On Saturday, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Afam Osigwe won the presidential election of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA)

Osigwe, was called to the Bar in 1999, who is set to become the 32nd NBA president when the outgoing president, Yakubu Maikyau, completes his two-year tenure in August.

Mr. Osigwe, a former General Secretary of the NBA from 2014 to 2016, secured 20,435 votes, more than half of the total ballots cast for the presidential position, defeating his two rivals. Tobenna Ikwuazom came in a distant second with 10,998 votes, while another SAN, Chukwuka Ikuazom, who withdrew from the race midway through the election on Saturday, came third with 9,018 votes.

The election was restricted to eligible candidates from the Eastern Bar of the NBA, as it was their turn under the association’s zoning arrangement to fill the position for the next two years.

He is taking over from Maikyau who represents the Northern Bar. The other regional bars within the NBA are the Western Bar and the Mid-Western Bar, which many still see as part of the Western Bar.

What you should know about Osigwe

The new NBA President-elect, Afam Osigwe, was born on October 25, 1972. He graduated from the University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus in 1997 and was called to the Bar in 1999. He began his legal career with Chike Chigbue and Co., Abuja Office in 1999, and left in 2002 to establish his firm, LAW FORTE (Legal Practitioners, Corporate Consultants, and Notary Public). In 2006, he became a Notary Public of the Supreme Court of Nigeria.

In 2010, Osigwe completed a face-to-face tutorial at Keble College, Oxford, earning a Diploma in International Commercial Arbitration. He became a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (UK) in 2011. In 2007, he obtained a Master’s of Laws Degree (LL.M) from the University of Jos, and he also holds another LL.M in Transnational Commercial Practice from the Centre for International Legal Studies, Austria, in collaboration with Lazarski University, Poland.

Osigwe has acted as counsel in numerous arbitral proceedings and has served as a sole arbitrator or member of arbitral tribunals in commercial disputes. He is an avid reader and researcher.

Osigwe was the last person to hold office as Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association, Abuja Branch (Unity Bar), covering the entire Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. During his tenure, the Bwari and Gwagwalada Branches were created.

By consent of the chairmen of the Bwari and Gwagwalada Branches, he became the first Chairman of Chairmen of NBA Branches in the FCT in 2012. He was sworn in as the General Secretary of the Nigerian Bar Association in August 2014 and held that position until his tenure ended on August 26, 2016.

Mr. Osigwe, who campaigned to tackle corruption in the Bar and on the bench, is expected to revive the NBA’s traditional role of holding public officers accountable.

The inauguration of the new president and other national officers is scheduled to take place during the NBA 2024 Annual Conference in Lagos between 23 and 28 August.

[TNG]

Nollywood actor Uzor Arukwe revealed that his attempt to break into the industry was met with failure, leaving him jobless from November 2012 to November 2013 without a single movie role offer. When he finally started landing roles, the pay was meager, ranging from N1,000 to N10,000, and even a humiliating "thank you for coming" at one point.

Arukwe shared his struggles, saying, "I worked in various industries, including telecoms, retail, and sports. However, I was fired from Etisalat in 2012, a fact I haven't even shared with my mother. As the team leader, I took the fall for a departmental mishap. Five years later, when I hoped to become a manager, I was instead demoted to a specialist role."

He continued, "I tried to transition into film in 2012, but progress was slow. Between November 2012 and December 2013, I only landed a single stage drama gig, courtesy of Seyi Babatope. For an entire year, I was jobless and received no film offers. It was a bleak period."

Arukwe added, "I considered returning to my previous career, dusted off my certificate, and eventually secured another job. I spent five more years in the corporate world before deciding to pursue acting full-time in April 2018. My first gig with Iroko came on August 28, 2018, a time when I was broke and struggling. It was so dire that I found myself saying prayers at noon."

Former group managing directors (GMDs) of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited have urged the current GCEO Mele Kyari to enhance public information regarding NNPC operations following its transition to a private entity under the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).

They emphasised that improved communication would foster transparency and trust, addressing long-standing perceptions of secrecy surrounding the company even as they expressed concern over misinformation stemming from limited public information.

