. I
came here for antenatal with
my last N500. I only drank
pap this morning. Now, this
N500 won’t take me home.
This is a distance that I used
to spend only N250. How do I
come next time for the next
antenatal?” She lamented.
Ruing the situation, the Ex-
ecutive Director of the Civil
Liberties Organisation (CLO),
Ibuchukwu Ezike, said it was
wrong for anyone to believe
that the current hardship in
the country is a result of the
removal of fuel subsidy.
To him, the increase in the
pump price of petrol is not a
result of removal of fuel sub-
sidy, because there has never
been a subsidy on fuel in the
country. He said the current
hardship was orchestrated
to punish Nigerians.
“CLO does not belong to the
school of thought that be-
lieves that petroleum prod-
ucts are subsidised for
Nigerians since after 1989
when the Maj. General
Ibrahim Babangida (rtd) jun-
ta removed the subsidy on
the commodity. The Nigerian
students under the umbrella
of the radical National Asso-
ciation of Nigerian Students
(NANS), Nigeria Labour Con-
gress (NLC), Nigerian Bar As-
sociation (NBA), Academic
Staff Union of Universities
(ASUU), the radical press,
Nigeria Medical  Association
(NMA), human rights associ-
ations and left organizations
then came together to op-
pose the withdrawal of the
subsidy and criminal in-
crease in the pump prices of
these products.
“The prices were not in-
creased irrationally, the gov-
THE GUARDIAN, Saturday, July 29, 2023
ernment introduced some
programmes that cushioned
the grave effects of subsidy
removal from petrol. The
protest was tagged anti-
Structural Adjustment Pro-
gramme (Anti- SAP) protest
of 1989. Anti-SAP buses were
provided for workers, stu-
dents, professional associa-
tions like the NBA, NMA,
eral public, while there was
no increment in school fees,
prices of foodstuffs, rents
and household goods, but
there was increase in salaries
of workers. Since that period,
there has not been any inci-
dent of re-introduction of oil
subsidy in Nigeria, rather
what we started witnessing
was the collapse of oil re-
fineries in the country and
the shipping of crude oil out
of the shores of Nigeria to be
refined in countries where
our corrupt and ruthless
rulers were said to have built
refineries. It was also this
time that an independent
marketers union was erected
to do oil business on behalf
of the members of the thiev-
ing civilian and military po-
litical classes. During this
period, the government
started paying them for ship-
ping crude oil overseas, and
the cost of refining and ship-
ping the products back to
Nigeria. This money, known
as subsidy, is paid to the mar-
keters and not to the Niger-
ian people who, thereafter,
make returns to our wicked
and unconscionable rulers.”
Ezike lamented that the in-
crement in the pump prices
of petroleum products had
resulted in astronomical
hike in the cost of living.
“In fact, everything is ad-
versely affected and the stan-
dard of living has gravely
fallen. There are increasing
cases of social vices like pros-
titution, armed robbery and
joblessness as private em-
ployers that can’t cope with
payment of staff salaries and
allowances and mainte-
nance of offices have down-
sized their staff strength. The
list is inexhaustible,” the CLO
official said.
A communications expert,
Dr. Maxwell Ngene, while
commenting on the situa-
tion in the country, stated
that Nigerians had  wit-
nessed unprecedented
hardship, noting that, “it has
also led to food inflation, de-
valuation of the naira and
low purchasing power.”
According to Ngene, who is
a lecturer in the Department
of Mass Communication,
Enugu State University of
Science and Technology (ES-
UT), the last two months has
brought Nigeria and her
people to their knees.
“Nigerians are very angry
and frustrated about the
policy. It has led to the worst
economic mess ever wit-
nessed in the country since
independence. Unfortu-
nately, it portrays the presi-
dent as an unprepared,
unpatriotic, unresponsive
and incompetent leader
who does not care about
public opinion. Since the re-
moval of fuel subsidy, the
country has witnessed un-
precedented hardship occa-
sioned by food inflation,
devaluation of the naira,
poor purchasing power,
youth restiveness, intolera-
ble living conditions, unem-
ployment, widespread
violence and criminality.
“The more troubling thing
about fuel subsidy politics is
that critics say that it is a
scam orchestrated by the
power elite. Those who are
indifferent also see it as a pol-
icy unlikely to benefit Nige-
rians in the long run. This
group of people thinks that
the government will mis-
manage or steal whatever fi-
nancial gains would stem
from it. There’s not just a
trust deficit but also a com-
plete collapse of trust. The
people do not trust the lead-
ers. What is even more wor-
risome is that the extremely
poor households are the
worst hit in a nation that
prides itself as the giant of
Africa. The salary of civil ser-
vants no longer has mean-
ing.  The unemployed school
leavers seem to have lost
hope in the government and
the nation. Most of them are
now resorting to doing any-
thing, including engaging
in criminal activities just to
survive.
“The solution, for me, is to
revert to where we were be-
fore the removal. Efforts
must be made to refurbish
our ailing refineries and
new ones built. If Aliko Dan-
gote can build a refinery,
there is no reason a country
like Nigeria cannot do so,”
Ngene said.
In an open letter to Presi-
dent Tinubu titled, ‘Your
Withdrawal of Fuel Subsidy
by Fiat was Heartless, Reck-
less and Ill Informed’, which
was made available to The
Guardian, yesterday, a chief-
tain of the Peoples Demo-
cratic Party (PDP) in Lagos
State, Dr. Adetokunbo
Pearse, said those who be-
lieved that the President
would run a gregarious ad-
ministration based on his
experience as a former gov-
ernor of Lagos State for eight
years and his much celebrat-
ed political sagacity had
been proven wrong with the
policy.
THE GUARDIAN, Saturday, July 29 2023
www.guardian.ng
Off-season Gov Polls: INEC Alerts
Security Agencies On Violence In States
From Sodiq Omolaoye, Abuja
A HEAD of the November 11
governorship elections
inBayelsa, Kogi and Imo
states, Chairman, Independ-
ent National Electoral Com-
mission (INEC) chairman,
Prof. MahmoodYakubu, has
called on security agencies
to take decisive action
against purveyors of vio-
lence and other undemocra-
tic activities. Yakubu said the
call became necessary fol-
lowing ominous signs in the
form of violent clashes be-
tween opposing political
parties and candidate in the
states. The INEC boss stated
this at the meeting of the In-
ter-agency Consultative
Nigeria Willing To Support Google
To Create One Million Jobs, Says Tinubu
From Terhemba Daka, Abuja
P RESIDENT Bola Tinubu
has expressed the willing-
ness of Nigeria to support
global tech giant, Google In-
corporated, to create one
million digital jobs in Nige-
ria.
President Tinubu gave the as-
surance at the State House
yesterday evening during
the visit of Google Global
Vice President, Mr. Richard
Gingras, to his office.
He told the visiting Google
executive that Nigeria had
creative and talented young
people who are ready and
motivated to learn, espe-
Lagos Has Invested In Infrastructure,
Ready To Tackle Flooding
By Azeez Olorunlomeru
ERMANENT Secretary, La-
P gos State Emergency Man-
agement Agency (LASEMA),
Dr. OlufemiOkeOsanyintolu
has reiterated the state gov-
ernment’s preparedness to
tackle the incessant flooding
in the state.
Speaking during the
agency’s advocacy visit to Eti-
Osa Local Council, tagged,
‘Flood Frees Lagos 2023:
Building flood resilience is
our collective responsibility,’
Osanyintolu disclosed that
the state has improved on
the existing infrastructure in
terms of preparedness
against any form of disaster,
especially flood in various
communities in Lagos.
He disclosed that the state
Sanwo-Olu Sends Commissioner-nominees
To Lagos Assembly
By Gbenga Salau
L AGOS State Governor, Mr.
BabajideSanwo-Olu, yester-
day, sent the list of nominees
for his cabinet to the State
House Assembly for screening
and confirmation.
The list sent to the Lagos State
House of Assembly, contained
39 names, which has a mix-
ture of politicians and tech-
nocrats. While some of the
immediate past cabinet mem-
bers returned, many did not
Committee on Election Secu-
rity (ICCES) on the review of
the 2023 general elections
yesterday in Abuja. "As we re-
view the conduct of the last
general election, we also
need to focus on the forth-
coming bye-elections and
the three off-cycle Governor-
ship elections in Bayelsa, Imo
and Kogi States. Campaigns
in public in the three States
commenced on July 14, 2023
and will continue until
Thursday, November 9, 2023
i.e. 24 hours to the opening
of polls on Saturday, Novem-
ber 11, 2023. "Already, there are
ominous signs in the form of
violent clashes between op-
posing political parties and
candidates.
cially at this age of Artificial
Intelligence, stressing that
the tech giant has the capa-
bilities and tools that the
young people need to excel.
"I am glad that Google is
ready to partner with us. You
have answered our call on
digital innovation and to
help our youths. You are sup-
porting our efforts to pro-
mote digital economy. We
are ready to work with you
on your commitment to cre-
ate 1 million digital jobs in
Nigeria.
"We will give you all the sup-
port you need to have a ben-
eficial corporate
responsibility.
government has invested on
first responders that are im-
portant in managing emer-
gencies in the state as well as
improved in terms of equip-
ment, financing and person-
nel to be able to respond
swiftly to any emergency.
He noted that the Lagos wa-
terways are been monitored
by the two command centres
placed strategically in the
state and are ready to man-
age disasters holistically.
He pointed out that as part
of its preparedness for the in-
cessant flood in Lagos, the
government recently im-
proved on the recovery and
relief centres by donating
eight buildings of 144 units
to the relief centre at Agbowa
in Lagos.
return.
Former Commissioner for In-
formation and Strategy, Mr.
GbengaOmotoso; his Budget
and Economic Planning coun-
terpart, Mr. Sam Egube; ex-
Commissioner for Health,
Prof. Akin Abayomi; ex-Special
Adviser to the Governor on
Works and Infrastructure,
AramideAdeyooye and his Ed-
ucation counterpart, Tokun-
boWahab were some of the
former commissioners that
made the list.
News
NLC Laments Govt's Unpreparedness On
Frameworks To Cushion Fuel Price Hike
By Gloria Nwafor
T HE Nigeria Labour Con-
gress (NLC) has lamented
the unseriousness of the Fed-
eral Government towards the
creation of frameworks to
cushion the impact of hike in
the price of Premium Motor
Spirit (PMS).
The NLC said the govern-
ment's unseriousness was
demonstrated not only in the
quality of its representation
in the hastily called meeting
on Wednesday, after labour
declared August 2 for a na-
tionwide strike, but also in
their unpreparedness to deal
with the issues as canvassed.
A communique issued yes-
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (2nd right); Google Global Vice President, USA, Richard Gingras (2nd left); Google's Government Affairs & Public
Policy Manager, Mr Adewolu Adene (left); and Publisher of Premium Times, Mr. Dapo Olorunyomi (right) at Aso Villa, Abuja... yesterday
Buhari, EU Condemn Coup, Express Concern Over Ousted Nigerien President
From Terhemba Daka and
Joke Falaju, Abuja
Fterday
ORMER President,
MuhammaduBuhari, yes-
expressed concern
over the ousted Nigerien Pres-
ident, Mohammed Bazoum.
Mutinous soldiers claimed to
have overthrown Niger’s
democratically-elected presi-
dent, announcing on state tel-
evision late Wednesday that
they have put an end to the
government over the African
country’s deteriorating secu-
rity.
The soldiers said all institu-
tions had been suspended
and security forces were man-
aging the situation. The muti-
neers urged external partners
Afenifere Carpets FG Over Suffocating Economy
From Adewale Momoh, Akure
T HE pan-Yoruba socio-po-
litical organisation,
Afenifere, has lashed out at
the All Progressives Con-
gress-led administration
over the state of the coun-
try's economy, which it said
has continued to take its toll
on Nigerians. The foremost
Yoruba group stated that the
management of the N500
billion allocated for pallia-
tive gives cause for concern
over the "apparent loss of
• Sets Up Committee For Wednesday Strike Action • ‘Protest Not To Undermine Court Order’
terday at the end of the Con-
gress' National Executive
Council (NEC) meeting, said it
has set up strategy commit-
tees across all the states, urg-
ing all affiliates and state
councils, including the civil
society, to come out on
Wednesday, August 2, to
protest government's insensi-
tivity to the plights of Nigeri-
ans.
In another development, the
NLC reiterated that the notice
of its protest is not intended
to undermine the courts, but
to express its right to a peace-
ful protest, which even the
courts are obliged to uphold.
• ‘It's Serious Attack On Democracy’
• EU Threatens To Withdraw Cooperation If President Isn’t Released
not to interfere.
However, a statement issued
by his media aide, GarbaShehu,
quoted Buhari as expressing
shock at the unfolding devel-
opment in Niamey, even as he
prayed that the situation he de-
scribed as "unwarranted,"
would be reversed.
"As to be expected, I, just like
millions of other Nigerians,
am shocked by the latest turn
of events in Niger Republic,
our neighbor to the North.
“Concerns have been raised
about the fate of democracy as
a system of government in the
country and in the wider sub-
• Seeks Solutions To Alleviate Mass Suffering
ideas and confusion plagu-
ing the process." According
to the organization, in a
press statement by its Secre-
tary-General, Sola Ebiseni
yesterday,Nigerians have
been left to bear the brunt of
the economic crisis with no
particular measure to
counter it. The group de-
nounced the Senate's mo-
tion, titled, "Let The Poor
Breathe," which it perceived
as a mockery of the suffering
NLC’s Head of Information and
Public Affairs, Benson Upah
said this in a statement, while
reacting to the Solicitor-Gen-
eral of the Federation and Per-
manent Secretary, Ministry of
Justice, B.E. Jedy-Agba’scom-
ments on its notice of protest
against the latest pump price
of PMS.
In his reaction, Upah said Jedy-
Agba said unprintable things
about the NLC, stressing that
the restraining order Jedy-
Agba talked about pertained to
the NLC notice of strike earlier
in June as a result of the in-
crease in the pump price of
PMS from N190 to N537.
region, and equally so, about
the safety of President Mo-
hammed Bazoum and his fam-
ily.I and my family are as much
concerned about these as is
everyone else.
“It is heartening to note that the
ECOWAS, under the leadership
of President Bola Ahmed Tin-
ubu, is already dealing effec-
tively with the matter and our
hope and prayers are that the
unwanted situation will be
completely reversed and the
safety and wellbeing of Presi-
dent Bazoum and his family are
ensured,” the former President
said.
populace.
Afenifere insisted that the
government must move be-
yond short-term measures
and prioritise the implemen-
tation of comprehensive
strategies aimed at address-
ing the widespread suffering
across the country, as it un-
derscored the importance of
investing in long-term infra-
structure and facilities that
can uplift communities, en-
3
He said the NLC was not
aware it was a perpetual in-
junction, which covers every-
thing the Congress does,
stating that this certainly
would go against the grain of
justice.
Upah said NLC's present no-
tice of peaceful protest in con-
junction with civil societies,
individuals, associations and
communities, has nothing to
do with the previous increase
by the Nigerian National Pe-
troleum Corporation Limited
(NNPCL) but has everything
to do with market forces that
propelled pump prices to
new heights of N617.
The European Union Delega-
tion also condemned, in
strong terms, the coup d'etat,
describing it as a serious at-
tack on stability and democ-
racy in the country.
A press statement issued yes-
terday on behalf of the High
Representative of the EU for
Foreign Policy, JosepBorrell,
on the situation in Niger,
stated just like the ECOWAS
pointed out in its latest press
release, that the coup is in to-
tal violation of the democratic
principles on which the man-
agement of political power in
the region is based.
suring that the impact of the
allocated funds is max-
imised and reaches those
who need it the most. The
statement read, "Nigeria is
currently caught in a
labyrinth of inclement
weather caused by a convo-
luted election process and its
unwieldy outcomes, in-
tractable security problems,
and the nightmarish after-
math of a sudden and harsh
removal of the petrol sub-
sidy on the other hand. "
 TheGuardian
Conscience, Nurtured by Truth
Saturday, July 29, 2023
www.guardian.ng
With the government saving about
N400 billion monthly from the
removal of subsidy on Premium
Motor Spirit (PMS) according to the
Nigerian National Petroleum
Company Limited (NNPCL), the leg-
islature, especially at the state and
local council levels, where proper
checks and balances seem to be
absent, must be alive to their respon-
sibilities if Nigerians will indeed reap
the mouthed benefits accruing from
the policy, ONYEDIKA AGBEDO
writes.
A
S Nigerians cry over the hardship
occasioned by the removal of petrol
subsidy exactly two months ago, gov-
ernment at all levels in the country are
rejoicing for having more money in their
coffers as a direct outcome of the policy.
This is evident in the amount of money
recently shared by the Federation Account
Allocation Committee (FAAC) to the feder-
al, state and local councils as June 2023
Federation Account Revenue.
However, as many wreathing in pains as a
result of the policy struggle to adjust
appropriately and move on with their life,
they are also seriously concerned about
how the money saved from subsidy
removal would be expended to the benefit
of all Nigerians. Mainly, they are bothered
about the management of the fund across
the states, where there seems to be no
proper checks and balances, thereby giv-
ing room for monumental financial profli-
gacy.
In January this year, the amount of
money shared to the three tiers of govern-
ment by the FAAC as Federation Account
Revenue was N750.174 billion. In February,
the revenue shrank to N722.677 billion. It
went further down to N714.629 billion in
March and N655.932 billion in April; but it
sharply rose to N786.161 billion in May.
Following the removal of petrol subsidy
and interplay of other variables, it jumped
to N907.054 billion in June 2023 and there
are expectations of further rise in the
months ahead as the government fine
tunes the policy.
The Group Chief Executive Officer of the
Nigerian National Petroleum Company
Limited (NNPCL), Mele Kyari, had during
a meeting with oil marketers in the coun-
try in February this year revealed that the
Federal Government would save over
N400 billion monthly from the removal of
subsidy on petrol.
“Today, by law and the provisions of the
Appropriation Act, there is a subsidy on
the supply of petroleum products, particu-
larly PMS imports into our country. In cur-
rent data terms, three days ago, the land-
ing cost was around N315/litre.
“Our customers are here; we are transfer-
ring to each of them at N113/litre. That
means there is a difference of close to
N202 for every litre of PMS we import into
this country. In computation, N202 multi-
plied by 66.5 million litres, multiplied by
30 will give you over N400 billion of sub-
sidy every month,” Kyari said.
Barely a month after the subsidy was
eventually removed, the National
President of the Independent Petroleum
Marketers Association of Nigeria, Chinedu
Okonkwo, told the Nigerians that based on
his knowledge of the industry, the govern-
ment was making huge savings as a result
of the policy.
“Right now they (the government) are
making money. At least with this removal
of subsidy, the government has raked in
hundreds of billions, whether in naira or
Politics&Policy
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (middle) with All Progressives Congress (APC) Governors during their visit to the President where they backed the
removal of petrol subsidy
Why Prudent Management
Of Subsidy Savings Amid
Growing Concerns Is Vital
dollar. This is because every month we
know how much they lose before,”
Okonkwo said.
Speaking during the recently concluded
22nd edition of the NOG Energy week in
Abuja, Kyari confirmed that the policy
would free up funds for developmental
projects, assuring that Nigerians would
reap its dividends in due course.
He said: “Subsidy was like smoking our
currency. Like you light a cigarette and
smoke off billions daily. That’s how I
describe it. But all that is gone now. We
at the NNPCL welcome the bold move of
Mr. President to end subsidy payouts.
“Rather than using all our money to
pay subsidies, we now have more funds
to carry out other critical investments
needed to unlock the economic for-
tunes of the petroleum industry. A lot
of options are on the table and we are
“
It is by pandering to the whims
and caprices of the executive arm
of government as if they were
appointed by the governors or
local council chairmen that things
go wrong. That is when governors
decide who becomes speaker and
who doesn’t. It’s so embarrassing
and scandalous. So, they have to
take up their constitutional duties
more seriously, knowing that the
failure of a state government
begins with the failure of the legis-
lature.
|4
working with the Presidency to give
poses. Insecurity is still pervasive; low
understanding of what democracy is all
Nigerians the best dividends.”
about is evident. Abuses are common,
Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State,
unfinished projects litter every state of the
who is also the Chairman of the
federation.
Progressives Governors’ Forum, made a
“A case in point is Kano State where in out
similar claim recently while addressing
of its 18 million population, the number of
journalists after a meeting of the All
industries are 58, number of mosques are
Progressives Congress (APC) Governors in
350,000, while roaming children between
Abuja.
the ages of five years and 15 years are in the
“We are aware that the result of the
population of three million plus. These
removal of fuel subsidy will increase the
scenarios can be representative of almost
volume of money that would be received
all the northern states.
by us during the Federation Account
“The scenarios we have shown were col-
meeting and we are working with Federal
lected from various statistics showing neg-
government to ensure that the proceeds
ative economic development and growth
of that FAAC will be utilised in a manner
in almost all the states of the federation.
that the citizens of the country are happy,
We therefore do not believe that growth
the Labour happy, we also the practition-
and development will come through the
ers happy. 
present approach of putting more money
“The current hardship occasioned by the
in the hands of state agents and the
price increase on food, petroleum prod-
expected delivery would not show up.
ucts and cost of living is being addressed.
Leakages are therefore going to erode any
The sub-National government is working
government desires to encourage growth
with the Federal Government and tomor-
nationwide,” Malaolu said.
row there would be National Economic
In a recent letter to President Bola Ahmed
Council to discuss further on that,”
Tinubu made available to the media, the
Uzodinma said.
Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability
A South West socio-political body, Yoruba
Project (SERAP) also expressed fears con-
Ronu Leadership Forum, however, sees the
promise of judicious utilisation of the rev-
cerning the management of the revenue
accruing from subsidy removal.
enue as mere talks designed to hoodwink
It urged the president to publish expendi-
Nigerians into thinking that a prosperous
ture of about N400 billion so far saved
future for all was imminent against the
current situation where the political class
from removal of petrol subsidy, imploring
him to provide details of how subsequent
lives large at the expense of the poor
savings would be spent, including specific
masses.
projects and mechanisms in place to
The forum, in a recent statement by its
President, Akin Malaolu, faulted the
ensure that the funds are not embezzled,
misappropriated or diverted into private
removal of petrol subsidy. The group
pockets.
noted that the policy was tantamount to
The letter signed by its deputy director,
putting more money in the hands of state
agents, describing the development as
Kolawole Oluwadare, said: “Your govern-
ment has a legal responsibility to ensure
very risky.
that the savings from the removal of sub-
“The risks involved are as follows: That
over the years, governors, local council
sidy on petrol are spent solely for the bene-
fit of the 137 million poor Nigerians, who
chairmen have not shown their desire to
are bearing the brunt of the removal.
utilise resources for developmental pur-
THE GUARDIAN, Saturday, July 29, 2023
www.guardian.ng
“Prevention of corruption in the spend-
ing of savings from the removal of subsidy
on petrol and preventing and addressing
the challenges caused by the removal are
serious and legitimate public interests.”
According to the organisation, Nigerians
have the right to know how the savings
are spent. The group stated that publish-
ing details of the spending of the savings
would promote transparency, accountabil-
ity and reduce risks of corruption in the
spending of the funds.
“Opacity in the spending of the savings
from subsidy removal would have nega-
tive impact on the fundamental interests
of the citizens and the public interest.
“Unless the government is transparent
and accountable to Nigerians in how it
spends the savings from the removal of
subsidy on petrol, the removal will contin-
ue to undermine the rights of Nigerians
and increase their vulnerability to poverty
and social deprivation.
“Transparency would ensure that the
funds saved from the removal of subsidy
are not diverted into private pockets, and
increase public trust and confidence that
these savings would be used to benefit
Nigerians.
“The implementation of the National
Social Safety Net Programme (NASSP) and
spending on the programme has been
mostly shrouded in secrecy,” the group
added.
Former presidential candidate and
founding National Chairman of the All
Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Chief
Chekwas Okorie, also harped on the need
for transparency in managing subsidy sav-
ings.
Speaking with The Guardian, he said:
“Subsidy removal, as you pointed out, has
put more money in the hands of the gov-
ernment. We have seen that in the month-
ly allocation of revenue since the subsidy
was removed. There are so much money
going to the states and local councils.
“Now, the Federal Government has looked
into the issue of cash transfer to vulnera-
ble Nigerians and seems to agree that it is
better managed by the states; that is in
terms of the states looking into the exist-
ing register to determine whether it actu-
ally reflects those who are sufficiently vul-
nerable to benefit from it. If that is done,
what is important is that such transfers
must be transparent and beneficiaries
should know that they are receiving some-
thing and if they don’t get it there must be
an avenue to complain that what was
promised them didn’t come.
  “Aside from that, most of the local coun-
cils in this country are not functioning at
all. What those of them that receive alloca-
tion at all do is to get it, share it and go
about their private businesses. Just like
states make budgets, local council should
make budgets and publish their budgets.
The people in each local council should
know what to expect from the increased
revenue accruing to the local council and
the same applies to the state.
“In the case of the states, making sure
that those who are owed are paid their
arrears and paying retirees their gratuities
and pension should be vigorously pur-
sued alongside the provision of infrastruc-
ture. These are their entitlement that had
been withheld for years because of the
excuse of paucity of funds. Now funds are
being made available and there is no varia-
tion in the arrears. So, let them clear the
arrears.  When they clear those arrears,
there will be more money in the hands of
the citizens and they will be able to attend
to their immediate needs. That is my idea
of getting this subsidy thing functional.”
Okorie also advocated for the publication
of details of monthly allocations to states
and local councils as was done in the past.
He added: “The need for transparency
cannot be over emphasised. From the time
of Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala as Minister of
Finance, it had been the style to publish
Politics&Policy
allocations to both states and local coun-
cils. It looks like that practice has slowed
down. They have to reintroduce that pub-
lication so that people will know what
their states and local councils are receiv-
ing, which when added to the Internally
Generated Revenue (IGR) should give
them the type of service delivery they
deserve.
  “I’m yet to see a local council that gets its
full allocation once it’s paid. The state gov-
ernments have always resisted the issue of
autonomy of the local councils. The state
governments have also resisted the issue
of the autonomy of the state assemblies. If
the state assemblies are autonomous, they
will provide their checks; it is their over-
sight function. They are the ones that can
call the executive arm to order. Even if the
governor has immunity, commissioners
don’t have immunity; ministers don’t
have immunity. Other government
appointees don’t have immunity. So, the
legislative arm of government has been
provided by the constitution as an instru-
ment to check the executive arm from cer-
tain excesses and they do that on behalf of
the people.”
He also urged Nigerians, as watchdogs, to
speak out on issues that concern them.
“For instance, if the government claims
that it has reconstructed a road and that
road is not there, they should speak out.
That will allow the relevant committee of
the state assembly to call the ministry con-
cerned to order. This way, even though 100
per cent accountability level cannot be
achieved, the pilfering that is going will
reduce to a great extent.
  “Every new government that comes will
tell you that they have discovered a cer-
tain number of ghost workers. And they
have never published the names they dis-
covered as ghosts and the accounts they
were using to siphon money.
Government’s money is not paid cash. So,
when you say you have discovered 1000
ghost workers, publish their identities so
that the public will know,” he added.
He tasked the legislators at the local
council and state levels to be alive to their
duties, saying the failure of the local coun-
cil or state government amounts to their
own failure. “It is when they fail in their
duties that the government can be said to
have failed. And it is by pandering to the
whims and caprices of the executive arm
of government as if they were appointed
by the governors or local council chair-
men that things go wrong. That is when
governors decide who becomes speaker
and who doesn’t, giving room to the insta-
bility and mobility of speakers we see in
some states. It’s so embarrassing and scan-
dalous. So, they have to take up their con-
stitutional duties more seriously, knowing
that the failure of a state government
begins with the failure of the legislature,”
A petrol attendant re-fuelling a car  PHOTO: AYODELE ADENIRAN
“
The good news is the financial
autonomy that the administra-
tion of former president
Muhammadu Buhari gave to
the states, which has under-
gone two alterations, during
the fourth and fifth alterations
of the constitution in 2018 and
2023.  With financial autonomy,
any serious state House of
Assembly that wants to perform
should be able to because the
Assembly will not be beholden
to the state governor. Their
funding will come as a first line
charge on the consolidated rev-
enue fund of the state. So, that
should enable them to exercise
their independence and to dis-
charge their oversight functions
without let or hindrance
”
Okorie noted.
  Speaking in the same vein, a public
affairs analyst, Jide Ojo, noted that the
issue of transparency and accountability
has to be taken beyond parroting it this
time around.
His words: “It has to be institutionalised
and by institutionalising it there has to be
some matrix to guide and ensure proper
reportage of how the expenditure is done.
There are institutions that are supposed to
hold the government or the governors as
the case maybe to account. One of them is
the legislative assembly, which has the
oversight function of the executive.
Unfortunately, we have a very docile and
pliant assemblies that do not want to exer-
cise their powers or rather would want to
compromise and not do their work the
way it should be done. The whole essence
of oversight of the Ministries,
Departments and Agencies (MDAs) is to
ensure that there is proper usage of the
resources.
“Aside from the legislative assembly, you
also look at the Auditor General of the
states. The reason the office of the Auditor
General is statutory just like that of the
Accountant General is because the two
offices are meant to act as watchdogs on
the expenditure and disbursement of
5
resources of the state. The Commissioner
for Finance gets the allocation on behalf of
the state but the office of the Accountant
General exists to ration out the resources.
So, even if a budget is passed, it will take
the office of the Accountant General to
share the resources according to priorities.
But the office of the Auditor General exists
to now crosscheck what the office of the
Accountant General has done with regard
to the disbursements.
  “These are statutory bodies. You could see
that at the national level, every year the
Auditor General submits report to the
Public Accounts committee of the National
Assembly, which is supposed to look at all
the queries and expenditure. But the Public
Accounts Committee of the National
Assembly has become a burial ground for
all those reports. So, unless we strengthen
the office of the Auditor General both at the
centre and the states to play their statutory
roles in a way that they will be able to blow
whistle on any financial infractions, it
might be very difficult to achieve accounta-
bility and transparency in government.”
  Ojo also charged the civil society and the
media to heighten their demand for trans-
parency and accountability in government.
“Many journalists shirk in their responsi-
bility to do thorough investigative journal-
ism; the primary focus has been more at
the federal level. What about the states?
Many of the stories we read in the papers
these days are like press statements. The
Chief Press Secretary to a governor will
issue a statement and there will be no back-
ground checks before publishing the state-
ment. An instance is the disputed issue of
social register. The states want to build
their own register but the Federal
Government said the states made input in
the building of the social register. It will
take a serious minded media organisation
to dig into the manner of the social register
the country has and the beneficiaries. Can
we see the list? “Now, these governors
want to do their own conditional cash
transfer to vulnerable Nigerians. It will be
interesting to see what manner of registers
the states will have and if the beneficiaries
are going to be paid digitally through their
bank accounts or cash, which is subjected
to a lot of opacity and fraud. So the media
has a role to play.
  “The civil society organisations operating
across the 36 states and even community-
based organisations have the constitution-
al responsibility of holding government to
account. Section 22 of the constitution is
not there as a window dressing,” he added.
Ojo expressed disaffection with the state
Houses of Assembly for what he termed
“the dereliction of duty”, describing many
of them as rubber stamp.
See the remaining part of this
article on www.guardian.ng
6 THE GUARDIAN, Saturday, July 29, 2023

