Again, Zenith

PAGE 26
Tinubu To Attend
Named Nigeria’s Inauguration Of Senegal’s
Best Bank President-elect PAGE 18

TUESDAY 2 APRIL 2024 FOR GOD AND COUNTRY

NIGERIA’S MOST INFLUENTIAL NEWSPAPER

N300 | www.leadership.ng |No. 4,338 | Leadership Newspapers

BRIEFING: Trending: Troops destroy terrorists’den, exhume bodies in Imo Numbers: ‘94% of property in Lagos have no legal titles’ History Today PAGE 2

Electricity Tariff May Rise As FG Raises Gas Price For GenCos

BY NSE ANTHONY-UKO, Abuja
The federal government yesterday
bowed to pressure from gas produc-
ers and announced an increase in
the wholesale price of gas-to-pow-
er generating companies (GenCos)
by 11 per cent, from $2.18 per mil-
lion British thermal unit (MMBTU)
to $2.42/MMBTU.
The gas companies have been
clamouring for an increase in the
wholesale gas-to-power prices in
view of the rise in the price of gas
in the international market.
The increase would raise the
cost of power generation as gas is a
major fuel-for-power plants in the
country as thermal power plants cur-
rently account for 80 per cent of the
power generation.
Also, the increase will also raise
the subsidy the federal government
will now have to pay for electrici-
ty consumers unless they allow the
market to charge a full cost-reflec-
tive tariff.
The gas companies had since
January this year reduced supply
PAGE 7

Political Parties Back Governor Sani Over Debt Disclosure PAGE 7

AMBASSADORIAL LIST… Fraudsters

Experts Raise Concern Now Exploit

QR Codes,
NITDA Warns

Over Delayed Posting 4 PAGE 26

FRSC Orders
Probe As 13
It’s dangerous to leave foreign missions vacant – Ex-envoys Say delay affecting foreign Die In Kogi
investments, national interests ‘It’s the prerogative of Mr President’ Multiple
Crash
PAGE 7

We're Awaiting
Report On
Looting
Of Kebbi
Palliatives
– Police
PAGE 4

Low Crude
Output:
Nigeria Losing
Oil Buyers To
US
Governor of Kano State, Abba Kabir Yusuf, hosting physically challenged persons and orphan population to Iftar, at the Government House Kano, at the weekend. PAGE 25
2 NEWS Tuesday, April 2, 2024

PAGE 2

TH TO
AY
OF PHO
ED
TRENDING
Troops of the 34
Artillery Brigade
of the Nigerian
Army, Obinze,
Owerri, have
destroyed the
den of notorious
terrorists led by
one Monday Ogu
popularly called
‘B44’. The troops HAVING FUN IN THE
also exhumed SPIRIT OF EASTER
corpses
believed to be A cross section of children
the terrorist’s and their parents having
fun as part of the Easter
victims, buried
celebration along Ikotun
in shallow Isolo road in Lagos,
graves near the yesterday. PHOTO BY
den, at Ezioha KOLAWOLE ALIU
Community in

We Want To Return To Our Ancestral

Mbaitoli Local
Government
Area of Imo BACK STORY OF
THE DAY
Lands –Bishop Matawal
State.

NUMBERS: BY ACHOR ABIMAJE,Jos

A
94 PERCENT
head of this year’s camps are active in the communities in order to en- Visiting Bokkos LGA
Stakeholders stadium, I observed that one
farming season, three LGAs. Plateau indig- able the safe return of vic-
in the building enous people are industrious tims of all violent attacks. of the IDPs camp was anx-
farmers in Plateau
industry have State anxiously hope they and self-reliant; they prefer I learnt that the aim is to iously waiting to go back
disclosed that can return to their farms, earning their livelihoods streamline efforts toward to their ancestral homes to
94 per cent of following moves by Gover- rather than depending on resettling all displaced in- continue with their farming
property in nor Caleb Mutfwang to re- handouts. It is also believed dividuals within the state. activities provided the en-
Lagos State do settle Internally Displaced that the displaced persons Governor Mutfwang em- vironment is safe for them.
not have legal Persons (IDPs) on their an- should not stay too long in phasised the importance of Meanwhile, Bishop Ayu-
titles. cestral lands. their camps else the invad- providing sustainable liveli- ba Matawal, the chairman
Over 20,000 IDPs were ers will permanently take hoods and ensuring food se- Welfare Committee of the
NIGERIANS IN in various camps in Mangu over their lands and houses, curity, highlighting ongoing Displaced Persons in Bok-
,Bokkos and Barkin Ladi hence the urgent need for the House Rayfield, Jos. collaboration with agricul- kos LGA, told me that over
DIASPORA: He outlined the state's 18,000 persons were dis-
Local Government Area state government to quickly tural stakeholders, vigilan-
ADEOYE resettle them in their com- commitment to reclaiming tes, and hunters to enhance placed following the attacks
(LGA) of the State follow-
OWOLEWA ing the December 25th 2023 munities. abandoned lands and ad- security for farmers. on several communities in
Adeoye Owolewa attacks allegedly carried out Mutfwang stated this in dressing economic challeng- In his remarks, Laurent the area recently. Matawal
is a Nigerian by Fulani herdsmen. Over his remarks during a cour- es exacerbated by insecurity. De Boeck reiterated the or- lamented that most of the
American 200 persons were killed and tesy visit by the Missions of Governor Mutfwang ganisation's dedication to Displaced Persons are farm-
politician, thousands displaced with the United Nations Interna- sought partnership with the assisting displaced persons. ers and they would love to
pharmacist, and their means of livelihood tional Organisation for Mi- International Organization He pledged support to miti- return back to their ances-
a member of destroyed in the process. gration, Nigeria, Leurnt De for Migration to facilitate gate crime and unnecessary tral homes as the farming
the Democratic Currently, 16 IDPs Boeck, at the Government the rebuilding of destroyed migration in Plateau State. season is fast approaching.
Party (one of
the two major
contemporary
political parties
Maimuna’s Memoir SEVEN TIPS : ON HOW TO BALANCE TWO JOBS
Here are helpful tips on how to balance working two jobs at once.
in the United REVIEW YOUR EMPLOYMENT CONTRACTS
States). If you already have a full-time job and want to take on a

HISTORY TODAY
Driving On Nigerian Roads:Like second one, check your current employment contract or
talk to human resources so you have a clear understanding
On this day April A Bat Out Of Hell. of a company's expectations.
2 1956, ‘As the ry pothole and he was forced to KEEP YOUR SCHEDULES SEPARATE
World Turns’ and tag along because he was driv- Make sure to avoid overlap between your roles so you can
‘The Edge of ing directly behind me. Sud- give your full attention to each position and its responsi-
Night’ premiered denly, he finds his opportunity bilities. Otherwise, you may impact your productivity if tion of your days and weeks, so you use your free time as
on CBS. The two He shook his fist when the other car on my other you spend a portion of your time at one job performing efficiently as possible.
soaps became side makes an exit off the high- or thinking about the work of the other.
the first daytime
through the window way. He happily drove past me ASK FOR SUPPORT
dramas to debut to yell at me, “I go like a bat out of hell, the force FOLLOW A CONSISTENT SCHEDULE Working two jobs can mean working 80 hours a week or
in the 30-minute drive!” of his speed shaking my vehi- Once you have your work schedules sorted, take the time atypical schedules, such as nights and weekends. As a
format cle. As if on second thoughts, he to schedule for your personal needs. A consistent sleep result, you may have less time for some of your personal
slowed down and waited for me schedule, for example, ensures you get enough rest to responsibilities, interests and hobbies. If you find yourself
to catch up. And once we were wake up refreshed and ready to perform your jobs. requiring extra support, ask friends or family.
SCHOOL side by side, he shook his fist
CHILDREN IN through the window to yell at LOOK FOR FLEXIBILITY
It would seem the car on HAVE A CLEAR GOAL
CAPTIVITY me, “I go drive!” I didn't hear Try to find job options that offer a more flexible schedule, You likely have a specific reason behind your decision
BETHEL BAPTIST my other side was not allowing
the remaining insults that fol- or discuss these possibilities with your employers. to work two jobs. For example, having two jobs might
HIGH SCHOOL, him overtake me. Rather than
lowed those three words before allow you to earn or save up money toward a financial
swerving dangerously, I was
KUJAMA’S he once more stepped on the ac- USE YOUR TIME EFFICIENTLY goal. Whatever your reasoning, keep it in mind as you
intent on driving through eve-
kidnapped celerator and sped off. Having two full-time jobs can take up a significant por- manage each role.
students have Maimuna’s Memoir is an original work of fiction by LEADERSHIP to
spent 1,069 days encourage and support work ethics. Culled from:www.indeed.com
in captivity.
As part of ongoing efforts to improve standards, opinion articles by readers will be accompanied with photographs and also what the writer does and actual address.
All opinions should be emailed to: opinion@leadership.ng

our stand
World Autism Day: Breaking Barriers, Fostering Inclusion
A
pril 2nd marks
World Autism
Awareness Day,
an internationally
recognised event dedicated
to raising awareness about
Autism Spectrum Disorder
(ASD) and promoting
acceptance and understanding
of individuals affected by the
ailment.
As we observe this important
day this year which has as
its theme "Moving from
Surviving to Thriving: Autistic
Individuals Share Regional
Perspectives," it is crucial to
reflect on the progress made
and the work that remains to
be done in Nigeria and across
the globe.
It is instructive to note
that autism is a complex
developmental disorder that
affects communication, social
interaction, and behavior. It
is a lifelong condition with a
wide range of symptoms that
can vary greatly in severity,
impacting individuals from
all ethnic and socioeconomic
backgrounds.
Early diagnosis and
intervention are crucial, as
they can significantly improve
outcomes for those with ASD.
However, in Nigeria,
the prevalence of autism
is estimated to be 1 in 88
children, according to the
World Health Organization
(WHO), and many cases go
undiagnosed or misdiagnosed
due to a lack of awareness and
understanding.
The statistics surrounding
autism in Nigeria are alarming.
Parents and healthcare
workers often fail to detect
autism early in children, and
in some cases, it is only when
speech impediments arise that
concerns are raised.
This delay in diagnosis
and intervention can have
devastating consequences,
depriving children of the
support and services they need
to reach their full potential.
Furthermore, the lack
of resources and services
available for individuals with
autism and their families in
Nigeria creates significant
financial and logistical barriers
Tuesday, Apirl 2, 2024 3
which tend to exacerbate the a concerted effort from all their families.
challenges they face. stakeholders, including Negative perceptions and
In the considered opinion government at all levels, a lack of understanding can
of this newspaper, the lack of healthcare professionals, lead to exclusion from society,
awareness and understanding educators, and the broader impacting mental health and
about autism in Nigeria is a society. limiting access to education,
pressing issue that must be The federal government employment, and other
addressed. and private sector must opportunities.
In some rural areas, autism increase their investment in To this extent, therefore,
is still perceived as a "demonic autism research and services. it becomes imperative that
disease" or the result of This includes allocating more the rest of us join forces to
witchcraft, highlighting the funding for research to better promote positive portrayals
need for widespread education understand the causes and of individuals with autism
and sensitisation. effective interventions for in the media and advocate
Experts have outlined autism, as well as providing for policies and programs
various symptoms to watch for, more resources and support that foster inclusion and
including limited eye contact, for families affected by the accessibility for those with
repetitive behaviors (such condition. disabilities.
as arm flapping), tantrums, Additionally, healthcare World Autism Awareness
limited speech, and, in some professionals must receive Day serves as a powerful
cases, exceptional intelligence adequate training in the reminder of the need for
coupled with difficulty in diagnosis and treatment collective action and a shift in
social interactions. of autism, enabling them societal attitudes. It is a call to
It is encouraging to note to identify and support move beyond mere survival
that with early detection and individuals on the spectrum for individuals with autism
appropriate management, effectively. and create an environment in
many autistic children can Furthermore, it is imperative which they can thrive.
lead fulfilling and productive that we address the stigma This requires a
lives. and discrimination faced by comprehensive approach,
However, this requires individuals with autism and involving awareness
campaigns, education
initiatives, policy reforms,
and the provision of adequate
support services.
Asweobservethissignificant
EDITOR: Ekele Peter Agbo day, it is important for us to
renew our commitment to
understanding, inclusion, and
empowerment for individuals
with autism in Nigeria and
FOUNDING CHAIRMAN around the world.
Sam Nda-Isaiah (1962 - 2020) By working together, we
can break down barriers,
CHAIRMAN: Zainab Nda-Isaiah challenge misconceptions,
and ensure that every person,
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: Azu Ishiekwene regardless of their abilities or
difficulties has the opportunity
DIRECTORS: Mike Okpere
to reach their full potential and
Muazu Elazeh
live a life of dignity, respect, and
Abraham Nda-Isaiah
fulfillment.
It is time to move from
awareness to action, from
survival to thriving, and to
embrace the diversity that
LEADERSHIP is a national paper symbolically autism represents. Let us
embedded in the nation’s capital. celebrate the unique strengths
We shall stand up for good governance. We shall and perspectives of individuals
defend the interest of Nigerian people even against on the autism spectrum and
their rulers, and we shall raise our pen at all times create a society that values and
in defence of what is right. These are the values by supports them.
which we intend to be assessed. Together, we can create a world
where autism is understood,
We shall never, ever for any reason forget the noble accepted, and embraced, and
reason of our coming into being: where every individual has the
For God and Country! chance to shine.
4 NEWS
Ambassadorial List… Experts Raise
Concern Over Delayed Posting
BY INNOCENT ODOH, Abuja
The Nigerian diplomatic turf ap-
pears to be in a state of uncertainty
following the delay in the appoint-
ment of substantive heads of Nigeri-
an foreign missions in the positions
of ambassadors and high commis-
sioners with possible implications.
While it is not clear from the go-
vernment of President Bola Ah-
med Tinubu about the reasons for
the delay since the heads of missi-
ons were recalled in September last
year, some retired Nigerian ambas-
sadors and experts in international
relations have reacted to this deve-
lopment.
The Ministry of Foreign Af-
fairs, at the time of filing this re-
port, had not officially reacted to
LEADERSHIP’s request as to why
the government is delaying the re-
lease of the ambassadorial list and
subsequent deployment of the en-
voys to Nigeria’s various missions.
However, a source within the Mini-
stry told our correspondent on Sun-
day that the matter rests absolutely
with the Presidency.
Speaking to LEADERSHIP
yesterday, a former permanent se-
cretary of the Ministry of Foreign
Affairs, Ambassador Martin Uho-
moibhi, said ambassadors and high
commissioners are the highest of-
ficers at the diplomatic missions and
it was not a good idea to “leave the
foreign missions vacant for long be-
cause of the serious implications it
might have regarding how the nati-
on is rated within the comity of na-
tions”.
He added that “if our diploma-
cy must achieve the desired results,
then the earlier the substantive am-
bassadors are appointed to replace
the ones that have been recalled the
better.”
Also speaking to LEADERSHIP
yesterday, former permanent secre-
tary of the Ministry of Foreign Af-
fairs, who served as one time en-
voy to Ethiopia, Ambassador Bulus
Lolo, explained that the appoint-
ment of ambassadors is the prero-
gative of the President, adding that
no law stipulates when ambassadors
should be appointed after a Presi-
dent assumes office.
He said however that it will serve
Nigeria's national and strategic in-
terest better to have ambassadors in
place in countries where the level
of representation is ambassadorial.
We're Awaiting Report On Looting Of Kebbi Palliatives – Police
BY KABIR WURMA, Birnin Kebbi
Two days after some residents of
Kebbi State attacked vehicles load-
ed with palliatives and a govern-
ment warehouse at Bayan Kara area
of Birnin Kebbi, the state capital, the
state police command is still await-
ing the report on the incident.
This was disclosed yesterday by
the command’s spokesperson SP
Nafi'u Abubakar when LEADER-
“This is because diplomacy is a
rank conscious profession. An am-
bassador is the principal represen-
tative of the President who is a so-
vereign. In all jurisdictions around
the world, the respect accorded an
ambassador is higher than that of a
lower ranking diplomat. Therefore,
a Charge d'Affaires, whether En
Titre or Ad Interim, will not com-
mand the respect that an ambassa-
dor would,” he said.
On the implications, Lolo said
they are two-fold.
“First, for the time that there are
no ambassadors to man Nigeria's di-
plomatic missions abroad, one can
safely presume or even conclude
that access to certain doors, inclu-
ding investment opportunities for
our country, may be circumscribed.
“Second, and this should be of
greater concern to the President Ti-
nubu-led administration; it takes
a minimum of six months for an
average Nigerian ambassadorial
appointee to complete the requisi-
te processes necessary before as-
sumption of office abroad, parti-
cularly for those going to bilateral
missions and, of necessity, need the
consent of the receiving country.
“With eleven months almost gone
in the tenure of the administration, it
means that ambassadors appointed
by the government will have barely
two and a half years to serve. Con-
sidering the time it will take for the
ambassadors to settle down at their
new posts, it stands to reason that
they may probably not serve more
than two productive years before
changes may be made following the
next presidential election in 2027,
and this is what the administration
will need to bear in mind as the Pre-
sident decides on when to announce
the names of his ambassadorial no-
minees,” he said.
Lolo advised the President to ha-
sten in the appointment of ambassa-
dors adding that the longer it takes
for this crucial action to be taken,
the shorter will be the tenure of the
appointees at their duty posts.
Reacting to this development,
former Nigerian High Commissio-
ner to Singapore, Ambassador Og-
bole Ode, told LEADERSHIP that
the nomination, screening, appoint-
ment and deployment of principal
envoys to man Nigeria’s diplomatic
and consular missions abroad follow
a set process.
SHIP contacted him on the number
of suspects arrested in connection
with the incident.
Abubakar said the command was
yet to receive a report from the divi-
sional office of Birnin Kebbi local
government area due to good Friday
and Easter Monday holidays.
The incident occurred last Satur-
day night.
Daly Trust and Punch had report-
ed yesterday that hoodlums, who de-
Tuesday, April 2, 2024
Tinubu
He said, “Some stages in the pro-
cess are out of the control of the sen-
ding state (in this case, Nigeria), es-
pecially, where it concerns seeking
the nod of the receiving state via what
is called the Agrément. This, in in-
ternational affairs, is the agreement
by a state to receive the principal en-
voy of a diplomatic mission from a
foreign country. In this procedure,
the posting (sending) state formal-
ly requests consent, via a demande
d'agréation, from the receiving state
before appointing a principal envoy
to the receiving state.”
He noted that while the current
process had not gotten to this stage,
it is still one of the stages that can be
responsible for considerable delays.
“The nomination list might be
what is causing the current ‘go-slow’,
to use the popular Nigerian street par-
lance. Whilst the relevant rule found
in the Foreign Service Regulations
(FSR) stipulates a ratio of 70% -
30% in favour of career diplomats,
one cannot say with certainty that the
rule is being obeyed in contempora-
ry Nigeria. The spoils of office syn-
drome may be at play.
“Screening of nominees by the re-
levant committee of the upper cham-
ber of the Parliament is still awaiting
us,” he said.
On the implications of the ab-
sence of envoys on Nigeria relati-
ons with other countries and major
global events, the former envoy said
that if it is viewed from the perspec-
tive of continuity in governance, one
may say that not much is lost with
fied security operatives stationed at
the warehouse, also broke into some
private warehouses and shops in the
area and stole food items.
The media houses quoted the
chairman of the food vendors associ-
ation at Bayan Kara Market in Birnin
Kebbi, Muhammadu Gwadangwaji,
as saying that some shops and ware-
houses of traders were also set on fire
by some youths.
LEADERSHIP however gathered
the absence of substantive heads of
Nigeria’s diplomatic missions across
the globe.
He said, however, that when view-
ed from the perspective of diploma-
tic practice that relies heavily on
rank and ranking, it means that the
absence of principal envoys is detri-
mental to Nigeria’s ability to achie-
ve set goals, especially but not limi-
ted to Nigeria’s multilateral missions.
According to him, certain negotia-
tions between countries can only be
held at the level of substantive heads
of missions and any officer of a lower
rank participating in such meetings,
both in representational capacity,
may not be accorded “full credence”
On what President Tinubu must do
in this circumstance, Ode said the
President could hasten the process by
breathing down the neck of all sta-
keholders involved in the nominati-
on process, adding that the screening
process could be fairly laid out and
accomplished ‘tout suite’.
He said, “Deployment of heads of
missions could pose another delay.
Here, it is the prerogative of Mr Pre-
sident on advice from Tafawa Bale-
wa House.
“Passages, i.e passport and visa is-
suance to appointees and their fami-
lies, ticketing, etc, could pose threats
to quick and orderly departure of di-
plomats in general. Here, the foreign
ministry must up its act to stymie the
potential delay points”.
Contributing to the discourse, an
expert in international relations and
a lecturer at the Nigerian Internatio-
yesterday some yet-to-be identified
youths suspected to be miscreants
have attacked vehicles loaded with
bags of rice and other grains meant
for delivery as palliatives to the peo-
ple of Birnin Kebbi local govern-
ment area of the state.
Sources said security operatives,
who swung into action, overpowered
the looters and allowed the vehicles
to move to the designated area.
The palliatives were allegedly di-
nal Institute of Journalism, Abuja, Dr.
Austin Maho said while it is the pr-
erogative of Mr President to have
recalled heads of foreign missions
as he did last year September, it is
wrong to have done so without rea-
dy replacements.
He noted that Nigerians shouldn’t
expect the international communi-
ty to take the nation seriously if they
don't take themselves seriously.
He said “having charge d' affairs
as head of our foreign mission is sup-
posed to be a temporary arrangement,
not one that should exist for this long.
“The implications are grievous;
the strong voice we need to drive
our foreign policy objectives in the
international scene is lacking. Only
recently the minister of foreign af-
fairs launched what it called its 4D
foreign policy objective of Democra-
cy, Demography, Diaspora and Deve-
lopment. How does it intend to drive
it without ambassadors?
“What we have been hearing for
several months now is that Mr Pre-
sident is vetting the list of ambassa-
dorial appointments; I think this is ta-
king too long.
“As long as the list is not over-
whelmed by political jobbers and
hangers-on but career ambassadors,
I believe the Tinubu administration
should as a matter of urgency give
life to our foreign mission by relea-
sing the list of appointments.”
International Constitutional Law
expert, Livingstone Wechie, said
the implications of not having am-
bassadors and high commissioners
are very grave. He said that diplo-
mats mediate and represent the inte-
rests of their home states in other na-
tion, ranging from economy, défense,
climate change, terrorism, global se-
curity, and international politics.
He advised the Tinubu administra-
tion to immediately address this se-
rious diplomatic deficit by appointing
ambassadors from Nigeria failing
which Nigeria's diplomatic credibi-
lity will further cave and slide against
Nigeria’s interest irreparably so.
According to him, the current que-
stion is problematic at a time when
more and more of the world’s pro-
blems, from climate change to mass
migration to terrorism, are transna-
tional in scope and beyond the ca-
pacity of single countries to resolve
alone, and when there is a growing
shift in power away from states and
towards non-state actors.
rected by Governor Nasir Idris to
share in all the 21 LGAs of the state
after he flagged off of the exercise re-
cently held in Birnin Kebbi.
The vehicles attacked were those
owned by the state and others linked
to a major cement firm in the coun-
try.
In a reaction, the Kebbi State gov-
ernment condemned the vandalism
and looting of the food items by the
miscreants.
Tuesday, April 2, 2024 5
6 NEWS Tuesday, Apirl 2, 2024

BRIEFLY

Kano Distributes
6,500 Free
JAMB Forms
BY LONGTONG YAKUBU, Kano

Kano State governor,

Abba Kabir Yusuf, has
commenced the distribution
of free JAMB forms to
6,500 indigenous secondary
schools students in an effort
to create more opportunities
of pursuing tertiary
education.
The spokesperson to
the governor, Sanusi
L-R: Proto-Presbyter, Methodist Church Nigeria (MCN) of Trinity Tinubu, Lagos, The Very Revd. Jonathan Bamidele Osin; Bishop of Trinity Church Council, Tinubu Lagos, Rt. Revd. Dr. Omotayo
Bature Dawakin Tofa in a
Oladipo Babalola; Prelate Methodist Church Nigeria, His Eminence Dr. Oliver Aba Ali; secretary of the conference, Methodist Church Nigeria, Rt. Rev. Dr. Babatunde Abiodun Taiwo and Bishop of
statement made available Evangelism and Discipleship, Methodist Church, Rt. Rev. Offiong Okon Inyang, during the 2024 Easter Sunday Services at MCN in Lagos. PHOTO BY KOLAWOLE ALIU
to newsmen yesterday,

I Don’t Wish My Enemies To Be In Kidnappers’ Den – Edo PDP Chairman

quoted the governor to have
stated that the gesture was a
symbol of his government‘s
unwavering commitment to
invest in the future of the
children in the state.
He said, „We believe
that education is a bedrock
of development and by
empowering our students,
our children would have
access to quality education,
we are laying the foundation
for a prosperous and
sustainable future for our
dear state Kano“.
Police Intercept
Gunman, Recover
AK-47 Rifle
BY OKECHUKWU OBETA,
Awka
A team of anti-crime police
squad of the Anambra State
Police Command has arrested
an adult male and recovered
an AK-47 rifle from him.
The police team intercepted
the man somewhere in
Awada, Idemili North local
government area of the state
carrying a bag on Sunday.
The man, on sighting the
police team, took to his heels
and was chased until he was
caught and overpowered by
the police personnel.
When the bag was
searched, it was found to
contain an AK-47 Rifle with
breech No. 25008266.
The public relations
officer of the Anambra State
Command, superintendent of
police, SP Ikenga Tochukwu
who narrated the incident
in a statement he made
available to newsmen in
Awka yesterday said “search
of database has shown that it
(recovered AK-47 rifle) was
not among firearms on charge
to Anambra State Command.”
BY PATRICK OCHOGA, Benin City
Edo State chairman of the Peoples
Democratic Party (PDP), Anthony
Aziegbemi, has said he doesn‘t
wish anyone to go through the
ordeal he suffered in the hands of
kidnappers.
Aziegbemi stated this on Sunday
evening when the deputy governor,
Philip Shaibu, paid him a visit at his
residence.
The gunmen kidnapped
Aziegbemi close to his house on
March 15 at about 11pm on Idaro
Street, off Country Home Road,
No ‘Sacred Cow’ In Anti-corruption Fight, EFCC Boss Declares
BY EJIKE EJIKE, Abuja
Chairman of the Economic and
Financial Crimes Commission
(EFCC), Mr Ola Olukoyede, has
assured that the anti-graft war that
he is leading will continue to be
broad-based, holistic and unsparing
of anyone linked with any form of
economic and financial crimes.    the mega thieves. As we are doing
He gave the assurance in Abuja at
an Anti-corruption concert organised
to create more awareness and public
involvement in the fight against
internet crimes.
Ahead Of Zonal Meeting, Ikpeazu’s Ex-appointees Join APC
Former appointees of the
immediate governor of Abia State
Okezie Ikpeazu have defected
to the All Progressives Congress
(APC).
Their defection from the Peoples
Democratic Party (PDP) came
yesterday ahead of the zonal
caucus meeting of the APC billed
for today.
They were received into the
party by the minister of state for
labour and employment, Hon.
Nkeiruka Onyejeocha and the
national welfare secretary of the
Benin, Edo State.
Aziegbemi was said to have
left a meeting at the Government
House and was going home in his
vehicle when he was waylaid and
kidnapped in the presence of his
driver who was attempting to climb
a speed breaker.
He was released after spending
11 days in the kidnappers’ den. He
arrived at his home at about 3am
last Tuesday to the waiting arms of
family members who had kept vigil
for his safety throughout his ordeal.
The kidnappers were said to have
asked for N500 million ransom,
EFCC spokesperson, Dele
Oyewale, said the chairman pointed
to the strides being made since he
assumed office a couple of months
ago and reaffirmed his commitment
to an all-embracing, fully-integrated
war against corrupt practices.
According to him, ‘’We will not
spare anyone. We will not spare
the mega, we will also do those
at the lower end. In the last two
months, we have arraigned two
former governors. So, it is not true
that we are only focused on internet
party, Chief Donatus Nwankpa.
Their defection from the PDP to
the APC was announced during a
stakeholders meeting convened at
the instance of the minister in her
country home, Isuochi, Abia State.
Among them were the
immediate past chief of staff to
Ikpeazu, Prof. A. C. B, Agbazuere,
Barr. Eze Chikamnayo, former
information commissioner, Chief
Eze Nwanganga, the commissioner
for public utilities, Chief Sam
Nwogu, former commissioner for
environment.
but it was unclear if he paid for his
release.
Aziegbemi told Shaibu and
members of his entourage the
difficult moments he faced in the
hands of his abductors.
Still shocked as a result of the
ordeal, he said he would not wish
anyone, even his worst enemies,
to go through the ordeal he had in
the kidnappers‘ den, recounting the
trauma and fears he endured during
his captivity.
He said, „I don‘t wish anyone,
even my worst enemies, to go
through the ordeal I went through
fraudsters. Of course, internet
fraud is bad enough but our focus
is on every form of economic and
financial crimes.``
He cautioned youths against
indulgence in internet-related
offences, noting that the
consequences of being convicted for
such crimes are grave.
“Youths need to know that being
ex-convicts has career limitations.
Ex-convicts can’t run for public
offices, the stigma alone is even
terrible. So, I urge you to avoid
internet crimes by all means. Your
Others were Elder Godwin Nna,
former commissioner for commerce,
Chief Uzor Ihuka, the former
commissioner representing Isiala-
ngwa North, Isiala-ngwa South
and Osisioma local government
areas on the board of Abia State
Oil Producing Areas Development
Commission (ASOPADEC) and
key members of the PDP from
the 17 local government and three
senatorial districts of the state.
At the meeting, Onyejeocha, who
addressed the new APC members,
expressed her gratitude for their
in the kidnappers‘ den. The
experience was traumatising and
again, I don‘t wish that for anyone.”
The deputy governor who
disclosed that he had a personal
bond with the Aziegbemis, was full
of excitement, while expressing joy
on his safe return.
He said, „We came to celebrate
Easter with our chairman and
also thank God for his safe return
home from the den of kidnappers.
Don‘t forget I am the godfather to
Aziegbemi‘s twin-babies which
show I have a personal bond with
the Aziegbemis.”
future is more important than any
immediate gains from such crimes”,
he said.
The EFCC boss further said that
the commission under his watch is
deeply interested in giving youths
a glorious and sustainable future
and to this effect, “a Cyber Crime
Research Centre is being planned
in the New Academy of the EFCC.
The centre will involve youths in
in-depth research about the issue
of cybercrime. Their energies will
be deployed towards profitable
engagements.”
choice to join the party, an action
she described as timely.
Onyejeocha said she was
reluctant to convene a meeting since
she assumed office as a minister
because she found herself in a
new work environment and had to
focus on her new assignment before
taking certain decisions.
The minister said she was not just
struck by their large numbers, but
was deeply impressed with the fact
that they all possess the political
credentials to secure victories for
the APC in subsequent elections.

