Details have emerged of the intrigues that played out on Friday leading to the exit of OpenAI’s popular CEO, Sam Altman, and the company’s co-founder and Chairman, Greg Brockman.

A statement from OpenAI, noted that a deliberative review process by the board concluded that Altman “was not consistently candid in his communications with the board, hindering its ability to exercise its responsibilities.” Hence, the board no longer has confidence in his ability to continue leading OpenAI.

Altman thereafter announced his resignation via a post on X but without the details. However, ousted Chairman, Greg Brockman shared the events that led to their exit, while expressing shock at the decision of the board.

How we were removed

Giving a blow-by-blow account of the incident, Brockman in a post on X, which was also reposted by Altman, shared:

• “Sam and I are shocked and saddened by what the board did today. Let us first say thank you to all the incredible people who we have worked with at OpenAI, our customers, our investors, and all of those who have been reaching out.
• “We too are still trying to figure out exactly what happened. Here is what we know:
• Last night, Sam got a text from Ilya asking to talk at noon on Friday. Sam joined a Google Meet and the whole board, except Greg, was there. Ilya told Sam he was being fired and that the news was going out very soon.
• “At 12:19 pm, Greg got a text from Ilya asking for a quick call. At 12:23 pm, Ilya sent a Google Meet link. Greg was told that he was being removed from the board (but was vital to the company and would retain his role) and that Sam had been fired. Around the same time, OpenAI published a blog post.
• “As far as we know, the management team was made aware of this shortly after, other than Mira who found out the night prior.
• “The outpouring of support has been really nice; thank you, but please don’t spend any time being concerned. We will be fine. Greater things coming soon.”

The new OpenAI CEO

Meanwhile, the board has also announced the appointment of a new CEO to replace Altman. According to the board, Mira Murati, the company’s chief technology officer, will serve as interim CEO, effective immediately.

A member of OpenAI’s leadership team for five years, Mira is said to have played a critical role in OpenAI’s evolution into a global AI leader.

• “She brings a unique skill set, and understanding of the company’s values, operations, and business, and already leads the company’s research, product, and safety functions. Given her long tenure and close engagement with all aspects of the company, including her experience in AI governance and policy, the board believes she is uniquely qualified for the role and anticipates a seamless transition while it conducts a formal search for a permanent CEO,” the OpenAI board stated.

[Nairametrics]

Liberia’s incumbent president and football legend, George Weah, conceded defeat on Friday evening after nearly complete returns showed opposition leader, Joseph Boakai, leading with 50.89 per cent of the vote.

“Ladies and gentlemen, tonight the CDC (party) has lost the election, but Liberia has won. This is the time for graciousness in defeat, to put national interest above personal interest,” he said in a speech on national radio.

Results published by the electoral commission after tallying the ballots from more than 99 per cent of polling stations gave Weah 49.11 per cent of the votes cast.

The 78-year-old Boakai beat Weah by just over 28,000 votes.

Weah said he had spoken to Boakai “to congratulate him on his victory”.

“The Liberian people have spoken, and we have heard their voice. However, the closeness of the results reveals a deep division within our country,” Weah said in his speech.

Around 2.4 million Liberians were eligible to vote on Tuesday, but no turnout figures have been released.

Dozens of Boakai’s supporters danced in celebration outside one of his party’s offices in the capital Monrovia.

The elections were the first since the United Nations in 2018 ended its peacekeeping mission, created after more than 250,000 people died in two civil wars in Liberia between 1989 and 2003.

[DailyTrust]

The Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) has conferred the title of a professor on Abubakar-Surajo Imam, a lieutenant-colonel and Head of Department of Mechatronics Engineering at the institution.

Imam is now is now Professor of Mechatronics Engineering.

He is said to be the first professor from among serving personnel in the history of the Nigerian Army.

The Registrar of the Academy, A.M Tukur, a brigadier-general, announced the promotion in a statement in Kaduna.

He said the promotion was ratified during the NDA Council Meeting in September, and took effect from 1 October 2022.

The registrar said that the council’s decision was a reflection of the confidence and recognition of the contributions of Imam to the Department of Mechatronics Engineering of the Academy.