www.guardian.ng Diary

President, Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE), Mr. Eze Anaba (second right); Vice President (West) of the NGE, Dr. Kabir Alabi
Garba (second left); immediate past VP (West) of the Guild, Bolaji Adebiyi (right); and Otunba Gbenga Onayiga (left) at the
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu with one of the ministerial nominees, Hannatu Musa Musawa, a lawyer, in Abuja fifth Anniversary Lecture of PENPUSHING Media in Abeokuta, Ogun State... on Tuesday

Acting Head of Department, Dr. (Mrs.) Rose Musa (left); External Examiner, Prof. Lawrence Aguele of Ambrose Pastor-in-Charge, Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Glory of His Grace, LP 35, Apapa Family, Ayo
Alli University, Ekpoma; Dr. ( Mrs.) Olukemi A .Oloja of Adeyemi University of Education; Chief Supervisor, Prof. Olusanwo (left); Constitutional lawyer, Liborous Oshoma; General Overseer, Livingspring Chapel IntI, Pastor
(Mrs.) Lucy Eraikuemen and Internal Examiner, Dr. F. Idehen after Oloja’s defence of her doctoral thesis at the Femi Emmanuel; Convener, Pastor Adebayo Oseni and Deaconess Taiwo Oseni during the RCCG’s yearly pro-
University of Benin, Benin City gramme tagged ‘IMPACT’ in Lagos
THE GUARDIAN, Saturday, July 29, 2023 | 7

www.guardian.ng
Oborevwori Salutes Asagba Of Asaba At 99
From Monday Osayande, Asaba
D ELTA State Governor,
Sheriff Oborevwori, has
congratulated the Asagba of
Asaba, Prof. Obi Chike
Edozien on his 99th birthday.
Oborevwori, in a statement
by his Chief Press Secretary,
Sir Festus Ahon, in Asaba, yes-
terday, said that ''Obi Chike
Edozien is a distinguished
medical scholar and Nigeria’s
first Professor of Physiology.’’
He remarked that since his
ascension to the throne in
1991 as the 13th Asagba of
Asaba, Obi Edozien had con-
tinued to provide purposeful
leadership for his people and
residents of Asaba, the State
capital.
Oborevwori said that under
the monarch’s reign, Asaba
has since become one of the
fastest growing cities in the
country in terms of popula-
tion and development in
infrastructure.
Metronotes
He lauded the respected Troops Kill 59 Suspected Terrorists
monarch for his astute contri-
butions to making Asaba
comfortable and hospitable
• Arrest Dozens Of Alleged Criminals, Kidnappers, Oil Thieves Across Six Political Zones
for Nigerians, who troop into From Odita Sunday, Abuja tralised 59 terrorists, loaded AK47 magazines, State.
the Delta State capital for one arrested a total number of nine rounds of 9mm   He added:  “Troops offen-
business or the other.
He said that at 99, Obi Chike
T HE Nigerian Armed
Forces High Command
has confirmed it killed no
88 criminals, 10 kidnap-
pers, 20 gunmen and 19
suspected oil thieves.
ammo and sum of
N41,915.00 only and CFA
sive caused some terrorist
fighters to surrender,
denouncing the ideolo-
Edozien, deserves to be cele- 49,000.
fewer than 59 terrorists Troops also rescued 88 kid-   “Others included 323,650 gy.’’
brated for attaining such an
and arrested 88 of them, napped victims. litres of stolen crude oil, In a separate develop-
enviable and impactful age.
while 10 kidnappers and   “In the course of opera- 128,700 litres of illegally ment, troops arrested a
He joined the royal family
over a dozen oil thieves are tions across the country, refined AGO and 4,000 gunrunner in Bogoro
and entire people of Asaba at
in their net. troops recovered a total litres of DPK. while an esti- Local Council of Borno
home and in the diaspora in
Defence Media Operations number of 68 weapons mated sum of State and arrested a ter-
felicitating the centenarian
(DMO) Spokesman, Major and 1,364 ammunition. N388,441,660.00 was rorist collaborator in
monarch on the landmark in
General Edward Buba, who Troops also recovered 26 denied the oil thieves.” Damaturu, Yobe State.”
his journey of life, and
made the disclosure, reiter- AK47 rifles, one GPMG, one  Giving details of the oper-   He added: “On July 18,
affirmed that the Asagba
ated that the Command AKMS rifle, one FN rifle, ation, the General noted 2023, troops arrested one
remained an “iconic scholar
had engaged in several four pump action, five pis- that, troops of Operation suspected gunrunner at
per excellence, bridge-builder
operations across the six tols and 19 Dane guns. Hadin Kai conducted Boi in Bogoro Local
and oldest living Professor in
geopolitical zones to tackle ‘’Also, recovered were offensive operations Council of Bauchi State.
any discipline”.
insecurity confronting the 1,083 rounds of 7.62mm against the terrorists’ Preliminary investigation
Oborevwori prayed that God
nation. special, 228 rounds enclaves in Gwoza, revealed that the suspect
would continue to bless the
  He said: “As at July 28, 7.62mm NATO, 14 rounds Konduga, Bama and Mafa was a dismissed soldier
Royal father with great wis-
2023, the military had neu- 5.56 x 45mm, 15 fully local councils of Borno from 5 Brigade, Damasak.
dom, good health and
strength to continue to lead  
the people of his kingdom...’’