Political Parties Back Governor Sani Over Debt Disclosure
BY AZA MSUE AND NONYE
EKWENUGO, Kaduna
Registered political parties under the
aegis of Inter-Party Advisory Coun-
cil of Nigeria (IPAC) in Kaduna State
have backed Governor Uba Sani in
the debt profile issue of the state and
his dispute with his predecessor,
Malam Nasir El-Rufai.
The chairman, IPAC Kaduna,
Hon. Ahmed Tijjani Mustapha, in a
press conference on Monday joint-
ly signed by him and the secretary,
Hon. Adamu Idris Abubakar, dis-
closed that the debt profile had de-
nied Kaduna State of development.
"The selfish and fraudulent ar-
rangement didn't only deny our
state the means of development and
growth but has made the state finan-
cially embarrassed, which includes
making our State IGR (internally
generated revenue) as collateral to
some indigenous banks".
Governor Sani had, at a town hall
Electricity Tariff May Rise As FG Raises Gas Price For GenCos
FROM COVER
to power plants following years
of unpaid invoices amounting to
over $1.2 billion. The government
intervened last month by paying
$120 million to the companies, as
power supply across the country
dwindled.
However, the federal govern-
ment said the adjustment in gas
prices aligns with the Petroleum
Industry Act, empowering regula-
tory authorities to set prices for the
local market based on internation-
al benchmarks and cost considera-
tions, ensuring adequate gas sup-
FRSC Orders Probe As 13 Die In Kogi Multiple Crash
BY EJIKE EJIKE, Abuja and
AYOBAMI OMOLE-IYAGIN, Lokoja
The corps marshal, Federal Road
Safety Corps, Dauda Ali Biu, has
directed Kogi State sector com-
mander of the corps to commence
a detailed investigation that will
lead to the speedy prosecution of all
the drivers responsible for multiple
road traffic crash that occurred on
Sunday at Obajana market in Kogi
State, where so many people died.
Biu said, "With the recent col-
laboration between the corps, the
Nigeria Bar Association as well as
state judiciaries, the drivers respon-
sible for these occurrences will not
Kano Hospital Board Suspends Accountant, Auditor For Selling HIV Test Kits
BY ABDULMUMIN MURTALA Kano
The executive secretary (ES) Kano
State Hospitals Management Board,
Dr Mansur Nagoda, has announced
the sacking of three officers of Kabo
General Hospital over allegations of
charging patients N12,000 for X-ray
as against the approved hospital
price of N2,000.
The board’s action was contained
in a statement made available to
newsmen in Kano yesterday by
the public relations officer (PRO)
Hospitals Management Board
meeting in Kaduna, said his admin-
istration inherited a huge debt bur-
den of $587 million, N85 billion,
and N115 billion contractual liabili-
ties from the previous administration.
The governor further added that
with the rise in the exchange rate, Ka-
duna State is now paying back almost
triple of what was borrowed by the
previous administration.
IPAC has declared total support
for the governor for his unique trans-
parent leadership.
"Because of the above happen-
ings and as stakeholders in democrat-
ic norms, good leadership, good gov-
ernance and accountability in Nigeria
and Kaduna State, the IPAC in Kadu-
na is in support of His Excellency's
desires of getting our dear state out
of this mess despite the humongous
debt burden on the state government.
"We are highly amazed and proud
of Sani's vision and wisdom with all
this huge debt burden that was eating
deep into the State’s monthly Federal
ply for domestic needs
The government in a notice is-
sued the chief executive, Nigeri-
an Midstream and Downstream
Petroleum Regulatory Authority,
NMDPRA, Engr Farouk Ahmed,
also raised the commercial whole-
sale gas price from $2.42/mmbtu
to $2.92/mmbtu.
The Authority in the notice enti-
tled “Announcement on establish-
ment of the 2024 domestic base
price and applicable wholesale
price of natural gas for strategic
sector”, said the Petroleum Indus-
try Act, 2021, gave it the powers
go scot-free. They are going to be
prosecuted in accordance with the
provisions of the National Road
Traffic Regulations 2012 and those
found guilty will bear the conse-
quences of their actions."
FRSC spokesperson, Jonas
Agwu said preliminary reports in-
dicate that the crash involved a to-
tal of four vehicles, comprising
two Dangote Trucks, one Sharon
bus and one motorbike.
While giving a breakdown of
the crash, ACM Agwu said: "One
of Dangote truck's breaking system
failed while on excessive speed and
crashed into three stationary vehi-
cles, including a bus carrying 12
(HMB), Samira Suleiman.
He also approved the suspension
of the accountant, auditor and head
of laboratory for selling the free
HIV test kits given to facilities by
the state government.
The affected individuals have
also been asked to report to the
Board Headquarters for further
disciplinary actions.
The suspension and sacking of
the staff took place immediately
after conducting an unscheduled
executive supervision visit to the
facility with the team made up of
Tuesday, Apirl 2, 2024
Sani
Allocation of funds and with the state
finding it difficult to pay monthly sal-
aries but he remains resolute and fo-
cused in trying to build a better re-
newed Kaduna State and without
also borrowing a single kobo in the
last nine months of his administra-
tion.”
The group therefore called on the
to set domestic base prices for the
local market.
“Accordingly, after due consul-
tation with key stakeholders and
taking into cognisance the provi-
sions of the PIA, as well as the ga-
zetted Gas Pricing and Domestic
Demand Regulations, the NMD-
PRA hereby establishes the Year
2024 Domestic Base Price as USD
2.42 / MMBTU and wholesale
prices of natural gas in the strate-
gic sector,” it said.
Rising Cost Of Electricity
Subsidy
passengers.
"The impact of the crash result-
ed in a fire outbreak that killed the
12 passengers in the bus and the
motorbike rider. On the whole, the
crash involved 15 people, compris-
ing eight male adults and three fe-
male adults, three male children
and one female child.
"Unfortunately, 13 persons com-
prising six male adults, three male
children, three female adults and
one female child were killed while
the remaining two victims got res-
cued by FRSC operatives without
injuries.
"The 13 victims whose lives
were claimed by the crash were
Executive Secretary HMB, DG
KNCDC Dr. Muhammad Abbas
and the DG of SAKA, Dr. Usman
Bashir.
The team expressed total
dissatisfaction with what they met
on ground and referred to it as an act
of sabotage.
“Three officers of the X-ray
units were caught charging patients
N12,000 for X-ray against the
approved hospital price of N2,000
and no documents to show as
evidence of payment leaving
the facility to carry out less than
governor to, as a matter of urgency, Towns
to constitute a commission of enquiry Abakaliki
into the huge debt burden.
Sack El-Rufai’s Loyalists Now,
AYCF Tells Governor
Meanwhile, northern youth or-
ganisations under the umbrella of
Arewa Youths Consultative Fo-
rum (AYCF), have called on Kadu-
na State governor, Uba Sani, to sack
all loyalists of former governor Na-
sir El-Rufai in his government, alleg-
ing that many of them are informants
planted to sabotage the administra-
tion.
In an interview with LEADER-
SHIP in Kaduna over the debt crisis,
the president of AYCF, Alhaji Yeri-
ma Shettima, commended Gover-
nor Uba Sani for taking a bold step to
build and unite Kaduna state and said
sacking the former governor’s loyal-
ists will pave the way for the present
administration to inject fresh brains
with the high zeal to work.
With the increase in gas price,
the amount of subsidy to be borne
by the federal government will
also increase.
The minister of power, Ade-
bayo Adelabu, had said the feder-
al government already had an out-
standing subsidy obligation of N3
trillion, a situation that stakehold-
ers say is unsustainable.
Electricity subsidy in Nigeria
grew by 22.16 per cent from N528
billion in 2019 to N645 billion in
2023, latest figures from the Nige-
rian Electricity Regulatory Com-
mission, NERC, have shown.
burnt beyond recognition and
their corpses deposited at Special-
ist Hospital, Lokoja."
The FRSC spokesperson said
the corps had also risen up against
these challenges and frantic efforts
are already in place to bring them
to a halt.
The Kogi sector commander, Mr
Samuel Oyedeji told the newsmen
that the sad incident occurred about
7:30 p.m. on Sunday. He said the
accident which involved a com-
mercial Sharon Spacewagon and an
articulated cement truck, occurred
by Obajana Market along Obaja-
na -Lokoja Road in Lokoja Local
Government Area of Kogi.
10 X-ray’s per week despite the
fact that the 2 X-ray batteries are
functional,” the ES HMB said.
He then approved the immediate
dismissal of the three officers on
grounds of excessive extortion of
patients.
Furthermore, Dr Nagoda
explained that the Labour Ward of
the hospital was not in shape, no
bedsheets on the beds, no compound
officer, and equipment donated by a
philanthropist four years ago were
dumped, as well as COVID 19
items donated to the facility.
NEWS 7
#Day 23 – Ramadan Timing
Magrib Alfijir
6:38 ​ 5:14​​​​
Abeokuta 6:59 ​​ 5:34
Abuja/Suleja 6:44 ​​ 5:18
Akure 6:51 5:26
Akwanga/Keffi/Nasarawa 6:40 ​ 5:14​
Auchi 6:47 ​​5:22 ​
Ankpa/Ayangba 6:41 ​ 5:16
Argungu 6:53 ​ 5:26
Azare/Jama’are 6:31 ​ 5:04
Bama 6:17 ​ 4:50
Bauchi/Ningi 6:33 ​ 5:07
Benin 6:49 ​​ 5:25
Bichi 6:39 ​ 5:12​​​
Bida 6:48 ​5:22
Birnin Gwari 6:45 ​ 5:19
B/Kebbi/Gwandu/Jega 6:54 ​ 5:28
Birnin Kudu/Gwaram 6:33 ​5:08
Biu 6:23 ​ 5:00
Calabar 6:38 ​ 5:15
Damaturu 6:24 ​ 5:00
Daura/Dambatta 6:38 ​ 5:12
Dutse 6:35 ​ 5:09
Dutsinma/Jibia​ 6: 43​​ 5:16
Enugu 6:41 ​ 5:19
Funtua/Tsafe​​ 6:43 ​ 5:16
Gombe 6:27 ​ 5:01
Gumi 6:51 ​5:09
Gusau/K/ Namoda
Gwadabawa
Hadejia/Gumel
6:45 ​
6:51 ​
6:33 ​
5:14
5:09​​​
5:07
Ibadan/Ife 6:55 ​ 5:30
Ilesha/Baruba 6:58 ​ 5:32
Ilorin/Kaiama 6:54 ​ 5:28
Jalingo/Lau/Gashaka 6:26 ​​ 5:00
Jere 6:42 ​ 5:16​​
Jos/Saminaka 6:36 ​ 5:10
Kabba 6:48 ​ 5:23
Kafanchan/Kachia 6:39 5: 13
Kafin Maiyaki 6:39 ​ 5:12
Kaduna 6:42 ​ 5:16
Kano 6:38 ​ 5:11
Katsina 6:42 ​ 5:15
Kontagora/Zuru 6:50 ​ 5:24
Lafia 6:39 ​ 5:23​​​
Lagos 6:58 ​ 5:33
Lokoja/Idah 6:45 ​ 5:20
Maiduguri/Mubi/Gwoza 6:18 ​ 4:51
Makurdi 6:38​​ 5:13 ​
Minna 6:46 ​ 5:20
Missau 6:29​​ 5:03 ​
Mokwa/New Bussa 6:53 ​ 5:29
Monguno 6:17 ​​4:50 ​
Nguru/Gashua 6:29 ​​5:02
Ogbomosho 6:55 ​​ 5:30 ​
Okene 6:47 ​​ 5:22
Onitsha 6:44 ​ 5:20
Oyo 6:56 ​ 5:31
Port Harcourt/Owerri 6​ :43 ​ 5:19
Potiskum 6:27 ​ 5:00
Shagamu 6:57​​ 5:32 ​
Sakoto ​ 6:51 ​​ 5:24 ​
Takum/Wukari 6:32 ​5:07
Warri 6:48​​ 5:24 ​
Langtang/Wase Shendam 6:33​ 5:07
Wurno 6:50 ​​ 5:23 ​
Yola/Numan 6:22​​ 5:56 ​
Zaria 6:41 ​​ 5:15​
Cotonou-Benin 7:01​​ 5:37 ​
Ndjamena-Chad​ 6:12 ​​4:37​​
Niamey-Niger​​ 7: 04 ​​5:3​5
Zinder-Niger​​ 6:37​​ 5:08
Garoua-Cameroun​ 6: 18​​ 4:52​​
Yaounde-Cameroun​ 6: 25​​ 5:02
(Source: Society for the Propagation of Islam Kaduna)
Enlightenment
Benefit of Reciting Ayat-ul-Kursi
Narrated Abu Hurairah (May Allah Be Pleased With Him): Allah’s Messenger
(PBUH) ordered me to guard the Zakat revenue of Ramadan. Then somebody
came to me and started stealing of the foodstuff. I caught him and said, “I
will take you to Allah’s Messenger!”Then Abu Hurairah described the whole
narration and said: That person said (to me), “(Please don’t take me to Al-
lah’s Messenger and I will tell you a few words by which Allah will benefit
you). When you go to your bed, recite Ayat-ul-Kursi,
(Q2:255) for then there will be a guard from Allah who will protect you all
night long, and Satan will not be able to come near you till dawn.” (When
the Prophet (PBUH) heard the story) he said (to me), “He (who came to you
at night) told you the truth, although he is a liar; and it was Satan.” SAHIH
AL-BUKHARI, Vol.6, Hadith No.530.
Compiled by Abdulrazaq Yahuza Jere.
8 Tuesday, April 2, 2024
Tuesday, April 2, 2024 9
10 Tuesday, April 2, 2024

Addressing MVNOs’Challenges In Nigeria
BY ROYAL IBEH
The primary duty of the Nigerian
Communications Commission (NCC)
is to create an enabling environment
for competition among operators
in the industry as well as ensuring
the provision of qualitative and
efficient telecommunications services
throughout the country.
Suffice it to say that, as of today,
only four operators (MTN, Airtel,
Glo and 9Mobile) in the ICT sector,
are providing telecommunications
services to the over 200 million
population of Nigeria. This has led to
114 access gaps with some 25 million
people still without basic telephony
service, according to data from NCC.
While broadband coverage to
unserved areas is critical to ensuring
delivery of quality internet services
to every Nigerian, irrespective
of where they are, the Nigerian
National Broadband Plan 2020 to
2025 document report revealed that
31,160,000 Nigerians live in areas
without telecommunication coverage.
The absence of telecommunication
coverage has provided a cover for
criminal activities and insecurity in
these unserved areas, NCC revealed.
MVNOs To Bridge the gap
To avert the trend in the country,
the commission, on the 11th
August 2022, notified the public
that it would be issuing the Mobile
Virtual Network Operators License
(“MVNO License”) which would
improve the telecommunication
output of the country, enable the
expansion and availability of quality
mobile coverage, and close the
gap to the unserved/underserved
Nigerian population. NCC also
issued the License Framework for
the Establishment of Mobile Virtual
Network Operators in Nigeria.
The Commission defined MVNO
as a wireless communication service
provider that resells mobile network
services bought at wholesale prices
from Mobile Network Operators
(MNO), such as 9mobile, Airtel, MTN
and Glo, for discounted amounts to
end users and customers.
Pursuit to the Nigerian
Communications Act (NCA 2003),
Licensing Regulation 2019, and
other subsidiary regulations, the
commission through the MVNO,
has created an enabling environment
where various players provide diverse
services based on licenses, issued by
the commission.
HEAD OFFICE. Plot 423, Aguiyi Ironsi Street,
Maitama, Abuja, Federal Capital Territory, Federal
Republic of Nigeria.
Tel: +234-9-4617000.z Email: ncc@ncc.gov.ng
Tuesday, April 2, 2024
Communications
Maida
“In its drive to create enabling
environment, the Commission
has introduced MVNOs license
that will generate employment
and bridge the gap between the
unserved and the underserved in the
society. It will also further engender
competition and provide choices for
telecommunication consumers,” the
Commission explained.
In Nigeria, the NCC has so far
licensed 43 companies as MVNOs
and they are expected to start
rolling out their services within one
year of obtaining their licenses. It
is anticipated that the entry of the
MVNO, which would use the MNOs‘
current infrastructure, will result in
competitive offerings in the telecom
sector and reduce call and data rates
for customers, especially at rural areas
Challenges of rolling out services
Sadly, it has been over 10 months
since the MVNOs obtained their
licenses, yet, nor of them have been
able to tap into the global MVNO
market which has risen to $67.54
billion in 2020 and it is expected
to reach $123.40 billion in 2028,
LEADERSHIP has learnt.
The MVNOs have listed
profitability challenge, balancing
competitiveness and sustainability
due to limited pricing flexibility,
fostering technological advancements
innovation constraints among others,
as challenges that have marred their
rollout of services at unserved and
NCC... Connecting Nigeria
WATCH
underserved communities, across
Nigeria.
As of June 2014, 943 MVNOs
and 255 Mobile Network Operators
(MNOs) sub-brands were active
worldwide. This represents a total of
almost 1,200 mobile service providers
worldwide hosted by MNOs, up from
1,036 in 2012.
According to Fortune Business
Insights, the global MVNO market
size is projected to rise from $67.54
billion in 2020 to $123.40 billion
in 2028, at a CAGR of 7.9 per cent
during the forecast period, 2021-2028.
Possible solutions
Towards a vibrant ecosystem
capable of enhancing business
operational capabilities within the
telecom industry, experts have called
for an innovative approach from the
MVNOs for a sustainable business
environment.
For instance, the chief executive
officer, Wireless Technology Labs,
Satya Mekala, charged MVNOs
in Nigeria to deploy Value Added
Services (VAS) for the sustainability
and profitability of their business
operations in Nigeria’s ICT sector.
According to Mekala, MVNOs
will bring innovation to a country a
lot more than a mobile operator or
anything. MVNOs have the advantage
of offering services in several areas
of the economy, including education,
agriculture, and rural development,
among others, he averred.
11
In his words,“IMobile operators are
very rich, and they’re already making
lots of money. It’s an unnecessary
waste of time for MVNOs to compete
with them. There are innovations
that are not happening with mobile
operators.”
Mekala also stressed that
collaborative efforts among MVNOs
enabled them to pool expertise,
tackle challenges collectively, build
profitable ventures, and deliver
essential value-added services crucial
for the populace and the nation.
In his presentation, the vice
president of TecnoTree, Himmat
Gill, quoted that the global MVNO
market size was worth $84.6 billion
in 2023, and it is expected to grow
at a compound annual growth rate of
6.7 per cent to reach $116.8 billion by
2028. He also noted that the MVNO
market is 50 per cent distributed in
Europe, 15 per cent in APAC, 15 per
cent in the USA, and it is only two per
cent in Africa.
Speaking on some of the challenges,
Gill said fierce competition in an
oversaturated market, limited control
over network quality and service
prioritisation, and navigating through
diverse regulatory landscape across
regions may impend MVNO success.
However, market differentiation
serves as a potential strategy
for MVNOs to overcome these
challenges, he said. Stressing that,
for MVNOs to attract and retain
customers, the need to distinguish
themselves from competitors
cannot be overemphasized. Market
differentiation, according to him,
involves innovative service offerings,
targeted niche markets, enhanced
customer experience, and strategic
partnerships.
In the same vein, PortaOne chief
executive officer, Andriy Zhylenko
tasked Nigerian MVNOs to identify
their target audience, design niche-
tailored VAS packages, and pick
solution component that provides
maximum freedom for in-house
innovation.
Echoing Satya’s words, he urged
MVNOs not to sell phone calls, rather,
they should offer solutions for growth
and harvest IOT matket growth.
On his part, Nordic eSIM chief
executive officer, Rune Holbeck urged
MVNOs to embrace and leverage
eSIM technology in order to meet
customers’ demand for flexibility,
seamless connectivity, and digital
solutions.
12 Tuesday, April 2, 2024
Tuesday, April 2, 2024 13
14 NATIONAL NEWS
BRIEFLY
Foundation
Urges More
Action Against
Gender-based
Violence
BY PATIENCE IVIE IHEJIRIKA,
Abuja
President of the Magdala
Unity Foundation, Victoria
Ihesiulor, has called
for concerted efforts in
eliminating Gender-Based
Violence (GBV) in the
country.
Ihesiulor, who made
the call at a one-day
sensitisation programme
on the elimination of
gender- based violence
in communities, held in
Karon Majigi community,
Abuja, noted that GBV is a
pervasive form of injustice.
She said, "GBV strikes
at the very core of our
humanity,
families,
it shatters
fractures
communities, and leaves in
its wake a trail of suffering
and despair.
"This is a problem that
requires the collective
effort of every member
of our communities. For
too long, the burden of
addressing this issue has
fallen disproportionately
on the shoulders of women
and girls.
Stakeholders
To Combat
Climate Change
Challenges
BY ORJIME MOSES, Abuja
In a rallying call for
global environmental
preservation, stakeholders
have called for a strong
collaboration to address the
challenges posed by climate
change.
The call was made at a
press conference in Abuja
ahead of the inaugural
Climate Action Africa
Forum slated for June 17-
19, in Lagos, Nigeria.
The forum’s main goal is
to discuss how Africa needs
sustainable development
plans and climate-smart
investments.
Under the banner
of "Green economies,
brighter futures,
innovating and investing
in Africa’s climate-smart
development," the forum
aims to chart sustainable
development paths for
Africa while fostering
climate-smart investments.
Attendees anticipate vibrant
discussions, strategic
collaborations, and
impactful engagements
to tackle the continent's
environmental hurdles
head-on.
Tinubu’s Wife Pushes For National
Identity Over Ethnic Divisions
BY JONATHAN NDA-ISAIAH, Abuja
Lady, Remi Tinubu, has made a
passionate call for Nigerian youths
to embrace their national identity and
promote unity, transcending ethnic and
cultural divides.
At an event hosted at the State
House in Abuja, where she received the
executives and members of the Youth
Wing of the Christian Association
of Nigeria (YOWICAN), Mrs.
Tinubu emphasised the importance of
prioritizing "Nigerianness" over narrow
ethnic or cultural affiliations.
"We should promote our
'Nigerianness' rather than ethnicity or
ljaw Seeks Revival Of Sea Ports In Niger Delta
BY EJIKE EJIKE, Abuja
ljaw Progressive Union of Aborigines
has called on the federal government
to urgently reactivate the ports in the
Niger Delta area, including Warri,
Sapele, Burutu and Calabar Ports.
Their submissions are contained in
a letter signed by Ikhide Ehighelua of
the Ikhide Ehighelua & Co Chambers,
which was addressed to the minister of
Niger Delta Affairs and copied to highly
placed representatives of the people
in the National Assembly including
Senator Ede Dafinone, Senator Joel
Group Condemns Delta Communal Crisis, Killing Of 17 Soldiers
BY BODE GBADEBO, Abuja
A group, Northern Youth Progressive
Network (NYPN) has condemned
the heinous communal dispute that
occurred between Okoloba and Okuama
communities in Delta State, resulting in
the cold-blooded murder of 17 soldiers.
The convener of NYPN, Comrade
Bala Mohammed, in a press statement,
expressed deepest condolences to
the Nigerian Army and the Federal
Government of Nigeria over the tragic
turn of events.
Tuesday, Apirl 02, 2024
culture. Yes, we are not saying we should
not recognize these, but we should
realize and promote our togetherness.
We are first and foremost Nigerians. We
need that place of unity," the First Lady
in a statement by her media aide, Busola
Kukoyi stated emphatically.
“There is a need for youths to have
role models who will teach you what to
do and how to do them, just as the Bible
talks about in Titus 2 and 1 Timothy that
the older ones should teach the younger
ones,” she added.
The first lady also admonished the
guests to share the message of investing
in lives.
She said, “Technology is very good
Onowhakpor, Senator Ned Nwoko,
Hon Benedict Etanabene, Hon Francis
Waive and Hon Nicholas Mutu among
others.
Part of the statement reads, "We
are solicitors acting on behalf of The
Registered Trustees of ljaw Progressive
Union of Aborigines hereafter referred
to as our client and we write on their
instructions as follows:
"Our clients are major stakeholders
in the Niger Delta Affairs especially as
it relates to the environs in Delta State.
"It has been observed by our
clients that over the years, successive
He said the recent outbreak of violence
in Okoloba and Okuama communities
was a reprehensible act that has
shocked all, adding that the loss of
soldiers' lives in such a brutal manner
is a stark reminder of the dangers faced
by members of the Armed Forces in their
unwavering commitment to protecting
the nation.
The group, therefore, called for a
quick resolution of the crisis, urging all
stakeholders to sheath their swords even
as it cautioned against dragging Tantita
Security Services Nigeria Limited
L-R: Director-general,
Nigeria Governors' Fo-
rum, Ashishana Bayo
Okauru; minister of
power, Adebayo Adela-
bu, and permanent sec-
retary, Federal Ministry
of Power, Mamman Ma-
muda, during their vis-
it to the Nigeria Gov-
ernors' Forum office in
Abuja recently
TAKEAWAYS
‘Nigerianness'
1
Lady, Remi Tinubu,
has made a passionate
but we must let the youth know that they call for Nigerian youths
should use it positively”. to embrace their national
She shared some of the programmes identity and promote unity,
of her office through the Renewed Hope transcending ethnic and
Initiative, RHI, which include the Unity cultural divides.
Fabric competition with a N25m prize Mrs. Tinubu emphasised
money and the Every Home A Garden the importance of
competition with a prize money of prioritising "Nigerianness"
N20m. over narrow ethnic or
Senator Tinubu also prayed for the
guests and Nigerian youths in general.
cultural affiliations.
Earlier in his remarks, the national
chairman of YOWICAN, Enwere
Sea Ports
2
Belusochukwu applauded the various
initiatives of the First Lady especially ljaw Progressive Un-
through the Renewed Hope Initiative, ion of Aborigines has
RHI. called on the federal
government to urgently
reactivate the ports in the
Niger Delta area, including
Warri, Sapele, Burutu and
governments have neglected and
Calabar Ports.
undermined the development of Warri
The contribution of this
and environs, which same neglect
region to the economic well-
appears to be replicated across the
being of this Nation cannot
Niger Delta region.
be overemphasised, yet it
"The contribution of this region
appears that their reward
to the economic well-being of this
has been neglected.
Nation cannot be overemphasised, yet
it appears that their reward has been
neglected.
"In time past, Sapele, Wari, Burutu
and even Calabar used to be bustling Delta Crisis
port cities with thriving focal economies
3
associated with movement of goods in
A group, Northern
and out of those ports.
Youth Progressive
Network (NYPN) has
condemned the heinous
communal dispute that
(TSSNL) into the crisis. occurred between Okoloba
"We stand united in grief with the and Okuama communities
families of the fallen soldiers, offering in Delta State, resulting in
our heartfelt condolences and unwavering the cold-blooded murder
support during this period of immense of 17 soldiers.
sorrow. The convener of NYPN,
"The Northern Youth Progressive Comrade Bala Mohammed,
Network firmly advocates for the peaceful in a press statement,
resolution of conflicts and the promotion expressed deepest
of harmony within communities. condolences to the Nigerian
"We call upon all parties involved in Army and the Federal
the dispute to renounce violence and Government of Nigeria over
embrace dialogue as the only viable the tragic turn of events.
means to address their grievances.

