₦airaland Forum

Mustapha Habib Ahmed, Director General of National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) convened a high powered stakeholder meeting under the auspices of the national Emergency Coordination Forum (ECF) on Wednesday August 30, 2023.

The Meeting was necessitated by the notification received from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, regarding the modulated release of water from Lagdo Dam in Cameroon into the Benue River.

The forum was attended by heads and representatives from the Disaster Preparedness and Response Federation (DPRF), Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA), UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA), National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), National Population Commission, civil defense, Institute of Peace and Conflict Resolution, Red Cross, road safety, and other relevant organizations.

In his comments, the DG informed the gathering that Cameroonian authorities triggered a release of water from the Lagdo Dam into River Benue on August 14, 2023 at the rate of 200 cubic meters per second which is about 18 million cubic meter of water per day.

The DG also noted that even though the release of water is currently being modulated, the Cameroonian authorities may commence full discharge of excess water from the dam in the event of the region experiencing heavy amount of rainfall. The modulated release notwithstanding, full discharge of excess water from the dam may result in all front line states experiencing flooding in subsequent days and weeks.

With some states already experiencing flooding in parts of the country, the release from the Lagdo Dam has the potential to worsen the flood situation and Nigeria needs to take urgent proactive and preventive measures to address and mitigate the impact.

The ECF provided a platform for critical stakeholders to strategize and ensure that the release does not cause much negative impact on the low-lying communities along the states that could be affected.

Low lying states on the downstream of River Benue are Adamawa, Taraba, Benue, Nasarawa, Kogi, Anambra, Enugu, Edo, Delta, Rivers and Bayelsa States.

The forum which emphasized the significance of coordination in disaster management adopted an interactive methodology which allowed for active engagement, knowledge sharing, discussions, and practical exercises, fostering a deeper understanding and commitment among the participants to the objectives of the event.

Information available from the flow level of the River Benue at Nigerian Hydrological Service Agency (NIHSA) gauging station in Makurdi showed that water levels stood at 8.66 cubic meters on August 25th, 2023 compared to 8.3 cubic meters recorded on the same date in the previous year.

NISHA has also noted that the flow level of River Niger system, especially at Niamey, Niger Republic, remains stable at a normal level of 4.30 meters. Similarly, inland dams including Kainji, Jebba, and Shiroro reported consistent flow regimes.

The forum was informed that spillage rate was reduced to 4 million liters per day, equivalent to 50 cubic meters per second on the 24th of August and as of the most recent update, it was reported that spillage had ceased entirely due to the closure of the dam gates.

Nigeria has been dialoguing with Cameroon with regard to the dam and this led to the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on the 3rd of May, 2016. However, the MOU lacked explicit provisions outlining responsibilities and obligations for both parties. Consequently, a gap in effective communication and collaboration persists between the two nations on matters pertaining to water release. That is now being addressed.

Other long term measures to mitigate against the yearly occurrence has seen initiatives for a buffer dam in Adamawa State which has progressed through studies and design phases. It is anticipated that the procurement process for the dam may commence before the year's end.

Reminding his audience of the flooding disaster of 2022 which was precipitated by the release of water from the same dam which ravaged many states, claimed 665 lives, displaced 2,437,411 persons and affected 4,476,867 persons, the DG noted that proactive action will include immediate evacuation of Nigerians from various communities to safer destinations, nationwide sensitization especially in flood-prone states and communities, de-escalation of the Early Warning messages to States; sensitization via TV and radio as well as TV and radio jingles and dissemination of press releases, clearing of drainages, readiness to embark on rescue mission, among others.

Ahmed acknowledged the effort of national and subnational level actors as well the collaborative efforts and support of the United Nations System in Nigeria and International Organizations led by the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in responding to the needs of affected people across the country.

How NSIA CEO allegedly colluded with reps to block journalists from covering N1.017trn probe


There are now more details about why the National Assembly's House of Representatives prohibited journalists from covering the investigation into the operations of the Nigerian Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA), particularly the use of the N1.017 trillion accrued into the Sovereign Wealth Fund, headed by Hon. Ademorin Kuye.

Recall that the house of representative set up an ad hoc committee chaired by Hon. Dachung Bagos to investigate the activities of the NSIA from inception to date. The resolve was made following a motion passed and adopted by Hon. Yusuf Ahmed Doro, who stated the need to assess the funds accrued into the Agency’s account.

Hon. Doro noted that the agency was empowered to receive, manage and invest the initial and future contribution on behalf of Nigeria in each of the future Generation Fund, the Nigeria Infrastructure Fund and Stabilization Fund pursuant to the allocation of contributions of the Federal Government, State Governments, Federal Capital Territory, and Local Government Area councils to prepare for the eventual depletion of Nigerians Hydrocarbon Resources for developing critical infrastructure in Nigeria.

However, the investigation as of Friday last week, took a twist after a few hearings.

Members of the media were barred from covering the investigations at the National Assembly by the committee noting that it would continue the investigation behind closed doors, without any justifications.

This came following the stiff opposition of Association of Local Government of Nigeria (ALGON) against the presentations made by the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of NSIA, Mr. Aminu Umar-Sadiq and Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) during the Wednesday hearing.

The ALGON President, Comrade Kolade Alabi who denied knowledge of any projects being implemented through the NSIA across the 774 LGAs, demanded for details of beneficiaries of various projects reeled out by the NSIA Chief Executive Officer.

According to him: “None of this project, to the best of our knowledge can be seen or felt at the Local Government.

“They have spoken well in partnership with the communities but my question is how can you partner with the communities without Local Governments?”

In a twist of fate, a source who spoke to this newspaper, disclosed the real reason why the committee sought to continue her investigations behind closed doors.

According to the source, Mr. Umar-Sadiq, is afraid and is fighting tooth and nail to keep his job as the MD/CEO of NSIA.

The source added that the NSIA boss does not want any of his alleged dubious deals to be known by anyone, as such he is making moves to ensure that the hearing is kept away from the eye of the public.

Various probes in this country including NNPC, NDDC, PenCOM, and most recently the Federal Character Commission probe have all be heard in full glare of the media without their CEOs conspiring with lawmakers to keep the media out. The big question on the lips of many is that why is the NSIA trying to keep his own private?

…reconvenes the National Emergency Coordination Forum (ECF)

…distributes relief and livelihood materials under the Special National Economic and Livelihood Emergency Intervention (SNELEI)

… urges localization of disaster early warning measures to grassroots


The National Emergency Management Agency has reconvened the National Emergency Coordination Forum (ECF), a meeting of multi-sectoral stakeholders comprising agencies of Government, international organisations and the United Nations systems.

These include the National Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) which provides hydrological data and flood forecasts, Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) which offers meteorological insights for weather-related risks, National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) which supplies critical data for informed decision-making, the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (FMARD) which contributes agricultural expertise for food security, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) which addresses the needs, protection, and migration of displaced populations.

Others are the World Food Programme (WFP) which ensures distribution of food assistance to vulnerable communities, the United Nations Department of Safety and Security (UNDSS) which assists with security coordination to protect humanitarian efforts, the World Health Organization (WHO) which manages public health concerns, medical support, and disease prevention and the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) an organ of the United Nations Secretariat that coordinates humanitarian responses for effective aid delivery and capacity building.

Addressing the event which held in Abuja on Thursday August 10, 2023, the Director General of NEMA, Mustapha Habib Ahmed, who led a team of senior management staff of the agency, harped on the imperative of collaboration in emergency management. He said this was “in view of the various emergencies we are currently being faced with in Nigeria. The insurgency in the North-East, the banditry challenge in the North-West, the communal conflicts in North-Central and the flood disasters in various parts of the country are relevant points of reference.”

Continuing Ahmed told the gathering that “I stand before you to emphasize the critical importance of collaboration between humanitarian agencies. In a world that is becoming increasingly interconnected and interdependent, our ability to harmonise efforts to build disaster resilience and respond effectively to complex global challenges hinges on our capacity to work together seamlessly and synergistically.”

Reminding the audience of the disastrous flooding of 2022 which claimed 665 lives, displaced 2,437,411 persons and affected circa 4,476,867 persons, he informed them of ongoing proactive efforts aimed at mitigating the effects of flooding this year and they include the production and dissemination of Climate–Related Disaster Preparedness and Mitigation Strategies based on the 2023 Seasonal Climate Prediction (SCP) released by NiMet and the Annual Flood Outlook (AFO) by NIHSA; production of flood risk maps; advocacy to State Governments whose states may likely be affected by the impending climate-related disaster in 2023 based on predictions; de-escalation of the Early Warning messages to States; TV and radio appearances; TV and radio jingles and issuing press releases, among other campaigns.

The DG NEMA also informed the gathering that where proactive measures are not adequate and states and communities are impacted, NEMA will work with other partners under the Special National Economic and Livelihood Emergency Intervention (SNELEI) to provide succour to affected people in IDP camps and the host communities to build their resilience through various livelihood support interventions.

States impacted by the 2022 flood are already receiving support under the intervention. Affected persons in Abia, Ebonyi, Kano, Lagos, Gombe and Borno among others have received various food and non-food items as well as agricultural inputs to help them recover from the devastating effects of flooding.

In a related development, Mustapha Habib Ahmed in a speech at the flag off in Kano of the Special National Economic and Livelihood Emergency Intervention (SNELEI), noted that “NEMA is supporting sub-national level actors in order for them to take ownership of their responsibility for disaster preparedness, mitigation, response, and recovery. Because disasters are local, adequate capacity building, funding and equipment are necessary to equip and up skill lifesaving first responders, making it imperative that we support our Local Emergency Management Committees (LEMCs) to take Disaster Risk Management to the communities.”

As these efforts continue, NEMA believes that collaboration will communicate a powerful message of unity and solidarity to those the agency seek to serves and that unity can inspire trust and confidence among affected communities, encouraging them to actively participate in their own disaster preparedness, mitigation, response, recovery and rebuilding process.

Governor Bello awards scholarship to Cambridge examinations best student, Oluwabukolami Adeyemi

Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State has granted a scholarship to Miss Oluwabukolami Adeyemi, the recipient of the British Council Outstanding Cambridge Learner's Award.

This award is in recognition of her remarkable performance in the 2022 Cambridge IGCSE and Cambridge AS Level Examinations.

The governor received Oluwabukolami and her parents at his office in Lugard House, Lokoja, on Wednesday. He expressed his satisfaction with her outstanding performance, which has positioned her as a distinguished representative of the state, country and the world in general.

Oluwabukolami, who has already secured admission to a university in the United Kingdom to study law, shared her aspiration of becoming a successful lawyer.

She also aims to excel in her profession internationally, with cross-border access to legal practice.

Furthermore, Oluwabukolami expressed her ambition to play a significant role in government, either by holding leadership positions in Nigeria or contributing to policy-making and legislative processes.

She requested prayers for her parents, who were facing the financial burden of funding her education abroad.

Governor Bello commended Oluwabukolami's exceptional performance and encouraged parents to follow the example set by Mr. and Mrs. Adeyemi in nurturing their children for success through dedication to education.

He emphasised that Oluwabukolami achieved global recognition due to her intellectual prowess rather than any inappropriate means.

Continuing his tradition of generosity, the governor, who has previously awarded multiple scholarships to outstanding students and supported medical expenses locally and internationally for indigent patients, announced that Oluwabukolami had been granted a scholarship in his name.

Engr. Adeyemi, Oluwabukolami's father, expressed deep gratitude to the governor, described the scholarship offer as unbelievable and offered prayers for the well-being of the governor and his family.

Oluwabukolami Adeyemi shattered the glass ceiling by achieving the highest scores in the examination, which was conducted across 146 countries worldwide.

With a view to ensuring hitch-free, level-playing ground, sanity and protect the environment from defilement before, during and after the November 11, 2023 governorship election in Kogi State, the State Signage and Advertisement Agency has issued some guidelines on the use of campaign materials.

According to a statement signed on Tuesday by the General Manager of the agency, Osaseyi Richard, all political parties, gubernatorial candidates, politicians and supporters are to abide by the guidelines.