Abraham Lincoln Academy Opens In Lagos

I N its bid to continue to pro- environs.

vide qualitative education The   school’s sister arm,
for children, a foremost edu- which opened its doors to
cational school, Abraham Nigerian pupils years back in
Lincoln American Academy the Federal Capital Territory,
(ALAA), will begin 2023/2024 Abuja,   Nigeria, decided to
academic session on spread the wonderful teach-
September  11 for pupils rang- ing and learning experience
ing from ages one to 10,   across the globe and chose
Situated in Ologun Agbaje Lagos.
Street, Victoria lsland, Lagos, In a press release signed by
  the upper class school, the Principal of the school,
which offers an American Casey Kean, an American, and
Curriculum   is run by an Harvard-trained education-
American board, who has ist, said the newly established
employed the hands of sea- school is set to offer various
Mathew Olaoluwa Ibiyemi (left); Olawale Ibiyemi; Favour Ibiyemi; wife of the founding publisher, Mrs. Titilayo Ibiyemi; and Oyindamola Shindara
soned American educational subjects that would aid learn-
Ibiyemi at the funeral service of the publisher of Nigerian News Direct, Prince (Dr.) Samuel Ibiyemi at the Omega Funeral Home, Ilo Ifako Jegede
consultants and Nigerian ing development of its pupils
Anglican Road, Ota, Ogun State… yesterday
educators of repute to embraced the ‘US
ensure its success in the Curriculum’ because it is
Nigerian contest and in its spectacular.
Group Trains Abia Youths On Community Healthcare Delivery
From Gordi Udeaja, Umuahia ect, where it trained 20 youths health in the community. train the champions to con-

Green Spaces: Rotary, One Million Trees A GROUP, Innovation Hub

Movement Take Campaign To Lagos School
By Paul Aduwoke
T HE Rotary Club of Lekki
Phase 1, in conjunction
with an environmental
group, the One Million Trees
Movement, have committed
to planting over 100 coconut
trees at the GbaraMaiyegun
Community Secondary
School, Lekki, Eti-Osa Local
Council of Lagos State.
This collaborative tree-plant-
ing campaign between the
Rotary Club of Lekki Phase 1
and the One Million Trees
Movement  was aimed to
inspire students, enhance
green spaces and foster a
sense of environmental
responsibility among the
younger generation.  coconut water is nourishing
Speaking at the event held at
the school premises, the
Rotary President, Mike Jaga,
Rotary Club members and One Million Trees
Movement with students and staff of Gbara Maiyegun around among
Community Secondary School during the exercise
said the tree planting project
was part of the club’s
Environmental Sustainability
Programme, which is held
yearly.
He explained that they chose
to plant coconut because of
its environment and econom-
ic potential.
He said: “Planting trees, apart
from protecting the environ-
ment, can also be a source of
economic empowerment. We
are planting coconut trees
because it not only prevents
erosion but also has econom-
ic value. This is because every
part of the coconut is valu-
able. It can be used for cos-
metics and food; also the
and medicinal and coconut
leaves are a good source of
f u e l .  Abuja: No Kidnappers In Police Uniform - FCT Command
“We must ensure
that our environ-
ment is cleaner
and safer
because of cli-
mate change and
the need to move
with time. So, we
hope this mes-
sage will go
our youths.”
for Inclusiveness,
Empowerment and Social
Development (SieDi-Hub)
and Empower Next
Generations (ENG), has col-
laborated with the Abia State
Ministry of Health and the
state’s Primary Healthcare
Agency on a two-week proj-
Church Urges Youths, Women To Participate Actively In Politics
By Mojisola Abatan
T HE Redeemed Christian
Church of God (RCCG),
recently, held its yearly pro-
gramme tagged IMPACT 2023
conference in Lagos. The
socio/political event, held
every July, aims at stirring,
sensitising and inspiring
Christians and  other non-
active participants to partici-
pate in politics.
Speakers at the forum urged
From Odita Sunday, Abuja
T HE Federal
Territory (FCT) Police
Command has urged resi-
Capital
dents to disregard rumours
spreading within the city,
alleging that kidnappers in
police uniform were on the
prowl.
  Spokesperson of the
Command, SP Josephine
Adeh, who dispelled the
from Nkporo community in
Ohafia Local Council of the
state.
    The project was aimed at
bridging the gap between
access and delivery of primary
healthcare services. It was tar-
geted at social, structural and
knowledge determinants of
the youths, women and
other religious bodies not to
shun political activities, but
to contribute their quota to
the national development.
The event created an
aawareness among the
Christians, youths and other
participants on how to get
involved in  politics and its
activities, especially at the
grassroots. It was also to sen-
sitise the people now, rather
than wait for another four
rumour, noted that the FCT
Commissioner of Police, CP
Haruna Garba, ”hereby wishes
to inform the public that con-
trary to the falsehood making
the rounds on media plat-
forms, alleging that kidnap-
pers who adorned the Police
uniform to perpetrate their
illicit acts, have kidnapped 17
persons from the Apo area in
Abuja, is clearly a figment of
the authors’ imagination, as
        According to one of the
facilitators, Imo Chinasa,
who is the founder of SieDi-
Hub and Executive Director
of the programme, the
‘’Community Health Youth
Champions Programme
(CHYCP) is an intervention
and support project
designed by the group to
years, on the necessity of con-
testing for political offices
during elections.
The panelists also spoke on
how to make the
Independent National
Electoral Commission (INEC)
truly independent, and how
the new administration
could ensure an all-inclusive
governance.
The General Overseer of
Livingspring Chapel IntI,
Pastor Femi Emmanuel,
no incident of such happened
within the FCT.
“In the same vein, the CP
enjoins non-state actors, who
have been engaging the Police
emergency lines in their mis-
chievous posts, aimed at mis-
leading members of the pub-
lic and those submitting same
to obtain loans to desist from
such and only use the emer-
gency lines for its intended
purpose as deliberate steps
duct health education,
house-to- house sensitisa-
tion, engage in periodic
health outreaches, provide
community health surveil-
lance support, conduct basic
health examinations and
provide one-on-one psy-
chosocial support to mem-
bers of the community.’’
advised all church founders
and bishops to encourage
their members not to sit on
the fence, but should get
involved, for a paradym shift.
The Convener, Pastor
Adebayo Oseni, observed
that some church members,
and the youths were not
actively involved in politics
because the older genera-
tion had planted a seed of
discouragement, by tagging
‘’ politics as a dirty game.’’
will be taken to arrest and
prosecute the purveyors of
these illegal acts.
“The Commissioner urges the
FCT residents to cooperate
with the police for improved
service delivery. He tasks FCT
residents to call Police
Control Room numbers in
reporting suspicious activi-
ties: 08032003913,
08061581938, 07057337653,
and 08028940883.
8| THE GUARDIAN, Saturday, July 29, 2023

Fashion www.guardian.ng

Alluring
Lace-top
By Maria Diamond

I f there is any ‘top’ women of all colours can’t go

wrong wearing, whether it’s for a corporate or
casual event, it is a lace top paired with either skirt
or trousers.
   Whether it’s designed as body fitted or flair, a
lace top always comes out in splendor effort-
lessly.
   However, to achieve the elegance of a lace
top styling for corporate and casual pur-
pose, it is imperative to go for simple lace
fabric with less stone design complications.
   Interestingly, there are a lot of simple lace
materials in varieties of designs and colours
that work perfectly for top styling as
opposed to the regular ‘owanmbe’ full
stoned lace outfits.
Perfect Lace Top Fabrics
Cord Lace  – This type of lace is made
from yarns. The yarns are twisted togeth-
er to create a braided cord.
Dry Lace – This is made from goat or sheep
wool and then separated in strands.
Chantilly Lace – This is traditionally created
out of black threads and features floral or
botanical patterns.
Needle Lace – It is created using a needle and a
thread to create hundreds of small stitches as
embroidery that forms the lace.
Crochet Lace- This is a crochet stitch pattern
that uses chains along with double and treble
crochet stitches to create beautiful open work
designs.
THE GUARDIAN, Saturday, July 29, 2023 |9

www.guardian.ng Event
CBN, NMDPRA, NUPRC, Mint and Print, Zenith, Others
Glean Insights On How To Win In Turbulent Times
By Maria Diamond  The session provided a comprehensive

A renowned learning platform for execu-

tives and organisations in the UK, TEXEM,
has concluded a highly successful two-day
customised executive development pro-
gramme titled “Winning in Turbulent Times”.
The executive development programme,
which took place recently at The Wheatbaker
Hotel in Ikoyi, Lagos State, Nigeria aimed to
equip leaders with essential skills and strate-
gies to navigate and succeed in challenging
business environments.
The event provided an invaluable platform
for leaders to acquire critical skills, develop
winning strategies, and explore governance
dynamics in challenging business environ-
ments. The programme fostered extensive
networking opportunities, allowing delegates
to connect with like-minded professionals
and unlock shared value.
Day-1 of the programme commenced with
an introduction of TEXEM by its Founder and
Chair, Dr. Alim Abubakre, this was followed by
an enlightening session by Prof. Tahir, titled
“Challenges, Risk, and Opportunities - The
Nigerian Context”.
Prof. Tahir shared insights into the unique
challenges leaders face in Nigeria and high-
lighted the potential risks and opportunities
that arise in such contexts.
understanding of the Nigerian business land-
scape and set the stage for subsequent discus-
sions.
Prof. Rodria Laline, a distinguished leader-
ship development and governance expert,
took the stage to discuss “Critical Skills that
Leaders Need to Win.” Prof. Laline outlined the
key competencies leaders require to thrive in
turbulent times, emphasising the importance
of adaptability, resilience, and effective deci-
sion-making.
Her session provided valuable guidance to
the delegates on enhancing their strategic and
leadership abilities.
Dr. Alim Abubakre delivered a thought-pro- Professor Hamid Tahir (left); Founder of TEXEM, UK, Dr Alim Abubakre (right); Founding Director of the Harvard
voking presentation on “Leading in Volatile University Maximise Your Board Programme, Professor Rodria Laline (2nd right); and North Central Cordinator of the
Times” shedding light on the strategies and NMDPRA, Hajia Abdulkadir Maijiddah Sabo at the certificate presentation ceremony of the the event.
mindset needed to lead successfully amidst
volatility and uncertainty. actionable strategies for dealing with disrup- To reinforce the concepts learned through-
He emphasised the importance of agility, tions. out the day, the programme organisers incor-
innovation, and effective communication in A panel session featuring Prof. Laline and porated an engaging game, a multiple-choice
navigating turbulent situations. Prof. Tahir, moderated by Dr Abubakre, provid- question-based educational assessment. The
In another session led by Prof. Laline, titled ed an opportunity for in-depth discussions on game assessed the delegates’ understanding
“Strategic Leadership in an Age of Disruption” various leadership topics. The panellists of the discussed concepts in a gamified man-
the delegates learned how to develop strategic delved into the nuances of winning strategies ner. The first day concluded with the game
thinking and innovative approaches to tackle and governance dynamics within organisa- and the presentation of gifts to the winners.
disruptions in the business environment. Prof. tions. Delegates actively participated, con- Each session included interactive discussion
Laline shared real-world examples and tributing their perspectives and experiences, sessions, where delegates were encouraged to
encouraged interactive discussions to explore which enriched the dialogue. apply the strategies and concepts learned.

Rotary Club Of Isolo Supports

By Isaac Taiwo to address and equip them with safety meas-
ures against infections would be of great ben-

T HE President, Rotary Club of Isolo, Rotary efit to them.”

International, District 9110, Hajia Abimbola
Oseni has assured pregnant women across
the country that a section of the society such
as Rotary International is concerned about
them and ready to do everything that would
lead to their safe delivery.
She said this at Isolo General Hospital where
the club executed its Child and Maternal
Health Project for the month of July.  The club
gave to the hospital two baby weighing
machines while sanitary towels including
other items were also distributed among 40
pregnant women everything costing above
five hundred thousand naira.
“Our gift to the hospital is premised on the
need assessment carried out which revealed
that the hospital is short of this machine, cul-
minating into keeping babies that are born
waiting when the few available  machines are
in use.
General Hospital, Pregnant Women The Managing Director and Chief Executive
Officer, Isolo General Hospital, Dr. Adejare
Ijogun charged pregnant women generally to
adhere strictly to ant-natal  precautions and
be hygienic to avoid complications and infec-
tions as she also enjoined them to restrict
themselves to conventional hospitals in case
of any problem.
Speaker, Consultant Obstetrician and
Gynecologist, Isolo General Hospital, Dr.
Olabode Taofeek told the pregnant women
that keeping their children healthy, free from
infection starts from the day they are born
while the second speaker, Dr. Adeoya Babatope
President-elect, Tokuboh Allison (4th right); Hope President, Rotary Club of Isolo, Hajia Abimbola Oseni; Matron Alhaja explained to them the danger of female cir-
Omoteji Falilat; Past President David Emelike; Project Chairperson, Taiwo Adepoju and pregnant women beneficiaries cumcision.
with their gifts at the occasion in Isolo General Hospital. The Project Chairperson, Taiye Adepoju
advised the pregnant women to breastfeed
“We believe that our gifts to the pregnant ic standard while admonitions  from the two their children for two or one and a half years
women would help them to maintain hygien- resource persons in the medical line, engaged so that their babies can be healthy. 

www.guardian.ng Home&Decor
Cooking Hub Safety
By Maria Diamond

K ITCHEN accidents are one of

the most disastrous domestic
mishaps, hence the need to take
absolute safety precautions within
the space.
There are several incidents that
could lead to accidents in the
kitchens such as spilling oil or
water on the floor, sharp knives
mishandle, exposure to open
flame from the oven or stovetop,
having the cooking gas dispensing
cylinder in the kitchen, electrical
appliances, and bacteria.
Kitchen Safety Rules
• Keep cooking gas cylinder out-
side your interior space.
• Always put on footwear –
Walking barefooted in the kitchen
can be detrimental should there
be water or oil spill on the floor.
• Wear safe clothing – there’s
absolutely no point wearing com-
plicated clothing with dangling or
dropping fabrics here and there
that could catch fire or pull harm-
ful utensils unknowingly.
• Avoid burns – Ensure absolute
presence of mind in the kitchen to
avoid burning food or getting
your hands or any part of the body
burnt.
• Keep under age children away
from the kitchen or at least away
from the stove.
• Ensure to have a fire alarm –
Majority of fires start in the
kitchen and you’re most likely to
have a fatal fire outbreak in your
home if you don’t own a smoke
alarm.
• Sanitise your kitchen - clean your
kitchen with antibacterial cleaner
as often as possible, in order to
prevent bacteria and germs from
spreading.
• Ensure your oven is regularly
cleaned after use.
• Don’t forget to wash your hands.
• Have a fire extinguisher and
know how to use it.
10 | THE GUARDIAN, Saturday, July 29, 2023

