₦airaland Forum

Nigerian Tech-Commercial expert and the Chief Enterprise Business Officer at MTN Nigeria PLC, Lynda Saint-Nwafor has been fingered in the death of her ex-husband, Saint Obi, who is also a veteran actor.


In a revelation by a veteran actor, Zik Zulu Okafor, it was revealed that some of the thing that led to the illness of Saint Obi was caused by his ex-wife, Lynda Saint-Nwafor who allegedly maltreated him to the extent of keeping his children away from him.


In the lengthy revelation, Lynda Saint-Nwafor was accused of using her influence against Saint Obi and when her family members attacked the deceased actor, she supported them.


Read statement below

https://newsextra.com.ng/2023/05/17/mtn-top-executive-lynda-saint-nwafor-fingered-in-veteran-actor-saint-obis-death/

From Editorial Board, Africa Oil+Gas Report

The ceremony around the planned visit by the Nigerian President to the Dangote Refinery on May 22, 2023, will peak with a cutting of the ribbon, inaugurating the 650,000 Barrels per stream Day Plant, located in the Eastern flank of Lagos, the country’s commercial city.

Everyone, it seems, look forward to the production of petroleum products from the plant after that symbolic activity.

But it will not happen.

As President Muhammadu Buhari leaves office a week after commissioning one of the largest single train hydrocarbon processing plants on the planet, he could be forgiven for believing he had had his wish to be in such a large place but technology does not sit well with politics.

The ongoing technical commissioning process has not gotten anywhere close to the point of introducing raw hydrocarbon into the plant, let alone delivering petroleum products.

One key challenge of Nigeria’s chattering classes is that they hardly look up the regulation. Hydrocarbon will be introduced only when the Nigerian Midstream Downstream Regulatory Agency (NMDPRA) approves and issues Licence To Operate the Refinery to Dangote.

Speculations about inauguration and commissioning are just, well, speculations. Both words do not appear anywhere in the Procedure to License a Refinery in the Nigerian law.

The three stages are:

License to establish a Refinery

Approval to construct Refinery

License to Operate the Refinery

Nowhere does inauguration or commissioning appear.

So the Refinery can be inaugurated or commissioned as the Licensee desires, as long as no attempt is made to operate the Refinery by introducing crude oil and make products for sale, it does not concern NMDPRA.

The claim that some “large sub-sea pipeline infrastructure connected to Oil and Gas blocks in the Niger Delta region for supply of crude feedstock” is a false narrative. What’s in the plan is that Single Point Mooring (SPM) buoys will play the transportation role in input crude delivery and output petroleum products.

We live in a society where optics trumps everything. Buhari has been president for 8 of the 9 years that the Refinery project has been on. What is wrong with Dangote asking the President to inaugurate the Refinery so his name is on the marble when the Refinery becomes fully operational? Afterall no law will be breached by such gesture?

That said, Aliko Dangote the billionaire owner of the Refinery is determined that the 19billion-dollar project, the second of his three, hydrocarbon processing mega projects (Fertilizer, Refinery and Petrochemicals) is delivered by end of 2023.

The technical work has gone far, involving trial-running every single equipment, which has taken a while because of the lengthy time of construction. Some equipment were installed six years ago, and were just standing there in the air, water or even underground. Anything, literally could have happened.

As of February 2021, the installation of the Crude Distillation equipment had been completed. So had the kitting up of the Residue Fluid Catalytic Cracking Unit (RFCCU).

Supply chain challenges thrown up by the COVID-19 did slow down work, but the construction of Africa’s largest hydrocarbon processing factory picked up steam again in mid-2021.

“The electrical and instrumentation works are usually invisible to the gaze of non-refinery workers, but they are key. Their installation needed extreme care and it consumes over 30% of the Refinery construction time,” say several managers familiar with the project.

“A lot of our contractors are Chinese. Those who went home couldn’t come back quickly, but the project workflow recovered and those installations especially that of the Crude Distillation Column, which arrived Nigeria in December 2019 were expedited.

“We will have 15 process units in the Refinery and they must all work together” the managers tell us.

The operations planning will emphasize the mantra at the commissioning: we must flow everything out with air, then do it with water, then with steam, them with air again”. This is all to ensure that the likelihood of moisture absorption is zero, as the contrary will lead to cracks.

“The equipment must be pickled. What that does is that it oxidizes the facility”. The Dangote Refinery is significantly an Indian supervised operation.

But a significant percentage of the 1,000 Nigerian engineers sent to training in India for the eventual operations of the facility, have returned and are currently engaged on site.

The relationship between the Nigerian crude oil refining sector and Indian engineering expertise goes back to 1988, when the second (larger) refinery in Port Harcourt, the major city in the country’s oil producing Delta region was being constructed.

“Some of the experts working on Operations Planning were part of the construction of the Port Harcourt Refinery 35 years ago”, our sources say.

Mr Dangote initially announced the likelihood of the project in 2013. But it was at the All-Convention Luncheon at the Annual Conference of the Nigerian Association of Petroleum Explorationists NAPE, in November 2014 that he provided the first relatively comprehensive details of the facility. He told the roomful of geoscientists that the capacity had increased from 500,000 BSPD to 650,000 BSPD.

Dangote Industries was advised by Jacobs Engineering and it licensed the Honeywell UOP for the basic engineering design. On a daily basis, the facility will have the capacity to produce 59million liters of gasoline, 20million litres of kerosene and 9million litres of diesel and others.

The construction has taken a while and has been the most excruciating economic challenge Nigeria has ever faced. Would Dangote Industries have delivered this project much earlier if it had awarded it to a world- class EPC contractor like Bechtel, TechnipFMC, Siemens, KBR?

“Yes”, said Alex Ogedengbe, a retired Group Executive Director at NNPC who was involved in the construction of the Warri and Port Harcourt Refineries in the 1980s. “There are just about six or seven such EPC contractors in the world,” he explained. Mr Ogedengbe was speaking at a private webinar organized by oil and gas analyst, Ronke Onodeko in April 2020.

Dangote sources maintain that the cost would have been at least 30% higher if that route had been taken. And while it could be argued that Dangote Industries could have had good value for money if a Bechtel or KBR had handled the construction, multiple sources argue that the delay could have been minimized if the current structure had been in place since inception. The company went into this project with the mindset of constructing a cement plant, which was its major competence before this huge assignment. “We wasted the most time at the engineering stage”, one manager recalls. “A reputable EPC contractor would still have hired expertise from outside like we are doing and subcontract several units. Dangote Industries bought brand new equipment for this work; an EPC contractor might not have even done that, but it would have coordinated things better at the outset.”

One more advantage of building it yourself: all the equipment you purchase for logistics and construction purposes are yours.

Everyone we spoke to agreed that things began to take very good shape when Giuseppe Surace came along. The Italian engineer who had been Chief Executive of Saipem in Nigeria and Brazil, joined the project in June 2017 as the Chief Operating Officer. “On the factory floors, in the Executive Offices, everywhere on site, the consensus is that one of the best decisions that Aliko Dangote made was Surace’s appointment. “He saved the project” said our sources.

A highlight of the swirling speculations around President Buhari’s impending visit is the description of how crude oil will be pumped into the Refinery. One widely circulated message talks of large sub-sea pipeline infrastructure connected to Oil and Gas blocks in Niger Delta region for supply feedstock “.

This is a false narrative.

The truth is that Single Point Mooring SPM buoys will play a huge role in input crude delivery and output petroleum products. There are three of them either way. Three SPMs will deliver the input crude oil from vessels into a jetty from which it is pumped into the plant. And three SPMs will ferry petroleum products out to vessels on the sea for export. “We have facility to evacuate through roads, we have large loading capacity (103 loading terminals) and we can evacuate 75% of our production through road and we can evacuate 75% of our production through the sea so that if we want to export”, Dangote officials have repeatedly explained.

“Within Nigeria, we can evacuate to Warri, Port Harcourt, Calabar and so on, those options are available”, the officials say.

On the table is the idea of a 6-lane road through Epe, a town in the east of Lagos. But what of the supply of the product to Lagos? Will some of it be through Lekki Expressway? The subject of the quality of Nigerian roads to take in the products, through land tankers is still a fraught one.



Editorial, Oil+Gas Report

Herbert Wigwe Assumes Leadership of France Nigeria Business Council Following pioneer chairman, Abdul Samad Rabiu’s Successful Two-Term Tenure

Pioneer President of the France Nigeria Business Council, Abdul Samad Rabiu, has handed over the reins of the council after a successful two year tenure to Herbert Wigwe, the Group Managing Director of Access Bank. Rabiu, the founder and Executive Chairman of BUA Group, handed over the reins to Wigwe in a ceremony held today, marking a new chapter in the Council’s history.

During Rabiu’s tenure as the pioneer President, the Council achieved significant milestones in strengthening business ties between France and Nigeria, promoting mutual growth and prosperity. Under his leadership, the Council organized two France-Nigeria Business Forums in Paris, a meeting in Lagos, and a session in Paris last year, which led to several fruitful partnerships between French and Nigerian businesses.

Rabiu also oversaw the Council’s support for various initiatives fostering collaboration between the brightest minds of both nations and nurturing the next generation of entrepreneurs.

In his farewell address, Rabiu expressed gratitude to the Council members, President Macron, and other stakeholders for their unwavering support during his tenure. He acknowledged the exceptional service of Jean Haas, the Secretary of the Council, who will continue in his role under the new leadership.

Herbert Wigwe, the incoming President, is a seasoned banker and a prominent figure in the Nigerian banking sector. Rabiu expressed confidence in Wigwe’s ability to lead the Council towards new heights, citing his vast experience and keen understanding of the global financial landscape as key assets.

As Wigwe begins his tenure, Council members have pledged their support and look forward to continued collaboration in fostering sustainable and inclusive economic growth for both France and Nigeria.



About the France Nigeria Business Council:


The France Nigeria Business Council is a key platform for strengthening business ties between France and Nigeria, with the aim of promoting mutual growth and prosperity. It serves as a nexus for collaboration, innovation, and partnership between the two nations, fostering an environment conducive to sustainable and inclusive economic growth.

...Also named winner BusinessDay Newspaper Excellence in Public Service Award 2022


The Executive Chairman, Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Mr. Muhammad Nami has been named winner of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) Merit Award 2023 in its Non-Members Category at the Institute’s 2023 Annual Dinner Awards.

Mr. Nami, who received the Award at the Monarch Event Centre, Lagos, yesterday was described by the President of the Association, Mallam Tijani Musa Isa as an unassuming and humble achiever who has led the FIRS to excel in the international tax circle despite global economic challenges by achieving milestones in revenue collection.

“This Award is in recognition for your positive impact in the society. You have made significant contribution to the institute and to Nigeria. The governing board deemed it fit to acknowledge the role you have played and your outstanding achievements,” Mal. Isa noted.

In his Citation, Mr. Muhammad Nami was described as “a go-getter and an ingenious leader.” It further stated that “the reforms he is implementing at FIRS attest to his dexterity, visionary leadership and patriotism. Under his visionary leadership, the FIRS in 2022 achieved an unprecedented revenue collection of N10.1 trillion, which is the highest tax collection ever made in the history of the country.”

While receiving the award, the Executive Chairman FIRS appreciated the Council Members of the Institute, saying that he has been lucky to work with their members through his 32 year career.

“Since I left the university, over 32 years ago, I have had the privilege and luck to be directly and indirectly associated with ICAN members: from the PKF, to Manam Professional Services, and now I am working directly with well over 3,000 members of this Institute as the Executive Chairman of the FIRS.

“I feel blessed by this honour and privilege. I am grateful to God, and to all of you who have found me worthy of this recognition. I pray God rewards all of you enormously,” he noted.

Mr. Nami dedicated the award to his alma mater from primary to tertiary levels; his former colleagues at the Presidential Committee on Audit of Stolen Recovered Stolen Assets; members of the Tax Advisory Committee of the FIRS; all taxpayers; the Board Members, Management and staff of the FIRS, and his family members.

In a similar recognition earlier in the week, on Thursday 4th May, 2023, the FIRS boss was named the winner of the BusinessDay Excellence in Public Service Award 2022, at the BusinessDay States Competitiveness And Good Governance Awards 2022.

The country’s influential business newspaper explained that it named him the winner of the award for his “visionary and leadership qualities [that] has brought tremendous change to the FIRS.”

It further noted that: “Under your leadership, you transformed the tax administration and compliance landscape in Nigeria. You deployed the revolutionary TaxPro Max: FIRS’ homegrown digital platform for tax administration which allows taxpayers to register, file returns and pay their taxes easily from any location other than their respective tax offices.

“You have repositioned the operations and staff of the FIRS, and introduced technological tools to institute more transparency, accountability, and effectiveness, which in turn has translated into the increased capacity to deliver on the mandate with results.”