The agency noted that the development is in accordance with its mandate to control and regulate advert displays in the State, as provided under Section 5(1)(a-o) of the Kogi State Signage and Advertisment Law, 2022.

While warning that defaulters, or anyone involved in any form of impunity, lawlessness in the deployment of political campaign materials would be made to face the consequences of their actions, the agency banned campaign posters of all candidates in Lokoja metropolis, Kabba/Bunu, ljumu, Yagba West, Ankpa, Idah, Ayingba, Adavi, Okene and Okehi towns.

KOSSAA disclosed that it was poised to assisting all political parties, politicians, and supporters in ensuring hitch-free and level playing ground in the use of political campaign and advertising materials in the State and strongly urged everyone to comply with the guidelines to ensure sanity and to protect the environment from defilement, visual blight and other adverse effects of uncontrolled deployment and display of political campaign materials within the State before, during and after the poll.

“These guidelines are issued without prejudice to any political party, association or Candidate as it is the Agency’s intention to ensure fairness among all participants while judiciously performing its duties and applying the rules without sentiment or bias.

“The following are the guidelines as they apply to all Political parties before, during and after the November 11, 2023 Gubernatorial elections in Kogi State.

“Political Campaign Materials on billboards may be deployed on existing structures owned and operated by outdoor advertising practitioners who are duly registered with the Agency and have obtained permits for such sites and structures.

“Each billboard erected must be made of standard and sturdy materials to ensure they do not fall or block the roads or constitute risk to Citizenry and commuters.

“Posters must not be pasted on public utility structures such as Street lamps, poles, Transformers, the Ganaja fly-over and other unauthorized surfaces except as duly authorized by the Agency upon payment of relevant fees.

“In addition to the sum of N5,000,000.00 fee payment to the Agency by Political Parties wishing to deploy campaign materials within the State, each billboard erected by Parties, Candidates or Supporters attracts fee of N2,000,000.00

“The sum of N1,000,000.00 will be charged as fee payable to the Agency by Political Parties for every banner displayed in public places.

“A refundable Caution fee of N50,000,000.00 (Fifty Million Naira only) shall be charged by the Agency for the deployment of all campaign materials before, during and after the election.

“Campaign posters of all Candidates are hereby banned in the following parts of Kogi State: Lokoja Metropolis, Kabba/Bunu, ljumu, Yagba West, Ankpa, Idah, Ayingba, Adavi, Okene, Okehi.

“All Political parties and Candidates must remove the campaign materials not more than Ten (10) days after the Gubernatorial elections on November 11, 2023.

“Parties, Candidates and Supporters must refrain from the use of unsavory languages on opponents and to be mindful of the contents of their campaign materials.

“Please note that all Participants are strongly advised to adhere strictly to these guidelines as defaulters, or anyone involved in any forms of impunity, lawlessness in the deployment of political campaign materials will be made to face the consequences of their actions,” the statement read.

...Promise to ensure Ododo's victory in November election
...Gov Bello assures new APC members of fair playing ground

The zonal chairmen of the Social Democratic Party in the three senatorial districts of Kogi State, on Thursday, officially dumped the party for the All Progressives Congress, along with all the party's chairmen in the 21 local government areas of the state.

The SDP top executives, who made their decision to join the ruling party public at the Government House in Lokoja, said they weighed their options and chose the continuous development of the state and wellbeing of indigenes above other considerations.

SDP's Zonal Chairman for Kogi East, Suleiman Isah, criticised what he described as SDP's campaign, based on ethnicity, saying it was detrimental to the state's socio-cultural wellbeing, and could undermine the peace enjoyed in the past few years.

"We are happy that this is happening today. Even while we were in the opposition, we were aware that you did a lot for the state. The infrastructure projects are what anyone cannot deny, Your Excellency. We have all decided to join the APC to support the efforts at further developing the state. And we will give all the necessary support to ensure victory for the APC candidate in the governorship election," Isah said.

He acknowledged Governor Yahaya Bello's commendable accomplishments in health, education, road infrastructure, and agriculture, among others, over the past seven years.

The zonal chairman, who can now be referred to as a former SDP chieftain, assured the governor of the commitment of all the SDP chairmen to the Kogi Agenda through the APC candidate, Ododo Ahmed Usman.

Acting Chairman of SDP for Kogi Central Senatorial District, Zubairu Ibrahim, also commended the governor for infrastructure development in the state and specifically acknowledged his significant efforts at ensuring security of lives and property.E

He said the people of Kogi State now enjoyed improved security and peace compared to what obtained in the past, stressing that well meaning Kogites would not sacrifice that on the altar of politics.

Governor Yahaya Bello, while receiving the defectors, commended what he called their courageous step, as well as their willingness to contribute to the advancement of the state.

He reiterated his strong commitment to maintaining an inclusive government that extends equal opportunities to both longstanding and new members of the APC.

Governor Bello stressed that the timing of their movement from SDP to APC was significant, given his administration's noteworthy achievements in Kogi State, which had earned the APC widespread support.

Governor Bello emphasised the crucial significance of fostering unity among the diverse ethnic communities within the state.

He underscored the importance of collaborative, issue-based campaigns and noted that success in any election would depend on broad support.

He urged the people to reject divisive tactics in the interest of all.

https://guardian.ng/news/kogi-2023-all-zonal-chairmen-21-lg-chairmen-of-sdp-defect-to-apc/

...EFCC steps in

In what appears to be a case of the rich getting richer and cornering depositors’ funds for personal use, controversial businessman, Tunde Ayeni is in the news again for the wrong reasons.

Fresh from seemingly getting reprieve from his Skye Bank legal battle – a bank he allegedly ran down – Ayeni, a former chairman of the defunct Skye Bank Plc, is enmeshed in another financial scandal over an alleged unpaid N40 billion loan he secured from Heritage Bank.

We reliably gathered that the bank has petitioned the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over his alleged indebtedness to the lender.

Recall that Ayeni and the then managing director of the defunct Skye Bank, Timothy Oguntayo, faced 10 charges bordering on money laundering to the tune of N25.4 billion brought before them by the EFCC in 2019.

The alleged heist by the duo during their time at the bank eventually brought the financial institution down, prompting an intervention from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) in September 2018. The apex bank took over the struggling lender, christened it Polaris Bank Limited, and eventually sold it to new investors in October 2022.

In July last year, the EFCC withdrew its case against Ayeni and Oguntayo, after allegedly entering into a secret settlement with the businessmen that may have involved the forfeiture of N15 billion in cash and assets.

However, while Ayeni may have gotten a letup from his EFCC headache over his alleged financial impropriety during his time at Skye Bank, another legal tussle and battle is starring him in the face.

On his indebtedness to Heritage Bank, we gathered that there was an initial arrangement for the Asset Management Company of Nigeria (AMCON) to take over the debt, but up till today, nothing has been done.

Meanwhile, Heritage Bank has been unable to take over the properties Ayeni used as collateral for the said loan for other legal reasons.

A top official of the bank disclosed that the lender has formally dragged Ayeni to the EFCC, and will be looking forward to the commission doing the needful as it was determined to recover the funds.

“Yes, the case is now with the EFCC,” said the official who craved anonymity because he hasn’t been authorised to speak.

“We are pursuing the process legally.

“So, we’re going to do all that is necessary to recover it.

“As you can see, all is not well with the bank and people like Ayeni are one of the reasons for the challenges the bank is going through today. These loans are depositors’ funds.

“If the bank finally ceases to exist, do you know how many staff will lose their jobs with their families stranded? Ayeni doesn’t seem to be bothered if the bank collapses.

“If he doesn’t pay up, we will give him the Senator Andy Uba treatment. We will mobilize and protest at his residences,” the official concluded.

Recovery of the sum will come in handy for Heritage, which has also had struggles of late.

Heritage is gradually moving from a state of comatose to a complete death situation with customers’ deposits on the line.

The bank’s bankruptcy issues, and inability to meet obligations to depositors have worsened and grown from bad to worse.

Recall that some workers of Heritage Bank had in June 2021 besieged the residence of Andy Uba, former senator from Anambra State, over a loan they said he owes the financial institution. The staff of the bank, who were seen with placards, gathered in front of his residence in Abuja, asking the politician to pay the purported loan to save their jobs.

In 2020, the CBN took a step ahead of the defaulters by allowing banks to seize funds in the accounts of loan defaulters to protect depositors.

Also, the senate in 2021 passed a bill that strengthened the power of AMCON to recover bad loans by allowing it to seize and sell properties traced to debtors, whether or not such assets are used as security/collateral for obtaining the loan in question.

When contacted, a media consultant of Mr. Ayeni to seek the businessman’s reaction to the development. He however did not get back to our correspondent as at press time.

. Threaten to go to court over 'spurious' allegations against Gov. Bello

. Ask security agencies to treat him like criminals who kidnap for ransom



Many Kogi State indigenes, under the auspices of Kogi Indigenes Collective Interest Group, have risen in fervent defence of their Governor over what they called  "unfounded and irresponsible allegation by an equally irresponsible fake news peddler whose stock-in-trade is either to blackmail for clout or cash."

In their response to a tweet that Governor Yahaya Bello bribed election tribunal Judges to influence them against the cases of some senatorial candidates in the last elections by one Jackson Ude, who they described as a notorious fake news merchant, the indigenes threatened to drag Ude to court and called on relevant security agencies to investigate and bring "the notorious fake news peddler to book once and for all".

According to them, Jackson Ude has turned himself to the laughing stock of the social media, having allegedly churned out many spurious lies in the past about innocent Nigerians and "is notorious for raising absolutely unfounded allegations with a view to blackmailing politically exposed persons".

The statement, signed by the Coordinator, KOGIC, Chief Abduganiyu Yusuf, on behalf of the indigenes from across the 21 local government areas of Kogi State, accused Ude of being a hireling of failed politicians who were desperate to use all foul tactics to pursue their dubious objectives.

The statement reads, "It has just come to our notice that a notorious blackmailer on social media and fake news peddler whose stock-in-trade is either to blackmail for clout or cash has released another unfounded and irresponsible allegation.

"Jackson Ude is notorious for raising absolutely unfounded allegations with a view to blackmailing politically exposed persons because he is a hireling of failed politicians who are desperate to use all foul tactics to secure whatever they are after.

"This time politicians who might have found that they do not stand a chance at the election tribunal have decided to recruit the well-known peddler of fake news to publish a laughable fiction claiming that Governor Yahaya Bello bribed tribunal judges with N300million to compromise them.

"Jackson Ude must provide indubitable evidence of his satanic allegations or be prepared to go to jail for a very long time as we will spare no legal means to commit him to prison.

"Our intervention has become incumbent due to the fact that, in his characteristic nature, Governor Yahaya Bello may just shrug it off and overlook what this fake news criminal has done and allow him go scot-free. But we,  as patriotic indigenes of this blessed state, won't allow that to happen. We will fight to defend the integrity of our state by protecting our Governor from a social media rogue who misuses his page for criminal libel and blackmail.

"We are giving Jackson Ude an 8-day ultimatum to produce concrete and indubitable evidence of his spurious allegation or be prepared to have his day in court.  Thankfully a colleague of his in the business of social media criminality just got a three-year jail sentence.

"Responsible media professionals must speak out against this stain on their profession by this man who pollutes the social media constantly with ridiculous, reckless, senseless and wanton fallacy. He should not be treated differently from criminals who kidnap for ransom."

….doles out N6.38bn in 15 years of rewarding scheme


Access Bank, a leading financial institution, has announced it would reward customers N135 million in cash prizes to over 800 lucky customers in its season15  DiamondXtra campaign.

The bank also noted that in 15 years it had rewarded over 26,000 customers customers with N 6.38 billion.

The bank also emphasized that its commitment to encouraging savings and rewarding loyal customers remains unwavering, with this year’s goal aimed at reaching an even larger number of customers compared to previous years

Speaking at the launch of DiamondXtra season 15, the Group, Head, Consumer Banking, Access Bank, Njideka Esomeju said: “DiamondXtra is one of the best things that has ever happened to banking in Nigeria, and it has transformed the lives of Nigerians who have been patronizing this special savings and reward scheme by Access Bank since 2008.”