NewsExtra www.guardian.ng

Subsidy Removal: Deadlock As Labour,

FG Fail To Meet Over Lack Of Forum
From Terhemba Daka, Abuja Mass Transit, the the basis of process. So, if
Compressed Natural Gas there’s no quorum in a
T HE Organised Labour yes-
terday staged a walk out
from the meeting called by
(CNG) and Cash Transfer sub-
committees, were supposed
meeting what do you do?
You will adjourn for lack of
to be present to brief the quorum. 
the Presidential Steering
Steering Committee on the “There was nobody to meet
Committee on subsidy pal-
measures put in place to with. The Chief of Staff was
liatives scheduled at the
cushion the effect of the fuel not there. They are taking us
Presidential Villa, Abuja.
subsidy removal on the like small children,” the
President of the NLC, Joe
workers. source claimed.
Ajaero, led his delegation to
But Labour claimed that However, it was gathered
the Chief of Staff’s office,
government officials who that the Chief of Staff, Femi
venue of the meeting, about
are members of the sub- Gbajabiamila, had earlier
5.00pm but left the villa
committees were nowhere waited for the Labour dele-
after a while.
to be found. gation with other members
Recall that the Steering
Irked by the development, a of the team at his
Committee met with the
member of the Steering Conference Hall.
government delegation last
Committee from Labour, He was said to have later
Wednesday where the two
who craved not to be men- stepped out to attend to
parties agreed to reconvene
tioned, said: “They are not other official matters within
yesterday to get briefs from
prepared for the meeting. the villa while other mem-
the three sub-committees
That’s the truth,” maintain- bers of the government
set up to look into various
ing that the government rep- team were waiting for the
demands.
resentatives had insisted Organised Labour to arrive. 
The Steering Committee
that the meeting should pro- It was gathered that the
was set up by the govern-
ceed even though no quo- Labour delegation from the
ment to come up with pallia-
rum was formed. Nigeria Labour Congress
tives that would cushion the
“They are using cover to (NLC) and the Trade Union
effect of fuel subsidy
deceive Nigerians. There are Congress (TUC) was delayed
removal on the workers.
supposed to be three sub- at the State House entrance
But the meeting could not
committees - mass transit gate for clearance.
hold because some mem-
sub-committee, the CNG and It was also gathered that the
bers of the Steering
the cash transfer - to brief us, names of the Labour delega-
Committee said there was
but the government was not tion were not sent to the
no quorum.
prepared for the meeting. gate for clearance, which led
The Labour union accused
“In their introductory to their delay in arriving for
the Federal Government of
remarks they made excuses the meeting.
using the meetings as a
and they wanted the meet- One of the leaders of the
decoy to deceive Nigerians.
ing to continue; the meeting Labour delegation had told
Multiple sources at the
did not form a quorum. We journalists: “We were
meeting confirmed that
are a people that operate on detained at the gate.”
three sub-committees, the
THE GUARDIAN, Saturday, July 29, 2023 11
12 | THE GUARDIAN, Saturday, July 29, 2023
Issue
Mbah
Banned Enugu
Sit-at-home And
Enemies Within
By Samson Ezea
W HEN the Enugu State Governor, Peter
Ndubuisi Mbah, on June 5, 2023, pro-
nounced that the illegal sit-at-home that has
crippled and still destroying the struggling
and fragile economy of the state has been
banned, I knew that there would be pockets
of challenges, resistance and sabotage. But
one clear thing is that it takes a proactive and
assertive leader of Mbah’s mould to toe this
path that was avoided like a plague by ex-gov-
ernors of the Southeast region.
Since the ban, Governor Mbah has done and
continues to do what is required of his gov-
ernment to sustain it and free Enugu State
from the menace in the overall interest of the
state and its people. These include engaging,
persuading, dialoguing, soliciting the sup-
port and cooperation of youths and all stake-
holders in the state, re-jigging and
re-equipping the security architecture of the
state for optimal performance, pressuring the
Presidency for the unconditional release of
detained Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB)
leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, providing means
of transportation for civil servants to go to
work on Mondays, constant visitation of mar-
kets, streets and offices to monitor compli-
ance and embarking on aggressive and
comprehensive media campaigns and sensiti-
sation about the need to ignore the sit-at-
home directive and go about their lawful
businesses on Mondays.
  Fortunately, there has been a high level of
compliance, cooperation and enthusiasm
among the people who have become tired
and antagonistic of the sit-at-home order be-
fore now. Recently, Enugu youths and resi-
dents marched in their thousands on the
streets to protest against the illegal sit-at-
home order.
It is no longer in doubt that while all these
concerted and collaborative efforts are being
made by Mbah’s government, security agen-
cies and the good people of Enugu State that
are determined and prepared to rescue their
state from the clutches of the non-state actors
hiding under the illegal sit-at-home order to
destroy it, there are people within and out-
side the state that have remained unapolo-
getic, sympathetic and supportive of these
destructive agents that have been using their
social media handles, influences and  political
platforms to promote them.
This is despite the fact that Mazi Nnamdi
Kanu, whom the non-state actors claimed to
be enforcing the sit-at-home to secure his un-
conditional release, has through his lawyer,
Mike Ozekhome (SAN), condemned the
order and those enforcing it, warning them
to desist from it because they are destroying
the Southeast region and its economy. If this
is the case, is it not obvious that those who
are insisting on Monday sit-at-home and
their supporters are known enemies and
saboteurs of the state and its people with
hidden agenda and sinister motives that se-
curity agents must beam their searchlight
on henceforth?
  It would be recalled that since the ban on
the illegal sit-at-home, the Enugu State gov-
ernment has consistently assured the people
of their safety. It has also consistently urged
residents to abide by the ban on the sit-at-
home. Almost on a daily basis, press state-
ments are issued and repeated radio
announcements made in this regard to cre-
ate awareness and raise people’s conscious-
ness about the ban and the urgent need to
comply with it to avoid being penalised.
It is also of note that since the ban, there has
been no attack of any sort across the state.
This is unlike in the past when enforcers of
the sit-at-home usually moved about in some
parts of the state on Mondays, operated un-
hindered and disappeared thereafter. What
this simply shows is that there are some ex-
traordinary security measures that have
been put in place by the government and se-
curity agencies to gain people’s confidence,
which residents should reciprocate by sup-
porting the move to end Monday sit-at-home
in Enugu.
  It is not shocking or strange that since the
government sealed some shops in the state
for non-compliance with government’s di-
rective regarding the sit-at-home after re-
peated appeals and warnings, tongues have
been wagging and social media have been
buzzing. Most people, who have not offered
any solution to the menace since August
2021, have suddenly woken up from slumber
and found their voices. Opposition politi-
cians that had been licking their wounds
over electoral defeats have resorted to issu-
ing press statements and exploring the situa-
tion. Some people have argued that
Read the remaining part of this article on
www.guardian.ng
THE GUARDIAN, Saturday, July 29, 2023
www.guardian.ng Issue
The Roles Of Marketing Communication
And Ethics In Nation Building
By ‘Lolu Akinwunmi
N IGERIA remains the most populous country on the conti-
nent and boasts of one of the largest economies in Africa.
Our economy has historically been heavily reliant on crude ex-
ports, but the government has taken steps to diversify and
strengthen other sectors. Nigeria’s GDP has experienced fluc-
tuations in recent years due to its heavy dependence on oil
prices. In 2020, the economy contracted by 1.92 per cent due to
the COVID-19 pandemic and a sharp decline in oil prices. How-
ever, in the first half of 2021and a run-up to 2022, there were
signs of recovery as GDP grew by 5.01 per cent compared to the
same period in the previous year. Current efforts show some
promises as the new President puts his team in place to drive
his policies.
Diversification recognises the vulnerability of an oil-depen-
dent economy, and the government has made efforts to
spread its economic base. Initiatives have been launched to
promote sectors such as Agriculture, Manufacturing, Solid
Minerals and Services. Agriculture plays a significant role in
the economy, employing a large portion of the population
and contributing significantly to non-oil GDP growth.  ing to the highest standards of just ethics and responsible
Marketing, as a discipline, involves activities related to pro-
moting, selling and distributing products or services to con-
sumers. When it comes to nation building, Marketing and by
extension Marketing Communication, plays a significant role
in several aspects, such as:
1. Economic Development: Marketing facilitates economic
growth by stimulating demand for goods and services, which
in turn drives production, employment and investment. Effec-
tive marketing strategies can attract domestic and foreign in-
vestments, promote entrepreneurship and foster innovation,
all of which contribute to a nation’s economic development.
2. Branding and Image Building: Marketing Communication
helps shape a nation’s image and reputation in the global
arena. By effectively branding and promoting her unique at-
tributes, such as its cultural heritage, natural resources, or
technological advancements, Marketing Communication can
attract tourists, investors and trading partners. Positive nation
branding can lead to increased foreign direct investment,
tourism revenue and international trade opportunities. I will
of course say a bit on this later and how Nigeria must revisit
the issue and work with professionals.
3. Exports Promotion: Marketing plays a vital role in promot-
ing a nation’s exports. Through market research, competitive
analysis and strategic planning, marketing professionals can
identify target markets, develop appropriate pricing and dis-
tribution strategies, and create effective promotional cam-
paigns to expand a nation’s export base. This contributes to
foreign exchange earnings, job creation and overall economic
growth.
4. Social Development: Marketing can also contribute to so-
cial development by addressing societal needs and promoting
responsible consumption. Through social marketing initia-
tives, such as campaigns to raise awareness about public
health issues, environmental sustainability or social causes,
marketing can influence positive behavioural change and so-
cial well-being.
In the context of nation building, Ethics in Marketing be-
comes imperative to ensure sustainable and responsible prac-
tices. Ethical marketing involves conducting business in a
transparent, honest and socially responsible manner adher-
conduct. Some key considerations include but are not limited
to:
1. Consumer Protection: Ethical Marketing practices prioritise
the protection of consumer rights and interests. This includes
providing accurate and truthful information about products
and services, avoiding deceptive advertising, and ensuring fair
pricing and business practices.  shared so far touches on the brand and its local as well as off-
2. Environmental Responsibility: Ethical Marketing involves
minimising the negative impact of business activities on the
environment. This includes adopting sustainable production
processes, reducing waste and pollution, and promoting envi-
ronmentally friendly products and practices.
3. Social Responsibility: Ethical Marketing emphasises the
well-being of society and stakeholders. This involves consider-
ing the social impact of business decisions, promoting diver-
sity and inclusion, supporting community development
initiatives and adhering to ethical labour practices.
4. Honesty and Transparency: Ethical marketing requires
honest and transparent communication with consumers and
stakeholders. This involves providing clear information about
|13
Akinwunmi
products, disclosing any potential conflicts of interests, and
respecting consumer privacy and data protection.
By integrating ethics into marketing practices, Nigeria can
build trust among consumers, attract responsible busi-
nesses, and create an environment conducive to sustainable
development. Ethical marketing practices contribute to the
long-term success of businesses, enhance a nation’s reputa-
tion and foster social cohesion, all of which are essential for
nation building.
Rebranding Nigeria and the Role of Branding Experts in Pub-
lic Communication
It would be unthinkable that I would deliver a paper like
this and not touch on the Nigeria brand. Everything we have
shore perceptions. Positive aspects of Nigeria’s brand in-
clude her cultural richness, with over 250 ethnic groups,
vibrant music and film industries, amazing haute couture,
renowned writers and artists, and a history of cultural
achievements. Our economy, driven by sectors such as oil
and gas, telecommunications, agriculture and services, has
also contributed to its brand image as an emerging market
with significant potential for investment and business op-
portunities.
Let me therefore say a few words about the need for a fresh
ethical reorientation and the role for Marketing and Market-
ing Communication in this respect. 
Read the remaining part of this article on www.guardian.ng
14 | THE GUARDIAN, Saturday, July 29, 2023
 Guardian Woman
EMPOWERMENT ENTREPRENEURSHIP LEADERSHIP MENTORSHIP
SATURDAY, JULY 29, 2023

A green environment enthusiast,

Oyindamola Bernard, is a strong voice
on sustainability-driven lifestyle. As the
Founder and Creative Director, Ewami
Essentials, she is hugely impassioned
by the effects of harmful chemicals in
skincare products, and the dangers
of inhibited melanin production,
including heightened
susceptibility to sun damage and
skin cancer. The graduate of
Zoology from the University of
Ibadan and an alumnus of the
Central Bank of Nigeria
Enterprise Development Centre
(2016), has over a decade
experience in business
administration, management
and leadership. Bernard is on a
mission to train 1000 beauty
brand creators by 2030. She
also gives back to the
community with focus on
education and
healthcare. She speaks
to IJEOMA THOMAS-
ODIA about the
enormous wealth
in the untapped
natural
resources in
Oyindamola
BERNARD
Africa as well as
her drive to
empower
women.

When Women Are Given

Needed Tools, Resources And
Encouragement, They Can
Achieve Remarkable Things
STORY ON PAGE 16
16 THE GUARDIAN, Saturday, July 29, 2023

Guardian Woman www.guardian.ng

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 15

As a green environment enthusiast, what does it entail and
‘When You Align Your Work With Your Passions,
how are you driving your passion?

T HE advocacy on climate change globally sounds like a

cliché, but the truth is that we are experiencing it and we
are going to experience more in terms of increased
temperature trends described as global warming, changes
in sea-level rise, ice mass loss in places like Greenland and
Antarctica, shifts in flower/plant blooming and extreme
weather events. This is why true green beauty or natural
beauty brands must find ways to replenish the planet that so
much gives us the natural ingredients for our production and
formulation. Hence, we hope to grow five trees monthly
through the aid of environmental organisations, we also hope
to work with Global Shea Alliance in Accra, Ghana as they are
heavy on tree planting advocacy. We are also very big on
recycling our packaging called EwamiEarth, to reward
customers who return our product bottles and jars by giving a
discount on their next purchase. I also believe that in
practising fair trade with the local women and farmers from
whom we purchase ingredients, we will not only continue to
grow the natural ingredients industry but also help to sustain
it so that it seems lucrative enough to be passed onto the next
generation. This is our three-pronged approach - plant
sustainability, recycling and fair trade.
What informed your decision to take on organic and
natural skincare? Any experiences?
Seeing the fair scalp of a dark-skinned individual at a salon, I
thought of the possible use of skin-lightening creams and
their potential hazardous impact. This revelation prompted
an in-depth exploration of skin bleaching, its detrimental
effects, and the dangers of inhibited melanin production,
including heightened susceptibility to sun damage and skin
cancer. Recognising that many people resort to skin bleaching
due to self-esteem, societal pressure, or skin health concerns, I
became impassioned to create a brand emphasising skin
health and natural beauty. I won’t say it’s been smooth all
through but with dedication, hardwork and commitment to
excellence, we have experienced significant growth from our
early days, but there’s always room for more growth.  Having a supportive team and network, having access to like-
Across Africa and Nigeria, it seems a large percentage of
beauty brand founders are female. Does the industry not
support male inclusivity?
Indeed, the beauty industry in Africa and Nigeria has seen
It Becomes Easier To Overcome Challenges’
significant representation of female as brand founders. There
are several factors that contribute to this trend. Firstly, the
beauty industry has historically been associated with women,
and women have played a vital role in shaping beauty norms
and practices. This deep-rooted connection has naturally led
to a higher representation of women in the industry.
Secondly, the beauty industry provides opportunities for
female entrepreneurs to tap into their creativity, passion for
self-care, and desire to empower others. Many women have
leveraged their expertise, personal experiences, and
entrepreneurial spirit to establish successful beauty brands.
However, it is important to note that the industry supports
male inclusivity as well. There are male entrepreneurs and
professionals who have made significant contributions to the
growth of the beauty industry. While the representation may
be lower, it is not a reflection of lack of support. The industry
is evolving, and there is room for more inclusivity and
diversity in terms of gender representation. Encouraging and
promoting inclusivity, regardless of gender, will lead to a
richer and more diverse beauty industry.
Despite everyday challenges, what helps you stay
motivated?
I won’t deny that entrepreneurship comes with its fair share
of challenges and obstacles. However, I guess it’s safe to say
there are a few key factors that help me stay motivated. My
passion for all things natural runs deep, especially my belief
in the positive impact it can have on people’s lives is a driving
force. Knowing that I have the opportunity to make a
difference and help others feel confident and beautiful keeps
me motivated even during challenging times. Also, the
feedback we get from customers and the success stories keep
me inspired. Knowing that our brand is making a positive
impact on individuals’ lives and their skincare journeys fuels
my motivation to continue striving for excellence.
minded individuals is crucial in building anything that’ll be
successful. I have been very fortunate with my team so far,
their encouragement, collaboration, and shared vision
provide a strong support system. Together, we tackle
challenges, celebrate achievements, and motivate one another
to keep pushing forward. Albert Einstein once said, “When you
stop learning, you start dying”. The brain is like a muscle – the
more it is used, the stronger it gets. Embracing this mindset
and seeking opportunities for personal and professional
growth keeps me motivated. 
Share with us your activities in your women’s community
empowerment programme.
I grew up in a small town, Oyo, where I saw women work so
hard just to earn so little. The story was not very different from
what I see in my hometown Ife-Odan. When we visited my
grandfather, women were seen working so hard making Shea
butter, black soap, palm oil and so on. If I hadn’t witnessed the
process of making these very invaluable rich raw foods and
ingredients, I would argue you’d need some complicated
machines to get them made. I grew up seeing that these
women were not adequately compensated for their hardwork
and effort to contribute to the economic development. I knew I
would one day be able to do my part in compensating a few of
them. 
What advice do you have for women seeking to climb the
ladder and own their space just as you have done?
I’d say they should carve a niche for themselves and make
meaningful contributions by first looking within to identify
what truly drives them. You know, when you align your work
with your passion and purpose, it becomes easier to overcome
challenges and stay motivated on the path to success. It is also
important to cultivate confidence and trusts your guts enough
to do it afraid. While on that journey, remember to build a
supportive network, surround yourself with a strong support
system. Seek out mentors, role models, and peers who inspire
and challenge you to be the best version of yourself. The
importance of a good and supportive network can’t be
overstated. You are a masterpiece, smart, confident, beautiful,
resilient, passionate and with nature’s gift of nurturing. You
have to know you got all these.
When you are not looking over paperwork or in your
laboratory, how do you relax?
Read the remaining part of this interview on www.guardian.ng

WOMEN OF RUBIES
‘Working From Home Offers Opportunities To Mothers For Personal, Professional Life’
Chichi Uchendu is a dynamic Social Entrepreneur, Digital Marketing Consultant and passionate advocate for financial literacy. As the founder of
“SixFigureMom,” she dedicates herself to empowering women with the essential principles of financial literacy, firmly believing that every woman
deserves the knowledge and skills to take control of her financial future.
In her role as a Digital Marketing Consultant and Team Lead at Dynamics Virtual Assistant (Dvirtualassistant), Chichi assists businesses in harnessing
ESTHER IJEWERE the immense potential of online platforms. She firmly believes that a strong online presence is the key to effectively reaching and engaging target audi-
@Womenof Rubies ences. Through her business, she has successfully supported over 10,000 global businesses and trained more than 25,000 students on leveraging the
@womenofrubies Internet to grow and thrive financially.
Chichi’s impact extends even further as the Founder of LearnifyAfrica, an ed-tech company with a mission to empower women and youths through tech
and digital marketing. With her diverse expertise, Chichi continues to drive positive change and uplift communities through education and financial
empowerment. In this interview with ESTHER IJEWERE, she shares her inspiring story and her passion for teaching mums financial literacy.
Childhood Influence value for others and, in turn, generate The journey has been rewarding and chal-  Challenges

A S a mum, reflecting on my childhood, I can

see how it has significantly influenced and
prepared me for the role I have now as a social
entrepreneur. My childhood experiences
taught me resilience and adaptability. I faced
various challenges and setbacks along the way,
but these experiences taught me to stay deter-
mined and find innovative solutions to over-
come obstacles. They have equipped me with
the tools, mindset, and determination to pur-
sue my passions, support my family and create
a positive impact in my community and
beyond.
 The inspiration behind SixFigureMom,
Learnify Africa and Dynamics Virtual
Assistant
The idea to start Dynamics Virtual Assistant
agency originated from a confluence of two
key factors: my existing skills and the need for
an additional source of income. As you may
know, I have always been passionate about
technology, problem-solving and organising
tasks efficiently.
However, despite possessing these valuable
skills, I found myself unsure of how to mone-
tise them effectively. The traditional job market
was limited in terms of flexible opportunities,
and I craved a way to leverage my abilities
while maintaining a work-life balance. I knew
there had to be a way to use my skills to create
income for myself.
During my research, I stumbled upon the
concept of virtual assistants and the growing
demand for remote support services. The
rest they say is history.
I was inspired to start SixFigureMom during
the COVID-19 pandemic to help women work
and earn remotely. The SixFigureMom com-
munity empowers women to know that in
this era you don’t have to choose between
raising a family and your career; you can do
both successfully.
Dynamics Virtual Assistant, the parent com-
pany of LearnifyAfrica, is a female-focused ed-
tech platform that utilises technology and
community building to educate and empow-
er women in digital skills, mainstream
media and financial literacy.
Since our inception, we have empowered
over 10,000 women across the globe
through training, education and job-skill
matching. We also assist organisations, digi-
tal creators and business owners with their
digital marketing needs such as managing
their social engagement and creating a prof-
itable social footprint. Our mission is to
increase access to employability and pro-
mote education and gender equality.
How the journey has been since she started
her platforms
lenging at the same time. The testimonials I
got from Sixfigurenation make me to keep
pushing, knowing that women can earn a
decent living with the phones in their hands.
The challenging aspect of it – building a client
base from scratch, navigating the intricacies of
running a business and managing a team of
remote assistants – has presented its share of
hurdles. However, witnessing the positive
impact our services have had on our client’s
lives and businesses has been incredibly grati-
fying.
Uchendu
I have encountered different challenges one
of them being time zone differences and
remote communication. Some clients prefer
people from their countries but I had to build
trust by ensuring we over-deliver on our
promises thereby making us retain over 85 per
cent of clients.
How her work has inspired other women
around her
My work has served as a source of inspiration
for women around me in several ways.
Empowering Women to Leverage their Skills:
My journey has shown other women that they
can leverage their skills and passions to create
meaningful and profitable ventures.
 Promoting Work-Life Balance: As a virtual
assistant agency, we prioritise remote work
and flexible hours.
Encouraging Skill Development: Through
ongoing training and upskilling programmes,
I have emphasised the importance of continu-
ous learning and personal growth.
Supporting Women-Owned Businesses:
Beyond my agency, I have actively supported
and collaborated with other women-owned
businesses. This networking and partnership
have fostered a sense of solidarity and collec-
tive growth among women entrepreneurs.
Read the remaining part of this interview on
www.guardian.ng
THE GUARDIAN, Saturday, July 29, 2023 17

www.guardian.ng GuardianWoman
GENDER PARENTING
By Silver Nwokoro

A PRO-poor advocacy platform,

Inclusion for All (I4ALL) and the
I4ALL, IITA Seek Digital Inclusion
International Institute of Tropical
Agriculture (IITA) have decried the digi-
For Rural Women In Agric
tal inclusion barriers faced by rural who have no access to a phone and live in achieved towards the ID enrolment of
women in Nigeria’s agricultural value hard-to-reach communities were less Nigerians, and it must be maintained.
chain. likely to appreciate the advantages of Reaching the last mile is the most chal-
They are therefore seeking enabling access to technology and information lenging part and specific and targeted
access to Digital Identity (ID) for and the benefits of enrolling for National approaches must be designed and
women. Identification Number (NIN). implemented to reach them successful-
This was the thrust of the first edition “Universal access to formal identifica- ly and leave no one behind,” she said.
of the I4ALL dialogue held in Lagos, tion requires an intentional focus on the Head, Capacity Development of IITA,
which focused on ‘Digital ID for the Last most vulnerable Nigerians likely to be Zaina Sore, emphasised the signifi-
Mile-Enabling Access to Digital ID For poor female farmers in rural communi- cance of digital identity in empowering
Rural Female Agricultural Workers’. ties. Thus far, the National Identity rural women and transforming their
Head of I4ALL initiative, Chinasa Management Commission (NIMC) has livelihoods.
Collins-Ogbuo, said uneducated women done a great job with the momentum “Access to national identification as a
means for greater financial inclusion is
critical for women in remote rural
Don’t Let Grades
Define Your Child
areas. As many of them engage in dif-
ferent agricultural activities and trad-
ing particularly in the informal sector,
it is important that we better under-
stand their needs and challenges to tai- By Ijeoma Thomas-Odia carried along within this
lor the services that will lead to greater
inclusion and economic empower-
ment,” Sore said.
A S schools vacate and
award ceremonies are
held to mark the end of the
timeframe. And it is often
impossible. The teacher
always needs to creatively
A study commissioned to IITA by I4ALL academic year, some chil- restructure to be able to
carried out in the first quarter of 2023 dren may not have accommodate these more
in Kano, Oyo and Rivers states revealed impressed their parents time learners. Where such
some new insights and validated pre- well enough. learners aren’t taken into
Head, Inclusion for All Initiative, Africapractice, Chinasa Collins-Ogbuo (left); Director General, National existing data insights from I4ALL’s It is very normal for par- consideration, after a class,
Identification Management Commission (NIMC), Aliyu Aziz; Keynote Speaker and Managing Director, analysis of the 2020 Enhancing ents to wonder why other they don’t understand
Source Microfinance Bank; Akanimoh Ojo; Rural Sociologist, International Institute of Tropical Financial Innovation and Access children got awards for what was taught but are
Agriculture, Prof. Janice Olawoye; Head, Financial Inclusion Unit, Central Bank of Nigeria, Dr. Paul (EFInA) and Access to Finance (A2F) being the best in certain still given tasks to take
Oluikpe and Director of Operations, NIMC, Uche Chigbo, at the event. dataset. subjects while theirs got home.”
nothing. While this can be a Umenyiora stressed that