The GMDs said this in a communique issued on Saturday at the end of their chief executive officers forum in Abuja.

They also commended the current leadership for achievements in production growth, infrastructure development, and environmental initiatives, while emphasising the need for transparency to counter misleading narratives about NNPC’s progress and challenges in the oil and gas sector.

“We also noted that limited information is in the public domain on NNPC’s operations since transition to a private commercial entity. This has led to misleading commentary which we believe is not in tandem with the strides achieved by the company,” they said.

This is as they expressed their unwavering support for the current leadership and their efforts in advancing the company’s strategic objectives across key sectors of the Nigerian economy.

The former GMDs that attended the meeting and signed the communiqué are Dr Jackson Gaius Obaseki ; Chief Chamberlain Oyibo;Engr Funsho Kupolokun; Engr Abubakar Lawal Yar’adua; Engr Austen Oniwon and Engr Andrew Yakubu.

The forum provided insights on NNPC’s transition post Petroleum Industry Act, the challenges and opportunities therefrom.

During the meeting, the GMDs said they obtained insights into NNPC’s business activities in the context of global energy industry dynamics, strategic aspirations and operational updates.

In particular, they said in the communique that oil and gas production growth plan, gas infrastructure project delivery plan, progress on refinery rehabilitation and issues related to petroleum product supply and energy security were discussed.

They commended Kyari and the NNPC Ltd management in their efforts in increasing crude oil and gas production, funding of upstream operations and investments, gas supply and infrastructure development for domestic and export including CNG and LPG delivery, refineries rehabilitation progress and reduction in carbon emissions and commercialisation of Nigeria’s vast gas resources

The GMDs said, “We commend Mele Kyari as the first Group CEO to implement the PIA, and noted with satisfaction the progress made with hope that its limitations will be addressed over time.

“We expressed our satisfaction in the achievements recorded and encouraged the management team to continue advancing strategies to improve operations, grow portfolio, and manage talent.

“We note with satisfaction the continuation of the policy on recruitment which takes into consideration the principles of diversity and inclusion as well as performance based career progression via a transparent process.

“We empathise with the management team over the state of onshore operations with over seven thousand illegal refineries destroyed and over five thousand illegal connections removed.

“We reiterate that any attack on crude oil and gas facilities as well as illegal refining are acts of criminality and economic sabotage.”

They called on the government to ensure that all activities hindering oil and gas exploration and production in Nigeria are sanctioned.

The former NNPC Bosses also appreciated that the PIA has made provisions for the Host communities’ development and also provided for sustainable funding.

“We trust that Government Security Agencies will do the needful and ensure that crude oil theft, illegal refining and activities of pipeline vandals are stopped to allow for investment and growth of Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.

“We appreciate the support that all tiers of Government and the Nigerian citizens continue to give NNPC and trust that this will be sustained by the present administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” they added.

 [Leadership]

The former spokesperson for the Atiku Abubakar Presidential Campaign Organisation, Segun Showunmi, has stated that northern politicians visiting former President Muhammadu Bukhari, with the intention of unseating President Bola Tinubu in 2027 may be disappointed.

Naija News reports that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain, in an interview with Punch, said Buhari is straightforward and would not join any conspiracy to unseat Tinubu.

According to Showunmi, Buhari will have no choice in 2027 but to return the favour President Tinubu did to him in 2019.

Speaking further, the PDP chieftain said Nigerians will also determine the fate of Tinubu in the next election based on his performance.

He said, “What I know for a fact is that anybody who loves Nigeria will think very deeply about the present circumstance Nigeria is in and what should be the way out even for the future. Buhari is not a conspirator; that is not in his nature. He doesn’t join people in conspiring, to be planning against people. That is not him. He is as straightforward as a knife. So, if anybody is going to him looking for a conspiracy, the person may be disappointed.

“The reason is that I have a feeling that Buhari may have no choice but to return the favour that President Bola Tinubu did to him in 2019. In the build-up to 2015, all the leaders were on the same page with Bola Tinubu and Buhari, to make Buhari President at that time. By 2019, all of them had left that agenda, they had gone on to the PDP agenda, Bola Tinubu did not move, even when President Buhari was a little bit ill, and people felt it was a good time for people to dump him, but Tinubu did not move. He stood by him (Buhari) to help him achieve 2019.