A Tribute To My Aisha (Ummi)
BY UMAR ARDO, Ph.D
Today, Tuesday 2nd April 2024,
marks exactly one full week since
my dear Ummi died. It’s been a
painful and devastating experi-
ence for me, for her mother, her
siblings, her grandparents, mem-
bers of her family, immediate and
extended relatives and for a host
of others. During the course of this
week, an unbelievable number of
people trooped in their thousands,
or called or sent messages, to con-
dole and commensurate with us
over this irreparable, irreplaceable
and irreversible loss. But as faith-
ful Muslims we totally submit to
the Will of Allah (SWA). There-
fore, on behalf of myself and mem-
bers of my family, I thank each and
everyone who thus supported us in
this our hour of grief.
It’s an eternal truth that every
soul shall test death. Hence, what
is most important is man’s con-
duct in his relationship with God
Almighty and fellow human be-
ings in the course of living. It is
not how long one lives, but how
well! To this end, our greatest con-
solation is the testimonies bore of
her by an incredibly large num-
ber of people with whom she in-
teracted in the course of her short
and impactful life, ranging from us
her parents, family members; her
school mates and teachers, from
primary, secondary to university,
at home and abroad; her places of
work, from Industrial Attachment,
NYSC and primary employers be-
fore her death; her matrimonial
home, her husband and husband’s
senior wife and their relatives and
friends; and members of the gen-
eral public with whom she inter-
acted.
All these categories of people
have poured out their hearts, stat-
ing how unimaginably kindheart-
ed, honest and trustworthy my dear
little Ummi had been. It's clear that
Ummi, small as she was, touched
the lives of so many and left be-
hind a legacy of kindness and love.
Listening to these several individ-
uals and groups, one after anoth-
Tuesday, Apirl 2, 2024
The late Aisha
er, it is obvious that these were not
the usual posthumous encomiums
that we usually hear; these were
renditions of true stories of the life
of my beloved daughter, Ummi!
Not only have these testimonies
served as our greatest consolation,
but as parents they are also cause
of happiness and pride to us that
our daughter lived a helpful, pious
and saintly life. The fact that even
in death she had a smiling face is
a testament to her purity.
In rendering tribute to her now, I
feel the presence of a soul so pure,
so radiant, and revealing my A'isha
as a beacon of light in our lives.
From the tender memories shared
by us in the family, to the heartfelt
words of her schoolmates, teachers
and colleagues, A'isha's essence
lingers on, a testament to the joy
she brought to her associates.
Her laughter, like a melody that
dances through our hearts, her
kindness, a balm that soothes our
sorrows. From the halls of academ-
ia to the corridors of work, A'isha's
grace and compassion knew no
bounds, leaving a trail of inspira-
tion in her wake.
In her matrimonial home,
A'isha's love shone brightly, illu-
minating the lives of her husband,
his relatives, and friends. Even in
the embrace of her husband's oth-
TRIBUTE 15
er wife and her relatives, A'isha's
spirit of unity and understanding
prevailed, bridging hearts and fos-
tering harmony.
And to the countless souls she
encountered in the tapestry of her
life, A'isha's presence was a gift -
a touch of empathy, a word of en-
couragement, a beacon of hope.
Her legacy lives on in the hearts of
all who were fortunate enough to
know her, a testament to the pow-
er of love and compassion.
Though she may have left this
earthly realm, A'isha's spirit re-
mains ever-present, a guiding light
in our darkest moments, a remind-
er of the beauty that exists with-
in us all. May her memory be a
blessing, a source of comfort and
strength, as we carry her light for-
ward in our hearts.
In this tribute of a father, I be-
seech Allah (SWA) to bestow upon
A’isha all mercies, blessings and
forgiveness He may bestow upon
those He favours. And may her
legacy of love and kindness for-
ever shine bright. Ameen.

Analysts Fault Those Opposing UN Reforms

BY JAMES KWEN, Abuja
The UN Security Council re-
quires serious reforms targeted
at the composition of its mem-
bership and modus operandi,
UN Secretary-General Antonio
Guterres said at the opening ses-
sion of the UN Human Rights
Council in Geneva.
According to Guterres, in
recent times, the UN Security
Council has found itself at an
impasse and unable to act on the
most important issues of peace
and security as it affects nations
of the world.
Meanwhile, analysts have
faulted the position of the United
States and its allies the Palestin-
ian-Israeli and Ukrainian con-
flicts, saying it calls for serious
concerns.
They noted how the United
States again vetoed a draft UN
Security Council resolution
blocking the demand for an im-
mediate humanitarian ceasefire
during the Israeli offensive on
the Gaza Strip. This was the
third US veto of the draft reso-
lution since the outbreak of hos-
tilities on October 7, 2023.
“The work of both individual
structures and the United Na-
tions as a whole raises many
questions today. The imposi-
tion of unilateral sanctions by
the United States and its al-
lies against specific countries
is gaining momentum. In the
1990s, the issue of imposing
such sanctions could only be
resolved with the approval of
the UN Security Council. In
practice, all this remains only
on paper.
“The West has long broken
the authority of the UN with
gross and regular violations of
the Charter of the organisation.
According to the UN, one third
of all countries in the world
are under individual sanctions.
Among them is Russia, which,
unlike many, has managed to
use sanctions to successfully
develop its own capacities.
“It is obvious that the situ-
ation with the application of
sanctions, the main customer
of which is the United States
and Western countries, has long
been out of control of the UN,”
they said.
According to Russian ex-
perts, “the Security Council is
not an ideal example of equita-
ble geographical representation
of all regions of the world, and
it is necessary to think about ex-
panding the organisation – pri-
marily by including representa-
tives of Africa, Latin America
and Asia in its composition.”
There is a growing consen-
sus among countries of the
world that decisive restructur-
ing of the United Nations can
lead to the complete destruction
of this organisation and the loss
of even a minimal opportunity
for a broad discussion of global
and international problems.
Most countries of the world
think that if the United States
and Europe face the prospect
of losing their unique capabili-
ties within the framework of the
United Nations, they will sim-
ply go to the destruction of this
institution.
The main international or-
ganisation is experiencing a
crisis provoked by the domi-
nance of Western interests in its
work. UN reform is necessary,
if only because multipolarity
has brought many new "play-
ers" to key positions who are
not currently represented in the
Security Council as permanent
members.
Washington's initiative to ex-
pand the Security Council has
a double purpose, since every-
one understands that the United
States "has played a dominant
role in many ways and to some
extent is trying to continue to
play a dominant role." The UN
Security Council no longer
performs its functions, as three
of its five permanent mem-
bers are representatives of the
West. They are not interested in
changing the status quo in the
world.
One of Washington's fears is
also that the expansion of the
number of permanent mem-
bers of the Security Council,
if it happens, will certainly
take place at the expense of
non-Western countries. These
circumstances, in turn, will de-
prive the "pro-Western" model
of UN governance of its sup-
port.

We’re Lobbying To Secure Kanu’s Release – Kalu

BY JAMES KWEN, Abuja
Deputy Speaker of the House
of Representatives, Hon. Ben-
jamin Kalu has disclosed that
frantic efforts are ongoing to
secure the release of the leader
of the Indigenous Peoples of
Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi
Kanu.
He said that while the court
processes are ongoing, politi-
cal solutions are being worked
out.
Speaking at the special
edition of "The Ben Kalu's
Mandate", a radio programme
of FLO FM, Umuahia, Abia
State on Monday virtually, the
Deputy Speaker said that it
was deliberate to work behind
the scene to realise the objec-
tive.
Kalu's clarification came
on the heels of an enquiry by
the programme anchor, Wis-
dom Thomas if the Peace In
South East Project (PISE-P),
a recently launched initiative
of the Deputy Speaker which
calls for a non-kinetic meas-
ure to resolve the security
challenges in the South East
has abandoned the IPOB
leader.
While calling for support
for the administration of Pres-
ident Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the
Deputy Speaker also hinted of
a likely visit by the elders of
Igbo land to engage President
Bola Ahmed Tinubu on famil-
iar issues affecting the South
East.
He said: "The Peace in
South East Project (PISE-P)
has reconciliation in the mix of
what we are trying to achieve.
We recognise the importance
of our brother, Nnamdi Kanu
in the peace agenda we are
pushing. That's the truth. And
I have been very vocal about
it. I am not hiding it.
16 Tuesday, April 2, 2024 Tuesday, April 2, 2024 17
18 NATIONAL NEWS Tuesday, Apirl 2, 2024

BRIEFLY
Tinubu
To Attend
Inauguration
Of Senegal's
President-elect
BY JONATHAN NDA-ISAIAH,
Abuja

President Bola Tinubu will

depart Abuja on Tuesday,
April 2, 2024, for Dakar,
Senegal, to attend the in-
auguration of Senegal's L-R: Plateau State Gov-
President-elect, Bassirou ernor, Barr Caleb Mut-
Diomaye Faye. fwang with Chief of
Presidential spokes- Army Staff, Lt General
man, Ajuri Ngelale, said Taoreed Abiodun Lagba-
Tinubu’s trip is on the in- ja during the governor's
vitation of the Republic of visit to the Army Chief in
Senegal. Abuja at the weekend.
Tinubu, who is the chair-
man of ECOWAS Autho-
rity of Heads of State and

Anglican Primate Condemns ‘Looting’

Government, will join
other regional leaders to
witness the inauguration TAKEAWAYS

Of National Treasury
at Diamniadio Exhibition
Centre on Tuesday. National Treasury

“The president will be
accompanied on the trip
by the minister of foreign
affairs, Ambassador Yusuf
Maitama Tuggar, and other
senior government of-
ficials.
Police Arrest 8
Over UNIMAID
Lecturer's
Murder
BY FRANCIS OKOYE, Maiduguri
Borno State Police Com- ently, the citizens are discouraged and
mand has disclosed the ar- no longer have confidence in the na-
rest of eight suspects in con- tion’s leadership, because political
BY IGHO OYOYO, Abuja
Primate of the Church of Nigeria, An-
glican Communion, Most Reverend
Henry Ndukuba, has condemned the
looting of the national treasury and
theft of the country’s natural resources
on a daily basis by its leaders.
Ndukuba told journalists during the
Easter celebration in Abuja that the
looting and stealing are done before the
eyes of Nigerians, which has shown the
desperation of leaders to use the oppor-
tunity they have to amass wealth and
property for themselves.
The primate said that in Nigeria pres-
leaders are running after what they
can get for themselves and not for the
people.
He called on leaders at all levels to
emulate the spirit of sacrifice exhibit-
ed by Jesus Christ by sacrificing for the
good of Nigerians.
“Leadership sacrifice cannot be
found when you look at the way the
national treasury is being looted, the
country’s natural resources are being
stolen, even before the eyes of Nigeri-
ans, and the way people are just using
every opportunity they have, to amass
wealth and property for themselves.
“Where is the sacrifice, where is the
service? Where is the selflessness in
leadership? When we look at Jesus, we
lessness, we see purpose being fulfilled.
We want to call on our leaders at such
a time as this. Let us sacrifice for the
good of the people and for this nation.
“Nigeria has all it takes to be a great
nation. But what we are in search of
now, is a leadership that will be able to
sacrifice and lead the people by exam-
ple, standing for what is right. Not only
those in politics, but also our judiciary,
not only the judiciary, but also our reli-
gious leaders, both Christians or Mus-
lims,” he said.
Ndukuba also called on political
leaders in Nigeria to use their positions
to alleviate the plight of the downtrod-
den in the society, saying that Jesus
washing the feet of his disciples shows
1
Primate of the Church
of Nigeria, Anglican
Communion, Most
Reverend Henry Ndukuba
has condemned the looting
of the national treasury
and theft of the country’s
natural resources daily by
its leaders.
According to him, the loot-
ing and stealing are done be-
fore the eyes of Nigerians,
which has shown the des-
peration of leaders to use
the opportunity they have to
amass wealth and property
for themselves.
Bilingual Curriculum

2
see love, we see sacrifice, we see self- humility and compassion.
nection with the killing of a Universal Basic Edu-

UBEC, Stakeholders Develop Curriculum For Bilingual Education

University of Maiduguri lec- cation Commission
turer, Dr Abdulkadir Kamal. (UBEC) in collabora-
Dr Kamal, a lecturer of tion with key stakeholders,
the Department of Physical BY HENRY TYOHEMBA, Abuja Bala Zakari, who doubles as the than 47 million at the primary level.
project supervisor for the Bilingual In a statement he issued yesterday,
has commenced the process
and Health Education, was of developing a smart cur-
gruesomely murdered by Universal Basic Education Education Programme in Nigeria, Apeh explained that the project
riculum for bilingual educa-
unknown person(s) in his Commission (UBEC) in collaboration called for a standardised approach coordinator, Islamic Development
tion in Nigeria.
office at the university on with key stakeholders, has commenced in the development of the Bilingual Bank, Mansir Idris, said the purpose
The head of public rela-
Sunday. the process of developing a smart Education curriculum. of the workshop was to examine the
tions and protocol of UBEC,
The spokesman of Borno curriculum for bilingual education in He harped on the role of UBEC so existing national curriculum alongside
Mr. David Apeh, said the
Police Command, ASP Daso Nigeria. far towards ensuring the success of the the Tsangaya among others and to see
commission recently held
Kenneth, disclosed the arrest The head of public relations and bilingual education programme, right how they could be adapted to fit in for
protocol of UBEC, Mr David Apeh, from the construction of the schools in the bilingual education programme.
a workshop for curriculum
to journalists yesterday in adaptation for the Bilin-
Maiduguri. said the commission recently held a the nine focal states, to the engagement In his contribution, head of ICT Unit
workshop for curriculum adaptation of experts in series of programmes. of UBEC, Dr Ibrahim Bakari, said there
gual Schools where experts
He said upon receiving had brainstorming sessions
the details of the incident, for the Bilingual Schools where experts Zakari said Nigeria is very unique were gaps in the national curriculum,
had brainstorming sessions towards given the peculiarity of the nation's especially in the areas of artificial
on coming up with the best
their men swung into action curriculum for the unique
and arrested immediately developing the best curriculum for the population where the country has intelligence, robotics and coding
schools.
the cornered eight suspects unique schools. more than 7 million learners at the which he said could be incorporated
The commission’s deputy executive Early Childhood Care Development in the new curriculum for bilingual
in connection with the mur-
Judicial Officers

3
der. secretary (Technical), Professor Education (ECCDE) alone and more education.
He said," The com- A not-for-profit and
mand has received a distress
call on the murder of Dr. Ka- NGO Tasks Nigerians On Judicial Officers’ Appointments non-governmental
organisation (NGO)
mal, it was confirmed that he BY JAMES KWEN, Abuja Akintola for its Communications Team which directly impacts the life of every committed to expediting
was murdered in his office maintained that the involvement of the Nigerian. justice in Nigeria, Citizens'
and his car got stolen by the A non-governmental organisation Nigerian people is paramount in shaping "Also, in the vein of judicial Gavel has implored Nige-
killers. (NGO) committed to expediting justice a trustworthy and equitable judicial accountability, the group has condemned rians to be engaged in the
"Eight people have so far in Nigeria, Citizens' Gavel, has implored system. the prevalence of decadence in the ongoing judicial officers’
been arrested and they are Nigerians to be engaged in the ongoing It said the 12 of the 24 nominated judges Nigerian Judicial System, which has appointment process.
undergoing investigation judicial officers’ appointment process. is a crucial phase for Nigeria's democratic been noticeable in recent years. To nip The group said the integ-
to unravel those behind the The group said the integrity of Nigerian journey as more people will be vested this decadence in the bud, Citizens' Gavel rity of Nigerian democracy
act." democracy is not solely determined by with powers to uphold justice, maintain urgently beckons the people of Nigeria is not solely determined by
The PPRO also called for electoral outcomes but equally by the the rule of law, interpret laws, review the to exercise their democratic right to a electoral outcomes but equal-
calm, adding that the situati- judicious selection of judicial officers. constitution, resolve disputes and protect transparent and accountable process in ly by the judicious selection
on is under control. Citizens' Gavel in a statement by Charles the rights of the ordinary Nigerian, all of appointing judges. of judicial officers.

SHORT READ
UNILORIN
Expels, Rusticates
19 Students
BY ABDULLAHI OLESIN, Ilorin
The University of Ilorin (UNI-
LORIN), has expelled and rus-
ticate 19 students, including six
final year students of the insti-
tution for their alleged involve-
ment in various offences.
The director of corporate af-
fairs of the institution, Mr Kunle
Akogun, in a statement on Mon-
day said the approval of expul-
sion/rustication of the affected
students by the vice chancellor,
Mr Wahab Egbewole was sequel
to the recommendations of the
Students’ Disciplinary Commit-
tee at its 220th/221st meeting.
He said that the affected stu-
dents were penalised for offenc-
es ranging from misconduct,
theft, examination malpractice,
hostel bed-space racketeering
and extortion, beating a fellow
student, admission racketeering,
extortion and assault.
He added that penalties for the
offences committed by the stu-
dents, included rustication for
either one semester or one ac-
ademic session, including ex-
pulsion.
“The affected students were
in various academic levels such
as 100, 200, 300 and 400 Lev-
els,” he said.
Northern Youths
Hail Plateau
Speaker Over
Leadership Style
BY KHALID IDRIS DOYA, Bauchi
Members of the Northern Youth
Association of Nigeria have
passed a vote of confidence on
the speaker of the Plateau State
House of Assembly, Hon. Gabri-
el Dewan.
They said he had continued to
steer the ship of the legislature
for the socioeconomic, political
and cultural development of the
state in particular and the coun-
try at large.
The association’s nation-
al president, Comrade Godiya
Adams Bogoro said Dewan had
shown what effective leadership
is with his giant strides in the Pla-
teau Assembly since his emer-
gence as speaker in November
2023.
He recalled that the Plateau
State Assembly is for the first
time in a very long while, work-
ing in unison in a bid to achieve
the common goal of deliver-
ing quality representation by all
members of the house just so as
to allow the people of the state to
enjoy true dividends of democ-
racy.
He said the emergence of De-
wan as speaker of the 10th As-
sembly in Plateau State was a tes-
tament to the fact that Nigerian
youths still have a proper place in
the Nigeria democratic and lead-
ership space, thereby giving them
reasons to dream while keeping
their hopes alive.
Witnesses Disown Depositions At
Kogi Tribunal Sitting
BY OLAKUNLE OLASANMI, Abuja
There was a mild drama at the Kogi
State Election Petitions Tribunal sit-
ting in Abuja, yesterday, as some
witnesses disowned their deposi-
tions before the panel.
Four witnesses from Adavi local
government area of the state gave
their evidence for the Social Demo-
cratic Party (SDP), before the three-
member panel of justices, led by
Justice Ado Birnin-Kudu.
The witnesses, when called,
gave virtually the same narration
regarding what transpired where
they voted even though they were
in different polling units during the
L-R: The chairman of the National Hajj Commission, NAHCON, Jalal Ahmed Arabi and Governor of Nasarawa State, Engr. Abdullahi A. Sule during a
courtesy visit to the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja recently.
Mutfwang Urges PDP Elders To Unite,
Uphold Party Values
BY ACHOR ABIMAJE, Jos
Governor of Plateau State, Barr Caleb
Mutfwang has urged elders in the state
chapter of the Peoples Democratic
Party (PDP), to uphold the party’s
values and contribute to promoting
peaceful coexistence, unity, tolerance
and cooperation within the party.
Governor Mutfwang stated this
during a breakfast meeting with
stakeholders and members of the
PDP Elders’ Forum at his residence
at the old Government House in Lit-
tle Rayfield, Jos.
ACF-Ex Scribe, Others Decry Rising Out-of-school Children
BY AHMED TAHIR, Lafia
Stakeholders at Youth Summit in
Garaku, Kokona local government
area of Nasarawa State have decried
the rising rate of out-of-school chil-
dren in the north and called for ur-
gent measures to address the trend.
The summit, which was part of
the event to mark the annual Nzeh
Mada Cultural Festival was organ-
ized to suggest ways of engaging
the unemployed youths in worth-
while ventures to enhance econom-
Tuesday, April 2, 2024
November 11, 2023 governorship
poll.
The four witnesses, like the previ-
ous ones, adopted their witness dep-
ositions on oath.
However, during cross-examina-
tion by the counsel to respondents,
they made claims different from
what was in the witness depositions.
When shown their deposition,
they disowned it, saying it was not
written by them while also confirm-
ing that they were not polling agents
but random voters.
One of the witnesses, Rufai Mu-
hammed, who said he was from
Adavi local government, stated in
his deposition that there was no
He emphasised the importance
of wise guidance and counsel from
the elders in ensuring that the par-
ty’s stability and respecting the pop-
ular wishes of the people, especially
at the grassroots level.
Acknowledging the upcoming
congresses to elect party officials,
Governor Mutfwang cautioned
against actions that could lead to con-
flicts within the party.
He stressed the need for inclusiv-
ity and consensus-building.
He stated, “PDP belongs to the
people of Plateau; it is a platform
ic empowerment and checking the
out-of-school syndrome.
LEADERSHIP reports that the
annual school census of 2020/2021
had put the number of out-of-
school children in Nasarawa State
at 430,787.
The gender analysis of the figure
indicated that 179,045 were male
while the female had 251,742.
Stakeholders at the Kokona sum-
mit including the former secretary
of the Arewa Consultative Forum
(ACF), Dr Anthony Sani were
unanimous that chronic absentee-
NORTH CENTRAL 19
validly accredited voter for the said
election.
Upon cross examination, howev-
er, he said he was validly accredited
to vote and he voted.
When his attention was drawn
to his witness deposition on oath,
which said there was no validly ac-
credited voter for the election that he
witnessed, he denied the deposition,
saying he did not write it.
Another witness, Yakubu Ab-
dulAzeez, said he stood at a par-
ticular point throughout the voting
period on election day observing the
proceedings, and that it was from
that point he saw that there was
over-voting.
they have identified with since 1999.
It is imperative to have the body of
elders functioning, as their wisdom
is invaluable in guiding the party.”
Governor Mutfwang assured that
the party would soon commence the
congress process, urging elders to
demonstrate leadership and provide
good counsel for peace to prevail.
Meanwhile, the chairman of the
PDP Elders’ Forum, Raymond Dabo
expressed gratitude for the gover-
nor’s leadership and reiterated the el-
ders’ commitment to supporting the
party’s progress.
ism and dropping out are common
characteristics in rural schools.
They opined that a retention pro-
gramme should be initiated and
pursued vigorously alongside en-
rollment to ensure that pupils and
students graduate and move to an-
other tier of education.
The stakeholders particular-
ly suggested the initiation of sus-
tainable entrepreneurship and skill
acquisition programmes that will
empower those who are long out
of school in order to take them off
the streets.
SHORT NEWS
Tinubu Inherited
Worst Economic
Crisis – Sen Karimi
BY AYOBAMI OMOLE-IYAGIN, Lokoja
The senator representing Kogi West
District, Sunday Karimi has said the
federal government, under the lead-
ership of President Bola Tinubu in-
herited the worst economic challeng-
es so far in the fourth republic.
He said that the administration has
shown commitment towards rebuild-
ing the economy and the transforma-
tion of the same to a strong, self-suf-
ficient economy.
With a plea for more patience, he
enthused that the president’s long-
term vision, driven by proactive poli-
cy actions towards achieving sustain-
able economic recovery, is slowly
yielding fruits.
Karimi spoke at the maiden edi-
tion of Igbaruku Day organized by
Igbaruku-Okeri Community Devel-
opment Association (ICDA), held in
Igbaruku-Okeri, Yagba West local
council, Kogi State at the weekend.
Noting that the process of achiev-
ing economic recovery should be
seen as a collective effort both by
government and the citizenry since
government alone cannot make all
that is good for the people happen,
the lawmaker charged the people
on patriotism and commitment to
the development of their commu-
nities.
He stated that with the citizens
playing their parts, the economic
challenges being faced by the cur-
rent administration will be reason-
ably addressed with major success-
es, and in the short-term.
He said “The government of
Tinubu inherited a bad, infact the
worst situation, so far. Tinubu met
the average gross domestic product
(GDP), growth rate of 1.8 per cent.
In terms of inflation rate, the four
years average preceding the admin-
istration of Tinubu was 15.1 per cent.
Easter: Kwara
Speaker Rejoices
With Christians
BY ABDULLAHI OLESIN, Ilorin
The speaker of the Kwara State
House of Assembly, Engr. Yaku-
bu Danladi-Salihu has congratu-
lated the Christian faithfuls on the
Easter celebration.
Danladi-Salihu in a statement
signed by his chief press secretary,
Sheu Yusuf called on the Chris-
tians to reflect and imbibe the es-
sence and lessons of the season.
He also called for special
prayers for Nigeria and Nigerian
leaders for God’s divine guidance
as they chart the way forward to
economic prosperity for the na-
tion.
“Happy Easter, He’s risen! To
my dear brothers and sisters in
Christ, today and always, may the
miracle of Easter fill your hearts
with joy, love, and gratitude. Let us
celebrate the resurrection of Jesus
Christ and the promise of new be-
ginnings. Have a meaningful and
blessed Easter, filled with hope,
faith, and peace,” the speaker said.
20 NORTH WEST/EAST
SHORT READ
Easter: Buni Seeks
More Prayers For
Yobe, Nigeria
BY HUSSAINI JIRGI, Damaturu
Yobe State governor, Mai
Mala Buni, has urged the
Christian faithful to use the
Easter period to pray more for
the state and Nigeria.
Governor Buni made the
call in a message felicitating
with Christians on the occa-
sion of the Easter celebration,
saying, "we should pray for
peace, unity, and prosperity of
Yobe State and Nigeria.”
He said the Easter came at
a time when the Muslim faith-
ful are observing the Rama-
dan fast, which provides an
opportunity for both Muslims
and Christians to pray for the
state, the nation, and the lead-
ers.
The governor urged the
clergies and their followers
to preach and spread the mes-
sage of love and sacrifice as
contained in the lessons of the
Easter.
Buni said, "We should con-
centrate more on the issues
that unite us in spite of our
individual and collective dif-
ferences to move forward and
prosper as a state and coun-
try."
Sokoto Govt
Confirms Ascites
Outbreak
BY ADENIYI OLUGBEMI,
Sokoto
Sokoto State government
has confirmed 35 cases of
new Ascites disease in the
Isa local government area of
the state.
The state commissioner for
health, Hajiya Asabe Balar-
abe, confirmed and expressed
disappointment at the health
stakeholders in the area for
failing to inform the ministry
about the emergence of the
disease, describing it as un-
professional.
Balarabe confirmed the
outbreak in a statement issued
by her media aide, Murjanatu
Magaji Sa’Idu, in Sokoto.
She said after getting the
report, she hurried to the
Usmanu Danfodiyo Univer-
sity Teaching Hospital, where
some affected children from
the area were admitted and
receiving treatment.
The commissioner dis-
closed that the ministry has
set up an isolation centre for
those who have contracted
the disease, and provided
qualified health personnel and
medicines to care for them.
The chief nursing officer of
General Hospital Isa, Umma-
ru Muhammad Ubandawaki,
informed the commissioner
and her team that they had re-
ceived 32 suspected cases of
the disease, admitted, treated
and discharged 30 patients,
with only two on admission
at UDUTH.
Troops Kill 11 Terrorists In
Katsina, Zamfara
BY TARKAA DAVID, Abuja
No fewer than 11 terrorists have been
killed by troops in Katsina and Zamfara
states during raids on identified kingpins’
hideouts in the North West.
A statement by the Nigerian Army on
its official X handle said troops in Zam-
fara on 29 March 2024 raided the den of a
notorious terrorists' kingpin, Hassan Yan-
tagwaye, in Tsafe local government area.
The statement said troops destroyed the
camp during the operation in which they
overpowered the terrorists in an ensuing
gun battle, killing three of them and re-
covering a large cache of arms and am-
munition.
"Yantagwaye and his group have been
President, African Mothers Humanitarian for Peace and Justice for Mother and Children, Dr Hajia Amina Dangaji donating cooked food and raw items to
underprivileged at Kawo New Extension in Kaduna, yesterday. PHOTO BY GBENGA ABIOLA
Army Asks Troops To Remain Steadfast Despite
Okuama Killings
BY FRANCIS OKOYE, Maiduguri
Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Lt. Gen
Taoreed Lagbaja has urged troops of
the Nigerian Army to remain steadfast,
diligent and committed to discharge their
constitutional roles while still grieving
the recent unwarranted and gruesome
murder of their colleagues in Okuama
Community of Delta State.
The COAS also thanked officers and
soldiers for their doggedness in tackling
the numerous security challenges bedev-
iling the nation, adding that troops have
Kaduna Community Revives Cultural Festival
BY SUNDAY ISUWA, Abuja
It was a joyful moment for the Ham
people, in Jaba local government area of
Kaduna State, as hundreds of dignitaries
from diverse ethnic groups within and
outside the state gathered to celebrate
the annual 'Tuk-Ham festival' six years
after it was abandoned as a result of in-
security.
The Tuk-ham, which is the rich cul-
tural heritage of the Ham people in Ka-
Tuesday, Apirl 2, 2024
responsible for kidnappings and acts of ter-
rorism in some parts of North West Nige-
ria," it stated.
In a related development, the troops in
Katsina on 30 March 2024 engaged in a
fierce gun battle with terrorists in Shawu
Kuka, Shinda, Tafki, Gidan Surajo, and
Citakushi in Kabai I and Kabai II within
the Faskari local government area.
The troops killed eight terrorists and re-
covered three locally fabricated guns, mil-
itary uniforms and a large quantity of sto-
len grains.
Also, troops on 29 March 2024 inter-
cepted 441 wraps of substance suspect-
ed to be cannabis sativa at Molegede vil-
lage in Odeda local government area of
Ogun State.
displayed much commitment, courage,
resilience, and professionalism in their
various operations.
Lagbaja stated this on Monday at an
Easter Luncheon organised for frontline
troops of "Operation Hadin Kai " at the
7 Division of the Nigerian Army sports
complex, Maimalari Cantonment, in
Maiduguri.
He added that this year's Easter Cel-
ebration is unique in that it coincides
with the Ramadan fast, hence, it allows
Christians and Muslims alike to reflect
on God's abundant grace on the nation,
duna State, according to the paramount
chief, Kpok Ham, Dr Gyet Maude, was
last celebrated six years ago due to sharp
increase in the incidences of attacks,
banditry, kidnappings and general inse-
curity that affected normal life and daily
activities resulting to the festival being
put on hold.
According to him, “It is a thing of joy
that after years of fear and uncertainty,
we gather again because things have
somehow returned to normalcy.
SHORT NEWS
Suspended
Kaduna APC
The troops uncovered the illicit sub- Women Leader
stances being conveyed in a Mazda Saloon
car, after the smugglers absconded, aban- Accuses Uba Sani
doning the vehicle on sighting the troops. Of Disloyalty
"The vehicle and illicit products will be
handed over to the appropriate agency after Suspended women leader of
preliminary investigations," it said. the All Progressives Congress
Meanwhile, in Ebonyi State, troops con- (APC), Hajia Maryam
ducting night patrols on 31 April 2024, en- Suleiman, has slammed
countered armed Effium militias along Ur- Kaduna State governor, Uba
ban Effium in Ohaukwu local government Sani, alleging disloyalty
area of Ebonyi State. to the former governor of
The troops in the combat engagement Kaduna State, Malam Nasir
that followed overpowered the militias and El-Rufai within a short time
captured one of the militias. that he became the governor.
The troops also recovered one AK - 47 Ri- He described him as
fle and 11 rounds of 7.62mm Special Am- ungrateful with a short
munition. memory.
In a video which has gone
viral and sighted in Abuja
yesterday, Mrs Suleiman
criticised Uba Sani and
recalled how in 2019 the
former governor of Kaduna
State, Malam Nasir El-Rufai
travelled almost 500 times
to lobby the party chieftains
at the APC headquarters in
Abuja to ensure that Senator
Shehu Sani was replaced
with Uba to represent
Kaduna Central Senatorial
District in the 9th National
Assembly.
Speaking in Hausa, Mrs
Suleiman who is popularly
called Mai Rusau until
her suspension was the
women leader of Badarawa/
Mailali Ward of the ruling
All Progressives Congress
in Kaduna State. She said
El-Rufai fought hard and
took risk to remove Senator
Shehu Sani out of the way
for Uba who was considered
loyal at the time.
Kebbi Approves
N1m Subsidy For
Each Intending
Pilgrim
BY KABIR WURMA, Birnin
Kebbi
Nigeria and reminds people of the duties
Kebbi State government has
and sacrifices they must make towards
approved N1million subsidy
God, humanity, and the beloved country.
for each of its 3,344 intend-
Represented by the theatre commander
ing pilgrims for this year's
"Operation Hadin Kai " , Maj. Gen Waidi
hajj.
Shaibu , the COAS said," ln line with
The state commissioner
my Command Philosophy, 'To transform
for information and culture,
the Nigerian Army into a Well-trained,
Hon Yakubu Ahmed Birnin
Equipped and Highly Motivated Force
Kebbi, disclosed this yester-
Towards Achieving our Constitutional
day in Birnin Kebbi when
Responsibilities', I have ensured the
he briefed newsmen on the
implementation of quality training and
outcome of an emergency
equipping toward combating the myriads
State Executive Council
of security threats confronting the nation.
(SEC) meeting.
He said the gesture was
sequel to the hiking of the
2024 Hajj fares by N1.9
"From its inception in 1980, the Tuk- million by the National Hajj
Ham Festival was conceived to take Commission of Nigeria
place during the Easter season; a season (NAHCON).
that is of great significance to Christians He added, "So, N1million
around the world. As you well know, will be paid for each of the
Easter is the season that Christians com- intending pilgrims immedi-
memorate the death and triumphant res- ately.”
urrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. All the intending pilgrims
Celebrating the Tuk-Ham festival dur- who had earlier completed
ing this historic season draws us closer the payment of their fares
to God in introspection on what He has will also be given N1 mil-
done in our lives over the years. lion.

