₦airaland Forum

The Nigerian Ports Authority, Onne Port Complex, said it has received a big vessel, ‘Kota Cempaka’ with 566 containers.

Announcing the development in a statement on Saturday, the management of NPA, said the vessel sailing under the flag of Singapore, has a length overall of 300 meters.

It added that the successful berthing of the vessel demonstrated the agency’s capacity and readiness for large ship calls.

The statement read in part, “The vessel christened Kota Cempaka with International Maritime Organization number 9638965 sailing under the flag of Singapore shipped in 566 containers,”

The Managing Director of the NPA, Mohammed Bello-KoKo, said, “This is a confirmation of the capacity and readiness of eastern ports for vessel traffic

“This also shows that our investments in channel navigability and security are yielding results. We will sustain our advocacy for the patronage of the eastern ports,” Bello-Koko said.

According to Bello-Koko, Onne Port had earlier berthed, Maersk Stadelhorn and MV Lady Jane with 300m and 295m LOA respectively, “a development that shows that the port is poised to sustain its growing fortunes,”


Situated on the Bonny River Estuary along Ogu Creek in Rivers State, Onne Port Complex is the first port of its kind in Nigeria that operated the landlord port model devised to encourage private sector participation in the port industry.

Similarly, in August 2020, the Nigerian Ports Authority announced the berthing of the biggest container vessel to ever dock at a Nigerian port.

The General Manager, Corporate and Strategic Communications, Mr. Adams Jatto, announced in a statement in Lagos.

Jatto said the Maerskline Stardelhorn vessel, with a length overall of 300 metres, and a width of 48 metres was received at the Federal Ocean Terminal, Onne, Rivers State, at 16:20 hours on August 15.

The Former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Godwin Emefiele, has been released after meeting the bail conditions granted him by the Court.

Emefiele, who arrived at the Lagos High Court, Ikeja in custody of operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Friday, left for his home after the court proceedings.

Justice Rahman Oshodi, who ruled on his bail application, admitted him to bail in the sum of N50m with two sureties in like sum.

Shortly after the court granted him bail, trial started with the EFCC calling its first prosecution witness.

The witness, a staff of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Monday Osazuwa, told the court how the former CBN Governor on different occasions, directed him to collect the sum of $3 million cash in tranches.

Led-in-evidence by the prosecution counsel, Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Rotimi Oyedepo, the witness narrated to the court how he served as a dispatch rider in Zenith Bank, after which he joined the apex bank as well as the many errands he ran for the former CBN governor.

He said, “I joined the CBN in 2014 as a contract staff and became staff in 2015. I knew the first defendant when he was a Deputy Director of Zenith Bank, and he later became Director. I worked with him since then.

“I was still working in the governor’s office while I was appointed as a full staff, and we usually communicate through WhatsApp and Emails. I performed as a senior supervisor, recording and filing with other official roles.”

He also testified that sometime in 2020, the first defendant sent him on errand.

“When he called me, he directed that I should call a businessman who gave me $1 million dollars on his behalf. Some weeks later, the first defendant also called me that I should meet the man and he gave me $850,000, $750,000 and $400,000 cash in tranches.”

Osazuwa further confirmed to the court that he knew Dumies Oil and Gas Limited while he was in Zenith Bank PlC. He added that that former CBN governor, who was also the MD of the company, always sent him to collect cheques from one Mr Monday.

The witness told the court that he always logged the money into the account of Dumies on the order of Emefiele.

When he was asked where the second defendant resides, he responded that Henry Isioma Omoile lived in the residence of the former CBN governor.

His words, “Whenever I receive the money and take it to the residence of Mr Emefiele. He always tells me to give it to the second defendant whenever he was not at home.

“I did not keep record of transactions because the instruction he gave me was that, I should collect the money and bring the money to his house. The highest amount I collected is $1 million all in cash.

“He has never for one day said take this. I have never been rewarded, paid or given anything because I am doing it out of faithfulness and he knows I am faithful to him.”

The witness was cross-examined by the defendant’s counsel, Abdulakeem Labi-Lawal.

The witness confirmed to the court that he had been working with the defendant since 2002 but he could not say the precise number of years or months he had seen the second defendant.

Osazuwa said that he was sure that Omoile had been living in Emefiele’s house for some months.

He affirmed that Emefiele passed instructions to him through the second defendant and that he had been collecting cheques for Dumies Oil and Gas.

“I started collect collecting cheques for Dummies Oil and Gas when I was in Zenith Bank. I cannot calculate the exact year I have been collecting the cheques but it all started when the first defendant was the MD at Zenith Bank and I was working at Zenith Bank Plc.”

The witness told the court that when he was made to confront the second defendant during investigation, the second defendant did not admit that instructions were passed through him.

Before the witness testified, Justice Oshodi turned down a request for adjournment made by the defence counsel.

He ruled that the request for adjournment was unjustified.

The court has adjourned to April 29 for continuation of trial and for hearing of some applications requesting a closed session for some of the prosecution’s witnesses.

The Former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Godwin Emefiele, has been released after meeting the bail conditions granted him by the Court.

Emefiele, who arrived at the Lagos High Court, Ikeja in custody of operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Friday, left for his home after the court proceedings.

Justice Rahman Oshodi, who ruled on his bail application, admitted him to bail in the sum of N50m with two sureties in like sum.

Shortly after the court granted him bail, trial started with the EFCC calling its first prosecution witness.

The witness, a staff of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Monday Osazuwa, told the court how the former CBN Governor on different occasions, directed him to collect the sum of $3 million cash in tranches.

Led-in-evidence by the prosecution counsel, Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Rotimi Oyedepo, the witness narrated to the court how he served as a dispatch rider in Zenith Bank, after which he joined the apex bank as well as the many errands he ran for the former CBN governor.

He said, “I joined the CBN in 2014 as a contract staff and became staff in 2015. I knew the first defendant when he was a Deputy Director of Zenith Bank, and he later became Director. I worked with him since then.

“I was still working in the governor’s office while I was appointed as a full staff, and we usually communicate through WhatsApp and Emails. I performed as a senior supervisor, recording and filing with other official roles.”

He also testified that sometime in 2020, the first defendant sent him on errand.

“When he called me, he directed that I should call a businessman who gave me $1 million dollars on his behalf. Some weeks later, the first defendant also called me that I should meet the man and he gave me $850,000, $750,000 and $400,000 cash in tranches.”

Osazuwa further confirmed to the court that he knew Dumies Oil and Gas Limited while he was in Zenith Bank PlC. He added that that former CBN governor, who was also the MD of the company, always sent him to collect cheques from one Mr Monday.

The witness told the court that he always logged the money into the account of Dumies on the order of Emefiele.

When he was asked where the second defendant resides, he responded that Henry Isioma Omoile lived in the residence of the former CBN governor.

His words, “Whenever I receive the money and take it to the residence of Mr Emefiele. He always tells me to give it to the second defendant whenever he was not at home.

“I did not keep record of transactions because the instruction he gave me was that, I should collect the money and bring the money to his house. The highest amount I collected is $1 million all in cash.

“He has never for one day said take this. I have never been rewarded, paid or given anything because I am doing it out of faithfulness and he knows I am faithful to him.”

The witness was cross-examined by the defendant’s counsel, Abdulakeem Labi-Lawal.

The witness confirmed to the court that he had been working with the defendant since 2002 but he could not say the precise number of years or months he had seen the second defendant.

Osazuwa said that he was sure that Omoile had been living in Emefiele’s house for some months.

He affirmed that Emefiele passed instructions to him through the second defendant and that he had been collecting cheques for Dumies Oil and Gas.

“I started collect collecting cheques for Dummies Oil and Gas when I was in Zenith Bank. I cannot calculate the exact year I have been collecting the cheques but it all started when the first defendant was the MD at Zenith Bank and I was working at Zenith Bank Plc.”

The witness told the court that when he was made to confront the second defendant during investigation, the second defendant did not admit that instructions were passed through him.

Before the witness testified, Justice Oshodi turned down a request for adjournment made by the defence counsel.

He ruled that the request for adjournment was unjustified.

The court has adjourned to April 29 for continuation of trial and for hearing of some applications requesting a closed session for some of the prosecution’s witnesses.

Foreign airlines have further slashed airfares on the Lagos-London route to compete with Air Peace, which recently commenced flight operations on the route.

Air Peace started direct flights from Lagos to London on March 30, pegging its price for a round-trip economy ticket at N1.2m on a route that foreign airlines had charged as much as N3m to fly passengers on.

The move by the Nigerian airline had seen foreign airlines cut their airfares to an average of ₦1.4m for a round-trip economy ticket last week, an action experts and stakeholders had anticipated.

Checks on Wednesday show that some foreign airlines have further slashed their price to an average of ₦841,732.

At the Central Bank of Nigeria’s exchange rate of N1246/$1, checks on prices by most of the flights, as of Wednesday, show that Egyptair has dropped its Lagos-London economy ticket price further to ($470) ₦585,620. Air Peace London to Lagos now goes for ($655) ₦816, 130, British Airways goes for ($787.99) ₦981, 848, Virgin Atlantic ($927.99) ₦1.1m, and Royal Air Moroc ($456.99) ₦569,422.

Also, RwandAir has pegged airfare to ($545.35) ₦679,070, Ethiopian Air ($543.84) ₦677, 824, Turkish Airlines ($647.84) ₦807, 408, Air France London ($915.99) ₦1.1m, while KLM pegged its price to ($927.84) ₦1.1m

The development follows price cuts by the airlines from as much as N3.5m between January and February 2024, to an average price of N1.4m last week.

Wednesday’s ticket prices were significantly lower than in the second half of last year and early this year. As of July last year, a one-way economy ticket from Lagos to London cost ₦2.7m at a conversion rate of ₦907 per dollar at the time.

In the first week of April this year, a one-way ticket cost between ₦1.03m and ₦1.3m despite the exchange rates being higher at ₦1,250 per dollar.

‘Conspiracy’ Against Air Peace?

The ‘price war’ that followed the commencement of Air Peace operations had been anticipated by some experts who believed that the foreign airlines would not just sit back and allow Air Peace to dominate flights on the route.

A travel and tourism expert and former President of the National Association of Nigeria Travel Agencies (NANTA), Bankole Bernard, who was a guest on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief on Tuesday, last week, had accused foreign airlines operating in the four major airports in Nigeria of making more than enough profit, unchallenged.

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The four major gateways are Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, and Kano.

“How come all of a sudden airfares have gone down? What could be responsible for that? Number one: there is a new entrant to a major route (Lagos-London),” Bernard said.

“There are two major destinations that Nigerians ply. Number one is Dubai and Dubai has been out of it for a while now (due to visa restrictions). So, we (Nigerians) have resorted to the London route. The UK route is where a lot (of foreign carriers) use to earmark their airfares.

“Now that Air Peace has come into that space with a direct flight that will not cause any layover in any other country, the price has dropped. Why? What happened? Is there a magic around that? We should be able to question what made the prices drop.

“The prices will drop as long as we have another form of supply that is different from the conventional ones. The supply that we now have — that is Air Peace, which is a direct flight — will put pressure on every other route. So, all the other airlines are forced to adjust quickly or they will be out of the market in no time.”

The Chairman of Air Peace, Allen Onyema, however, believes the foreign airlines are conspiring to force him out of international operations by crashing airfares on the route.






There is an “unspoken alliance” among foreign airlines to use lower pricing to eject Air Peace from the Nigeria-London route, alleged a visibly displeased Onyema on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Tuesday.

“If they take out Air Peace prematurely, this country will pay dearly for it, 10 times over; billions will be lost, (and) there will be another heavy strain on the naira,” he said.