Shecluded Launches Hub For Female Entrepreneurs source of concern, it is

important not to let the
feeling overwhelm you
studies have shown that the
learning environment
must consider the physical,
By Ijeoma Thomas-Odia ing impact.
Shecluded, a fintech company dedicat- “Shecluded Hub is more than just a hence you have to focus on cognitive and emotional
ed to empowering women entrepre- physical space; it represents a powerful making your child a better elements in that environ-
neurs with funding and business train- ecosystem where aspiring and estab- version of him or herself as ment to optimise out-
ing, has launched a transformative col- lished women entrepreneurs can come he or she prepares to move comes.
laborative coworking, training, corpo- together, thrive and take their businesses into another academic year. “This means that where
rate event and content creation space to new heights. With its cutting-edge While it is great to get the the physical and cognitive
exclusively designed for female entre- facilities and unwavering commitment awards, do not let it be a are considered and the
preneurs dubbed ‘Shecluded Hub’. to women’s empowerment, Shecluded determinant to the overall emotional left to its fate,
Founder of Shecluded, Ifeoma Uddoh, Hub is set to redefine the entrepreneurial success of your child. There the child will not provide
said with the move, the firm seeks to landscape. should be an avenue to the outcomes we expect. All
encourage female entrepreneurs to suc- “This marks a significant milestone in grow and be better and as elements ought to be bal-
ceed. the organisation’s journey to create a parents that is what you anced. This is often what we
Her words: “We are incredibly excited supportive environment for women in should champion. do as parents – dump the
to unveil the multifaceted Shecluded business. We are excited to launch For educational consultant emotional element of the
Hub, which embodies our unwavering Shecluded Hub, a space dedicated to and parenting coach, Diasy child.
commitment to empowering women empowering and uplifting women entre- Umenyiora, the education is “Research shows that for
in business. By providing an integrated preneurs. Our goal is to provide a nurtur- Ifeoma more triangular than circu- every achievement made, a
space and offering specialised pro- ing and vibrant space that fosters creativ- Shecluded Hub include collaborative co- lar in the sense that it has hormone, dopamine, is
grammes like the Incubator and ity, collaboration and growth for all our working space where women entrepre- the child at the top, the par- released. This hormone cre-
Accelerator, we aim to fuel the success members.” neurs can work, connect and exchange ent to the left of the bottom, ates a sense of pleasure
of women entrepreneurs and drive last- She explained that the key features of ideas. then the teacher to the right when an achievement is
of the bottom of the trian- made, causing the achiever
in solving problems and critical think- gle; which invariably means
By Silver Nwokoro
With 9ijakids, Adewusi ing. When children have STEAM educa- that every party has a role to
to be motivated to do more.
A child who is termed a

A S part of efforts to prepare children

for the future, Nigerian educational
Trains Youngsters For tion, a lot of these skills can be built. We
have experts here to tell the children
play in the academic per-
formance of the child.
‘dullard’ (there’s no dull
child) will show low levels
technology companies have organised
training for children on Science,
The Future about the skills of the future so that we
can build the Nigeria of tomorrow that
“Often, when a child
doesn’t perform well espe-
of dopamine resulting in
little or no motivation to
Technology, Engineering, Arts and of these include robotics, Mathematics, we want. cially after an exam, we as achieve more while a child
Mathematics (STEAM) to rapidly animation and coding. We have a STEAM “We have moved past the stage of parents would come at him who is encouraged to per-
improve their knowledge of technolo- lab for them to learn these things. cramming; technology now runs the or her with all sorts of form better or is praised for
gy. “We want to give children the skills of world. We have eight labs where we advice and statements performing better, will
The companies, comprising 9ijakids, the future because these skills can help will teach game development, anima- depicting how disappoint- show high levels of the
STEM METS, Edufun Technik Hub and tion, coding, science experiment, UI/UX ed we are, forgetting that dopamine level resulting in
SabiTeach, did the training during the design and coding, among others.” there was a role we may a higher motivation to out-
third edition of STEAM funfest 2023 in In a keynote address, the Founder of have not played that would perform his or her previous
Lagos with the theme ‘Empowering the Future Africa, Iyinoluwa Aboyeji, said have resulted in such a per- performance.
Next Generation for the Future of Work.’ STEAM remains the skills needed to cre- formance,” Umenyiora said. “So your attitude to your
The aim was to equip Nigerian children ate solutions to problems, adding that While analysing the roles child’s performance should
with updated skills and knowledge nec- they are not skills acquired to harm teachers and parents have be to praise efforts first,
essary to thrive in the 21st-century work- people. to play, Umenyiora noted: then later seek ways togeth-
force as well as the rapidly growing “The future of our country lies in their “From the angle of the
hands; they have a special responsibili-
er on how to produce bet-
world of technology. teacher, each slot on the
ty to the country because not only are ter outcomes. Allow the
Co-founder of 9ijakids, Titi Adewusi,
daily timetable is allotted 35 child to participate in the
said children need to acquire techno- they tomorrow’s consumers but they
minutes. In a classroom, remedial discussion
logical skills to aid national develop- also have to be tomorrow’s producers
there are all kinds of learn- because as important as the
ment, noting that building a better as well and that means that the skills
ers - from fast paced ones to grades are to you, they are
future for Nigeria should be a joint goal. Co-founder, STEM METS, Adesola Adedeji (left); Dr. they are learning here they have to use those who need more time. even more important to the
Adewusi said: “It is about letting them Adetola Salau and Co-founder, 9ijakids, Titi with all sense of responsibility,” Aboyeji
experience these skills hands-on. Some said. Everyone is expected to be child,” Umenyiora noted.
Adewusi at the event.
18
SPOTLIGHT
Members of the Nigerian Institute
of Public Relations (NIPR) will con-
verge on Abuja between August 23
and 25 for the Institute’s 2023
Annual General Meeting and elec-
tion of a new national executive
and members of the Governing
Council of the Institute. One of the
leading contenders for the position
of President of the NIPR is the inter-
nationally acclaimed Public
Relations practitioner, Fellow of the
Institute, former two-term
Chairperson of the Lagos State
Chapter of the NIPR, and a current
serving member of the Governing
Council, Nkechi Ali-Balogun.
Founder of the annual NECCI
Roundtable, a forum that has deep-
ened conversation around develop-
ment issues and PR practice, Ali-
Balogun, who has been a Fellow of
the Institute since 2013 and who is
chair and member of several com-
mittees, including being a member
of the Fellows Advisory Board,
Compliance Committee and
Educational Advisory Board, told
HASSAN MOMOH that her desire to
contribute significantly to advanc-
ing the Public Relations profession
is the reason she is seeking to be
elected President of the NIPR.
Why are you in the race for the exalted posi-
tion of President of NIPR?
W ELL, running for the office of President of
our dear Institute is not a decision that
was made lightly. It came after much reflec-
tion and consideration. Over the years, I have
had the privilege of working alongside many
of my colleagues at several levels of the
Institute. I have been a fellow of the institute
since 2013, served as chapter chairman of one
of the most vibrant chapters of the NIPR,
which is Lagos and I have served and still serve
on several committees and boards. So, I have
witnessed firsthand the transformative power
of effective communication and strategic pub-
lic relations. I have seen the positive impact
that our collective efforts can have on organi-
sations, communities, and even society at
large. It is this profound belief in the value
and potential of our profession that has moti-
vated me to aspire to this leadership position.
Having actively participated in the associa-
tion for several years, I have gained a deep
understanding of its mission, objectives, and
challenges. I have also had the opportunity to
collaborate with many of my colleagues on
various projects and initiatives, which has fur-
ther strengthened my commitment to our
shared goals. It is my firm belief that by lead-
ing the association, I can contribute signifi-
cantly to advancing our profession and foster-
ing a vibrant and collaborative community. If
elected as the leader of our association, I will
dedicate my time, energy, and expertise to
championing the interests of our members.
As President, my vision for the Institute will
be centred on fostering professional growth,
knowledge-sharing, and continuous learning.
I will be committed to promoting ethical prac-
tices, driving innovation, and addressing the
evolving needs of our industry in an ever-
changing media landscape. I firmly believe
that the time to collectively shape the future
of public relations and establish the institute
as a trailblazer in the field is now.
THE GUARDIAN, Saturday, July 29, 2023
GuardianWoman www.guardian.ng
Why I Want To Be
have our interns going to Public Relation
industries to run their internship? And then,
we have to update our curriculum. We would
seek the support of the government, which
they gave us before but just didn’t pursue it.
We need to be able to profile who a public rela-
NIPR President
tions person is. There’s a past president of
NIPR that actually started a recertification and
gave each member a number, so that if you
are working or dealing with a practitioner and
he/she doesn’t have that number, then it’s
fake. We will now enforce it.
– Nkechi Ali-Balogun
One of the problems of NIPR is the issue of
enforcement. We have everything needed to
regulate the industry. So, I am going to enforce
a lot of things, it has to be done and I know
with the support of our members and stake-
If elected as president, you will become the holders, we will do it. The public relations con-
“
first female president to head the over six- sultants are solidly behind me because they
decade-old Institute. Is this about being the too want to change the story.
first female president of the NIPR or it is time My vision for the Institute will So, I will continue the great work that our
for change?
be centred on fostering pro-
Institute has been doing, while also bringing
It’s both. If you look at my slogan, it says new ideas and initiatives that will benefit our
’NIPR’s future forward.’ I mean, and this is not fessional growth, knowledge- members and the profession as a whole. I
to say that I do not acknowledge the contribu- believe that my experience, leadership skills,
tions of the past and present leadership of the sharing, and continuous and dedication to our profession make me the
institute, but we have been doing the same learning. I will be committed best candidate for this role.
thing over and over again. The world has gone
digital. AI is threatening everybody. So, we must to promoting ethical prac-
move in line with trends. tices, driving innovation, and
It is for me about a renewal, a change. Let us
reinvent ourselves. Again, this is not casting addressing the evolving
aspersions on those who have worked before needs of our industry in an
now. They have done their bits but we are say-
ing let’s take it higher so that we can align with
ever-changing media
contemporary trends. We can also have that landscape. I firmly
recognisable relevance; until we have that, even
the government cannot use us. It is because the
believe that the time to
journalists have that and people who need pub- collectively shape the
licity or public relations intervention always future of public rela-
assign it to them because that is what they
understand it to be. It is time for us to let people tions and establish
know who we are, reinvent and repackage our- the institute as a trail-
selves.
blazer in the field is
The Institute is called Nigerian Institute of
Public Relations (NIPR), which means we must now.
be the national driver of the perception of the
”
brand Nigeria. We are a national body; we are
supposed to be regulating the industry but we
have quacks all over the place. So, it’s about
change: changing the narrative, changing the
conversation, renewing the industry, renewing cate benefit? The person with an ICAN
the practice. certificate is upgraded and given some
perks of office but we are still seeking
…And the question about being the first
female President? recognisable relevance for our NIPR cer-
tificate. So, the first thing we must do is
There is nothing wrong with that. The Institute
must have a sense of inclusivity. It is not a male ‘caderization.’ It’s there in my agenda.
We must work on affiliations, so
industry, while the women are not asking for
handouts because we are also qualified. We are that we can open channels
of learning. For
saying that it is time for a woman, at least, to
have a chance to lead that Institute. instance,
why
Coincidentally, it looks like the world is going
female. Look at the banks; a lot of corporate can’t
we
bodies now have women as their CEOs. Some
countries have women as their CEOs. So, why
not NIPR?
At some point in the life of NIPR, a woman
must lead it. So, why can’t that woman be
me? I’ve paid my dues. I started as an associ-
ate in 1995. From there, I became a mem-
ber and I was a charter chairman. I led
Lagos for four years and my legacy is
still there. From there, I became a fel-
low, from there, a council member. I
am the chairman of NIPR flagship
programme, Director’s Conference.
I think I would say that my PR
Roundtable is about the only PR
conference and it’s been running
for 23 years. I have paid my dues.
So, why not me? Why not now?
So, what will you be doing
differently? What will be the
road map to profession-
alise NIPR and change the
negative perception
about the profession in
Nigeria?
First of all, the problem
we have is this issue of
benefits. What does a
carrier of an NIPR certifi-
 Guardian
• •
Music
• RHYTHM
Director C…
Lights, Cameras,
Legacy 
By Chinonso Ihekire  whom she also talent-manages, Psycho YP. As
Across a myriad sectors in Africa’s creative
economy, music video directing remains one
of the most respected genres. Sadly, its sharp
gender disparities, especially within the hal-
lowed halls of Afrobeats, are a bitter comple-
ment for this sweet life of lights, cameras and
action-calls. “You have to remind everyone
that you’re the director,” she chuckles, adjust-
ing her gait to relax her elbows. And while she
notes that working with male-laden crews
could be tedious, because it’s “hard to get their
attention,” Cindy Ihua-Maduenyi, profession-
ally known as Director C, is actively making a
mark within the Nigerian music scene, besting
the boldest of odds that come with being a
female music video director on the rise.
Known for her prolific storytelling, especially
via masterful art direction, character building,
rich lighting techniques and great choice of
sets, Director C continues to stamp her legacy
within the annals of Afrobeats, one video at a
time.
After ditching a life in courtrooms for one on
film sets, Director C built a sturdy portfolio by
making short visualizers and official music
videos for her Hip Hop maverick brother -
SHOW
an executive member of the Apex Village
music collective and soon-to-be-record label,
Director C has also extended her creative
auteurship to other team players including
Laime (pronounced Lah-ee-meh), Azanti,
Uloko, as well as other solo artistes and corpo-
rate brands.
Her unusual work ethic, dedication to detail,
as well as beautiful delivery, as reflected in her
latest opus, the official music video for Psycho
YP’s “This Country”, has spotlighted her as
another unsung hero with a future full of pos-
sibilities. In a sit-down with Guardian Music,
she opens up on bootstrapping and riveting
career within a male-dominated scene, find-
ing her forté in cinematic storytelling, talent-
managing her brother and suspending a law
career, as well as her vision to inspire other
aspiring young women to pick up more tech-
nical careers within Africa’s creative economy.
Why are you called Director C?
M Y name is Cindy. My first name starts
with C.
How did you delve into this music video
directing?
So, I started writing and acting in Uni.
BIZ
Where?  thought I was doing something serious and
University of Leicester. I tapped into my cre-
ative side there.
How did that happen?
I met one artiste and I followed him a lot to
the studio with his manager. We were a team
and I was doing a lot. I was working with the
artiste. I was acting, I was writing and then
just like had this business partner I went to
secondary school with. And she was school-
ing in another city and I would write stuff
and send to her, and then she would edit and
send back. You know that kinda thing! So, we
were like let’s shoot something. So, she had
equipment in her school. Her course was film
studies and we rented some equipment and
started shooting stuff. We shot mostly short
films, mini web series, campus mini web
series and those sorts of things. So, I’d write
and then we develop it and then shoot. So, we
did like one short film, a couple web series
and I finished school. I studied law. I’m a
lawyer. So, when I came out from law school,
my brother was doing music. I’m like, ‘You
need someone to help put your affairs in
order.’ I sounded crazy at the time. Now I’m
thinking about it. You actually need someone
to have your affairs in order, as an artiste. I
SATURDAY, JULY 29, 2023
then I went into this whole world of man-
agement and putting people’s affairs in
order in the music industry, but I am still try-
ing to keep my creative side.
So, is that why you shoot videos - to hang
on to your creative side?
That’s why I shoot videos. I try because I can.
I want to do films. I want to do major
movies, but they’re very budget intensive.
Imagine meeting an artiste that also needs a
music video and you’re like “I think I can do
something here” - regardless of the budget?
Yeah, that is  how I got into it.
So, how did you garner your directorial
skill? 
It takes a lot of time, effort, and late nights.
Sometimes, I just push myself by 1:00AM.
I’m likely to loop a song and create a visual
moodboard from it. I also like having con-
versations with creatives; creative directors,
and they show you stuff. They send you like
Pinterest links, TikTok videos, IG stuff and
you’re like ‘Wow! This is dope.’ Yeah I like to
challenge myself. I stay up. I stay up a lot at
night to practice. That’s how I got here. 
Read the remining part of this interview on
www.guardian.ng
 20 | THE GUARDIAN, Saturday, July 29, 2023

Travel&Tourism www.guardian.ng

La Campagne Steps Up With African Tourism Free Trade Zone Construction

By Maria Diamond
T O create a platform that
would bring to fruition
the amalgamation of An-
tigua and Barbuda as the
sixth continent of Africa
through tourism, La Cam-
pagne Tropicana Beach Re-
sort management has
commenced the construc-
tion of the first ever African
Tourism Free Trade Zone in
Antigua and Barbuda, one of
the most sought after
Caribbean islands by
• Seeks Amalgamation Of Antigua And Barbuda As The Sixth Continent Of Africa
tourists.
   This is coming weeks af-
ter the acceptance of the
proposal by Motherland
Beckons and La Campagne
Tropicana Beach Resort for
the project was first made
public. It is a recreation of
African continent in the is-
land, by the government
and people of Antigua and
Barbuda.
   The construction of this
new enclave was disclosed
by Founder and President of
La Campagne Tropicana
Beach Resort, Ibeju Lekki, La-
gos Otunba Wanle Akin-
boboye, who recently went
to the island where he over-
saw the ground breaking
ceremony to signal the com-
mencement of the first
phase of the gigantic and
epic project that is meant to
define the place of Africa in
global history.
   Akinboboye is expected to
superintendent the entire
construction in his usual
style of bringing to bear his
creative and imaginative
prowess in ensuring that
the La campagne brand
spirit and physicality are
maintained.
   According to him, this is a
great moment to see that a
journey that started over 16
years ago when he first
mooted the idea to the gov-
ernment of Antigua and
Barbuda is now becoming a
reality. “The concept behind
this project is not just to
create the first ever African
Tourism Free Trade zone but
rather create a platform
that would bring to fruition
the amalgamation of An-
tigua and Barbuda as the
sixth continent of Africa
through tourism, cultural
exchanges, fashion and
artistic development among
others. We believe that this
will help the growth of
Africans both in the conti-
nent and in the Diaspora.”