SHORT READ
2 Cheat Death
As Car Collides
With Truck In
Lagos
BY OLAMIDE OJUOKAIYE,
Lagos
Two people yesterday es-
caped death by the whiskers
but sustained Injuries when
a sedan car collided with a
truck on Lagos-Badagry Ex-
pressway.
The Federal Road Safety
Corps which confirmed the
accident said two persons
sustained varying injuries in
the accident which occurred
on the Agbara-Badagry Ex-
pressway in Lagos.
It was gathered that the ac-
cident occurred at the Ibere-
ko Barracks axis of the Bad-
agry expressway.
FRSC Badagry ynit com-
mander, William Manga, who
briefed newsmen, said the
auto crash occurred at about
12:54 a.m. on Monday.
According to him, the of-
ficers arrived at the scene of
the accident involving a car
and a truck at 1:02 a.m.
He said, “The accident in-
volved a Howo truck with
registration number KZ-
R73ZT and a Mazda car
with registration number
KTU900BK”
Alli Tasks
Nigerians On
Humility, Love,
Sacrifice
BY ADEBAYO WAHEED,
Ibadan
Senator representing Oyo
South Senatorial District
in the National Assembly,
Sharafadeen Abiodun Alli,
has enjoined Nigerians to
sustain the virtues of humili-
ty, love, selflessness and sac-
rificial spirit as they celebrat-
ed Easter.
Alli emphasised the sig-
nificance of Easter in the
Christian calendar and its
universal message of atone-
ment, redemption, renewal,
and hope.
He underscored the im-
portance of reflecting on
the profound teachings of
Christ, which emphasis-
es love, sacrifice, empathy,
and compassion, particular-
ly during these challenging
times.
"Easter embodies the
core of our Christian faith,
as it commemorates Jesus
Christ's ultimate sacrifice. I
encourage Nigerians to re-
main steadfast in their devo-
tion to God despite the chal-
lenges our nation faces.
"Just as Jesus persevered
through tribulations, let us,
as Christians, strive to emu-
late his humility, love, self-
lessness, and sacrificial spir-
it," he said.
Telecom Union Threatens Strike Over
Anti-workers' Practices
BY ANDREW OJIEZEL, Lagos
A trade union in the telecommunication
sector, Private Telecommunications and
Communications Senior Staff Associa-
tion of Nigeria (PTECSSAN) has threat-
ened to down tools over anti-workers ac-
tivities.
The union, which is mobilising the
workers for the industrial action has told
them to down tools from April 4, 2024.
The union's general secretary, Com-
rade Okonu Abdullahi, who spoke yes-
terday based his call for the strike on the
slavery activities employers have sub-
jected the workers to.
Okonu said another reason for the
First lady of Lagos State, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu (middle) marking this year's Easter celebration with children from public, private and special schools across the
state, yesterday.
Killings: Nigeria Needs Sanctification – Bishop Adeoye
BY JOSHUA DADA, Osogbo
The lead bishop of Worldwide Anglican
Church (WAC) in Nigeria, Bishop Seun
Adeoye, has said the unending shedding
of innocent blood in Nigeria has nega-
tively impacted the country hence the
need for sanctification.
The cleric, who spoke during the con-
clusion of four- day 2024 passover cele-
bration at Rehoboth Arena, Okinni, Osun
State, called on President Bola Tinubu to
invite Christian leaders with the aim of
declaring a day or a week of atonement
US Lawmakers Host Nigerian Rotary International Scholar, Ayinla
BY ANDREW OJIEZEL, Lagos With
Agency Report
The members of the Missouri State
General Assembly in the United States
have welcomed a Nigerian-born recip-
ient of the Rotary International Schol-
arship at the University of Central Mis-
souri, Muritala Ayinla.
The lawmakers in the Missouri Gen-
eral Assembly comprising 34 members
of the Senate representing various dis-
tricts, and 163 House Representatives
members expressed their apprecia-
Tuesday, Apirl 2, 2024 SOUTH WEST 21
SHORT NEWS
Aseyin Wades
Into K1, Former
strike is because of the failed efforts by workers are working for on projects won Drummer’s Feud
the union and the Federal Ministry of La-
bour and Employment to resolve the is-
by Huawei Technologies Nigeria Limit-
ed have continued to make life misera-
BY ADEBAYO WAHEED,
Ibadan
sues, stressing that "the companies have ble for these workers.
failed to make themselves available for "These workers are working like Aseyin of Iseyin, Oba Sefiu
conciliatory meetings. slaves in their own country with no en- Olawale Oyebola Ajirotutu
"It is in the light of this that the leader- titlements commensurate with their ef- Adeyeri III, has waded into
ship of the union is mobilised for strike. forts paid to them. They are made to the lingering Feud between
Workers, especially the engineers should work without working hours and risk King Wasiu Ayinde Marshall
down tools as from 12am on Thursday, their lives going to the field in the wee popularly known as KWAM
April 4, 2024. hours of the night without adequate se- I and his erstwhile lead drum-
"This decision has become inevita- curity provided for them." mer, Ayankunle Ayanlowo,
ble because the subcontractors, Reime He called for immediate recognition of calling on them both to sheath
Group, Allstream Streamenergy Solu- the fundamental right of the employees to their swords and allow for
tions Limited, Uppercrest Limited, Tyl- freely associate with the Union; recogni- amicable reconciliation.
lium Nigeria Limited and Specific Tools tion of the union as a negotiating body for The monarch disclosed this
and Techniques Limited where these the employees on workers welfare. yesterday at his Iseyin palace
when Ayankunle paid him a
visit upon his invitation over
the issue.
Ayankunle had accused
the Fuji musician of a poor
welfare package for his band
members which KWAM I de-
nied.
While addressing journal-
ists after the meeting, Aseyin
hinted that because Ayinde
and Ayankunle Ayanlowo
have strong connections
with Iseyin, one being an in-
law while the other is a son
of Ado-Awaye, a communi-
ty under Iseyin local govern-
ment area, he had no choice
than to wade into the crisis
and seek peaceful settlement.
‘Proposed Ekiti
Agency Banking
Scheme To Create
1,000 Jobs’
BY ALO ABIOLA, Ado-Ekiti
Ekiti State government
has said that the proposed
agency banking scheme
would create over 1,000
direct and indirect jobs
and provide entrepreneur-
for the cleansing, healing and prosperi- luted as defiled”.
ial opportunities for the
ty of Nigeria. The cleric urged Christians who un-
people at the grassroots in
He lamented that thousands of inno- derstood the great spiritual importance
the state.
cent citizens have been killed by ban- of the blood Jesus shed on the Cross and
The commissioner for
dits, terrorists, separatists, kidnappers, the power of His resurrection to pray fer-
wealth creation and em-
ritualists, mobs and other armed gangs vently to God to be merciful on Nigeria
ployment, Otunba Kayo-
and unfortunately, “we all looked away by healing the land.
de Fasae, who stated this,
unconcerned as if such dastardly acts are He explained that the menace of hun-
however, said traditional
normal in our society”. ger, economic hardship, untold suffering
rulers in the state have im-
Adeoye who took his message from and several other challenges ravaging
portant roles to play in en-
the Book of Numbers 35: 30-34, said the the country is beyond what any politi-
suring the success of the
shedding of innocent blood constituted cian can resolve without God’s interven-
scheme which will soon
grievous offence before God while such tion, saying that Nigeria’s land needs to
become operational in the
land is declared by the Scripture as “pol- be cleansed without delay.
state.
Fasae who spoke dur-
ing an advocacy visit to
the State Council of the
Traditional Rulers in Ado
tion for the positive image of the Unit- ator said.
ed States that Ayinla and other aspiring Brattin emphasised the commitment Ekiti said the present ad-
ministration was passion-
youths hold following their experienc- of the Missouri State legislature to
es in the country. strengthening democracy through leg- ate about the wellbeing and
the growth of the people in
In his address while playing host to islative functions, saying the lawmakers
terms of job creation
Ayinla at the Missouri State Capitol in would continue to strengthen U.S. de-
Governor Biodun Oye-
Jefferson City, Senator Rick Brattin, mocracy through legislative functions.
banji had approved the
who represents Missouri’s 31st Sena- Representative Dan Houx, who rep-
sum of N250 million as a
torial District, expressed his delight in resents Johnson County District 54 in
startup loan to support Mi-
the Nigerian's positive impression of the Missouri House of Representatives,
cro, Small and Medium
the U.S. commended the University of Central
Enterprises (MSMEs) un-
“I feel immensely proud of you and Missouri and Rotary International for
der the Ekiti State Employ-
am excited to learn of your positive per- their efforts in providing scholarships
ment Trust Fund (ETF).
ceptions of the United States,” the sen- to foreign students.
22 SOUTH SOUTH/EAST
SHORT READ
Rivers Group
Institutes N10m
Prize For Reading
Competition
BY ANAYO ONUKWUGHA, Port
Harcourt
A forum, The Rivers August
Meeting, has instituted a N10
million prize money for book
reading competition among
secondary schools in Port
Harcourt, the Rivers State
capital, tagged: “'Education
Champions League (ECL).”
Unveiling the competition
in Port-Harcourt during the
4th edition of the quarterly
August Meeting book read-
ing sessions, the convener of
the forum, Mr Kingsley Wali,
said the N10m Prize would be
split 50% for the winning stu-
dent, 25% for the participat-
ing students from the winning
school, and 25% would be set
aside for stocking the library
of the winning school.
Wali said, "The monies
would be paid to the accounts
of the winners as advised by
their parents."
He wondered why in Nige-
ria, non-educational related
programmes like Big Broth-
er Naija (BBN) and others, at-
tracted mouth-watering prize
money for winners, including
sponsorships, but education-
al competitions, such as sci-
ence and mathematics com-
petitions for students are not
attracting motivating rewards.
Edo Guber: APGA
Candidate Promises
End To State’s Debt
Profile
BY PATRICK OCHOGA, Benin
City
Governorship candidate of the
All Progressives Grand Al-
liance (APGA) in Edo State,
Dr Isaiah Osifo, has promised
to liberate the state from what
he described as the huge debt
profile the state has found it-
self under the Peoples Demo-
cratic Party (PDP) led admin-
istration.
Osifo, the former chief of
staff (CoS) to former Gover-
nor Oserheimen Osunbor com-
mended President Bola Tinubu Labour Party presidential candidate in 2023 general election, Peter Obi (middle) presenting food items and other materials to the Muslim Community at the two-year-old girl child. The
for his decision to have gover- Central Mosque, Onitsha in Anambra State, yesterday.
nor of Anambra State on the
Economic Management Team
of Nigeria.
He said APGA as a polit-
ical party had shown that it BY KALU EZIYI, Umuahia
has the capacity to address the
economic challenges and so-
cial challenges bedevilling the Rev Augustine Echema has said Abia sured him that members of the dioceses of the economy of the state.
country, adding that Anambra State governor, Alex Otti, has secured will continue to pray for his protection and
State under APGA has clearly second term ticket for the office through more achievements.
demonstrated that under Prof
Chukwuma Soludo, the for-
mer Central Bank of Nigeria Otti during a visit to the Christ The King to a few moments ago, touched me per- ment technology so that it will last long- spokesman of the command,
Governor.
He said if voted for at the
September 21, 2024 governor- remarkable.
ship election Edo State under
his watch will heave a sigh of
relief from the burden of debt
in the state.
Tuesday, Apirl 02, 2024
PDP Declares APC-dominated Rivers SHORT NEWS
David Umahi
Assembly Illegal Varsity Expels
8 Students For
BY ANAYO ONUKWUGHA, Port Harcourt sume impeachment proceedings against
the governor.
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has The statement, which was signed by
told members of the Rivers State House the party's state publicity secretary, Tam-
of Assembly, especially those who de- bari Sydney Gbara, insisted that the le-
tected from its fold to the All Progres- gitimacy of the lawmakers is subject
sives Congress (APC) that they are il- to litigations, following their defection
legal. and urged them to first address their le-
It, therefore, advised them to stop dis- gal status.
turbing the peace of the state but allow It stated that the affected lawmakers
Governor Siminalayi Fubara to concen- dumped the platform they were elected
trate on delivering dividends of his man- on to join another political party with-
date to Rivers’ people. out consulting their constituents, adding
The PDP in a statement made availa- that they have continued to make retro-
ble to newsmen in Port Harcourt yester- gressive laws and utterances that are in-
day, reacted to the recent threat by the imical to the growth and development
Martins Amaewhule-led House to re- of the state.
Test APC’s Popularity With LG Poll, ADC Challenges Uzodimma
BY EMMANUEL MGBEAHURIKE, Owerri He said ADC threw the challenge
knowing fully well that a democrat-
African Democratic Congress (ADC) ic local government council system in
has challenged Governor Hope Uzodim- Imo State has the capacity to econom-
ma of Imo State to conduct local govern- ically and politically empower over
ment elections if he means well for the 10,000 youths of Imo State, including
youths and also thinks that the All Pro- rapid development of rural communi-
gressives Congress (APC) is popular at ties and a drastic reduction in crime and
the grassroots. criminality.
The party made the challenge yester- He said that ADC recognised that
day through a statement by its nation- the democratic local government coun-
al vice chairman for South East, Chilos cil system will enhance the leadership
Godsent. capacity and competence of the youths
Otti Has Secured 2nd Term Ticket With Performance – Catholic Bishop
paign for you," he said.
While describing the governor as a fo-
Catholic Bishop of Aba Diocese, the Most cused leader with clear mission, he as-
his quality service and selfless leadership. "Your first visit, the day after you won
The cleric stated this when he received the election last year, which you referred cause we are going to use cement pave-
Cathedral, Aba, describing the gover- sonally and humbled me the more.
nor's achievements within 10 months as "Abia residents are for once proud of
their governor and are very happy. As the knowing the significant roles it played in spirited individuals, group,
"I bet you, if you continue like this, you scripture says, when the righteous are in enthroning good governance in the state. and organisations to support
wouldn't need any campaign for reelection authority, the people rejoice. Thank you And this was what led to my visit to the the family in the upkeep of
for second term. Your work will speak for and God bless you."
you. The things you're doing will cam- Earlier, Otti said he had started fulfill- tion," he said.
The party noted that other State Hous-
es of Assembly are making laws for the Misconduct
growth and development of their states BY OBINNA OGBONNAYA,
and supporting their respective state gov- Abakaliki
ernments.
The statement reads in part: "Those Eight students of David
people were the first beneficiaries of the Umahi Federal University
magnanimity and peaceful disposition of of Health Sciences, Uburu,
Governor Fubara by signing the lopsided Ebonyi State, have been ex-
peace accord despite a court of compe- pelled from the institution for
tent jurisdiction had recognised Rt.Hon. misconduct and indiscipline.
Edison Ehie as the speaker of the Riv- The vice chancellor of the
ers State House of Assembly, which gave institution, Professor Jesse
them a life line to still operate, because Uneke, who made the dis-
having defected to APC without any cri- closure during the matricula-
ses in PDP, their seats were vacant con- tion ceremony at the univer-
stitutionally. sity campus, said the Senate
of the school approved disci-
plinary action on 31 students.
He said, "Eight students
who will emerge as council chairmen, have been expelled, three
deputy council chairmen, councilors, su- students received a one-year
pervisory councilors. suspension, seven students
"Furthermore, ADC wishes to align received a one-semester
itself with the popular opinions in the suspension, two students re-
state that a democratic local government ceived two months’ suspen-
system will drastically reduce insecuri- sion, six students bagged a
ty and crime rates in the State because one-month suspension, one
some of the youths who indulge in these student received two weeks’
organized gangs and crimes may be do- suspension and four students
ing so because of joblessness, unem- received warning letters.
ployment, and hardship that is current- “The university main-
ly ravaging our dear nation and state. tains high discipline, rules
and regulations, no student
moves out of the Universi-
ty without approval, we ex-
pect you to conduct yourself
in the highest level of disci-
pline.
Another Enugu
Policeman’s Wife
Gives Birth To
Triplet
BY NNAMDI MBAWIKE, Enugu
Ten months after the first oc-
currence in Enugu State Po-
lice Command, another po-
liceman’s wife, Mrs. Helen
Nnamani, married to Corpo-
ral Kingsley Nnamani, serv-
ing in Nsukka Urban Division
has been delivered of a set of
triplets.
She was delivered of three
baby boys at Bishop Shan-
ahan Hospital, Nsukka on
March 21, 2024.
This brings the number of
children in the family to four
as the couple already had a
mother and the triplet are in
good health, the police au-
thorities said.
The state commissioner
of police, Kanayo Uzuegbu,
ing his campaign promises which include while congratulating the fam-
Infrastructure development, payment of a ily thanked God for the safe
decade pension arrears, and repositioning delivery of the babies and
described the act as a good
"Work has started on both Obohia and omen for the police and Enu-
Ohanku Roads here in Aba. We will do gu State Command in gener-
something a little different on the later be- al.
In a statement by the
er," he noted. Daniel Ndukwe, he said the
"I will not take the church for granted commissioner urged public-
Cathedral the day after I won the elec- the children in whatever way
they could.
 Tuesday, Apirl 2, 2024 23
• NEWS
• MONEY
TIMELINE
• CAPITAL MARKET
• INSURANCE
Cost Of Basic
• INTERVIEW Food Items Up
By 96%
• ANALYSIS

The cost of basic

food items that meet
STOCK INDEX the minimum nutri-
(AS AT MARCH 28 ent requirements has
almost doubled with-
ASI (Points) 104,562.06 in a year, according
DEALS (Numbers) 10,257 to the latest ‘Cost
of Healthy Diet’ re-
VOLUME (Numbers million) 623.075 port by the National
VALUE (Nbillion) 16.955 Bureau of Statistics
(NBS).
(Ntrn) 59.121 The report in collab-
oration with Global
INFLATION 2023 2022 Alliance for Improved
RATE (%) Nutrition, shows that
the national average
OCT 27.33 21.09 Cost of a Healthy Diet
(CoHD) rose by 96.2
NOV 28.20 21.47 percent to N938 per
DECEMBER 28.92 21.34 day in February this
year from N473 per
day in the same pe-
FOREIGN EXCHANGE RATES riod of 2023. It also
L-R: Group chief risk officer, Sterling Financial Holdings Company, Olufunmilayo Lewis; executive vice president, Global Trade Bank at African rose by 9.32 percent
(AS AT MARCH 26, 2024 ) Export-Import Bank, Haytham El-Mayeergi, and director & global head, trade finance at African Export-Import Bank, Ms Gwen Mwaba, at the from N858 in January.
USD 1415.46 launch of the Afreximbank TradeLink digital SCF solution in Lagos recently

Recapitalisation: Experts Charge Lafarge Africa

GBP 1790.98
EUR 1534.94
Rewards

CBN On Safety Of Depositors' Funds

INTER BANK LENDING RATE RATE CHANGE%) Customers, Unveils
Waterproof Cement
(AS AT MARCH 26, 2023)

O/N 26.0000 -0.75

…No need to panic, banks assure BY OLUSHOLA BELLO, Lagos
1M 19.2500 -2.25
3M 21.0000 -1.25 BY BUKOLA ARO-LAMBO AND proach to the CBN’s new guidelines lent of about N500 billion. The re- Lafarge Africa Plc has re-
OLUSHOLA BELLO, Lagos
on the recapitalisation of banks in the ality is that the capitalization require- warded its performing trade
6M 21.8750 -1.03 country. ment has not increased materially in partners for excellent per-
Stakeholders have said it is imper- The chief executive officer of real terms, that is when adjusted for formance in the year 2023

