Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain, Olabode George has said anarchy is looming in Nigeria over the judiciary’s actions in giving conflicting judgement.
He lamented that the verdict of the judiciary is offensive to millions of Nigerians, adding that when the judiciary is compromised, democracy is gone.
George stated this in a meeting held in his Lagos office on Monday where elders of the PDP, including a former deputy governor of Lagos, Kofoworola Bucknor Akerele, were present.
He said that because of conflicting and contradictory judgements from a few judges, the belief of many Nigerians in the judiciary is understandably shaken and that it is worrisome because if the people don’t believe in the third arm of government anymore, anarchy looms.
The elder statesman argued that politicians now use the court as a shield, and the highest political bidders are recklessly granted favourable orders.
According to him, “We now have a situation in which courageous judges who refuse to do the biddings of ‘powers that be’ are accused of being corrupt and forced to resign. In many political cases, millions of people believe, and rightly so, that some judges deliver judgements, not justice. What exactly is the problem of the judiciary? Where did we get it wrong? Why is it difficult for the judiciary to assert its control over politicians and political parties? Why are technicalities being used to affirm electoral heists and in the process, undermine the will of the people and silence them? What is the meaning of a ‘typographical error’ when a judgement had already been delivered? Is it, according to some Nigerians, that the ‘real’ judgement was pushed aside and another read which has now led to a ‘typographical error’?
“In justice delivery and matter of life and death, judges are next to God. That is why anything that comes from the court is final, especially from the apex court in the land – the Supreme Court. There is nowhere to go again after the Supreme Court says yes or no on a matter before it. It is the final bus stop.
“So, any pronouncement from our courts must be infallible. But, when people begin to question the judgement of a particular court, it shows that there is crisis in the polity. And this is totally unacceptable in Nigeria of 2023.
“The judiciary, recently, and to the embarrassment of millions of Nigerians, has not lived above board. There are many conflicting judgements from courts of coordinate jurisdiction that Nigerians begin to wonder: Embarrassingly, there are now incessant conflicting ex-parte orders from courts of coordinate jurisdiction. Many Nigerians see this as a cankerworm affecting the Judiciary. Stories of millions of dollars now fly around, especially in political cases.
“Sadly, some politicians now use the court as a shield and the highest political bidders are recklessly granted favourable orders.”
Nigerian singer, Teniola Apata, popularly known as Teni, has debunked reports of undergoing surgery to lose weight.
Naija News reports that Teni while speaking on the latest episode of the Zero Conditions podcast, explained she went through a strict diet to achieve her new body figure.
The singer said she was scared of undergoing surgery because it is life-threatening and chose to go on a strict diet for two months.
She said, “I went through a lot. I went through a lot of changes. I lose weight and some unfortunate fellows said I did surgery.
“If I did surgery my stomach will be flat. I wish but I was scared. Surgery is not easy. It’s life threatening. It’s not easy to go under the knife. I was on a strict diet. Ask my managers. No carbs. I was on a strict diet for two months.
“But it taught me discipline. The mind is also a muscle. The way you flex your arms, discipline helps you flex your mind. It was not easy. Do you know what it means for me to take people out on dinner and I can’t eat what they are eating?
“I made the decision to lose weight after I had survived life-threatening COVID-19. I had COVID-19 twice; 2020 and 2021. So, in January 2022, after the COVID-19, I just said, ‘Omo, it’s time [to lose weight].”
[PHOTOS] Gov. Sanwo-Olu Receives the National Executive Council of Ansar-Ud-Deen Society at Lagos House, Ikeja, On Monday, 27 November 2023
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Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu (fourth left); President, Ansar-Ud-Deen Society of Nigeria, Dr. AbdulRafiu Sanni (third left); Deputy Governor, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat; Commissioner for Home Affairs, Hon. Ibrahim Layode (third left) and others during a courtesy call on the Governor, at the Lagos House, Ikeja, on Monday, 27 November 2023.
President, Ansar-Ud-Deen Society of Nigeria, Dr. AbdulRafiu Sanni receiving a plaque from Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu during a courtesy call on the Governor by the National Executive Council of the Society, at the Lagos House, Ikeja, on Monday, 27 November 2023.
President, Ansar-Ud-Deen Society of Nigeria, Dr. AbdulRafiu Sanni presenting a souvenir to Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu during a courtesy call on the Governor by the National Executive Council of the Society, at the Lagos House, Ikeja, on Monday, 27 November 2023.
Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu (right); President, Ansar-Ud-Deen Society of Nigeria, Dr. AbdulRafiu Sanni (second right) and members of the National Executive Council of the Society during a courtesy call on the Governor, at the Lagos House, Ikeja, on Monday, 27 November 2023.
Don’t Repeat Soludo’s Banking Sector Recapitalisation Mistake - Ex-CIBN President Tells Cardoso
AdminThe Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) led by Olayemi Cardoso has been warned against repeating the mistakes made by the former governor, Chukwuma Soludo during the 2005 banking sector capitalisation which led to unhealthy mergers and acquisitions.
Prof Segun Ajibola, the former President of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN) gave the advice on Tuesday while suggesting a healthy means of conducting bank recapitalisation
This was in reaction to plans to direct Nigerian banks to commence capital increase under new regime being prepared by the Central Bank as part of efforts to build a $1trn economy.
The former CIBN boss said there is a positive correlation between the state of the banking industry and the state of the economy.
Ajibola said, “One of the things that defines the health of the banking system is the strength of the capitalisation of the industry. As of the time the last capitalistion was carried out, the value of the dollar was just a bit over N100 compared to with about N800 that we have today. In terms of real value, there has been erosion in the level of capitalisation of banks, therefore calling for a revisit of the adequacy of the capitalisation level as we have it today.
“Dr. Olayemi Cardoso said that the time is due to revisit the recapitalisation, and he was silent about what figure. He was silent about the timeframe, which will be the details later.
“Let me step back a bit to where we got things wrong in 2005, which some of us pointed out then. N25bn was imposed as a minimum capital base for all banks by (Chukwuma Soludo), it was absolutely unnecessary to make such a pronouncement that it would create a sense of equality among banks
“It was six years after in 2011 that it was revisited by the succeeding CBN Governor (Sanusi Lamido Sanusi), and we now have three levels international, national, and regional with different levels of capitalisation.
“But before then, the 2005 exercise created a lot of problems- unholy alliances, marriages of inconveniences, pollution of corporate culture, some fine brands were lost, some good customers had problems, some shareholders lost out and the economy did not benefit eventually as we saw in 2009 crisis.”
After Sanusi regrouped banking capitalisation in 2011, the minimum paid-up share capital to be maintained for a national level banking license was retained at N25bn while N10bn was set for a Regional Banking License and International Commercial Banking License increased to N50bn.
Prof Ajibola said Cardoso must follow specific rules like stakeholders’ engagement, enough timeframe, and clearly defined capital levels in order to achieve the desired result.
According to him, for the banking industry to key into the passion of the Bola Tinubu-led government, the CBN must get the commitment of stakeholders like the Committee of Banks Chief Executive Officers, CIBN among others.
He said in 2005, the CBN pronounced N25bn “There was no question and answer, no contribution from any of the stakeholders and the banks just went back running into so many kinds of merger and acquisition and at the end of the day the industry was never better.”
He said banking sector recapitalisation is due in Nigeria. However, “the process that led to certain unintended consequences in 2005” should be avoided by Cardoso.
Prof Ajibola added, “We are saying that now that we are thinking of another exercise, let us avoid the mistakes of the past. Let us do it in the finest of manner so that the benefits accruable from such a recapitalisation will be available to the country, which should be the case.”
The Lagos State Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, has issued a seven-day contravention notice to owners of buildings on Orchid Road, Agungi, Ajiran, Conservation Road, Osapa all along the Ikota River.
The Director, Public Affairs, Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources, Kunle Adesina, made this known in an X post on Monday in Lagos.
Adesina said Wahab made the declaration alongside the Special Adviser to the Governor on Environment, Olakunle Rotimi-Akodu, after an inspection tour of the Ikota River corridor.
He added that the inspection tour was to ascertain the level of compliance by property owners whose buildings and fences fall within the approved seven-metre setback on both sides of the channel.
Meanwhile, the commissioner urged the residents to respect the State Drainage Master Plan to avoid property demolition.
He stressed that there was no going back on the decision of the state to enforce the law and reclaim drainage setbacks following the expiration of the notices issued.
He said the Nigerian Conservation Foundation had earlier written a petition complaining about several distortions saying that there had been a lot of distortion on their roads.
He noted that the distortion affected the natural habitat of animals in the foundation as well as on Orchid road where a lot of damage had been done to the drainage channel designed to take stormwater from the communities into the Lagoon.