Mr. Muhammad Nami, Executive Chairman, Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) speaks to Tax Matters at the ICAN 2023 Annual Dinner Awards, held in Lagos. (May 6, 2023)

The Private Telecommunications and Communications Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PTECSSAN) has issued a three-day warning strike notice to Huawei Technologies Company Limited over alleged anti-labour practices.

Huawei is a global provider of information and communications technology (ICT) infrastructure and smart devices.

PTECSSAN’s General Secretary, Mr. Okonu Abdullahi, in a letter addressed to the company, said that the union had directed the withdrawal of services of its members from projects of the company, effective between 12.00 a.m. May 2 and 11.59 p.m. May 4, 2023.

Abdullahi said that the failure of the company to comply with the union’s demands after the warning strike would result in an indefinite strike.

He said that the strike might cause telecommunications network disruptions as no worker would be available to attend to them.

‘’We were constrained to embark on this industrial action when it became apparent to us that your company is not labour friendly and is not interested in peaceful and amicable resolutions of the concerns of our members.

‘’For the avoidance of doubt, we shall not be backing down on the warning strike except the following are agreed with the union.



‘’Immediate recognition of the fundamental right of the employees to freely associate with the union; immediate recognition of the union as negotiating body for the employees on workers welfare.

‘’Immediate remittance of membership dues into the union’s account as earlier provided; immediate payment of March salaries of some members of the union, among others.


‘’As we look forward to your company’s granting of our demands, please be assured of our union’s resolve to ensure better working conditions for her members, ‘’ he said.

Other demands include immediate regularisation of the employment of union members on the Huawei projects and the involvement of the union in the process.

Also, the immediate commencement of appropriate pensions deduction and remittance of same as required by the Pension Act.

‘’Immediate approval of the National Health Insurance Scheme that covers the employees, their spouses, and four of their dependents.

‘’Immediate enrollment of Union members in the Group Life Insurance as stipulated in the Pension Reform Act 2004, Section 9(3).


‘’Immediate commencement of negotiation of the Collective Bargaining Agreement (Conditions of Service) for the benefit of union members, ‘’ the letter read in part.



C) Daily Independent

The Igbimo Asoju Yoruba, the pan Yoruba group in diaspora canvasses support for peaceful coexistence among people from other geopolitical regions living in the cosmopolitan megacity.

The call becomes imperative as a response to the fears caused by threat of Nzuko Ndi Igbo, Di Na Ala Lagos to shutdown business activities performed by their members in Lagos for two weeks beginning from May 3, 2023 and called on all citizens to be very vigilant and proactive.


The group, according to its coordinator, Chief (Dr) George Olufemi Ogunjimi view with suspicion and regard as economic sabotage the threat by Nzuko Ndi Igbo, Di Na Ala Lagos to shutdown business activities by their members in Lagos for the aforementioned date.

"It’s against this background that we rise to respond to the grave allegations against the peaceful residents of Lagos by this section of Igbo ethnic community in Lagos of killing them, and burning of their properties just after the outgone general election in the state are best described as figments of imagination brought out in furtherance of the acts of the evil forces bent on smear campaigns against the leaders and ever peace loving Yoruba people of Lagos state. These were much noticed just before and during the 2023 elections.

"We want to believe and from our investigations that there is a move by some forces to create deep divisions and resentment in our fragile democracy leading to rioting and serious disturbances calculated to disrupt the swearing-in ceremony of the President-elect, in person of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu coming on the 29th of May 2023.

"No part of this great country of Nigeria must be allowed to serve as a battle field by some forces to achieve their inordinate ambitions especially at this crucial transitional period, even hereafter," Chief Ogunjimi, added.

He is therefore calling on the security agencies to be extremely vigilant and implore all peace loving citizens to take their personal security and welfare seriously to ensure their safety always. Let the people know that it is their duty to guard jealously of their heritage which must not fritter away or be stolen from them.

"We rise to extend our handshakes to Ndigbo in Yoruba land and assure them of peaceful coexistence as enshrined in the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and in return ask them to respect our culture, traditions and values and be peaceful with our people wherever they find themselves not only in Lagos but the whole of Yoruba land.

"We ask the reasonable ones of the Ndigbo nation to call to order their militants in Yoruba land and stop the war of attrition against our people as we view the threat of closure of markets transport terminals and other commercial activities for two weeks in Lagos state by some sections of the Ndigbo nation as a declaration of war against the Yoruba nation and all the peaceful residents of the state.

We, however want to alert Lagosians and all the peaceful residents in any part of Yoruba land that the closure may cause some difficulties, pain and inconveniences and should therefore stock up before time, but tough time never last, and only tough people do. This should make us wiser, stronger and determined to change the course of our history. We are resilient and hardworking too.

Chief Ogunjimi said no ethnic fraction be allowed to go through any threats whatsoever, charging both Lagos Yoruba indigenes and Igbo ethnic to channel amicable ways of living peaceful without any iota of animosity and findings, has shown that there's moves by some unscrupulous elements to create deep divisions and resentment in our nascent democracy leading to riots sanctioned to distabilize the swearing-in ceremony of the President-elect, in person of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu coming on the 29th of May 2023.

He said: "No part of this great country of Nigeria must be allowed to serve as a battle field by anyone to achieve their inordinate ambitions especially at this crucial transitional period, even hereafter"
As concerned group of progressives,we therefore call on security forces to be extremely vigilant and charge all peace loving citizens to take their personal security and welfare seriously to ensure safety always. "Let the people know its their duty to guard jealously their heritage which must not fritter away or be stolen from them.

"We rise as peace lovers to extend our handshakes to Ndigbo in Yoruba land and assure them of peaceful coexistence as enshrined in the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and in return ask them to respect our culture, traditions and values and be peaceful with our people wherever they find themselves not only in Lagos but the whole of Yoruba land.

"We ask the reasonable ones of the Ndigbo nation to call to order their militants in Yoruba land and stop the war of attrition against our people as we view the threat of closure of markets transport terminals and other commercial activities for two weeks in Lagos state by some sections of the Ndigbo nation as a declaration of war against the Yoruba nation and all the peaceful residents of the state.

"We however want to alert Lagosians and all the peaceful residents in any part of Yoruba land that the closure may cause some difficulties, pain and inconveniences and should therefore stock up before time, but tough time never last, and only tough people do. This should make us wiser, stronger and determined to change the course of our history. We are resilient and hardworking too," Chief Ogunjimi, concluded.

By Adeyemi Obadimu


Guaranty Trust Holding Company (GTCO) had concluded all plans to hold the 6th edition of its food and drinks festival, commencing tomorrow Saturday, 29th of April to Monday, May 1st, 2023.


The annual event, which is the biggest food event in Africa, promotes Small Scale Businesses across the continent, and it holds at Gtcenter, Plot 1 Water Corporation Drive, Oniru, Victoria Island, Lagos.

Details of this development were made known to the newsmen, yesterday at the press briefing, held at the Bank's head office in Victoria Island, Lagos.


As part of its efforts in promoting enterprises, the financial institution explained that this year's edition is going to be more colourful and interesting, as its free vendor stands have increased from 130 to 208.



Food lovers across Africa and the world are, therefore, expected to join this year's edition of the food feast, which is part of GTCO's annual Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) to boost small-scale businesses.


According to the Head of Media Relations, GTCO, Charles Eremi, our vision is to lead the financial institution in Africa, that is why this annual event is free for our vendors, by doing this, we are contributing to the growth of our communities.


"There will be a Master Class session which will feature renowned chefs across the world that will bring their experience in the international food business."


Speaking on the mode of selecting the vendors, he noted, "We sent out our notifications months ago through all digital platforms and print for any interested vendors to apply across the country.


"About 3000 applicants apply for this year's edition and through screening two hundred and eighty were picked, as we picked from Abuja Ogun to mention but few", he explained.


He, therefore, assured food lovers, who will grace the occasion tomorrow that their safety is GTCO's priority, adding that this year's edition is a celebration of everything food.



L - R: Mr. Cornelius Onuoha, Managing Director, RedGecko PR Ltd; Mrs. Tolulope Onipede, Corporate Communications, GTCO and Mr. Charles Eremi, Corporate Communications, GTCO at the 2023 GTCO Food and Drink Festival Media Briefing and Interaction

By Oba Joshua Adeyemi Adimula

My attention was recently drawn to a letter dated 16th January 2023 with the mischievous title, Open Letter to Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq on Dethronement of Oba Joshua Adeyemi Adimula as the Oloota of Odo-Owa.

The letter under reference was purportedly written by Aafin Descendants Union (ADU), the so-called esteemed Council of Iwarefa (Kingmakers) and the good people of Odo-Owa in Oke-Ero Local Government of Kwara State. There is nothing further from the truth because this letter was written by a few disgruntled, envious and over ambitious elements who are keen at pulling me down at all cost for no justification whatsoever.

Aafin Descendants Union (ADU) is made up of all bona-fide and legitimate children including princes and princesses of Oloota of Odo-Owa. The writers of this petition are only made up of a few members led by Prince Adelowo Adimula who is the instigator, propagator, executor and tormentor-in-chief of consistent but futile efforts at dethroning me from the stool of Oloota of Odo-Owa.

Upon the demise of my predecessor, HRH Oba M.A. Adimula on February 14, 2014, the Odo-Owa community shortlisted and arrived at three names who were nominated for the appointment to the vacant stool of the Oloota of Odo-Owa.

These are their names: Prince Adelowo Adimula, Prince Oluwatoba Adeyemi Adimula and Prince (Prof.) Abiodun Adimula

Sequel to the above, a letter dated 21 April, 2015 was addressed to the Chairman, Oke-Ero Local Government Traditional Council by the Odo-Owa Kingmakers in accordance with recommendation of the suitability of the candidates as pronounced by the Ifa oracle. A copy of the same letter is marked as Annexure A.

Prince Adelowo Adimula being the first on the list was contacted to be appointed as the Oloota of Odo-Owa but by his letter of 28th July. 2014 marked as Annexure B, he declined the nomination and expressly turned down the offer made to him. He predicated his rejection on spiritual considerations that he had a revelation that it was not the will of God for him to be appointed as the Oloota of Odo-Owa and he informed the community that she was at liberty to choose any other suitable candidate either from the list presented or from any other source. He pledged his support and loyalty to whoever is picked for the stool.

Being the second on the list, I was appointed as the Oloota of Odo-Owa to the knowledge of Prince Adelowo Adimula, and upon my appointment, I offered a hand of friendship to him and made all spirited efforts to see him but he deliberately made himself unavailable and incommunicado. Little did I know that he was not happy with my appointment as he has carried out series of attacks, character assassination, wanton destruction of my personal and royal properties and sponsored series of press conferences, newspaper publications and adverts, all aimed at downgrading, denigrating and pulling me down from my exalted position as the Oloota of Odo-Owa. Some of these will be itemized in due course.

Prince Adelowo Adimula and his cohorts sponsored remote and open challenges and confrontation on my personality. Due to Odo-Owa Community's decision to release a parcel of land for the construction of Orota Community High School which was established in 1983 of which I am a product. The school has long been handed over to Kwara State Government but has witnessed little development. In the year 2021 the Kwara State Government allocated a block of 3 classrooms to the school. As an Agent of progress and development, I did everything within my powers and ability to ensure the success of the project, but surprisingly, there were people that were trespassing on the land donated by the Community for the construction of the. said school I had to confront and warn them to desist from their encroachment.

Prince Adelowo Adimula joined forces with the trespassers and they jointly abused, beat, insulted, harassed and intimidated me for supporting and encouraging siting of Kwara State Project in Odo-Owa. This is one of the reasons for calling for my dethronement.

When I reported the trespassers and the hoodlums being sponsored by prince Adelowo Adimula to the Police, he used his position and financial resources to ensure their release from the Police Headquarters without allowing them to face the wrath of the law.

In the letter of January 16th, 2023, Prince Adelowo Adimula and his caucus catalogued and listed some of their fictitious and fraudulent petitions dated 27th April, 2022, 23rd May 2022, and 21st september 2022 all praying for my dethronement because he now wants to assume and take over my position as the Oloota of Odo-Owa, a position which he had neglected and renounced over seven (7) years ago and he has expressed so much desperation and unbridled ambition. It is clear that two persons cannot be the Oloota at the same time.

Prince Adelowo Adimula is creating imaginary problems, promoting disaffection and constituting himself as an agent of disunity by sponsoring chaos, series of attack and actions capable of leading to breakdown of law and order in Odo-Owa and does not want to allow peace and amicable settlement because he perceives himself as the ultimate beneficiary of the problems.