“Since inception of the rewarding scheme, we have rewarded over 26,000 customers to the tune of over N6.38 billion and today we are here to launch the 15th season and the bank will be rewarding over 800 lucky customers with a total sum N135m.”

She added that this year’s promo would see winners emerge from different categories of rewards namely, Loyalty rewards, Regional Draws, Regional Onsite Draws, Free Digital Marketing Training and Digital Cluster Draws.

Also, she reiterated that just as the previous years in order to ensure transparency and accountability of the reward scheme, regulators from National Lottery Regulatory Commission and Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission are in place who monitor all the draws to ensure transparency.

Furthermore, on his part, the Regional Sales Director, Lagos Directorate Retail Bank South, Bolarinwa Animashaun echoed the process of transparency and due diligence of the draw over the years.

 He said: “The process has always been transparent and that’s why through the 15 seasons, we have been working with the National Lottery Commission and the federal consumer protection agency, so it’s quite transparent. So, everyone that benefits from it, they have also revived the process.”

Also speaking at the launch, the Head of Federal Competition And Consumer Protection Commision in Lagos, Suzy Onwuka said: “I want to commend Access Bank because this is a flagship product for them and we have been monitoring it over the years. It has been transparent and over the past seasons we have not had any complaints from anyone who has won something. The commission ensures that this program is registered and also ensures that terms and conditions are favorable to the consumers as well as ensure it is adhered to.

She added: “At a time like this, we must also commend them for putting a smile on consumers’ faces.”

To join the winning train and stand a chance to win in the DiamondXra season 15, simply walk into any access Bank branch close to you or dial *901*5# , follow the prompt and deposit a minimum of  N5,000. Remember, the more multiples of N5000 you save, the more you stand a high chance of winning millions in the draws.

To refresh our minds about the DiamodXtra account, it is an interest yielding hybrid account which is opened with a minimum of N5,000 and allows deposit of both cash and third-party cheques not more than N2m. Hybrid means a combination of both savings and current account features.

The DiamondXtra Season 15 campaign will also be launched officially in Abeokuta, Portharcourt, Kano, and Enugu States.

By Dike Achalla

The National Emergency Management agency (NEMA) has undertaken the successful evacuation of 2,865 Nigerian citizens since crisis broke out in Sundan in April 2023.

This is in continuation of the emergency rescue of Nigerian citizens that are stranded in the war torn country.

A TARCO Aviation aircraft touched down at 12.09pm on Friday July 28, 2023 with 205 evacuees made up of 160 adults and 45 children/infants. They were received upon arrival on behalf of the Federal Government by the Director General NEMA Mustapha Habib Ahmed in company of other officials. The returnees were evacuated from the airport in Port Sudan to Abuja.

Expressing delight at the arrival of the evacuees, the DG of NEMA noted that since the crisis began “we have not lost one Nigerian life, which is most important to us.”

Speaking further he explained the use of TARCO airlines. “We are using the Sudanese based airline, TARCO to evacuate Nigerians, they have been working with us assiduously and they had to engage the military authorities for us to be able to airlift these people

Highlighting the importance of cooperation and collaboration in disaster management which has been described as multi-task, multi-discipline and multi-jurisdictional, Ahmed acknowledged the full support and collaboration of various agencies of government, the private sector & general public in making the evacuations possible.

They include the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the National Commission for Refugees Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI), Nigerian in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) and Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS), Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corp (NSCDC) and Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Dangote Foundation amongst others.

Upon arrival, the passengers were profiled by the reception team, cleared by the Immigration Service, served with meals then provided shelter, psychological support, and essential provisions with Dangote Foundation offering each returnee N100,000 to facilitate their transportation to their final destinations.

The DG noted that with the recent evacuation only 40 Nigerian nationals now remain in Sudan and would soon be evacuated. Evacuation is usually contingent on NEMA working diligently alongside the Nigerian embassy to profile the individuals to ensure that they hold valid Nigerian passports.

Mustapha Habib Ahmed acknowledged that the mission was not without its challenges especially since accessing the airspace was a hurdle to be overcome, one that was navigated with utmost dedication and determination with an unwavering commitment to bring stranded Nigerians home safely.

He urged the returnees to reflect on their experience to help support the promotion of peaceful coexistence and economic development of Nigeria while promising that the FG is committed to ensuring that no stranded Nigerian is left in the war-torn country.

Speaking upon their arrival, the evacuees commended the FG and NEMA for facilitating their return home. Ridwan Yusuf, a student in a Sudanese university said “I thank God, the Federal Government, NEMA and the Nigerian embassy in Sudan for what they did for us. I want to say we are happy to be back home.”

Addressing the media and other stakeholders, Mustapha Habib Ahmed said: “Today, we celebrate unity, resilience, and compassion and our primary focus will always be the safety and well-being of our people. NEMA stands resolute, working closely with the Refugee and Diaspora Commission, as well as our partners in the airline and military authorities, to ensure the successful completion of this mission. We commend the support of the Dangote Foundation in providing dignity packs and a cash token of N100,000 per passenger for transportation.”

Retail giant, Access Bank Plc has launched a new branch with state-of-the-art facilities at the University of Ibadan.

At the launch of the branch at the university campus on Tuesday, Deputy Managing Director, Retail South, Access Bank Plc, Chizoma Okoli, said the choice of the university is part of the bank’s plans to reach young people with its robust financial products and services.

Okoli said, “We in Access Bank are very passionate about the youths. University of Ibadan is one of the campuses that we believe that we can create impact among the youths. For us, it is all about sustainability, creating impact in the community and being part of the overall economic movement of Nigeria.

“UI is one of the campuses we have targeted and we will be in all the campuses as time goes on. We are very excited about this journey. We want the youths to understand that it is important to be part of the growth of their community.”

The Deputy Managing Director, North, Access Bank Plc, Victor Etuokwu, an alumnus of the University noted that it was a delight to see the outcome of the journey to the establishment of the branch which started in 2017.

Etuokwu urged students and other members of the university community to leverage the wide range of products and services offered at the bank branch to enhance their academic and entrepreneurial journey.

“Access Bank is a bank that enables people fulfil their ambitions. We like to play a role in youth development and empowerment.

“With a customer base of over 60 million customers (and growing), we are the largest retail bank in Nigeria and Africa. Access Bank operates through a network of more than 600 branches and service outlets, spanning 3 continents and over 13 countries, hence positioning us as the number one bank to contact for all your financial and lifestyle transactions.

“Access Bank’s expansion to Ibadan and in particular, to this campus, is an expression of our desire to contribute to national development and we can’t do that without having something to do with the youths.

“We are excited to be here. We have the ambition to bank every person in this community, both academic and non-academic. We want you to use this facility to your advantage,” he said.

The Vice Chancellor of the university, Professor Kayode Adebowale, on his part, commended the bank for situating the branch within the university community, while expressing optimism that the student-friendly facilities in the branch will be of advantage to the community.

Prof. Adebowale said: “This is the first time we are witnessing this type of facility within the university community. We have gone round the whole facility and we know that it is going to be of immense benefit, particularly, to students because all the facilities that are here, are student-friendly and I know that it will be a very good engagement for not only students but also staff and other people living within the campus.”

The Regional Director of the Bank,South West Bolaji Aboderin expressed the readiness of the branch to render beyond banking services to its customers.

He said: “Today, we mark not just the commissioning of a branch of Access Bank in the University of Ibadan, but also a significant step forward in our commitment to serving the vibrant city of Ibadan and its esteemed residents. As we commission this branch today, we reaffirm our dedication to providing convenient and accessible banking services to students, staff, and businesses within the University environs.”

Tokunbo Talabi, the Secretary to the Ogun State Government, has been accused of money laundering.

This is as legal practitioner, Femi Oniyide, has asked the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), to investigate Talabi, over the allegation of money laundering.

Oniyide, on Monday, while addressing journalists in Abeokuta, hinted that the SSG allegedly engaged in money laundering through a company account known as SuperfluX International Ltd.

The Human Right activist said the SSG has an Access Bank Plc account which has his BVN and has financial control over it.

The Human Rights lawyer also alleged that Mr. Talabi was awarded a contract by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to print ballot papers.

Oniyide said, “Superflux International Ltd, sometime in 2020, took lodgement of various sums of money from the Central Bank of Nigeria account of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the printing of ballot papers meant for elections in Nigeria”.

“The alleged payments were supposedly made in four tranches on the 19th of June, 2020, for N47,449,290.90 per transaction, totaling N189,797, 163.9 Only. The amount, according to the description of payment, was meant for “INEC Electoral amount….4 SS of BALLOT P”.

“This, without mincing words, are amounts meant for the supply of ballot papers by the company, Superflux International Ltd, under the financial grip of the said Secretary to the Government of Ogun State, to INEC, a body saddled with the responsibility of conducting elections in Ogun State and fact, Nigeria.”

“Part of the allegations right before the Election Petition Tribunal in Ogun State presently are issues of ballot papers with similar serial numbers spread across Some local government areas where elections were held.”

“The crux of the matter that we want to be addressed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (1CPC) is how the company of a man who is an interested party in the elections to be held in Ogun State, became the same person to print the ballot papers to be used for the election?”

“We dare ask what legal or moral justification the SSG, Mr Tokunbo Talabi, is to present his company as a contractor to INEC for the printing of ballot papers.”

“Should an interested party be the same person to print ballot papers in an election involving his principal and his party? I pray that the account of the company should be probed further beyond 2020 to determine whether further contracts for the supply of ballot papers were awarded to the company by INEC”.

“I will not want to delve more into how this affected the alleged rigging of the governorship election in Ogun State as the matter is presently before the Election Petition Tribunal.

“Of another major importance in this petition is the alleged discovery of COVID-19 funds in the account of the same Superflux International Ltd, which has the financial control imprimatur of the SSG to the Ogun State government.

“The sum of N10,800,000: 00 was allegedly discovered to have been paid twice into the SSG’s company account, totaling N21,600,000:00 Naira on the 4th of February, 2020 of which there was an onward transfer to Zimanel Global Enterprises with the description, “Covid-19 food support.

“Our question is whether the SSG was graceful enough to supply the good people of Ogun State with food palliatives during the Covid-19 pandemic or under what circumstances did such a humongous amount for Covid-19 food support allegedly pass through his company’s account?

“The company’s account in which this seeming atrocity was committed with Access Bank Plc.

“We hereby implore the Chairmen of EFCC and ICPC to cause a detailed investigation into the circumstances of how Ogun State taxpayer’s funds will be so brazenly managed and laundered by a private company, owned by a political appointee and his family, with likely collusion of co-conspirators in all the approving state’s authority, including the state Accountant General.

“We also plead that they investigate the ballot paper printing for elections by the same aforementioned government appointees company.

“The SSG is the alter ego of Superflux International Ltd. It should most urgently be looked into on these matters bordering on financial crimes, money laundering, and corruption.”

The SSG, when contacted, did not respond to the allegations.

Nigerian youths have commended the group chief executive officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd), Mallam Mele Kyari, for promoting transparency, probity, accountability, and good governance in the Nigerian oil and gas industry vis-à-vis his handling of the recent fuel subsidy removal initiative.

The youths, under the aegis of the Nigerian Youths Alliance (NYA) made this known in a statement co-signed by its national president, Ifeanyi Ogbu, and secretary, Yemisi Oluwadamiro, in Abuja, on Wednesday.

The group specifically lauded the NNPCL chief over his transparency in the company’s payment of an interim dividend of N123 billion to the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) for the month of June, barely two months after the federal government stopped subsidy payments.

While calling on Nigerians to be patient with the government over the temporary pains caused by the removal of the petrol subsidy, the group urged the NNPCL chief to remain focused and avoid distraction sponsored by oppositions, anti-democratic elements and corrupt individuals who had fed fat by milking the country with the subsidy payment scheme.

According to the statement, “As Nigerian youths, even in these trying times, we must recognize, commend and encourage the efforts of our patriots who are having sleepless nights to ensure this nation works.

“Without mincing words, we know that at this time, fuel subsidy must go if this country must rise from its dying state and survive.