He said the new professor has provided exemplary services and upheld the standards of excellence expected in his field.

“This recognition not only honours Professor Imam but also highlights the commitment of the Nigerian Defence Academy to acknowledging and rewarding outstanding contributions within its academic community.”

“On behalf of the Commandant and staff of the Academy, I sincerely congratulate you on your well-deserved promotion. It is expected that you will continue to work hard to justify the confidence.”

Profile

Imam, who hails from Kankia in Katsina State, has a bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from Bayero University, Kano, Kano State.

He also holds a master’s degree in Mechatronics from Newcastle University, United Kingdom, and PhD in Mechatronics and Robotics from the same university.

Imam joined the Nigerian Army as a member of Short Service Combatant Course 32, and was assigned to the Nigerian Army Corps of Electrical and Mechanical Engineering.

He later converted to Regular Commission, and served in numerous units including 1 Base Workshop, Technical Group EME, HQ Nigerian Army Electrical and Mechanical Engineers Corps, and DICON.

Imam is an Examiner and Member Central Selection Committee for Master’s and PhD candidates being sponsored by the Petroleum Technology Development Fund.

He is also a researcher with the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON), the Defence Research and Development Bureau, Abuja, Command Engineering Depot, Buffalo Engineering Technology, and National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure.

Imam is also a researcher with the Air Force Institute of Technology, Kaduna, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, and Aliko Dangote University of Science and Technology in Wudil, Kano State.

The new professor has attended over 40 international workshops and numerous seminars and presented papers at several conferences in the United Kingdom, Spain, Egypt and the United States of America.

He currently doubles as Head, Department of Mechatronics Engineering and Director Centre for Innovation and Creativity, at the NDA.

At the NDA, Imam has through his Research and Development efforts enormously contributed to enhancing the visibility of the Academy among Nigerian Universities.

He spearheaded the founding of the NDA Department of Mechatronic Engineering, and the establishment of the Centre for Innovation and Creativity.

The centre’s serves as platform for the realisation of Nigeria’s Military Industrial Complex through promotion of innovation and creativity in cutting-edge technologies related to novel military and civil hardware and software solutions, thereby reducing Nigeria’s dependence on foreign technical solutions.

His published books cover Mechatronics; PIC Microcontrollers; Embedded Systems Design; Sensors and Actuators for Embedded Systems; Coding, Robotics and Drone Technology for Kids; and Field Manual for Drone Technology, among others.

(NAN)

The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, has called for the appointment of a Chief of Space Staff to bolster the nation’s defence capabilities.

Kalu made this recommendation during the closing ceremony of a two-day post-inauguration retreat organised by the National Defence College in Abuja for members of the House Committee on Defence.

He stated the need to evolve beyond traditional security mechanisms and address the emerging threats in space, asserting that establishing a Space Service Chief would be crucial in safeguarding Nigeria’s territorial integrity, considering the evolving nature of modern warfare.

“In some countries, you have Space Service Chiefs; what are we doing about that? There is a need for one to be created. We are beyond what is obvious.

“Some of the warfare is now taking place in space. And I can assure you, if we ignore that, we will not be doing justice to the mandate of protecting the territorial borders of this country,” stated Kalu.

Kalu also pledged support for the Defence Industry Corporation (DICON) Bill and the Armed Forces Trust Fund Bill currently before the National Assembly for re-gazetting. These bills, although passed by the 9th Assembly, did not receive the assent of former President Muhammad Buhari.

However, Kalu expressed confidence that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu would prioritize these bills, emphasizing their significance in stimulating local content and manufacturing essential tools and equipment for the Armed Forces.

“With the Bills, there will be a stimulation of local content in manufacturing the tools and the equipment needed to keep our nation safe.

“It is a call on Mr. President to do it and do it as urgently as possible. So that some of the funding contracts of the military at the moment will be converted into military industrial complexes,” he said.

On his part, the Chairman of the House Committee on Defence, Hon. Babajimi Benson, commended the leadership of the 10th House of Representatives and pledged the committee’s commitment to collaborate with the Defence sector in achieving the legislative agenda of the Green Chamber and addressing insecurity in Nigeria.