The expectation of my detractors including the petitioners was that I will not last on the throne of the Oloota of Odo-Owa. They expected me to die after 3 days, 3 months or 3 years. I survived the targeted time by the grace of God, after the expiration of 3 years, they began the unwarranted attacks on my person and office so that I will lose focus and not be able to function as the Oba.
On the allegation of cornering and diverting the monthly stipends from Oke-Ero Traditional Council due to my high Chiefs to my pocket, this is a blatant lie and nothing can be farther from the truth. I am satisfied and content with the little I am earning as monthly stipends as I engage in active farming to support, supplement and enhance my income to be able to meet the needs and obligations of my family and make significant financial contributions to Odo-Owa Community.

Contrary to the allegations that i lied to my cronies that Iwarefa and prominent ADU members were humiliated at the meeting and made to apologize to me, these are all nonsensical and fraudulent allegations by these disgruntled elements aimed at calling me a bad name and projecting a bad image of me to the members of the public with a view of discrediting me and lowering my esteem in the eyes of my subjects.

I am a harbinger and lover of peace and I have never refused the advice of Ven. Dr Jacob Olasupo Osaji to call an all-inclusive peace meeting at the instance of the leadership of Odo-Owa Welfare Association. I never stayed away from the Palace meeting of Tuesday 13th September 2022 nor kept the entire Palace under firm lock and key as alleged. The allegation of deliberating absconding from the meeting, hiding somewhere and giving instructions to the alleged imaginary foot soldiers on how to disrupt peaceful meetings is at best contradictory in terms as i could not while keeping the Palace under lock and key at the same time organize foot soldiers to disrupt a peaceful meeting which venue had been sealed off. These are part of deliberate misinformation and mischievous actions of the petitioners against me.

On the allegation of accusing the apex associations’ leadership, Iwarefa and ADu or being behind the kidnapping of 2 residents of the community this is total falsehood.

The Odo-Owa Welfare Association and the kingmakers were never collectively or individually accused of any misdeed. There was a report against Bunmi Popoola, the Ojoko of Odo-Owa who was accused of raping a girl and cleaning her private part with a white handkerchief supposedly laden with charms and threatening the girl not to reveal the matter to anybody otherwise she would die within 7days, an act of creating fear and intimidation. The girl kept the matter to herself until her health deteriorated to the point of death and she reported the matter to her parents who came to report the chief to me and the affected chief was invited by me and directed to take care of the girl by taking her to hospital for medical treatment and I personally foot the medical bill.

The shameful action of the Chief Bunmi Popoola led to the recommendation by members of his compound for his suspension and he was suspended for 6 months. Upon resumption of the same chief from suspension, barely 2 months after, another case was brought against him of having carnal knowledge of another girl and threatened the girl with death if she revealed the secret and the said chief again was invited and cautioned and he confessed to the crime. Unfortunately, the affected girl died but her dying declaration was recorded. Prior to her death, the whole community decided that the said chief should take the affected girl for treatment and she died in the house of Bunmi Popoola 3 days after. This led to the affected chief to run away and the angry mob set his house ablaze.

The criminal actions of the said chief led to Police involvement in the matter and the said chief was arrested and later granted bail facilitated by the petitioners who are his godfathers. The petitioners were offended because of my stance of keeping the Odo-Owa community free from criminality, criminal elements, and perpetrators of evil and ridiculously, this is forming one of their bases of complaint against me.

Interestingly also, the same chief Bunmi Popoola who had got 2 criminal allegations against him was also involved in a case of kidnapping in the month of April 2021 alongside his partner in crime, a Fulani boy. The matter was also reported to the police and charged to court but the petitioners who are his supporters and interested in covering up his crimes secured his bail while his trial is ongoing in the court of law.

It is pertinent, Your Excellency, to mention, that the chief involved in all these criminalities is a co-sponsor of different petitions against me because they are unhappy about my efforts and desire to sanitize Odo-Owa from all forms of crimes and criminals. The criminal chief again in partnership with the petitioners have been boasting of possessing charms and juju with which they intend to use to dethrone me. This is one of my offenses.

The petitioners do not care about the families and wellbeing of the defendants and relations of the victims of the criminal activities of Chief Bunmi Popoola and they have turned the case to be an allegation against Odo-Owa Welfare Association and kingmakers.

The allegation of having a stupendous appetite for land-grabbing is very spurious, ridiculous and unfounded. I am not a land-grabber. The land on which I built my personal house in Odo-Owa was bought several years before I was enthroned as the Oloota of Odo-Owa, I have never taken anybody's land: I am only interested in preserving for posterity the communal land from trespassers and people who are determined to encroach on same who are being sponsored by the petitioners.

There is no confession whatsoever made by me in the Alaroye Volume 62 of July 16th 2022 which was a mere reaction to the fraudulent allegations made against me by the petitioners and rebuttal of the same. I only reacted by denying their false and fraudulent allegations that people had rejected me when l knew that the opposite is the case and it is the petitioner who are disgruntled elements who are calling for my dethronement. My people have accepted, loved, cared and cherished me.

My reign has been peaceful, eventful and development-driven. Despite the strenuous but futile efforts of the petitioners, Odo-Owa has witnessed rapid infrastructural, socioeconomic, cultural and political development in my 7 years' reign which is unparallel in the annals of its history. Some of these developments are enumerated as follows:

The Old police post of Odo-Owa was upgraded to a divisional police headquarters. I rallied-round my subjects for donations which was boycotted by the petitioners and I remain the highest donor in the said project.

Civil Defense office was established in Odo-Owa with donations from some good-hearted indigenes of the town without the involvement of the petitioners. I am also the highest donor to that project. Odo-Owa Road Safety Outpost was upgraded to a unit and the new structure is almost completed largely through my personal involvement and financial contributions

The construction of a block of 3 classrooms in Orota Commmunity High School. The petitioners and their collaborators did the unimaginable to frustrate the project by frequent encroachment and trespass which has formed the basis of some of their petitions against me. Petitioners are unhappy because of these catalogue of developments and projects that are springing up in Odo-Owa against their expectation.They are expecting disaster and failure.

As a progressive traditional ruler, I am a lover of peace and my reign is characterized by progress, development, peaceful coexistence, not riot, public violence and brigandage being sponsored by the petitioners. There is no brigade of hoodlums and rascal elements in my palace but people of shady characters are imported by the petitioners to disrupt the peace of Odo-Owa and protect them from being arrested by Law Enforcement Agents so as to cover up their tracks and evils they perpetrated.

My reign is also characterized and marked by good governance, utmost humility, conscious and deliberate efforts at forging cooperation and unity among all elements of the Odo-Owa community. but the petitioners are the agents of discord, division and polarization of the community who are hell-bent to scatter and destroy the same and hull the blame on me.

I am much admired, highly respected and held in highest esteem by all indigenes of Odo-Owa who are my subjects but the petitioners are making conscious efforts to ridicule, denigrate, debase and bastardize my throne by belittling me before my subjects.

The allegation of the flogging of a high chief in person of one Jimoh Peter Omotosho, the Asalu of Odo-Owa is not true. It is part of a deliberate campaign of calumny sponsored against me recklessly by the petitioners.

Petitioners instigated my arrest from my Palace to Police headquarters and arranged a Kangaroo trial for me on trump-up allegations without any justifications. All in an attempt to ridicule. frustrate, harass, and embarrass me. They celebrated and rejoiced at their evil deed. I was remanded for 3 days at Mandala Correctional Centre in June 2022 due to the efforts of the petitioners for a baseless, manipulated and instigated charge. I have been vindicated by the ruling of the same court delivered on 21st November, 2022 whereby the complaint against me was terminated and I was discharged. The hope and aspiration of the petitioners to keep me perpetually in prison and become an ex-convict failed woefully and they were put to shame. A copy of the ruling is attached as Annexure C. Petitioners were unhappy for victory and vindication but I have all cause to praise the Lord and the God of my ancestors who rose up in my defense and put my enemies to shame.

On allegation of House arrest and several suspensions from the State Government and Oke-Ero Traditional Council, these are unfounded and shameless allegations. I have never occupied any political appointment or being a functionary in the Kwara State Government from where I was ever suspended. The petitioners have inundated Kwara State Government, Oke-Ero Local Government, Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Police headquarters in Ilorin, Area Commander Office in Omu-Aran, Police Divisional Office in Illofa and Odo-Owa with shameless, false and unfounded allegations aimed at giving a dog a bad name so as to hang it. They are looking for my downfall, death and dethronement so as to take over my position which they are desperate about.

My prayers:
The petitioners are people with unbridled ambitions who are the minority and inconsequential few in my community inclusive of fellow contestants who did not succeed to occupy the throne of Oloota of Odo-Owa and they are desperately looking for my downfall through sponsored false allegations, unimaginable lies and instigation of my subjects. I urge your Excellency to ignore them and not allow them to mislead your administration which is people-oriented and have tremendous respect for traditional institutions.

The allegations of these Desperados are so ridiculous that they are making an allegation of my boasting that I have your government in my pocket. How big is my pocket? I am a man of modest means, who believes in the rule of law, and having greatest respect for constituted authorities. The allegation here is to incite and mislead your Excellency's government and they should be ignored.

The Petitioners claim to represent the popular cry of the people whereas, they are few inconsequential, overambitious, co-contestants and losers who are orchestrating, manipulating and concocting all forms of lies and they should not be taken seriously.

My reign has witnessed the greatest and unparalleled infrastructural, socioeconomic, institutional and traditional development ever known or witnessed in the annals of Odo-Owa history which the petitioners are envious of and want to destroy by all means and they are desperate and determined to rubbish my legacies which they are not expecting.

The petitioners do not represent the Aafin Descendants' Union (ADU) who are the collective Odo-Owa Princes and Princesses, the Iwarefa which is the Council of the Kingmakers and relevant stakeholders in Odo- Owa community, but they are minority elements being sponsored, spearheaded, promoted, Instigated by Prince Adelowo Adimula who was a co-contestant who claimed to have no interest but has suddenly rekindle his interest on the throne and is desperate to remove me at all cost.
Your Government is known for respecting traditional rulers, promoting traditional institutions, and meeting their welfare to which we are all grateful. Your Excellency should not allow these disgruntled elements to incite your administration against me without any justifiable cost.

I plead with your Excellency to protect me from constant harassment and trump up allegations by these set of petitioners before the Police, DSS, Civil Defence and other security agents. Invitation to me should be channelled through the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters to reduce the spate of unwarranted intimidation.

Finally, your Excellency, there is no community, town, even family without disagreements which ought to be settled amicably. The petitioners should be encouraged to embrace peace and have respect for my office and position which is greater than all of them and join hands together with me to move Odo-Owa forward.

Being the text of a letter written to His Excellency, Mallam Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq by His Royal Highness Oba JOSHUA OLUWATOBA ADEYEMI ADIMULA (The Oloota of Odo-Owa).

Nigeria’s Telecommunications regulator, the Nigerian Communications Commission incurred a deficit of N17.39bn after spending N35.2bn on personnel and consultancy fees in 2021.

The NCC’s financial records for 2021 revealed the agency incurred a record N272bn which was driven by the country’s spectrum fees worth N189bn and N64.99bn revenue from administrative fees.

Other major revenues were N15bn from licenses and permits, N6bn from new numbering plans and N2bn raised from sanction fees.

Compared to 2020, the agency’s revenue rose 190.1 per cent from N92.05bn to N272.9bn in 2021.

However, the commission said it spent N34.2bn on salary, wages, allowances and pension contributions and another N1bn on project consultancy fees.

The personnel cost rose by N12bn to N34.16bn in 2021 compared to the N22.5bn spent in 2020.

“Employee costs including the provision for pension contribution comprises: salaries, wages and allowances N31.34bn in 2021 (N20.5bn in 2020). Pension contributions of N2.82bn (N2.02bn in 2020),” the records said.

We Don’t Regulate Social Media– NCC Replies Civil Society Council On Policing Twitter, Others

According to the NCC books, N1bn was spent on project consultancy fees which rose 159 per cent against the N386.1m spent on consultancy in 2020.

During the period, the NCC remitted spectrum fees and an operating surplus of N197.68bn to the Federal Government account.

This was higher compared to the N42.06bn remitted in 2020.

The remittance of the operating surplus is “in line with the provisions of the Fiscal Responsibility Commission Act of 2007. Spectrum fees were remitted 100 per cent by the commission” in 2021, according to NCC.

Read full story below

https://newsextra.com.ng/2023/04/25/ncc-incurs-n17bn-deficit-after-spending-n35-2bn-on-personnel-consultancy-fees/

In the midst of dwindling revenues and skyrocketing subsidy costs, Nigeria has taken a bold step by removing fuel subsidies, igniting controversy and unrest among its population. Despite the opposition’s claims that subsidy removal will disproportionately affect the poor, the government’s redirection of funds towards crucial sectors such as health and education paints a promising picture for Nigeria’s future. The recent World Bank loan of almost a billion dollars for palliative measures may provide temporary relief, but it is not seen a sustainable solution.