“Many oil marketers and corrupt individuals had become billionaires overnight at the expense of Nigerians with the continued payment of subsidies and these funds could have been channelled to better the lives of Nigerians and grow the economy.

“These individuals by their sheer unconscionable criminality subverted the noble idea behind the subsidy programme, which was for government to subsidize the cost of petrol to make it affordable to the masses. Rather than keep to the terms of the deal with government, these marketers and their crooked allies repeatedly divert and smuggle petroleum products to neighbouring countries where they sell at higher rates and thus make more profit even after collecting subsidy money from the Nigerian government.

“Though, it comes with sacrifices, but Nigerians must know that there is no gain without pain.

“Therefore, we commend the bold and audacious initiatives of the President Bola Tinubu
administration.

“The removal of the fuel subsidy is not about the president or the group chief executive officer of the NNPC Limited, but about the good and wellness of Nigerians.

“It’s however sad that oppositions and some corrupt elements who are angered that their ill source of wealth has been blocked with the removal of subsidy have continued to sponsor hatred and lies against the hardworking chief executive of the NNPCL, Mallam Mele Kyari.

“We are, however, not surprised because every genuine change for growth meets strong resistance and force, and someone must bear the brunt.

“In the history of the oil company, Mr. Kyari has proven to be man of selfless service, integrity, outstanding astute industry technocrat, a a professional par excellence.

“Nigerians will attest to the fact that Kyari’s achievements have surpassed all his predecessors for the past 20 years.

“He has distinguished himself to be a visionary and professional manager with a towering repertoire of the inner workings of the industry, having served in various positions over the years.

“In barely two months since the government stopped payment of fuel subsidy payment, he delivered a whopping N123 billion to FAAC. This is commendable.

“Before his assumption of office as the GMD of the defunct NNPC; there were a lot of unresolved and knotty issues lingering and hampering the sector from achieving its potential. He stepped in and proffered solutions to them.

“Even before the passage of the Petroleum Industry Act 2021, which he promoted, Kyari convinced Nigerians of the new direction of the NNPC by making the financial books open transparently for public probity which has changed the opacity in the system.

“NNPC financial books have never been opened transparently for public scrutiny over the years, but Kyari changed the narratives.

“He has effectively deployed his wealth of experience to spearhead giant innovations which have helped in repositioning the NNPC today.

“In his bid to put an end to the business of oil thieves, in 2022, Kyari introduced the “Crude Theft Monitoring Application” (CTMA) to check the theft of Nigeria’s oil. The CTMA, which has been helpful in preventing oil theft, has application options for reporting incidents, with prompt follow-up and responses and another one for crude sales documents validation.

“Not quite long after Kyari assumed office, the stifling Covid-19 pandemic hit the world economy which adversely affected the petroleum industry real hard, the price of crude oil dropped sharply in the international market which affected our revenue earnings drastically but with resilience and careful handling of its affairs, we were able to come out stronger.

“While we plead with Nigerians to be patient as the dividends for their current pains will come soon, we urge the new NNPCL and its management to remain focused and sustain their good works even as the country navigates through these trying moments.”

Ecobank, the leading pan-African Banking Group, has been named Africa’s Best Bank for SMEs (small and medium-sized enterprises) by the prestigious Euromoney Awards for Excellence for the second year running, having also won the accolade in 2022.

Jeremy Awori, Chief Executive Officer, Ecobank Group, said: “This award reflects Ecobank’s absolute commitment to supporting African SMEs and our continuous suite of innovations – financial and non-financial – to spur their growth and success. We aim to be the bank of choice for Africa’s SMEs. Undoubtedly, these SMEs are the key drivers for Africa’s economic growth, as they create jobs, generate prosperity while eliminating poverty across the continent.”

Ecobank has launched major initiatives for the benefit of SMEs during the last 12 months including:

· The Ecobank Single Market Trade Hub, which supports the AfCFTA’s single African market. The hub is a one-stop shop providing information about the AfCFTA, access to Ecobank’s full range of trade facilitation products and solutions (covering trade finance, advisory, payments and collections) as well as a marketplace for products, services and businesses across Africa.

· RapidCollect, which enables Ecobank’s business customers to receive payments from their clients in their home country and across Ecobank’s network of 33 affiliates, instantly and at a lower cost than any other cross-border solution.

· The partnership with Mastercard Farm Pass through which we have digitised the agricultural value chain for smallholder farmers, simplifying and better securing the process for obtaining a fair price for produce.

· Ellevate Equip Leadership Programme for our women led or focused business customers. Modules include emotional intelligence; leading with authenticity; defining strategic leadership; mastering influence, decision-making; and negotiating for results.

· The Financial Literacy Series equipping SME Managers and owners with necessary financial education. The first in the series was ‘Preparing SMEs for the Capital Markets’ and it attracted nearly 3,500 registered participants.

In selecting Ecobank as Africa’s Best Bank for SMEs the judges based their decision on Ecobank’s longstanding and unwavering commitment to satisfying the needs of SMEs.

Ecobank Nigeria Limited has lodged an appeal against the ruling of the Federal High Court, Lagos, delivered by Hon. Justice M. Liman, in the N72 billion lawsuit brought against the bank by Honeywell Flour Mills Plc.

A spokesperson for Ecobank asserted that the judgement claim is an exercise in futility as the bank would diligently pursue the appeal with the aim of overturning the judgment of the Federal High Court. Additionally, Ecobank remains committed to recovering the debts owed by Honeywell, emphasizing that the return of depositors’ funds is crucial for ensuring the continued support and growth of local businesses by the bank.

In its Notice of Appeal dated 19th July 2023, filed on the same date, Ecobank seeks to overturn the judgment delivered on 18th July 2023. The bank is also seeking an Order from the Court of Appeal to uphold its Notice of Preliminary Objection, challenging the jurisdiction of the Federal High Court to preside over the matter. Alternatively, Ecobank requests the Court of Appeal to dismiss Honeywell’s claim at the lower court, asserting that the evidence presented did not support the claim.

Alongside the Notice of Appeal, Ecobank filed a Motion on Notice to stay the execution of the lower court’s judgment and to prevent Honeywell or any party acting on their behalf from taking advantage of the ruling pending the appeal hearing. The bank also seeks to restrain the Deputy Sheriff of the Federal High Court, bailiffs, and any other involved parties from enforcing the judgment.

The Bank filed several grounds of appeal, including, challenging the court’s jurisdiction to adjudicate on the matter seeing that the court lacked the power to entertain a claim for damages based on an undertaking made by the Bank despite the judgment of the Supreme Court, which confirmed Honeywell’s indebtedness to Ecobank and directed Honeywell to settle its obligations. Ecobank maintains that this judgment by the Supreme Court nullifies the foundation of Honeywell’s current suit.

In its third Ground of Appeal, Ecobank contends that the judgment was delivered outside the constitutionally prescribed period of 90 days, resulting in a miscarriage of justice against the bank. The trial concluded on 9th March 2021, and written addresses were adopted on 16th March 2022, while the judgment was delivered on 18th July 2023, more than two years after the trial’s conclusion. Ecobank argues that the prolonged delay affected the court’s impression of the trial, leading to a judgment that does not align with the weight of evidence presented.

Ecobank Nigeria Limited says it will appeal a judgement by the Federal High Court in Lagos, presided over by Hon. Justice Liman, which  delivered a judgment in favour of Honeywell Flour against the bank and ordered it to pay the sum of N72 billion.

The bank said it believe that the judgment is perverse and cannot stand the test of time. It also noted that it would vigorously challenge same, and remain confident that it can reverse this judgment at the higher courts.

Sources from the bank stated that the instant suit was an action filed in 2018 for the enforcement of the Bank’s Undertaking as to Damages which was filed in pursuance of its Winding Up Petition and the Ex-Parte Orders which were granted in favour of the Bank.

“We challenged the action through a Notice of Preliminary Objection dated 16th October, 2018 whereby we challenged the jurisdiction of the Federal High Court, as (among other reasons), the action did not fall within the provisions of Section 251 (d) of the Constitution, being that the subject matter of the suit was for the Claim of Damages arising out of an Ex-Parte Order, as opposed to a Banker-Customer relationship.

“Trial was concluded in this matter since 9th March, 2021 and the parties adopted their final written addresses alongside our Notice of Preliminary objection on the 16th March, 2022, the Court then adjourned the matter to 27th May, 2022 for judgment. While the court failed to deliver judgment on the said date, the registrar of the court promised to inform counsel whenever the judgement was ready”.

“In the wake of the Supreme Court’s decision in the Bank’s favour, in Suit No. SC/CV/210/2021 which was delivered on 27th January 2023, the bank further filed a Motion on notice dated 9th March, 2023 to dismiss the Suit on the grounds that same has become academic as a result of the judgment entered in favour of Ecobank wherein the Supreme Court held that Honeywell remained indebted to the Bank.

“The Court heard motion dated 9th March, 2023 and adjourned to 23th June, 2023 for ruling on our two applications and also for delivery of judgment.  The Court consequently delivered the said ruling/judgment today July 18 via a virtual proceeding at about 4pm.  In its Judgment, the Court dismissed the two applications we filed, holding that it has jurisdiction to entertain the suit and also that the suit had not become academic”.

According to the bank, In reaching its judgment, the Court ignored/refused (among others): Submissions showing that the Ex-Parte Orders were discharged on points of law and not that it was frivolously obtained by the Bank; that the Ex-Parte Order lasted for less than 2 weeks, contrary to the Claim of Honeywell which was said to have covered the period of three years; that the documents presented by Honeywell particularly the annual returns did not show the alleged damage, hence same was indeed non-existent; that documents from various other Banks who were served with the ex-parte order showed that the Honeywell companies were indeed highly indebted to them, hence there was no way the Ex-Parte Orders would have frozen funds in the said Banks; and more importantly, the Court refused all the objections regarding the documents maliciously prepared by Honeywell for the sole purpose of instituting the Suit and claiming unjustifiable sums from the Bank.

The bank reiterated that it is a member of the Ecobank Group, the Pan-African Bank which is proudly and fully committed to transparency in all the countries where it operates, and  abide by laws and regulations. It  believes that this matter should be conclusively determined in line with the applicable judicial process.

...as former Senatorial aspirant remembers late mother

A former Ogun East Senatorial aspirant, OmoOba Segun Senbanjo, at the weekend hosted friends and associates to celebrate the first Year Remembrance of his late mother, Mrs Ibiyemi Olumide Craig.

The Thanksgiving Service held at the Cathedral Church of Christ, Marina Lagos, on Sunday 16th July 2023, had in attendance, notable dignitaries at the church service and reception.

Among the notable personalities are; Oba Otudeko, Otunba Alex Onabanjo, a former Minister of Trade and Industry, Niyi Adebayo; a former Minister of Works and Housing, Raji Fashola; Special Adviser to President Tinubu on Monetary Policies, Wale Edun; a former Senate President and wife, Bukola and Toyin Saraki; Gov Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State, Femi Otedola, Kola Abiola, Senator Tokunbo Ogunbanjo and Olumide Adewunmi, among other notable Nigerians.

They guests were later hosted to a feast by the children of late Mrs Ibiyemi Olubunmi Craig.

Mustapha Habib Ahmed, Director General of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), has urged the 36 state governors to take proactive action to mitigate the effects of the impending floods.

Ahmed made the call in his comments at the Nigeria’s Governor’s Forum conference which held on Tuesday July 11, 2023 in Abuja.

Speaking at the event, the DG of NEMA said, “I humbly seek the cooperation of the Executive Governor’s for preparedness for the 2023 flooding season…we seek to collaborate with NGF to establish a robust monitoring and evaluation framework which will enable NEMA and the NGF to track progress, assess the effectiveness of flood preparedness initiatives, and identify areas for improvement. Regular feedback and joint evaluation exercises will support evidence-based decision-making and promote accountability in disaster management efforts.”

Continuing, the NEMA boss referenced the country’s triple response structure for disaster and emergency management. “As we know disasters are local and to enhance our disaster management capabilities, it is imperative that State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) are fully operationalised and Local Management Committees (LMCs) are activated. These bodies will play a crucial role in ensuring effective disaster response at the state and local levels.”