The Air peace boss said foreign airlines operating the route “are fighting back”.

“We are being deliberately frustrated in all ways,” he said, citing ground handling and space allocation difficulties at Gatwick Airport in the last couple of days.

“It’s a very devilish conspiracy. All of a sudden, (foreign) airlines are under-pricing, below the cost, it’s not up to one month, an airline was advertising $100, another one $305, $350. Fill up the entire aircraft and carry people on the wings, it’s not even enough to buy your fuel. So, why are they doing that? Their governments are supporting them because Nigeria has been a cash cow for everybody.

“Their governments are supporting them to do this and take Air Peace out. The idea is to take Air Peace out and the moment they succeed in taking Air Peace out, Nigerians will pay 20 times over again.”

However, the President of the Association of Foreign Airlines and Representatives in Nigeria (AFARN), Kingsley Nwokoma, told Channels Television that foreign airlines were happy with Air Peace for venturing into the Lagos-London route. He believes that foreign airlines should also sell tickets at lower prices.

“AFARN congratulates Air Peace Airlines on its recent bold milestone for venturing into the Lagos- London route and wishes more Nigerian carriers can explore the same option for more international routes,” he said.

Nwokoma added that while foreign airlines seek collaboration, the association would continue to encourage foreign airlines to cut prices.

“We want to state that collaboration and alliances are key in world aviation. No one airline can do it alone. We will continue to seek this collaboration amongst operators. Similarly, AFARN also encourages foreign airlines to start selling low-inventory tickets to the flying public. This will not only boost the business in the industry but would increase the number of air passengers,” he said.

The current president of NANTA, Susan Akporiaye, said in a recent interview that further airfare reductions were anticipated in conjunction with a decline in the exchange rate. This, she expects, will significantly boost activities.

“The airfares are already coming down with the airline’s rate of exchange reducing to ₦1,300 as against ₦1,700 and ₦1,800. The fare that was over ₦2m is now around ₦1m. We know that the exchange rate is also a major part of it and, of course, Air Peace’s coming in,” she said.

Like Akporiaye, a travel expert and publisher of Travelogue, Ayo Omotosho, believes that the drop in flight fare cost is due to efforts by the CBN to stabilise the economy and the action of Air Peace boss, Allen Onyema.

He said, “Lagos to London takes nothing less than six hours which should ordinarily cost about N200,000, but today, the lowest price went for about N2m. So, that was what Dr Onyema saw and came to address. I don’t think the federal government is paying him any form of subsidy because this is a level-playing market.

“During the last administration, CBN did not allow foreign airlines to repatriate their funds, which I don’t think was fair. It is a free market, so, they decided to increase their fares. This was probably part of the reasons why Airlines like Emirates and Qatar barred Nigerians from coming to their countries.

“So, the administration of Tinubu saw this and decided to review it. Thes trick was just putting some policies in place to crash foreign exchange rates. It was even as bad as people going to the Bureau De Change to buy dollars at cheaper prices and resell them at higher prices. But now, policies are being put in place to correct all the anomalies,” he said.

Nigerians React
Nigerians on social media have continued to pledge support for Air Peace despite foreign airlines slashing airfares below that of the local airline operator.

On Facebook, Sarah Orwoufiniere Alfred said, “We will still choose Air Peace over them”.

Another user, Felagha Tari, wrote, “We die with Air Peace, God bless Dr. Onyeama, long live Air Peace”.

“Air peace remains,” said Ejiata Ejiata, in response to the price cut by foreign airlines.

For Alexander Gerard D’great Ogasele, “The day Naija wakes up, the Western world will learn to respect us”.

Boye Soyemi believes that Air Peace has brought in needed competition.

“A marketing without competitors is always neck-breaking & threatening; welcome once again Air Peace!” Soyemi wrote.

Ja’usman Faisal said, “If they like let them make it N20,000 to London, I will choose AIR PEACE of N2,000,000”, while DeBlessed Nnamdi: “Until their price drop to 100k I won’t leave Air Peace.”

Uproar As NSCDC Allegedly Shoots Woman At Eid Prayer Ground In Gasau


There was pandemonium in Gusau, the Zamfara State capital, on Wednesday, as personnel of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) allegedly shot and killed a woman while attempting to pursue hoodlums.

The tragic incident, which occurred while Muslim faithful gathered to observe Eid prayer, has sparked outrage and unrest among residents, leading to an escalation of tensions in the area.

An eyewitness narrated that the NSCDC personnel, in their pursuit of suspected hoodlums armed with dangerous weapons, opened fire indiscriminately, resulting in the tragic death of an innocent woman.

In response to the shooting, an angry mob gathered and vented their frustration by setting ablaze an NSCDC vehicle.



The police Hilux was set ablaze by angry mob
Confirming the incident to Channels Television via a telephone conversation, the police spokesperson in Zamfara State, ASP Yazid Abubakar, said two NSCDC personnel linked with the shooting are currently in the custody of the police.

He said the Zamfara State Police Command has started a probe into the cause of the incident.

“We have two of them in our custody as we speak now. The command is still investigating the incident.”

When contacted, the Spokesperson for the NSCDC in Zamfara State, Ikor Oche, denied the allegation that the men of the Civil Defence shot the victim.

He said the personnel of the Corps were at their post, observing the movement of the Muslim faithful who were out to observe the Eid prayer when they heard the gunshot.

According to him, they mobilised to the scene where they met a woman fatally injured.

“Because they were the ones close to the scene, a mob descended on them. They had to run for their safety and abandoned their Hilux vehicle. The vehicle was set ablaze by the mob and about seven of our men were injured. They did not shoot or kill anybody.”

Oche said the state command of NSCDC has also launched an investigation to unravel the cause of the incident.

Meanwhile, policemen dispersed the mob who vandalised and burnt the vehicle of the Civil Defence and normalcy was returned in the area.

Comedian Ayo Makun popularly known as AY and his wife, Mabel, have split after almost two decades of marriage.

Speculations of a rift in their marriage have recently made it to the public space.

He confirmed their separation in a post on his Instagram handle on Sunday.

The message read, ”Yes! Without compromising my family, I have found myself doing some things that I am not proud of today. It is one thing to watch my friendship/ marriage of 20 years slip off my hands, but it’s another thing for the parties involved to understand how to appropriate the blame in a space that is designed for most women to always play the victims and win.

”’Many people believe that staying silent simply means that one is incapable of dealing with issues. Projecting a negative narrative against someone who is not struggling to defend himself doesn’t mean he is weak. Some of us are just logical enough to understand the difference between opinions, values, beliefs, and facts.


”The personality and ability that I possess simply confirm that I have reached that stage in my life where I can not be entertaining the public with deep personal family issues. They just might be too much to handle concerning the individuals involved. Not even when I have a grown-up daughter who has access to social media. Her mental health needs to be protected from seeing things she can not be proud of online.”

”I can tell you for free that no one is completely INNOCENT enough to cast stones.”

”Presently, I am loving the way that lies about me in all these blogs are travelling faster than the truth. But my painful truth will eventually beat away all the lies.”

The pair got married in November 2008 and they have two children

Following a defamation and cyberstalking petition filed last week by gospel artiste, Nathaniel Bassey, against four Facebook users, one of them, Kingsley Ibe, has apologised to the singer and fellow counterpart, Mercy Chinwo.

Ibe also turned himself into police custody.

He and three others alleged that Bassey fathered the son of a fellow popular gospel singer, an allegation that went viral on X.

The three other social media users, identified in the petition are Okoronkwo Ejike, Terrence Ekot and Dj Spoiltkid.

A press statement released by Bassey’s legal representatives on Monday disclosed that ”The police have taken his statement together with other incontrovertible evidence ready for prosecution over criminal defamation and cyber-related offences.”

It also noted that the accused had shown remorse for his actions and was committed to redeeming himself

”Mr. Ibe has shown true repentance for his actions and made a commitment to turn a new leaf and become a more responsible member of society.”

”His aged mother and family members have also apologized on his behalf, and I have decided to extend a hand of fellowship and love towards him.”


I Take Full Responsibility For My Actions

In an apology video made by Ibe on Monday, he stated he regretted his ”reckless;” statement adding that he was not under duress to make the video

”To you pastor Nathaniel Bassey, I express my sincere apology to you for the comment I made on social media and to your family as well.”

”I know the damages it has caused and I take full responsibility and I am deeply sorry from the bottom of my heart,” he said

”To his fans and followers, to his ministry, the hallelujah challenge and the RCCG Oasis

”I am also a fan of pastor Nathaniel Bassey for the past years and I did not make those comments with the intent to cause harm or evil and I am deeply deeply sorry.”

He also apologised to gospel singer, Mercy Chinwo and her family adding that his utterances might have far-reaching implications but were not with any form of malice

”To minster Chinwo, I know I don’t deserve your mercy but I am deeply and I ask you to forgive me ”

”To the baby I know my message was harsh and might cause a negative impact”

Troops of the Nigerian Army, I Division, have rescued 16 abducted victims in Kajuru, Kaduna State.

They also averted a kidnap attempt by an extremist group.

“The Nigerian Army troops deployed in 1 Division area of responsibility in Kaduna State have successfully averted a kidnap attempt by a violent extremist and insurgent group and rescued the abductees in Tantatu Community of Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State,” the Director of Army Public Relations Major General Onyema Nwachukwu said in a late Monday statement.

According to him, the troops were responding to intelligence on Sunday night when they tracked the insurgents who had abducted some persons in the village.

“On arriving at the scene of the incident, the troops tenaciously pursued the insurgents, engaging them in a ferocious exchange of fire and consequently rescuing 16 kidnapped victims,” the statement read.

“The troops are still exploiting the bushes in continuation of the search and rescue operations to extricate other victims and balk the nefarious activities of the insurgents.”

Following the rescue, the Chief of Army Staff Lt General Taoreed Lagbaja lauded the troops for the successful outing and charged them to remain vigilant in the conduct of ongoing counter-insurgency operations to liberate all troubled areas in the country.

National President of the Nasrul-Lahi-il Fathi Society of Nigeria, Abdulwaheed Abdulrauf, talks to ABDULLATEEF FOWEWE on the significance of pre-dawn meal (suhoor) and the essence of Ramadan

 What are the basic guidelines to follow and avoid during Ramadan?

I am Abdulwaheed Abdulrauf, the worldwide/national president of the Nasrul-Lahi-il Fathi Society of Nigeria, which has branches worldwide. Ramadan is a sacred month in the Islamic calendar that Muslims eagerly anticipate. During this time, negative behaviour decreases, as God closes the gates of hell and multiplies the rewards for good deeds. The influence of the devil weakens, leading to fewer temptations and increased opportunities for virtuous actions. Unlike other months, Ramadan requires restraint in eating, drinking, speaking, and behaviour. It is a time when all of the mentioned activities are scheduled. During this time, you might find yourself more active and productive than before. It is essential to prioritise reading and learning from the Qur’an, as well as making time to listen to the words of God, whether online or physically.

All the hours of fasting should be dedicated to actions that are pleasing to God. Even while at work, providing service promptly can be considered a rewarding deed. Ramadan is a month for strengthening our faith, a month for praising Allah. If we can maintain our behaviour during Ramadan throughout the year, everything will be improved. This month requires dedication, time, talent, and energy from us. Be sure to share your blessings with others, as sharing and helping those in need will bring you beautiful rewards from God.

During Ramadan, it is beautiful to see non-Muslims joining us for iftar, as it is a month for doing good deeds. It is important for Muslims to avoid unnecessary arguments, not be angry, refrain from boasting about fasting, respect others’ rights, avoid taking what is not theirs, focus on rewarding deeds, be mindful of speech, lower gaze towards those who are not their spouses, and refrain from consuming alcohol or anything that may cause discomfort. When the call to prayer is made, it is important to stop whatever you are doing and pray.