COMMODITY INDEX (N/KG) ative for the Central Bank of Nige- Centre for the Promotion of Private inflation. as the company unveiled
ria (CBN) to assure depositors of the Enterprise (CPPE), Dr. Muda Yusuf ACAMB, in the statement not- Watershield, waterproof ce-
(AS AT MARCH 28, 2024 ) safety of their funds in the banking warned on the Implications of the ed that while Nigerian banks are ment.
Cocoa 12,500.00 0.00% system, irrespective of the current Proposed Recapitalisation of Nige- globally regarded as safe, resilient The event, held in Lagos,
Soyabean 667.00 0.00% level of capitalisations of banks. rian Banks that the last major review and thriving; there is always room brought together industry
This is as the Association of Cor- of minimum capital requirement was for growth. “As Nigeria seeks to ag- leaders, trade partners, and
Raw Cashew 1,200.00 0.00% done in 2005, some 18 years ago. gressively unlock its innate potential stakeholders to celebrate a
Sorghum 470.00 0.00% porate & Marketing Communication
Professionals of Banks (ACAMB) According to him, “but since to become a global emerging econ- year of remarkable accom-
Paddy rice 612.04 0.00% has said there is no need for bank then, the value of the minimum cap- omy, banks must also stand ready to plishments and to strength-
customers as well as the general pub- ital has been significantly eroded by play their crucial roles of financial en partnerships for future
QUOTE OF THE DAY lic to panic over the state of the in- inflation. For instance, the official intermediation. success.
dustry following the new minimum exchange rate in 2005 was about “The CBN circular on review Also, the unveiling of
capital as stipulated by the Central N130 to the dollar. This meant that of minimum capital requirement Watershield Cement, the
The real issue is that the N25 billion for a national bank, for commercial, merchant and first waterproof cement in
inflation has weakened Bank of Nigeria (CBN).
The Nigerian Association of for instance, was equivalent to $192 non-interest banks over the next 24 Nigeria set to revolution-
the value of money million. The naira equivalent today months has laid to rest any anxie- ise the industry as this feat
overtime which makes Chambers of Commerce, Industry,
Mines and Agriculture also said it is is about N250 billion. For the Inter- ty about the intention, process and stands as a testament to
recapitalisation imperative national Banking licence, it would possible outcome of the new recap- Lafarge Africa’s unwaver-
and inevitable – CPPE taking a cautious and analytical ap-
be about $384 million, an equiva- italisation exercise. ing commitment to pushing
CEO, Dr. Muda Yusuf the boundaries of possibil-
Nigeria On Track With 70% NIN Target – Report ity and setting new bench-
marks of excellence in the
BY ROYAL IBEH, LAGOS itored the project, as of April 30, plementation report on the project industry.
2023, a total of $35.6 million had published on March 29, 2024, said The theme of this year’s
A new report has revealed that Ni- been disbursed for the implemen- NIMC is making satisfactory pro- ceremony, ‘Winning with
geria, through the Nigeria Identity tation of the project. gress. Excellence and Innova-
Management Commission (NIMC) The target is for Nigeria to in- The World Bank, while high- tion’, underscored the com-
is making progress, towards achiev- crease the number of persons with a lighting some of the milestones of pany’s commitment to ex-
ing the 70 per cent NIN target by the National Identity Number (NIN), is- the projects in its latest implementa- cellence and innovation in
end of 2024. sued by a robust and inclusive foun- tion report on the project published the pursuit of shared goals.
Recall that the Nigeria Identity dational Identification (ID) system, on March 29, 2024, said NIMC is Speaking, GMD/CEO,
for National Development (ID4D) that facilitates their access to ser- making satisfactory progress. Lafarge Africa, Lolu Alade-
Group Business Editor Akinyemi stated that, “to
Nse Anthony-Uko initiative, which commenced in vices. According to the World Bank,
2019, is being financed through an As of December 2023, 104.16 NIMC has updated its Android en- our trade partners, your
Assistant Business Editor (Lagos) unwavering commitment,
Zaka Khaliq International Development Associ- million Nigerians had received rollment software which will short-
ation (IDA) credit of $115 million NINs, thereby achieving 70 per cent en the time of enrolment, adding dedication, and hard work
Correspondents/Reporters and co-financing of $100 million of the target, according to NIMC that, “Updates include the reduction have been instrumental in
• Chika Izuora from the French Agency for Devel- figures. By June 2024, NIMC is of the enrolment fields to 10 mini- our success this past year.
• Mark Itsibor opment and $215 million from the scheduled to have provided 148 mil- mal fields, and the introduction of Together, we have navigat-
• Bukola Idowu European Investment Bank. lion Nigerians with their NIN under a two-factor authentication for en- ed challenges, conquered
• Olushola Bello According to the World Bank, the scheme. rolment officers amongst other fea- obstacles, and forged ahead,
• Yusuf Babalola which facilitated the loans and mon- The World Bank, in its latest im- tures of the upgrade are completed. leaving an indelible mark
on our shared journey.”
24 BUSINESS\NEWS
BRIEFLY
Bank Auditors
Advocate
Information Sharing
To Combat Bank
Fraud
BY OLUSHOLA BELLO, Lagos
The Association of Chief Au-
dit Executives of Banks in Ni-
geria (ACAEBIN) has called
for the establishment of an as-
surance community of Infor-
mation Security, Internal Au-
dit, Internal Control/Systems
Control, Compliance, and Risk
Management departments by
banks to collaborate regularly
and share insights and moni-
tor cybersecurity-related initi-
atives and projects.
This recommendation was
contained in the Communique
issued at the end of the Associ-
ation’s Annual General Meet-
ing and Retreat of members
held in Abuja.
The week-long event with
the theme ‘The Role of the
Internal Auditor in Promot-
ing Stability in the Financial
Services Sector and National
Economic Growth’, witnessed
a convergence of members and
other banking industry stake-
holders sharing ideas and
knowledge on the challenges
and opportunities of the bank-
ing industry, by extension the
economy, and the efforts of
the Central Bank of Nigeria
to stimulate the economy and
reposition it in line with the
mandate of the President Bola
Tinubu.
Insurance
Professionals
Advocate National
Unity Amid Ramadan
BY ZAKA KHALIQ, Lagos
Insurance professionals and
other experts have advo-
cated national unity among
people of different reli-
gion, ethnicity and race as
enshrined in the doctrine of
Islam and exemplified in the
current month of Ramadan.
The professionals who
spoke at the 2024 Char-
tered Institute of Insurance
of Nigeria (CIIN) ’s Ram-
adan lecture on the theme;
Ramadan: an epitome of
spirituality, self-discipline
& interpersonal relation-
ship, agreed that Rama-
dan is another rare oppor-
tunity for every living thing
to witness another blessed
month, advising Islamic
faithfuls to use the month
to correct their wrongs and
have the interests of oth-
er fellow human beings at
heart, thereby, fostering na-
tional unity.
Ramadan is annually ob-
served by Muslims global-
ly, who are to abstain from
eating, drinking, sexual in-
tercourse and other atroci-
ties from dawn till sunset.
How Nigerian Airlines Can Survive
On Int'l Routes – Stakeholders
BY YUSUF BABALOLA, Lagos
Aviation stakeholders have warned
local airlines venturing into interna-
tional routes to ensure that their tick-
et cost is competitive enough to keep
them on the route.
They argued that the airlines can
run into early crises with uncompet-
itive fare like some local airlines that
have plied the route before.
Recall that Air Peace, on Friday,
launched the Lagos-London route
even as the management of United
Nigeria Airlines (UNA), said the air-
line is the next in line to launch flight
operations to the United Kingdom.
However, since Air Peace launched
its Lagos -London routes, foreign air-
HMOs Resist Recapitalisation Format, Govt Dominance
BY ROYAL IBEH, Lagos
The Health Maintenance Organisa-
tions (HMOs) in Nigeria, are resist-
ing the format of the recapitalisa-
tion exercise and mandatory health
insurance coverage of residents by
only state health insurance scheme,
LEADERSHIP learnt.
This is even as they have de-
scribed the operational guidelines of
the National Health Insurance Act
(NHIA), as a final nail in the coffin.
Recall that the Nigerian govern-
ment signed into law the new Na-
tional Health Insurance Act (NHIA)
2022 on 19 May 2022. The NHIA
Metering Gap Widens Further As Electricity Consumers Increase To 12.12m
The number of electricity consum-
ers rose by 410,000 from 11.71
million in the third quarter of 2023
to 12.12 million in the fourth quar-
ter of 2023.
The National Bureau of Statis-
tics (NBS) stated in its Electric-
ity Report for the fourth quarter
(Q4) of 2023 released in Abuja on
Monday, that the increase was by
3.46 per cent.
The increase in the number of
electricity consumers signifies
further widening of the meter-
ing gap in the country which has
been hovering around 46 per cent
despite huge interventions by the
Tuesday, April 2, 2024
lines have reduced their airfare dras-
tically.
For instance, RwandAir Express
reviewed its airfare to N1,102,563;
Royal Air Maroc at N1,628,675; and
Ethiopian Airlines at N1,641,249.
This was against a round-trip econ-
omy class ticket from Lagos to Lon-
don, on March 4, 2024, which attract-
ed significantly higher prices.
Air France priced it at N2,482,138,
while Lufthansa offered it at
N1,966,165. Qatar Airways provid-
ed the same ticket for N2,016,824,
and KLM priced it at N2,448,740.
The average fare for flights on
March 30 amounted to approxi-
mately N1,457,495.67, reflecting a
decrease from the prices observed on
replaced the National Health Insur-
ance Scheme Act of 1999, which
failed to enrol more than 10 per cent
of the population of the country.
However, HMOs have pointed
out some lapses in the operational
guidelines of the Act that could sti-
fle their operations in carrying out
their mandate.
For instance, they pointed to Sec-
tion 15(4) of the Act which states
that; “A private health insurance
scheme or plan shall be required as
a condition for registration and li-
censing by the Authority to deposit
with a Bank accredited by the Au-
thority an amount of money in an in-
federal government to close the
metering gap in the country.
The NBS report, which focus-
es on energy billed, revenue gen-
erated, and customers by distribu-
tion companies, showed that on a
year-on-year basis, the number of
electricity customers increased
by 9.59 per cent in Q4 2023 from
11.06 million reported in Q4 2022.
It said in Q4 2023, the number
of metered customers stood at
5.61 million compared with the
5.68 million recorded in Q3 2023,
this indicated a 1.32 per cent de-
crease.
“On a year-on-year basis, the
March 4, which averaged approxi-
mately N2,478,466.75
Also, on the Lagos to New York
route on Qatar Airways, the ticket
was sold for N2,982,049 as of March
4. However, as of Saturday, it was
sold for N1,989,098.
KLM charged N3,158,314; Air
France priced it at N3,148,308; Unit-
ed Airlines listed it at N3,193,185,
and Delta Air Lines offered the tick-
et for N3,310,097, on March 4, 2024.
However, speaking to LEADER-
SHIP, the general secretary, Aviation
Round Table Initiative (ARTI), Olu-
mide Ohunayo, said Air Peace com-
ing into Lagos-London crashed the
airfare on the route.
He, however, called for govern-
terest-yielding account that the Au-
thority shall prescribe as security for
its members.”
Similarly, the chairman, Institute
for Healthcare Finance and Man-
agement (IHFM) Limited, Dr. Ladi
Awosika, has decried the 20 per
cent annual turnover as stipulated
in the National Health Insurance Act
(NHIA), even as he has called on the
federal government to review the
operational guidelines of the Act.
Awosika observed that the paid-
up capital of the HMO has no di-
rect relationship with the health risk
profile of a private health insurance
scheme and it should not be used as
figure grew by 9.38 per cent from
the 5.13 million reported in Q4
2022,” the NBS stated.
Similarly, estimated electricity
customers stood at 5.83 million in
Q4 2023, showing a decrease of
3.34 per cent over the 6.03 mil-
lion recorded in Q3 2023.
“On a year-on-year basis, es-
timated customers decreased by
1.73 per cent in Q4 2023 from
the 5.93 million recorded in Q4
2022. ”
The NBS also said that elec-
tricity distribution companies
collected N294.95 billion in rev-
enue in Q4 2023 compared with
L-R: Head of Food Desk,
Standard Organisation
of Nigeria, Mr. Yunusa
Mohamad, presenting the
Micronutrient Fortification
Index Top Five Tier Award
and the Fortification
Excellence Award to
Dangote Sugar as a leading
brand in food fortification
and excellence to the Group
Managing Director/CEO,
Dangote Sugar Refinery Plc
Ravindra Singhvi, and Head
Quality Assurance, Dangote
Sugar Refinery Plc, Adepoju
Aderemi at the 2024 edition
of Technoserve MFI Annual
Awards and Millers for
Nutrition Launch awards
ceremony held in Lagos.
PHOTO BY KOLAWOLE ALIU
ment support to ensure that more
local airlines compete favourably
on the international routes.
"It's good that Nigeria has a car-
rier on the international route again
and we could see the impact imme-
diately as direct flight to London
and also other airlines such as Air
France, Air Maroc, KLM all have to
adjust their prices. There is nothing
good as supporting our own and the
need to have more Nigerian airlines
on the international routes.
"We have seen the benefit and
one thing is to start and another
is to sustain it so I will advise that
there should be schedule integrity
and reliability from Air Peace and
any would be carrier. Their frequen-
cy must be respected even as they
will have to look at partner airlines
that can help to move passengers be-
yond Gatwick or link them to anoth-
er airport beyond London.
a lever to hedge the risk of failure of
the private health insurance scheme.
Should the NHIA decide to use
the capital base, then it should not
be by an arbitrary 20 per cent of
paid-up capital, the chairman said,
adding that, the method is valid
only if it is tied in an actuarially
determined way to the risk profile
of the health insurance scheme and
its carrier, the HM0.
"The NHIA should not just
state a security deposit require-
ment through a black­box ap-
proach where the stakeholders are
not privy to the mechanism of the
determination.
the N260.16 billion they collect-
ed in Q3 2023 .
It added that on a year-on-year
basis, revenue collected rose by
26.96 per cent over the N232.32
billion collected in the fourth
quarter of 2022.
It stated that electricity supply
was 6,432 (Gwh) in the fourth
quarter of 2023 from 5,732 (Gwh)
recorded in the third quarter of the
year.
However, the report said on a
year-on-year basis, electricity sup-
ply increased by 14.64 per cent in
Q4 2023 compared with the 5,611
(Gwh) reported in the Q4 2022.

BRIEFLY
IWoMA Preps
Women Miners For
Loans, Grants
BY SILAS EZEUGWU, Abuja
A minerals sector profes-
sional pressure group, the
Initiative for Women Min-
ers in Africa (IWoMA) has
launched the Women Miners
Grants and Loans Readiness
Project to enhance the ca-
pacity of women miners for
grants and loans.
The Loans Readiness Pro-
ject is not a loan scheme,
but a project that aims to en-
hance the capacity of women
miners for loans and grants.
IWoMA, whose core man-
date is supporting and facil-
itating positive changes for
women miners across Africa,
has urged the social sector
workers to increase their in-
terest and efforts in improv-
ing the living standards and
operational safety of women
miners in rural mining com-
munities.
An official statement is-
sued by a representative of
IWoMA, Dr Adeola Olajug-
bagbe, stated that the harsh
conditions under which
women miners work in com-
munities demand more ur-
gent measures, more proac-
tive mitigation actions and
greater collaboration among
stakeholders.
ACCI Calls For
National Unity To
Empower Business
Growth
The President, Abuja
Chamber of Commerce
and Industry (ACCI)
Emeka Obegolu, has
urged Nigerians to build
a united nation, where the
business community can
thrive and contribute to
national development.
Obegolu said this in a
statement issued to news-
men in Abuja to celebrate
2024 Easter festivities.
He called on the gov-
ernment and relevant
stakeholders to create an
enabling environment for
businesses to thrive.
This festival represents
the triumph of life over
death and encompasses
the crucifixion, burial,
and subsequent resurrec-
tion of Christ.
Obegolu urged entre-
preneurs and business
owners to seize the op-
portunities presented by
Easter to recommit them-
selves to excellence and
innovation in their respec-
tive fields.
He reiterated the im-
portance of supportive
policies, infrastructure
development and access
to finance for sustainable
business growth.
R-L: Minister of interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo with the minister of art, culture and creative economy, Hannatu Musawa, after their meeting on visa protocols for
easy access to events aimed at facilitating growth in the creative industry in Abuja. PHOTO BY NAN
Low Crude Output: Nigeria Losing Oil Buyers To US
BY CHIKA IZUORA, Lagos
Nigeria’s position as a major oil ex-
porter is facing new challenges as the
United States suppliers have muscled
their way into the oil market once dom-
inated by Nigeria and other Organisa-
tion of the Petroleum Exporting Coun-
tries (OPEC).
Since the imposition of Western
sanctions on Russia in 2022, US oil
exports have surged, setting five new
monthly records, according to data
from the US Energy Information Ad-
ministration (EIA).
The sanctions, coupled with trade re-
strictions on Venezuela, have signifi-
cantly altered global oil trade dynam-
ics, enabling US suppliers to capture
markets traditionally dominated by
OPEC and its allies, analysts at EIA
Dangote Distributes 1m 10kg Rice To 17 States To Ease Hunger
BY OLUSHOLA BELLO, Lagos
So far, 17 states have received their
shares of the over one million 10kg rice,
being distributed by the Aliko Dangote
Foundation (ADF), across the 774 local
governments in Nigeria.
Managing director and chief executive
officer of the ADF, Zouera Youssoufou
said, the Foundation would ensure that
all the local governments in Nigeria get
their shares of the rice before the end of
the Ramadan period.
Youssoufou said the Foundation is
partnering with credible NGOs, civil so-
cieties, and religious bodies among oth-
Sterling Bank, AFREXIMBANK To Innovate Supply Chain Financing
BY OLUSHOLA BELLO, Lagos
Sterling Bank, in partnership with the
Africa Export-Import Bank and Wood-
hall Capital, has launched AFREX-
IMBANK Tradelink, a new and inno-
vative digital solution, for supply chain
financing in Nigeria.
The innovation is launched under
the aegis of the Africa Trade Gateway
(ATG), to provide banks across the con-
tinent with the tools to gather market
information, connect buyers and sell-
ers across the continent, and facilitate
Tuesday, April 2, 2024 BUSINESS\NEWS 25
TAKEAWAYS
Crude Oil
Supply
United States sup-
pliers of crude oil
are giving Nigeria
and other Organisa-
tion of the Petroleum
Exporting Countries
(OPEC) members a
tough fight to retain
their position as ma-
jor oil exporters.
Since the imposi-
tion of Western sanc-
tions on Russia in
2022, US oil exports
have surged, setting
five new monthly re-
cords, according to
data from the US En-
ergy Information Ad-
ministration (EIA).
This shift is par-
ticularly evident in
India, a major buy-
er of Nigeria’s crude
oil, which has in-
creasingly turned to
US crude, displac-
said. result of sanctions against Russian oil ing sanctioned Rus-
This shift is particularly evident in but also due to the inclusion of West sian oil, partly due
India, a major buyer of Nigeria’s crude Texas Intermediate in the dated Brent
to Indian refiners re-
oil, which has increasingly turned to benchmark, which has integrated US fusing cargoes from
US crude, displacing sanctioned Rus- crude into the European oil diet.
tankers owned by
sian oil, partly due to Indian refiners re- For instance, imports into the Neth- the sanctioned Rus-
fusing cargoes from tankers owned by erlands have surged since West Texas
sian firm Sovcomflot
the sanctioned Russian firm Sovcom- Intermediate was included in the dat- PJSC.
flot PJSC. ed Brent benchmark last year, ensur-
“US production is going up and ing US crude would become a part of
OPEC and Russian production is go-
ing down — so the US, by definition,
the European diet.
Data from EIA also showed US im-
Easing Hunger
is going to have more market share,” ports to France jumped nearly 40 per-
17 states have received
said Gary Ross, an oil consultant turned cent from 2021 to 2023, while those to
hedge fund manager at Black Gold In- Spain rose 134 percent.
their shares of the over
one million 10kg rice,
vestors LLC. “As US production continues to being distributed by the
Data from the global ship tracker also gradually grind higher, every incremen-
showed the US oil shipments are ex- tal barrel that’s being produced is likely
Aliko Dangote Founda-
tion (ADF), across the
pected to hit a record 2.2 million bar- going to be exported,” said Matt Smith, 774 local governments
rels a day in March. lead Americas oil analyst at Kpler, a in Nigeria.
Experts said this surge is not solely a global trade intelligence platform.
Dangote Foundation
is partnering with cred-
ible NGOs, civil socie-
ties, and religious bodies
ers to ensure the donations go to the most ADF, was present at both the flagging- among others to ensure
vulnerable in all the states and local gov- off ceremony in Kano and Lagos, where the donations go to the
ernments across Nigeria. 120,000 and 80,000 bags of 10kg rice most vulnerable in all
She said the Foundation is guided by a were distributed to both Kano and La- the states and local gov-
vision of empowering Africans to achieve gos states respectively said he has re- ernments across Nigeria.
their self-actualization and full potential solved to do all within his powers to as-
as it believes that every individual, re- sist all the tiers of the government in
gardless of their circumstances, deserves alleviating poverty in Nigeria. Partnership
the opportunity to thrive and succeed. Dangote said, the food intervention
Sterling Bank, in part-
It would be recalled that the ADF, re- programme, demonstrates the Founda- nership with the Afri-
cently flagged off the distribution of over tion’s commitment to upholding the val-
ca Export-Import Bank
one million bags of 10kg rice across all ues of compassion and solidarity that and Woodhall Capital,
the 774 local governments in Nigeria in are at the core of humanity. Dangote
has launched AFREX-
Kano and Lagos respectively. said the initiative is a crucial step to- IMBANK Tradelink, a
President of Dangote Group, Aliko wards alleviating the ongoing economic
new and innovative digital
Dangote, who is also the chairman of challenges faced by our nation. solution, for supply chain
financing in Nigeria.
The innovation is
launched under the aegis
payments in local currencies across Af- AFREXIMBANK, and NGN financing of the Africa Trade Gate-
rican countries. The launch event, held is provided by Sterling Bank. Suppliers way (ATG), to provide
in Lagos makes Sterling Bank the pio- to Nigerian corporates can thus benefit banks across the con-
neer bank for Nigeria. from financing in both local and foreign tinent with the tools to
This partnership between African Ex- currency, as per their requirements. gather market informa-
port-Import Bank (AFREXIMBANK) The managing director of Sterling tion, connect buyers and
and Sterling Bank is a unique and in- Bank, Abubakar Suleiman said: “Ster- sellers across the conti-
novative arrangement that leverages ling Bank is committed to meeting the nent, and facilitate pay-
the complementary strengths of both trade finance needs of Nigerian cor- ments in local currencies
institutions to provide a comprehen- porates and their suppliers and we are across African countries.
sive, market-leading solution to Nige- proud to introduce this much-needed The launch event, held
rian corporations and their suppliers. product in partnership with AFREX- in Lagos makes Sterling
Under the partnership arrangement, IMBANK for the benefit of Nigerian Bank the pioneer bank for
USD and EUR financing is provided by businesses.” Nigeria.
26 BUSINESS\NEWS
BRIEFLY
Community
Empowerment
Critical To Energy
Sector Stability
– Seplat Energy
BY OLUSHOLA BELLO, Lagos
Seplat Energy Plc said,
the execution of corpo-
rate social investment
(CSI) programmes in
oil and gas producing
communities as well as
empowerment of their
people is capable of pro-
moting stability in the
energy sector and ensur-
ing security of critical na-
tional assets.
Chief operating of-
ficer, Seplat Energy, Mr.
Samson Ezugworie said
this during the Society
of Petroleum Engineers
Oloibiri Lecture Series
and Energy Forum (SPE
OLEF) 2024 organised
by SPE Nigeria Council
in Abuja, with the theme
‘Stability in the Energy
Sector: Integrated Strat-
egies for Infrastructure,
Transportation and Secu-
rity.’
Ezugworie, who spoke
during the Energy Forum
Discussion Session, said
operators and the energy
industry at large must
refocus on sustainability
and think long-term.
Stay Informed To
Optimise Investment
Portfolios, Experts
Urge Investors
BY KINGSLEY OKOH, Lagos
Investment experts have
urged investors to stay in-
formed and agile to success-
fully navigate uncertainties
and optimise investment port-
folios.
The experts, who spoke at
a webinar organised by Sov-
ereign Finance Company
Limited (SFL) on ‘Sustaina-
ble Investment Strategies for
Changing Times,’ noted that,
spreading investments
across various assets or as-
set classes is crucial to re-
duce risk.
On his part, the manag-
ing director, SFL, Olusola
Dada, said spreading invest-
ments lessens the impact of a
decline in any single invest-
ment, especially, during un-
certain times like economic
downturns or market vola-
tility.
The MD of Sovereign Fi-
nance recommended four
sustainable investment are-
as, namely; defensive sec-
tors, diversified portfolios,
real estate investment trusts
(REITs) and emergency sav-
ings and liquid assets.
Insecurity: Rail Passenger Traffic Drops By 49.73%
...Revenue reduce 7.5% To N1.07bn
BY ADEGWU JOHN, Abuja
Passenger traffic on the Nigeri-
an Railway Corporation operat-
ed rail transport services dropped
by a whopping 49.73 per cent in
the fourth quarter 2023, as securi-
ty challenges kept many commut-
ers away.
The National Bureau of Statis-
tics (NBS) in its Rail Transporta-
tion Data for fourth quarter (Q4)
Again, Zenith Named Nigeria’s Best Bank
BY BUKOLA ARO-LAMBO, Lagos
Zenith Bank Plc has emerged as the
Best Bank in Nigeria in the Global
Finance Best Banks Awards 2024,
winning the award for the fourth
time since 2019.
The Bank was among other
banks from 36 countries in Africa
recognised as the prestigious Glob-
al Finance announced its 31st An-
nual Best Bank Awards Winners.
The editors of Global Finance
made the selections after exten-
sive consultations with corporate
financial executives, bankers and
banking consultants, and analysts
worldwide. Factors considered in
selecting the top banks ranged from
the quantitative objective to the in-
formed subjective.
Fraudsters Now Exploit QR Codes, NITDA Warns
BY ROYAL IBEH, Lagos
The federal government, through
the National Information Technolo-
gy Development Agency (NITDA),
has cautioned Nigerians against
scanning QR codes as scammers
are now exploiting them to de-
fraud users.
A QR code is a machine-read-
able code made up of a series of
black and white squares that is
commonly used to store URLs or
other data that can be viewed by a
smartphone’s camera.
In its most recent advice over the
weekend, the agency stated that
malicious actors are now utilising
QR codes for data theft, money
Tuesday, April 2, 2024
of 2023 indicated that the number
of rail transport passengers in Q4
2023 stood at 672,198. This was
lower than the 1,337,108 record-
ed in Q4 2022, representing a de-
cline of 49.73 per cent.
The report also showed that to-
tal revenue generated from passen-
gers in Q4 stood at N1.07 billion
compared with the N1.15 billion
generated in Q4 of 2022, repre-
senting a decrease of 7.51 per cent.
Objective criteria considered in-
cluded: growth in assets, profita-
bility, geographic reach, strategic
relationships, new business devel-
opment and innovation in products.
Subjective criteria included the
opinions of equity analysts, cred-
it rating analysts, banking consult-
ants and others involved in the in-
dustry.
Commenting on the award, the
outgoing group managing director/
chief executive of Zenith Bank, Dr.
Ebenezer Onyeagwu said: “This
award serves as a powerful affirma-
tion of our resilience and tenacity
despite headwinds and a very chal-
lenging macroeconomic environ-
ment. Indeed, it is a testament to
our status as the leading financial
institution in Nigeria, dedicated
fraud, and phishing schemes.
NITDA explained that, “QR
codes, while fast and convenient
for quick access to information and
actions, have unfortunately become
a tool exploited by scammers for
fraudulent activities. These activi-
ties take various forms and are de-
signed to lure unsuspecting users
into scanning them.
“The implications of these codes
on users vary depending on the ap-
proach taken by the Scammer Im-
pact QR codes can be exploited by
malicious actors to deceive unsus-
pecting users and perpetrate fraud-
ulent activities.”
On ways scammers are using QR
codes to carry out their schemes,
NITDA said:“Phishing scammers
Similarly, it showed that
N423.22 million was collected in
Q4 2023 as revenue from goods/
cargos, this increased by 169.16
per cent from N157.23 million re-
ceived in Q4 2022.
“Also, other receipts grew by
3.02 per cent from the N382.17
million recorded in Q4 2022 to
N393.72 million recorded in Q4
2023.
It said on an annual basis, the
unwaveringly to delivering excep-
tional value to our stakeholders”.
He expressed profound grati-
tude to the founder and chairman,
Jim Ovia, for his exceptional vi-
sion and foundational role in es-
tablishing a resilient and endur-
ing financial institution. He also
lauded the board for their astute
insights and exemplary leader-
ship, the staff for their steadfast
commitment and unwavering
dedication, and the customers for
their staunch loyalty to the Zenith
brand.
Publisher and editorial director
of Global Finance, Joseph D. Gia-
rraputosaid: “Banking has reached
another watershed moment with
the debut of generative artificial
intelligence, which promises to re-
can generate QR codes that point to
malicious applications or phishing
websites. Users scan these codes
thinking they are genuine and end
up having their information stolen.
Scammers can create QR codes that
start illicit transactions or reroute
payments to their accounts rather
than to the intended recipients.
“Threat actors may embed ma-
licious payloads like malware or
data-stealing scripts within QR
codes. By exploiting security vul-
nerabilities in users’ devices, they
can steal private documents, finan-
cial information, and passwords
among other sensitive data. Us-
ers’ personal information, includ-
ing names, addresses, and contact
details can be collected using QR
number of rail transport passen-
gers decreased by 32.08 per cent,
from 3,212,948 recorded in 2022 to
2,182,388 recorded in 2023.
The NBS said the revenue re-
ceived from passengers declined
by 2.64 per cent in 2023 from the
N4,546,342,050 recorded in 2022
to N4,426,495,760 in 2023.
“However, the volume of cargo
and revenue from cargo in 2023
increased by 102.04 per cent and
144.32 per cent respectively, com-
pared with 2022,” the report said.
write the industry playbook,” He
added that: “In this ever-chang-
ing environment, the Best Bank
Awards recognise the financial in-
stitutions that offer the broadest
range of services, long-term reli-
ability, and technological innova-
tion.”
Global Finance’s “Best Banks
Awards” are recognised amongst
the world’s most influential bank-
ing/finance and corporate profes-
sionals as the most coveted and
credible awards in the banking in-
dustry, with winners chosen in 150
countries and territories across Af-
rica, AsiaPacific, the Caribbean,
Central America, Central & East-
ern Europe, Latin America, the
Middle East, North America and
Western Europe.
L-R: Senior marketing
manager, Infinix Nigeria,
Doris Zhao; head of marketing
Showmax Nigeria, Arinola
Shobande; actress and voice
over artist, Adeola Awodein;
actress, Scarlet Gomez,
and integrated marketing
communications & PR
manager,Yemisi Ode, during
the media parley of the Infinix
Note 40 series in Lagos.PHOTO
BY KOLAWOLE ALIU
codes inserted in fake advertise-
ments or online surveys. This in-
formation can then be exploited
for identity theft or other target-
ed frauds.”
On preventive measures, the
agency cautioned Nigerians to
guard against falling victim to
scammers, by being wary of scan-
ning codes from unfamiliar sourc-
es or unsolicited messages.
“Always verify the legitimacy of
QR codes and associated links be-
fore scanning them. Also use repu-
table QR code scanning apps with
built-in security features and up-
date devices with the latest antivi-
rus software and security patches
could also help in safeguarding QR
code users,” it advised.
 Tuesday, Apirl 2, 2024 POLITICS NEWS 27
BRIEFLY
APC Caucus
Raises Alarm
Over Threat To
Aregbesola’s Life
BY JOSHUA DADA, Osogbo