However, the fate of the much-anticipated Dangote Refinery, meant to reduce Nigeria’s reliance on imported petroleum products, remains uncertain as unforeseen technical difficulties delay its completion.

The Dangote Refinery, announced in 2013 with an initial $3.3bn loan deal with local and foreign banks to fund the construction, was expected to transform Nigeria’s reliance on imported petroleum products and boost the country’s economy. With an initial completion date of 2018, the refinery was planned to produce enough refined petroleum to meet domestic needs and provide a surplus for export. However, the project has been plagued by continuous delays, attributed to factors such as lack of technical expertise, financial constraints, and poor project scoping.

Reports suggest that the Dangote Group is lobbying for an additional $3 billion cash injection, which could add to Nigeria’s debt burden and divert funds from more immediate solutions to the subsidy removal. Adding to the concerns surrounding the Dangote Refinery is the agreement between the Nigerian government and the Dangote Group. The Nigerian government in 2021 agreed to provide $2.7billion in cash-and-crude to the Dangote Group to fund the construction of the refinery in return for 20% equity. On December 1, 2021, the Federal Government through NNPC made a payment of $1.038billion in two tranches of $519.5million each to Lekki Refinery Funding Limited account with the beneficiary bank, representing the first cash portion of the deal, with the balance to be paid by the government upon completion of the project. This money was a loan from one of the international finance institutions to NNPC.

With the company missing out on interest payments due January 2023 of 750million dollars which is still yet to be paid despite being structured by the banks almost three times, the project is faced with a big dilemma – and with it, Nigeria’s hopes for the refinery.

As it stands, there is evidence to suggest that the Company has exceeded its single obligor limit with local Nigerian banks and no international bank is willing to extend funds to it. In addition, the company will need at least 3 billion dollars in addition to its annual interest payments of about 700million dollars to complete the project by 2025. Whilst there are already talks for a backdoor arrangement being proposed with the CBN to enable a commercial bank circumvent its single obligor limit to the company in order for it to raise further cash for it to pay its interest obligation of 750million dollars which have fallen due, such a move has been viewed cautiously by supporters and critics of the project alike.

These reports also suggest that the company unsuccessfully approached the outgoing president Muhammadu Buhari administration to release the remainder cash sum of 1.7billion dollars which was to have been paid upon completion of the project. According to these reports, President Buhari backtracked after further due diligence was done on the project which revealed that the project would not be completed before 2025 unlike the December 2022 date the company had promised at the time of signing the agreement.

As a result, intense pressure is now being mounted on the incoming government of Bola Tinubu to pay the remainder sum of $1.7billion dollars upon taking office as well as approve a new cash injection of 3billion dollars and crude for additional 20% equity in the project so the company can raise sufficient cash in the short term to pay outstanding interest costs and complete the project. This is premised on the fact that the new government has declared it wants to plug revenue gaps by removing the subsidy but the company has now given them the impression that the project will be completed by mid-2024 – which is far from the case. The incoming government must therefore be wary of yet another such lofty promise by the project owners as sources close to the Chinese company brought in to salvage the refinery project say a 2024 date is not feasible.

Should the incoming government go this route, it does nothing to solve the problems with the completion of the refinery, adds further unnecessary debt burden to the country and its citizens, and takes away money from critical and immediate solutions to the subsidy removal. Nigeria is already over-leveraged to the Dangote refinery project.

Many commentators believe that rather than relying on the uncertain completion of the Dangote Refinery, the Nigerian government should focus on the ongoing refurbishing exercise of its existing refineries. This strategy would not only provide a more reliable short-term palliative solution but also pave the way for a smoother transition from imported petroleum products. They should also encourage the modular refineries to ramp up production.

In addition, the Nigerian government should explore alternative strategies, such as investing in renewable energy sources, to reduce the nation’s reliance on imported petroleum products. This approach would provide long-term benefits to Nigeria’s economy and environment, while also fostering self-sufficiency in fuel production.

The removal of fuel subsidies offers Nigeria a unique opportunity to reassess its priorities and invest in a more sustainable future. By rejecting the new investment proposal for the Dangote refinery which has become an albatross whilst focusing on feasible alternative strategies, Nigeria can emerge stronger and more resilient in the face of global challenges. Can the incoming government afford to mortgage Nigeria’s scarce resources on a false hope? With billions of dollars and the country’s economy at stake, Nigeria cannot afford to pin all its hopes on the Dangote Refinery and even if the new government were to invest further in the project, there must be proper due diligence done before any investment is considered.

Sylvester Audu is a Writer and Social Justice Advocate writing from Abuja

Union Bank of Nigeria Plc has admitted it may be facing its worst nightmare yet, after a Nigerian court awarded N1.49trn against the bank.

The bank looks to the Supreme Court to upturn the judgment made by the appeal court.

In the Union Bank’s ‘assessment of contingent liabilities’ contained in its 2022 financial report, according to an online news outlet, the bank admitted the “matter was considered to be a key audit matter due to the size of the potential liability.”

The bank said no provision was made for the N1.49trn judgment liability which is more than half of the lender’s N2.79trn total asset.

Union Bank said, “The Bank is involved in various legal actions in the ordinary course of business, which has resulted in contingent liabilities amounting to N1.497 trillion as of 31 December 2022 (2021: N1.98 trillion).



“The most significant is a case with a total claim of N1.495 trillion (2021: N1.54 trillion) in which judgment had been awarded against the Bank and other co-defendants by a Federal High Court in prior years. The Bank appealed against the judgment, which is currently pending before the supreme court.”

Union Bank is also facing $15bn judgment debt awarded against it by a Federal High Court.

The court had in 2014 reportedly awarded the sum of £2.550 billion with 15 per cent interest yearly to Petro Union Oil and Gas Company Limited (Petro Union).

The case began in 1994 when Petro Union procured a cheque from a branch of Barclays Bank in the UK with a value of £2.556 billion and presented it at one of Union Bank’s branches in Lagos Omonaijablog.com.ng reports.

Petro Union claimed that it planned to construct some refineries and establish a bank with the money.

Union Bank however took the cheque and purportedly refused to give Petro Union the money.

Read full story below
https://newsextra.com.ng/2023/04/21/union-bank-runs-into-trouble-as-n1-49trn-judgment-debt-reportedly-threatens-banks-stability/

…Says Adamawa, the country first, not self against the state and citizenry as power belongs to God not propaganda and political thuggery…

…Our unity in ethnoreligious diversity must not be compromised, citizens should resist any attempt at divide and bamboozled…

Senator Aishatu Dahiru Ahmed, a.k.a Binani, has felicitated with Ummah as an entity, where she sued for peace, patience, perseverance, purity of purpose, supplicating mind and forgiving heart.

Binani, the courageous and compassionate political heroine who is addressed by President Muhammadu Buhari as the Governor-In-Waiting Friday, related this in her Eid El-Fitr goodwill Message.

She said, "On this special day, I felicitate with Muslim Ummah across the globe for witnessing yet another Eid El-Fitr to end this year's blessed month of Ramadan.

"As we celebrate in supplication and reflection the Eid, we should remember the lessons of love, sharing and peaceful coexistence while relating with one another. Let the spirit of Ramadan last beyond the blessed month".

The amazing amazon reminded the citizenry that the unity in ethnoreligious diversity must not be compromised, citizens should resist any attempt to divide and bamboozle. They should be strong in faith not to submit to the devilish device, purely to pursue political whims.

Power and authority belong to God, He gives to whomever He wishes, the same way He takes it from whomever He wishes, Binani Reminded the citizenry that hate speech, libellous propaganda, political thuggery and other forms of mischief would not make a leader if God did not decide so.

She said, "we must consider Adamawa and the country first, not self against the state and citizenry, as power belongs to God not propaganda and political thuggery. We should dedicate this devotional period in prayers for the greatest good to our state and the country in general.

"May Allah SWA accept our fervent prayers and spare our lives to witness many more Ramadans in sound health. Barka Da Sallah," Binani prayed.

Afresh crisis is brewing in the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) Limited over the alleged payment of gratuity running into billions of Naira to the Chief Executive Officer, Mele Kyari and the Chief Financial Officer, Umar Ajiya, SaharaReporters has learnt.

Gratuity is a sum of money paid to an employee at the end of a period of employment.


Kyari was appointed by President Muhammadu Buhari as the new Group Managing Director (GMD), now known as the Group CEO of NNPC in 2019. He replaced Maikanti Baru.

Multiple sources told SaharaReporters that Kyari and the Chief Financial Officer of the corporation had paid themselves billions of naira as gratuity despite still in service.

Some other top officials of the NNPC were also said to have been paid.


According to one of the sources, the top NNPC officials made the move over fear of being retired compulsorily by the incoming government of Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Sequel to his victory in the February 25 presidential poll, Tinubu would be sworn in as president on May 29, 2023, to succeed President Muhammadu Buhari who is finishing his second term in office.

“Isn’t this corruption? Our Group Chief Executive Officer, Mele Kyari and the Chief Financial Officer, Umar Ajiya paid themselves gratuity running into billions of naira while still in active service which is against the public service rules,” the source said.

“With the petroleum industry act that was passed by the National Assembly, NNPC transited into a limited liability company with share capital for more transparency and accountability and to be a profit driven organization. But unfortunately under Kyari and Ajiya, the reverse is the case.

“The fear that they may be sacked or asked to go on retirement suddenly made these two individuals to pay themselves humongous gratuity while still in active service.
“They are both running NNPC as their personal company because nobody is checkmating the both of them.”

The source added further that the PIA act gives the Group CEO and CFO enormous powers without recourse to the President since there is a constituted board of NNPC.
However, the board is said not have the power to oversight NNPC administrative duties.

“The PIA act has created a lacuna by giving the group CEO and CFO enormous powers to run the organisation without recourse to the President. Same Umar Ajiya retired from NLNG before joining NNPC, guess what? He was paid gratuity in NLNG and now he has paid himself another gratuity which is against the public service law while still in active service with the corporation,” he said.

The source added that most staff of NNPC were not happy the way the company was being managed by Kyari.

“He and Umar Ajiya they are running the company like their personal fiefdom; our morale is down at the moment. We are calling on President Buhari to constitute a committee investigate the massive corruption being perpetuated by Kyari and Ajiya. We are ready to provide documents to the committee to prove the massive corruption on the bogus fuel subsidy claims where they collect kickbacks, the aviation fuel racketeering which is being handled by the CFO and the crude oil for product swap scam (DSDP/CODPA) Scam,” the source added.

Calls put across by SaharaReporters to Garba Deen Muhammad, Chief Corporate Communications Officer of NNPC were not picked nor returned.

This is coming amid plan by the House of Representatives Ad Hoc Committee on Oil Theft to investigate the alleged loss of over $2.4 billion in revenue from the illegal sale of 48 million barrels of crude oil export.

The committee had summoned the Finance minister Zainab Ahmed; and the Secretary General of the Federation, Boss Mustapha; Accountant General of the Federation, Sylva Okolieaboh; and the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), among others.

SaharaReporters reported in December 2022 that Nigeria's lower legislative chamber constituted an ad hoc committee to investigate a whistle-blower’s allegation of the illegal sale of 48 million barrels of Nigeria’s Bonny Light crude in China in 2015 and the insurance status of the cargo.

The committee was also tasked to investigate all crude oil exports and sales by Nigeria from 2014 to date, with regards to quantity, insurance, revenue generated, remittances into the federation account or other accounts as well as utilisation of the revenue for the period under review.

In addition, the panel will investigate all proceeds recovered through the Whistle-Blowers Policy of the Muhammadu Buhari government and the level of compliance with the policy.

The committee is to report back within four weeks for further legislative action.

These resolutions followed the unanimous adoption of a motion moved by a member of the House, Ibrahim Isiaka, titled, “Alleged Loss of over $2.4 Billion in Revenue from Illegal Sale of 48 Million Barrels of Crude Oil Export in 2015, Including Crude Oil Exports from 2014 till Date.”

A report by the Nigerian Senate recently revealed that the NNPC failed to account for the delivery of crude oil amounting to N102 billion to Warri and Kaduna refineries.

Last Wednesday, SaharaReporters reported that the Senate considered and adopted the report of its Committee on Public Accounts which probed the spending of government agencies using the 2016 audit report.

The report said in 2016, the NNPC delivered crude oil to Warri Refinery and Petrochemical Company (WRPC) and Kaduna Refinery and Petrochemical Company without details of what was delivered to the two firms.