According to him, the state government had been humane in its approach to reclaim the drainage right of way hence the review of the setback alignment from the original seven metres to six metres after a meeting with property owners to reduce the number of structures to be affected.
“We cannot keep lampooning the government for flooding when developers, builders & residents are the main cause of flooding.
“We shall continue to enforce because that is why laws are made. Without law and order, there cannot be development, enough of this bad behaviour,” Wahab said.
The commissioner and his team also visited Oral Estate II along system 156 Igbo Efon where the Primary Channel was found to have been totally blocked by illegal structures without drainage aprovals.
The commissioner also visited Agungi, Ajiran and Osapa where notices had earlier been served, adding that final decisions would be undertaken having seen the level of encroachment as regards the setbacks of Primary Channel and Secondary Collectors in the areas.
He explained that the commissioner noted that the System 156 Ikota River channel setback was originally 46 metres while property owners and residents on the corridor have reduced the size.
Wahab also visited Chevron Drive, where he issued a stop work order to Gravitas company, owners of Grace Ville Island & Pocket Island for sand filling part of Ikota River thereby reducing the lagoon size from the original 250 meters designed to accommodate the free flow of water.
“The lagoon is a natural path, people have started reclamation to cover up the path and narrow it; you cannot narrow the path of water, if you do, water will naturally create another path and this is dangerous for everyone,” Wahab said.
Adesina said that Wahab had earlier in the day, supervised the demolition of shanties on Thompson Avenue following petitions by residents that strange faces and ladies of easy virtues were always lining up the streets at night which is a security risk for the whole state and Ikoyi environ especially.
“At 6 a.m. this morning, we came in and what we saw was unimaginable and we had to pull down these illegal structures, evacuate, make some arrests and charge them to court; by tomorrow we will have full possession of the land,” he said.
He urged all squatters to relocate outrightly as the state is determined to rid the state of shanties and all environmental infractions that dot the landscape.
He added, “We will not allow individuals who have no business in the state to become environmental nuisance and security risk.”
He said the Special Adviser on Environment noted that Lagos despite its peculiarities as a coastal state with low-lying terrains and a high population density among others, has remained afloat because of various measures put in place by the government.
He explained that the state government embarked on a comprehensive all-year-round cleaning and maintenance, dredging of drainage channels/canals and constructing new drainages where and when necessary to find a lasting solution to flooding across the state.
He called for the full participation of citizens in governance as well as full participation by the communities and governmental bodies at all levels to achieve great improvements in the environmental sanitation, maintenance and sustainable environment.
NAN
Nigerian former professional football striker and the former head coach of the Nigeria national team, Samson Siasia, has said that the Super Eagles cannot triumph in the forthcoming 2023 African Cup of Nations (AFCON), considering the results of their recent friendly matches.
In order to have a shot at competing for the title at the 2023 AFCON tournament, Siasia emphasizes the need for the players to enhance their performance.
Naija News reports that the recent matches against Lesotho and Zimbabwe have been far from impressive for the Super Eagles. The development has raised concerns among patriotic citizens as the Nigerian team hopes to secure a fourth title in Cote d’Ivoire.
As a former member of the Super Eagles squad that triumphed in the 1994 AFCON in Tunisia, Siasia firmly believes that both the players and the technical staff must step up their game if they wish to make a significant impact at the upcoming AFCON.
“Like the majority of Nigerians, I am worried about the Eagles’ lacklustre performances so far. Struggling against countries like Lesotho and Zimbabwe is not a good sign of a team ready to win the Africa Cup of Nations as well as qualify for the 2026 World Cup,” the former striker stated in an interview with Channels Television.
“Let us not deceive ourselves, we cannot be the best in Africa with this disorganised team. Our players must be made to understand what it means to wear the green and white jersey of the nation while the coach also needs to improve on the tactical approach,” Siasia added in his comment on Jose Peseiro’s team.
Naija News reports that the Super Eagles will open their campaign at the 2023 AFCON against Equatorial Guinea on January 14 at the Alhassan Quattara Stadium, Ebimpe.
They will face hosts Cote d’Ivoire and Guinea-Bissau on January 18 and 22, respectively.