Some people rush while reading the Qur’an. Is there any reward for them?

Rushing through Quranic reading may lead to mistakes, so it is important to take time and read properly to avoid errors. NASFAT cautions against such practices. We provide opportunities for many individuals to expand their knowledge due to the nature of our outreach efforts. Within our community, we emphasise proper Quranic recitation by offering physical and online educational resources. It is important to be cautious when pronouncing Quranic words as each word spoken correctly earns rewards, while mispronunciation can alter the meaning and lead to negative consequences. However, the variation in Quranic recitation across regions is influenced by dialects, making it essential to learn the standard Arabic pronunciation.

It is crucial to support and encourage individuals who may struggle with Quranic recitation rather than mock or discourage them. Instead, let’s focus on ways to improve their understanding, which is what NASFAT is currently working on. It is essential to have a solid grounding in Islam before considering oneself a true Muslim. Many individuals mistakenly believe that being born into Islam automatically grants them all the necessary knowledge, but in reality, learning is crucial. At NASFAT, we do not judge or criticise people; instead, we guide them through the proper learning process so that they can develop a thorough understanding of their religion over time.

Is it important to wake up for the suhoor (pre-dawn meal)?

It is crucial to wake up for suhoor, even if it is just to sip water before going back to sleep. Skipping suhoor will result in an incomplete fast, especially if it is done intentionally. Additionally, suhoor should be eaten close to the time of fajr (dawn) and not during the early hours of the morning between 2am and 3am. Suhoor holds great significance during Ramadan fasting, and it is not an ordinary meal. It is essential for Muslims to partake in suhoor, even if it means consuming a glass of water. The importance of suhoor can be understood from the guidance of the Prophet (peace be upon him) as mentioned in certain hadiths. According to these teachings, if one is still eating suhoor when the call for the Fajr prayer is made, they are allowed to complete their meal as long as the delay was not intentional.

What time does suhoor start?

The exact start time of the suhoor will vary depending on your geographical location. It is generally recommended to have suhoor close to the time of Fajr, but it is also beneficial for Muslims to wake up earlier, perhaps around 2am or 3am, to engage in voluntary prayers that can earn them additional rewards. It is worth noting that at this hour, it may not yet be time for suhoor, so utilising this time for prayer is a more rewarding alternative to sleeping, which does not earn any rewards. Moreover, suhoor is a crucial part of the Ramadan fasting routine, and it is recommended to observe it in accordance with the guidelines set by the Prophet (peace be upon him) and local Islamic practices.

In the United Kingdom, some individuals partake in the pre-dawn meal around 4am; however, this timing is not universal. For instance, in Nigeria, the schedule shifts. Personally, my day begins with prayers to the Almighty around 4am, and it is only after these prayers that I commence my suhoor. It’s a common misconception that suhoor involves consuming heavy meals. Contrary to this belief, suhoor is typically a modest and quickly consumed meal. Thus, it is advisable to consume suhoor closer to the time one prepares for the Fajr prayer. The appropriate timing for suhoor is largely influenced by local climatic conditions, geographical location, and the specific environment one resides.

Even within a city like Lagos, suhoor timing can vary, leading to differences in prayer times across the city. Consequently, it’s wise to consult with the Imam or religious leader within your community or mosque to ascertain the precise start and end times for suhoor. They hold the authority and knowledge to guide Muslims accurately regarding suhoor timing. Islam is a faith that strives to bring ease and comfort to the lives of people everywhere, accommodating the diverse circumstances and needs of its followers across the globe.

Nonetheless, in today’s digital age, there are numerous Islamic mobile applications that one can conveniently install on their devices. These applications are designed to provide accurate prayer times regardless of your geographical location and you can easily determine the suhoor time on the applications. The simplicity and ease of learning and practicing Islam have been significantly enhanced through such technological advancements.

You previously emphasised the critical importance of waking up for suhoor. Is there a specific consequence for individuals who deliberately choose not to partake in suhoor?

In instances where the omission is due to valid reasons such as illness, it is understandable, and such individuals are not only exempted from fasting during their period of illness but are also expected to make up for the missed fasts at a later time. However, in situations where the omission of suhoor is intentional, the determination of any repercussions is beyond human judgment and remains in the divine knowledge of Allah.

In the scenario where an individual partakes in suhoor in Nigeria and then travels to a location with a different time zone, is there an obligation to adhere to Nigerian time for breaking the fast?

The answer is no. Take the example of travelling from Nigeria to America, your fasting hours will naturally be adjusted according to the change in location. Islam allows for the breaking of the fast under the local time of the new location, irrespective of whether it results in a shorter or longer fasting period compared to the Nigerian time. This demonstrates the flexibility within Islam and emphasises the importance of proper orientation and understanding among Muslims. Organisations like NASFAT advocate a comprehensive understanding of Islam beyond just learning to read the Qur’an. This is to ensure that Muslims are well-equipped to discern and refute incorrect judgments or ideas that may arise.

Regarding dietary regulations during Ramadan, are there specific foods that Muslims are encouraged to consume?

Indeed, there are dietary restrictions that Muslims adhere to, not only during the month of Ramadan but also throughout the year; as a devout follower of Islam, it is imperative that you ensure all food consumed, particularly during the sacred month of Ramadan, adheres to the halal dietary laws. This means that Muslims must be vigilant about the origins and processing of their food, ensuring it complies with Islamic principles. Specifically, the consumption of pork or any derivatives thereof is strictly forbidden. Additionally, Muslims are required to abstain from eating animals that have not been slaughtered in the name of Allah, through the utterance of ‘bismillah’(in the name of God) before their killing. Furthermore, the consumption of substances that may impair one’s senses or cause discomfort, such as alcohol or hemp, is also prohibited.

You mentioned animals that are killed without saying ‘bismillah,’ what about frozen items?

For frozen items, such as chicken and others, the situation calls for a cautious approach. For those residing in areas where the Islamic method of slaughtering is not guaranteed, it is recommended to purchase live poultry, which can then be slaughtered personally or by a trusted individual, ensuring the recitation of ‘bismillah’ during the act. This practice, while potentially more challenging and costly, especially in foreign lands where halal options might be limited, ensures adherence to dietary laws. The purchase of frozen chicken, or any meat for that matter, is generally discouraged unless the packaging explicitly states that it is halal, indicating that the slaughtering process was conducted under Islamic law.

Is it permissible for a woman, who shares children with a man and cohabitates with him as if they were a couple without being formally married, to prepare suhoor for him?

Nope. Such a woman is not allowed to perform the act of cooking for the man in question unless they are lawfully married according to proper procedures. It is only within the confines of a legitimate marital relationship that a woman gains the right to cook for a man.

For individuals who are married, is it permissible for them to engage in sexual relations during the hours designated for fasting?

No, engaging in sexual relations is not permitted during the hours of fasting. It is only permissible for married couples to have sexual relations after they have broken their fast in the evening or before the time of suhoor. Following this, it is necessary for them to perform Ghusl Janabat.

What is the significance of Ghusl Janabat?

Ghusl Janabat refers to the full-body ritual purification that Muslims undertake after engaging in sexual intercourse. This act is performed in order to attain a state of spiritual purity, enabling them to partake in worship and prayers.

Is it appropriate to brush one’s teeth while observing a fast?

Yes, brushing one’s teeth during fasting is considered permissible. While opinions vary on the timing, some suggest brushing before suhoor or before the dawn prayer (fajr), and others believe it can be done at any time during the day; but references from hadiths indicate that maintaining oral hygiene is encouraged, especially after suhoor. The Prophet had been noted to advocate for hygiene, highlighting its importance. Therefore, it is advisable to brush the teeth both before and after suhoor to remove any food particles that may remain, thus promoting cleanliness.

Are menstruating women allowed to prepare suhoor for their husbands?

Indeed, menstruating women are fully capable and permitted to cook suhoor for their husbands. If they do not fulfil this role, then who will? It’s important to note that while they are exempt from fasting and advised not to physically handle the Quran due to their impure state, they can still engage with the Quran digitally, such as through apps on their phones. Furthermore, women who miss fasts due to menstruation are expected to make up for the missed days after Ramadan ends. Notably, if they complete these fasts during Shawwal, the month following Ramadan, they will be rewarded doubly for their efforts.

Is it permissible for men to enter into marriage during Ramadan?

Certainly, it is permissible for men to marry during Ramadan, and indeed, I have had the pleasure of attending numerous weddings during this holy month across various countries. It is also possible to conduct the Nikkah (Islamic marriage contract) after iftar (the meal to break the fast), depending on one’s geographical location. While this practice might not be widespread in Nigeria, I have witnessed several such ceremonies, including in Arab countries. Importantly, the formalisation of the marriage itself does not necessitate any form of celebration or refreshment, as these are optional. If one chooses to share something, it can be distributed in takeaway containers.

What is your advice for Muslims during this period?

My guidance for Muslims in this significant period emphasises the importance of extending a helping hand to those in need. If you are in a position to do so, I urge you to be a beacon of support and generosity. Ensure that no one in your vicinity suffers from hunger; prepare meals within your means and share them with others. Prioritise voluntary contributions (sadakaq) over obligatory charity (zakat), and let your acts of kindness not be limited to this holy month but continue them throughout the year to bring about positive change within your families and across the nation.

Furthermore, this Ramadan presents a transformative opportunity for many to embrace Islam; to those Muslims who will discover the faith for the first time, I encourage you to maintain this newly adopted way of life beyond Ramadan to contribute to a more harmonious and improved society and nation.

Additionally, it is crucial during this period not to neglect the power of prayer, especially for the betterment of our nation, which currently faces numerous challenges. Rather than harbouring negativity or cursing our leaders, which ultimately reflects on us, we should earnestly include them in our prayers. We do this not for their sake alone, but for the overarching welfare and progression of our country.

The National Association of Nigerian Students has said it is not realistic to expect beneficiaries of the Federal Government loan scheme to begin repayment two years after the completion of the National Youth Service Corps.

It argued that less than 10 per cent of graduates get absorbed into the labour market within two years post-NYSC.

It, therefore, proposed that the repayment should begin five years after NYSC.

President of NANS, Lucky Emonele, made the call in Abuja on Monday at a public hearing on the repeal and re-enactment of 2024 Students Loans Access to Higher Education Bill 2024.

The public hearing was organised by the Senate Committee on Education and TETFUND and the House of Representatives Committee on Student Loan, Scholarship and Higher Education Financing.

Emonele commended President Bola Tinubu for responding to the request of NANS, by including its leadership as representatives of the students on the loan board.

He added that the students also commended the decision to repeal the Act to address grey areas that could hinder the success of the student loan scheme.

He said the proposed repayment period of two years post-NYSC for the loan was not realistic, saying that less than 10 per cent of Nigerian graduates get absorbed into the labour force upon completion of their NYSC.

The NANS President, therefore proposed a minimum of five years repayment duration, given the challenges of unemployment after graduation.

The NANS president also called for the provision of study grants for Nigerian students in the Act seeking to establish the Nigeria Education Loan Fund.

He also appealed that the provision of a loan scheme should not be a further reason for an arbitrary increment of school fees by the management of tertiary institutions.

He urged the National Assembly to pass a resolution that prohibits public tertiary institutions from increasing school fees in the next 10 years.

This, he said, was the only way to sustain the act when enacted.

According to him, there is also a need to make provision for grants for students, to enable them to complete or further their studies.

This, he said, would encourage more students to enroll in school and alleviate the burden that may be placed on the loans.