Uganda Tourism Board Visits Nigeria, Showcases

Potential, Forge Partnerships To Grow Inbound Traffic
By Maria Diamond
T O promote the country’s
vast tourism potential
and destinations to Nigeri-
ans who love to travel, a team
from the Uganda Tourism
Board (UTB) led by its Market
Destination Representative,
Anthony Ochieng, visited
Nigeria.
   The team was in Nigeria for
the Nigerian Association of
Tour Operators (NATOP)
tourism conference, and an-
nual general meeting and
awards/dinner night held be-
tween July 13 and 16, 2023 in
Ado Ekiti, Ekiti State.
   Speaking during a round-
table meeting in Lagos,
Ochieng said the country is
blessed with beautiful
sceneries, bubbling nightlife
and exciting culture, sacred
sites, enthralling wildlife in
the many national parks,
eco-tourism, mountains,
and several other unique
tourist attractions. “Uganda
tourism is steadily growing.
It is a must-visit destination.
Some of Africa’s most
sought-after species live in
Uganda, like the Mountain
Gorillas and Chimpanzees.
Also, eleven per cent of the
world’s bird species, includ-
ing rare ones like the shoe-
bill, are found in Uganda.”
  According to Ochieng, since
1908, when United Kingdom
statesman and Prime Minis-
ter, Winston Churchill
coined the name ‘Pearl of
Africa’ to convey the beauty,
variety, and natural wealth
of the Uganda, it has grown
to become one of Africa’s un-
doubtedly most exciting and
coveted travel destinations,
and proved to be a true high
point reel of all that is rare,
precious, and beautiful on the
continent.  
   He added that the country is
also a destination for faith-
based tourism, with notable
attractions like the Bahai Tem-
ple, and the Uganda Martyrs
Shrine in Namugongo where
the faithful died on the order
of the King of Buganda,
Kabaka Mwanga, in 1886.
“One of the things that we
are targeting so much to mar-
ket is faith-based tourism. In
the past, we have had pil-
grims traveling to Uganda to
experience the Uganda Mar-
tyrs celebration, which usu-
ally takes place on June 3
every year. And from statistics,
Catholics and Anglicans make
the major religious stakehold-
ers in Nigeria,” Ochieng said.

Governor Eno Unveils ARISE Agenda, Seeks Review Of National Tourism Policy
By Maria Diamond
A KWA IBOM Governor,
Pastor Umo Eno has
called on the Federal Gov-
ernment (FG) to review the
National Policy on Tourism
in order for operators to re-
alise and mine the enor-
mous potential in the
sector.
   Governor Eno said this
whilst officially unveiling
his ARISE agenda in the
state in order to grow the
Akwa Ibom tourism indus-
try through an enhanced
infrastructure base which
entails significant invest-
ments in upgrading and
developing tourism infra-
structure in the state.
The governor listed some
of the agenda as follow:
   ‘Sustainable Tourism Ini-
tiatives: by implementing
eco-friendly measures, con-
serving natural resources,
and protecting the region’s
rich biodiversity, its stun-
ning landscapes and unique
ecosystems will be pre-
served for generations to
come.
   Cultural Heritage Preserva-
tion: Akwa Ibom State
boasts a wealth of cultural
treasures waiting to be dis-
covered.
   Destination Marketing and
Promotion: Through strate-
gic campaigns, collabora-
tions with travel
influencers, and participa-
tion in international
tourism events, Akwa Ibom
can be positioned as a must-
visit destination, captur-
ing the attention of travel-
ers from around the
globe.
   Community Involve-
ment and Empowerment:
by engaging local commu-
nities in the tourism sec-
tor, providing training
and opportunities for en-
trepreneurship, and sup-
porting local businesses,
AKS can create a sustain-
able tourism ecosystem
that benefits the people.
   According to Eno, with
the ARISE agenda, Akwa
Ibom State is poised to be-
come a premier tourism
destination, offering
breathtaking landscapes,
vibrant culture, and un-
forgettable experiences.
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 TheGuardian Saturday, July 29, 2023
Conscience, Nurtured by Truth
| 27

Saturday
www.guardian.ng

BRT: Echoes Of Molue Reverberate

Govt, Private Sector Players Must Dialogue To Sustain Scheme – Franchisee
From Azeez Olorunlomeru

W ITH an ever-growing population and a mega-city sta-

tus, Lagos was always in dire need of an organised
public transportation system.
Everyday, residents grappled with chaotic transportation.
With traffic snarls, dilapidated vehicles, impatient drivers,
commuting in and around Lagos was a nightmare. 
In that forgettable past, molues and danfo buses, marked
in yellow and black stripes, were kings of Lagos roads.
Rickety, poorly maintained, dirty, crowded and almost
always uncomfortable, they were, often than not, driven
by uncouth drivers and conductors.
For every trip or alternate trip you made on any of the
vehicles, you were certain to also meet a mobile marketer
of all sorts of merchandise, or an evangelist of one of the
faiths who would be bent on winning souls for the
Supreme Being.
For many Lagosians, riding on public buses was just an
unpleasant experience; it represented chaos.
So, when the Lagos State government established the Bus
Rapid Transit system (BRT) in 2008, it brought fresh air to
transportation across the state. The scheme was fashioned
to enable easy navigation of specialised buses through
dedicated lanes and to fast-track movement of residents in
and around Lagos.
THE BRT was indeed a dynamic solution to Lagos trans-
portation needs that had, hitherto, proven to be a tested
solution in other cosmopolitan cities like Jakarta in
Indonesia; Mexico City in Mexico; Ottawa in Canada;
Johannesburg in South Africa; New York in the USA;
Istanbul in Turkey; Cairo in Egypt and Guangzhou in
China.
Before its launch, the United Nations regarded Lagos as
about the only mega city yet to have an organised public
transportation. The population was described as very
mobile and largely reliant on public transportation. But
the lack of a formally organised public transport led to Out of service BRT buses at one of the depots in Lagos
gross inefficiencies in its provision and a low level of serv-
ice to commuters who were forced to use it.
Simply put, public transport in Lagos was described as even distant routes like Ajah.  accountable automated fare collection system through the
chaotic, inefficient, expensive, low quality and dangerous Riding on the buses was not just a delight, commuters Cowry Card, an e-ticketing system that works on land, sea
both in terms of road traffic accidents and personal safety. could also surf the internet and listen to music while and soon, rail, was the most innovative accomplishment
But the commencement of the BRT scheme changed the aboard, just as they could recharge their mobile phones and a massive departure from what obtained in the past.
narrative and brought smiles to many a Lagosian. through charging portals available on the buses. With a swipe of the Cowry card, commuters can pay for
With a population of almost 16 million people, and an While inaugurating one of the new BRT corridors, their bus, train, and boat rides conveniently.
ever-increasing demand for an organised and pocket- Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu had announced the deploy- The system helped to check revenue leakages and enables
friendly public transportation system by low-income earn- ment of 550 additional mass transit buses as well as the LAMATA to accurately project, plan, budget and effectively
ers, the BRT system was indeed a fitting response to the launch of an e-ticketing system. advise the government on future moves, and investments,
yearnings of residents, and provided commuters with a “We are unveiling 550 high and medium capacity buses, relying on this reliable revenue projection model. As at the
clean, affordable and reliable means of getting around the which will be immediately deployed for public use,” end of 2022, over 2.2 million Cowry Cards had been regis-
city. Sanwo-Olu said, describing the event as a milestone. “This tered and effectively put to use in the state.
The first phase of the scheme was launched on March 17, event also formally inaugurates our upgraded e-ticketing ABOUT 15 years down the line, however, it appears is a
2008, on Ikorodu road from Mile 12 – Tafawa Balewa Square system in fulfilment of our pledge.” gradual descent in the quality of services offered to com-
(TBS). The operations were franchised to the 1st BRT The successful integration of the more efficient and muters on the BRT scheme.
Cooperatives, an arm of the National Union of Road In what is now becoming characteristic of some of the
Transport Workers, Lagos State chapter. routes and the service, shortage of buses, enlistment of
buses that are not in optimal condition, rickety buses,

At inception, the scheme commenced operations with
220 buses, operating between 6.00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m.
daily, and transported more than 200,000 passengers dai-
ly. Within the first four years of operation, the scheme had
transported more than 220 million passengers.
The BRT lane was later extended to Ikorodu roundabout
from Mile 12 and a new operator, Primero Transport
Services Limited (PTSL), a private sector operator, was
brought on board in November 2015 to anchor the BRT
operations from Ikorodu roundabout to TBS.
From the Babatunde Fashola to Akinwunmi Ambode, and
Babajide Sanwo-Olu administration, subsequent adminis-
trations had since increased routes on the scheme to other
parts of the state with more clean, spacious, and air-condi-
tioned BRT buses added to the fleet.
The BRT scheme steadily gained acceptance from resi-
dents. Modern bus stations sprung up in CMS, Obalende,
Ikeja, Oyingbo, Yaba, Ewu, Agege, Ojota and Oshodi,
among other points, connecting the buses to different
parts of Lagos beyond the central parts of Lagos, covering
“
Though the operator has invested heavily
in the business and also tried to sustain
the momentum, government should dia-
logue with them and proffer lasting solu-
tions that will be helpful to all the the
stakeholders, especially the government,
operator and the commuters in sustaining
the scheme.
glitches with the e-payment system, by-passing of the val-
idator machine by some bus operators, as well as an unruly
ticketing and bus-operating team are some of the chal-
lenges dogging the initiative. While it is not out of place to
witness long queues of commuters waiting to board at
some of the bus terminals, some lack outright coordina-
tion and often witness breakout of fights.
The scheme has been observed to be having progressive
shortfalls in operations due to numerous problems faced
by government and the franchised operation companies.
And sadly so, concerned Lagosians have raised the alarm
about the possible collapse of the scheme if urgent meas-
ures are not taken to salvage it. Ultimately, they fear the BRT
scheme might go the way of the Lagos Municipal Transport
Service (LMTS).
“The poor conditions of buses, among other service viola-
tions by operators, which the Lagos State government cited
as the reason for cancelling the then LAGBUS-NURTW oper-
ation contract when the scheme just took off, have now
28 | THE GUARDIAN, Saturday, July 29, 2023

Special
As Service Delivery Plummets
returned fully under the current BRT-fran-
chise scheme. Aside from some of the buses
now looking rickety, especially on the
Ikorodu route, you often find some of the
buses dirty and unkempt,” Taofeek, a regu-
lar commuter on the scheme told The
Guardian.
He also mentioned the racketeering and
bypassing of validator machines by opera-
tors, which enables people without
cowry cards access to the BRT buses, as one
of the limitations.
Kelvin Ololade, a regular BRT passenger
who commutes from Ikorodu to
“
Public transportation requires a
lot of investment and if the system
cannot guarantee businesses in
terms of profit, no investor would
want to lose or not break even.
I can tell you for a fact that for the
seven years that we have been run-
ning the business, we have not
made any profit.
proffer lasting solutions that will be helpful
to all the stakeholders, especially the gov-
ernment, operator and the commuters in
sustaining the scheme.
He further noted that for the BRT service to
survive, government needs to hands off the
collection of adverts usually placed at the
BRT Bus Stops and allow the operator use
proceeds from that to subsidise their opera-
tions.
When The Guardian called the Public
Relations Officer (PRO) of the Ministry of
Transportation to seek clarifications and
know the position of the ministry on some
transportation, it will no longer be afford-
able for the common man and when this
happens, it is no longer public transporta-
tion,” he added.
He pointed out that public
transportation required a lot of invest-
ment and if the system cannot guarantee
businesses in terms of profit, no investor
would want to lose or not break even.
“I can tell you for a fact that for the seven
years that we have been running the busi-
ness, we have not made any profit,” he
said.
He warned that the BRT scheme should