Address At the Special Court Session of The Supreme Court of Nigeria to Mark the Commencement of the 2023/2024 Legal Year and Conferment of The Rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria - Lateef O. Fagbemi, SAN
AdminPROTOCOLS:
My noble Lords, Your Excellencies, Distinguished Colleagues, it is my utmost pleasure to attend the solemn ceremony marking the commencement of a new Legal Year of the Supreme Court and formal conferment of the coveted rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) on eminent colleagues, who have been found suitable and worthy in character and practice of the law, having scaled the tedious selection process and requirements of the Legal Practitioners Privileges Committee.
2. Today’s ceremony, encapsulating two noteworthy events in our most noble profession, is of particular significance for me. It is the first of its kind I would be attending in my current capacity as Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice some ninety six (96) days ago.
3. I wish to commend their noble Lords, the Honourable Justices of the Supreme Court of Nigeria, for their dedication and hard work in the outgone legal year amidst some inherent challenges. In April 2023, my Lord the Chief Justice of Nigeria disclosed that the Supreme Court had delivered 272 judgments, midway into the 2022/2023 Legal Year, in civil, criminal and election related Appeals under immense pressure. The number of judgments, no doubt, must have increased by the time the court proceeded on vacation in July 2023. This is a testament to their lordships’ due diligence, industry, and endurance.
4. I recall that during the 2022/2023 legal year ceremony in November 2022, My Lord, the Honourable Chief Justice of Nigeria disclosed that the pending (backlog) civil appeals stood at 4,741, criminal appeals 1,392, while moribund appeals constituted 751 in number; thereby bringing the total number of pending appeals before Page 3 of 8 the apex court at the time to 6,884. These worrisome statistics must have increased going into the 2023/2024 legal year. I also wish to pay tribute to the memories of the retired or departed Justices of the Supreme Court who were part of its success in the outgone legal year.
5. The foregoing is no doubt a very concerning situation that must be holistically addressed if we are to get the best of our Supreme Court and indeed their lordships. We must begin to develop innovative solutions towards enhancing the working capacity of the Supreme Court, cutting down on the number of appeals that gets to this Honourable Court, implementing critical judicial reforms, as well as adopting alternative dispute resolution mechanisms.
6. I am aware that the process of filling the vacancies for the Justices of the Supreme Court has begun. I would however like to use this opportunity to urge the leadership of the National Judicial Council to fast-track the process of achieving a full complement of the Supreme Court and to also concurrently put in place the process of filling the consequential vacancies that will be occasioned at the Court of Appeal to avoid undue delay and minimize disruptions at that level.
7. The administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR has severally expressed readiness to implement judicial reforms with the cooperation of the judiciary. We, therefore, earnestly await the judiciary to set the ball rolling to enable the other arms play their part in this critical aspect of nation building.
8. Let me now progress to the second reason for our gathering here today, which is to felicitate with 58 of our illustrious colleagues who have just been adorned with the revered regalia of learned silk. It is indeed with a high sense of nostalgia and elation that I congratulate you all on this worthy professional attainment. The conferment of the rank of the Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) is not just a recognition of excellence for those conferred but it is also a motivation for those aspiring to be admitted into the inner bar.
9. I also wish to commend the Legal Practitioners Privileges Committee (“LPPC”), and all stakeholders who have contributed their quota to the emergence of the new silks, for the yeoman job you are doing over the years to reward excellence, ethics and perseverance as Page 4 of 8 well as sustaining standards in the legal profession. I enjoin the LPPC, Nigerian Bar Association, and the Body of Senior Advocates of Nigeria not to relent in maintaining and enforcing a continuous culture of Excellence, Legal Ethics, Scholarship, and Professionalism in the practice of law in Nigeria. I must state emphatically that the process that led to the conferment of the rank on those who have just been conferred today is one of the most credible processes I have participated in since I had the privilege of becoming a member of the LPPC some years back.
10. To the new silks, I warmly welcome you to the inner bar. It is indeed a remarkable privilege to be chosen and decorated with honour amongst your colleagues. As the name of the LPPC implies, the conferment of the rank of SAN is a privileged position for the deserving only. Every visionary professional, strives to attain the apex of such profession. Expectedly, the rank is being conferred on worthy advocates, as a prestigious honour, in recognition of their excellence in advocacy and leadership role in the field of law or legal practice.
11. Your new and enviable status demands that you must be honest and maintain professional standards at all times within and outside the court room towards the judex, colleagues, clients, and the public in general. You must maintain very high standard of professional conduct in the discharge of your duties. Being a privilege also means that it can be lost or taken away, it is worthy of note that under the new rules once a name is struck off there is no provision for restoration of the name to the roll, therefore, you must continue to sustain the standards and qualities for which you were considered worthy of the rank ab initio.