“If the Federal Government, through the Tertiary Education Trust Fund, could earmark N683bn for public tertiary institutions in 2024, without requesting for payback from beneficiary institutions, Nigerian students should not be treated any differently.”

The Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman, commended President Bola Tinubu for his passion and commitment to the education sector.

According to him, the President does not want any child of school age to be out of school, given his passion for education.

The minister said the public hearing would provide an opportunity to make further input to improve the bill for the good of Nigerian students.

The chairman of the committee, Senator Muntari Dandutse, said access to quality higher education was a pressing concern for many Nigerian students.

Dandutse said its successful implementation would unlock a brighter future for the youths and the entire nation.

“By removing financial barriers, these initiatives will enable more students to pursue higher studies, leading to a larger pool of skilled graduates who contribute to the country’s social and economic development. Increased literacy rates foster economic growth, social progress, and democratic participation.”

Earlier, the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, said that the legislative agenda of the 10th National Assembly would bring about tremendous improvement in the standard of living of Nigerians.

Represented by the Deputy Senate President, Jibrin Barau, he commended President Tinubu for his foresight and uncommon passion for supporting the students of the country with the loan scheme.

The Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria has said voice and data services affected by the cut in the undersea fibre optics along the coasts of Cote d’Ivoire and Senegal will be completely restored on Tuesday (today).

The Chairman of ALTON, Gbenga Adebayo, made this disclosure in an exclusive interview with The PUNCH on Monday.

Last Thursday, cuts in the undersea cable supplying broadband Internet connectivity to Nigeria and countries in the West African sub-region forced many banks, financial institutions, telecom companies, and allied firms to scale down their operations.

The cable companies affected include the West African Cable System and African Coast to Europe on the West Coast route from Europe, both of which have experienced faults. Additionally, SAT3 and MainOne have reported downtime due to the cable cut.

Over the weekend, the telcos, banks, and other financial institutions rerouted their traffic to alternative service providers in a move to mitigate the impact of the disruption. While some providers had confirmed the gradual restoration of services, others were still in the process of migration, leading to ongoing delays and congestion.

On Monday, the Nigerian Communications Commission announced in a statement that services had been restored to approximately 90 per cent of their peak utilisation capacities.

The statement read in part, “Following the disruption on March 14, 2024, which affected data and voice services due to cuts in undersea fibre optics along the coasts of Cote d’Ivoire and Senegal, we are pleased to announce that services have now been restored to approximately 90 per cent of their peak utilization capacities.

“All operators who were impacted by the cuts have taken recovery capacity from submarine cables that were not impacted by the cuts and have thus recovered approximately 90 per cent of their peak utilisation capacities.

“Mobile Network Operators have assured the Commission that data and voice services would operate optimally pending full repairs of the undersea cables as they have managed to activate alternative connectivity to bring the situation back to normalcy.

“We extend our appreciation to telecom consumers for their patience and understanding during the downtime caused by the undersea fibre cuts,” the Director of Public Affairs at NCC, Reuben Muoka, noted.

Speaking with The PUNCH, Adebayo expressed confidence that services would be back in full operation by Tuesday, underscoring the substantial efforts undertaken to minimise the disruption’s impact.

He said, “From the progress we have seen, services will be restored completely tomorrow (Tuesday). We are almost there. There are many submarine cables routed to Nigeria. Some are routed through the Ivory Coast and Senegal. Others are routed in other directions. So, that incident was an incident affecting that particular route.

“The other operators not following that route were not affected. So, they improvised an alternate route. It could have also been the other way, with other people routing their traffic the other way. Its actually a common thing in network planning.”

According to Adebayo, none of the telcos operating in Nigeria are exempted from the disruption; however, the degree of impact remains different.

The chairman stated, “Every telco was affected by the cable cut because it was a major link to Nigeria. The degree of the impact may differ for network providers. All communications in West Africa were affected. There was no exemption. It’s not just Nigeria.”

Meanwhile, the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, disclosed plans to spearhead a global collaboration aimed at enhancing the protection of undersea cables.

Tijani said there was a need to review international laws and foster partnerships with regional and global bodies to accelerate efforts to safeguard this vital infrastructure.

The minister had acknowledged the role of the NCC alongside Globacom, West Indian Ocean Cable Company, MTN, and MainOne to swiftly resolve the issues.

According to him, the initiative marks a significant step towards ensuring the resilience and reliability of undersea cables, crucial lifelines in today’s interconnected world.

The minister said submarine cable cuts, while disruptive, were proving to be a catalyst for resilience and growth in our digital economy.

Apart from the telcos, cable company MainOne was also hit by the disruption in services. Most of the Nigerian banks rely on MainOne for Internet services.

It said on Friday that the repair process for its damaged submarine cable may take up to five weeks.

The firm revealed that it had a maintenance agreement with Atlantic Cable Maintenance and Repair Agreement to provide repair services for its submarine cable.

The repair procedure involves inspecting and testing the cable joints for defects, followed by lowering the cable back to the seabed and guiding it to an optimal position.

Members of the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities and the Non-Academic Staff Union have begun a nationwide strike today (Monday) over alleged unfair treatment and disparity in the payment of salaries by the Federal Government.

Last Monday, the unions threatened to shut down hostels and power supply in universities across the country if the Federal Government fails to meet its demands before today, March 18, 2024.

National President of SSANU, Muhammed Ibrahim, said his members, including Vice Chancellors, registrars, and bursars, have not been paid 2022 arrears.

On Sunday, Ibrahim informed The PUNCH that the two unions were set for their nationwide strike.

Meanwhile, the Minister for Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman, stated that he was unaware of SSANU/NASU’s planned strike.

However, during the Channels Television’s Morning Show programme, Ibrahim declared that the strike had started.

“Definitely, it (the strike) has already started.

“As of today (Monday), all our workers in registry, bursary, works and maintenance, security, and students’ affairs have withdrawn their services and nothing moves within the administration of any public university in Nigeria and that will be the case for the next seven days until and unless the needful is done,” he stated.

The SSANU president stressed that no government representative has reached out to the non-academic unions, noting that though some have reached out unofficially, their assurances cannot be taken to the bank.

He wondered why some government officials would not fully comply with President Bola Tinubu’s instruction to pay 2022 arrears.

He added that the Minister of Labour , Nkiruka Onyejeocha, has not reached out to the aggrieved unions despite issuing a seven-day notice last Monday.

This, he said was a departure from the responsiveness of the ex-Labour Minister Chris Ngige.

He stressed that the unions would go back to their toolbox and decide the next line of action should the government fail to heed the unions’ demands after the seven-day warning strike, which commenced today.

Justice Abiola Soladoye of the Ikeja Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Court, on Thursday, convicted and sentenced a man, Nurudeen Nasiru, to life imprisonment for introducing his neighbour’s 13-year-old daughter to pornography and sexually assaulting her.

During the trial, the State Counsel, Mr Olusola Soneye, called three witnesses, a social worker, the survivor, and her father while the convict testified as a sole witness.

The confessional statement of the convict was tendered as an exhibit by the prosecution.

According to the prosecutor, the convict committed the offences on February 23, 2021, at about 3.45pm on Aminu Street, Alapere, Ketu, Lagos.

Justice Soladoye, in her judgment, held that the convict sexually assaulted the survivor through the anus and also introduced her to pornography.

She also held that the prosecution was able to prove beyond reasonable doubt the two counts of defilement and indecent treatment of a child against the convict.

Justice Soladoye said, “Nasiru was a neighbour who goes to the room of the survivor and opens his phone to show her pornographic videos and afterwards will force her to practise what he had shown her on his phone.

“Nasiru, in his confessional statement, admitted to having had sexual intercourse with the survivor.”

The judge further held that the ingredients of the offence of sexual assault by penetration and indecent treatment of a child were thoroughly satisfied under Sections 261 and 135 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

She, therefore, convicted Nasiru of the two counts preferred against him.

“On count one of sexual assault by penetration, Nasiru is sentenced to life imprisonment.

“On count two of indecent treatment of a child, Nasiru is sentenced to seven years imprisonment.

“The sentence should run concurrently, and his name is to be entered in the Sexual Offenders’ Register maintained by the Lagos State Government.”

MTN Group, Africa’s largest telecommunications provider, says its services in several West African countries have been disrupted.

In a statement on Thursday, the telco giant said the ongoing disconnection is due to breaks in multiple major undersea cables.

On February 22, 2024, Bayobab, a pan-African digital connectivity, partnered with MTN Nigeria to land a 45,000km subsea cable in the country.

The cable known as ‘2Africa,’ has its landing station at Mopo-Onibeju Lekki area of Lagos and in Qua Iboe, Akwa Ibom.

2Africa is said to be the longest underwater cable in the world, passing through three continents and 33 countries, several of which are in Africa.

Speaking further, MTN said efforts are being made to resolve the disruption.

“Recognising the critical importance of consistent internet and communication services, we are fully committed to swiftly addressing these disruptions,” MTN said.

“To mitigate the impact on our customers in the affected countries, our operations are actively working to reroute traffic through alternative network paths and engaging with our consortium partners to expedite the repair process for the damaged cables.

“Leveraging our robust and resilient network infrastructure, we aim to minimise service interruptions and maintain connectivity.

“We thank you for your patience and understanding as we work diligently to resolve this situation.”

In another statement, MTN Nigeria said the network disruption is due to damage to international undersea cables across East and West Africa.

President Bola Tinubu has appointed Temitope Ilori as the new director-general (DG) of the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA).

In a statement on Thursday, Toyin Aderibigbe, NACA head of public relations, said Ilori’s initial term of four years began on February 22.

She takes over from Gambo Aliyu, who was the DG of the agency, from June 2019 till February 2024.

Ilori is the first female to be appointed as the director-general of the agency.

“Up until her appointment, Dr. Ilori was a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Community Medicine, University of Ibadan, and a Consultant Family Physician in the Department of Family Medicine, University College Hospital, Ibadan,” the statement reads.

“Dr Ilori obtained her MBBS degree from the University of Ibadan and had her residency training at the University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria. She graduated as the best graduating Fellow of the Faculty of Family Medicine, West African College of Physicians in April 2012 winning the A.O. Senbanjo Prize. She is also an Associate Fellow of the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria.

“Dr Ilori has a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Science Degree in Human Nutrition and Dietetics from the University of Ibadan, Nigeria. She is a PhD Fellow at the Department of Family Medicine and Primary Care, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Witwatersrand, South Africa sponsored by the Consortium for Advanced Research Training in Africa.

“Her areas of research interest include Primary Care, Immunization, Public Health Nutrition, Non-Communicable Diseases, and Women’s and Child’s Health. She is a prolific researcher who has co-authored over 30 publications in peer-reviewed scientific journals.

“She has been involved in policy formulation and strategic development. She was a Commissioner for Health, Osun State, Nigeria from 2011 to 2014 and Chairperson, Osun State Agency on Control of HIV/AIDS, and Osun State Technical Working Group on Immunization.”

The president also approved the relocation of NACA to the ministry of health and social welfare.

NACA was previously domiciled in the office of the secretary to the government of the federation (SGF).

Tinubu said the relocation of NACA to the ministry of health and social welfare is to foster synergy and enhance collaboration in pursuit of the nation’s goal to achieve the 95-95-95 pathway for ending the AIDS epidemic.

The federal government has filed a criminal charge against Bello Bodejo, leader of the Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore group, over an alleged unlawful establishment of an ethnic militia group.

The charge was filed before the federal high court in Abuja on March 12.

Bodejo was arrested on January 23 at the Miyetti Allah office in Karu LGA of Nasarawa state, over the unveiling of a vigilante group.