The report, presented by Senator Matthew Urhoghide, said: “From the review and examination of domestic crude oil lifting sales profile presented for audit verification, it was noted that several deliveries were stated to be jointly lifted by or delivered to WRPC and Kaduna Refinery and Petrochemical Company without necessary details or breakdown of what was delivered to respective companies.”

It said from the examination carried out, a total oil sales value of $376, 655,589 (N102.6bn) was stated to have been lifted jointly by these two companies.

The Senate adopted the recommendation of the committee and urged the head of the NNPC to provide specific details of the crude oil delivered to the two refineries for audit.
Meanwhile, the Senate upheld the indictment of 37 MDAs for violation of financial procedure in their spending.

This is coming a few days after SaharaReporters reported how the Ogun State government dragged NNPC to court over unpaid tax liabilities running into N9 billion.

There were also allegations of outright theft by the staff of the defunct Petroleum Products Marketing Company (PPMC), who allegedly paid a total sum of N1 billion to its consultant, Messres Safaya, as part of the money she helped them to save on the tax refund demands by the Ogun State government.

Following the transition of the PPMC, there is the NNPC retail which is for filling station owners and retailers and NNPC trucking, which is for vessels tank farms and others.
However, the state government was surprised that nothing was paid to it, but NNPC paid itself to the tune of over a billion naira.

It was alleged that Messres Safaya was paid over N1 billion as 10 per cent consultancy fee but no document shows that the Ogun state government was paid a dime.

A staff member of the corporation who was not happy with the alleged fraud that was committed by the defunct staff members of the corporation cited instances of direct theft by the staff of the defunct PPMC. The staff member alleged that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission was turning a blind eye to the “massive fraud going on in NNPC because most of the principal actors involved are their people”.

The source alleged that most of the payments to the consultants were being shared by the management of the defunct PPMC.

He challenged the EFCC officials to look at the accounts of the consultants hired by the management of the PPMC and see how the money was distributed.

On how much he thought was paid to consultants from his office, he said he could say categorically that over N20 billion was stolen under the pretext of paying ghost consultants they hired.

However, Chief Corporate Communications Officer of NNPC denied the fraud allegations, saying the company did not have or deal with ghost consultants.

He added that the “process of engaging consultants whenever the need arises is clear and verifiable and follows global best practices”.



(C) Sahara Reporter

The Ogun State House of Assembly Member-elect in Abeokuta South Constituency II, Honourable Igbalaye Wasiu Ayodele (IWA) has helicitated with Muslim faithfuls across the country, most especially in Ogun State and Abeokuta South Constituency on this year's occasion of Eid-el-fitri celebration.


A statement made available to newsmen by his Media adviser, Adeyemi Obadimu Veron, on Thursday April 20, 2022, stated that the annual spiritual exercise, which is one of the five pillars of Islam, will contribute more to their spiritual wellbeing.


According to IWA, Ramadan is a period which gives an opportunity to renew faith in Almighty Allah through sacrifice and adherence to teachings of the Holy Quran.


IWA noted that, this season of discipline and sacrifice has availed Muslims another opportunity to reflect on the essence of living a holy life.


While urging Muslim faithfuls to imbibe the lessons learnt from the one-month spiritual exercise, the House of Assembly Member-elect also urged Muslim faithfuls to continue to offer prayers for abiding peace in the Ogun State and the Nation in general.

By Chukwudi Enekwechi, JP

In all societies – both ancient and modern, paying taxes has remained a means through which citizens reciprocate the government’s social services to them. Of course governments all over the world exist to render services to the people by providing social services such as infrastructure and other developmental projects for the use of citizens, but at the same time it behooves the citizens to reciprocate by paying their taxes as at when due.

 In fact one of the requirements for a citizen to aspire for a public office in Nigeria and indeed in other climes is to show a proof of being a responsible citizen by paying his or her taxes, and failure to adhere to this rule will deny the citizen the right to aspire to a public office. I recall that in the second republic, the late nationalist and First Republic President, Rt. Hon. Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe was dragged to court by his political opponents on the allegation that he failed to pay his taxes. However after the court adjudicated on the matter it was discovered that Dr. Azikiwe, as a responsible citizen had paid his taxes as at when due, and he proceeded to contest for the coveted office of the President.

This is one historical example of how important it is to pay taxes. Furthermore, when citizens pay their taxes government will be in a position to adequately discharge its responsibilities to the citizens. Such responsibilities include provision of social amenities like hospitals, roads and bridges, water, healthcare, sanitation, schools, care for the aged and vulnerable groups, markets among others.

 It is in this regard that the Nigerian apex tax organisation—Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) under its Executive Chairman, Muhammad Nami has been applauded both within and outside Nigeria for its innovative steps towards increasing Nigeria’s revenue profile with its aggressive drive for payment of taxes by the citizens.

It is remarkable that since Muhammad Nami assumed office he has introduced several measures that have seen the Federal Inland Revenue Service being in the lead for the federal government’s source of revenue for development apart from the oil sector.

In most developed countries tax evasion is considered a very serious crime and can lead to severe repercussions against any offender, his or her status in the society notwithstanding.

In the light of the above Nigerians are enjoined to embrace the culture of paying taxes as it is a demonstration of one’s faith in his country, as well as an obligation on the part of every citizen and corporate organisation.

There are different types of taxes ranging from personal income tax, company income, tertiary education tax etc. There is no gainsaying the fact that a social contract is not only binding on the government but also the citizens. While the government is discharging its own responsibilities, the citizens on their part are obligated to reciprocate by paying their taxes promptly.

Gladly this is playing out well under the President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration where the increase in tax revenues has translated into the provision of numerous social amenities that are impacting on the citizens positively.

The impact can be felt in the construction of roads, bridges, railway lines, funding of Nigeria’s tertiary institutions, building of water dams and power plants across the country among many others. Obviously all these life-changing social services would not have been possible if the Federal Inland Revenue Service did not live up to its constitutional responsibility.

...Nigeria to continue to participate in rules development in the interest of the country and Africa.

A delegation from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) met with Nigerian representatives on 4th and 5th April 2023, at a workshop it jointly organised with the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), to discuss the maximisation of the benefits of the Two-Pillar Solution for Nigeria.

This is contained in the Workshop’s Outcome Statement released today. The Outcome Statement was signed by the Executive Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Muhammad Nami and the OECD Representative, Mr. Ben Dickinson.

The Two-Pillar Solution, a proposal by the OECD Inclusive Framework, is a set of proposed rules, endorsed by 138 countries across the world as a uniform solution to the tax challenges of the digitalised economy, as well as Base Erosion and Profit Shifting.

Nigeria, one of the four members of the Inclusive Framework that did not endorse the set of rules, met with the OECD delegation last week to familiarise relevant government officials with the rules, Nigeria’s position, as well as the potential benefits of the Two-Pillar Solution to the country and the world in general.

The workshop was attended by key stakeholders, led by the Executive Chairman of the FIRS, Mr Muhammad Nami, who was represented by the Coordinating Director, Executive Chairman’s Group, Mr. Muhammad Lawal Abubakar. Also in attendance were the representatives of the Office of the Vice President, the Federal Ministry of Finance, Budget and National Planning, the Federal Ministry of Justice, Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC), Nigeria Export Processing Zone Authority (NEPZA), Oil and Gas Free Zone Authority (OGFZA), Nigeria Export Promotion Council (NEPC), Joint Tax Board (JTB), and some States’ tax authorities.

After a critical review of the rules and Nigeria’s participation in their development, stakeholders at the meeting resolved that “there is the need for Nigeria’s continued participation in the rule development, as a member of the Inclusive Framework, to ensure that the interest of the country and Africa is factored into the design and development of the rules.”

The Outcome Statement noted that whether or not Nigeria endorsed the statement of October 2021, and the detailed rules to be released later, to address challenges arising from the digitalisation of the economy, the country’s tax base and fiscal policy options will be impacted by the implementation of the Two-Pillar solution, especially the Pillar 2 Global Minimum Tax Rules of 15% effective tax rate (the GloBE rules).

The meeting consequently observed that there was the need for Nigeria to immediately implement fiscal policy measures to address these potential impacts.

“In light of this, there is a need to commence immediate implementation of fiscal policy measures around the Global Minimum Tax Rules, in view of the fact that other jurisdictions around the world have commenced implementation of measures that will enable them reap top-up taxes allowed under the rules, which will be to the detriment of Nigeria from 2024, if no step is taken.

“There is also an urgent need to review and streamline Nigeria’s tax incentives, as the rules will have the impact of allowing other jurisdictions to mop up taxes not collected in Nigeria due to tax incentives,” the Statement read.

The Stakeholders also observed that Nigeria could implement and reap the benefits of Pillar 2, even where it does not wish to implement Pillar 1, noting that “Effective implementation of Pillar 2 rules holds significant potential for increased tax revenue to fund government programme, boost the economy and keep Nigeria as an attractive investment location.”

As part of its recommendations, the OECD-Nigeria Meeting urged stakeholders within the country to commence internal engagements and “draw up a national strategy for immediate streamlining of its tax incentives, to avoid ceding its tax base to other jurisdictions, owing to the implementation of Pillar 2 rules.”

The Workshop Statement enjoined Nigeria to take immediate steps to respond to Pillar 2 through implementation of tax policy options, which may include “changing its income tax rule to bring up its effective tax rate to a minimum of 15% or introducing a Qualified Domestic Minimum Top-up Tax (QDMTT)”.

The meeting emphasised on the need for Nigeria to continue to participate in the rule development “as a matter of importance to protect national interest.”

Nigeria is a member of the Inclusive Framework, and has actively participated in the rule development process despite not endorsing the Inclusive Framework October 2021 Statement on the grounds that it was in Nigeria’s best interest not to do so, to ensure that the country does not lose out on potential revenue from the digital economy.

The Executive Chairman of the FIRS had in a statement in May 2022 noted that the country had concerns over the impact the rules could have on Nigeria’s tax system and revenue generation.

“There are serious concerns on how the rules (particularly on Pillar 1) would compound the issues in our tax system. For instance, to be able to tax any digital sale or any multinational enterprise (MNEs), that company or enterprise must have an annual global turnover of €20 billion and a global profitability of 10%. That is a concern. This is because most MNEs that operate in our country do not meet such criteria and we would not be able to tax them,” Mr Nami stated then.

“Secondly, the €20 billion global annual turnover in question is not just for one accounting year, but it is that the enterprise must make €20 billion revenue and 10% profitability in average for four consecutive years, otherwise that enterprise will never pay tax in our country, but in the country where the enterprise comes from, or its country of residence,” the statement read.

Thirdly he noted that for Nigeria to subject a Multinational Enterprise to tax under the rule, the entity must have generated at least €1 million turnover from Nigeria within a year.

Mr. Muhammad Nami stated that this is an unfair position especially to domestic companies which, with a minimum of above N25 million (that is about €57,000) turnover, are subject to companies income tax in Nigeria. He added that this rule will take-off so many Multinational Enterprises from the scope of those that are currently paying taxes to Nigeria. In other words, even the MNEs that are currently paying taxes in Nigeria would cease to pay taxes to us because of this rule.

Fourthly, on the issue of dispute resolutions under the Two-Pillar Solution, the FIRS Executive Chairman explained that the rules were such that in the event of a dispute between Nigeria and a Multinational Enterprise, Nigeria would be subject to an international arbitration panel as against Nigeria’s own justice system.

“It would be subject to international arbitration and not Nigeria’s judicial system and laws—even where the income is directly related to a Nigerian member of an MNE group, which is ordinarily subject to tax in Nigeria on its worldwide income and subject to the laws of Nigeria. We are concerned about getting a fair deal from such process. More so, such a dispute resolution process with a Multinational Enterprise, in an international arbitration panel outside the country, would lead to heavy expenses on legal services, traveling and other incidental costs.

“Nigeria would spend more; even beyond the tax yield from such cases,” the statement had read.

ONE of the most powerful televangelist in Nigeria's contemporary theological history, would be testing Edo turbulent political turf for the 2024 Governorship contest. Strictly speaking, Dr Azemhe Friday Azena is a special figure in modern Nigeria's regenerative struggle, and is on the same clarity of thoughts status level as his mentor, Apostle Johnson Suleiman, and Mr Peter Obi, the Presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), in the just concluded general elections.

His intending adventure into the Nigerian murky political waters – filled with sharks; cultists, bloodthirsty pillagers in a conquered nation – where vote buying; ballot stuffing and snatching, maiming and killing are standard norms, would take more than mere gospeling to reinvent and revamp a vanquished state and people. Even though the stakes are high for his platform, the Labour Party (LP), it would be an uphill task to dismantle that culture of political torture, propagate enhanced freedom of speech, as well as destroy the existing feudal systems, firmly rooted in ritual and magic!