Highlighting ongoing proactive efforts by NEMA to mitigate disasters in the country, the DG told the governors that the Federal Government, with the support of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), has developed a National Plan of Action for the implementation of disaster risk reduction, known as the Sendai Framework (2015-2030).

NEMA has taken steps to align its national policies and strategies with the Sendai Framework by developing the National Disaster Risk Reduction Policy and National Disaster Risk Management Framework, which provide guidance for implementing risk reduction measures at the national, state, and local levels. These initiatives emphasise and highlight the importance of multi-stakeholder collaboration and community participation in disaster risk management.

The DG seized the opportunity of the conference to highlight NEMA’s milestones since its creation especially in the past decade when the country had been beset with numerous significant disasters, including major floods, droughts, and outbreaks of diseases all of which have led to considerable loss of life, extensive damage to infrastructure, and substantial economic costs. These disasters, he noted, underline the imperative of proactively addressing the issue of flood preparedness.

The DG of NEMA noted that the nation was hit in 2022 with the worst floods in the history of Nigeria. The impact was widespread and affected 29 of the country’s 36 states, damaged homes, and infrastructure, destroyed farmlands, and displaced people from their communities.

Figures from The Nigerian Red Cross confirmed that at least 2.8 million people were affected, with 603 fatalities and more than 2,500 injured.

Ahmed noted that partnership with the state governors will provide a platform for facilitating the sharing of “best practices and lessons learned among the states. We can facilitate discussions, workshops, and peer-to-peer learning sessions where states can share their successful initiatives in disaster risk reduction and resilience. This knowledge exchange will help expedite the adoption of effective strategies across the country”.

Based on insights from the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET) and the Nigerian Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) who released their 2023 Seasonal Climate Prediction (SCP) and Annual Flood Outlook (AFO) respectively, NEMA has begun the “downscaling of disaster early warning measures to grassroots for effective live-saving early actions during the 2023 rainy season” across different states of the federation for capacity building efforts as well as funding and provision of equipment to upskill Local Emergency Management Committees (LEMCs) to equip them and make them ready to “take disaster risk management to the communities to build safe and resilient communities and by extension a safer and resilient Nigeria.”

In relation to the funding matter, the Director-General (DG) of NEMA highlighted that there are existing provisions for interventions by subnational level actors. The DG stated that each state and local government receives an allocation from the Ecological fund, which NEMA also receives. Consequently, there should be available funding to address disaster-related situations.

HomeNewsNEMA DG urges governors to prepare for impending floods

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NEMA DG urges governors to prepare for impending floods

By:Usman Kadri

Date:

July 15, 2023

Oghenekevwe Edwin

Mustapha Habib Ahmed, Director General of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), has urged the 36 state governors to take proactive action to mitigate the effects of the impending floods.

Ahmed made the call in his comments at the Nigeria’s Governor’s Forum conference which held on Tuesday July 11, 2023 in Abuja.

Speaking at the event, the DG of NEMA said, “I humbly seek the cooperation of the Executive Governor’s for preparedness for the 2023 flooding season…we seek to collaborate with NGF to establish a robust monitoring and evaluation framework which will enable NEMA and the NGF to track progress, assess the effectiveness of flood preparedness initiatives, and identify areas for improvement. Regular feedback and joint evaluation exercises will support evidence-based decision-making and promote accountability in disaster management efforts.”

Continuing, the NEMA boss referenced the country’s triple response structure for disaster and emergency management. “As we know disasters are local and to enhance our disaster management capabilities, it is imperative that State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) are fully operationalised and Local Management Committees (LMCs) are activated. These bodies will play a crucial role in ensuring effective disaster response at the state and local levels.”

Highlighting ongoing proactive efforts by NEMA to mitigate disasters in the country, the DG told the governors that the Federal Government, with the support of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), has developed a National Plan of Action for the implementation of disaster risk reduction, known as the Sendai Framework (2015-2030).

NEMA has taken steps to align its national policies and strategies with the Sendai Framework by developing the National Disaster Risk Reduction Policy and National Disaster Risk Management Framework, which provide guidance for implementing risk reduction measures at the national, state, and local levels. These initiatives emphasise and highlight the importance of multi-stakeholder collaboration and community participation in disaster risk management.

The DG seized the opportunity of the conference to highlight NEMA’s milestones since its creation especially in the past decade when the country had been beset with numerous significant disasters, including major floods, droughts, and outbreaks of diseases all of which have led to considerable loss of life, extensive damage to infrastructure, and substantial economic costs. These disasters, he noted, underline the imperative of proactively addressing the issue of flood preparedness.

The DG of NEMA noted that the nation was hit in 2022 with the worst floods in the history of Nigeria. The impact was widespread and affected 29 of the country’s 36 states, damaged homes, and infrastructure, destroyed farmlands, and displaced people from their communities.

Figures from The Nigerian Red Cross confirmed that at least 2.8 million people were affected, with 603 fatalities and more than 2,500 injured.

Ahmed noted that partnership with the state governors will provide a platform for facilitating the sharing of “best practices and lessons learned among the states. We can facilitate discussions, workshops, and peer-to-peer learning sessions where states can share their successful initiatives in disaster risk reduction and resilience. This knowledge exchange will help expedite the adoption of effective strategies across the country”.

Based on insights from the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET) and the Nigerian Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) who released their 2023 Seasonal Climate Prediction (SCP) and Annual Flood Outlook (AFO) respectively, NEMA has begun the “downscaling of disaster early warning measures to grassroots for effective live-saving early actions during the 2023 rainy season” across different states of the federation for capacity building efforts as well as funding and provision of equipment to upskill Local Emergency Management Committees (LEMCs) to equip them and make them ready to “take disaster risk management to the communities to build safe and resilient communities and by extension a safer and resilient Nigeria.”

In relation to the funding matter, the Director-General (DG) of NEMA highlighted that there are existing provisions for interventions by subnational level actors. The DG stated that each state and local government receives an allocation from the Ecological fund, which NEMA also receives. Consequently, there should be available funding to address disaster-related situations.

The Kogi State governorship candidate of the Accord Party (AP), Vice Admiral Usman Oyibe Jibrin Rtd, has refuted social media report that he had stepped down for candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) Alhaji Yakubu Murtala Ajaka.

Jibrin who said there was no iota of truth in the mischievous report deliberately planted to cause confusion, said it was an insult to his person to step down for Muri who by all standards, is not his match.

The AP flag bearer in a statement he personally signed and made available to newsmen in Lokoja urged his supporters and members of the public to disregard the mischievous report.

Jibrin said he was fully in the governorship race with his running mate, Comrade Raphael Olamife, and could not have withdrawn for anybody.

He advised media practitioners against peddling false and unconfirmed stories especially during election season when some desperate politicians are ready to do anything to achieve their selfish interests.

The former Naval Chief who described the report as a lie from the pit of hell, threatened legal action against the publishers of the fallacious report.

Below is a full text of the statement made available to newsmen:

“Our attention has been drawn to a fallacious and apparently malicious online publication by some Reporters mischievously purporting a fairy tale withdrawal from the governorship race by Vice Admiral Usman Oyibe Jibrin of Kogi APP for Alhaji Murtala Yakubu Ajaka of SDP.

“We therefore write to make the following clarifications:That the said publication is completely false, totally mendacious and the hallucinatory imagination of the publisher, who in search for cheap publicity decided to concoct a totally baseless and unfounded fallacy against the person of Vice Admiral Usman Oyibe Jibrin Rtd.

“That there is no reason for Jibrin to withdraw from a race which every available poll analysis places him above other contenders.

“That the write up is a big joke and a clear insult on the person of Vice Admiral Usman Oyibe Jibrin Rtd, who has so far manifested seriousness by triumphing over many adversaries in pursuit of this same governorship project.

“That the article is nothing but a failed attempt at applying the propaganda strategy of deploying a strong brand like Jibrin to accord visibility to a weaker brand through the act of name dropping.

“That the public should disregard the publication as a fabricated lie from the pit of hell and the hatchet job of a desperate pen pushers for little pecuniary benefits and should rather sustain their voiceferous, aggressive and massive support for Jibrin whose chiefest pursuit remains the liberation of Kogi state from many years of under development.”

Delta state is one of the luckiest states in Nigeria in the current political dispensation having witnessed a smooth transition from a PDP governor to another one; a governor who has been, as politicians like to say, in the system.

His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Francis Orohwedor Oborevwori political sojourn has seen him serve as Councilor, Special Assistant to Governor James Ibori on Youth Development, Special Adviser to Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan on Land Security, State Coordinator of the Amnesty Programme, Senior Special Assistant on Security to the Governor, Member and Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly.

Unlike many politicians, Oborevwori has been in the same political party. So, for those who hold the view that government is a continuum, Delta state seems set to be a case study for affirming that aphorism.

The immediate past governor, Ifeanyi Okowa had upon assumption of office raised the alarm that the state was in dire financial straits. According to Okowa, Delta State owed banks about N98bn with contractual obligations coming to N538,601,962,421.50. According to Okowa, the state government with a workforce of 60,000 persons and a monthly personnel cost of N7,437,940,015.38 was going to run a monthly deficit of N2bn when its N5.40bn monthly revenue from FAAC allocation and IGR was taken into account.

To deliver on his mandate for the state, Okowa had presented his S.M.A.RT agenda. Showcasing what he described as “My Vision for Honest Leadership and Responsible Governance” to the Delta State House of Assembly, Okowa described his agenda as focused on ‘Strategic wealth creation initiatives and provision of jobs for all; Meaningful peace building platforms aimed at political/social stability; Agricultural reforms and industrialisation; Relevant health and education policies; Transformed environment through massive urban renewal.”

How successful was the S.M.A.R.T agenda in improving the lot of Delta state? While the jury is still out, Oborevwori believes his predecessor gave a good account of himself despite severe economic and sundry headwinds.

According to Governor Oborevwori, his predecessor took over “at a very precarious time in the history of our country. In addition to the massive disruptions caused by COVID-19, the country went through two recessions at different times in the last eight years. But thanks to Governor Okowa’s discipline, wisdom, prudent management of the economy, and political insight, Delta State not only survived, but it also came out stronger. Indeed, I celebrate Governor Okowa for his fiscal discipline, and groundbreaking strides in human capital development, infrastructure renewal, technical and vocational education, as well as peace building.”

As Oborevwori takes over the mantle of leadership in the Big Heart, he has outlined his own agenda which seems intent on building on the gains of the S.M.A.R.T agenda in order to give Deltans M.O.R.E in terms of socio-economic development.

He made the point clearly in his inaugural address where he noted that “I represent consolidation and advancement; consolidation because I am continuing from where the previous government stopped, and advancement because I am advancing Delta State to greater heights in inclusive economic growth, human capital development, infrastructure renewal, and peace and security.”

M.O.R.E is an acronym for Meaningful development through the provision of Opportunities for all through Realistic reforms and Enhanced peace and security for all. The key words are development, opportunities, reforms and peace and security.

An agenda such as M.O.R.E is at its core, a work plan outlining a process of providing development and prosperity for the generality of the people and as the trite aphorism goes, those who fail to plan, plan to fail.

With his M.O.R.E agenda, Oborevwori has shown that he has not failed to plan but we all know that the best laid plans can go belly up if the process of implementation goes awry. This is why it is incumbent on all to interrogate Oborevwori’s M.O.R.E Agenda in the context of how realistic it is in delivering on its ambitious promises.

That interrogation begins with an understanding of the strategic intent behind the agenda as well as the expected outcomes. What will successful implementation look like in four years? According to Governor Oborevwori, success will impact Delta state in a few choice areas and they include job creation, enhanced GDP and internally generated revenue, improved capital inflow, export of raw and processed agricultural products, an improved economy and living condition for citizens, environmental rejuvenation, improved infrastructural facilities, social stability and security of lives and properties as well as improved educational and healthcare system

In his first year, Oborevwori will have to work with an already approved budget of
N642.8 billion. Of that sum, N241.1 bn (58%) is slated for recurrent expenditure while N401.6bn (42%) will be utilized for capital expenditure.