[DailyPost]

Kano Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has rejected the Court of Appeal judgment, which sacked him on Friday. 

The Court of Appeal in Abuja upheld the nullification of the election of Yusuf of the New Nigerian Peoples Party (NNPP) by the state election petition tribunal.

However, Yusuf and his party, the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), rejected this judgment and declared their resolve to take the case to the Supreme Court in an effort to retain his seat.

Yusuf announced this in a post on his X page.

He wrote: “After careful study and rigorous stakeholders engagement, my team and the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), have decided to approach the Supreme Court on the miscarriage of justice, delivered by the Appeal Court, yesterday in Abuja.

“We are optimistic that the Supreme Court will by the grace of Allahu SWT, will set aside these miscarriages of justice by the Tribunal and the Appeal Court, and reaffirm our mandate, as given by the good people of Kano State.

“Furthermore, I call on the good people of the Kano State to continue to go about their legitimate businesses, as we have taken all the necessary measures to ensure the security of thier lives and property as a cardinal responsibility.

“Finally, I call on the good people of the state and other well-meaning Nigerians to continue to pray for Allah’s mercy and protection to save the state from the injustice of mischief makers, who are desperately scheming to hijack power through the back door and return the state to the dark ages.”

[TheNation]

A school environment is meant to be the epitome of sanctity, devoid of external vices capable of corrupting or influencing the minds of students.

Sadly, that is far from the picture cut by the surroundings of Silver Spring Schools in the Ikotun area of Lagos State.

For a first-time visitor to the area, it would be difficult to locate the school as it is obscured by a series of stalls and kiosks built close to the drainage, by the school fence.

The first impression that comes to mind on getting to the place is that of a fast-expanding local market meant to serve the immediate needs of those living close by.

However, a closer look would reveal something more sinister,  a melting pot for gamblers and alcoholics.

Based on findings made by our correspondent, due to easy access to alcoholic drinks packaged in sachets, students in schools around the area find pleasure in converging at the market to indulge and after getting high, would break into fights, disrupting the peace of the area.

How, succour came the way of motorists, residents and business owners, who have over the years complained about the activities of the traders.

Officials of the Lagos Waste Management Authority and the state’s Ministry of Environment stormed the area and demolished stalls and kiosks built by the traders on the drainage channel beside the school.

Saturday PUNCH learnt that this development followed a request made by a lawyer and development consultant, Mrs Iyabo Awokoya to the Lagos State Ministry of Education and the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency via her verified X (formerly Twitter) handle on Wednesday.

Meanwhile, according to the official internet portal for all schools in the state known as ‘Lagos Schools Online’, the Silver Springs Schools, which is situated at Onitire, Abaranje, was started by its proprietress, Mrs Olaide Fawehinmi in 2001.

The school, our correspondent gathered, has about 105 students and has another college located in Ijeshatedo, Surulere.

In a photograph of the school, which Awokoya appended to her post, an array of wooden kiosks and umbrellas owned by traders could be seen adjoining the fence erected by the school.

The traders who ranged from Point-of-Sale operators to those who hawked snacks and pastries had their merchandise placed over the drainage channel, beside the school building.

Findings by Saturday PUNCH revealed that in the past few years, through various press releases, the Lagos State Government had expressed worries over the increasing abuse of setbacks and incidental open spaces around public schools and has sought to check such infractions.

In a series of replies to comments elicited by her post on Silver Spring Schools, Awokoya lamented that the shops had repelled parents from registering their children in the school, noting that its premises had been turned into a marketplace.

She further disclosed that the efforts of the school proprietress, who is her aunt, to eject the illegal traders had failed and she had even become afraid due to the recalcitrance of the stall owners.

The post read, “Dear Lagos State Ministry of Environment, Mr Tokunbo Wahab, LASEPA official, Tunde, Please this is my aunty’s school on Abaranje Road, Ikotun, in Lagos.

“See the way the traders have taken over the setback and have erected permanent kiosks even attaching them to the fence. We have reported in all the possible places to be reported to no avail. Later the Ministry of Education will come with a contravention order. How can a school be rendered to a market?