The Fulani socio-cultural organisation had recently unveiled a vigilante group in Nasarawa.

Bodejo said the “nomad vigilante group” would assist security agencies in combatting crime in the north-central state.

The federal government had secured an order to remand Bodejo for 15 days in the custody of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA).

After the expiration of the order, Inyang Ekwo, presiding judge, extended the detention period by another seven days.

The judge also ordered the federal government to ensure that it filed a charge against the accused, and directed that the detainee be brought to court on the next adjourned date.

On Wednesday, the state failed to produce Bodejo in court.

However, Yetunde Imana, lawyer from the office of the attorney general of the federation (AGF), told the court that a charge has been filed against Bodejo.

But Ekwo noted that he was yet to receive the case file.

Mohammed Sheriff, Bodejo’s lawyer, informed the court of a pending bail application he filed for his client.

Sheriff proceeded to move the application and prayed the court to grant bail to his client.

Responding, Imana prayed the court to dismiss the bail application on the grounds that “it is a matter that touches on national security”.

Ekwo adjourned ruling on the application to March 22.

On Wednesday, members of the Miyetti Allah staged a protest outside the federal high court in Abuja, while demanding Bodejo’s release.

The Kano police command says a point of sale (POS) operator identified as Mohammed Abdulrahman, has returned N10 million mistakenly transferred to his account, to the sender.

In a statement on Thursday, Abdullahi Kiyawa, Kano police spokesperson, said the owner of the money is a businessman in Dawanau grain market in Kano metropolis.

Kiyawa said the POS operator explained that the owner of the money intended to send the sum of N10,000 but mistakenly transferred N10 million to his account.

“As the POS operator reported to the police that he has realised that one of his customers who is yet to be identified wrongly transferred to his account ten million naira (N10,000,000:00) instead of ten thousand naira (N10,000:00),” the statement reads.

“And it took the police investigation three months period in identifying the owner of the excess money.

“After getting all the proofs, CP Gumel casts encomium to both the POS operator and the police team from the state CID for the display of honesty, integrity, professionalism and encourages others to follow this rare exemplary track.

“It was since on 21/12/2023, that a Point of Sale (POS) Operator known as Mohammed Sani Abdulrahman, 37 years, ‘m’, of Kurnar Asabe Quarters Kano, reported himself at the Bompai Police Headquarters Kano.

“Where he stated that someone among his customers has overpaid into his POS business, the sum of nine million, nine hundred and ninety thousand naira (N9,990,000:00) while he wanted to make an online transfer of ten thousand naira (N10,000:00) only and mistakenly transferred the sum of ten million naira (N10,000,000:00).

“On receipt of the report, the commissioner of police, Kano state command, CP Mohammed Usaini Gumel, FIPMA, psc directed a team of detectives led by SP Abdulwahab Zubairu from the Command’s Criminal Investigation Department (CID) to carry out discreet investigation with a view to identify the owner and return his money.

“On the 14th of March, 2024, the investigation was concluded by uncovering the identity of the rightful owner, who is a businessman at Dawanau grain market in Kano metropolis.

“After a painstaking investigation and being satisfied with proofs of ownership, the money, the excess sum of nine million, nine hundred and ninety thousand naira (N9,990,000) was returned to the owner’s same account.”

The statement added that the POS operator was rewarded with a cash gift of N500,000.

“The owner admired the gesture of which out of joy and with pleasure, gave the POS operator cash gift of five hundred thousand naira (N500,000:00),” the statement adds.

“The owner also thanked the CP for his honesty, integrity, and showing good example.”

Access Holdings Plc has announced the return of Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, as the non-executive chairman.

In a statement filed on the Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX) on Wednesday, the financial institution said Aig-Imoukhuede will replace Abubakar Jimoh, the erstwhile chairman.

Aig-Imoukhuede retired from the bank as CEO in December 2013 — he became the president of the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) afterwards.

According to the company, Jimoh will remain on the board as an independent non-executive director.

Access Holdings said the decision, which comes after the death of Hebert Wigwe, the company’s immediate past group chief executive officer (GCEO), is the result of extensive consultations with key stakeholders.

Wigwe, wife and son died in a chopper crash on February 10 in the United States.

The company said the board unanimously invited Aig-Imoukhuede to the helm of governance, adding that he is a visionary and accomplished leader who brings an outstanding record of accomplishments, a wealth of expertise and leadership to guide the group into a new era of success.

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

“Under Mr. Aig-Imoukhuede’s leadership, Access Bank experienced remarkable growth and established itself as a trusted financial institution within the community. The Bank transformed from a minor player into one of Nigeria’s top 5 banks with presence in 9 other African countries and the United Kingdom.

“Under his stewardship, Access Bank grew its customer base from ten thousand to over six million with more Cress Book employees and an asset base of USD $12 billion, achieving numerous milestones and becoming a globally recognized name.

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

According to Access Holdings, Aig-Imoukhuede cofounded the Tengen Family Office Limited which oversees a significant portfolio of investments and businesses in banking, finance, insurance, technology, real estate, and energy.

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

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

PROVIDE GUIDANCE, OVERSEE STRATEGY

Highlighting Aig-Imoukhuede new role, Access Holdings said as non-executive chairman, he will collaborate with the board of directors to oversee strategy and provide guidance to the executive management team.

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

Commenting on the return, Jimoh said he is excited about the development.

“Mr. Aig-Imoukhuede’s appointment to the Board and subsequent election as Chairman is a landmark development for Access Holdings. All our board members are excited about our future,” Jimoh said.

On his part, Aig-Imoukhuede said he is determined to ensure the shared vision which Wigwe gave everything for, is realised.

Aig-Imoukhuede also said he is confident working with the directors, exceptional team of executives and banking and finance professionals, will deliver outstanding value to the company’s esteemed stakeholders.

President Bola Tinubu has implored governors to provide land for grazing in their states in order to address the protracted farmer-herder crisis in the country.

Tinubu spoke on Monday when he flagged off the food security and agricultural mechanisation programme in Niger state.

The project is an initiative of the Niger state government. It would “focus on the deployment of technology for large-scale agro-value chain development”.

Tinubu said his administration is committed to ensuring food sufficiency and protecting local industries for sustainable economic growth in the country.

The president said if land for grazing is provided by governors, he is committed to providing a comprehensive programme that will solve the farmer-herders crisis within two or three weeks.

“We have seen the level of commitment here. We have seen leadership. The success of any leader will depend on the ability to do what needs to be done when it ought to be done,” Tinubu said.

“It is now time for us to address the challenges and make Nigeria an economy of opportunities. We must care for our people; re-orient our people. I do not see why Nigeria cannot feed all students in its schools.

“I know what it means as an economic sabotage for roaming cows to eat up the crops and the vegetation of our land. I know it is painful. But when we re-orient the herders and make provision for cattle rearing, we can address that.

“You are the governors who must provide the land; provide us the land. I, as the President, I am committed to giving you, in two three weeks time, a comprehensive programme that will solve this problem.”

The president also appealed to sub-national governments, as an immediate intervention measure, to implement wage awards in their states.

He said this will complement the efforts of the federal government in easing the burden on citizens, pending when the minimum wage is increased.

Age-long clashes between farmers and herders, especially in Nigeria’s arid northern region, often lead to communal conflict, destruction of property, loss of lives, and displacement of whole communities — further exacerbating the country’s humanitarian crisis.

The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) has welcomed a generous donation of 25,000 tons of wheat from the Government of Ukraine that will help provide emergency food assistance to 1.3 million crisis-affected people in northeast Nigeria.

This was disclosed in a statement issued on Thursday by Atinuke Akande-Alegbe, Senior Communications & Public Diplomacy Officer of the British High Commission in Abuja.

It noted that this vital contribution is part of Ukraine’s humanitarian “Grain from Ukraine” initiative launched by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. It added that the arrival of the grains was timely as prices of staple food in Nigeria have risen, pushing basic meals out of the reach of millions of vulnerable families across the country.

The shipment was made possible following a collaborative effort from the United Kingdom, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Luxembourg, Norway, Republic of Korea and Sweden, which has helped cover the costs of transporting the wheat from Ukraine to Nigeria and its distribution to the families who so urgently need it.

To ensure continued food and nutrition assistance to crisis-affected people in northeast and northwest Nigeria, WFP said it urgently requires US$154 million for the next six months (March-August 2024).


Reacting to this development, David Stevenson, WFP Representative and Country Director in Nigeria said, “We extend our heartfelt thanks to the Government of Ukraine, partners, and donors for their unwavering support through the Grain from Ukraine Initiative. This collaborative effort plays a crucial role in alleviating suffering and maintaining human dignity in areas facing conflict and food price increase”.

As part of WFP’s ongoing humanitarian operations, the wheat donation will be combined with cash and other commodities to meet the basic food and nutrition needs of crisis-affected women, men and children for a two-month period.

Speaking at the WFP Office on Thursday, Cynthia Rowe of the British High Commission Development Director said “This is a really tough time for many people across the world, including in Nigeria, it is important that we help the most vulnerable populations.

The UK is proud to be part of the global community supporting WFP to distribute lifesaving grain across Nigeria, reaching over 600,000 people. This contribution will go some way to addressing rising food insecurity, driven by conflict and regional instability. We continue to back measures that help reduce its impact in Nigeria, support livelihoods and promote peace.

Deadly conflicts and persistent violence in northeast Nigeria have driven millions of people out of their homes, off their farms and across the region, jeopardizing agriculture and livelihood production.

Over the past three months, unlike in previous years, prices of key staples across several markets in Nigeria increased above pre-harvest levels hampering food access for vulnerable families who depend on harvest and markets for their supplies. In Maiduguri, for example, the wholesale prices of red beans have increased by 210 percent compared to the same period last year (February 2023). Similarly, prices of maize and sorghum increased by 176 percent and 188 percent respectively.

The country is also grappling with its fourth consecutive year of chronic food insecurity with 26.5 million people across the country projected to face acute hunger during the 2024 lean season between June and August according to the November 2023 Cadre Harmonisé food security analysis.

WFP is committed to working with the government and partners to build more resilient, inclusive, and effective food systems taking advantage of its current footprint in the country. Through its “Out of Conflict into Solutions” food systems approach, WFP seeks to prioritize emergency food assistance to the most vulnerable groups while simultaneously supporting self-reliance by rebuilding assets to improve long-term food security and resilience including adaptation to climate change, providing timely access to nutritious food, and promoting innovative financing to support WFP operations.

In 2023, WFP invested US$ 200 million in the agricultural economy through locally purchased food and cash transfers to crisis-affected families for food redemption in local markets.



“WFP has the tools and willingness to support the government in restoring and unlocking the agricultural potential of northeast Nigeria making it again the breadbasket of the country. But we cannot achieve this alone.

“Collective action is needed to bring peace and stability, ensure stable markets, encourage financial investments, and generate employment through enhanced collaboration with Nigerian private sector partners, suppliers, transporters, service providers, and retailers” Stevenson added

The African Development Bank (AfDB) says it is supporting Nigeria with $134 million for the cultivation of rice, maize, cassava and soybeans to boost food production.

Akinwumi Adesina, president of the AfDB, disclosed this on Saturday after visiting the Centre for Dryland Agriculture (CDA) at Bayero University, Kano.

Adesina said the bank would support Nigeria in cultivating 300,000 hectares of rice and maize, 150,000 hectares of cassava and 50,000 hectares of soybeans during the 2024 planting season.

“This March, the AfDB is supporting Nigeria to cultivate 118,000 hectares of heat-tolerant varieties of wheat and another 150,000 hectares of maize,” [/b]Adesina said.

[b]“We live in an era of climate change and yet only 3 percent of African agriculture is under irrigation. We have to make sure we help our farmers with information that is timely and appropriate.