“Without prejudice, I know Buhari very well, and that is going to be weighing very heavily on his mind. Will it now be time for him to stand by Bola Tinubu or will he dump him? I know that at the back of Buhari’s mind, he will consider what is in the best interest of Nigeria. I don’t want anybody to link any politics to this visit, and I don’t want anybody to imagine that there is any crisis between Buhari and President Bola Tinubu, but I also don’t want anybody, especially President Bola Tinubu, to sit in the Villa with his friends and be making unrealistic assumptions as to how 2027 will look like.

If they have done well with the economy, the Nigerian people will tell them; if they have done well with insecurity, the Nigerian people will tell them. If they have done well with inflation, the Nigerian people will tell them. If they have done well with the cost of living, the Nigerian people will tell them. If they have done well with poverty alleviation, the Nigerian people will tell them. If they have done well with debt in the country, the Nigerian people will tell them, and in any case, what the future holds is in the hands of God, but if you underrate the influence of Muhammadu Buhari in the rural North, especially, in the rural North-West, you are a joker.”

[NaijaNews]

Nigeria boasts a population of approximately 200 million with about 70% of the population under 30, and 42% under the age of 15. 

Despite this, the correlation between investment in human capital and the country’s economic growth and development has not yielded substantial results. 

This is partly due to unemployment, poverty, and insecurity. Of course, this social and economic situation makes migration attractive to young people. 

 However, a recent report by PricewaterhouseCoopers highlights Nigeria’s significant Brain Capital advantage, with a large youthful population averaging 19 years old.

This demographic stands in contrast to the ageing populations observed in countries such as Germany, Japan, Italy, and the United States, where it’s projected that the worldwide working-age population will experience a 10% decline by 2060. 

Nigeria has already demonstrated prowess across various service sectors, including entertainment and sports, showcasing talent capable of competing and excelling in the global market.  

 At the forefront of this dynamic industry are core professionals adept at identifying and nurturing talent, building experience and boosting portfolios to compete not only locally but on the international job market.  

In the tradition of Nairametrics, we spotlight some influential female human capital professionals within various industries based on their experience and companies in their career portfolios.  

[Nairametrics]

President of Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, has asserted that products refined at the Dangote Petroleum Refinery & Petrochemicals, the world’s largest single train refinery, are of superior quality compared to imported equivalents and meet international standards.

He expressed his confidence after the House leadership insisted on testing other diesel products, alongside Dangote’s diesel at its state-of-the-art laboratory.

During a tour of both Dangote Petroleum Refinery and the Dangote Fertiliser Limited complex by members of the House of Representatives, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, and other members who observed the testing of Automotive Gas Oil (diesel) from two petrol stations alongside Dangote Petroleum Refinery, praised the company for its significant investments and contributions to Nigeria’s development.

The diesel samples were procured from two well-known filling stations near Eleko junction along the Lekki Epe Expressway, by the honourable members. Chairman of the House Committee on Downstream, Hon. Ikeagwunon Ugochinyere, and Chairman of the House Committee on Midstream, Hon. Okojie Odianosen, oversaw the collection of samples from the Mild Hydro Cracking (MHC) unit of Dangote refinery for testing of all the samples.

Lab tests revealed that Dangote’s diesel had a sulphur content of 87.6 ppm (parts per million), whereas the other two samples showed sulphur levels exceeding 1800 ppm and 2000 ppm respectively.

Dangote emphasised that these findings debunked claims made by Farouk Ahmed, CEO of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Authority, who recently asserted that imported diesel surpasses domestically refined products.

Ahmed had alleged that Dangote refinery and other modular refineries like Waltersmith and Aradel produced diesel with sulphur content ranging from 650 to 1200 ppm—a statement criticised by many Nigerians as a tactic to favour imported products over local ones.

Dangote openly challenged the regulator to compare the quality of refined products from his refinery with those imported, advocating for an impartial assessment to determine what best serves the interests of Nigerians.