“And they are vicious. My Aunt is 70 years old and afraid of them now. They first promised to leave when the LGA came with my agent, but then they failed. Then the LGA also relented. There is nothing we have not done. We petitioned the LGA and LCDA,  Tunde Sosina,” she wrote in two separate posts.

Govt evacuates illegal stalls

Barely 18 hours after Awokoya’s post, state officials came to the school premises and removed the stalls and kiosks around the drainage setback.

The state Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, in a post made via his X handle, on Thursday, said he gave the directive and urged the school principal to take over the school setback.

He wrote, “As I instructed, illegal kiosks built on drainage setbacks beside Silver Spring Schools, Abaranje Road, Ikotun were earlier today evacuated by the Lagos State Waste Management Authority enforcement team and the Lagos State Ministry of Environment monitoring officers.

“The monitoring officers were directed to request the principal of the school to take over the setback and then beautify it in accordance with the ‘ Greener Lagos’ policy of the Babajide Sanwo-Olu-led administration.”

Responding to this, Awokoya posted on Thursday, “Wow! I truly can’t believe this. I cried out here yesterday about illegal kiosks that are erected in front of my aunty’s school in Ikotun and right now they are being evacuated.

“Dear Tokunbo Wahab, this is an uncommon favour sir. My aunt just called me to let me know. I am grateful to LASEPA and its General Manager, Tunde Ajayi. Lagos is working. Please Oliver Twist needs a little more help. The okadas that are always parking in front of the school entrance should find another bus stop.

“My aunty was getting so frustrated that she was thinking of selling the school and just keeping her flagship school in Surulere. The (school) expansion led her into a problem. Now, the Ministry of Environment has asked that we beautify immediately and my aunt is a flower lover so I am sure she will get cracking immediately.”

When our correspondent visited the school on Friday morning, he observed that the stalls had indeed been cleared and there were no more encroachments on the school fence.

A resident who gave his name only as Tunji commended the move which he said should not have happened if there had been strict enforcement.

“The stalls were removed yesterday and their owners have been forced to move elsewhere. They constituted much distraction to the students and the school surrounding was beginning to look ugly. Most of the people who patronised them were outsiders and if care hadn’t been taken, the whole place would have become a hideout for hoodlums. This should never have been in the first place if there had been strict enforcements,” he stated.

Invaded by alcohol-selling traders, gambling booths

Another resident of the area, Tobi Fagbemi, lamented that the setbacks of other secondary schools in Ikotun have been taken over by those hawking alcoholic beverages and gamblers.

“These traders have taken over all the setbacks in most of the secondary schools.  Especially the Ikotun High School.  It started gradually and now if you go around these schools, you will see people hawking herbal concoctions and alcohol in sachets. They also have gambling (Baba Ijebu) and sports betting kiosks.

“During school hours, you will see these students who are supposed to be in their classes learning subjects, sneaking out to hang around these joints. Even after closing hours, they still go there to spend their pocket money, and you’ll see them sipping alcohol in sachets. The government has to ban these shops around schools,” he told our correspondent.

School traders breeding thugs – Teacher

A teacher in a private school in Oshodi, Mrs Bukola Adelani, in a chat with our correspondent, expressed worries over the negative effects the presence of alcohol and cigarette vendors can have on students.

She said, “This problem is gradually getting out of hand because these traders around schools sell alcoholic beverages, cigarettes, and even aphrodisiacs to students. Students go there to take these things and they start misbehaving, sleeping with their colleagues, and becoming violent.

“There was a case where a student went to take one of these drinks and he started sleeping in class. This is how substance abuse starts. Who knows what else they are selling to these children that we have not yet discovered? If you go through these markets springing up around schools, you will find that they sell adult materials to underage students.

“These vendors know what they are doing. They see students in school uniforms, especially the females among them coming to purchase these things and they don’t object. They will even argue that their gin is a remedy for stomach upset.

“The government needs to do something if we are to get rid of the menace of thuggery and drug addiction that is now spreading across schools in the state.”

Commenting on the development, an Ikorodu resident, Saheed Lawal, in his reply to Awokoya’s post on X, tweeted, “Go to United Secondary School and Ayangburen Secondary School in Ikorodu. These schools are adjacent to Ikorodu Road at the garage section, but they have all been taken over by people frying akara, clothes, food, ogogoro (local gin distilled from palm wine) sellers. It is absurd passing there every morning.”