12. I wish to remind you that your new status comes with its peculiar privileges, benefits, challenges and responsibilities. Your preoccupation should not be limited to the privileges and pecuniary benefits associated with the rank. You are required to advance the course of justice, rule of law, promotion of the image or rating of the judiciary and legal profession as worthy ambassadors. You should always be willing and ready to exhibit exceptional understanding and knowledge of the law, contribute to legal education. The development Page 5 of 8 of the legal profession rests on your shoulders. You must therefore advocate for technological and modern innovations that will bring the practice of law in Nigeria in line with global standards. NO RESTORATION OF THE RANK AFTER WITHDRAWAL
13. Gentlemen, as you are being welcomed to the Inner Bar it is important to remind you that you are the first set of Senior Advocates of Nigeria to be elevated under the provisions of 2022 GUIDELINES FOR THE CONFERMENT OF THE RANK OF SENIOR ADVOCATE OF NIGERIA AND ALL MATTERS PERTAINING TO THE RANK. I am sure you have read some of the highlights in the new Guidelines, in particular, paragraph 26(4) of the new Guidelines. Whether or not you have read the paragraph, let me seize this opportunity to bring it out. One of the highlights of the new Guidelines is that unlike the 2018 Guidelines which contains provisions for discipline of erring holders of the rank and for the restoration of the rank after three years of withdrawal upon the fulfilment of certain conditions, the 2022 Guidelines makes no provision for the restoration of the rank after withdrawal. In other words, once the Legal Practitioners Privileges Committee pursuant to the provisions of Paragraph 26(4) of the Guidelines withdraws the rank from any holder who may have breached the provisions in sub-paragraph (a)-(h), the withdrawal is final and the rank cannot be restored afterwards. It therefore behoves on any Senior Advocate of Nigeria to strive to conduct himself in utmost professional standards and to avoid running foul of the Rules of Professional Misconduct for Legal Practitioners. PARTICIPATION IN MEDIA TRIAL
14. One of the areas you must avoid like the plague is the unwholesome practice of engaging in media trial of cases pending before the courts. It is unprofessional for a legal practitioner nay a Senior Advocate of Nigeria to be seen engaging in the analysis of cases pending before the court. It is fast becoming a sad norm and Page 6 of 8 regrettably so for legal practitioners to appear at television or radio stations discussing pending matters. We have also seen lawyers after court sitting discussing on what transpired in the proceedings. You must resist the urge to engage in such practice. You must also reject temptation by media houses inviting you to analyse or discuss pending matters. The doctrine of sub judice enjoins lawyers and even members of the public to refrain from commenting and discussing live cases. You should not be seen breaching this doctrine. However, where judgment has been delivered in a given matter, lawyers and the public are free to analyse and discuss the decisions without impugning the integrity of the judicial personnel involved or attacking the professional competence of counsel involved in such matters. As leaders in the Bar you should resist the urge to engage in such unbecoming conduct. It is therefore, your abiding duty to promote the integrity and independence of the judiciary at all times. Every worthy professional in the world seeks the good and progress of their profession. We the members of the legal profession cannot afford to ignore our nobility by publicly denigrating or ridiculing the judiciary and by extension the profession by our actions and utterances. We can only do so to our own peril. I am not advocating that we should condone or tolerate short-comings or any form of misconduct, but we must follow accepted procedure and channels to avoid collateral and collective damages. Your coming on board at such a challenging time as this requires that you passionately seek to enhance or achieve a paradigm shift from the status quo by avoiding infamous conducts that would further damage public perception about our court system, being mindful of the fact that the importance of public confidence in the judiciary cannot be overemphasized. MENTORSHIP
15. Having been elevated to the Inner Bar, you are now regarded as part of the leadership in the profession. However, you are still amenable to the mentorship of the very senior elders at the Inner Bar. Page 7 of 8 Law is a dynamic profession. We learn every day and the seniors are there to play the role of mentors. You are therefore in a unique position of still being mentored by the elders in the Inner Bar while at the same time acting as mentors to the younger colleagues at the Bar. You must therefore be good mentors by showing good examples in and outside the court room. I believe that the one-day Induction Course organised by the BOSAN in Lagos last week would go a long way in assisting to appreciate the tasks ahead and how to go about them.