“We produce the best diesel in Nigeria. It’s disheartening that instead of safeguarding the market, the regulator is undermining it. Our doors are open for the regulator to conduct tests on our products anytime; transparency is paramount to us.’

“It would be beneficial for the regulator to showcase its laboratory to the world so Nigerians can compare. Our interest is Nigeria first because if Nigeria doesn’t grow, we have limited capacity for growth.

“Right Honourable Speaker and esteemed members, you’ve witnessed the results of the credibility test. I appreciate your wise counsel in procuring samples from the filling stations alongside our refinery’s product. Ours shows a sulphur content of 87.6 ppm, approximately 88, whereas the others exceeded 1,800 ppm. Although the NMDPRA permits local refiners to produce diesel with sulphur content up to 650 ppm until January 2025, as approved by ECOWAS, ours is significantly lower.

“Next week, we aim to achieve 10 ppm, aligning with the Euro V standard. Imported diesel is capped at 50 ppm, but as you’ve seen, those from the stations, imported by major marketers, fall well outside this standard.”

Dangote pointed out that high-sulphur content diesel regularly imported into the country often comes with dubious certifications.

He emphasised that the most effective method to verify the quality is to purchase the product directly from filling stations and conduct credibility tests.

According to him, this issue has resulted in both health risks and financial losses for Nigerians.

“Dubious certifications often accompany the importation of high-sulphur diesel into Nigeria, causing both health risks and financial losses for Nigerians,” noted Dangote.”

“The best method to verify this is to purchase the product directly from filling stations where end-users obtain it. I believe Farouk Ahmed speaks without sufficient knowledge of our refinery. We have successfully exported diesel and jet fuel to Europe and Asia without any complaints; in fact, we have received repeated orders, indicating satisfaction with our products.”

Supporting Dangote’s assertion, VP of Gas and Oil at Dangote Industries Limited, Devakumar Edwin, highlighted recent actions by European countries like Belgium and the Netherlands. “These countries have expressed concerns about the carcinogenic effects of high-sulphur diesel being dumped into the Nigerian market, prompting them to impose bans on such fuel exports to West Africa.”

Edwin informed the federal lawmakers that the Dangote Petroleum Refinery, designed to process a wide range of crudes including various African and Middle Eastern crudes, as well as US Light Tight Oil, conforms to Euro V specifications.

[DailyTrust]

Elder statesman, Dr Chike Obidigbo, has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to restrain his aide, Bayo Onanuga, from making intemperate public statements that could destroy Nigeria.

Obidigbo regretted that the Special Assistant to the President on Media and Strategy has been making inciting remarks and provocative hate speeches that could not only damage Nigeria’s feeble national cohesion but also set the nation on a needless conflagration.

The industrialist condemned Onanuga’s recent statement claiming that the 2023 Presidential candidate of the Labour Party LP), Peter Obi and his supporters called the Obidients should be blamed for the planned national protest against bad governance.

In a statement released to journalists on Sunday, Obidigbo lamented that despite Onanuga’s experience in media practice and knowledge of Nigeria’s troubled political history, the presidential aide continues to spew hate and divisive utterances.

“Many people still remember Onanuga’s role during the military era, when the Nigerian press adopted guerilla tactics to call attention to the oppressive regimes in the country. But, having witnessed and currently benefiting from the nation’s democracy, this veteran journalist has thrown caution to the wind.

“Onanuga has formed the habit of talking down on Nigerians as if he is at the head of a military junta. When he is not withdrawing ill-conceived communication, he churns out statements dripping with deep-seated bile and hateful innuendos sentences.

“His latest attempt to link the former Governor of Anambra State with the youth-propelled national protest comes as one of the unthinking statements unbefitting a presidential aide. Onanuga should be reminded that when the dark clouds he is invoking bring down rain, nobody’s roof will be safe,” Obidigbo stated.

He regretted that at a time when countless multinational business organisations were leaving the country due to unstable economic indices, the likes of Onanuga should find time to gloat about the last presidential election.