“We have no alternative but to adapt to climate change; adopt better ways of using water, particularly in the cultivation of dry land crops that are more resilient and tolerant.”

The economist said the AfDB would provide grants for the CDA and collaborate with it to become a centre used for the prediction of weather patterns and the gathering of information that would make farmers plan better.

“We will work with the centre to become one of the centres of excellence in technology,” he said.

“We will also support youths to develop their business ideas into reality with our 20,000-dollar grant on `Agri Pitch’ and `Agri Hacking’.”

Adesina commended Sagir Adamu-Abbas, the vice-chancellor of Bayero University, and Jibrin Mohammed-Jibrin, director of CDA, for assisting farmers with access to technology in the face of climate change.

In his remarks, Mohammed-Jibrin said the CDA is renowned for its research and teaching in development initiatives, focusing on dry land agriculture.

“The centre is dedicated to improving livelihoods, resilience and sustainable use of natural resources in African drylands through training and demand-driven research,” he said.

He said the CDA had received several World Bank grants for research and had so far enrolled about 1,153 doctorate and masters’ degree students and trained farmers in agro-ecological practices.

CDA is a World Bank-supported centre established to serve as a regional training hub for the West and Central African sub-regions

LISTEN: 'Let doubting Thomas know we'll rejoice' -- Kwam 1 sings for Tinubu
Wasiu Ayinde, the Fuji singer better known as Kwam 1, says he will not be celebrating his 67th birthday party due to the economic hardship in Nigeria.


In a post on his Instagram page, the ace singer lamented the rate of poverty in Nigeria, saying “many people are praying for survival at this point”.

He said although his 67th birthday is a “joyous day for me”, nothing in the country warrants him to celebrate.

Ayinde also urged his fans to use the occasion of his birthday to “help someone and share gifts with people”.

“To the glory of God Almighty, I shall be turning 67 years on this planet earth on 3rd of March 2024. A joyous day for me, that many of my friends and associates across the globe usually joined with me and my family to celebrate,” he wrote.

“My fans both home and abroad always make the best out of that day in history. Now that the day is near and inside of me, there is nothing much happening in our country Nigeria to warrant me celebrating at this point in time.

“Many people are praying for survival at this point, to feed well is a big issue for many, and as someone that benefits from many of this people crying and lamenting, I shared in their pains and see no reason I should be celebrating.

“Yes I agreed what our country is passing through now is not permanent and Government is trying in a possible way to get things fixed and I believe God Almighty shall open ways and better direction for the leadership of our dear country.

“I hereby implore and request all my loved ones, instead of coming to celebrate, eat, and drink at this time.

“Pls choose this my coming birthday celebration to help someone nearer to you, to at least secure a better living at this critical period of our nation’s travails to share however small the gift to people.

“God Almighty shall replenish your pockets in multiple fold as you choose to get along with me on this. I thank you immensely and I shall live to appreciate you all soo very much till my last day on this planet earth.”

In January, Kwam 1, who is an ardent supporter of Bola Tinubu, pleaded with the president to provide solutions to the problems bedevilling Nigeria.

Last year, the 66-year-old singer taunted critics who doubted Tinubu’s candidacy for Nigeria’s highest office.

On August 18, 2011, former President Goodluck Jonathan inaugurated a seven-member committee on the restructuring of federal government parastatals and agencies.

Stephen Oronsaye, a former head of the civil service of the federation, was appointed as the chairman of the committee, while Umar Mohammed was the secretary.

Other members were Japh Nwosu, Rabiu Abubakar, Salman Mann, Hamza Tahir, and Adetunji Adesunkanmi.

The committee was mandated to “study and review all previous reports/records on the restructuring of federal government parastatals, advise on whether they are still relevant, and examine the enabling acts of all the federal agencies, parastatals, and commissions and classify them into various sectors”.

The panel was also expected to “examine critically the mandates of the existing federal agencies, parastatals, and commissions, determine areas of overlap or duplication of functions, and make appropriate recommendations to either restructure, merge, or scrap to eliminate such overlaps, duplications, or redundancies and advise the federal government”.

The committee based its review on the 541 bodies that existed as parastatals, commissions, and agencies. After submitting its findings, the federal government established a panel on the white paper for the report.

The Oronsaye report was submitted in 2012 while in 2014, the government released a white paper on the findings.

The administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari after re-examining the white paper also released a second white paper in August 2022 but did not implement the report.

PARASTALS, AGENCIES AND COMMISSIONS AFFECTED

At the end of the weekly federal executive council (FEC) meeting presided over by President Bola Tinubu on Thursday, it was resolved that the Oronsaye report should be implemented to “enhance efficiency in the federal service, and reduce the cost of governance”.

The council inaugurated an eight-man committee that has a 12-week deadline to ensure that the necessary legislative amendments and administrative restructuring needed to implement the reforms are effected efficiently.


The committee comprises the secretary to the government of the federation (SGF); head of the civil service; attorney general of the federation and minister of justice; minister of budget and national planning; director-general of the bureau of public service reform; special adviser to the president on policy coordination and special assistant to the president on national assembly. The cabinet affairs office will serve as the secretariat.

Below is the list of parastatals, agencies and commissions that are affected by the implementation of the Oronsaye report.

1. The National Salaries, Income and Wages Commission (NSIWC) is to be subsumed under the Revenue Mobilisation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC). The National Assembly will need to amend the constitution as RMAFC was established by the constitution.
2. Infrastructure Concession and Regulatory Commission (ICRC) to be merged with the Bureau of Public Enterprise and be renamed as Public Enterprises and Infrastructural Concession Commission.
3. The National Human Rights Commission should be merged with the Public Complaints Commission.
4. The Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate (PTAD) is to be scrapped and its functions will be taken over by the federal ministry of finance.
5. The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and the National Commission for Refugees to be fused to become the National Emergency and Refugee Management Commission.
6. The Border Communities Development Agency to become a department under the National Boundary Commission.
7. The National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) and the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) are to be merged.
8. SERVICOM is to become a department under the Bureau for Public Service Reform (BPSR).
9. The National Agricultural Land Development Authority (NALDA) to return to the ministry of agriculture and food security.
10. The federal ministry of science will supervise a new agency that combines the National Centre For Agricultural Mechanisation (NCAM), the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) and the Projects Development Institute (PRODA).
11. National Commission for Museums and Monuments and National Gallery of Arts to become one entity that will be known as the National Commission for Museums, Monuments and Gallery of Arts.
12. National Theatre to be merged with National Troupe.
13. The Directorate of Technical Cooperation in Africa and the Directorate of Technical Aid Corp are to be merged under the ministry of foreign affairs.
14. The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission to become an agency under the ministry of foreign affairs.
15. Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN) and Voice of Nigeria (VON) are to become one entity to be known as Federal Broadcasting Corporation of Nigeria (FBCN).
16. National Biotechnology Development Agency (NABDA) and the National Centre for Genetic Resources and Biotechnology are to be merged into an agency to be known as the National Biotechnology Research and Development Agency (NBRDA).
17. The National Institute for Leather Science Technology and the National Institute for Chemical Technology are to become one agency.
18. Nigeria Natural Medicine Development Agency and National Institute of Pharmaceutical Research and Development to become one agency.
19. The National Metallurgical Development Centre and National Metallurgical Training Institute will be merged.
20. National Institute for Trypanosomiasis to be subsumed under the Institute of Veterinary Research in Vom, Jos.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has asked the Presidency, the Federal Judicial Commission, and other Ministries, Departments and Agencies, to submit their anti-corruption strategies, as part of the agency’s efforts to stop the abuse of contracts.

All the MDAs have until March 1 to submit their strategies to the anti-graft agency.

The directive was contained in separate letters to the Chief of Staff to the President; the Permanent Secretary, State House, Aso Rock Villa; the Chairman, National Assembly Commission and the Secretary, Federal Judicial Service Commission.

The EFCC said the directive was in line with President Bola Tinubu’s agenda to tackle corruption in MDAs, and the launch of the Fraud Risk Assessment Prevention and Control Project for MDAs by the President in January.

The letter read in part, “The aim of the project is to assess extant anti- corruption measures in MDAs with particular focus on identifying gaps, vulnerabilities, develop strategies and techniques to mitigate corruption and other financial crimes prevalent in MDAs.

“You are kindly requested to forward to the commission a detailed anti-corruption policy or strategy deployed by your office to prevent abuse in contract and procurement processes.

“Kindly note that the commission expects your response to this request on or before the close of business on Friday, 1st day of March, 2024.”


A source in the agency also stated that the agency hd earlier given hints of the directive in January, noting that the EFCC wanted to prevent corruption as much as possible.

“The correspondence to the key government institutions is a bold effort to jumpstart the corruption prevention agenda of the Ola Olukoyede- led EFCC.

“The anti-corruption boss had hinted of this move at a Public Engagement on Youth, Religion and the Fight against Corruption and Launch of Fraud Risk Assessment for MDAs it held in Abuja on January 31, 2024. It is no more business as usual. We want to prevent corruption as much as possible,” the source said.

The Federal Government is to stop the exportation of Liquefied Petroleum Gas, popularly called cooking gas, in a bid to increase its volume domestically so as to warrant a crash in price.

It stated on Thursday that LPG producers in Nigeria and key stakeholders in the industry had been told to stop exporting the commodity out of Nigeria, following the recent jump in the cost of cooking gas.

Although the volume of LPG consumption in Nigeria depends on the specific timeframe, figures obtained from the Nigerian Midstream Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority indicated that in 2022, the total cooking gas consumption across the country was 1.4 million metric tonnes.

Data from the agency put total domestic production during the review period as 600,000MT, while imports accounted for 800,000MT.

In 2021, total consumption was estimated at around 800,000MT, as domestic production was about 300,000MT, while the volume that was imported in that year was put at 500,000MT.

Cooking gas consumption has been increasing significantly, with ambitious targets to reach five million metric tonnes by 2029, as LPG dealers stated that though Nigeria exports the commodity, the country relies heavily on imports to meet domestic demand.

This implies that the Federal Government could stop the export of over 600,000MT of cooking gas based on its drive to crash the price of the commodity locally.

Findings showed that the cost of refilling a 12.5kg cylinder of cooking gas in Abuja, Lagos, Kano and some other states had climbed to about N18,000. It was specifically N17,500 in Abuja on Thursday, a product that sold for less than N9,000 in November last year.

LPG dealers under the aegis of Nigerian Association of Liquefied Petroleum Gas Marketers had predicted mid last year that a 12.5kg cylinder would cost N18,000 going by the incessant hikes in its cost.

To tackle this, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, constituted a committee in November 2023, headed by the Chief Executive of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, Farouk Ahmed.

But up till today (Thursday), the cost of the commodity has maintained a northward movement, as many LPG users are gradually shifting to the use of charcoal.

But while speaking on the sidelines of the internal stakeholders’ workshop in Abuja on Thursday, Ekpo stated that the Federal Government had asked LPG producers to stop exporting the commodity.

He named some international oil companies including Mobil, Shell and Chevron as producers, stressing that the government was interfacing with them to crash cooking gas prices.

In November 2023, a kilogram of cooking gas was about N700, but the product is now sold at about N1,400/kg. Some operators stated that the cost would increase further if the government fails to intervene.

Ekpo said, “With the issue of gas, you have seen the demonstration of the Federal Government by withdrawing all taxes and levies from the importation of gas related equipment. It is a big incentive.

“On the issue of LPG (cooking gas), we are interacting with the critical sectors to ensure that there is no exportation of LPG. All LPG produced within the country will have to be domesticated. And when this is done, the volume will increase and, of course, the price will automatically crash.