16. As legal practitioners, we act as the conscience and gate-keepers of the legal profession. Legal practitioners must restrain from abusing their privileged position as the link between the litigants and the judiciary. It is not the exclusive prerogative of litigants to determine which cases get filed in court, or which judgment goes on appeal. We must be firm in sieving these cases in order to avoid filing of frevoliuos cases or appeals which clogs the already congested court dockets. In this wise, I wish to recommend to you the wise admonition of His Lordship, DAHUNSI OLUGBEMI COKER, JSC in ADEWUNMI V. PLASTEX (NIG) LTD (1986) LPELR-164(SC) at (P. 24, paras. B-C), thus: "Every lawyer upon his own responsibility must decide what cases he will bring into Court for plaintiffs and what cases he will contest in Court for defendants. His is the responsibility for advising as to questionable transactions, for bringing questionable suits and for arguing questionable defences. He cannot escape it by arguing as an excuse that he is only following his client's instructions."
17. On this note, accept my congratulations on your ascendancy to the zenith of your professional career as advocates and this attainment should not be a mere badge or right for bragging and showoff. You must remain true to the calling of being advocates in the Page 8 of 8 temple of justice, which was what earned you the conferment of this prestigious rank.
18. In closing, My Lords, Your Excellencies and Distinguished Colleagues, I wish to utilize this opportunity in wishing your Lordships good health in body, spirit and soul required for a most successful legal year full of remarkable milestones. I also wish our new learned silks God’s guidance and best wishes in your future endeavours as Senior Advocates.
19. I thank you all for the audience and your kind attention.
LATEEF O. FAGBEMI, SAN
Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice Monday,
November 27, 2023
The presidential candidate of the Labour Party and the former Governor of Anambra State, Mr. Peter Obi has described Africa as the right continent for trade and investment. Obi made this remark yesterday while speaking at the opening of the two-day Commonwealth Trade and Investment Summit in London that started yesterday. His address focused on the vast opportunities within Africa and outlined strategies for sustainable development and inclusive growth across the continent.
In his opening remarks, Mr. Obi who expressed gratitude to the Commonwealth Enterprise and Investment Council for organizing the event, highlighted Africa's potential, and underscored the continent's rich human capital . He emphasized the continent’s burgeoning youthful and dynamic workforce, comprising over 1.4 billion people. With a vast working-age population of approximately 1.1 billion which, as Obi further analyses, “presents a significant advantage in the global economy.”
The former Governor expounded on Africa's economic growth, with several African economies outperforming global economic growth averages. He pointed out that twelve of the top twenty countries with the highest growth projections for 2024 are in Africa. Furthermore, he emphasized the expanding middle class, stating that 53% of income earners in Africa fall within the age group of 16 to 34 years, creating a substantial consumer market ripe for investment and trade.
Mr. Obi further delved into four sectors—technology, entertainment, natural resources, and agriculture—to illustrate the emerging opportunities across Africa.
In the area of technology Obi said that Africa is not only catching up with technological advancements but also innovating uniquely. Fintech solutions and mobile technologies , as he said are transforming various aspects of life, including education, healthcare, and agriculture.
In entertainment, Obi noted that the rise of the African entertainment industry, highlighted by Nollywood and similar sectors in various African countries, demonstrates significant growth potential and cultural importance, attracting investments and global attention.
With vast reserves of minerals, oil, gas, and arable land, he describes Africa as a reservoir of natural wealth, offering immense investment prospects in mining and agriculture.
In the area of Agriculture, Obi said that Africa possesses a significant portion of the world's uncultivated arable land, presenting an opportunity to become a global agricultural powerhouse if the right policies and investments are made.
While acknowledging challenges such as leadership failures, limited access to funding, inadequate infrastructure, and poverty, Mr. Obi emphasized the need for partnerships to harness Africa's opportunities. He stressed the importance of an African Consensus—a framework designed by Africans in collaboration with strategic partners—to drive sustainable development and growth in Africa.
Mr. Obi highlighted the pivotal role of the Commonwealth in supporting Africa's development agenda. He proposed collaboration between Africa and the Commonwealth to create a special fund for infrastructure development, promote exports, facilitate knowledge exchange, and craft a globally attractive African Development Agenda.
Addressing the deficit of leadership in Africa, Mr. Obi asserted that effective harnessing of Africa's opportunities would require accountable and responsible leadership across the continent. He emphasized the need for an African Consensus Development Agenda rooted in responsible leadership, urging support from strategic partners like the Commonwealth.