Obidigbo stated: “Onanuga and indeed all those in public offices should reckon that Nigeria is at a tricky crossroads and show some level of empathy to Nigerian masses who are going through excruciating hardship compounded by insecurity, rising food prices and cost of living challenges.

“In his heart of hearts, Bayo Onanuga knows that Mr Peter Obi has been exemplary in conduct and character and has remained focused on the issues of economic development, especially mitigating mass poverty and giving a helping hand to the poorest of the poor.

“During the electioneering, Mr Peter was elegant in his public communication and campaign messaging. He resisted provocations and attempts to be drawn to divisive rhetoric that bedevilled Nigeria’s partisan politics.

“But, Onanuga’s attempt to single out Igbo for hate by his dangerous innuendo is not lost on well-meaning Nigerians. This is not the first time the veteran journalist should descend so low to promote bigotry and ethnic baiting against the Igbo. And it is high time President Tinubu calls him to order unless Igbo bashing is at the core of the presidential communication.”

Obidigbo said the myriad of socio-economic challenges confronting Nigeria trumps the continuing efforts to isolate Igbo through nepotism and ethnic bashing, adding that the day equity and justice become the hallmark of national reconciliation, Nigeria will begin the process of national healing.

“Denying Igbo of political offices could be excused but trying to despoil their reputation and dependence on self-help could end up as the last straw that breaks the Camel’s back,” he cautioned.

[DailyPost]

Anambra state governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, and the speaker of the State House of Assembly, Somtochukwu Udeze, have praised the election of Afam Osigwe, as the 32nd president of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA).

In their separate statements, Soludo and Udeze expressed that Osigwe’s tenure would introduce a fresh perspective to the legal profession.

Both leaders from Anambra expressed their excitement about an Anambra-born legal expert leading the NBA in Nigeria.

They emphasised that Osigwe’s election is a testament to his exceptional qualities and dedication to the legal profession.

Soludo conveyed his confidence that Osigwe’s leadership would positively disrupt legal practice in the country, marking a new era of excellence.

He added that like everything Anambra, Osigwe’s tenure would bring about a paradigm shift, elevating the legal profession.

“Mazi Afam Osuigwe SAN we look forward to a distinct and excellent leadership for the Nigerian Bar under your watch.

“Like everything Anambra, I am certain that your tenure shall herald a paradigm shift that will positively disrupt legal practice in our country. Congratulations to you Learned Silk”, the governor said.

For the speaker: “I am delighted to learn about the election of Afam Osigwe, a respected Senior Advocate of Nigeria and a proud son of Anambra, as the 32nd President-elect of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA).

“Dear Eminent Jurist, we are excited about your new role and confident that your leadership will bring positive changes to the Nigerian Bar.

“With your dedication and the proud legacy of Anambra behind you, I am sure you will inspire a new era of excellence in our legal system.

“It is also a personal joy to recall our shared experiences as classmates at DMGS, Onitsha. On behalf of the Anambra State House of Assembly, I extend my heartfelt congratulations. We are proud of your achievement and look forward to seeing the great strides you will make”, Udeze wrote

The lawmaker representing Abia North Senatorial District in the National Assembly, Orji  Kalu, has backed calls for part-time legislature at both federal and state levels.

Speaking to reporters at an event in Umuahia, the Abia State capital, on Saturday, Kalu said the move would help reduce the cost of governance and enhance the people’s trust in the system.

The former Governor of Abia state also supported calls for a constitutional amendment.

He said, “I think it will be a very good idea if my colleagues and other members of the Houses of Assembly will agree that we can sit for three months and do constitutional amendment first. 

“So we can sit four times a year, and if there’s any emergency, there will be emergency sitting. We can come to do a presidential bid on that basis and go back instead of sitting on a full-time basis.

“Not only the Senate and the House of Representatives but all the legislative houses in Nigeria will be part-time.”

Kalu also stated that regional government is another viable alternative of reducing the cost of governance, amid the worsening economic situation of the country.

He added, “If we’re going for a regional government, it also means that the ministers, the legislators, will be the same. I’ve been tinkering with the idea of how we can save money to run Nigeria because the country needs money.