Another, a project engineer on X, Fayemi Olatunbosun, who stated that he was a part of the team that worked on the ongoing road construction in Abaranje, Ikotun, disclosed that the setbacks were allocated by some community members.

“I joined a team of engineers who worked on the aforementioned road. You won’t believe that some people from the community allocated that small portion of the setback to different kiosks at a cost of not less than N30,000. They were doing this even when our work there was ongoing,” he wrote.

Government urges collaboration

In a lengthy post on Friday, Wahab, stated that his office had been inundated with numerous complaints from concerned citizens about noise pollution, flooding, and obstruction of walkways by traders.

“As a ministry, we continue to act swiftly upon receiving these vital complaints, and we are fully committed to responding promptly and decisively to restore law and order across the state. As the custodians of the state’s environmental well-being, we acknowledge the significance of addressing these concerns with utmost urgency.

“Flooding, noise pollution, and the unlawful blockage of walkways represent critical challenges that impact the lives and livelihoods of our citizens. Therefore, the Lagos State Ministry of Environment and Water Resources is diligently organising and implementing a comprehensive action plan to tackle these issues head-on.

“This proactive response will involve collaborative efforts among various departments within the Ministry, in conjunction with relevant authorities, to ensure the effective resolution of these environmental challenges. The ministry urges all residents and stakeholders to join hands in this collective endeavour to maintain a clean, safe, and sustainable environment for everyone in Lagos State.”

Govt must implement EIA – Environmental researcher

An environmental researcher, Seun Awoyinfa, told Saturday PUNCH that the state government needs to implement an Environmental Impact Assessment to tackle the abuse of school setbacks.

“For every project, whether it involves erecting a kiosk or structure, especially around a school, an EIA must be carried out. There is no environmental sustainability without an environmental analysis.

“For instance, a school should not be close to the marketplace because the noise pollution will affect the level of concentration of the students. They should not be built close to a casino or betting spot otherwise, the intellect of those students is in contention due to that level of distraction.

“The same applies to allowing pubs or stores selling stimulants or drugs. They should not be sited close to a school because they could have negative impacts on students. The government should ensure that EIAs are carried out at each LGA and LCDA to curb this,” he advised.

[Punch]

Sudan has informed the UN chief of the “immediate” end of the United Nations political mission in the war-torn country, according to a letter circulated in the Security Council.

In an official letter in Arabic dated Thursday, accompanied by an English version from the Sudanese ambassador to the UN, Foreign Minister Ali Elsadig Ali informed Antonio Guterres of “the decision of the government of Sudan to terminate the United Nations Integrated Transition Assistance Mission in Sudan (UNITAMS) with immediate effect.”

According to the English version, UNITAMS had aimed to “assist the transitional government of Sudan after the December 2018 revolution,” but the government said the mission had proven “disappointing.”

However, Khartoum said it would continue to work “constructively” with the United Nations.

Guterres spokesman Stephane Dujarric said Friday the mission’s mandate was scheduled to end on December 3.

“The Secretary-General has appointed Ian Martin to lead a strategic review of the UN Mission in Sudan to provide the Security Council with options on how to adapt the mission’s mandate,” he said.

Guterres was also appointing Algeria’s Ramtane Lamamra as his personal envoy for Sudan.

“We will continue to engage closely with all actors, including the Sudanese authorities and members of the Security Council, to clarify next steps,” Dujarric said.

UNITAMS employs 245 people, including 88 in Port Sudan, as well as others outside Sudan in Nairobi and Addis Ababa, Dujarric confirmed.

In an address to the Security Council on Thursday, the UN assistant secretary general for Africa, Martha Ama Akyaa Pobee, denounced the spread of the conflict to other parts of Sudan, which already has the largest number of displaced people in the world.

“Sudan is facing a convergence of a worsening humanitarian calamity and a catastrophic human rights crisis,” she said.

After almost seven months of fighting between the Sudanese army, led by General Abdel Fattah al-Burhane, and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), led by General Mohamed Hamdan Daglo, almost 25 million people need humanitarian aid in Sudan, UN humanitarian operations chief Martin Griffiths said Monday.