The most alluring and balmy aspect in the coming days would be Edo citizen's access to a new kind of politics. As a page-turner that Dr Azemhe is, with excessive energy, his exposition would be a lesson, as well as an opportunity to get inside the mind of an honest man. 

Born on December 25th 1979, in Afokpella in Okpella into the family of Mr and Mrs Beatrice Williams Azena of Okpekpe clan, all in Etsako East Local Government Area of Edo State, Nigeria, Dr Azemhe Friday Azena is a profile in forensic brilliance. 

Dr Azemhe had his Primary Education in Eveva Primary School in Okpella from 1985 to 1991. He wrote the Senior School Certificate Examination ( SSCE, NECO) in Local Government Secondary School, Agassa, Okene in Kogi State, in the year 2000 and got his certificate in 2002. 

From 2003 to 2005, he had his OND in Mass Communication, Federal Polytechnic Auchi. From 2006 to 2008, he had his HND in Mass Communication, Federal Polytechnic Auchi, Edo State. He served the nation in 2009/2010 at Imo State, during his National Youth Service Corps ( NYSC). In 2007, he had his Diploma in Theology at Omega Bible Institute. 

Between 2014 to 2018, he had his associate degree and Bachelor Degree in Religious Studies. He further obtained Master's Degree and Doctorate Degree in Christian Philosophy at Bethel University College of Biblical Studies. On September 13th, 2020, Dr Azemhe Azena was awarded an Honorary Doctorate Degree by The Institute of Chartered Economist of Nigeria. Presently, Dr Azemhe Azena is a Law Student at the prestigious Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Edo State, Nigeria.

Dr Azemhe Azena is blessed with a lovely wife, Pastor (Mrs.) Uwazota Precious Azemhe Azena (nee) Igiebor. She was born into the Royal family of Honourable and Mrs Fred Igiebor Olaye -Ogbenalaka of the Bini Kingdom, Oredo Local Government Area of Edo State, Nigeria. They are blessed with Four Lovely Children.

Dr Azemhe Azena popularly called "The Very True Son of the Oracle", joined Omega Fire Ministries as a Pastor in 2007, and has been Pastoring for over fifteen years. He is the Southern Region 2 Head Pastor with over one hundred and twenty (120) local Churches under his capacity, and also he is the Coordinator of the European Churches, such as Italy, Spain, Turkey, Cyprus, as well as some African countries like Gabon, Cameron, Mali etc, under the able leadership of God’s choice servants: Apostle (Prof.) and Rev. Dr. Lizzy Johnson Suleman. Dr Azemhe Azena, is a dynamic international preacher and revivalist; he has travelled to over sixty five (65) countries in the world, like the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Spain, Italy etc.,preaching and teaching the gospel of Christ.

He is a regular host of various Television Programs, both on our local Television and cable stations like: Crime Watch on Edo Broadcasting Service (EBS); Turning Point on Nigerian Television Authority (NTA); Turning Point on Edo Broadcasting Service (EBS); Turning Point on Celebration TV (Cable TV); Crime Alert; What is My Benefit?, and You Don’t Mean It (You Nor Mean Am).

He has written series of powerful books namely; Victory Over Foundational Battles; Victory Over Struggles; Wounded From The Womb; Not My Star; Not My Destiny; I Refuse To Serve The Younger; My Case Is An Emergency; Grace Is Better Than Labour; Holy Ghost Fumigation; Tragedy of Laziness; Poverty Disappear; My Thirty Strong Reasons to Pray; Showers of Blessings; Prayer Manual; Life is Like a Market; The Power of Night Dreams and many more. These books have proven to be powerful guides in ending foundational battles and freedom from struggles, as well as opening the youths and everyone that come across the books to the realities of life.

Dr Azemhe Azena is not only a role model to many because he is a Pastor, but also because of his broad prospects and achievements in the business/entrepreneurial world. Amongst which are: Champions Multi-Project Company, which is an umbrella cooperation of Champions Event Centres, with branches nation wide; Champions Rentals with branches in Edo State; Champions Lands And Housing with branches nation wide; Evangel Ultimate Premium Schools with branches in both Benin and Auchi, Edo State, Nigeria, and Shonagie First Company, which is into Real Estate.

This colossus of a man is also the President and Founder of the William Azemhe Azena Turning Point Foundation, which is characterized with offering of grass root support to youths, teens and the citizens in general, to curbing out general societal menace, that cut across all facets of life, with the primary aim of creating an itch free civic societal growth for a better community. The William Azemhe Azena Turning Point Foundation is further subdivided into four arms to achieve this purpose; Educational Charity Health Care; Charity Societal Development and Human Development Charity.

The William Azemhe Azena Turning Point Foundation over the years has been able to help hundreds of persons to renounce crime, cultism, kidnapping, armed robbery, prostitution etc. WAATPF has over thirty students on scholarship per session that cuts across the nation irrespective of tribes, gender and religious belief. The WAATPF also have over one hundred (100) youths, young men and women that have been trained and still in training on various field of interest as artisans. WAATPF has over twenty five (25) aged once, as well as widows cut across the nation on monthly salary scheme.

Within the short period of operation, WAATPF has also invigorated the citizens and developed communities when WAATPF gave out over one hundred and six (106) cars to various persons across the cities and the restoration of light project in Ogiriga New site, Okpella, to mention but a few. Dr Azemhe Azena has received numerous awards from notable bodies like Merfrey Foundation, National Union of Journalists, Cherry Land Royal, Shaka Polytechnic, Sapphire Shield Safety Awareness Initiative, NRI, Edo Broadcasting Service, Independent Television, Nigeria Boxing Board of Control South-South, Stars Award International, FOGMON, Nigerian Students, to mention but a few.

Dr Azemhe Azena is such an efficacious goal getter whose life's policies are geared towards same bearing: which is "Success, Success and Success; Everything Around Me Must Work; l Cannot Start What I Can’t Finish; l Don’t Fight Those That Fought Me; The Future is My Vision, and Respect The Elderly. Dr Azemhe Azena is a character molder, a developmental juggernaut, an international preacher, an assiduous goal getter, a life coach and a dynamic motivational teacher with reviving grace. He is a true definition of a focused and an upright man. He is a prolific writer and a dynamic entrepreneur.

To be true, Dr Azemhe isn't your kind of regular politician, but he is a man Edo people can trust and learn something from. His incredible success story is one of achievements, commitment, consistency, capacity, integrity, bravery, resilience, humane humility, compassionate and selflessness. His associates attested to the fact that he is open-minded and generous to a fault, but more importantly, is his stoic strategic vision – which is majorly responsible for the successes of the numerous and enduring institutions he has built over the last 13-years swiftly – without letting up.

By this time in 2024, on the auspices of the Labour Party (LP), Dr Azemhe Friday Azena will be at the verge of rekindling the hope of a disenfranchised and dehumanised, but stoically optimistic Edo citizens, knowing that he will reverse all the missed opportunities and aborted chances.


REFORMERS FOR A BETTER EDO STATE IS POSSIBLE

To begin this discussion, it is imperative that we attempt to understand what taxes are all about.

Taxation is defined as the imposition of compulsory levies on individuals or entities by governments across the world. Taxation is used primarily to raise revenue to finance government expenditures among other reasons. 

The Nigerian government is primarily reliant on taxes as they are a significant source of revenue and a major source of income to the government to discharge its responsibilities.

No one doubts the fact that the country today falls short of infrastructural development despite the unprecedented turn around on revenue generation and collection courtesy of the country's Federal Inland Revenue Service, FIRS under the leadership of its Executive Chairman, Muhammad Nami.

The FIRS in Nigeria is the agency of the Federal Government Agency statutorily charged with the responsibility and powers to assess, collect, account and enforce payment of taxes accruable to the Government of the Federation. 

It is commonly said that taxation is a contribution individuals and corporate entities make towards national development. Many see this as their obligation under the social contract where they contribute to enable government provide social amenities, welfare services and  infrastructural development among others.

It is not in doubt that the FIRS  has been up and doing in significantly and substantially improving revenue generation and collection in the country in the last few years. In return, the country's infrastructural development has steadily improved across the length and breadth of the country.

Since Government cannot provide these resources if citizens do not reciprocate by paying their taxes as at when due as an obligation, citizens must assist government to provide it with resources to fund development of the country.

Visible and noticeable key projects government has executed with taxes across education, roads, health, power, agriculture,  and other key sectors have dotted the country. Examples abound in the construction of the Loko-Oweto Bridge; the Second Niger Bridge, construction and equipping of Primary Health Care Centres, building and equipping schools with the necessary infrastructure among many others.

Records show that TETFUND has disbursed over N2 trillion financed through the 2.5% education tax from the assessable profit of companies operating in Nigeria.

The government needs taxes as sustainable sources of funding social programmes like health, education, infrastructure and other services which are important to achieve the common goal of a prosperous, functional and orderly society and most importantly to foster the country's economic growth and development. 

One can confidently say that governments raise revenues so as to pay for public goods and services. The commitment of the FIRS leadership in pursuing taxes generation and collection is very encouraging. 

Undoubtedly, taxes are key to Nigeria's survival, economic and infrastructural development and FIRS is at the centre of it, while doing the country proud.

A guest lecturer at the 2023 special prayer and Ramadan lecture by the Yah Sataar Foundation in Lagos has urged political leaders in Nigeria to take advantage of the growing population of the country's youth for advancement and progress.

Alhaji AbdulGaniyu Obasa said on Sunday that with the increasing population of youth in Nigeria, the country has great potentials that could be tapped into.

Speaking on the topic: 'Impact of youth and role of leaders in the society', Alhaji Obasa further noted that Nigeria, which is the most populous black nation in the world, currently has more active youthful population than the aged according to verified data.

"This is an advantage for Nigeria because it is the age of agile citizens who work to develop the country. It also means that the aged are few. So the number of elders to care for is less.

'It is noteworthy that while countries like Italy and Spain continue to have shrinking youth population, Nigeria's case is the opposite," he said noting that more than ever before, government now has a responsibility to engage the youth in meaningful ventures for the country to grow as envisioned.

He said the more the youth are engaged, the more they would have the opportunity to contribute to the country and improve the wealth of the nation rather than find themselves in social vices that have now become a national challenge.

He, however, admonished the youth to imbibe the religious principles of piety, uprightness and discipline as exemplified by Prophet Mohammed and on whose teachings, Islam has continued to spread becoming the fastest growing religion in the world.

"As a youth, how upright or disciplined are you? Do people know you are a pious person in your community? Are you purehearted? Can you be entrusted with anything? These are questions we must constantly ask ourselves.

Alhaji Obasa commended the government over its efforts to rid the country of terrorist attacks and other related crimes adding that though the country still faces security challenges, recent reports show that in 2022, Nigeria recorded it's best terrorism score since 2011.

"For example, figures show that in 2015, Nigeria had 641 terrorist attacks and 5567 deaths from terrorism. In 2023, the number of terrorist attacks reduced to 120 and while deaths 385 were recorded in the same year.

He praised Islam for providing solutions, through the Quran, to many of the world's challenges including women's rights and their place in the society.

Hon James Faleke, a member of the House of Representatives, has been named the preferred choice for the position of Chief of Staff in the incoming administration of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The choice was named by the Arewa Youth Consultative Forum (AYCF) on Sunday in a press statement in Lagos signed by Alhaji Yerima Shettima, the organisation's National President.

The group also revealed its reasons for narrowing down to Faleke, describing him as a very loyal associate of the President-elect.

"Hon James Faleke is a very loyal Tinubu supporter and associate who has proven to be reliable as ambassador to the President-elect any day.

"Nigeria has had serious challenges caused by the communication gap between the President, ministers and even State governors. This is an oppprtunity for the President-elect to get someone with good skills of managing the relationship between him, officials of government and the rest of Nigerians

"Faleke, being a highly-experienced lawmaker can build a very cordial relationship between the Executive and legislative arms of government in the new dispensation.

"Honorable Faleke represents the new generation of Nigerian political class, politically savvy and intellectually vibrant. We are in a new, ideas-driven world and Nigeria's Presidency therefore, needs a Chief of Staff in tune with modern system of democratic governance," the group said.

It noted its expectation that Tinubu is currently fully aware of the consequences of past mistakes in the choices of Chiefs of Staff and would "not allow a repeat of the inglorious past.

"In view of the forgoing, we urge the President-elect Bola Ahmed Tinubu to make sure he makes an informed choice of his Chief of Staff with loyal, proactive progressive and hale and hearty parliamentarian like Hon James Faleke."

The group wished Nigerians a great Easter break.

Dapo Okubanjo


It is the norm in every society, for the authorities and the people to have what is loosely referred to as a social contract or an implicit agreement.

It is a theory that is as old as humanity itself and it presupposes that a people's moral and political obligation depends on an agreement among them.