”
Oshodi, also noted that the scheme has of the developments and complaints about not suffer the same fate that bedeviled the
been bastardised, adding that the scheme is the BRT scheme, she directed the corre- LMTS and other similar projects in the
no longer what it was when it was launched spondent to the Public Relations Officer of past.
years ago by the Fashola administration. the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport “There was the LMTS and others before
He listed part of the problems confronting Authority (LAMATA), who also declined to now and they all disappeared. The same
the BRT operations to include lack of coordi- make comments on the issue. thing that happened to them is actually
of the iron seats that dotted the terminal However, one of the BRT franschise own- what is happening to BRT now. I have been
nation by the operators and inadequate
and used to serve commuters were in states ers, Mr. Fola Tinubu, said there were several saying it for the past six years or so, that we
buses on various routes.
of disrepair. Also, some of the toilet facilities ways to look into the issue. According to must put this on a sustainable business
Recounting his experience,
and water system were not working effec- him, you cannot add the social responsibili- footing.”
Oluwaseyi Banigbe bemoaned the frequent
tively. ty of a government to the expectations Tinubu further stated that the reason the
breakdowns of the buses lately, claiming
A visit to some of the scheme’s depots from a private company, which is what has government-owned transport system
that most of the buses now work in sub-
across the city also revealed a good number been happening in BRT Scheme. failed was because they kept the fare artifi-
optimal conditions. “When these mechani-
of the buses that are no longer functional “For many years, I have continued to say cially low to make people happy for the
cal breakdowns happen in the course of the
and are now being cannibalized as sources that there is the need for dialogue among purpose of political gains and did not
journeys, there is no way the commuters
of spare parts for the few functioning ones. the government, private sector players and bridge the gap. “The expenses keep going
can take back money spent on such trips
Dean, School of Transport and Logistics, the commuters, so we could come out with up. If the BRT continues this way, it will
since they would have paid using the cowry
Lagos State University (LASU), Prof. Samuel workable solution for everybody but the eventually disappear.”
card. In some instances, when the drivers
Odewumi, explained that if one bus is used political will needs to be there,” Tinubu He noted that world-class transportation
call for help from their office, before help
to cannibalise others, it is an indication that said. services such as the ones in Britain, China,
comes, most of the passengers would have
the business is not thriving and it is going He disclosed that the Nigeria’s salary struc- the United States as well as the United Arab
found alternatives,” Banigbe said.
down. He opined that the government ture is too low and commuters spend Emirates have an element of subsidy in
She also called for a crack-down on opera-
should make a decision that will balance between 50 per cent to 75 per cent of their their plans.
tors who bypass the validator machine to
public service and sustainability. income on public transportation, and oper- “The only one I know that government
allow commuters without the cowry cards
The university don noted that government ators cannot continue to increase fares on does not write a cheque for is the Hong
access to the buses for instant financial grat-
should allow more operators (franschise) to the low-income wages of the country. Kong system. But what they do is that they
ification. “These people are even granted
operate on the BRT corridors and also allow He stated that public transportation is the give the right of way to the public trans-
access into the buses without joining the
them charge economy rate. backbone of any growing economy and if port system. They put advert on the right
queues,” she added.
He pointed out that though the operator the desire is a world-class service, it must be of way and the revenue from the advert
For another commuter, Angela Adedayo,
has invested heavily in the business and paid for to guarantee sustainability. goes into subsidising the transport sys-
the dirty state of the buses, at times, is what
also tried to sustain the momentum, gov- “If we want to tem. But here, we cannot even have the
calls for worry. “Some of the BRT buses now
ernment should dialogue with them and charge the full cost of adverts, we only have it on our own buses.”
look unkempt with most of the seats in sor-
ry states. In some of the buses, most of the
charging ports, which served passengers in
charging their mobile phones while on the
move, are no longer functional. Lagosians
deserve nothing but a better, clean and effi-
cient bus service system,” she said.
Adedayo stressed the need for the state
government to review the contract of the
franchise operators who are performing
below expectation.
Another commuter, Kikelomo Akintunde
disclosed that a major setback is the glitch-
es she experiences in a bid to recharge her
BRT card online. “There was a day I was
almost moved to tears because of the
embarrassment it brought me. I had just
finished transferring funds to my wallet,
only to be told by a bus operator that I had
no funds in my card.”
She called on the operators to urgently
work on the process of transferring to wal-
let and make it seamless and simple to use
for all the BRT users. 
Speaking on the state of some of the BRT
facilities at major bus stops, Akintunde dis-
closed that many of the public facilities
were now shadows of what they used to be
as they are not well maintained.
She observed that when the BRT newly
started, there were more than enough seats
at terminals. “Today, commuters spend
hours on queue, standing and waiting to
get on buses to their various destinations.”
When The Guardian visited some of the A BRT bus with a damaged and open driver's side frontage being driven with- Another bus with a damaged and missing rear light on the road
major terminals, it was observed that a lot out repair.
THE GUARDIAN, Saturday, July 29, 2023
www.guardian.ng
FG Targets 95% Digital Literacy By 2030 Kanu Declares End To Sit-at-home In South East Over His Detention
Launches National Digital Literacy Framework  From Lawrence Njoku, Enugu  The full statement reads:
From Nkechi Onyedika-Ugoeze, Abuja  industrial revolution has pre-
T HE Federal Government has
unveiled a National Digital
Literacy Framework aimed at
ensuring that 95 per cent of
Nigerians become digital liter-
ate by 2030.  aimed at pressuring the
  Speaking at the launch of the
framework, yesterday, in Abuja,
the Permanent Secretary,
Federal Ministry of
Communications and Digital
Economy, Dr. William Alo, not-
ed that the framework sets a
digital literacy and skills agen-
da for Nigeria by providing a
clear and consistent definition
of digital literacy for the pur-
pose of building curricula,
modules and programmes.
  He stated that the African con-
tinent only participates as con-
sumers of technologies and
products developed in Europe
and America during the first
and second industrial revolu-
tions.
He, however, said the fourth
NNPP Dissolves Seven States Executives
Over Alleged Anti-Party Activities  “to make a public announce-
From Ernest Nzor, Abuja
T HE National Working
Committee (NWC) of the
New Nigeria People’s Party
(NNPP), yesterday, dissolved
party executive councils in sev-
en states, over anti-party activi-
ties.  after the general elections,
It noted that a five-man
Caretaker Committee has
been constituted effective
from yesterday, to run the
affairs of the party in the
affected states.
The National Publicity
Secretary of the party, Dr.
Agwo Major, who announced
the dissolution in Abuja, at a
press briefing, urged its mem-
bers to remain calm and loyal
as the party was being reposi-
APC North Central Elders Back Ganduje
For National Chairmanship Seat
From Adamu Abuh, Abuja  The elders, representing
T HE North Central elders
of the All Progressives
Congress (APC) yesterday
threw their weights behind
former Governor Abdullahi
Umar Ganduje of Kano State
as the next National
Chairman of the party.
Led by Maj. Gen. Lawrence
Onoja, the elders at a press
conference in Abuja, argued
that Ganduje has the where-
withal to administer the par-
ty.
Ogun Cargo Airport To Commence
Operations In Six Weeks
From Seye Olumide, Ibadan  flights take off from the air-
P REPARATIONS are in top
gear to commence sched-
uled and non-scheduled
flights at the Ogun State
Cargo Airport located at
Ilisan-Iperu Road in the next
six weeks, Ogun State
Governor, Prince Dapo
Abiodun, has said.
Speaking with newsmen
after inspecting the airport
project, the governor noted
that work was being intensi-
fied to have a couple of
sented a unique opportunity
for Africa to be at the forefront
of global revolution by lever-
aging its human resource for
innovative use of digital tech-
nologies to address some of
the biggest global challenges.  Federal Government to release
  According to him, Nigeria
has an advantage far above
any other country to utilise its
abundant human resources.
Also speaking, the Director
General of the National
Information Technology
Development Agency (NITDA),
Abubakar Inuwa, said the digi-
tal literacy framework is
geared towards making
Nigeria a digital hub for digi-
tal skills.  statement if he (Mazi Simon
  He noted that the framework
has set the stage for the coun-
try to review all the curricu-
lum starting from the kinder-
garten to university to ensure
that every Nigerian have
access to digital literacy.  Nnamdi Kanu when I visited
tioned and strengthened in
the quest for a new and bet-
ter Nigeria, which citizens
desire and deserve.
He said: “Following peti-
tions and
complaints received from
the NNPP State Chapters
the NWC set up a seven-man
Disciplinary Committee to
carry out investigations into
alleged anti-party activities.
“The Committee painstak-
ingly investigated issues
raised in the petitions and
complaints from June till yes-
terday, when the full report
on nine states already con-
cluded was presented to the
NWC, during its seating earli-
er yesterday.
various groups in the zone,
canvassed support for
Ganduje to enable him suc-
ceed in overseeing the affairs
of the party effectively.
“We as representatives of
elders of the party from
North Central Zone are here
today in continuation with
series of endorsements of
Abdullahi Ganduje. We rep-
resent different elders’
groups of the party in the
zone.
port to Abuja and other
parts of the country and
bring passengers to Ogun
State.
  “I am pleased that things
are going on as planned. The
airport is sitting on a Special
Agro-processing Zone and it
is being developed by Arise,
one of our partners. I am
sure that in another six
weeks, scheduled flights will
begin to operate from here,”
the governor said.
News
L EADER of the Indigenous
People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi
Nnamdi Kanu, yesterday,
declared an end to all sit-at-
home, including the Monday
sit-at-home and any other day
him from detention.
Kanu made the declaration in
his own handwritten letter,
which he authorised his spe-
cial counsel, Aloy Ejimakor, to
read out to journalists in
Enugu yesterday evening.
He unequivocally stated that
anyone henceforth engaging
in sit-at-home is no longer his
disciple.
The letter was dated July 24.
Ejimakor, who read the letter,
said it followed the alleged
refusal of Simon Ekpa, the
Prime Minister of Biafra
Republic Government in Exile
(BRGIE), to announce the can-
cellation and further declara-
tion through his media plat-
forms.
Kanu, however, warned Ekpa
to “desist from calling for any
sit-at-home henceforth” and
ment to the effect that he
(Mazi Simon Ekpa) is in receipt
of a direct order from him
(Mazi Nnamdi Kanu) to cancel
any pending sit-at-home in
place at the moment”.
Former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Sen. Abdullahi Adamu (left) and former
governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje of Kano State when Ganduje visited Adamu in Abuja on Thursday
By Gbenga Salau  Sanwo-Olu’s Wife To Upskill, Give
T HE wife of Lagos State
Governor, Dr. Ibijoke
Sanwo-Olu, has unveiled a
multiple birth assistance pro-
gramme, known as Jumejilo
(more than two), for indigent
mothers in the state.
  Speaking at the launching of
the Jumejilo Multi-Birth
Assistance Programme (JMAP)
and the presentation to the
first set of beneficiaries,
Sanwo-Olu disclosed that the
social health initiative, which
would support parents with
multiple births from triplets
and above from pregnancy till
two years, was conceived to
complement already existing
Ministerial Slots: Groups Commend
Tinubu For Nominating Six Women
From Lawrence Njoku (Enugu)
T HE Women Support
Women (WOSUWO) and
Heroine Women Foundation
(HEWOF) have praised
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu
for having six women in the
ministerial list unveiled yes-
terday by the Senate.
“This Public Announcement
bears (as shall be reproduced
below) the unedited, verbatim
instructions containing
a Direct Order personally
issued by Mazi Nnamdi
Kanu in his own handwriting
on July 24, 2023, through me
to Mazi Simon Ekpa, instruct-
ing him to ‘desist from calling
for any sit-at-home hence-
forth’ and ‘to make a public
announcement to the effect
that he (Mazi Simon Ekpa) is in
receipt of a direct order from
him (Mazi Nnamdi Kanu) to
cancel any pending sit-at-
home in place at the moment’;
and also that he (Mazi Nnamdi
Kanu) has, by the same order,
‘authorised me to issue a press
Ekpa) fails to make this
announcement on his plat-
form’.
“For avoidance of doubt, this
Direct Order was personally
handed to me by Mazi
him on the said July 24, 2023,
at the headquarters of the
Department of State Security
(DSS), Abuja. Later that day, I
tried to contact Mazi Simon
Ekpa via his WhatsApp num-
ber but could not reach him
until 1:44am the following day
(25th July, 2023), whereupon I
snapped the Direct Order as
Financial Support To Indigent Mothers
government programmes.
  Sanwo-Olu said the pro-
gramme, which would run in
partnership with the min-
istries of Wealth Creation and
Employment; Women Affairs
and Poverty Alleviation and
Youths and Social
Development, is targeted at
low-income residents, noting
that the benefitting parents
would be empowered with
skills or financial support to
boost their capacity.
She said: “As a mother, med-
ical doctor of over three
decades, and First Lady, I have
They described the inclu-
sion as unprecedented
and in line with Tinubu’s
campaign promises to carry
women along.
  The Executive Director of
the organisations,
Ambassador Onyinye
Mamah, who gave the com-
written and sent to him. He
thereafter acknowledged
receipt and we spoke briefly on
it and exchanged a couple text
messages thereof.
“Since that early July 25, 2023,
(when I conveyed the Order to
Mazi Ekpa and he duly
acknowledged it, he has not
implemented the order or oth-
erwise made such announce-
ment on his media platform.
Nonetheless, I made a con-
scious decision to give him the
benefit of doubt and thereby
accord him more time to do
the needful.
“Then, late yesterday, further
written instructions was
issued by Mazi Nnamdi Kanu
to me, referring to the extant
Direct Order to Mazi Ekpa and,
in addition, instructing me
that given that Mazi Ekpa has
not carried out the order, I
must, as of today, being July 28,
2023, proceed to make the
order public through a public
announcement/press state-
ment. In the said further
instructions, Mazi Nnamdi
Kanu added more pertinent
details and instructed that I
must equally make them pub-
lic.
“Accordingly, and as of
Counsel, bound by duty and
the solemn oath of my noble
profession to faithfully and
zealously implement my
seen limitless cases of fami-
lies with multiple births suf-
fering untold hardship. In
most cases, women and chil-
dren are at the receiving end.
 “Let me confess that the
JMAP Programme is extreme-
ly dear to me. It is a compre-
hensive care initiative to
expand access to quality
healthcare for low-income
families with multiple births
and create sustainable socio-
economic paths for potential
beneficiaries from the gesta-
tional to the postnatal peri-
od.
mendation in a statement
yesterday, in Enugu, said
women have not had it so
good since the return of
democracy in 1999.
  The women in the list are
Nkiruka Onyejiocha (Abia),
Beta Edu (Cross River),
Hannatu Musawa (Katsina),
Doris Uzoka (Imo), Uju
Kennedy Ohanenye
(Anambra) and Stella
Okotete (Delta).
29
Client’s clear instructions with-
out any fear or favour, I now
therefore reproduce verba-
tim the contents of said Direct
Order to Mazi Simon Ekpa (at
the first paragraph) and the
related further instructions
(from the second paragraph to
the end), as follows:
“Simon, this is a direct order
from me. I hereby instruct you
to desist from calling for any
sit-at-home henceforth.
Equally refrain from antago-
nising governors or persons in
political positions because you
are not in a position to know
what they are doing on my
behalf. I am ordering you to
make a public announcement
to the effect that you are in
receipt of a direct order from
me to cancel any pending sit-
at-home in place at the
moment.
I embarked on this movement
to liberate our people not to
enslave them. I despise and
will despise any person or enti-
ty that wishes to inflict unnec-
essary hardship on our people.
I have authorised Aloy to issue
a press statement if you fail to
make this announcement on
your platform.
Abiodun Sends
Names Of
Commissioner-
nominees To
Assembly 
O GUN State Governor,
Prince Dapo Abiodun, has
forwarded names of commis-
sioner-nominees to the state
House of Assembly.
 The Speaker of the Assembly,
Olakunle Oluomo, confirmed
this, yesterday.
  He said that the Assembly
received a correspondence
from Abiodun requesting the
confirmation of the commis-
sioner-nominees.
  According to a statement by
the Clerk/Head of Legislative
Service, Mr. Deji Adeyemo, the
Speaker received the gover-
nor’s letter dated July 27, 2023,
requesting the confirmation
of the nominees by the law-
makers.
  The governor’s correspon-
dence reads: “I write once
again to congratulate Mr.
Speaker for your re-election
into office as the Speaker of the
10th Assembly and subse-
quent inauguration of all
members of the honourable
House.
 “In furtherance of our mission
in building our dear state
together, Mr. Speaker, please
find attached, the list of nomi-
nees for the post of commis-
sioners for your considera-
tion.”
The statement clarified that in
compliance with the House’s
rule, the speaker would
announce the names on the
list to the lawmakers at the
next plenary day slated for
Tuesday, August 1, 2023.

ABEGUNDE: I, formerly Miss Abe-
gunde, Folake Ayoni now wish to
be addressed as Mrs Durojaiye, Fo-
lake Ayoni. Former documents re-
main valid. Public take note.
ADDITION OF NAME: I, formerly
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Adebisi Bukola Aderinola, now
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public take note.
ADEBODUN: I, formerly known
as Popoola Daniel Adebodun, now
wish to be addressed as Popoola
Daniel Adebodun Omiwunmi. All
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AMANZE: I, formerly Amanze
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General public take note.
ANIAGU: I, formerly known as
Miss Aniagu Cynthia Chideraa,
now wish to be addressed as Mrs
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mer documents remain valid.
General public take note
Saturday, July 29, 2023
ANIOKE: I, formerly Miss Anioke,
Chinyere Tochukwu, now wish to
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ments remain valid. General pub-
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ANWULI: I, formerly Miss Anwuli
Angela Animaro, now wish to be
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All former documents remain
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Arowojeka Ubaydat Adewunmi,
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ATAKERE: I, formerly Atakere
Anita Onome, now wish to be ad-
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AWODIKE: I, formerly Awodike Ju-
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addressed as Orji Chinwendu Ju-
liana. All former documents re-
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note
AYOGU: I, formerly Miss Ayogu
Chikaodili Maritina, now wish to
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AZEEZ: I, formerly Azeez Ba-
batunde Oluwasegun, now wish to
be addressed as Adeshina Ba-
batunde Oluwasegun. All former
documents remain valid. General
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BAMMEKE: I, formerly known as
Ayodeji Titilope Bammeke now
wish to be addressed as Ayodeji Titi-
lope Oseni. Former documents re-
main valid. Public take note.
BEREIWERISO: I, formerly known
as Patline Ibiere Bereiweriso, now
wish to be addressed as Patline
Ibiere Dabo-George. All former doc-
uments remain valid. General pub-
lic take note.
CHANGE OF NAME/DOB: For-
merly Sulemajah Sodiq Temitope,
old DOB: 24-06-1988 now addressed
as Adebola Temitope Sodiq, new
DOB : 04-06-1999. Former docu-
ments remain valid. Public take
note
CONFIDENCE: I, formerly
Okonkwo Elochukwu Confidence,
now wish to be addressed as
Okonkwo Camillus Elochukwu. All
former documents remain valid.
General public note.
CONFIRMATION OF NAME: I,
Akara Edojaroro Ogba Michael is
the same as Edoja Ogba Michael. All
former documents remain valid.
All former documents remain
valid. Public take note.
CONFIRMATION OF NAME: I,
Danwanu Christianah Omowunmi
is the same person as Tovizunku-
Dan Christianah Omowunmi. All
former documents remain valid.
General public take note.
CONFIRMATION OF NAME: I,
Done Oluwaseyitan Frankseen is
the same person as Done
Oluwaseyitan Deborah. All former
documents remain valid. General
public take note.
CONFIRMATION OF NAME: I,
Nelson Ngwu Is the same person as
Agu Nnanna, now Agu Nelson
Nnamdi. All former documents re-
main valid. General public take
note.
| 30
CONFIRMATION OF NAME: I,
Ogbuagu Violet N. is the same per-
son as Ogbuagu Violet Ngozichuk-
wuka, now Ogbuagu Violet Ngozi.
All former documents remain
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CONFIRMATION OF NAME: I,
Oghenemine Ebenezer Onoriode-
Oludemi is the same person as
Oghenemine Oluwaseun Onori-
ode-Oludemi. All former docu-
ments remain valid. General public
take note.
CONFIRMATION OF NAME: This
is to inform the general public that
Mr. Michael Onyedika Echedom
and Mr. Onyedika Echedom is one
and the same person. General pub-
lic take note
CORRECTION OF NAME: My
name was wrongly captured as
Oluwatobiloba Rammat Akerele in-
stead of Akerele Oluwatobiloba
Olayinka. All former documents re-
main valid. General public take
note
CORRECTION OF NAME: My
name was wrongly written as Ola-
gunju, Ayoola Olubusola instead of
Olagunju, Ayoola Abiodun Olatu-
bosun Oluwabusola. All former
documents remain valid. Public
note.
CORRECTION OF NAME: My
name was wrongly written as Za-
haraddeen Abubakar Fagam in-
stead of Zahraddeen Abubakar. All
former documents remain valid.
GTBank, ZenithBank, general pub-
lic note.
CORRECTION OF NAME: My
name was wrongly written on my
BVN as Etta Divine Favour instead
of Etta Divine Okpoge. My DOB is
12/10/2006. Former documents re-
main valid. Public note.
DAVID: I, formerly known as Miss
Osokogun Glory David, now to be
addressed as Mrs Dibor Glory
Chika.All former documents rea-
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EDOJA: I, formerly known as Miss
Edoja Ejiro Praise, now wish to be
addressed as Mrs Obi Praise Ejiro.
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EJIM: I, formerly known as Susan
Stella Ejim, now wish to be ad-
dressed as Amina Susan Stella
Azikiwe. All former documents re-
main valid. General public take
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EMIOHE: I, formerly known as
Miss. Mercy Emiohe now to be ad-
dressed as Mrs. Momodu Mercy
Odion. All documents bearing for-
mer name remain valid. General
public take note.
EMMANUEL-EKPOTT: I, formerly
Peace Emmanuel-Ekpott, now wish
to be addressed as Peace Oboghor.
All former documents remain
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ENYAGBERUE: I, formerly Bless-
ing Uche Enyagberue, now wish to
addressed as Blessing Uche
Omokaro .All former documents
remain valid ,general public note
ESAN: I, formerly Mis Esan Ol-
ubunmi Glady’s, now wish to be ad-
dressed as Mrs. Adeyemi Olubunmi
Glady’s. All former documents re-
main valid. General public take
note.
EZEIKE: I, formerly known as Rose-
line Chikodili Ezeike, now wish to
be addressed as Okonkwo Roseline
Chikodili. All former documents re-
main valid. Banks, general public
note.
GABRIEL: I, formerly Rejoice
Chinyere Gabriel, now wish to be
addressed as Rejoice Chinyere
Uchechukwu. All former docu-
ments remain valid. General public
take note.
IBEJI: I, formerly Ibeji Emilia
Chioma, now wish to be ad-
dressed as Aniekwensi Emilia
Chioma. All former documents
remain valid. General public take
note.
IGBINOVIA: I, formerly Igbi-
novia Ediri Leonora, now wish to
be addressed as Igbinosa Ediri
Leonora. All former documents
remain valid. General public take
note.
IHEANACHO: I, formerly known
as Miss Iheanacho Progress Ndidi,
now wish to be addressed as Mrs.
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documents remain valid. General
public take note.
IKONG: I, formerly known as
Ikong Magdaline Lihin, now wish
to be addressed as Ikang Magda-
lene Lihin. All former documents
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note.
IYANDA: I, formerly Miss Iyanda
Moyosore Oluwakemi now wish
to be addressed as Mrs Akande
Moyosore Oluwakemi. Former
documents remain valid. Public
take note.
JIMOH: I, formerly known as
Jimoh Abidemi Oziohu, now wish
to be addressed as Osoba Abidemi
Oziohu. All former documents re-
main valid. General public take
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MOMODU: I, formerly known as
Momodu Omosuzi Theodorah
now wish to be addressed as Ade-
banjiOmosuzi Theodorah. All for-
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NDUAGWUIKE: I, formerly
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NDUAGWUIKE: I, formerly
known as Mr. Kennedy Chi-
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NIL: I, formerly known as Sodiq
NiL Dolapo now wish to be ad-
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NKENNOR: I, formerly known as
Ngozi Ijeoma Nkennor, now wish
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NWAGWU: I, formerly Miss
Nwagwu Sophia Onyinyechi, now
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NWAJAMES: I, formerly Miss Di-
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Public note
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ald Kelechi Nwanjor, now wish to
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OGUNMODEDE: I, formerly
Ogunmodede Evelyn Oluranti,
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OHACHO: I, formerly Perpetua
Ebunoluwa Ohacho, now wish to
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OKAIWELE: I, formerly Miss Okai-
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OKE: I, formerly Oke Joseph Ade-
bayo, now wish to be addressed as
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OKI: I, formerly known as Ethel
Ebikurai Oki, now wish to be ad-
dressed as Ethel Ebikurai Adugbo.
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OKOBO: I, formerly Okobo Onye-
buchi Joshua, now wish to be
known as Dinwoke Onyebuchi
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OKUNADE: I, formerly Miss Oku-
nade Oluwaseun Abejide now
wish to be addressed as Mrs Ajew-
ole Oluwaseun Abejide. All former
documents remain valid. General
public take note.
OKUREKA: I, formerly Miss
Sheidu Sefinat Okureka, now wish
to be addressed as Mrs. Sheidu Se-
finat Okureka. All former docu-
ments remain valid. General
public take note.
OLADIMEJI: I, formerly Adeola
Helen Oladimeji now wish to be
addressed as Adeola Helen Ekun-
dayo. All former documents re-
main valid. General public take
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OLADIMEJI: I, formerly Oyin-
damola Deborah Oladimeji now
wish to be addressed as Oyin-
damola Deborah Oyerinde. All for-
mer documents remain valid.
Public note
OLADIPUPO: I, formerly
Oladipupo Rofiat Abosede, now
wish to be addressed as Oyeleye
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ments remain valid. General pub-
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OLUDELE: I, formerly Oludele
Omotunde Elizabeth, now wish to
be addressed as Oniosun Omo-
tunde Elizabeth. All former docu-
ments remain valid. General
public take note.
ONIME: I, formerly known as
Miss Osaseivie Emmanuela
Onime, now wish to be addressed
as Mrs Osaseivie Emmanuela
Obaseki. All former documents re-
main valid. General public note
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Onozefe Roseline Ifeoma now
wish to be addressed as Mrs.
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Public take note.
ONUORAH: I, formerly Miss On-
uorah, Odinakachukwu
Kosaruchukwu, now wish to be as
Mrs. Nelson-Agu, Odinakachukwu
Kosaruchukwu. All former docu-
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lic note.
ONYEOGUZORO: I, formerly
Mrs. Onyeoguzoro Uchechi Mary,
now wish to be addressed as Mrs.
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public take note.
ORUREMU: I, formerly Miss Faith
Ufuoma Oruremu, now wish to be
addressed as Mrs Faith Ufuoma El-
Bethel. Former documents re-
main valid. IMC Plantations Ltd &
public take note.
OSA-AIGBOVBIOSA: I, formerly
Miss Osa-Aigbovbiosa Erevbenagie
Blessing, now wish to be ad-
dressed as Mrs Aghwaritefe
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documents remain valid. General
public take note
OSAZIWOLO: I, formerly, Osazi-
wolo Goodluck Oseremen, now
wish to be addressed as Aitaeg-
bebhunu Oseremen Goodluck. All
former documents remain valid.
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OSHILAJA: Formerly Adenuga
Oluwajomiloju Surajudeen, and
Animashaun Oluwafirepemi
Faizol now Oshilaja Oluwa-
jomiloju Surajudeen, and Oshilaja
Oluwafirepemi Faizol. Former doc-
uments remain valid. Public take
note.
OWOLABI: I, formerly Miss.
Oluwaseun Deborah Owolabi now
wish to be addressed as Mrs.
Oluwaseun Deborah Adeyoyin.
Former documents remain valid.
Public take note
OZOGO: l, formerly known as
Ozogo Bolanle, now wish to be ad-
dressed as Usideme Bolanle. All
former documents remain valid.
General public take note.
POPOOLA: I, formerly known as
Popoola Elizabeth now wish to be
addressed as Popoola Elizabeth
Nike. Former documents re-
mained valid, public note
RACHAEL: I, formerly Egbo Ngozi
Rachael, now wish to be addressed
as Egbo Ngozi Jemima. All former
documents remain valid. Banks
and General public take note
SAMUEL: I, formerly known as
Miss Akhere Maris Samuel now
wish to be addressed as Miss Maris
Akhare Nosakhare. Former docu-
ments remain valid. Public take
note
SANGOLADE: I, formerly Sango-
lade Oluwaseun Elizabeth, now
wish to be addressed as Mrs Ader-
into Oluwaseun Elizabeth. All for-
mer documents remain valid.
General public take note.
SANYA: I, formerly known as Ola-
subomi Aruleshola Sanya, now
wish to be addressed as Mrs. Ola-
subomi Olatokunbo Davies. All for-
mer documents remain valid.
General public note.
SHOBOWALE: I, formerly Victoria
Abimbola Shobowale, now wish to
be addressed as Victoria Abimbola
Shogbesan. All former documents
remain valid. General public take
note.
SODEINDE: I, formerly Miss. Deb-
orah Ayotunde Sodeinde, now
wish to be addressed as Miss. Deb-
orah Ayotunde Shittu. All former
documents remain valid. General
public take note.
SOILE: I, formerly Miss Soile Mon-
surat Tolulope, now wish to be ad-
dressed as Mrs Tijani Monsurat
Tolulope. All former documents re-
mains valid. General public take
note.
UGOCHUKWU: I, formerly
Miss Ogbonna Blessing Chiamaka,
now wish to be addressed as Mrs
Ugochuwku Blessing Chiamaka.
Documents bearing former names
remain valid. Public note.
UGONMA: I, formerly known as
Miss Joy Uba Ugonma.now wish to
be addressed as Mrs Joy Bright
Onome. All former Documents re-
main valid. General public take
note
UNUAMHO: I, formerly Un-
uamho Mercy Onosorere now
wish to be addressed as Mrs Olayi-
wola Mercy Onosorere. All former
documents remain valid. Authori-
ties, general public note.
WRIGLEE: I, formerly Wriglee Roy
Acain, now wish to be addressed as
Wriglee Roy Acain Ibirogba. All for-
mer documents remain valid.
General public take note.
THE GUARDIAN, Saturday, July 29, 2023 | 31