Attending the summit are former leaders, former Ministers and heads of institutions from among the commonwealth countries.
According to the World Health Organization report on malaria, Nigeria has the highest burden of malaria globally, accounting for nearly 27% of the global malaria burden.
The risk of malaria transmission exists all year round. Malaria is a major public health issue in Nigeria with an estimated 68 million cases and 194,000 deaths.
However, the incidence of malaria is highest in the northern and northeastern parts of the country.
Despite the malaria epidemic, Nigeria loses N75.5 billion on each cycle of malaria treatment according to a leading biotechnology and genetic engineering professor.
A breakdown of costs by Nairametrics showed that of the 68 million cases, an average Nigerian spends an average of 2000 naira for uncomplicated malaria totaling 136 billion naira annually: and spends an average of 20,000 naira for complicated malaria totaling 1.36 trillion naira annually.
Nairametrics has ranked the most expensive antimalarial medicines available in Nigeria.
- Camosunate adult
Price range: N1500- N2100
Camosunate Adult is a common anti-malaria brand which has a unique combination of Artesunate and Amodiaquine. It is used to treat uncomplicated malaria attacks including multi-drug resistance of Plasmodium falciparum. It is marketed by Geneith Pharmaceuticals Ltd.
- Artequick tablets
Price range: N2000-N2100
Artequick tablets are manufactured by a Chinese pharmaceutical company, Artepharm Co. Ltd. Artequick contains Artemisinin and Piperaquine. It is used to treat uncomplicated malaria.
- P-alaxin tablets
Price range: N1300-N2500
P-Alaxin tablets is manufactured by Indian pharmaceutical company, BLISS CVS PHARMA Ltd and marketed by Greenlife Pharmaceuticals, Nigeria. P-alaxin is an artemisinin-based therapy used to treat malaria.
- Amatem forte soft gel
Price range: N2500-N3000
Amatem softgel capsules are used for the treatment of Plasmodium falciparum malaria cases resistant to chloroquine and sulphadoxine and pyrimethamine combination. It is manufactured in India by Olive Healthcare and marketed by Elbe Pharma Nigeria Limited.
- Lonart DS
Price range: N2500-N3500
Lonart DS tablets are used to treat malaria including multi-drug resistant strains of Plasmodium falciparum. It is manufactured by Indian Pharmaceuticals, BLISS GVS PHARMA Ltd and marketed in Nigeria by Greenlife Pharmaceuticals.
- Coartem
Price range: N3500-N5000
Coartem is a product of the Swiss-based pharmaceutical giant, Novartis. It is used to treat uncomplicated malaria.
- Paludrine tablets
Price range: N2000 –N2500 per sachet. Patients may require up to 3 sachets or more.
Paludrine belongs to the antimalarials and is used to prevent malaria. It is manufactured by a global company, Alliance Pharmaceuticals.
- E mal injection
Price range: N4000-N6000
E mal injection is used to treat uncomplicated malaria. It is manufactured by Nigeria’s pharmaceutical company, Fidson Healthcare.
- Artequin adult tablets
Price range: N10,000-N20,000
Artequin tablets are manufactured by Switzerland-based pharmaceutical company, Acino. It is used to treat malaria which is resistant to other anti-malaria drugs.
- Malanil
Price range: N50,000-N55,000
Malanil tablets are fixed-dose combination medicines used to treat and prevent malaria, including chloroquine-resistant malaria. It is manufactured by British-based pharmaceutical giant, GlaxoSmithKline popularly known as GSK.
[Nairametrics]
The fate of Nigeria’s national carrier, Nigeria Air, remains uncertain as Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, expressed concerns over certain aspects of the agreement signed with private investors.
Addressing State House correspondents after the weekly Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting on Monday, Keyamo, however, refrained from preempting President Bola Tinubu’s final decision on the airliner’s future.
Nigeria Air, founded in 2018 with ownership stakes divided among Ethiopian Airlines (49%), Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA) (46%), and the Nigerian Federal Government (5%), received its first aircraft in May 2023 but has since remained inactive.
Keyamo disclosed that critical details of the agreement with major stakeholder – Ethiopian Airlines – required reevaluation, citing concerns about tax waivers, staffing arrangements, and the potential for creating a monopoly at the expense of other local airlines.
He emphasised his responsibility as a minister to address stakeholders’ concerns and underscored the need to ensure a fair evaluation of the situation.