Taxation is seen as one of those obligations that the citizenry in every country is expected to abide by, but in Nigeria this is one social contract that has for years been difficult to keep.

We are a country with the largest economy in Africa in terms of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and at the last count, the size of Nigeria's economy is way ahead of South Africa and even Egypt.

But in terms of GDP to tax revenue, the country is not among the performing countries of the world and does not even compare with the two African countries mentioned above. In fact the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has been concerned to the extent that it recently urged Nigeria to improve on its tax revenue which stood at 6% of its GDP as at 2022.

That has been the highest the country has done in recent years but the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) on the watch of Muhammad Nami, the Executive Chairman, said it plans to raise the tax revenue to GDP ratio to 17% this year.

On paper, this looks ambitious but the FIRS has in the last few years consistently surpassed old records and broken new grounds, so it may not be ideal to bet against the FIRS achieving a quantum increase in the country's tax revenue.

*Chicken or egg dilemma*

Paying tax is a chicken and egg situation in many parts of Nigeria. It is usual to hear arguments among Nigerians revolving around inadequate infrastructure or outright lack of it in their immediate communities.

But the truth is funds need to be in public coffers before these things could be done so the question of what comes first between citizens paying the necessary taxes as at when due or government putting up infrastructure and providing social amenities does not even arise.

An aspect of the argument that vexed citizens make against payment of taxes is that not much is visible in terms of social amenities and infrastructure after citizens have done their side of the social contract.

This may be true considering the President Muhammadu Buhari administration had in the past raised posers on what previous administrations had done with public funds based on what it met on ground.

But this is not enough to kick against tax payment especially at a time of dwindling revenue from crude oil. It is ideal for the chicken to be well fed before it could lay eggs.

And to put the issue in proper perspective, it is at a time of a global oil slump that the Buhari administration has been able to depend on other revenue sources and chief amongst these is tax revenue, to deliver so much.

It is through these taxes that government is able to fund road construction, bridges including but not limited to the Loko - Oweto Bridge and Second Niger Bridge, provide medical care (Primary Health Care Centres across the country), build schools and equip them with the necessary infrastructure.

It is pertinent to me to also note that the interventionist fund TETFUND was able to disburse over N2 trillion in about 10 years to several tertiary institutions and this was made possible from the Tertiary Education Tax, which is 2.5% of the assessable profit of companies operating in Nigeria,

When the FIRS made its record breaking tax collection of N10.1 trillion in 2022, it attributed the feat to its internal revamp, its data-centric reforms, and its improved collaboration with all stakeholders including tax payers—emphasising that it recognizes the role that the citizenry plays in achieving its set goal.

And now that the agency has raised the bar in tax collection, the good job that the President Buhari administration is doing in ensuring that Nigerians see where their tax is going would be a further boost to FIRS target for 2023.

So it is absolutely necessary that Nigerians continue to keep their side of the social contract which taxation represents and government, whether the incumbent or the incoming, will have little or no reason to ensure that the people reap the necessary benefits in terms of provision of social amenities.

The Governor-Elect Of Taraba state, Agbu Kefas has felicitated with Christians on Good Friday in celebration of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.

In his message, Agbu Kefas described Good Friday as a day to remember the sacrifices of Jesus Christ for the sake of humanity. He made it known that the crucifixion of Jesus Christ showed how much Love Jesus Christ has for humanity.

He noted that the significance of Jesus’ crucifixion should push mankind to abide with one another in Love and unity just as Jesus Christ laid down his lives for every human including those that didn’t believe in him.

He urged Christians to observe prayers to surmount the challenges we face as a country as they engage in sober reflections of Good Friday.

‘’Good Friday is a special day to remember the sacrifices of Jesus Christ for the sake of humanity. His crucifixion portrayed the love Jesus Christ has for mankind and shows the extent of his selfless services.’’

‘’As we remember His crucifixion, it’s important we continue to abide in Love with one another beyond any differences just as Jesus Christ died for all. We should not only remember his crucifixion as an event but allow it penetrate into our lives and make a positive impact.’’

‘’As Christians, we believe the crucifixion of Jesus Christ is an atonement for our sins and a pathway to redemption with God. I urge us to always remember this ultimate sacrifice and ensure we continue to uphold its significance.’’

‘’As we engage in the sober reflections of the significance of Good Friday, I enjoin us as Christians to largely observe prayers to surmount the challenges we face as a nation.’’

‘’I wish you all a peaceful and happy Good Friday.’’

Forbes has released its list of world’s billionaires for 2023. The list, which came out Tuesday has a couple of surprises. This is more so since the last year has been full of falling stocks, wounded unicorns and rising interest rates which translated into a down year for many of the world’s richest people.

One of the surprises however is the rise of BUA Group chairman Abdul Samad Rabiu. From 7.6Billion Dollars a few months ago, the Billionaire businessman and philanthropist’s rating in Forbes billionaires list has again shot up towering many to become the 249th richest person in the world and closing in on overtaking the third richest man in Africa, Nicky Oppenheimer who stands at 8.4billion Dollars. Rabiu’s latest worth is put at 8.2billion dollars.

From 1.6billion Dollars in 2019, Forbes recorded that by 2022 his net worth was 6.9billion dollars and from there has jumped to 8.2billion Dollars in April 2023.
62-year old Abdul Samad Rabiu is essentially into cement and sugar as well as real estate.



Meanwhile Aliko Dangote has retained his position as the wealthiest African. After climbing to 14billion Dollars in 2022, his wealth is estimated to be around 14.2billion Dollars according to the reports released on Tuesday April 4, 2023.
He is presently the 125th richest man in the world and he is easily the largest cement producer in Africa. He also has his hands in other businesses including pastries, sugar and other areas of manufacturing.



For Mike Adenuga, the third Nigerian on the African billionaire’s list, business has not been rosy. He dropped from 7.3billion Dollars in 2022 to 6.1billion dollars. The last couple of years have seen him move up and down the richest’s scale. He’s now the 418th richest in the world at 58.
These are the only three Nigerians that made the list.

One other surprise name on the list however is 90-yr old Nathan Kirsh from tiny African Country of Swaziland. He is said to worth 6.5billion dollars, thus becoming the 6th ranked African billionaire, now above Mike Adenuga. He is believed to be into real estate, retail and fashion.
It was the first time he would be featured as an African billionaire.

Methodology: According to Forbes, their ‘World’s Billionaires list is a snapshot of wealth using stock prices and exchange rates from March 10, 2023. Some people become richer or poorer within days of publication. We list individuals rather than multigenerational families who share fortunes, though we include wealth belonging to a billionaire’s spouse and children if that person is the founder of the fortune’.
‘For non-founders, we previously listed couples and family members together in certain cases; this year, we separated these shared fortunes into individual list members, marked “split family fortune.” For Russian billionaires, fortunes were calculated using ownership structures from February 2022, prior to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and before many made transfers of assets to managers, friends and others in an effort to protect their holdings from sanctions’.
‘We value a variety of assets, including private companies, real estate, art and more. We don’t pretend to know each billionaire’s private balance sheet (though some provide it). When documentation isn’t supplied or available, we discount fortunes’.

As part of his continued efforts in giving back to his constituents, The Senator representing Lagos West senatorial district, Senator Adeola Olamilekan, popularly known as Yayi has empowered no fewer than 2,790 people in his constituency with over N200 million

The beneficiaries of these gestures include; Students, Teachers, and Artisans, among many others across three districts in his constituency.

The events, which took place in two different venues in Ikeja, Lagos state on Wednesday had a massive crowd of beneficiaries.

For instance, the Senator earlier in the day attended the event which took place at the Academy guest house in Agidingbi. Ikeja, where students and teachers were given 480 laptops to enhance their skills in the world of ICT.

The beneficiaries, who were made up of 255 Teachers and 225 Students, had earlier been trained in different certified ICT programmes and went home with laptops and N10,000 each for their transportation.

According to Senator Adeola, all the trained teachers and students for ICT were nominated by the Lagos State Educational Board from across the 10 LGAs of Lagos West Senatorial District.


Meanwhile, the second leg of the event, which was held at the Vintage event hall at Acme Road, also, had in attendance party leaders of All Progressive Congress (APC) in Alimosho local government and massive beneficiaries of the empowerment.

It is, therefore, worthy of note that the 2310 constituents who were beneficiaries of the second empowerment exercise, had also been trained in different vocational skills, such as; Advanced Solar Energy, Agric-Value Chain, Confectionery, Fish Production, Event Planning, Hair Dressing and Barbing, among many others.

They are all going to be empowered with the equipment of their various skills, transport allowance and cash grant ranging from N80,000 to N150,000. I congratulate all the beneficiaries of these programmes and urge them to diligently apply skills learnt in course of their training for their socio-economic advancement in society", he said.


According to Senator Adeola noted that, " I congratulate all the beneficiaries of these programmes and urge them to diligently apply the skills learnt in course of their training for their socio-economic advancement in society.

"I am delighted to witness this event targeted at Human Resource Development for teachers and educational advancement for youth in my senatorial district, Lagos West. I am happy that my constituents are beneficiaries of facilitated by me in the important area of Information, Communication and Technology, ICT", he said.

On his representative functions to his constituents over the years, he said: " I have made it of paramount importance that youths in my constituency are given the requisite skills to establish themselves in gainful self-employment or to broaden their knowledge base. Towards this end, many pieces of training for skill acquisition, entrepreneurship development and ICT as well as empowerment with equipment and grants had taken place in the past with thousands of beneficiaries that are now gainfully employed.

"Only last year on June 20, I held a similar programme targeted at tertiary education graduates with 1000 youths certificated in various ICT programmes that are internationally recognized. My facilitations for ICT training dates back to my years as a state legislator representing Alimosho State Constituency 2. I sponsored many youths in ICT at the reputable NIIT with certification that led to engagement by corporate organizations and other gainful self-employment", he said.


"Let me state that in the remaining period of my service as senator representing Lagos West Senatorial District, I will continue to deliver effective representation to my constituents from all walks of life with resources available for the largest senatorial district in Nigeria in terms of population inclusive of similar and skills acquisition", he added.

Habeeb Okikiola, the controversial singer popularly known as Portable, on Monday appeared before an Ogun State Magistrate’s Court sitting in Ifo.

Portable was detained at the police headquarters on Friday after ignoring many invites.

When he appeared before the court on Monday, Portable pleaded not guilty to all the charges against him.

Part of that charges read: “That you Badmus Habeeb Okikiola, aka Portable, and others now at large on the 28″ day of March 2023 at 11:00hrs at Odogwu Bar, Oke-Osa, Ilogbo, Ifo in the Ifo Magisterial District, did willfully cause or inflict physical injury on one Inspector Hammed Moshood ‘m’ with your elbow on his nose, which caused blood to gush out from his nose and thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 4 (1) of the Violence against persons & Prohibition Laws of Ogun State of Nigeria, 2017.

“That you Badmus Habeeb Okikiola, M. aka Portable, on the same date, time and place in the aforementioned Magisterial District did resist to be arrested by Inspector Hammed Moshood ‘m’, ASP Gregory Iyoha ‘m’, ASP Kunle Badmus ‘m’ after serving you with Police Invitation Letter on the 20 day of January, 2023 for the offences you committed when they were about to discharge their duty with warrant of arrest on you thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 197 of the Criminal Code Laws of Ogun State of Nigeria, 2006.”

Portable was also accused of assaulting one of his boys.

He has since been granted bail.

https://www.google.com/amp/s/dailypost.ng/2023/04/03/court-grants-portable-bail/%3famp=1

Nigeria has, again called on the United Nations and the International Tax Community to forge an inclusive, equitable, fair and universally beneficial international tax system towards the attainment of the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Making the call on behalf of the country, Mr. Muhammad Nami, the Executive Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) stated this while delivering Nigeria’s Statement at the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) Special Meeting on International Cooperation in Tax Matters, held on Friday, at the ECOSOC Chamber, United Nations Headquarters, New York.

Mr. Nami noted that the Nigerian delegation is concerned about the global minimum tax as put forward by the OECD - Inclusive Framework, because of its low rate and the way it was negotiated to benefit the home countries of multinationals.

“My delegation is concerned about the global minimum tax,” Mr. Nami noted, “because of its low rate and the way it was negotiated to benefit the home countries of multinationals, which are mostly in developed countries.”

Speaking further, the head of Nigeria’s apex tax authority urged the meeting to discuss how “a UN instrument on tax cooperation can both build on work that has already been done in a way that guarantees fairness and equity.”

He also said that Nigeria looks forward to views on “enforcement mechanisms for a binding multilateral tax convention, noting the challenges that developing and developed countries have experienced with investment treaty arbitration.”