The civil war, which started on April 15, has left more than 10,000 dead, according to an estimate by the NGO Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project (Acled), a figure that is widely considered an underestimate.

[Vanguard]

Today, I write with profound appreciation, admiration, and utmost respect to commend and pay homage to an extraordinary individual who has exemplified the true essence of democracy and the power of accepting the will of the people.

It is with great honor that I take this moment to recognize and celebrate His Excellency George Weah, a man whose journey from the football field to the presidency has filled us with immense pride as Africans and shattered the misconceptions that democracy cannot thrive in our remarkable continent.

George Weah, a name that resounds with triumph, resilience, and an unwavering spirit. From the humble streets of Monrovia to the grandest stadiums across the globe, he captured our hearts with his exceptional talent, his grace, and his unwavering determination. However, today's occasion is not solely to commemorate his remarkable achievements as a renowned footballer but also to acknowledge his courage in accepting defeat and embracing the collective will of the people.

In a world where political contests often sow seeds of bitterness and division, George Weah has emerged as a shining example of statesmanship, humility, and reverence for the democratic process. His momentous concession speech was not merely a personal triumph; it was a defining moment for Liberia, for Africa, and for democracy itself. Through his actions, he has unequivocally demonstrated that democracy can thrive and prosper on our continent, dispelling the notion that it is incompatible with our values and aspirations.

Let us also recall that George Weah is not the first African leader to exhibit such grace and humility in the face of defeat. Allow me, once again, to express my admiration for His Excellency Goodluck Jonathan of Nigeria, who, in 2015, accepted the people's verdict and conceded defeat to His Excellency Muhammadu Buhari. These acts of statesmanship by leaders like George Weah and Goodluck Jonathan serve as testament to the fortitude and resilience of democracy in our continent.

Today, it is imperative that we recognize the urgent need to fortify and nurture democracy in Africa. Democracy is not a luxury; it is a fundamental right that should be accessible to all. It is a powerful force that empowers citizens to shape their destinies, voice their concerns, and hold their leaders accountable. Through democracy, we can ensure transparent governance, safeguard human rights, and foster inclusive development.

To strengthen democracy in Africa, we must focus on three crucial pillars: participation, accountability, and inclusivity. We must empower our citizens, particularly the youth, by providing them with education, knowledge, and skills that enable active engagement in the democratic process.

We must foster a culture of transparency and accountability, where leaders adhere to the highest ethical standards and the rule of law prevails. Additionally, we must champion inclusivity, ensuring that the voices of marginalized communities, women, and minorities are heard and respected.

Education, awareness, and civic engagement are pivotal components of a flourishing democracy. We must invest in quality education, equipping our citizens with the tools to critically analyze information, think independently, and actively participate in decision-making processes. We must cultivate an environment where the media is free, independent, and responsible, serving as a reliable watchdog to hold those in power accountable.

Furthermore, it is imperative that we establish robust and independent institutions that safeguard democracy, including an impartial judiciary, a resilient electoral system, and oversight bodies that combat corruption and ensure transparency. We must foster a culture of political tolerance, where divergent opinions are respected, and constructive dialogue is encouraged. Only through these collective efforts can we strengthen the democratic fabric of our nations and secure a brighter future for all Africans.

George Weah's legacy will forever be etched in the annals of African history. His journey from a football superstar to the presidency of Liberia has inspired generations, shattered stereotypes, and proven that democracy is not merely an abstract ideal but a tangible reality that can uplift our nations. His extraordinary act of embracing defeat with grace and humility has set an example that must be emulated by leaders across the continent and around the world.

As I take this opportunity to bid farewell to a leader, a legend, and a true champion of democracy, it is incumbent upon us to carry forward the torch of his legacy. Let us honor George Weah's courage, resilience, and unwavering belief in the will of the people.

Together, let us work tirelessly to strengthen and nurture democracy in Africa, ensuring that it remains a beacon of hope, progress, and prosperity for generations to come.

I extend my heartfelt gratitude to you, George Weah, for your remarkable contributions to our nation and to the cause of democracy in Africa. May your journey continue to inspire us all to strive for a better future, where the democratic ideals you epitomize will flourish and guide us towards a united and prosperous Africa.