A further breakdown shows that Education will receive N42.6 billion; Health will get N12.4 billion, N8.4 billion will go to Sports and N10bn to Housing while Culture and Tourism will gulp N2.7 billion respectively to address the improved economy and living condition for citizens, social stability and security of lives and properties as well as improved educational and healthcare system components of the M.O.R.E agenda.

Delta state seems set to remain a massive construction site as the government is committing N111.4 to Works, N5.9 billion to Urban Renewal, N8.3 billion to the Delta State Capital Territory Development Agency and N8bn to the Warri-Uvwie and Environs Development Agency which is line with the environmental rejuvenation, improved infrastructural facilities pillars of the agenda.

To stimulate the economy, the state government will commit N8.6bn to Trade and investment. News of the approval of Nigerian Export Processing Zone Authority (NEPZA), for Koko and Kwale has been received with joy as it will provide further stimulus for the economy.

The governor has noted that to make these happen and happen well, the government will explore synergy between the public and private sectors in order to ensure “the completion of all ongoing projects - roads, bridges, schools, and other physical infrastructure… we shall build a conducive environment for public-private partnership investments in virtually all sectors of the economy.”

To return again to the issue of plans and implementation, let us look, as we say in Delta state at Oborevwori’s “doings” since his inauguration.

Oborevwori has literally put his money where his mouth is – he has inspected ongoing work on projects in Warri, Effurun and its environs as well as the Ughelli Asaba dualisation project; met with different groups as a means of feeling the pulse of the people in order to better serve them; announced the provision of free healthcare for pregnant women and children under five years during the flagging off of the Maternal Newborn and Child health care wee and; met with Chairmen of LGA council to get their buy-in with regard to environmental sanitation and end to multiple taxation amongst others.

For naysayers who may be inclined to see these as populist moves common to politicians, let us look at his antecedents. As former Special Assistant on Youth Development Oborevwori has a handle on issues affecting the youth, as Special Adviser on Land Security, Coordinator of the Amnesty Programme and Senior Special Assistant on Security the Governor will not need help in delivering on securing and stabilising the state.

And as the longest serving Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Oborevwori has reviewed hundreds of pages of bills and proposals and superintended over hearings on various issues to build up historical knowledge and insights to help him prosecute his agenda.

So, as the state awaits the announcement of his cabinet, there is no doubt that this one governor who is well placed to deliver M.O.R.E than enough for his state.

*Toni Kan Onwordi, writer and PR and Developmental expert writes from London

IFC, NGX recognise Access Bank’s leadership in promoting/advancing women empowerment, gender equality

Africa’s retail giant, Access Bank Plc, has been recognized with the best Company Leadership in Gender Diversity Award; Family-Friendly Workplace Excellence Award, and Gender Equality Champion Award at the Gender Leader Awards (GLA) which held in Lagos, recently.

The Bank also received a special recognition for its efforts in advancing Women Empowerment and Leadership.

The Awards, organised by the International Finance Corporation (IFC) and the Nigerian Exchange (NGX) Limited, aimed to promote action toward enhancing gender equality and mainstreaming increased opportunities for women in leadership, employment, and entrepreneurship in the Nigerian private sector.

“We are grateful for this recognition and dedicate the award to our customers – particularly the women – who rely on us to provide the right support to scale their businesses and improve their quality of life through initiatives that go beyond banking,” remarked Roosevelt Ogbonna, GMD/CEO Access Bank Plc.

“As we champion gender equality through Nigeria2Equal, we recognise other private sector organisations that have demonstrated exceptional performance in advancing gender-focused initiatives. Indeed, these awards speak volumes about the accomplishments of our partnership with IFC, and celebrate the remarkable strides NGX listed companies have made towards realizing a gender-equal society. Access Bank will continue to champion this agenda through the W Initiative with a view to ensure our collective visions are realized,” Ogbonna continued.

Being implemented under the Nigeria2Equal (N2E) program, the GLA is also designed to recognise and celebrate private sector companies leading the way in gender equality performance.

Speaking on the awards, IFC Senior Country Manager for Nigeria, Liberia, and Sierra Leone, Kalim M. Shah, affirmed that “The Awards highlight the inspiring commitment of CEOs and other business leaders to building a more inclusive workplace where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

“IFC is proud to partner with NGX on the Nigeria2Equal program and on this important award, which underscores IFC’s ongoing commitment to equal opportunities for both men and women in Nigeria’s private sector,” he added.

On his part, the Chief Executive of NGX, Temi Popoola, said, “The awards epitomise our collective commitment to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and equitable private sector ecosystem in Nigeria.

Over the years, Access Bank has provided sustainable tools for women to access true financial inclusion and growth. In 2022, the lender disbursed N40.5 billion to over 64,845 women SMEs. The Group Head of Women Banking at Access Bank Plc, Abiodun Olubitan, recently confirmed the Bank will look to scale this figure to about N100 billion by the end of 2023.

The hybrid event featured, captains of industries, capital market regulators, policymakers, and investors among others.

A consultancy deal quietly orchestrated by Zainab Ahmed, former minister of finance, budget and national planning, is raising eyebrows in the power sector, with several insiders saying it is “illegal” and “a waste of public funds”.

To execute a Make-up Gas Reprocessing (MUGR) deal, the ministry appointed a “transaction adviser” in an arrangement that some fear might land the federal government in legal challenges.

Make-up gas (MUG) is the gas a power generation company (GenCo) has already paid for but has, for one reason or another, not utilised during the year.

A gas supply agreement (GSA), a bilateral transaction executed by a GenCo and a gas supplier, spells out terms for a review of the clauses.

Ahmed had proposed that Nigeria could covert the MUG to liquified natural gas (LNG) and export to earn revenue for the federation.

She sought and got the approval of former President Muhammadu Buhari.

However, there are now questions as to her engagement of Ahmed Zakari & Co, an accounting firm, as transaction advisers in what is purely a bilateral agreement between Calabar Generation Company Limited (Calabar GenCo) and Accugas Ltd.

Calabar GenCo is owned by the Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC), which belongs to the three tiers of government, while Accugas is a private company.

“Accugas and NDPHC were already discussing the extension of the sunset date for the utilisation of the MUG without the involvement of any consultant or adviser. Both parties subsequently executed an addendum to the GSA that provides for the MUG to be utilised within seven years,” an official of the ministry of finance told TheCable.

“The implication is that at the time Zainab Ahmed executed the transaction agreement with Ahmed Zakari & Co in September 2022, they all knew that there was really nothing for the firm to do, beside being paid for doing nothing.”

TheCable could not confirm the exact fees Zakari & Co is being paid but sources said it is dollars.

According to an industry insider who spoke with TheCable, “The standard practice with respect to the utilisation of MUG is for the buyer to contact the seller and for both contracting parties to negotiate alternative durations for the utilisation of the MUG. This is necessary because it is gas that the buyer has already paid for. There is usually no requirement for a third party to get involved. Indeed, because the GSA is a bilateral agreement, it will cease to be so if third and fourth parties get involved.

“What would usually happen is for the two parties to concede doing one of the following or both: one, renegotiate the take-or-pay quantity upon which the GSA was executed or, two, extend the sunset date for the utilisation of the MUG.”

Moyi Dahiru, then special assistant on power to Ahmed, had led the discussions with the power sector stakeholders to discuss the MUGR proposal early 2022.

In attendance were officials of the Nigerian Bulk Electricity Trading (NBET) Plc, NDPHC Ltd, Accugas and Azura.

An official of the ministry of finance told TheCable: “Azura made it clear to Mr Dahiru that they do not have any business with the MUGR, particularly because the government is not a party to the GSA.”

However, NDPHC — which manages the National Integrated Power Projects (NIPP), including 10 GenCos — did not raise any objections, reportedly because it did not want to upset ministry officials who process the payment of the gas invoices every month.

In February 2022, Ahmed secured an approval from Buhari to retain the accounting firm of Ahmad Zakari & Co as the transaction adviser.

This became effective from September 5, 2022 when the firm signed the agreement with the Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN), represented by the ministry of finance.

“Ahmad Zakari & Co’s agreement is of no effect, but money is being paid to the firm for doing nothing,” an official of the ministry of finance, who declined to be named for fear of victimisation, told TheCable.

“The truth is that top government officials usually connived with some of the principal members of staff in the Presidential Villa to mislead Buhari into signing all kinds of things, including appointments for the most unqualified persons and dubious payments.”

On May 24, 2023, Aliyu Ahmed, the permanent secretary in the ministry of finance, wrote a letter to Total Energies with the title ‘Make-Up gas re-purpose transaction, conveyance of extracts of presidential approval of global framework transaction’, conveying the directive of the government on the treatment of the MUG by GenCos.

The make-up gas belonging to Calabar GenCo is under the MUGR.

“If I were to advise President Bola Tinubu, he should direct the ministry of finance to stop all payments to Ahmed Zakari & Co and ask the ministry to submit a report of the payments that have been made to the firm so far and for what purposes,” an official said.

“President Tinubu should ask for all the agreements under this MUGR and demand a copy of the addendum which the Accugas executed with the NDPHC that extended the sunset date for the utilisation of the MUG to seven years.”

TheCable has contacted the media office of the former finance minister for comments.

TheCable understands that Dahiru has been putting pressure on Calabar GenCo to execute the deal since he left office with the former finance minister.

A few days after the announcement of Dr. Kingsley Emu as the substantive Secretary to the State Government of Delta state, a fellow member of a WhatsApp group made up of Delta state professionals of various stripes had asked in wonder – Na who be dis Kingsley Emu sef?

The question had elicited many answers with many describing him as a technocrat, a former banker, successful businessman, an experienced corporate mandarin and brilliant manager of men and resources.

Later that evening, away from WhatsApp and ruminating over my day, the question roiled my mind and has ultimately become the trigger for this piece. Who is Kingsley Emu and why was he among the first principal officers to be announced by Delta state Governor, His Excellency Rt. Honourable Sheriff Francis Orohwedor Oborevwori.

A quick disclaimer; Kingsley Emu was my boss at Continental Trust Bank, which morphed from MBCOMM and was promoted by Ike Nwabuoku and Tony Elumelu. That was where I first met him and became acquainted.

In the intervening yawn of time, Kingsley Emu the banker would berth at different financial institutions before taking his intellectual know-how and financial wizardry to the corridors of power at Delta state.

A native of Owanta in Ika North Local Government Area, Kingsley Emu graduated with a first degree in sociology from the University of Ibadan. He would return to his alma mater to pick up two more degrees, first a Masters in Industrial Sociology and another in Managerial Psychology (MMP).

In his continuing quest for academic excellence, Kingsley Emu became part of the pioneer cohort of the ESUT Business School Lagos from where he obtained a Masters in Business Administration (Marketing) in 1997.

He would go on to crown his academic endeavours with a doctorate in Management, with specialisation in Organisational Leadership from the University of Phoenix, Arizona, USA in 2012.

After over two decades in banking which began at the apex bank and evolved over time with stints in merchant, commercial and investment banking, Kingsley Emu pivoted to the public sector as a key figure in the Delta state government.

As a technocrat Emu has served at various times and held portfolios as the Honourable Commissioner for Economic Planning and Budget, Commissioner for Commerce and Industry and Chief Economic Adviser to Governor Ifeanyi Okowa before his appointment as Secretary to the State Government in the present administration.

And it is his present appointment as Secretary to the State Government that elicited the question which triggered this piece. What does an SSG do? The SSG is the right-hand man to the chief executive of a state; most often a technocrat and subject matter expert in one or more fields, he or she is key to policy interpretation, formulation and implementation. The SSG is also integral to the coordination of the multifarious activities of all Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDA's) in line with the aspiration and policies and agenda of the administration.

To borrow an Italian American term, the SSG is the governor’s Consigliere, his sounding board, adviser and counselor.

So, what qualifies Kingsley Emu for this position? To answer this question we must consider both physical and intellectual attributes. Kingsley Emu is a physical and intellectual giant. Physically imposing, he is the kind of man you describe as being “head and shoulders” above equals. Friendly and personable, he is the kind of man who steps into a room and owns it.