Mr. Muhammad Nami, in the country’s statement pointed out that the capacity of countries to attain the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals were hinged on having the requisite funding “in delivering critical public services” towards these SDGs.

Nigeria, while calling for a global taxation regime under the United Nations, harped on the importance of enhancing domestic resource mobilization among member States to address their economic challenges.

“The promotion of inclusive International Tax Cooperation remains a critical subject in the attainment of the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

“Today a global taxation regime under the UN is urgently needed to enable States effectively mobilize domestic revenues to address the multiple economic and other crises impacting our efforts in the achievement of the 2030 SDGs.

“Domestic public resource mobilization is critical to this effort because of its vital role in delivering critical public services and advancing even progress towards the sustainable development agenda.

“Developing countries are taking seriously the challenge of financing sustainable development. My delegation underscores the importance of enhancing domestic resource mobilization, good governance and investment in our common African goal embodied in the Agenda 2063, and in the global goals spelled out in the 2030 Agenda,” Mr. Nami stated.

He further commended African countries for strengthening their participation in international tax cooperation efforts, as well as the strides they have made “in closing loopholes and countering base erosion and profit shifting.”

He however expressed concerns that “while much good work has been done, much more remains to be made towards a fully inclusive process, both domestically and internationally and ensuring that all taxpayers are making their fair contributions.”

The United Nations Economic and Social Council (UN ECOSOC) Special Meeting on International Cooperation in Tax Matters is an annual meeting of ECOSOC members, senior representatives of national tax authorities, relevant international organizations, civil society and academia that discusses issues of taxation as it affects the globe. Members, during this meeting, deliver action-oriented exchanges and design best-practices on international tax issues.

This year’s meeting provided a forum for member states, members of the UN Tax Committee, international organizations and other stakeholders to discuss on the promotion of inclusive and effective international tax cooperation at the United Nations.



Muhammad Nami, Executive Chairman FIRS, at the 2023 ECOSOC Special Meeting on International Cooperation in Tax Matters at the United Nations Headquarters, New York, United States (March 31st, 2023).

Following the expiration of a 72-hour ultimatum given to the famous singer, Habeeb Okikiola, commonly called Portable, to turn himself in, the Ogun State police command has arrested the singer for refusing to honour the invitation.

Early on Tuesday, two videos of the musician raining curses and rough-handling some men of the Nigeria police surfaced on the internet.

Displeased by the conduct of Mr Okikiola toward the officers, the police gave a 72-hour ultimatum to the singer, a request that should elapse today, Friday.

The police who condemned the singer’s actions also threatened to prosecute him.

In the two videos, Portable claimed that an internet fraudster had brought the police to his bar to arrest staff members “for no reason.”

Read full story below
https://newsextra.com.ng/2023/03/31/police-arrest-portable-to-spend-weekend-in-detention/

Nigeria's President-elect, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is one of God's gift to Nigeria, the most populous black nation on earth, Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, has said.

Dr. Obasa said this in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Eromosele Ebhomele, congratulating Tinubu who clocked 71 on Wednesday, March 29, 2023.

The Speaker said Tinubu, 'a puzzle too hard to crack', equates with great men around the world whose stories show great passion and undying love for their countries and citizens.

According to him, the recent presidential election won by Asiwaju Tinubu is an icing on the cake for the President-elect, who has never shied away from being of service to God and humanity.

The Speaker recalled the sacrifice Tinubu made to take Nigeria back from the military and entrench democracy in the country, noting how difficult it is to find individuals with such level of patriotism.

"For a man whose thought at all times is about salvaging the country from economic and social bondage, victory at the recent polls came at the right time.

"There is no way Nigeria's political story can be written without Asiwaju featuring prominently as a result of the positive roles he played before the current democratic dispensation and up till this moment.

"We believe that Almighty Allah has a reason for giving him to us in Nigeria, especially at this time of the nation's journey. We have no doubt in his capacity to deliver. He has done it before.

"With a birthday that comes exactly two months to his oath-taking as President of Nigeria, it is not out of place to say Asiwaju is a blessing to us, one sent to put things right and lay the foundation upon which modern Nigeria would be built.

"On behalf of my family, members, staff and management of the Lagos State House of Assembly, I congratulate our dear Asiwaju on his 71st birthday and pray that Allah continue to favour him with vitality, good health and wisdom to navigate our country out of the woods, amin," Obasa prayed.

A bill for an Act to establish the Nigeria College of Taxation and Fiscal Studies passed its Second Reading last week at the Senate.

The presentation of the Bill was made by Senator Abdullahi Aliyu Sabi CON on the floor of the Senate Tuesday last week, where he noted that the institution, if established would provide professional and academic training as well as certification for tax administrators, tax practitioners and tax professionals across the country.

In his presentation, Senator Sabi, who represents Niger North Senatorial District of Niger State stated that the College had become necessary given the important role that taxation is playing in the nation’s economy, and that this institution would help formulate and draft tax policy for the country while addressing human capital gaps in the country’s tax industry.

“It is becoming increasingly clear that diversifying the sources of government revenue to focus on sustainable sources is inevitable. This diversification puts taxation at the centre of the revenue mobilization discussion; the attainment of this laudable objective would require tax experts who have been properly and adequately schooled to formulate tax policy, draft and interpret tax legislation, carry on private tax practice, and administer taxation in the modern era.

“In view of the constant shift in the social, technological and business environment, with direct impact on the tax system, it is is important to have skills, competence, and adaptable personnel to man the tax system. There must be a conscious development of the field of taxation and fiscal policies in Nigeria to awake the society on the importance of taxation as a sine qua non to our development.

“Nigeria must go beyond the mere inclusion of taxation in the curriculum of educational institutions; instead the country must establish a modern system that facilitates the study of taxation via a well laid out academic curriculum, guided and focused by practical realities of Nigerian taxation and the revenue ecosystem,” he noted.

Senator Sabi further emphasised that the College would help in tackling the issue of lack of sufficient capacity of tax officers, which he noted has led to “the delegation of powers of revenue authorities to third parties, creating complications, multiplicity and uncertainty in the tax system,” and that it would correct “aggressive and orthodox methods for tax collection” while also carrying out a “regular review of obsolete tax laws that do not reflect modern realities.”

He noted that all these would help the country address its fiscal and revenue challenges and achieve the objectives of the National Tax Policy.

In his presentation, the distinguished Senator representing Niger North also cited that countries such as Kenya, Japan, India, Australia, Austria, Singapore, and Malaysia have established similar institutions for developing capacity in taxation, excise duty and customs and fiscal matters, and that this has impacted positively on their economy through significantly high tax-to-GDP ratios.

This College is expected to provide training for tax officials, including officers of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Nigeria Customs, sub-national revenue authorities, and even the general public. It is to consist of a main campus and 12 regional centres.

The Bill proposes that the College would be funded chiefly by the extant yearly subvention of the FIRS for training thus requiring no direct impact on government spending.

Senator Adamu Aliero representing Kebbi Central District, Kebbi State, commenting on the Bill noted that the only sustainable source of revenue for the Federation was taxation, and that the proposed College would train tax officials who would be instrumental to widening the country’s tax net.

He also added that there is currently no institution in Nigeria that offers specialised training in taxation.

The Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Zenith Bank Plc, Dr. Ebenezer Onyeagwu, was on Saturday, March 25, 2023, conferred with a Doctorate Degree in Business Administration by the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. The award, which is in recognition of his immense achievements as Group Managing Director/CEO of Zenith Bank as well as his contributions to the growth of the financial services sector in Nigeria and across the African continent, was conferred on him during the 50th convocation ceremony of the University.

Speaking during the conferment ceremony, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Nigeria, Prof. Charles Igwe, congratulated Dr. Ebenezer Onyeagwu for distinguishing himself in his career and for his service to humanity, which made him worthy to receive the prestigious Doctorate Degree from Nigeria's first indigenous University.

In his acceptance speech, Dr. Ebenezer Onyeagwu expressed his gratitude to the University of Nigeria for finding him a worthy recipient of the Doctorate Degree in Business Administration of one of the leading universities in Nigeria, considering the very rigorous process of selection of awardees by the institution. In his words, “for me to have been considered and to have passed through the meticulous selection process makes it the more dignifying because I have no connection with the University.”

Noting that the award represents a validation of the outstanding corporate governance, ethical leadership, and overall outstanding performance that Zenith Bank is recording, Dr. Onyeagwu dedicated the award to the board and management of Zenith, especially the Founder and Chairman, Dr. Jim Ovia, CFR, who has remained a mentor, a leader and a source of inspiration to everyone at the Bank and beyond; the staff, for being the shoulder and proverbial base of the pyramid upon which his achievements and success as CEO of the leading financial institution in Nigeria rests; the Bank's customers for their unflinching loyalty to the brand; and to his family for their unceasing love and support.

Presenting the citation of Dr. Ebenezer Onyeagwu to the assemblage at the 50th Convocation Ceremony for the conferment of the Doctorate Degree in Business Administration, the orator of the University of Nigeria, Dr. Ikenna Onwuegbuna noted that Dr. Ebenezer Onyeagwu is an alumnus of Auchi Polytechnic, the University of Oxford, England and Salford Business School, University of Salford, Manchester, United Kingdom, Delta State University, Abraka. Also, he is an alumnus of Wharton Business School of the University of Pennsylvania, Columbia Business School of Columbia University, and the Harvard Business School of Harvard University in the United States.

Dr. Ebenezer Onyeagwu is a Fellow (FCA) of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), a Fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Management (NIM), The Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN), the Institute of Credit Administrators (ICA) and Senior Associate Member, Risk Management Institute of Nigeria (RIMAN).

Dr. Ebenezer Onyeagwu is the Chairman of the Body of Banks' Chief Executive Officers, Nigeria and Chairman of Zenith Pensions Custodian Limited and Zenith Nominees Limited. He is also on the Board of Zenith Bank (UK) Limited, FMDQ Holdings Plc and Lagos State Security Trust Fund (LSSTF). Ebenezer Onyeagwu is a member of the International Monetary Conference (IMC), the Wall Street Journal CEO Council, member of the African Trade Gateway Advisory Council of the Africa Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank), and member of the Governing Council of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN). He also served on the board of Zenith Bank Ghana Limited, Zenith General Insurance, Zenith Securities Limited, Zenith Assets Management Company, Zenith Medicare Limited, and Africa Finance Corporation (AFC).

Dr. Onyeagwu’s track record of excellence has also seen him win several individual awards, including being named Bank CEO of the Year (2019) by Champion Newspaper, Bank CEO of the Year (2020, 2021 & 2022) by BusinessDay Newspaper, CEO of the Year (2020 and 2021) – SERAS Awards, and CEO of the Year (2022) – Leadership Newspaper.

Other recipients of Doctorate Degrees at the 50th convocation ceremony include former Governor of Delta State, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, who was conferred with the Doctor of Public Administration, and the Chairman of Hobark International Limited, Dr. Obiora Fubara, who received the Doctor of Business Administrat ion. A retired Justice of the Supreme Court of Nigeria, Justice Mary Odili, was conferred with the Doctor of Law; however, her conferment was deferred to a later date because she was unavoidably absent at the ceremony.

A group, under the aegis of Vanguard for Democracy and Good Governance, has called on Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to desist from issuing the certificate of return to the Ogun State governor, Dapo Abiodun.

In what it earlier term a 'sham', the group had earlier called on INEC to review the result of the just concluded governorship election in the state as, according to it, the election did not produce a winner yet.

In a communique made available to newsmen today in Abuja, the group urged INEC to not issue a certificate of return to Governor Abiodun, as the governorship election is inconclusive by all standards.

'While we commend INEC on the introduction of the bimodal voter accreditation system (BVAS) and the result viewing portal (IREV) which have largely improved electoral conduct in the country, we make bold to say that the election in Ogun State, despite being marred with all forms of electoral malpractices, still did not produce a winner, in accordance with the Electoral Act.

'As clearly observed, INEC flippantly went ahead to announce a winner rather than declaring it inconclusive, as the margin between the top two leading candidates is far lesser than the total number of cancelled votes in some areas. In this case, the difference between Governor Dapo Abiodun of the APC who polled 276,295 and the 262,383 votes polled by Ladi Adebutu of the PDP was only 13,912, with cancelled votes amounting to 33,750.

'The Electoral Act 2022 is clear on what should be done in such circumstance. We hereby refer INEC to the article in our supreme Electoral Act which states that, “Where the difference between the winner and the loser is less than cancelled vote, the results should be inconclusive.”


'This particular case is one fraudulent one and INEC need do the needful rather than taking steps that attract an avoidable litigation and put the commission in bad light.

'On this note, we enjoin INEC to embrace justice by withholding the certificate of return in the Ogun guber until a rerun election is declared and conducted,’ the read in part.