May you find fulfillment and joy in the next chapter of your life. May God bless you, my friend, and may God bless Africa.

Dr Olukayode Ajulo, OON, FCIArb. UK
Chairman, Incorporated Trustees of Egalitarian Mission For Africa. EMA

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps has inaugurated a Very Important Persons Unit to provide adequate protection for persons of prominence in the country.

The Commandant-General, Ahmed Audi, disclosed this at the Passing-Out-Parade of the 501 trained personnel.

The event was held at the NSCDC National Headquarters in Abuja on Friday.

Audi, represented by Assistant Commandant-General in charge of Agro-Rangers, Augustine Obiekwe, said the trained personnel were to protect persons of higher threats due to status, prominence and influence.

He urged the officers and men to discharge their duties professionally and serve as good ambassadors of the Corps at all times without compromise.

He explained that the primary objective of a VIP Unit was to minimise the risk of harm to VIPs and maintain their privacy, while allowing them to carry out their daily routines and engagements.

The CG said that the essential coordination and communication among team members was essential for the smooth operations of the protection unit, and charged the team to collaborate with intelligent agents of other security agencies.

According to Audi, the personnel were drawn from all NSCDC state commands and formations and had undergone a rigorous proficiency training at the Corps’ headquarters in Abuja.

In his address of welcome, ACG Training and Manpower Development, David Abi,  enjoined the graduands to put into practice all they learnt in the course of training, stressing that the Corps must not fall short of expectations.

According to him, the establishment of the unit was for proper coordination, control and communication amongst guards for better service delivery in line with global best practice.

Abi said: “They underwent a special intelligence proficiency course which focused on VIP escorts, duties, psychological behaviours, the effect of emotions on temper, attitude, relationship between principals and personnel amongst others.

“This will no doubt equip the selected officers in the discharge of their duties beyond previous expectations and outcomes.”

According to reports on Sky News, British Billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe is set to complete the acquisition of a 25% stake in Manchester United(Man United) and begin immediately restructuring the management of Old Trafford.

Ratcliffe, the chairman of petrochemicals firm INEOS, is expected to be confirmed as a minority shareholder of the 20-time Premier League champions before the league resumes. Once that is done, he will take responsibility for football operations, with expected massive shakeups.

Richard Arnold has already left his position as chief executive of Manchester United, with Ratcliffe expected to bring in his replacement. Football director John Murtough is also likely to be moved on amid a dreadful start to the season for Erik ten Hag’s side.

The takeover will see Man United owner, the Glazer family, finalise a $33 per share deal with Ratcliffe that will see the British billionaire acquire a 25% stake at Old Trafford.

The Glazer family has faced intense criticism from fans over handling this key part of the club’s operations.

The Glazer family announced in November 2022 that they were exploring “strategic alternatives” for the club, including a possible sale and were open to fresh investment.

According to Reuters, Ratcliffe’s offer represents a premium of 79.1% to the stock’s Thursday closing price of $18.43, valuing the Old Trafford club at about $5.4 billion, excluding debt.
United’s U.S.-listed shares rose 9.5% to $20.10 in early trading on Friday.

The deal values United higher than Premier League rivals Chelsea, sold by Russian Businessman Roman Abramovich in May for $5.2 billion to an investment group led by U.S. billionaire Todd Boehly and private equity firm Clearlake Capital.

United also generate more revenue and has a larger fan base than its London rival.

A 71-year-old Ratcliffe will also control the club’s player recruitment if the deal is finalised.

The deal structure that Ratcliffe has proposed would allow members of the Glazer family, as well as other shareholders, to cash out partially, one source told Reuters.

It is unclear if Ratcliffe is planning a full takeover or if the Glazers would be open to an outright sale.

Ratcliffe founded INEOS in 1998 and is the chemical group’s chairman and chief executive, with a two-thirds stake. Forbes pegs Ratcliffe’s net worth at $18.7 billion.

The British billionaire is no stranger to the business of sports. INEOS owns French Ligue 1 club Nice, Swiss Super League side FC Lausanne-Sport.

[Businessday]