The Omoluabi Progressives

PDP NEC: North Central Set To Produce Ayu’s Replacement
BY CHIBUZO UKAIBE, Abuja
As schemings for the Na-
tional Executive Committee
(NEC) meeting of the Peo-
ples Democratic Party (PDP)
slated for April 18, 2024 in-
tensifies, the North Central
Caucus of the party has set in
motion arrangements to pre-
sent a candidate to complete
the term of the zone which
was truncated after the for-
mer PDP national chairman,
Sen. Iyorchia Ayu, was re-
moved from office through a
court verdict.
Recall that the PDP Na-
tional Working Commit-
tee (NWC), last week, fixed
the Party’s NEC meeting for
Thursday, April 18, 2024, af-
ter a National Caucus meet-
'Why APC Will Take Over Akwa Ibom In 2027'
ing slated for Wednesday,
April 17.
Following the zoning of
the national chairmanship of
PDP to the North Central, the
party's national convention
on October 31, 2021, voted
Ayu, a former Senate Presi-
dent from Benue State, to oc-
cupy the seat.
Ayu was forced to step
aside as a chairman after an
order of the Benue State High
Court, dated March 27, 2023
which restrained him from
parading himself as chair-
man.
In keeping with the par-
ty's constitution, the deputy
national chairman, (North)
Amb. Illiya Damagum from
Yobe State, North East Ni-
geria, has since taken over
as acting national chairman
since March 28, 2023 (over
a year).
However, there have been
calls from various quarters,
including the North Central,
on the Damagum-led NWC
to convene a NEC meeting
to, among other things, re-
ceive the nomination from
the North Central and ap-
prove a substantive national
chairman from the zone.
LEADERSHIP gathered
that party leaders from the
North Central held a crucial
meeting in Abuja last week
where they insisted that a
substantive national chair-
man should without further
delay, emerge from the North
Central.
They had also insisted that
Amb Damagum should re-
vert to his original position
as deputy national chairman
in line with the provision of
the Constitution of the PDP.
The meeting which had
in attendance members of
the PDP North Central Zon-
al Executive Committee and
respective state chairmen of
the party from the six states
of the zone and Federal Cap-
ital Territory (FCT), insisted
on producing a replacement
for the acting national chair-
man.
A source at the meeting
hinted that the leaders man-
dated Plateau State gover-
nor, Caleb Muftwang, to con-
vene a decisive meeting of
the Zonal Caucus that would
come up with the nomina-
L-R, Speaker, Cross River
State House of Assembly,
Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem,
with the commissioner
for education, Dr Stephen
Odey during the reception
in honour of Odey at Yache
community,Yala LGA of
Cross River State on Sunday
PHOTO: RICHARD NDOMA
tion for the party's substan-
tive National Chairman from
the North Central Zone.
"With the exit of the for-
mer National Chairman, Sen-
ator Iyorchia Ayu, our zone
was expected to produce a
successor, but this was de-
layed. The National Chair-
manship is zoned to the North
Central, and the PDP Con-
stitution provides that a suc-
cessor must come from the
North Central. So the Con-
stitution should be followed.
“We have held a series of
meetings on the issue. This
was also the reason State
Chairmen from the North
Central met in Abuja last
Wednesday. We are unani-
mous in seeking a credible
nomination.
Caucus of the All Progres-
sives Congress (APC) in
Osun State has raised the
alarm over threat to the
life of the immediate past
Minister of Interior, Ogbeni
Rauf Aregbesola.
The APC group said
there was a clear threat to
Aregbesola’s life and free-
dom based on an article
written by a media aide to
the former governor.
In a statement signed by
the organising and publicity
secretary of the Omoluabi
caucus, Comrade Abosede
Oluwaseun, the group said
the threat to Aregbesola’s
life could not be over-
looked going by the previ-
ous attacks on the former
governor of the state and
his loyalists in the recent
past.
The caucus quoted the
said article as saying, “Yet
with the feeling of self-
importance, he continues to
wage war against the struc-
ture which brought him into
limelight.
Zamfara
Government
Denies Borrowing
N14.26bn
BY UMAR MOHAMMED,
Gusau

BY INIOBONG EKPONTA, UYO
Chairman of the All Pro-
gressives Congress (APC)
in Akwa Ibom State,
Obong Stephen NtukE-
kpo, has expressed opti-
mism that the ruling APC
at the centre would seize
the mantle from the Peo-
ples Democracy Party
(PDP) in 2027.
NtukEkpo said indica-
tions on the ground point
to the fact that "the APC
is set to wrest the political
leadership of Akwa Ibom
Abure Disregarded Obi’s Advice For All-inclusive Convention – Tanko
The chief spokesperson for
the Obi-Datti campaign or-
ganisation, Yinusa Tanko,
says that the current cri-
sis rocking the Labour Par-
ty could have been prevent-
ed if the leadership had taken
the advice of Peter Obi, the
party’s presidential candidate
in the 2023 elections.
Tanko said the recently
concluded national conven-
tion of the party which re-
turned Julius Abure as the
national chairman was not
State from the ruling PDP
come the next round of na-
tional elections."
Speaking at the com-
missioning ceremony of
a fully digitised ward of-
fice donated as the APC
wards office at Ibiatuk,
Mbiabong Ward 9, in Ibio-
no Ibom local government
area, by a United States
(US) - based stalwart of
the party, Dr. Marshall
Umoren, NtukEkpo said
the ongoing rebuilding
of structures at the state,
chapter and ward levels
all-inclusive.
“His Excellency, Peter
Obi, has made a concert-
ed effort in trying to inter-
vene at any point we have
this particular issue and try-
ing to improve,” Tanko said
on Channels Television’s The
Morning Brief programme
on Monday.
“When the issue of the na-
tional convention came up,
he (Obi) suggested to the na-
tional chairman that because
we are bigger now, we need
puts the party on a pedes-
tal to bounce back strong-
er in the next polls.
Represented by a par-
ty chieftain, Elder Umo
Ekop, NtukEkpo, noted
that "significant devel-
opments in the party are
strong indications of the
vigorous determination
of the APC to weigh in
and capture power in the
next election year in Akwa
Ibom State."
Describing the initiative
of the diaspora ambassa-
dor and party chieftain
to have a wider consultation:
meet with responsible and in-
terested people such as the
TUC and NLC, stakeholders,
the Obidient group – young
generation people who are
interested in seeing Nige-
ria work. Meet with leaders
who have different ideas that
can midwife us into a great-
er height.
“All of these were the sug-
gestions that he (Obi) made,
and not only did he make
those suggestions, he practi-
as an extraordinary step
in the interest of the par-
ty, NtukEkpo, challenged
other party adherents to
equally rise up and emu-
late the gesture.
However, Umoren, who
described himself as a
medical professional with
interest in politics said the
gift to the party, was "initi-
ated in the spirit of service
to give the ruling national
party a credible face and
a befitting identity within
the local political scene."
He said with the initia-
calised them because he met
with the members of the Na-
tional Assembly.
“He (Obi) met with the
leadership of the party re-
cently in Asaba trying to give
them ideas on how he thinks
certain things could be done
and you could improve our
situation but of course, you
know how politics is, some-
times, people may be trying
to encourage people, but they
do something different.
“You can only take a horse
tive, many political hope-
fuls will register and be
attracted to identify with
the party; thus boosting
its popularity, acceptabil-
ity and spread among the
people.
In their goodwill mes-
sages, the former chap-
ter chairman, Mr. Akan
Ekanem, and a party stal-
wart in the area, Dr. Vic-
tor Akan, commended the
feat, noting that It would
go a long way to strength-
ening the party ahead of
the next polls.
to the river, but you cannot
force it to drink water, so
that’s exactly what Peter
Obi has done, he has done so
greatly to see if we can find a
solution to some of the prob-
lems we find ourselves.”
He said while Abure has
the right to contest the na-
tional chairmanship position
again, it was only proper that
the right things are done by
opening the door for more
people to be part of the pro-
cess.
The Zamfara State govern-
ment has denied borrowing
N14.26billion, claiming that
the money was part of the
proceeds from a N20 billion
loan floated by the previous
administration.
A statement by the spokes-
person of the Zamfara gover-
nor, Sulaiman Bala Idris, re-
vealed that the administration
of Governor Dauda Lawal
never took domestic or ex-
ternal loans a ce uts inception.
“We would like to clarify
the Debt Management Office
(DMO) report that the Zam-
fara State government bor-
rowed N14.26 billion.
“Zamfara State govern-
ment has never applied for
loans or approached the State
Assembly or National As-
sembly for such a request.
“It is important to note that
the previous Zamfara state
government floated a N20
billion bond but failed to col-
lect the total amount.
“The immediate past gov-
ernment received N4billion
naira out of the N20billion
loans requested for the Zam-
fara cargo airport project,
though the funds were not
utilised.
28
Classifieds
10 Of The Highest-Paying Finance Jobs In 2024
The finance industry is broad
and encompasses everything
from banking and investments to
financial technology, or fintech,
as it‘s commonly known. If you‘ve
been thinking about starting a
career in finance, it‘ll be helpful to
consider the different roles that
are available. In this article, we take
a look at salaries in the finance
industry, then 10 of the highest-
paying jobs you can pursue as a
career in the financial sector.
Salaries in the finance industry
Many jobs in the finance industry
can prove highly lucrative for the
job seeker, and the median salary
for the industry as a whole is
well above the national average.
According to the U.S. Bureau of
Labor Statics (BLS), careers in
finance pay a median salary of
$76,850 — 66% higher than the
median salary for all occupations
in the nation ($46,310). BLS also
projects average employment
growth for the finance industry
in the decade between 2022 and
2032, with approximately 911,400
openings each year during that
time. As noted, within the sector,
there are many paths you can
pursue, from a corporate career to
one in advising, fintech, banking
MASHKURAT
I formerly known as MASHKURAT
ABDULKADIR now wish to be known
and addressed as MRS MASHKURAT
ABUBAKAR. All former documents remain
valid. Authorities concerned particularly;
NYSC and general public should take note
BAIYERE-ADEKUNLE
I, formerly known and addressed as BELLO
BASHIRAT AJIKE. Now wish to be known
and addressed as BAIYERE-ADEKUNLE
BASHIRAT AJIKE. All former documents
remain valid. Authorities concerned and
general public should please take note.
BONIFACE
I formerly known as BONIFACE
EMMANUEL, now wish to be called
and addressed as BONIFACE FRIDAY.
All former document remain valid.
Concerned authority and general
public take note.
ELEDEWO
I, formerly known and addressed as
ELEDEWO RAPHEAL AYOKANMI,
now wish to be known and addressed
as ELEDEWO RAPHAEL AYOKANMI.
All former to documents remain valid.
General public should take note.
HALIRA
I, formerly known as HARUNA HALIRA
DURUMI now wish to be called and
addressed as HALIRA ABDULRAZAQ
DURUMI. All former documents
remain valid. General public should
please take note.
ZAKARI
I, formerly known as HALIRA YUSUF
now wish to be called and addressed
as ZAKARI HALIRA. All former
documents remain valid. General
public should please take note.
IBRAHIM
I, formerly known as IBRAHIM
SALIAUY. now wish to be called
and addressed as IBRAHIM SALISU.
All former documents remain valid.
General public should please take note.
CHIEMEKA
I, formerly known as CHIOMA CHIEMEKA,
OKONKWO CHIOMA, OKONKWO CHIOMA
AUGUSTINA, CHIEMEKA AUGUSTINA CHIOMA,
now wish to be known and addressed as CHIEMEKA
CHIOMA CHUKWURAH. All former documents
remain valid. Concerned authorities and the general
public to please take note.
ISAAC
I, formerly known as ISAAC SHEKWO.
now wish to be called and addressed
as ISAAC SHEKWOBAGU. All former
documents remain valid. General
CLASSIFIEDS SELF-BOOKING SERVICE
In this article, we take a look at salaries in the finance industry.
and investments, accounting or
lending.
Highest-paying finance jobs
Here are the best-paying finance
jobs. For the most up-to-date salary
information from Indeed, visit
indeed.com/salaries:
1. Financial adviser
National average salary: $80,198
per year
Primary duties: These are
professionals who help customers
identify short- and long-term
financial goals and lead them to
products that make sense.
The duties of an insurance advisor
KABIR
I formerly known as KABIR SALISU, KABIRU
SALISU RUMA, KABIR RUMA SALISU now wish to
be known and addressed as KABIR SALISU RUMA
with correct DOB;13/07/1995 not 01/01/1987 and
17/07/1988. All former documents remain valid.
Authorities concerned and general public should
take note
AKINSEMOYIN
I formerly known and addressed as EKO-
AKINSEMOYIN ENIOLA DAVID. Now
wish to be known and addressed as
AKINSEMOYIN ENIOLA DAVID. All former
documents remain valid. Authority concern
and General public should take note.
OKOPI
I formerly known as OKOPI AGATHA
ONMA, now wish to be called and
addressed as OKOPI THERESA
ONYIWOJU. All former document
remain valid. Concerned authority and
general public take note.
ZAINAB
I, formerly known as ZAINAB KALU
ABDULLAHI now wish to be called and
addressed as ZAINAB KALU ADAM. All
former documents remain valid. General
public should please take note.
SULEIMAN
I, formerly known as SULEIMAN ISAH
now wish to be called and addressed
as SULEIMAN TANKO. All former
documents remain valid. General
public should please take note.
ABDULSALAM
I, formerly known as SAMUEL MAJEBI.
now wish to be called and addressed
as ABDULSALAM UMAR SUNDAY.
All former documents remain valid.
Authority concern and General public
should please take note.
GLORY
I, formerly known as GLORY
EDEKIN OTERI. now wish to be
called and addressed as GLORY
MOGBEJULE DULO. All former
documents remain valid. General
public should please take note.
GRACE
I, formerly known as GRACE KACHUBI
NORE, now wish to be known and
addressed as GRACE KACHUBI. All
former documents remain valid.
Concerned authorities and the general
public to please take note.
EGBUEDIKE
I, formerly known as ELUOBU
ELIZABETH now wish to be called
and addressed as EGBUEDIKE
ELIZABETH OLOCHE. All former
documents remain valid. General
Tuesday, April 2, 2024
Book online simple and quick
E-booking/E-payment Steps
Using the format below as it relates to you,
Step 1 - Make payment into Account Name:
Account Number:
Bank Name:
include being knowledgeable of
insurance products, working closely
with underwriters and people in risk
assessment and being a primary
point of contact for clients.
2. Senior accountant
National average salary: $81,253
per year
Primary duties: Senior accountants
are usually at the top of an
accounting hierarchy and are
responsible for the day-to-day
duties of accounting. They perform
tasks like being accountable for
sticking to budgets, meeting
accounting goals and overseeing
corporate expenditures.
GIDEON
I, formerly known as DR, GIDEON
AVAR, now wish to be called and
addressed as GIDEON AONDOHEMBA
AVAR. All former documents remain
valid. General public should please take
note.
MUDASHIRU
I, formerly known as ADAMS
OLUSEGUN MUDASHIRU. now
wish to be called and addressed as
MUDASHIRU OLUSEGUN ADAM.
All former documents remain valid.
General public should please take note.
ALIYU
I, FORMERLY KNOWN AS ALIYU SULEMAN
NOW WISH TO BE CALLED AND ADRESSED
AS ALIYU TUNGARFANA SULEMAN. ALL
FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID
AUTHORITY CONCERN AND GENERAL
PUBLIC PLEASE TAKE NOTE.
TEMITOPE
I, formerly known and addressed as, MISS.
TEMITOPE FUNMILAYO OLLA, now wish
to be known and addressed as, MRS.
TEMITOPE FUNMILAYO OGBANGA. All
former documents remain valid. General
public should take note.
USMAN
I, formerly known as USMAN
DUKUSAKU ABUBAKAR now wish
to be called and addressed as USMAN
NURAINI ABUBAKAR. All former
documents remain valid. General
public should please take note.
ABDULAZEEZ
I, formerly known as ABDULRAZAK ONIMISI
LASISI. Wrong DOB: 15.8.1992 now wish to be
called and addressed as ABDULAZEEZ ONIMISI
ABDULRAZAQ. Correct DOB.15.8.1993. All
former documents remain valid. General public
should please take note.
ELOCHUKWU
I, formerly known as ELOCHUKWU
EMELIONWU. now wish to be called
and addressed as ELOCHUKWU
SAMUEL EMELIONWU. All former
documents remain valid. General
public should please take note.
HAFSATU
I, formerly known as HAFSA SANI.
now wish to be called and addressed as
HAFSATU BASHIR ADAM. All former
documents remain valid. General
public should please take note.
CONFIRMATION OF NAME
I, WISH TO LET THE GENERAL PUBLIC KNOW
THAT I, MR DAVID OLUMIDE ADERINOKUN
IS ONE AND THE SAME PERSON AS
ADERINOKUN DAVID . I WISH TO BE KNOWN
AND ADDRESSED AS MR DAVID OLUMIDE
ADERINOKUN . ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS
Step 2 - Send a proof of PAYMENT with attached
court affidavits, relevant certificates
Leadership Group Ltd. including marriage certificates to:
1012615064 leadershipclassifiedadvert@gmail.com
Zenith Bank
3. Investment banker
National average salary: $79,224
per year
Primary duties: Investment bankers
manage the portfolios of businesses
and government agencies that
invest in a number of different
businesses. These professionals
help clients raise and invest
capital in a way intended to help
the business achieve its financial
growth goals.
4. Hedge fund manager
National average salary: $93,534
per year
Primary duties: Hedge fund
CROSSWORD PUZZLE: TO IMPROVE COGNITIVE FUNCTION
Source: www.washingtonpost.com
AISHATU ADDITION OF NAME
I, formerly known as AISHATU GARBA I, formerly known as AMINU
now wish to be called and addressed MUHAMMAD now wish to be called
as AISHATU GARBA MUSA DATE and addressed as ABUBAKAR AMINU
OF BIRHT 06 01 1992 All former MUHAMMAD All former documents
documents remain valid. General remain valid. General public should
public should please take note. please take note.
BALKISU BENJAMIN
I, formerly known as BALKI I, formerly known as IYIMOGA
JIBRIN ISAH. now wish to be BENJAMIN now wish to be called and
called and addressed as BALKISU addressed as BENJAMIN ADIMA. My
ABDULLAHI All former documents correct date of birth is 23/06/1988.
remain valid. General public should All former documents remain valid.
please take note. General public should please take note.
GODFREY CALEB
I, formerly known as NSEKONG- I, formerly known as CALEB
GODFREY JOY KUFIRE. now wish to JACOB now wish to be called and
be called and addressed as GODFREY addressed as CALEB OGBUDU
JOY KUFIRE All former documents JACOB All former documents
remain valid. General public should remain valid. General public should
please take note. please take note.
AMOS AKENYI
I formerly known as JUSTINA ADAMU. my name was wrongly captured on my BVN
henceforth, I wish to be known and as PILOMENA AKENYI instead of AKENYI
PHILOMINA IKIRIH. my correct name is AKENYI
addressed as AMOS JUSTINA. my PHILOMINA IKIRIH as captured on my NIN. my date
correct date of birth is 15/04/1986. of birth was also wrongly captured on my BVN as
All former documents remain valid.
27/06/1977 instead of 27/07/1977 as captured on
general public should take note. my NIN. general public should take note.
FATIMA IRIMIYA
I formerly known and addressed as I, formerly known as ABDULAHI MAISANGO
IBRAHIM FATIMA BINTU now wish to with old date of birth 25/12/2000 now wish
be known and addressed as FATIMA to be called and addressed as IRIMIYA ADO,
BINTU IBRAHIM IBRAHIM MRS. All new date of birth 15/5/2000. All former
former documents remain valid authority documents remain valid. General public
concerned and general public take note. should please take note.
CORRECTION OF NAME CHANGE OF NAME
DURING THE OPENING OF MY BANK ACC AND I formerly known and addressed as
REGISTRATION OF MY BVN WITH FIDELITY BANK, MBU, TANYI CHARLES LUWANGA,
MY NAME WAS WRONGLY CAPTURED AS IKE GRACE
ORIE INSTEAD OF EBURU GRACE ORIE. THAT I NOW
now wish to be known and addressed
WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS EBURU as MBU, CHARLES LUWANGA. All
GRACE ORIE. FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. former documents remain valid. Bank
GENERAL PUBLIC TAKE NOTE. and general public should take note.
MUSA OLUWADARE
I, formerly known as TANIMU SAUDAT I, formerly known as FALADE
HUSSAIN. now wish to be called and FUNMILAYO TAIWO now wish to be
addressed as MUSA TANIMU SAUDAT called and addressed as OLUWADARE
HUSSAIN. All former documents FUNMILAYO TAIWO ADELUSI.
remain valid. General public should All former documents remain valid.
please take note. General public should please take note.
EMMANUEL ADAM
I, formerly known as EMMANUEL I, formerly known and called as ISA
SANDERSON KARA. now wish to be USMAN , now wish to be known and
called and addressed as EMMANUEL addressed as ADAM ISA JAURO. My
SANDERSON ABDU. All former correct Date of Birth is 01/01/1998 not
documents remain valid. General 20/10/1987. All former documents remain
public should please take note. valid. General Public should take note.
BLESSING WILLIAMS
I, formerly known as BLESSING I, formerly known as HENRY
TONZIE DAVID. now wish to be called TERLUMUN GAGBUR. now wish to
and addressed as BLESSING TONZIE be called and addressed as WILLIAMS
STEPHEN. All former documents TERLUMUN GAGBUR. All former
remain valid. General public should documents remain valid. General
PRICES
Change of name: - N3,000
Loss of Documents: - N7,500
Company Trustees: - N15,000
FOR ENQUIRIES, CALL:
ABUJA: 08112993160 | 08112993166 LAGOS: 08112993161
managers perform similar duties to
investment bankers, but work with
higher risk and reward portfolios
for investors who pool their capital
to make investments in hedge
funds. Hedge fund managers
must monitor markets to protect
investors, and for that reason, they
are awake early and leave the office
late. Hedge fund investing is rarely a
career with typical full-time hours.
By Jamie Birt
Culled From: https://www.indeed.
com/career-advice/finding-a-job/
highest-paying-finance-jobs
ACCROSS
1 1099-___[IRS form for royalties]
5 “A Passage to India” heroine surnamed Quested
7 Conscious awareness, figuratively
8 Valuable discovery in Zelda video games
9 ___ d’oeuvres
DOWN
1 “The Liberty Bell” or “the Washington Post,” e.g.
2 Birthplace of Aaron Paul and Sarah Palin
3 Occasion to say “Next year in Jerusalem”
4 See 6-Down
6 With 4-Down, sketchy thing to take in school?
BUHARI
I, formerly known as BUHARI
ZAKIRU ALHASSAN now wish
to be called and addressed as
BUHARI ALHASSAN All former
documents remain valid. General
public should please take note.
ADAMU
I, formerly known as ISMAILA
AISHAT now wish to be called and
addressed as ADAMU AYISHAT
OMAYOZA All former documents
remain valid. General public should
please take note.
BERTHA
I formerly known and addressed as BERTHA
OYINYECHI ONYEKACHI now wish to
be known and addressed as BERTHA
ONYEKACHI OGUNGBENRO. All former
documents remain valid . General public
should please take note.
YAKUBU
I, formerly known as YAKUBU
BALA and YAKUBU SUGAR now
wish to be called and addressed
as YAKUBU BALA. All former
documents remain valid. General
public should please take note.
YAKUBU
I, formerly known as SHABA MARYAM
BAWA now wish to be called and
addressed as YAKUBU MARYAM.
All former documents remain valid.
General public should please take note.
GRACE
I, formerly known as GRACE JOEL
AUDU now wish to be called and
addressed as GRACE JOEL PONBOL.
All former documents remain valid.
General public should please take note.
REMOVAL OF NAME
I, FORMERLY KNOWN AS OKPANACHI ASIBI
OJOGBANE. NOW WISH TO BE CALLED AND
ADDRESSED AS OKPANACHI ASIBI. ALL FORMER
DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC,
ECOBANK AND TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN
SHOULD PLEASE TAKE NOTE OF THIS DEPOSITION.
ADAM
I, formerly known as ABDULLAHI
BALA ADAM. now wish to be called
and addressed as ADAM SALEH
SAMINU. All former documents
remain valid. General public should
please take note.
MUHAMMAD
I, formerly known as ISAH AMINA
MUHAMMAD. now wish to be called
and addressed as MUHAMMAD
AMINA MUHAMMAD. All former
documents remain valid. General

now wish to be called and addressed
as ZAKARI HALIRA. All former
documents remain valid. General
public should please take note.
IBRAHIM
I, formerly known as IBRAHIM
SALIAUY. now wish to be called
and addressed as IBRAHIM SALISU.
All former documents remain valid.
General public should please take note.
now wish to be called and addressed
as ABDULSALAM UMAR SUNDAY.
All former documents remain valid.
Authority concern and General public
should please take note.
GLORY
I, formerly known as GLORY
EDEKIN OTERI. now wish to be
called and addressed as GLORY
MOGBEJULE DULO. All former
documents remain valid. General
public should please take note.
LASISI. Wrong DOB: 15.8.1992 now wish to be REGISTRATION OF MY BVN WITH FIDELITY BANK, MBU, TANYI CHARLES LUWANGA,
MY NAME WAS WRONGLY CAPTURED AS IKE GRACE AUDU now wish to be called and
called and addressed as ABDULAZEEZ ONIMISI
ORIE INSTEAD OF EBURU GRACE ORIE. THAT I NOW
now wish to be known and addressed addressed as GRACE JOEL PONBOL.
ABDULRAZAQ. Correct DOB.15.8.1993. All
WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS EBURU as MBU, CHARLES LUWANGA. All
former documents remain valid. General public GRACE ORIE. FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. former documents remain valid. Bank All former documents remain valid.
should please take note. GENERAL PUBLIC TAKE NOTE. and general public should take note. General public should please take note.
ELOCHUKWU MUSA OLUWADARE REMOVAL OF NAME
I, formerly known as ELOCHUKWU I, formerly known as TANIMU SAUDAT I, formerly known as FALADE I, FORMERLY KNOWN AS OKPANACHI ASIBI
EMELIONWU. now wish to be called
Tuesday,
and addressed as ELOCHUKWU
SAMUEL EMELIONWU. All former
HUSSAIN. now wish to be called and
April 2, 2024
addressed as MUSA TANIMU SAUDAT
HUSSAIN. All former documents
FUNMILAYO TAIWO now wish to be
called and addressed as OLUWADARE
FUNMILAYO TAIWO ADELUSI.
OJOGBANE. NOW WISH TO BE CALLED AND
ADDRESSED AS OKPANACHI ASIBI. ALL FORMER
DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC,
29
documents remain valid. General remain valid. General public should All former documents remain valid. ECOBANK AND TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN
public should please take note. please take note. General public should please take note. SHOULD PLEASE TAKE NOTE OF THIS DEPOSITION.