He is fluent in the language of policy, finance and economy having parlayed insights and experiences gained from his various stints in leadership positions in banking into his own personal businesses. His hospitality business continues to boom in Asaba despite the sprouting of new hotels almost on a daily basis.

As a sociologist and psychologist, Emu is a keen student of human behavior with a firm handle on human motivation and action. As a business and marketing expert, he understands how markets evolve and how policies can impact those markets for good or for ill.

Governance and policy formulation demand intellection, so his PhD in organisational leadership places him in pole position to coordinate the disparate strands of government while remaining on message policy wise.

His previous incarnations in government with remits running the gamut from commerce to budget and economic planning means that Kingsley Emu as SSG, will possess historical insights that would be invaluable to the economic team of Sheriff Oborevwori especially as the governor proceeds to implement his M.O.R.E agenda which hopes to impact areas that include job Creation, high GDP & IGR Generation, Capital Inflow, export of raw and processed agricultural products, improved economy and infrastructural facilities, as well as improved educational and healthcare systems amongst others.

Achieving these lofty ambitions requires commitment and resolve as well as the contribution of technocrats and key actors with a keen understanding not just of policy formulation but how those policies affect the citizenry in the short and long terms.

As immediate past head of the Delta State Economic Management Team (EMT), Kingsley Emu will face no hurdles in working with or coordinating the work of the Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) and the Technical Working Group (TWG) which were instrumental in putting together the Medium Term Development Plan II (DSMDP II) (2020 – 2023) which will no doubt be used as reference material for the implementation of Governor Oborevwori’s M.O.R.E agenda.

Developed as a successor Plan to the first plan (2016-2019), the DSMDP II sought to “consolidate the gains made under the ”S.M.A.R.T” Agenda and build on the State’s strength” based on a theory of change (ToC) focused on identifying “the challenges hindering socio-economic growth and development, the opportunities to be harnessed in addressing these challenges, as well as strategies, interventions and programmes that will enable the achievement of the desired outcomes.”

The focus of the ToC that has informed the DSMDP II is in sync with the M.O.R.E agenda and so already has a key driver who is no stranger to the policy premise and direction.

In answering that question posed on WhatsApp, one can then say that Kingsley Emu is the SSG of Delta state, a technocrat versed in policy, leadership and finance.

-Toni Kan Onwordi, writer and PR and Developmental expert writes from London

Stop dragging ACF into your political warfare or risk removal, leaders warn Chairman, Aduku
...advise him to limit Kogi politics to Kogi Elders Forum

Longstanding members of the Arewa Consultative Forum have warned the new Chairman of the forum, Gabriel Aduku, to desist from dragging the ACF into his personal political warfare in Kogi State or risk being removed as Chairman.

According to the members, representing the different Arewa states, the idea behind the formation of the ACF is, among others, to promote the development, unity, peace and prosperity of the Arewa North as an entity, while having a healthy relationship with other areas of the country.

In a statement on Tuesday, titled, “Stop Using ACF For Your Political Fights in Kogi State”, jointly signed by Dr. Asha Manga, who was the Governorship Candidate for Action Alliance in the just concluded elections; and Alhaji Sadiq Bulama, member, Borno State/ Secretary to the immediate past chairman of ACF, among others, the Arewa leaders said the ACF was never meant to be a divisive political tool in the hands of an individual or a few to use for their local political fights.

“This Press Release is necessary to quickly inform the general public that the recent position taken by the new chairman of ACF, Architect Gabriel Aduku, on the politics of his home state of Kogi should not be considered as the position of the ACF as an organization but a personal expression of his political sentiments,” they stressed.

The ACF stakeholders noted that though Aduku was barely two months in office, any leader of ACF, especially its chairman, was expected to be a father to all, irrespective of political affiliations, and not a champion of divisive politicking that could undermine the unity and peace of any part of Arewa.

“We are to unite the North, not divide it. Limit your Kogi politics within your Kogi East Elders’ Forum, don’t bring ACF down into it,” the ACF members cautioned the new Chairman.

“It is a public knowledge that Architect Aduku who also doubles as Chairman of the Kogi East Elders’ Forum has recently thrown his weight behind one of the governorship candidates in the November governorship election in Kogi State. Therefore, he cannot claim to be a disinterested party in the election. So, for him to now proceed to the ACF headquarters in Kaduna where he made scathing partisan political statements that are extremely divisive with regard to the November election could be mistaken as the collective position of the ACF which is not,” they said.

Those who signed the statement include Alhaji Ahamed Musa Kumo, ACF member, Gombe state; Hassan Mohammed, Bauchi State; Alhaji Tanko Malami, Kebbi State; Alhaji Munir Mohammed, Katsina State; Alhaji Nasiru Zakaria-Gwarzo, Kano State; Alhaji Bello Wadata, Sokoto State; Malam Usman Kabiru, Taraba State; and Umar Modibo, ACF member, Adamawa State.

THE STATEMENT READS IN FULL:

“We are members of the Arewa Consultative Forum from different states of Northern Nigeria. Most of us have been members of the ACF since the year 2000 and even prior.

“We wish to restate that the idea behind the formation of the ACF is, among others, to promote the development, unity, peace and prosperity of the Arewa North as an entity, while having a healthy relationship with other areas of the country.

“Therefore, ACF was never meant to be a divisive political tool in the hands of an individual or a few to use for their local political fights. This Press Release is necessary to quickly inform the general public that the recent position taken by the new chairman of ACF, Architect Gabriel Aduku, on the politics of his home state of Kogi should not be considered as the position of the ACF as an organization but a personal expression of his political sentiments.

“It is a public knowledge that Architect Aduku who also doubles as Chairman of the Kogi East Elders’ Forum has recently thrown his weight behind one of the governorship candidates in the November governorship election in Kogi State. Therefore, he cannot claim to be a disinterested party in the election. So, for him to now proceed to the ACF headquarters in Kaduna where he made scathing partisan political statements that are extremely divisive with regard to the November election could be mistaken as the collective position of the ACF which is not.

“Architect Aduku is barely two months in office. Any leader of ACF, especially its chairman, is expected to be a father to all, irrespective of political affiliations, and not a champion of divisive politicking that can undermine the unity and peace of any part of Arewa. It is highly condemnable for a person of Architect Aduku’s status to be fanning the embers of violence and instability by promoting such pessimistic political scenario in which he is suggesting that the November election might not hold.

“This could be taken to mean that he is engaging in a ridiculous fear-mongering that could instigate mass violence or cataclysmic bloodletting in the state.

“A real leader would never engage in promoting division but cohesion, especially a leader of our beloved ACF, which was founded on the honorable sociopolitical pedestal to promote peace, harmony and progress of every part of Arewa without exception.

“Mr. Aduku must stop this nefarious political adventurism or, at least, desist from dragging the ACF into his private political warfare. There are many ACF members in Kogi State and all of them belong to various political persuasions. They cannot afford to see their overall chairman giving the erroneous impression to the public that the ACF had anointed his own candidate in the next election and, therefore, utilize the platform of ACF to engage in political blackmail against his perceived political enemies.

“He either stops this kind of conduct immediately or resign from office or be removed.

Any further unguarded statement like this from him will lead to massive protests against him and we’ll ensure his immediate removal from office.

“We are to unite the North, not divide it. Limit your Kogi politics within your Kogi East Elders’ Forum, don’t bring ACF down into it.”

Delta state’s newly elected governor turned 60 on June 19, 2023, less than one month after his inauguration as the governor of Delta State.

His birthday has been celebrated across the country. The first salvo came from none other than Bishop David Oyedepo, whom Oborevwori acknowledges as his spiritual father. In his message, the cleric did not stint on praise and prayers. “May your leadership era in Delta State be a most impactful and transforming one, in the name of Jesus Christ. Once again, congratulations!”

A thanksgiving session at the Living Faith Church aka Winners Chapel, Asaba was followed by a reception at the Event Center in Asaba. The birthday party which was attended by former governors, brother governors and political big wigs of various stripes was marked by outpouring of good will and prayers.

The celebration of his 60th birthday and ascension to the pinnacle of Delta’s political leadership provides us with a unique opportunity to interrogate the emergence of Rt. Hon. Sheriff Francis Orohwedor Oborevwori as Governor of Delta state.

To provide context for that interrogation, we must reference a paragraph from Bishop Oyedepo’s birthday message: “As we all know, not everyone growing is ageing; while some are growing into new realms of impact, others are simply ageing away by the day.”

Oborevweri was born on 19th of June 1963 to the family of Chief Samuel Oborevwori of Osubi in Okpe Local Government Area of Delta State. Becoming governor on the cusp of his 60th birthday makes him the oldest elected person to ascend to that office in Delta state.

While the perceived wisdom is that age is usually an indication of wisdom, many by their actions and inactions have proven that aphorism to be false. And so the question must be asked; is Oborevwori growing into new realms of impact?
The answer should not be a difficult one going by his experience in government and governance, his political footprints and enviable antecedents.

Very few governors produced in Nigeria since the beginning of our democratic dispensation can boast the extensive political experience of Sheriff Oborevwori and that experience, as will become shortly evident, extends far beyond Delta state.

Armed with BA and MA degrees in Political Science, Sheriff Oborevwori appears to, as Ralph Waldo Emerson wrote many years ago, hitched his wagon to a star. He knew he wanted to be a politician. He studied for it to arm himself with the intellectual credentials but not content to play the armchair political pundit, he rolled up his sleeves and got in the trenches not just as a political appointee but one who will run for office and win on several occasions.

His sojourn in politics reads like a master class for “preparation meeting opportunity” having been learning the political ropes and honing his skills since 1996 when he was elected Councilor/Supervisory Councilor for Works in 1996 under the old Okpe Local Government Area, which included the present Udu and Uvwie Local Government Areas.

Between 2003-2006, he served out his first political appointment as Special Assistant to Governor James Ibori on Youth Development. His portfolio was changed in 2007 – 2010 when he was named Special Adviser to Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan on Land Security before transiting to State Coordinator of the Amnesty Programme between 2009 – 2010.

He would go on to serve as Senior Special Assistant on Security to the Governor between 2015 – 2019, when he threw his hat into the political ring, for a second time, to run for the House of Assembly. His bid was successful and Oborevwori emerged Member of the Delta State House of Assembly to represent Okpe Constituency.

Mercurial, methodical and always striving for more ways to add value and uplift the people whose mandate he holds, he emerged Honourable Speaker of the 6th Assembly of the Delta State House of Assembly in 2019 and was re-elected to the Speakership of the 7th Assembly.

As speaker of the Delta state assembly, Oborevwori was first elected Treasurer, Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures of Nigeria in 2020, a position he held before being elevated to Deputy Chairman of the Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures of Nigeria and then Executive Governor of Delta State.


Like the proverbial poplar of Christopher Okigbo’s poetry, Oborevwori is always thirsting for light and learning and insights that would be for the good of the larger majority.

Not content with his two degrees in Political Science and not daunted by his responsibilities as political appointee and politician, he found time to attend courses and obtain certificates from prestigious institutions across the globe; Certificate in Top Executive Leadership from Manchester Business School, UK; Certificate in Leading Inclusive Development from the London School of Economics and Political Science, Certificate in Advanced Leadership from the University of Cambridge, UK; Certificate in Legislative Framework for Budget Management from the Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, USA; Certificate in Legislative Management and Leadership from the International Law Institute, Washington DC, USA; amongst others.

The excursion through Sherrif Oborevwori political sojourn is important in contextualizing Oyedepo’s message in the framework of Oborevwori’s emergence. What does his string of qualifications both as a political gladiator and intellectual powerhouse augur for Delta state?

It means that Delta state has in Sherrif Oborevwori a politican, technocrat and intellectual who will not be stumped by documents filled with technical jargon; he will not be bamboozled by policy proposals from civil servants; he will not dither when he finds himself at the intersection of politics and policy; neither will he be tripped by the banana peel of legislative shenanigans. This is a man who has spent the better part of three decades preparing for this moment.