“I will encourage the President, the National Assembly to make these kinds of laws. This will help him, and this will help the system, and this will help everybody.”

[Punch]

President of Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, has advised regulators of Petroleum Refinery & Petrochemical products to safeguard the market rather than undermining it.

The Africa richest man stated that dubious certifications accompany the importation of high-sulphur diesel into Nigeria, causing both health risks and financial losses for Nigerians.

Dangote who disclosed this during the weekend was reacting to the statement credited to the Authority Chief Executive, Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, Engr. Farouk Ahmed.

Engr. Farouk had alleged that Dangote refinery and other modular refineries like Waltersmith and Aradel produced diesel with high sulphur contents.

However, in a riposte Dangote opined: “We produce the best diesel in Nigeria. It’s disheartening that instead of safeguarding the market, the regulator is undermining it. Our doors are open for the regulator to conduct tests on our products anytime; transparency is paramount to us. It would be beneficial for the regulator to showcase its laboratory to the world so Nigerians can compare. Our interest is Nigeria first because if Nigeria doesn’t grow, we have limited capacity for growth.

“Right Honourable Speaker and esteemed members; you’ve witnessed the results of the credibility test. I appreciate your wise counsel in procuring samples from the filling stations alongside our refinery’s product. Ours shows sulphur content of 87.6 ppm, approximately 88, whereas the others exceeded 1,800 ppm.

“Although the NMDPRA permits local refiners to produce diesel with sulphur content up to 650 ppm until January 2025, as approved by ECOWAS, ours is significantly lower. Next week, we aim to achieve 10 ppm, aligning with the Euro V standard. Imported diesel is capped at 50 ppm, but as you’ve seen, those from the stations, imported by major marketers, fall well outside this standard.

“Dubious certifications often accompany the importation of high-sulphur diesel into Nigeria, causing both health risks and financial losses for Nigerians.

“The best method to verify this is to purchase the product directly from filling stations where end-users obtain it. I believe Farouk Ahmed speaks without sufficient knowledge of our refinery. We have successfully exported diesel and jet fuel to Europe and Asia without any complaints; in fact, we have received repeated orders, indicating satisfaction with our products.”

Similarly, the Vice President of Gas and Oil at Dangote Industries Limited, Devakumar Edwin, informed the federal lawmakers that the Dangote Petroleum Refinery, designed to process a wide range of crudes, including various African and Middle Eastern crudes, as well as US Light Tight Oil, conforms to Euro V specifications.

Noting that products from the $20 billion facility are of high quality and meet international standards, Edwin said it can meet 100% of Nigeria’s demand for petrol, diesel, kerosene, and aviation Jet, with surpluses available for export.

On his part, the Group’s Vice President, Olakunle Alake, expressed disappointment over accusations of monopoly against the Dangote Group, stressing that there are multiple players in the industry, including the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), which operates four refineries.

In his response, Rt. Hon. Abass, said: “Today’s visit to the magnificent facilities of Dangote Industries Oil Refinery section has been nothing short of enlightening. It has afforded us a rare opportunity to witness first-hand the monumental strides that your organisation has made in transforming the landscape of petroleum production in Nigeria. The sheer scale and sophistication of this facility are awe-inspiring; it stands as a beacon of hope for our country as we navigate through the turbulent waters of energy supply challenges.

 “Each corner of this facility resonates with the echoes of hard work, dedication, and an unyielding pursuit of quality. Every drop produced here carries not just oil but also the hopes and dreams of millions who yearn for a brighter future. We are deeply impressed by what we have seen during this visit which confirms the rating of this industry as the single largest oil refinery in Africa. This remarkable achievement does not merely reflect corporate success; it symbolises national pride, a tribute to what can be accompanied when visionary leadership meets relentless determination.

 “I would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the myriad challenges that have beset this remarkable facility. The regulatory hurdles that often loom like dark clouds over progress, the complexities surrounding crude oil supplies that can stifle even the most ambitious endeavours, and the daunting economic landscape we navigate especially in these times when our economy grapples with foreign exchange constraints are all formidable adversaries. Yet, despite these tribulations, your unwavering commitment to excellence shines through.”