CHIEMEKA GRACE HAFSATU EMMANUEL ADAM ADAM

Change Of Name
I, formerly known as CHIOMA CHIEMEKA, I, formerly known as GRACE KACHUBI I, formerly known as HAFSA SANI. I, formerly known as EMMANUEL I, formerly known and called as ISA I, formerly known as ABDULLAHI
OKONKWO CHIOMA, OKONKWO CHIOMA NORE, now wish to be known and SANDERSON KARA. now wish to be USMAN , now wish to be known and BALA ADAM. now wish to be called
AUGUSTINA, CHIEMEKA AUGUSTINA CHIOMA, now wish to be called and addressed as
now wish to be known and addressed as CHIEMEKA
addressed as GRACE KACHUBI. All HAFSATU BASHIR ADAM. All former called and addressed as EMMANUEL addressed as ADAM ISA JAURO. My and addressed as ADAM SALEH
CHIOMA CHUKWURAH. All former documents former documents remain valid. SANDERSON ABDU. All former correct Date of Birth is 01/01/1998 not SAMINU. All former documents
remain valid. Concerned authorities and the general Concerned authorities and the general documents remain valid. General documents remain valid. General 20/10/1987. All former documents remain remain valid. General public should
public to please take note. public to please take note. public should please take note. public should please take note. valid. General Public should take note. please take note.
ISAAC EGBUEDIKE CONFIRMATION OF NAME BLESSING WILLIAMS MUHAMMAD
I, formerly known as ISAAC SHEKWO. I, formerly known as ELUOBU I, WISH TO LET THE GENERAL PUBLIC KNOW I, formerly known as BLESSING I, formerly known as HENRY I, formerly known as ISAH AMINA
ELIZABETH now wish to be called THAT I, MR DAVID OLUMIDE ADERINOKUN TONZIE DAVID. now wish to be called TERLUMUN GAGBUR. now wish to MUHAMMAD. now wish to be called
now wish to be called and addressed IS ONE AND THE SAME PERSON AS
as ISAAC SHEKWOBAGU. All former and addressed as EGBUEDIKE ADERINOKUN DAVID . I WISH TO BE KNOWN
and addressed as BLESSING TONZIE be called and addressed as WILLIAMS and addressed as MUHAMMAD
ELIZABETH OLOCHE. All former AND ADDRESSED AS MR DAVID OLUMIDE STEPHEN. All former documents TERLUMUN GAGBUR. All former AMINA MUHAMMAD. All former
documents remain valid. General documents remain valid. General ADERINOKUN . ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS remain valid. General public should documents remain valid. General documents remain valid. General
public should please take note. public should please take note. REMAINS VALID GENERAL PUBLIC TAKE NOTE. please take note. public should please take note. public should please take note.
HAUWAU
ADEEYO AKAANGEE
CHUKWU CONFIRMATION ELIZABETH OF NAMES DAVID
FINIAN MARYAM
JOHN AKPAN
I,I, formerly known asas JAMILA
formerly known MISS. I,I, formerly
formerly known AKAAGEE
known asas IKEBUNNA This is to known
I, formerly confirmas that AKINFOLAMI
ADEMUWAGUN
OLUWAFISAYOMI TEMILOLUWA, AKINFOLAMI I,I, formerly
formerly known DAVID BOLA.
knownasasANOSHIRIONYE I,I, formerly known asas MARYAM
formerly known MOSES I, formerly known as AKPAN, GODWIN
ONYINYECHI
MOHAMMED BRIGHT-BEN
now wish to now wish
be called TERSOO SIMON
CHINWE STELLA now now wish
wish to
to be
be OLUWASEUN
KAREN ELIZABETH
OLUWAFISAYO and now wish to
AKINFOLAMI CHIOMA
now wish to MIRACLE
be called andnow wish as
addressed to FALMATA
OKPOYO ATANDA.JOHN now nowwish
wish to
to be
be UTIBE now wish to be called and
to
andbeaddressed
called and
as addressed as MRS.
HAUWAU USMAN. called and
called addressedasasAKAANGEE
and addressed CHUKWU be called and addressed
OLUWAFISAYOMI KAREN as as ELIZABETH
appeared in my be
DAVID called ESTHER.asAllFINIAN
and addressed
PRINCESS former called and
called addressedas asMARYAM
and addressed JOHN addressed as AKPAN, GODWIN
ADEEYO, TINA MOSES. All former TERSOO SIMON.
CHINWE STELLA. AllAll former
former credentials refer to one and
OLUWASEUN ADE-ANAKHASO. All same person, Henceforth
MIRACLE CHIOMA. All former YUNUSA.
MOSES All former Alldocuments
ADEKPE. former BROWN UTIBE. All former documents
All former documents
documents remainGeneral
remain valid. valid. documents remain
documents remain valid.
valid. General
General
wish to be known and addressed as AKINFOLAMI
former documents remain valid. documents remain
documents remain valid.
valid. General
General remain valid. remain
documents General valid.
publicGeneral
should remain valid. General public should
OLUWAFISAYO TEMILOLUWA. All General
former
Generalshould
public publicplease
shouldtake
please take note.
note. public should
public should please
pleasetake
takenote.
note. public should
documents remainplease take note.
valid. General public to take note. public should
public should please
please take
take note.
note. please take
public note.please take note.
should please take note.
ADEEYO
MBAH CHUKWU
OKPANI ELIZABETH
AGBO FINIAN
MILE JOHN
UMAR AKPAN
EMENIKE
formerly
I, formerly knownknown
as OKEYasPRECIOUSMISS. I, formerly known asas IKEBUNNA
formerly known GODWIN I,I, formerly
formerlyknown
known as ADEMUWAGUN
as TYOVER I, formerly
formerlyknown
known ANOSHIRIONYE
as and addressed I, formerly known asas MOSES
formerly known UMAR l,I, formerly knownas AKPAN,
formerlyknown GODWIN
and addressed as
ONYINYECHI
KELECHI nowBRIGHT-BEN now wish
wish to be called and CHINWEGIFT
MARY STELLA
now now
wishwishto tobear
be OLUWASEUNANN,
SESUGH ELIZABETHnow now wishwish to
to CHIOMA
as MIRACLE
MILE PAUL, now nowwishwish to
to be OKPOYO JOHN
HASSANA now wish
BABA now wish toto be UTIBE now
OKPARA wish toFLORENCE.
ALIOMA be called Now
and
to be called asand MBAH
addressed as MRS.
addressedPRECIOUS called and addressed as CHUKWU be
be called
knownand addressed as ELIZABETH
and addressed as be calledand
known addressed asasFINIAN
and addressed MILE called and
called and addressed
addressed as JOHN
as UMAR addressed
wish to beasknown AKPAN, GODWIN
and addressed
ADEEYO, TINA MOSES. documents
All former OKPANI
CHINWE MARY GIFT. All former
STELLA. All former OLUWASEUN ADE-ANAKHASO. MIRACLE AllCHIOMA. All former MOSES ADEKPE. BROWN UTIBE.
KELECHI. All former AGBO SESUGH ANN. All former All USHANA. former documents HASSANA ADAMU. All former former as EMENIKE All former FLORENCE.
ALIOMA documents
documents
remain valid. remain
General valid.
public General
should documents remainvalid.
documents remain valid.General
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and documents
remain remain
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the documents remain valid. General
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please should please take note.
take note. public should
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public take note.
to please take note. public should please
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to note public shouldplease
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public take note.
MBAH
FOLASHADE OKPANI
REMOVAL OF NAME/CORRECTION OF D.O.B AGBO
MOHAMMED MILE
AMEENAH UMAR
MAGAJI EMENIKE
PUBLIC NOTICE
I, formerly
formerly known OKEYaddressed
knownas and PRECIOUS as I,I, formally
formerly
known known as asGODWIN
and addressed DANSUMA formerlyknown
I, formerly known as TYOVER
as MOHAMMED I,I, Formerly
formerly known
known and addressed
as HUSSAINI AMEENAH formerly known
I, formerly UMAR
known asas MAGAJI l,Thisformerly
is to inform known
the generaland
publicaddressed as
that the surname
KELECHI
MISS. now wish ADELEKAN.
FOLASHADE to be called Now
and DORCAS BLESSING, and a wrong date of birth SESUGH
ABDULMUMINI ANN, now wish to
ABDULMUMINI as
OYIZA MILE
and PAUL,
HUSSAINInowAMEENAH.
wish to That be HASSANA BABAnow
MOHAMMED, nowwish
wish toto be OKPARA ALIOMA and
of my children, EMMANUEL FLORENCE. Now
MARY has changed
MARY GIFT now
of 25th September,1990. Nowwish
wish toto bear
be known
addressed
wish to be known MBAH
as and PRECIOUS
addressed as MRS.
OKPANI
and addressed MARY GIFT.BLESSING.
as DASUMA All formerBorn
be wish
now knownto beand
calledaddressed as
and addressed known and
Henceforth wish addressed
to be known as and MILE
called called and
called and addressed UMAR
addressed asasMAGAJI wish
from OGBEH to be known
to JAMES. and
They are now addressed
to be known,
KELECHI. AllEBENEZER.
FOLASHADE former documents
All former 25th September,1989. All former documents AGBO
as SESUGH ANN.
MOHAMMED All former
ABDULMUMINI. USHANA.
as AMEENAHAll former HUSSAINI.
AHUOYIZA documents All HASSANA All
IBRAHIM. ADAMU. All former
former documents calledEMENIKE
as and addressed ALIOMA FLORENCE.
as: (1) EMMANUEL ONAJI
remain valid.
documents remainGeneral
valid. Thepublic
generalshould
public documents remain valid. The
remain valid. The general public and to whom it documents remain valid.
All former documents Banksvalid.
remain and remaindocuments
former valid. First Bank
remain valid.and the
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public All
JAMES. former documents
(2) MARY OJOYI JAMES remain valid.
respectively.
please
and take note.
to whom it may concern to take note. general
may concern public
to take to please take note.
note. the general
General publicpublic
shouldtoplease
take note
take note. general
public public
should pleasetotake
note
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should pleaseplease take note.
take note. General
Signed: OGBEH public
JAMEStake note. (Father).
INNOCENT
FOLASHADE
KHAMIS REMOVAL OF NAME/CORRECTION
MAMUDU OF D.O.B MOHAMMED
OKOSUN AMEENAH
EFFIONG MAGAJI
MOHAMMED PUBLIC NOTICE
ESTHER
I,I, formerly
formerlyknown
knownas KHAMIS
and addressed
YAHAYA as I,Former
formallydate
known and addressed
ofbirth 24 novemberas DANSUMA
1975 wt I, formerly
formerly known
knownas asMOHAMMED
AILEMEN I,I, Formerly
formerly as HUSSAINI
knownknown as AMEENAH
EFFIONG I,I, formerly
formerly knownknown
as ISHAQ MAGAJI
as ALHASSAN This is to inform theKNOWN
I, FORMERLY general public
ANDthatADDRESSED
the surname
DORCAS BLESSING,
name as MAMUDU MOHAMMED ofGULU
and a wrong date birth ABDULMUMINI
MISS.
now wish FOLASHADE
to be called ADELEKAN. Now
and addressed of 25th September,1990. Now wish to be known
PATIENCE AIFAEGBEABDULMUMINI
now wish to OYIZA
ABIGAIL HUSSAINInow
andALBERT, AMEENAH.
wish toThatbe MOHAMMED,
MOHAMMED without now wish into Ishaq
apostrophe be of children, EMMANUEL
ASmyESTHER ABIODUN MARY has changed
and KAYODE NOW
MRS. nowcalled
wish and
to beaddressed
called and now wish to be called
called and addressed as MAGAJIand addressed as from OGBEH JAMES. They
wish
as KHAMISto be known
YAHAYAand addressed
KHAMISas(DOB) correct date of birth as 24 november
and addressed as DASUMA BLESSING. Born
1979 be as addressed
OKOSUN Henceforth
called andwish to be known
addressed and called
as EFFIONG MOHAMMED IS’HAQ ALHASSAN with
WISH TO BEtoKNOWN ANDareADDRESSED
now to be known,
AS
FOLASHADE
14/6/1995. All EBENEZER. All former
former documents name as MAMUDU
with September,1989.
25th MOHAMMED
All former documents as MOHAMMED
PATIENCE AIFAEGBE. ABDULMUMINI.
All former as AMEENAH AHUOYIZA
ABIGAIL INNOCENT. All former HUSSAINI. All IBRAHIM. All former documents
apostrophe in ISHAQ and MOHAMMED
called and addressed as: (1)
ESTHER JACOB-ODUNLAMI. ALL FORMER EMMANUEL ONAJI
documents remain valid. The general
remain valid. General public should public GULU. valid.
remain All former documents
The general remain
public and valid.it
to whom All former documents
documents remainGeneral
remain valid. valid. former
documents documents remain
remain valid. General
valid. General remain
before Is’haq.valid.
All formerGeneral
documentspublic
remain
JAMES. (2) MARY OJOYI
DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. GENERAL JAMES respectively.
and
please to whom it may concern to take note.
take note. General
may public
concern should
to take please take note.
note. Generalshould
public publicplease
shouldtake
please take note.
note. public
publicshould
shouldplease taketake
please note.note. should please
valid. General publictake
shouldnote.
please take note. Signed: OGBEH
PUBLIC SHOULD JAMES INNOCENT
PLEASE TAKE(Father).
NOTE.
KHAMIS
KABIRU MAMUDU
UMMA OKOSUN
SANUSI EFFIONG
ANIEFIOK MOHAMMED
CHIMEZI ESTHER
KABIRU
I, formerly knownas KHAMIS
formerlyknown YAHAYA
as MUHAMMAD Former date ofbirth
I, formerly UMMA 1975
known24asnovember UMAR wt I, formerly
formerlyknownknown
as SANUSIas MAGAJ AILEMEN
with old I, formerly known as EFFIONG
My name was wrongly captured on my BVN as ASUQUO
ANIEFIOK COMFORT, instead of ANIEFIOK COMFORT ASUQUO.
I,I, formerly
formerlyknown
knownas as EKPO
ISHAQ ANNA
ALHASSAN I, FORMERLY
formerly KNOWN
knownAND as ADDRESSED
USMAN
now
MUSAwish nowto be called
wish andcalled
to be addressed
and JANGEBE.
name as MAMUDU
Now wish MOHAMMED GULU
to be called PATIENCE
date AIFAEGBE
of birth 02/02/1975. nowtowish
Now wish to
be called ABIGAIL ALBERT, now wish to be
My date of birth was wrongly captured as 19th June 1982 instead
MOHAMMED
OBIAGERI without now wishapostrophe
to be incalled
Ishaq AS ESTHER now
KABIRU ABIODUN
wish KAYODE NOW
to be called
now wish to be called and addressed as
as KHAMIS YAHAYA
addressed as KABIRUKHAMIS (DOB)
MUSA and Addressed as UMMA BELLO
correct date of birth as 24 november 1979 and called
be Addressedandas addressed
SANUSI MAGAJI.as OKOSUN
with date called and addressed as EFFIONG
of 19 June 1987. My correct name and date of birth is ANIEFIOK
(surname), COMFORT (first name) ASUQUO (middle name) and addressed as CHIMEZI
MOHAMMED IS’HAQ ALHASSAN with
ANNA WISH
and TOaddressed
BE KNOWN ANDasADDRESSED
KABIRU AS
14/6/1995.
MUHAMMAD.AllAllformerformer documents with name asAll MAMUDU
JANGEBE. Former MOHAMMED
documents PATIENCE
of AIFAEGBE.
birth 15/06/1976. All FormerAlldocuments
former ABIGAIL INNOCENT. All former
and 19th June 1987. Henceforth I want my name and date of birth OBIAGERI.in All
apostrophe ISHAQformer documents
and MOHAMMED ESTHER
LAWAL. JACOB-ODUNLAMI. ALL FORMER
All former documents
to be written and corrected to ANIEFIOK COMFORT ASUQUO
remain valid. General public should GULU.
RemainAllValid.
formerAuthorities
documents remain valid.
Concerned documents
Remain Valid. remain
Authorities valid. General
Concerned And documents remain valid. General
and my date of birth as 19th June 1987. All former documents remainIs’haq.
before valid.All General public should
former documents remain DOCUMENTS
remain valid. REMAINGeneral
VALID. GENERAL
public
please take note.
note. General public should please
And General Public should Taketake note.
Notes. General should
public please
Public should take
Take note.
Notes. public should please take note.
remain valid. General public should please take note. please
valid. take note.
General public should please take note. PUBLIC
shouldSHOULD
pleasePLEASE TAKE NOTE.
take note.
KABIRU
UMAR UMMA
BINDUL SANUSI
UMMULKHAIRI ANIEFIOK
KALU CHIMEZI
CORRECTION OF NAME KABIRU
SUNDAY
formerly known as UMAR
I, formerly MUHAMMAD
NURA I, formerly known as as UMMA UMAR
MIRI BINDUL I,I, formerly
formerly known
knownas SANUSI MAGAJ with old
as UMMULKHAIRI My name was wrongly captured on my BVN as ASUQUO
I, formerly known as IBE
ANIEFIOK COMFORT, instead of ANIEFIOK COMFORT ASUQUO. I, formerly
formerlyknown
known as EKPO ANNA
as OKUDO formerly known
I, formerly known as USMAN
as SUNDAY
MUSAwish
now now wish
to be to and
called be called and
addressed JANGEBE.
now wish to Now
knownwish to be LABUT
as BINDUL called date
SABI’U RUMA now Now
of birth 02/02/1975. wishwish
to tobebecalled
called NNANNA KALU now wish to
My date of birth was wrongly captured as 19th June 1982 instead OBIAGERI
NGOZI AUGUSTINAnow wish tonow be called
wish KABIRU now
ONYEKA wish to now
MICHAEL be called
wish
addressed
as UMAR NURA KABIRU MUSA
as SULAIMAN DOB: and
RIMBAK Addressed UMMA
that myas date BELLO
of birth is and Addressed
and addressedas SANUSI MAGAJI. with date
as UMMULKHAIRI of 19 June 1987. My correct name and date of birth is ANIEFIOK
be called and addressed as
(surname), COMFORT (first name) ASUQUO (middle name) and be
to addressed
called andas CHIMEZI ANNA
addressed as andbe addressed
to called and as KABIRU
addressed as
MUHAMMAD. All former documents
1st Oct,1998 All former documents JANGEBE. All Former documents
05/05/1994 not 05/08/1991. All former of birth 15/06/1976.
ABUBAKAR. All All Formerdocuments
former documents KALU NNANA IBE. All former
and 19th June 1987. Henceforth I want my name and date of birth OBIAGERI. All former
OKUDO NGOZI. All former documents LAWAL. All former documents
SUNDAY MICHAEL. All former
to be written and corrected to ANIEFIOK COMFORT ASUQUO
remain valid. General public should
remain should Remain Valid. Authorities
documents remain valid. GeneralConcerned Remain Valid.
remain valid. Authorities Concerned
General public And
should documents remain valid. General
and my date of birth as 19th June 1987. All former documents remain valid. General public
documents remain valid. General should remain valid. General public
documents remain valid. General
please take
please takenote.
note. And General
public shouldPublic
pleaseshould Take Notes.
take note. General take
please Publicnote.
should Take Notes. public should please take note.
remain valid. General public should please take note. please
publictake note.please take note.
should shouldshould
public pleaseplease
take note.
take note.
UMAR
SAMUEL BINDUL
MARKUS UMMULKHAIRI
UMAR KALU
VICTOR CORRECTION OF NAME
OMOLOPE SUNDAY
OKON
I, formerly
formerly known UMAR NURA
knownasasSAMUEL OKEY, formerlyknown
I, formerly known as MIRI GODDAY,
as MARKUS BINDUL formerly known
I, formerly UMMULKHAIRI
knownasasUMAR HASSANA I,I, formerly
formerly
known asknownOMIDIORAas VICTOR IBE formerlyknown
I, formerly known as OKUDO
as DONGS JOY formerlyknown
I, formerly known as SUNDAY
as OKON IWAT
now wish to be called and addressed
WRONG D.O.B 04/09/1984, now wish now wish to known as BINDUL
Wrong D.o.B 31/12/1991, now wish LABUT
to be SABI’U RUMA
BABA, now wishnowtowish
be tocalled
be called
and NNANNA KALUnow
KUNLE, O. V. KUNLE, now
wish towish to
be called NGOZI AUGUSTINA
KANENG, now wish tonow wish
be called ONYEKAasMICHAEL
DENNIS, now wish
I provided during BVN
as be
to UMAR
called NURA SULAIMAN
and addressed DOB:
as SAMUEL RIMBAK
called that myas MARKUS
and addressed date of GODWIN,
birth is and addressed
addressed as as UMARUMMULKHAIRI
HASSANA be addressed
and calledas VICTOR
and addressed
KUNLE OMIDORA. as to
and be called as
addressed andOMOLOPE
addressedJOY as to be called
registration, nowand addressed
wish to as
be called and
1st Oct,1998 Correct
OKECHUKWU, All former
D.o.Bdocuments
24/06/1978. Correct D.o.Bnot 02/02/1996.
05/05/1994 05/08/1991. All All former
former ABUBAKAR.
ADAMU. All former All former documents
documents remain KALUToNNANA
Reason: tally with myIBE. AllIdentity
National former card OKUDO All
KANENG. NGOZI.former Alldocuments
former SUNDAY asMICHAEL.
addressed OKON DENNIS IWAT.
All former
remain
All formervalid. General
documents public
remain valid. should
General documents
documents remainremainvalid.valid.
GeneralGeneral
public remain valid. public
valid. General General public
should should
please take documents
and documents. remain
All former valid.
documentsGeneral
remain documents
remain valid. remain
General valid.
publicGeneral
should documents
All remain valid.
former documents remainGeneral
valid.
please take note.
public should please take note. public shouldtake
should please please
note.take note. please
note. take note. public
valid. should
General publicplease taketake
should please note.
note. publictake
please should
note.please take note. public should
General pleaseplease
public should take note.
take note.
SAMUEL
SALIHU MARKUS
MOHAMMED UMAR
OGECHUKWU VICTOR
OKON OMOLOPE
JEPHTHAH OKON
GAMBO
I,I, formerly
formerlyknown as SAMUEL
known as SALIHU OKEY, I, formerly
formerly known
known as as MARKUS
MOHAMMED GODDAY,
AISHA I, formerly known
formerly as UMARasHASSANA
known HENRY I,I, formerly
formerlyknown knownas OMIDIORA
as VINCENTVICTOR I, formerly knownasasDONGS
formerly known JEPHTHAH JOY I, formerly
formerlyknown
known as OKON
as GAMBO IWAT
BALA, Wrong
WRONG
ABUBAKAR D.O.B 04/09/1984,
now wish now to wish
be HAMMANJODA
Wrong D.o.B 31/12/1991,
now wish tonow be wish
calledto and
be BABA, now wish
OGECHUKWU nowtowish
be tocalled and
be called KUNLE,
OKON O. V.now KUNLE, now to
wish wishbe
to becalled
called KANENG,
TONKO D-YARO now wish to nowbe called
wish DENNIS,
D.o.B as I as
15/04/1998 provided
I providedduring
during BVN
BVN
addressed ABUBAKAR
andasaddressed AISHA MOHAMMED as UMAR HASSANA
to be called
called and andaddressed SAMUEL
addressedasas SALIHU called
refers to one and same
as MARKUS
person
GODWIN,
Henceforth I wish
addressed
and addressed as OGECHUKWU and
andaddressed as VICTOR KUNLE
addressed as OMIDORA.
OKON and be
to addressed
called asandOMOLOPE
addressedJOY as registration,
registration, nownow wish
wish to
to be
be called
called and
and
OKECHUKWU,
ABUBAKAR Correct JANCHE. D.o.BAll24/06/1978.
former Correct D.o.B 02/02/1996. All former
to be known and address as MOHAMMED AISHA
ADAMU. AMACHUKWU.
HENRY All former documentsAll remain
former Reason:
VINCENT To tallyMEDEKONG.
with my NationalAllIdentity card
former KANENG.
JEPHTHAHAll YARO. former Alldocuments
former addressedas as
addressed OKONBALA
GAMBO DENNIS IWAT.
JATAU, Correct
All former documents
documents remainremain valid.General
valid. General documents remain valid. General public
HAMMANJODA. All former documents remain valid. General remain
documents public should
valid.please take
General and documents. remain
documents All former valid.
documents remain
General remain valid. remain
documents General valid.
publicGeneral
should All former
D.o.B documents
15/02/1989. remain remain
All former documents valid.
public should
public shouldplease taketake
please note.note. should please
valid. General takeshould
public note.please take note. note. should please take note.
public valid.
public General publicplease
should should please take note.
take note. please take
public note.please take note.
should General
valid. public
General should
public shouldplease takenote.
please take note.
SALIHU MOHAMMED OGECHUKWU OKON JEPHTHAH GAMBO
I, formerly known as SALIHU I, formerly known as MOHAMMED AISHA I, formerly known as HENRY I, formerly known as VINCENT I, formerly known as JEPHTHAH I, formerly known as GAMBO BALA, Wrong
ABUBAKAR now wish to be
called and addressed as SALIHU
HAMMANJODA now wish to be called and
addressed as ABUBAKAR AISHA MOHAMMED
OGECHUKWU now wish to be called
and addressed as OGECHUKWU
OKON now wish to be called
and addressed as OKON
TONKO D-YARO now wish
to be called and addressed as CHANGE
D.o.B 15/04/1998 as I provided during BVN
registration, now wish to be called and
ABUBAKAR JANCHE. All former
documents remain valid. General
refers to one and same person Henceforth I wish
to be known and address as MOHAMMED AISHA HENRY AMACHUKWU. All former
documents remain valid. General
VINCENT MEDEKONG. All former
documents remain valid. General
JEPHTHAH YARO. All former
documents remain valid. General
OF NAME
addressed as GAMBO BALA JATAU, Correct
D.o.B 15/02/1989. All PAGE
former
ii documents remain
HAMMANJODA. All former documents remain
public should please take note. valid. General public should please take note. public should please take note. public should please take note. public should please take note. valid. General public should please take note.