And for anyone in doubt, he served notice of his intentions by becoming one of the very first governors to appoint principal officers and his choices were instructive, especially in his appointment of Dr. Kingsley Emu as Secretary to the State Government. Emu a banker, economist, financial expert and dyed-in-the-wool technocrat, has also earned his stripes as a familiar and influential figure in the corridors of Delta politics.
For Sherrif Oborevwori, business was the first order of the day. His M.O.R.E agenda will privilege Meaningful development by providing Opportunities for all through Realistic reforms and Enhanced peace and security for all.


The expected tangible outcomes from the M.O.R.E agenda will be felt in areas that include Job Creation, High GDP & IGR Generation, Capital Inflow, Export of raw and processed agricultural products, Improved Economy of the State and living conditions, Environmental rejuvenation and Improved infrastructural facilities, Social stability and security of lives and properties as well as Improved educational and healthcare systems.
How realistic are these expectations and how successful will Oborevwori be in implementing his lofty agenda? The state is currently implementing a N642.8 billion budget made up of N571bn passed in December 2022 and a N71bn supplementary budget passed in May 2023 in the twilight hours of the Governor Ifeanyi Okowa administration.

Of that sum, N241.1 bn (58%) is slated for recurrent expenditure while N401.6bn (42%) will be utilized for capital expenditure. In his breakdown of the N571bn budget, Governor Okowa noted that: “In 2023, we propose to spend N111.4 billion on Works, N5.9 billion for Urban Renewal – Delta State Capital Territory Development Agency, N8.3 billion and Warri-Uvwie and Environs Development Agency, N8 billion. Others include N12.4 billion on Health; Education, N42.6 billion; Trade and Investment, N8.6 billion; Sports N8.4 billion; Culture and Tourism, N2.7 billion and Housing, N10 billion.”

How does this breakdown and budget assumptions chime with Oborevwori’s M.O.R.E agenda? Only time will tell but Delta state is luckier than most. The new governor is not just a member of the PDP which has witnessed a smooth transition from one governor to another, he was a key figure in the former administration so no doubt familiar with the SMART agenda.

The hope is that as he takes the reins, he will chart a new course of economic prosperity and development for Delta state by bringing to bear not just on his office but the lives of Deltans the breadth of his intellectual rigour, political sagacity and experience as a technocrat of the highest order.

– Toni Kan Onwordi, writer and PR and Developmental expert writes from London

Delta state’s newly elected governor turned 60 on June 19, 2023, less than one month after his inauguration as the governor of Delta State.

His birthday has been celebrated across the country. The first salvo came from none other than Bishop David Oyedepo, whom Oborevwori acknowledges as his spiritual father. In his message, the cleric did not stint on praise and prayers. “May your leadership era in Delta State be a most impactful and transforming one, in the name of Jesus Christ. Once again, congratulations!”

A thanksgiving session at the Living Faith Church aka Winners Chapel, Asaba was followed by a reception at the Event Center in Asaba. The birthday party which was attended by former governors, brother governors and political big wigs of various stripes was marked by outpouring of good will and prayers.

The celebration of his 60th birthday and ascension to the pinnacle of Delta’s political leadership provides us with a unique opportunity to interrogate the emergence of Rt. Hon. Sheriff Francis Orohwedor Oborevwori as Governor of Delta state.

To provide context for that interrogation, we must reference a paragraph from Bishop Oyedepo’s birthday message: “As we all know, not everyone growing is ageing; while some are growing into new realms of impact, others are simply ageing away by the day.”

Oborevweri was born on 9th of June 1963 to the family of Chief Samuel Oborevwori of Osubi in Okpe Local Government Area of Delta State. Becoming governor on the cusp of his 60th birthday makes him the oldest elected person to ascend to that office in Delta state.

While the perceived wisdom is that age is usually an indication of wisdom, many by their actions and inactions have proven that aphorism to be false. And so the question must be asked; is Oborevwori growing into new realms of impact?
The answer should not be a difficult one going by his experience in government and governance, his political footprints and enviable antecedents.

Very few governors produced in Nigeria since the beginning of our democratic dispensation can boast the extensive political experience of Sheriff Oborevwori and that experience, as will become shortly evident, extends far beyond Delta state.

Armed with BA and MA degrees in Political Science, Sheriff Oborevwori appears to, as Ralph Waldo Emerson wrote many years ago, hitched his wagon to a star. He knew he wanted to be a politician. He studied for it to arm himself with the intellectual credentials but not content to play the armchair political pundit, he rolled up his sleeves and got in the trenches not just as a political appointee but one who will run for office and win on several occasions.

His sojourn in politics reads like a master class for “preparation meeting opportunity” having been learning the political ropes and honing his skills since 1996 when he was elected Councilor/Supervisory Councilor for Works in 1996 under the old Okpe Local Government Area, which included the present Udu and Uvwie Local Government Areas.

Between 2003-2006, he served out his first political appointment as Special Assistant to Governor James Ibori on Youth Development. His portfolio was changed in 2007 – 2010 when he was named Special Adviser to Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan on Land Security before transiting to State Coordinator of the Amnesty Programme between 2009 – 2010.

He would go on to serve as Senior Special Assistant on Security to the Governor between 2015 – 2019, when he threw his hat into the political ring, for a second time, to run for the House of Assembly. His bid was successful and Oborevwori emerged Member of the Delta State House of Assembly to represent Okpe Constituency.

Mercurial, methodical and always striving for more ways to add value and uplift the people whose mandate he holds, he emerged Honourable Speaker of the 6th Assembly of the Delta State House of Assembly in 2019 and was re-elected to the Speakership of the 7th Assembly.

As speaker of the Delta state assembly, Oborevwori was first elected Treasurer, Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures of Nigeria in 2020, a position he held before being elevated to Deputy Chairman of the Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures of Nigeria and then Executive Governor of Delta State.


Like the proverbial poplar of Christopher Okigbo’s poetry, Oborevwori is always thirsting for light and learning and insights that would be for the good of the larger majority.

Not content with his two degrees in Political Science and not daunted by his responsibilities as political appointee and politician, he found time to attend courses and obtain certificates from prestigious institutions across the globe; Certificate in Top Executive Leadership from Manchester Business School, UK; Certificate in Leading Inclusive Development from the London School of Economics and Political Science, Certificate in Advanced Leadership from the University of Cambridge, UK; Certificate in Legislative Framework for Budget Management from the Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, USA; Certificate in Legislative Management and Leadership from the International Law Institute, Washington DC, USA; amongst others.

The excursion through Sherrif Oborevwori political sojourn is important in contextualizing Oyedepo’s message in the framework of Oborevwori’s emergence. What does his string of qualifications both as a political gladiator and intellectual powerhouse augur for Delta state?

It means that Delta state has in Sherrif Oborevwori a politican, technocrat and intellectual who will not be stumped by documents filled with technical jargon; he will not be bamboozled by policy proposals from civil servants; he will not dither when he finds himself at the intersection of politics and policy; neither will he be tripped by the banana peel of legislative shenanigans. This is a man who has spent the better part of three decades preparing for this moment.

And for anyone in doubt, he served notice of his intentions by becoming one of the very first governors to appoint principal officers and his choices were instructive, especially in his appointment of Dr. Kingsley Emu as Secretary to the State Government. Emu a banker, economist, financial expert and dyed-in-the-wool technocrat, has also earned his stripes as a familiar and influential figure in the corridors of Delta politics.
For Sherrif Oborevwori, business was the first order of the day. His M.O.R.E agenda will privilege Meaningful development by providing Opportunities for all through Realistic reforms and Enhanced peace and security for all.


The expected tangible outcomes from the M.O.R.E agenda will be felt in areas that include Job Creation, High GDP & IGR Generation, Capital Inflow, Export of raw and processed agricultural products, Improved Economy of the State and living conditions, Environmental rejuvenation and Improved infrastructural facilities, Social stability and security of lives and properties as well as Improved educational and healthcare systems.
How realistic are these expectations and how successful will Oborevwori be in implementing his lofty agenda? The state is currently implementing a N642.8 billion budget made up of N571bn passed in December 2022 and a N71bn supplementary budget passed in May 2023 in the twilight hours of the Governor Ifeanyi Okowa administration.

Of that sum, N241.1 bn (58%) is slated for recurrent expenditure while N401.6bn (42%) will be utilized for capital expenditure. In his breakdown of the N571bn budget, Governor Okowa noted that: “In 2023, we propose to spend N111.4 billion on Works, N5.9 billion for Urban Renewal – Delta State Capital Territory Development Agency, N8.3 billion and Warri-Uvwie and Environs Development Agency, N8 billion. Others include N12.4 billion on Health; Education, N42.6 billion; Trade and Investment, N8.6 billion; Sports N8.4 billion; Culture and Tourism, N2.7 billion and Housing, N10 billion.”

How does this breakdown and budget assumptions chime with Oborevwori’s M.O.R.E agenda? Only time will tell but Delta state is luckier than most. The new governor is not just a member of the PDP which has witnessed a smooth transition from one governor to another, he was a key figure in the former administration so no doubt familiar with the SMART agenda.

The hope is that as he takes the reins, he will chart a new course of economic prosperity and development for Delta state by bringing to bear not just on his office but the lives of Deltans the breadth of his intellectual rigour, political sagacity and experience as a technocrat of the highest order.

– Toni Kan Onwordi, writer and PR and Developmental expert writes from London

…keys to disaster mitigation remain preparedness, mitigation, response, recovery


Mustapha Habib Ahmed, Director General, National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) paid a visit to Kwara state on Thursday 22nd June 2023.

Ahmed led a delegation from the Agency to commiserate with the government and people of Kwara State over the recent boat mishap on the River Niger which claimed over 100 lives along Patigi Local Government Area of the State.

The DG’s team which was made up of the Director Relief and Rehabilitation Alh. Alhassan Nuhu, Special Assistant to the DG Mr. Idris Abubakar Mohammed, Head of NEMA Minna Operations Office Hajiya Zainab Suleiman and some support staff was received by the Deputy Governor of the State Mr. Kayode Alabi on behalf of Governor Abdulrazaq.

Speaking during the visit, Mustapha Habib Ahmed commiserated with the government and people of Kwara state over the boat mishap which he described as “particularly sad because of the extent of lives lost and damage caused to livelihoods of many persons.”

Ahmed thanked the Kwara State Government under the able leadership of His Excellency Alhaji Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq for providing first line support to the affected persons before calling “on relevant authorities responsible for safety on our waterways to put in measures that will forestall a re-occurrence”.

In concluding, he announced that the agency had made provisions for relief materials to be distributed to the affected based on damage assessment and need analysis conducted by NEMA. The relief items are meant to complement the efforts of the Kwara State Government in providing immediate succor to the affected persons.

The items included 1,000 bags of rice (10kg), 1,000 bags of maize (10kg), 1,000 bags of beans (10kg), 50 kegs of vegetable oil, 200 pieces of plastic buckets, 100 cartons of detergent, 220 blankets, 200 nylon mats and 250 mattresses amongst others.

The previous day, Mustapha Habib Ahmed had visited Akwa Ibom state where he flagged off the “the downscaling of disaster early warning measures to grassroots for effective live-saving early actions during the 2023 rainy season.”

Referencing the 2023 Seasonal Climate Prediction (SCP) and Annual Flood Outlook (AFO) released earlier in the year by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET) and the Nigerian Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) respectively, the DG noted that the “two vital documents contain meteorological forecasts indicating early onset of rainfall and high probability of flooding across the country during the year.”

Speaking to the imperative of awareness creation and early warning signal measures as critical for flood prevention, Ahmed noted that Nigeria suffered the most devastating incident of flooding in 2022 during which 665 Nigerians were killed and over 2 million persons displaced.

He said that in order to avoid a re-occurrence, the agency has as “part of our disaster risk communication… written letters to all State Governors and responsible partners drawing their attention on imminent floods and associated secondary hazards during the rainy season to avoid a repeat of what we experienced last year.”

Describing disasters as local, Ahmed noted that the cooperation of state and local governments is critical because they are providers of first line support which has informed the downscaling measures and awareness creation which will help states and local government take proactive and preventive measures in line with NEMA’s paradigm shift towards disaster risk reduction.