“I’m in contact with the regulator, NMDPRA, we have meetings almost on a daily basis and with the producers of the gas like Mobil, Chevron and Shell. So there is that hope that things will turn around.

“And that is also why we are having this engagement to know exactly what the problems are, so that we can address them once and for all.”

When told that the removal of Value Added Tax on LPG seems not to be reflecting on the cost of the commodity, the minister stated that cooking gas investors were trying to maximise their profit from the sale of the product.

“Excuse me, it is not going to reflect that way. We are dealing with human beings. A policy has been put in place and these people, the investors, want to maximise the profit that they are going to get from it all.

“So at the end of the day we had to come in, which is why you have the regulator. We are interfacing with them to make sure they crash the price. We are meeting with them on a daily basis,” Ekpo stated.

It was reported in December 2023 that the Federal Government had exempted the importation of LPG and its equipment from the payment of customs duty and Value Added Tax, as the move was expected to result in a drop in the cost of cooking gas across the country.

This was disclosed by the Federal Ministry of Finance in a letter (dated November 28, 2023) to the Special Adviser to the President on Energy; Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service; and the Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service.

The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, signed the letter.

Meanwhile, when asked on Thursday to state when government vehicles would start running on Compressed Natural Gas as always championed by the government, the gas minister stated that he would speak on this later.

“The Presidential Initiative on CNG was set up before the inauguration of the ministers, but I’m interfacing with them. The Federal Government committee is working towards realising the goals. So the moment I get a clearer picture about it I will address you accordingly,” Ekpo stated.

Nigeria has over 208 trillion standard cubic feet of gas reserves and is now viewed as a gas-rich nation.

But most of the country’s gas resources remained untapped due to several reasons such as lack of investments in the sector, the shift from fossil fuels, policy issues, among others.

Ekpo was also asked whether the government would allow operators in the sector to run most of their transactions in naira, as against the popular practice of dollar transactions, and he said the matter would be discussed at the meeting by stakeholders.

“If you were there when the director on gas was presenting what we discussed during the stakeholders meeting on February 6, 2024, it (the concern) was presented, and I will have the views of the implementers and regulators today. Then from there we can take a decisive decision on how to address it,” the minister stated.

Earlier during his speech at the workshop, he said the aim of the event was to reposition the Nigerian gas sector for optimal performance, in line with President Bola Tinubu’s agenda to unlock Nigeria’s abundant gas resources for economic development and poverty eradication.

“This is the second in a series of engagements with stakeholders in the gas sector, the first being the consultative meeting I held with external stakeholders in the gas sector on February 6, 2024 which provided a platform for me to hear from the various associations and groups operating across the gas value chain with a view to understanding the pain points of the industry operators.

“It is my expectation that having heard from the operators in our industry, we as policymakers, regulators and policy implementers will internalise the feedback from our stakeholders and customers to proffer workable solutions to tackle the issues bedevilling our nation’s gas sector.

“With over 208 trillion standard cubic feet in proven gas reserves, Nigeria has no business with energy poverty, and it is imperative for us to rise up as a people to tackle these challenges head-on,” Ekpo stated.

He stated that as part of efforts to ensure a high level of performance and accountability within the Federal Government, the President, through the office of the Special Adviser on Policy and Coordination, had released the Presidential Priorities and Ministerial Deliverables for 2023 – 2027 to create a performance tracking mechanism for the Minister of Petroleum Resources and relevant agencies.

“The theme for this workshop – ‘Harnessing Nigeria’s Proven Gas Reserves for Economic Growth and Development,’ is very apt and provides a platform for us to galvanise action and take the necessary steps to release this nation’s abundant gas reserves to accelerate our industrialisation and develop the economy for the good of our teeming population,” Ekpo stated.

The Chief Executives of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, Ahmed Farouk, and the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Petroleum Regulatory Commission, Gbenga Komolafe, were in attendance at the internal stakeholders’ workshop on Thursday.

Representatives from other agencies under the petroleum ministry such as the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, Petroleum Technology Development Fund, directors from the Federal Ministry of Petroleum Resources, among others, were also in attendance.

The Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, on Thursday, described those clamouring for a coup d’état as enemies of Nigeria, saying the military remained resolute to protect the nation’s democracy.

This was as the Kaduna State Overseeing Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Samuel Aruwan, disclosed that the mastermind of the August 2021 attack on the Nigerian Defence Academy in Kaduna was eliminated by troops on Wednesday.

The CDS, who spoke to journalists in Port Harcourt, Rivers State on Thursday, warned coup mongers in the country.

The economic hardship in the country, which has seen Nigerians trooping to the streets in protests against the rising cost of living has precipitated the fear of military intervention, more so as three member states of the Economic Community of West African States have fallen into the hands of military juntas.

However, the Nigerian military has consistently maintained that it had no interest or plan to take over power, saying it remained loyal and committed to the democratic government.

Restating the military stance in Port Harcourt on Thursday, Musa said, “Whoever is making that call (coup) does not love Nigeria. We want to make it very clear that the Armed Forces of Nigeria are here to protect democracy.

“We all want democracy and we do better under democracy. And so we will continue to support democracy. And any of those ones that are calling for anything other than democracy are evil people and I think they don’t mean well for Nigeria. And they should be very careful because the law will come after them.”

The CDS urged Nigerians to exercise patience with the Federal Government, saying efforts being made would soon result in improved conditions of living.

He said, “We can see that with democracy a lot of things are happening in Nigeria. Yes, we are going through trying periods, but in life, nothing is one hundred per cent; everybody goes through a trying period in life, but it is what you do with them.

“You can see the government putting in efforts to ensure that we come out better. And it is when you go through difficulties and come out better you will really appreciate what it is to build a nation. And so we are going through our trying period, but I can assure Nigerians that it will get better.

“What is needed is for all of us to put our hands together to ensure that we defeat those enemies of the government, those enemies of this country that don’t want us to succeed.

“We will surely succeed and the Armed Forces are here to support the government in ensuring that we develop, we succeed and to see that there is peace in Nigeria.”

Meanwhile, in a statement on Thursday in Kaduna, Overseeing Commissioner of Internal Security and Home Affairs, Aruwan, said troops on Wednesday intercepted a notorious bandit, Boderi Isyaku, who is believed to have masterminded the August 24, 2021 attack on the Afaka campus of the Nigerian Defence Academy, which claimed the lives of two soldiers.

According to Aruwan, Isyaku was intercepted and killed by troops during an operation led by the General Officer Commanding, 1 Division, Nigerian Army, Maj. Gen. V.U. Okoro.

The bandit, he said, was killed around the Bada/Riyawa general areas of Chikun and Igabi Local Government Areas of the state.

Aruwan said, “Boderi, known for his ruthlessness and cunning, had long eluded the grasp of security forces while orchestrating the kidnappings of prominent figures, innocent civilians, schoolchildren and students with impunity.

“His activities not only caused untold pain to thousands of victims and families but also posed a stiff challenge to law enforcement agents, who, at various times, were only a whisker away from apprehending this menace.

“Boderi was involved in a range of deadly attacks spanning Sabon Birni, Rigasa, Buruku, Gwagwada, Rijana and Kateri general areas, the Kaduna-Abuja Road, the Kaduna-Birnin Gwari Road, as well as Shiroro, Alawa, and Mangoro general areas of neighbouring Niger State.

“He was also known to have built a close rapport with terrorist groups, collaborating with them towards establishing footholds in these areas. Recent intelligence reports revealed his plans to attack a school in his sphere of operation. Those plans have been thankfully truncated.

“It was Boderi who plotted and executed the 11th March 2021 abduction of 39 students of the Federal College of Forestry Mechanisation, Afaka, Igabi LGA.

“This high-profile kidnapping generated shockwaves and massive panic around the country, as dozens of young students were whisked away and their families left to deal with unimaginable turmoil.

“On the 24th of August 2021, Boderi masterminded another deadly attack, this time on the Afaka campus of the Nigerian Defence Academy, Igabi LGA. Two officers were killed and another was abducted. Weeks later, on 14th September 2021, Boderi led his gang of bandits in the kidnapping of the Emir of Bungudu, Alhaji Hassan Atto, around Dutse village, Chikun LGA. The Emir’s Police Detail was killed.”

The commissioner also quoted Governor Uba Sani to have been excited over the development which he described “as a pointer to the bravery and professionalism of the troops involved.”

The governor commended the commanding officer Okoro for his stellar leadership and praised the troops for their assertive victory.

“Governor Sani went on to assure security forces in Kaduna State of his unflinching support and readiness to sustain cooperation, towards the successful achievement of their objectives,” Aruwan said.

Governors on Thursday denied a claim by Senate President Godswill Akpabio that the Federal Government disbursed N1.08tn to states to address the food crisis in the country.

During the inauguration of the renovated central mosque in the Iseyin area of Oyo State on Thursday, the state Governor, Seyi Makinde, said as the Vice-Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, he could attest to the fact that state governors did not receive N30bn each as claimed by the Senate President.

Also, officials of Lagos, Zamfara, Benue, Osun, Katsina, and Enugu states told The PUNCH on Thursday that their state governments did not receive N30bn.

State governments had in September 2023 received N2bn each out of the N5bn loan offered to them by the Federal Government as a palliative to cushion the effect of the removal of fuel subsidy.

The economic reforms, including the subsidy removal implemented by the Federal Government, had precipitated a cost of living crisis across the country following higher transport costs, food inflation, and the plummeting value of the naira.

Speaking during the plenary on Tuesday, Akpabio said an unconfirmed report indicated that state governors received N30bn each from the Federation Account to ameliorate inflation and the high cost of food in their respective states.

“I must say that unverified report has it that each of the state governments in the last few months has received additional N30bn from Federal Inland Revenue Service outside their normal allocations from the Federation Account to assist them in ameliorating the food situation,” he reportedly said.

Akpabio challenges govs

The senate president, Akpabio, advised the governors to utilise the funds judiciously to reduce the high cost of food items and other challenges facing the country.

“We believe that every state government should utilise the funds received towards ensuring that food is available in the country.

“So, the state governments have a lot to do. They are closer to the people and I do not want to mention local government because most of the local governments are controlled by the state governors.

“My belief is that if the state government does what is needed, then the local government will be involved in sharing to make sure that these things get to the people. But we must not overlook the fact that Nigerians are not going to be interested in stories.

“Nigerians want to see action. Nigerians want to eat and we will provide food for them, there is no excuse. Despite what we met on the ground,” Akpabio added.

However, the Vice-Chairman of the NGF, Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, at Iseyin, denied receiving N30bn from the central government.

Speaking on behalf of other governors, Makinde, wondered why the President of the Senate would rely on an unconfirmed report.

Makinde said he could speak for himself and other state governors said no such money was disbursed to any state.

According to him, the FIRS could not give such funds to any state, adding that all revenues go directly into the federation account, where allocations will be given to all the tiers of government.

Makinde tackles Akpabio

Makinde said, “I can speak for Oyo State, and I can also speak for any of my colleagues because I am the Vice-Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum. I know when things happen. And if we want to play politics, we will keep quiet and say, let it slide, but we are not going to let this slide.

“First, the FIRS cannot give any money to any state; it is not possible. All revenues accruing to our country go into the federation account, and the money is distributed to all the tiers of government. The Federal Government does not give money to the state; the money in the federation account belongs to all of us, and it is not only to the Federal Government.

“We need to engage with our people; if our policies are not working, we need to listen to them and amend them. If the number three citizen says this is an unverified report, why does he need to say it? Does that give confidence to our people, or does it solve the problem of hunger and anger in our land?’’