www.guardian.ng
NFF Officials Fault Gusau’s Defence of Sanusi’s $10,000 Monthly Salary
S OME members of staff of the Nigeria
Football Federation (NFF) are not satis-
fied with Ibrahim Gusau’s recent defence of
the $10,000 monthly salary being paid to
the General Secretary of the federation,
Mohammed Sanusi.
They have berated Gusau for his alleged
insensitivity to the plight of other staff of
the NFF and members of some of the
national teams, accusing the secretariate of
either shortchanging them or not paying
them at all.
One angry staff, who spoke to journalists
in Abuja, claimed that at the NFF secretariat
as at date, staff salary is in arrears.
Sports
There were mixed reactions from Nigerians
after it was revealed that the NFF Secretary,
Sanusi, earns his monthly salary in US dollars
contrary to Nigerian law that clearly stipulates
naira as the only legal means of exchange or
payment of emoluments.
Some NFF staffers at the football house won-
dered at the level of mediocrity exhibited by
the federation’s president in his reply to earlier
reports while defending Sanusi’s monthly
salary in US dollars.
The angry staff claimed that Sanusi was or still
is a Federal civil servant, who was seconded
from the sports ministry to the NFF.
“Either way, the law is very clear. No public offi-
cial or staff of the NFF that enjoys statutory
government allocation can pay any staff in
foreign currency.
“It is wrong of Gusau to justify payment of
$10,000 which, if converted to naira, is N8
million per month. Is Sanusi an expatriate
staff?” the NFF staff queried.
Gusau had earlier defended his very recent
appointments of board members for all the
football league bodies in Nigeria, saying that
he derived his powers from the NFF Statute.
Gusau said: “Having read through the NFF
statute, there is no place where it states cate-
gorically the procedure, qualifications and
how the boards of the Leagues must be con-
stituted. Nowhere! And the same statute, in
Article 85, gives the executive committee the
power to have a final decision on any matter
not provided for in the same statutes or in
case of force majeure.
“This was the provision that gave the board
the power to appoint the recently constitut-
ed boards of the various leagues. So, the
board has not flouted any law in setting up
the various league boards that has made
George Aluo chairman of the Nigeria
National League (NNL), Silas Agara, chairman
of the Nigeria Nationwide League and Nkechi
Obi, the boss of the Nigeria Women Football
League,” Gusau had stated.

NFF Waiting For FIFA Grant To Pay Super

ICC U-19 Men’s Cricket World Cup Qualifiers Falcons’ Outstanding Allowances
A T Last, Nigeria Wins
After Poor Start In
Tanzania
Daniel Gim, Coach of the
Nigerian side, said that
there had been anxiety
16 runs respectively, as the
other double figures for
Nigeria to set the team up
every game left now, at least
for respect’s sake. I think the
confidence from this win
By Alex Monye

By Christian Okpara
Nigeria’s Under 19 Cricket
male team Junior Yellow-
Green won their first game
at the ongoing qualifiers for
the ICC U19 Men’s Cricket
World Cup in Dar-es-
Salaam, Tanzania, after two
successive defeats in their
opening three games.
The team fell to Sierra
Leone and Uganda in their
first two encounters, before
scrapping up a 42-run victo-
ry over hosts, Tanzania, to
soothe disappointed fans,
who had banked on a
bright outing for the team
owing to their pre-tourna-
ment ranking.
among the players who felt
that they have bungled
their chance and the expec-
tations back home.
“There was pressure after
the two losses; and this win,
I believe, will boost their
confidence and help them
chart a new focus for the
remaining games.”
A brilliant batting effort
from Solomon Chilemaya
paved the way for Nigeria’s
victory. He had 66 runs (not
out) off 80 balls, an effort
that also stabilized the
crumbling batting order, in
the first inning. Damian
Okeke and Ridwan
Abdulkareem posted 15 and
for a 149 total in the counter.
In the second innings,
Nigeria was able to curtail
the East African line-up to a
107 all-out in 48 overs.
Endurance Ofem, the play-
er’s representative on the
Nigeria Cricket Federation
(NCF) board, believes that
the players might not meet
the expectations in the per-
formance so far, but the
team has shown dedica-
tion.
“It is obviously a difficult
playing condition there and
not the kind of result the
players hoped for. Hence
there is pressure for the
team to raise the stake for
against Tanzania will propel
them further,” he said.
Nigeria’s next two games
are against Kenya and
Namibia today and tomor-
row respectively, with the
only chance left for the
World Cup spot lying solely
on other teams faltering in
their already established
leadership on the log.
The Qualifier is for the ICC
U19 Men’s Cricket World
Cup billed for Sri Lanka in
2024 and Nigeria, Uganda,
Sierra Leone, Namibia,
Tanzania, and Kenya are
vying for a sole slot from the
event. The event would be
concluded tomorrow.
T HE Nigeria Football
Federation (NFF) has dis-
closed that it would pay all
Super Falcons’ outstanding
allowances once it gets the
grants FIFA promised all the
national teams participat-
ing in the ongoing Women’s
World Cup holding in
Australia and New Zealand.
Speaking from Australia
yesterday, NFF’s Director of
Media and
Communications, Ademola
Olajire, admitted that the
federation still owed some
of Super Falcons’ bonuses,
which accrued before the
World Cup, explaining that
the body was going through
severe financial problems.
“None of the teams in the
ongoing FIFA Women’s
World Cup have been paid
allowances because FIFA has
not disbursed any money.
We have not paid the bonus-
es for some of the friendly
games played in preparation
for the World Cup because
we don’t have enough
money.
“The NFF needs more
money to administer foot-
ball in Nigeria because man-
aging over nine national
teams requires a lot of
money. The NFF has not been
finding it easy, but as soon as
FIFA releases money for
teams at the World Cup, we
will settle the players’ bonus-
es.”
 TheGuardian Sports
Ahead Budapest 2023 World Championships
Long Wait For Tobi Amusan’s
Clearance By AIU Unsettles Nigerians
By Gowon Akpodonor
T HE provisional suspen-
sion of reigning world
100m hurdles record holder,
Tobi Amusan, is unsettling
Nigerians, particularly top
officials of the Athletics
Federation of Nigeria (AFN),
as the Budapest 2023 World
The quartet of Favour Ashe, Kayinsola Ajayi, Alaba Akintola and Godson Brume after picking the ticket to Budapest at Warri Grand Prix, Asaba
I’m Glad Our Efforts Paid Off, Says Godson Brume
By Gowon Akpodonor
A FTER anchoring Nigeria’s
men’s 4x100m team to
qualify for Budapest 2023
World Championships,
United States-based sprinter,
Godson Brume, declared that
he is glad their efforts were
rewarded in a big way.
The Nigerian men’s 4x100m
relay team sped to a 38.26sec-
onds finish at the Warri
Grand Prix at the Stephen
Keshi Stadium, Asaba, on
Thursday to qualify for next
month’s World Athletics
Championships in Budapest,
Hungary.
The time is the fastest
returned by a Nigerian team
in over 10 years, as the quartet
of Favour Ashe, Kayinsola
Ajayi, Alaba Akintola and
Godson Oghenebrume
Championships draws clos-
er.
Athletics Integrity Unit
(AIU) handed Amusan provi-
sional suspension for three
whereabouts failures.
The Nigerian has dropped
from third last week to 11th
position in world ranking, as
• Praises AFN Over 4x100m Relay Team’s Qualification To Budapest
raised hopes of a possible
podium finish in Budapest.
The last time a Nigerian team
ran faster was in 2004, when
the quartet of Olusoji Fasuba,
Uchenna Emedolu, Aaron
Egbele and Deji Aliu sped to a
38.23seconds finish to win a
bronze medal at the Athens
2004 Olympics in Greece.
The ticket came after three
unsuccessful attempts in
Lome, Togo; Lagos, Nigeria
and Cotonou, Republic of
Benin.
Brume told The Guardian
that he was so excited they
got their baton exchange
right at the Warri Grand Prix,
used by the Athletics
Federation of Nigeria (AFN)
and Delta State Government
she has not been able to
compete since she ran 12.35
seconds at the Istvan Guylai
Memorial in Szekesfehervar,
Hungary, on July 18.
An AFN official, who attend-
ed the Warri Grand Prix at
the Stephen Keshi Stadium,
Asaba, on Thursday, told The
to honour former Secretary
General of the Supreme
Council for Sports in Africa,
Dr. Awoture Eleyae, who died
last week in Benin City, Edo
State.
Brume commended AFN
President, Tonobok Okowa,
Technical Director, Samuel
Onikeku and the coaching
crew, which has Seigha
Porbeni, Tony Osheku and sev-
en-time Nigeria 100m queen,
Endurance Ojokolo, for their
roles in the success.
Published by The Guardian Group, Rutam House, Isolo, Lagos Tel: 01-4489600
Abuja Office: Plot 415 Olu Awotesu Street, Off Idris Ibrahim Crescent, Off Obafemi Awolowo Way,
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All correspondence to Guardian Newspapers Limited, P.M.B. 1217, Oshodi, Lagos, Nigeria.
Editor:
KABIR ALABI GARBA
Saturday, July 29, 2023
Guardian that it would be a
setback for Nigeria to go to
Budapest without Amusan.
“It is a long wait for some of
us in the AFN because we
need Tobi Amusan in Team
Nigeria’s squad for the trip
to Budapest. But as it is now,
the AIU has not met to dis-
“We are also grateful for the
morale support and encour-
agement by Chief Solomon
Ogba and everyone who
made this qualification possi-
ble. I am looking forward to a
successful outing in
Budapest,” Brume stated.
While the duo of Godson
Brume and Favour Ashe are
expected to depart for their
base in the United States on
Monday, Alaba Akintola has
decided to train in Nigeria for
the World Championship.
E-mail:Letters@guardian.ng; www.guardian.ng
• ABC (ISSN NO 0189-5125)
NFF Staff Fault Gusau’s
Defence of Sanusi’s PAGE 31
$10,000 Monthly Salary
cuss her suspension. We
don’t know when the three-
man panel will sit and the
World Championship is fast
approaching,” the official
said.
The Guardian learnt that
AIU has sent out letters invit-
ing its members from vari-
Afrobasket Championship
D’Tigress Beat DR Congo 69-35 In
Opening Game, Meet Egypt Tomorrow
By Alex Monye
R EIGNING champions of
the ongoing Women’s
Afrobasket Championship,
Nigeria’s D’Tigress, yester-
day, in Kigali, Rwanda, start-
ed their title defence on a
good note, beating
Democratic Republic of
Congo 69-35 in the opening
group game.
D’Tigress put up a 16-8 point
lead at the end of the first
ous countries over
Amusan’s issue, but no date
was given.
Another official, has howev-
er, advised the AFN to put
behind Tobi Amusan’s issue
and focus on its preparation
for the World
Championship saying:
“Unless a miracle happens, I
feel it might be difficult for
Tobi to escape it.”
The World Championship
in Budapest will run from
August 19 to 27.
Meanwhile, Long jumper,
Ese Brume, who is still recov-
ering from illness, has
dropped from third in the
long jump, last week, to
sixth following the latest
ranking released on Tuesday.
The World indoor and out-
door silver medalist has
been having an indifferent
season since she jumped
6.81m in Chorzów, Poland,
early last month.
The 27-year-old has not even
jumped 6.7m since then,
and her 6.07m leap at the
Raiffeisen Austrian Open in
Eisenstadt, Austria, on
Wednesday, was her lowest
mark since her 5.95m jump
at the Warri Relays, Delta
State, in July 2015.
However, her mother, Adaka
Sally, a former athlete, is
optimistic that the long
jumper will make a great
impact in Budapest.
quarter. DR Congo fought
back in the second quarter,
but the Nigerians widened
the gap by a 13-10 margin,
thereby establishing an 11-
point lead at the halftime
break.
With a 14-point lead in the
final quarter, D’Tigress did
not relent as they recorded a
massive 69-35 victory.
The team will play their
next game against Egypt
tomorrow.
Speaking with The
Guardian, yesterday, NBBF
Media Committee member,
Maxwell Kumoye, said that
the victory has given the
girls the confidence to excel
at the championship.