By Jamie Birt
Continued from cover…
10 Of The Highest-
Paying Finance
5. Financial analyst
National average salary: $96,220 per year
Primary duties: Financial analysts comb through financial data

Jobs In 2024
to help business stakeholders make informed decisions about
company finances. They work for financial institutions like banks,
funds, insurance companies and more to support the buying
decisions and needs of customers all over the country.
6. Information technology auditor
National average salary: $110,890 per year
Primary duties: IT auditors usually work for government agencies
or private companies to confirm the technology infrastructure
meets compliance needs and other enterprise IT needs. They spend
their days conducting audits and should be skilled at doing so,
which sometimes requires certification.
7. Financial software developer
National average salary: $118,953 per year
Primary duties: Financial software developers work in the growing
Fintech space, creating programs that meet the needs of financial
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8. Private equity associate
National average salary: $116,894 per year
Primary duties: These professionals network with investors to gain
private equity they then apply to business investments that diversify
the investors’ portfolios. monitoring to help businesses operate most efficiently and avoid are vast and include overseeing analysts and budgeting, making
non-compliance fees. cost-related decisions about technology infrastructure and
9. Chief compliance officer managing financial teams.
National average salary: $158,979 per year 10. Chief financial officer
Primary duties: Chief compliance officers oversee all duties and National average salary: $153,219 per year
departments related to meeting requirements of compliance Primary duties: The duties of a CFO Culled From: https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-
standards. CCOs deal with policy management and compliance job/highest-paying-finance-jobs
30 Tuesday, April 2, 2024

CHRIST APOSTOLIC FAITH DELIVERANCE MINISTRY GOD OF PROCREATION EVANGELICAL MINISTRY LOSS OF DOCUMENT
THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED TO
THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC), ABUJA, FOR REGISTRATION UNDER
This is to inform the general public that the above named has applied to the Corporate
Affairs Commission for registration under part ‘F’ of the Companies and Allied Matters THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT
PART “F” OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, 2020 Act 2020. THE ORIGINAL HOUSE DOCUMENTS AND C OF
THE TRUSTEES ARE:
1. UMADE DESMOND AJEKPEYE -CHAIRMAN.
THE TRUSTEES ARE:
(i) Adebisi Elijah Olusegun(Chairman)
O OF PLOT 1333 PARAKOU CRESCENT, WUSE
2. ONOTU ELO LOVETH
3. OSAJIVWIE OGHENETEJIRI OGHENECHAVWUKO
-TRUSTEE.
-TRUSTEE.
(ii) Adebisi Rhoda Adenike(Secretary) 2, ABUJA, BELONGING TO CHIEF MRS GRACE
4. AKINYEMI MARIA OKE -SECRETARY. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARCHIBONG IS MISSING, ALL EFFORTS MADE
AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: (i) To minister and win souls for Christ
1. To liberate men from the kingdom of darkness to light. (ii) To teach/preach the word of God to humanity and uplift their Biblical standard. TO TRACE THE SAID DOCUMENTS PROVED
2. To raise and build unbeatable arm of Christ through holistic teachings and trainings.
3. To carry the gospel of Christ to the four corners of the world.
(iii) To practice outreach to the less privilege, cares and show love and values of God
purpose to mankind. ABORTIVE.
4. To support the less privileged in the society. (iv)To preach about heaven and raptures
5. To preach and teach the gospel of our Lord and savior Jesus Christ.
ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR
Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the Registrar-General,
Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot ‪420, Tigris Crescent, Off Aguiyi Ironsi Street‪,
IF FOUND PLEASE CONTACT THE NEAREST
GENERAL CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420 TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI
IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION.
Maitama, Abuja within 28 days of this publication. POLICE STATION. THE GENERAL PUBLIC TAKE
SIGNED: SECRETARY. SIGNED: SECRETARY NOTE.
KINDNESS WOMEN OF HONOR
60DAYS SACRIFICE OF PRAISE MINISTRIES FOUNDATION
THE GENERAL PUBLIC IS HEREBY NOTIFIED THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS This is to inform the general public that the above named has applied to the corporate affairs commission
COMMISSION ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART “C” OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT 2020. (CAC), Abuja for registration under part ‘f’ of companies and allied matters act, (CAMA 2020).
THE TRUSTEES ARE: THE TRUSTEES ARE:
1. ADELEKE OLUSEUN ADEBIMPE -CHAIRMAN (1) ORIADE-ELUSAKIN GRACE WUMI
2. ANYANWU CHIGOZIE WISDOM
3. WEST JAMES OMOTUNDE -SECRETARY
(2) ORIADE IBRAHIM BIYI
(3) OBAFEMI BIOLA ADE-ESO
PRICES
4. CHIGOZIE BLESSING (4) ADUROJA TOSIN EBENEZER
5. FIDELIS CHRISTOPHER (5) ELUSAKIN TOSIN SHOLA Change of name: - N3,000
(6) OLUSOLA OLURANTI OLUTAYO
6. AGUDA PETER OWOLABI
7) OLAYIWOLA ABIDEMI DAMOLA Loss of Documents: - N7,500
AIMS AND OBJECTIVES:
1. TO RAISE AN ANNUAL ALTER OF PRAISE AND WORSHIP FOR OUR GREAT NATION NIGERIA AND OTHER AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE:- Company Trustees: - N15,000
NATIONS 1. To address social, environmental, or humanitarian issues and strive to make a positive impact on the
2. TO ENGAGE IN COMMUNITY OUTREACH THAT WILL CREATE IMPACTS ON THE LESS PRIVILEGE. world. FOR ENQUIRIES, CALL:
3. TO ENHANCE THE SOURCE OF LIVELIHOOD OF WIDOWS, THE POOR, LOW AND MIDDLE INCOME THROUGH 2. To support and provide assistance to individuals, and communities in terms of education, health and
SKILL ACQUISITION AND FINANCIAL EMPOWERMENT poverty alleviation. ABUJA: 08112993160 | 08112993166
ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL CORPORATE
3. Members Welfarism, reaching out to the needy and helping the less privileged LAGOS: 08112993161
AFFAIRS COMMISSION. PLOT 420 TIGRIS CRESCENT OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN Any objection to this Registration should be forwarded to the Registrar General, Corporate Affairs
TWENTY-EIGHT (28) DAYS FROM THE DATE OF THIS PUBLICATION. Commission, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent, Off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, P.M.B 198, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days
of this publication.
SIGNED: PAT ITUGBU & CO.
SOLICITORS/NOTARY PUBLIC SIGNED: BY TRUSTEES

YAHWEH ROYAL SYNAGOGUE COMPUTING SCIENCES ACCELERATION INITIATIVE THE MIGHTY POWER HAND OF GOD EVANGELICAL BIBLE CHURCH
THE GENERAL PUBLIC IS HEREBY NOTIFIED THAT THE ABOVE NAMED ASSOCIATION THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION
(CAC), ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘F’ OF COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, (CAMA 2020).
THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS
HAS APPLIED TO CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC), ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC), ABUJA FOR
UNDER PART ‘C’ OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT NO. 1 OF 2020. THE TRUSTEES ARE: REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘F’ OF COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT,
1. MUSA AMINU
2. LAWAN MARYAM SALISU
(CAMA 2020).
THE TRUSTEES ARE:
1. OHANEJEM JOHNKENNEDY IFEANYI. SECRETARY:
LAWAN MARYAM SALISU
THE TRUSTEES ARE:
2. NWOGU REJOICE CHIOMA. (1) WILLIAMS OLUWANIYI - (CHAIRMAN)
AIMS AND OBJECTIVES (2) ODEWALE OJO MICHEAL - (SECRETARY)
AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. ORGANIZE AND IMPLEMENT SUSTAINABLE PROGRAMS IN INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY THAT RESULT IN MEASURABLE
(3) BELLO AYODELE PIUS - (TRUSTEE MEMBER)
POSITIVE OUTCOMES FOR THE PEOPLE INVOLVED.
1. TO SERVE AND WORSHIP YAHWEH ACCORDING TO HIS DOCTRINES. 2. TO EMPOWER WOMEN, AND YOUTHS BY PROMOTING ENTREPRENEURSHIP AND CREATIVITY THROUGH VOCATIONAL
2. TO RENDER HUMANITARIAN SERVICES LIKE SPIRITUAL SOLUTIONS, DELIVERANCE, TRAINING AND ESTABLISHING SKILL ACQUISITION CENTERS FOR HUMAN DEVELOPMENT AND POVERTY ALLEVIATION AIMS AND OBJECTIVES
CURE/HEALING OF DISEASES THROUGH PRAYERS AND SACRIFICES WHERE NEED 3. TO PROVIDE FREE SELF-HELP DEVELOPMENT ACTIVITIES FOR PEOPLE WITH KNOWLEDGE IN INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
(1) TO BRING THE KNOWLEDGE OF THE TRUTH TO ALL PEOPLE
4. TO ENCOURAGE AND PROMOTE MUTUAL UNDERSTANDING AND TOLERANCE AMONG ALL NIGERIANS
ARISES. 5. TO ENCOURAGE AND PROVIDE INITIATIVE IN FASHIONING THE NECESSARY SOCIOECONOMIC REQUIREMENTS FOR THE
3. AND OTHER ACTS INCIDENTAL TO THE PROMOTION OF THE DOCTRINES OF YAHWEH. FURTHER DEVELOPMENT OF THE STATE IN ICT.
6. TO IMPROVE THE SOCIO-ECONOMIC CONDITIONS OF THE COMMUNITY
ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE
7. TO PROVIDE ICT TRAINING, ORGANIZE SEMINARS ON ICT, AND TEACH ICT SKILLS TO THE COMMUNITY REGISTRAR GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS
ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR
GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI
CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, P.M.B 198, MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN
ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS
IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, P.M.B 198, MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION.
PUBLICATION.

SIGNED: OHANEJEM JOHNKENNEDY IFEANYI. SIGNED: SECRETARY

SIGNED: SECRETARY

MERKABAH OF SALVATION AND HEALING

DIVINE HOPE MINISTRY OF PRAYER HOLY SPIRIT ECUMENICAL ASSEMBLY NETWORK INTERNATIONAL
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UNDER PART‘F’ OF COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, (CAMA 2020)
THE NAME OF TRUSTEES ARE: THE TRUSTEES ARE:
1. AKINBUADE GRACE TAIWO - CHAIRMAN THE NAME OF TRUSTEES ARE: 1. EMEKA JOSEPH ROMANUS - (CHAIRMAN)
2. OLADEJO ESTHER OLUWATOBI - SECRETARY 1. MAYOR CHIKWE EMMANUEL - CHAIRMAN 2. IGBOANUGO BIBIAN ADAORA - (SECRETARY)
3. OLULADE OLUDARE GIDEON - TREASURER 3. GOMPWELL ALEXANDER
2. EKUNKE ISAAC ADINYA - SECRETARY
AIMS AND OBJECTIVES AIMS IN AND OBJECTIVES
I. TO LEAD INDIVIDUAL TO ACCEPT JESUS CHRIST AS THEIR PERSONAL SAVIOUR. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1. TO PREACH THE GOSPEL OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST TO THE NATIONS OF THE WORLD.
II. TO DEMONSTRATE GOD’S LOVE AND COMPASSION THROUGH OUR MISSION, WE AIM TO PROMOTE HUMANITY AND LOVE, BRING 2. TO ESTABLISH CHRISTIAN CENTRES.
III. TO PROVIDE SPIRITUAL GUIDANCE AND SUPPORT TO INDIVIDUAL SEEKING DELIVERANCE FROM 3. TO ENGAGE IN EVANGELISM - CRUSADES AND STUDENTS CONVENTIONS.
SPIRITUAL BONDAGE
HOPE, AND PREACH THE TRUTH THAT SAVES AND BRINGS MEN TO GOD, AND
4. TO ESTABLISH TRAININGS THAT WILL EQUIP BELIEVERS IN CHRIST SUCH AS BELIEVERS EQUIP
IV. TO FOSTER SPIRITUAL GROWTH AND DISCIPLESHIP, TO BECOME STRONG DISCIPLES OF CHRIST MAKE A POSITIVE DIFFERENCE IN OUR WORLD BY REFLECTING THE LOVE AND PROJECTS (BELIEVERS FOUNDATION CLASS, ADVANCED BELIEVERS FOUNDATION CLASS, BELIEVERS
THROUGH BIBLE STUDIES, DISCIPLESHIP PROGRAMS AND MENTORING GRACE OF JESUS CHRIST FOUNDATION BIBLE COURSE)
V. TO EQUIP BELIEVERS FOR SPIRITUAL WARFARE, AND NECESSARY TOOLS, KNOWLEDGE AND 5. TO DO SUCH OTHER LAWFUL THINGS THAT ARE INSTRUMENTAL TO THE ATTAINMENT OF THE
UNDERSTANDING OF SPIRITUAL WARFARE, PRINCIPLES AND STRATEGIES AND EMPOWERING THEM TO
OVERCOME SPIRITUAL CHALLENGES AND WALK IN VICTORY
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USURAT EMPOWERMENT INITIATIVE UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST CITY LIGHT ASSEMBLY LOSS OF DOCUMENT
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PART “C” OF COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, 2020.
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THE TRUSTEES ARE:
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PLOT NO.114 MEASURING ABOUT 16335.28 SQUARE
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1. BASHIR DALHATU MOHAMMED - CHAIRMAN
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1. TO REACH OUT AND PREACH THE GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST ACROSS THE NATIONS OF THE WORLD;
3. TAJUDDEEN AMINU DANTATA - MEMBER
AND TO PREPARE MEN FOR HEAVEN. OF KABCON NIGERIA LIMITED. ALL EFFORTS MADE
4. BASHIR ALIYU UMAR - MEMBER
5. BINTA TIJJANI JIBRIL - SECRETARY
2. TO TRAIN MEN, WOMEN, TEENAGERS AND CHILDREN; ABOUT THE WAYS OF GOD; AND TO IMPART
MEN WITH GODLY VIRTUES AND CHARACTER, THROUGH SOUND BIBLE TEACHINGS; THEREFORE TO TRACE THE SAID DOCUMENTS PROVED ABORTIVE.
EMPOWERING MEN TO LIVE RIGHTEOUSLY FOR GOD.
3. TO ESTABLISH CHRISTIAN BIBLE-TEACHING CENTERS, OR BIBLE-BASED RELIGIOUS CENTERS; WHERE
ABUJA GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEM (AGIS) AND
AIMS AND OBJECTIVES
TO SUPPORT AND EMPOWER THE VULNERABLE MEMBERS/FAMILIES IN THE SOCIETY
MEN CAN BE TAUGHT, TUTORED, AND TRAINED FOR PRIESTLY OR CLERICAL WORKS.
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GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD PLEASE TAKE NOTE.
THROUGH SKILLS ACQUISITION AND EMPOWERMENT PROGRAMS. CAN BE TRAINED; THEREBY HELPING THEM TO BECOME FINANCIALLY-INDEPENDENT. TO CARTER FOR
THE NEEDS OF THE LESS-PRIVILEGED, ELDERLY AND ORPHANS AND VULNERABLE CHILDREN IN THE
IF FOUND RETURN TO THE UNDERSIGNED.
SOCIETY.
ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR
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UNDER PART “F” OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT OF 2020. AFFAIRS COMMISSION UNDER PART “F” OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT
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ONE EVARIST CHUKWUEMELIE ORANIKA OF NO.
THE NAMES OF TRUSTEES ARE:
THE NAMES OF TRUSTEES ARE:
14, JOSE MARTI CRESCENT, ASOKORO, ABUJA.
1. FRANKLIN O IGWESILIKE OKECHUKWU
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2. TOBE MARTINS KUPOLATI
- REMOVE AS TRUSTEES
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REPORTED THE LOSS OF ORIGINAL RIGHT OF
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- RETAINED AS TRUSTEES
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OCCUPANCY (R OF O) IN RESPECT OF PLOT NO. 1529
AIMS AND OBJECTIVES;
1. TO PROMOTE PEACE AND UNITY AMONG THEIR MEMBERS
5. OMOH EFE EDWARD
6. TOBE MARTINS KUPOLATI
- REMOVE AS SECRETARY
- APPOINTED AS SECRETARY
CADASTRAL ZONE A02 WUSE I DISTRICT ABUJA
2. TO HELP THEIR MEMBERS FINANCIALLY.
3. TO UNITE THE MEMBERS TOWARDS ACHIEVING A COMMON GOAL. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES:
WITH FILE NO. MISC 53581 BELONGING TO VAR
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BRIEFLY
Warri Wolves
Win 2024 Delta
Federation
Trophy
BY FELIX IGBEKOYI, ASABA
Warri Wolves have emerged
winners of 2024 Delta state
federation cup finals held at
the Stephen Keshi Stadium,
Asaba.
They defeated Delta Ma-
rines FC 2-0 to retain the
title.
The winners, Warri
Wolves, were presented
a trophy and a cheque of
#500,000 while Delta Ma-
rines Football Club went
home with a consolation
prize of #300,000 cheque.
In the female category,
Delta Queens thrashed Warri
Babes five goals to nil amidst
sports fans who came to the
Stephen Keshi Stadium de-
spite the Easter celebration.
Highpoints of the closing
ceremony were presentation
of trophy to Delta Queens
with a cheque of #300,000
while the runners up team,
Warri Babes, got #200,000
as well as presentation of
medals to all the players and
officials that featured in the
finals of the male and female
categories.
Meanwhile, Chairman of
the Delta State Football As-
sociation, Chief Kenneth
Nwamuocha, commended
the players and the officials
for displaying good sports-
manship.
I Pay Evil With
Evil, Says
Osimhen
Nigerian striker Victor Os-
imhen, who personified the
‘no gree for anybody’ at the
delayed 2023 Africa Cup of
Nations (AFCON) in Cote
d'Ivoire, has also made it clear
he does not take nonsense
even outside the pitch.
The Napoli star insists he
is unforgiving and will do a
person wrong if he is wronged.
“Someone cannot do me
evil and expect me to pay them
with good,” Osimhen declared
in a TikTok video. “No. I will
play evil for evil.”
Osimhen who had con-
quered poverty after a tough
upbringing while growing up
in the slums of Lagos, is the
highest paid player in the Ital-
ian Serie A and the best Af-
rican footballer currently by
CAF's ranking.
Former
Minister To
Unveil New
Football
Club, Black
Scorpion
Renowned for his dedica-
tion to national development
and progress of his homeland,
former minister of youth and
sports development, Chief
Sunday Dare, has initiated yet
another significant endeav-
or with the establishment of
Black Scorpion Football Club.
Black Scorpion FC, which
will be based in Ogbomoso,
Oyo State, will be playing in
the Nationwide League One
(NLO) 1 division of the Nige-
rian third tier football league
system.
The official unveiling cer-
emony is scheduled for to-
day, April 2nd in Ogbomoso
and will be graced by the es-
Hon. Ekene Donates N20m To 8 NLO Clubs TFF Probes Osayi-Samuel,
He disclosed that the said with the sum of N20 million
BY ISAIAH BENJAMIN, KA-
DUNA
Member, representing Chikun/
Kajuru Federal Constituency,
Hon. Ekene Abubakar Adams,
has donated N20 million to the
eight clubs from Kaduna State
that will be playing the Nation-
wide League One (NLO) ex-
pected to kick off this month
across the country.
Ekene, who is the chair-
man of the House of Rep-
resentatives committee on
sports, announced the dona-
tion during a media parley
with members of the Sport's
Writers Association of Nigeria
(SWAN), Kaduna State chap-
ter, amongst other sport stake-
holders at the Ahmadu Bello
Stadium, Kaduna.
Paris 2024: Plumptre Out Of Super Falcons
Vs Banyana Clash
Ashleigh Plumptre has been
ruled out of the Super Falcons
Paris 2024 Olympic qualifiers
against South Africa due to in-
jury.
Plumptre’s absence was con-
firmed on the Falcons X handle
on Monday, 1 April, 2024.
Tuesday, Apirl 2, 2024
» REPORTS
» ANALYSIS
» REVIEWS
» INTERVIEWS
teemed presence of the Soun
of Ogbomoso, Oba Ghandi
Olaoye, serving as the spe-
cial guest of honor. The
event will also witness the
attendance of distinguished
ex-Nigerian internationals
including Mutiu Adepoju,
Seyi Olofinjana, Dimeji La-
wal, among others.
Chief Dare has consist-
ently exhibited profound
dedication to the develop-
ment of Nigeria and the wel-
fare of his people. Among his
notable contributions are the
facilitation of the refurbish-
ment of basketball court at
amount will be given to the
Kaduna State Football Asso-
ciation (FA) to be shared for
the eight teams accordingly,
adding that he is committed
towards contributing his quo-
ta to sports growth and devel-
opment in Kaduna State.
The astute sports admin-
istrator turned politician, who
qualified his team, Kada City,
to the Premier League, urged
the various teams to put up
their best in the competition,
stressing that the donation is to
assist them in logistics during
the games,
"We will do everything hu-
manly possible to support the
teams in order for them to do
well in the forthcoming com-
petition, For that reason, I am
supporting the eight teams
She has been replaced by Ju-
moke Alani who has already ar-
rived in camp ahead of the qual-
ifiers.
Aside Alani, Rasheedat
Ajibade and goalkeeper Tochuk-
wu Oluehi have also arrived.
The first leg of the Paris
LAUTEH, renovation of pa- proposed IWBF Africa Wheel-
vilion at Soun Stadium,
Chief Dare also spon-
sored the training of 40
coaches abroad, donated a
30-room ensuite hostel to
Ayede Polytechnic, and pro-
vided 150,000 naira in cash
relief to widows, the elderly
and women of the Ogbomo-
so Omolaso Society.
The establishment of
Black Scorpion FC is anoth-
er chapter in Chief Sunday
Dare's undying commitment
to uplifting communities and
engendering development in
Nigeria.
naira for their logistics.
"I desire good things for
sport in Kaduna State, we
have 8 teams that are com-
peting in the NLO, and as the
House Committee Chairman
on Sports, from Kaduna State
here, I want the team to do
very well to the best of their
abilities.
"Under my administra-
tion, we are trying to do eve-
rything differently as a sea-
soned administrator. I have
played, I have managed and
I can say that I have risen to
the peak of my career in sport.
We are now the one in gov-
ernment so if the previous
government was doing any-
thing wrong, we are to correct
those mistakes and carry eve-
ryone along." He said.
2024 Olympic qualifiers comes
up on Friday, 5 April. While the
second leg is billed for Tuesday,
9 April.
Meanwhile, African cham-
pions South Africa landed Abu-
ja on Sunday and had their first
training session yesterday.
2024 BetKing Wheelchair
Basketball League Dunks Off
In Kano April 13
BY ISAIAH BENJAMIN, KADU-
NA
All plans have been conclud-
ed to host the 2024 BetKing
Wheelchair League in Kano
State.
According to Seyi Johnson,
president of Nigeria Wheelchair
Basketball Federation; the Sa-
vannah Conference is scheduled
for 13th to 16th April, 2024 at
the indoor Sports Hall of Sani
Abacha Stadium in Kano city.
Johnson revealed that the
Savannah Conference con-
sists of North East, North West
and North Central geo-politi-
cal zones adding that two out-
standing teams will qualify to
the next stage.
He said winners of the
league will go home with cash
prizes in order to prepare for the
chair Basketball Championship.
Others' Bust-up With Fans
Nigerian international Bright
Osayi-Samuel is one of three
Fenerbahce players who will
appear at a disciplinary hearing
of the Turkish Football Feder-
ation following a bust-up with
Trabzonspor fans, the TFF an-
nounced on Monday.
Home supporters invaded
the pitch at Trabzonspor's sta-
dium after the final whistle of
the Super Lig match on March
17 that Fenerbahce won 3-2.
The attacks took place af-
ter the Fenerbahce players and
coaching staff celebrated their
victory, goalkeeper Dominik
Livakovic being punched in
the face.
Osayi-Samuel, 26, punched
one of the supporters who ran
onto the pitch with his face
masked, with Dutch defender
Jayden Oosterwolde accused
of kicking the same supporter.A
third player will also appear be-
fore the disciplinary body along
with two club employees for
"fighting", the TFF said.
A Trabzonspor assistant
coach will also appear before
the disciplinary board.
FIFA president Gianni In-
fantino condemned the vio-
lence as "absolutely unaccep-
31
The sports administrator
said, “This is an opportunity
for players in the North to dis-
play their talents and show what
they love doing. The North has
a large number of followers
who are in love with wheelchair
basketball and I am optimistic
teams will be given opportu-
nities to fight for the available
slots.
“The current board remains
committed to the development
of wheelchair basketball in the
country. The BetKing Champi-
onship will serve as a means of
revitalising wheelchair basket-
ball in the country.
“Last year, the Federation
organised a 3x3 championship
which was attended by teams
majorly from the South due to
proximity. This time, we are
taking the League to the door-
step of every region to give
them a sense of belonging”
table".
Thirteen Trabzonspor sup-
porters were arrested with five
placed in pre-trial detention.
It was the latest violent in-
cident to affect Turkish football
this season.
The championship was
suspended for a week earlier
this term when the president
of Ankaragucu attacked a ref-
eree at the end of a first divi-
sion match.
A number of Fenerbahce
trips to Trabzon in recent times
have also been marred by vi-
olence.
A 2016 game against Trab-
zonspor was abandoned in the
closing minutes after an assis-
tant referee was attacked by a
home supporter.
The year before that the
Fenerbahce team bus came un-
der attack from a gunman en
route to the airport on the way
back from the neighbouring
Black Sea city of Rize, leav-
ing the driver seriously injured.
In 2014 a match between
Trabzonspor and Fenerbahce
was called off at halftime after
the Istanbul club's players were
pelted with objects thrown onto
the pitch by home fans.
 02.04.24 TUESDAY
AMUSEMENT PARK
I HAVE TAKEN MORE OUT OF ALCOHOL THAN ALCOHOL HAS TAKEN OUT
OF ME. — WINSTON CHURCHILL.
www.leadership.ng No. 4,338 N300

Nigeria’s Burgeoning Guest Column

Kidnapping Industry:
Whither State Governors? Andrew A. Erakhrumen

I
t is no news that the
already emaciated in- a thing to be seriously wor-
dustrial and other pro- ried about. A very simple ex-
ductive capacity, for planation to give is that Ni-
production and avail- geria’s intelligence network
Yes, state governors ing limited number of people has broken down while the
do not have the legitimate jobs, are declining job of securing the country
powers of the
in Nigeria; that is business- has become overwhelming.
Commander-
in-Chief of the es, companies, factories and Pretence and deceit are
Nigerian armed other economic ventures that mostly unhelpful where
forces but for what have had positive impacts on things are fast falling apart.
do they use the economy are crashing almost Kidnapping does not dif-
“security vote” irretrievably; but this is not ferentiate one political party
they strictly keep the whole story. With the in- member from another. It has
secret? What is this creasing intensity of the eco- a life of its own. Although, it
“security vote”? nomic doom (or is it down- is difficult to pointedly state,
turn?) being experienced, with certainty, the first school
the country has been ‘bless- that was attacked by criminal
ed’ (or burdened?) with an- elements in the northern part
other thriving industry – the of the country.
crime industry. This seem- Nevertheless, since the
ingly ‘new’ industry is nei- 14th of April, 2014 when
ther really new nor original 276 students of Government
to Nigeria but it is booming hind the massive criminali- not limited to those at the fed- we were talking about earli- Girls Secondary School,
here and now. Although, it ties enveloping Nigeria. What eral level. In fact, more is ex- er, we had asked in an inter- Chibok, Borno state were
assumes different forms and we know is that those holding pected from those at the state vention in the past that “….. successfully kidnapped by
shapes, it is not limited to any
political power including oth- and sub-state levels. who would have imagined Boko Haram insurgents, it
region of the country. One of ers in the corridors and bed- that kidnappers will, one day, has been harvests of suc-
such criminalities is kidnap- rooms of power have been us- Illegally Appropriated take more than a hundred cessful kidnappings by dif-
ping for ransom. Sincerely, ing the captured failing state Security Votes students (as hostages), from ferent criminal groups. Kid-
it is increasingly becoming to extract public resources Yes, state governors do not a boarding school, and ask nappers have continued to do
difficult to describe this ‘lu-and protect only themselves have the powers of the Com- relatives (of the hostages) to well; they have been operat-
crative’ venture as a criminal and theirs while others are ex- mander-in-Chief of the Nige- provide rice, beans, palm oil, ing unhindered in ways that
enterprise. This is because pected to go to hell. Once you rian armed forces but for what salt and stock cubes to feed suggest an absence of law
names of “big men” direct- are not in government or not do they use the “security vote” them (in captivity)?.....” Re- and order in those states. We
ly and indirectly involved in close to those in it, be rest as- they strictly keep secret? What cent events make that ques- sometimes ask this question:
kidnappings are mentioned sured that you are on your is this “security vote”? It is an tion we asked in 2021 sound are there executive governors
in the print and electron- own; you are ‘technically’ ex- unknown large amount not le- outdated. For instance, on in those states? This ques-
ic media but nothing seems cluded from the selective pro- gally appropriated.This is an- the 28th of February, 2024, tion emanates from the fact
GHANA MUST GO to be happening to them. A tection by the state. This is not other means by which public bandits killed two residents that state governors swore
lot has been said about this a new story. It is not a new re- funds are stolen. Since 1999, of Anguwan Auta in Gonin an oath of allegiance to the
Rewane predicts societal challenge, howev- ality. It has not been unique to no state governor has denied Gora, Chikun Local Govern- people, promising to pro-
new prices for er, the more the people cry, a particular group in power. the existence of the “vote” or ment Area (LGA), Kaduna tect them against harm from
the more they are left unpro- Only that those who criticised given account of how it was state, kidnapping and escap- criminal elements. Thus, how
rice, bread, tected, by the state, from the people-in-power yesterday are expended. It should not be ing with others into the bush- does one explain the current
others whims and caprices of kid- today, in power, contributing to only about the federal gov- es bothering the community. reality in which criminali-
nappers. As at today, no one the entrenchment of what they ernment, Nigerians should ties are perpetrated freely in
– News is sure who the next victim(s) criticised yesterday! So, it has also ask state governors ques- Like Chibok like Kuri- those states? The state gov-
will be. The responses of na- been deception all the way. tions. The federal govern- ga? ernors and local government
tional and sub-national gov- We have always argued that ment may be a major bene- In Chikun LGA, 287 administrations are the clos-
ernments to criminalities are a chunk of the possible solu- ficiary of the warped federal schoolchildren were re- est to the people; therefore,
still the same old predictable tions to a societal problem lies system of government prac- portedly abducted in Kuri- more is expected from them
ineffectual pronouncements. on the ability and willingness ticed in Nigeria but the state ga whereas on the 24th of concerning the quest for solu-
to recruit the ‘right’ political governments cannot exempt March, 2024, it was report- tion(s) to Nigeria’s insecurity
Selective Protection leadership that is ready to con- themselves from the rot be- ed that the number of these challenges. They should not
Nigerian governments al- front such problem. When we ing experienced everywhere. Kuriga’s schoolchildren that sit in their offices, embezzle
ways claim to be on top of the talk of political leadership, it is Concerning the kidnapping were actually abducted but “security vote” and give Ni-
situation. eventually rescued by the gerians the impression that
Marching orders are al- military in Zamfara state is federal government is the
ways given to the country’s
Since the 14th of April, 2014 when 276 students ‘only’ 137. Kidnappings in only problem.
security personnel to get to of Government Girls Secondary School, Chibok, many states, Kaduna inclu-
the root of the matter. Have Borno state were successfully kidnapped by sive, appear to be progres- – Erakhrumen teaches at
they ever been able to get to Boko Haram insurgents, it has been harvests of sively more ‘normalised’ the Department of Forest Re-
the root of the matter? We successful kidnappings by different criminal and less newsworthy. The sources and Wildlife Manage-
do not know. We also do not groups. Kidnappers have continued to do well; ease with which these kid- ment, University of Benin, Be-
From his store?
know if politicians are be- they have been operating unhindered..... nappings are carried out is nin City, Nigeria

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