“Let me say it clearly: for Oyo State and my colleagues, there is nothing like N30bn being given for food security to the states, and I stand to be challenged,’’ he declared.

Corroborating Makinde’s statement, Lagos, Osun, Benue, Katsina, and Sokoto States also denied receiving N30bn each from the Federal Government.

The Lagos State Commissioner for Information, Gbenga Omotoso, refuted the claim that Lagos received N30bn.

“It’s not true. Our government, the administration of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and Dr Obafemi Hamzat, didn’t get N30bn from anybody to do anything. All of the things we are doing are in the people’s interest and we’re open and transparent. Anybody making such an allegation should put the facts on the table. Our governor didn’t get N30bn from anywhere.”

Speaking with one of our correspondents, the Osun State Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Mr Kolapo Alimi, similarly dismissed Akpabio’s claims.

Alimi, who said Osun did not receive N30b as claimed by Akpabio, added that the state account books were open to scrutiny.

He simply said, “Osun did not receive N30bn. Our account books are open.”

The Benue State Commissioner for Finance and Budget Planning, Michael Oglegba also faulted the statement attributed to the senate president.

Oglegba stated that the meeting of the Federation Account Allocation Committee was ongoing in Abuja as of the time one of our correspondents spoke with him on the phone.

When asked about the disbursement of N30bn to each state, the commissioner said, “That is not true; I hope the Senate president was not misquoted because I have not seen that report. I’m presently at a FAAC meeting in Abuja.’’

N30bn hunger fund

He further said, “We have received many things but definitely not tackle hunger.’’

When asked to elaborate on the things received and for what purpose, Oglegba said, “I don’t have those things off-hand now.’’

The Director-General in charge of Media in Katsina State, Maiwada Dammallam, said he was not aware of any disbursement of the fund to the state government.

“I’m not aware that the Federal Government has given any governor N30bn,” he stressed.

Similarly, the Special Assistant to the Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal on Media and Communications, Mustafa Kaura, said he was not aware of the N30bn said to have been given to each state.

Kaura who spoke to The PUNCH on the phone said, “I am not aware of the money you are talking about. I am not aware of the N30bn said to have been given to each state by the Federal Government.”

Also commenting on the controversial disbursement by Akpabio, the Enugu State government said it did not know anything about the fund.

The Senior Special Assistant to Governor Peter Mbah on media, Mr Dan Nwomeh, stated, “We are not aware of that.”

Meanwhile, the Sokoto State chapter of the People’s Democratic Party has challenged the All Progressive Congress administration in the state on wage awards for civil servants and to be transparent in the management of the state resources.

The party described as ‘uninspiring’ and ‘empty words’ the speech delivered by Governor Ahmed Aliyu to a gathering of interest groups and stakeholders invited to brainstorm on how to address the problems of the high cost of foodstuffs and poverty ravaging the people of the state.

This was contained in a statement by the Publicity Secretary of the party, Hassan Sanyinnawal.

The statement said the governor’s speech should have dwelt on hope and assurances and the readiness of his administration to deploy optimally and transparently ‘’the recent humongous financial allocation/aid amounting to N30bn to the state.’’

The fund, it added, could assuage the challenges of galloping inflation, poverty, and hunger among the people due to the elimination of the subsidy on fuel and devaluation of the nation’s currency, which have caused untold hardships to the common man.

Instead of addressing these issues, the PDP said the governor’s speech merely ended up rehearsing the government’s past ‘minute amount of endeavour’ on the distribution of bags of grains to disabled persons and the enhancement of their monthly stipends.

The party stated, “All through the speech, the governor did not disclose how his administration intends to utilize the ‘subsidy windfall’ provided, particularly in ameliorating hunger, support to local councils and provision of Federal Government’s sanctioned wage awards to civil servants, which a number of states had done and are still doing.”

It noted that the governor’s speech left many attendees of the meeting including local government council sole administrators and civil servants disillusioned and disappointed.

PDP faults gov

The PDP, therefore, challenged Aliyu to toe the examples of his counterparts in Kaduna and Borno states, ‘’who with an air of openness told their people their monies will be solely utilized for the purpose of eradicating hunger and provision of other welfare packages as prescribed by the President.’’

Also, the party described as an ‘eye service’ the live coverage of the event on national television, saying it’s an attempt to hoodwink ‘Abuja People’ on the supposed sincerity and seriousness of the governor, ‘’which are in all senses a pseudo tackling of the myriads of socio-economic problems plaguing his state.’’

The statement read partly, ‘’The PDP in Sokoto State deeply appreciates the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, for his boldness in telling the citizens that each and every state of the federation received from the federation account N30b as part of the determined effort to neutralize the effects of poverty, hunger and high cost of foodstuffs faced by Nigerians.

“All eyes are now on Governor Aliyu on whether or not he will justify the confidence of the people of Sokoto State, especially civil servants who are gasping in horror by their not-so-good relationship with his administration.’’

The governor’s spokesman, Abubakar Bawa, could not be reached on the phone for comment on Thursday but a top official denied that the state received any funds from the Federal Government.

Also, the Chief Press Secretary to the Kebbi State Governor, Ahmed Idris, said, “Honestly, I’m not aware of such money and my boss is not around now for me to get information from him.”

Kayode Fayemi, former governor of Ekiti, has criticised Adams Oshiomhole for allegedly attempting to impose a gubernatorial candidate on the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo.

Fayemi accused Oshiomhole, a senator and former national chairman of the party, of playing a “disruptive” role during the February 17, 2024, governorship primary election in the state.

THE CONTROVERSY

Last Saturday, the APC organised primary elections in Edo, ahead of the September 21, 2024, governorship election in the state.

Three governorship aspirants were declared winners of the primary election by three different umpires.

Hope Uzodinma, governor of Imo and chairman of the primary election committee, declared Dennis Idahosa, a member of the house of representatives, as the winner of the election.

However, Ojo Babatunde, spokesperson of the returning officers, declared Sunday Dekeri, a lawmaker representing Etsako federal constituency in the house of representatives, as the winner of the primary.

In another twist of events, Monday Okpebholo, the senator representing Edo central, claimed that he won the election with over 6,000 votes.

Before the election, no less than three aspirants announced their withdrawal from the race, including Osagie Ize-Iyamu, APC candidate in the 2020 governorship election.

On Tuesday, the national leadership of the APC declared that the primary election was inconclusive.

The party fixed Thursday, February 22, 2024, as the new date for the completion of the primary election process.

The party appointed Bassey Otu, governor of Cross River state, as the chairman of the primary election committee.

On Wednesday, Oshiomhole paid President Tinubu a visit at the presidential villa over the Edo primary election.

The senator said the president expressed his commitment to a free and fair primary and that he is not in support of zoning the party’s ticket.

FAYEMI’S CRITICISM

In a statement by Ahmad Sajoh, his media aide, Fayemi, on Wednesday, said Oshiomhole ousted Godwin Obaseki, governor of Edo, from the party during the buildup to the 2020 gubernatorial poll in the state.

The former Ekiti governor said Oshiomhole should have ensured a level playing field for all aspirants in 2024 instead of trying to impose a candidate.

“Earlier, Oshiomhole had attempted to eliminate some aspirants from contesting the primaries but failed. This is reminiscent of his high-handedness as national chairman when he manipulatively schemed Governor Godwin Obaseki out of the electoral process. That action led to the unfortunate loss of Edo state by the APC,” Fayemi said.

“It would appear the ground was being prepared by Oshiomhole yet again for the APC to lose the coming election in Edo state because of his unconscionable behaviour.

“However, the party has demonstrated independence and impartiality in cancelling and reordering the primaries.

“We hope the fresh primaries will now take place in an atmosphere deemed free and fair by all, for the sake of our great party.

“Oshiomhole may decide to support any of the aspirants if he chooses not to be neutral but the process must be open, free, and transparent, following the laid down rules.

“My interest is the APC and the party must put its best foot forward in the forthcoming elections.’’

Fayemi commended the national leadership of the APC for rescheduling the primary election.

Yakubu Gowon, a former head of state, says Nigerians should give President Bola Tinubu more time to address the various challenges facing the country.

Addressing journalists after meeting with the president at the State House on Wednesday, Gowon asked Nigerians to be patient with Tinubu.

He said it is too early for the president to “achieve absolute results” after eight months in office.

“Well, I was telling him (Tinubu) that no Nigerian leader can get there and will not have all the report of what is being said about him,” Gowon said.

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“But certainly, there’s no doubt from what one hears and what one sees on the various media, etc. I think the government is trying their best to deal with the various problems of the country.

“Don’t you worry, you will get criticised, but people who get there know better than you know.

“I think that all one can say is that Nigerians, we’ve got to give the president time. And it is too early to sort of say absolute result, perfect result will be achieved now. That is my opinion.

“I know and if I can remember, when I was fighting the war, I was told I was too slow and that probably Nigeria cannot make it and that we should now seek for discussion.

“Well, did we do it or not? They probably do not know the problem underground, so that is where we are.”

The former head of state added that he also discussed recent issues about the ECOWAS with the president.

“Luckily enough, this time he gave me the opportunity to see him to discuss various matters, especially the issue of the ECOWAS problem at the moment which I think needs to be resolved,” he said.

“And being the surviving member of the founding fathers, I think we have to discuss some of his plans in order to see what can be done to bring the matter under control.

“So, this is what has brought me here and we had an interesting discussion”

The senate has confirmed 17 nominees as commissioners of the National Population Commission (NPC).

President Bola Tinubu had asked the upper legislative chamber to screen and confirm 19 nominees as NPC commissioners.

However, only 17 out of the 19 nominees appeared before the committee on national identity card and population.

While presenting a report for the consideration of his colleagues on Wednesday, Abdul Ningi, chairman of the committee, said the nominees representing Ogun and Ondo states did not appear because of “recent political developments in their states”.

Ningi said those who appeared before the committee met the requirements for confirmation.

Thereafter, the upper legislative chamber went into the “committee of the whole” where it confirmed the nominees after votes.

The 17 confirmed nominees are Emmanuel Eke (Abia); Clifford Zirra (Adamawa); Chidi Ezeoke (Anambra); Isa Buratal (Borno); Alex Ukam (Cross River); Blessyn Brume-Maguha (Delta) and Jeremiah Ogbonna Nwankwegu (Ebonyi).

Others are Tony Alyejina (Edo); Ejike Ezeh (Enugu); Abubakar Damburam (Gombe); Uba Nnabue (Imo); Sa’adatu Garba (Kaduna); Aminu Ibrahim Tsanyawa (Kano); Yori Afolabii (Kogi); Mary Afan (Plateau); Saany Sale (Taraba) and Ogiri Henry (Rivers).

Senate President Godswill Akpabio says some of the street protests against the rising cost of living in the country are sponsored.

There have been pockets of protests in different parts of the country, with the latest on Monday in Ibadan, capital city of Oyo state.

Residents had also taken to the streets of Niger, Kano and Sokoto states to protest the prevailing economic hardship.

Inflation has spiralled in Nigeria since President Bola Tinubu ended the subsidy on petrol and unified the exchange rate in 2023.

Speaking on the floor of the upper legislative chamber on Tuesday, Akpabio said the protesters are not aware of the efforts made by the senate and the federal government to tackle the situation.

“You can see a lot of sponsored protests here and there but those people are not aware — most of those sponsored protesters are not aware of the kind of efforts made by this senate to tackle the situation together with the management team of the federal government,” he said.

“Unverified reports have it that state governments in the last few months have received additional N30 billion from the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), outside their normal allocations from the federation account, to assist them in ameliorating the food situation.

“So we believe that every state government should utilise the funds received towards ensuring that food is available.”

The senate president said the national assembly will not approve anything that would not benefit the citizens