Keyamo informed reporters that he had submitted his observations to President Tinubu, who will determine the next course of action regarding Nigeria Air.
The minister raised specific issues with the agreement, including tax waivers granted to Ethiopian Airlines for five years, potentially giving them a competitive advantage over local airlines already burdened by heavy taxes.
Additionally, Keyamo pointed out a proposal in the agreement allowing Ethiopian Airlines to appoint personnel at all levels within Nigeria, which could lead to a scenario where Ethiopian Air controls top management positions.
He said, “Now we have looked at all the issues and it’s before Mr. President. But let me just give one or two snippets because of Nigerians who are quick to judge.
“In the agreement, you are giving tax waivers to Ethiopian Airline coming into Nigeria. They asked for tax waivers for five years and you granted them, to come and compete with your local airlines who are paying those heavy taxes. How? You want to create a monopoly? That’s why when they tell you that we want to crash price by… it’s a lie. It’s robbing Peter to pay Paul.
“Because they have removed all taxes from you and you’ve granted them tax waivers, initially they will crash prices, but once you’ve driven every other person out of the market, you’ll now have a monopoly, then you can now hike it 500%, nobody dares to challenge you.
“The only thing that brings down prices in the commercial world is fair competition. In the agreement, they also made a proposal that they will appoint everybody; top management, everybody Ethiopian, in Nigeria, and we agreed. We agreed.
“I’m just giving you snippets. I’ll do a full interview, I’ll not give more. So when I’m ready to talk, I will talk, but I cannot preempt Mr. President. We have raised all the concerns before him.”
While Keyamo refrained from giving a detailed press interview, he assured that all concerns about NigeriaAir had been forwarded to President Tinubu for review and further action.
[Leadership]
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Super Falcons’ striker, Asisat Oshoala, Goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, and Coach, Randy Waldrum, are among contenders in the Confederation of African Football’s (CAF) final shortlist for the 2023 Awards.
Also in the shortlist are the duo of Esther Ajakaye and Deborah Abiodun, who are in contention for the Young Player of the Year award.
Oshoala will battle with Nnadozie, Zambia’s Barbara Babanda, and South Africa’s trio of Andile Dlamini, Hilda Magaia and Thembi Kgatlana for the Player of the Year Award.
Others in that category are Cameroon’s Ajara Njoya and Anissa Lahmari, Fatima Tagnaout, and Ghizalaine Chebbak, all of Morocco.
Nnadozie is also listed for the Goalkeeper of the Year Award, in which she would contend with the Moroccan duo of Imane Abdelahad and Khadija Er-Rmichi and South Africa’s Andile Dlamini and Kaylin Swart.
Ajakaye and Abiodun will face Ghana’s Comfort Yeboah, Morocco’s Nesryne El Chad and South Africa’s Thubelihle Shamase in the Young Player of the Year award.
Coach Waldrum, who took Nigeria to the second round of the New Zealand/Australia 2023 Women’s World Cup, is pitted against Mehdi El Qaichouri (SC Casablanca), Reynald Pedros (Morocco), Desiree Ellis (South Africa) and Jerry Tshabalala (Mamelodi Sundowns) for the Coach of the Year award.
Nigeria is listed in the National Team of the Year Award alongside Morocco, Senegal, South Africa, and Zambia.
CAF said in a statement that the winners of each category would be determined after the votes of a panel comprising members of its technical commission, media professionals from member associations, head coaches and captains of member associations, including clubs involved in the group stages of interclub competitions.
The awards ceremony will hold on December 11, 2023, at the Palais des Congres Movenpickin Morocco.
[Guardian]
A former Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Attahiru Jega, has called on President Bola Tinubu to review the appointments of the commission’s Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs).
Jega said Tinubu should review their appointments due to concerns that some of the RECs are partisan.
About a month ago, Tinubu had nominated 10 RECs, with the Senate confirming their appointments.
However, some of the RECs have been accused of being involved in partisan politics.
Reacting to the criticisms, Jega said the non-review of their appointment sends the wrong signal.
Featuring on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Monday, Jega said: “I think there is no doubt that if the President were listening, my advice would be to immediately review the appointment of the Resident Electoral Commissioners that was passed by the Senate recently.
“It’s very, very important because clearly, not only does it send a wrong signal about the government’s intention to improve the integrity of elections, it also suggests, you know, that there is indifference with regards to protecting the independence and impartiality of the election management body.
“I would want to believe that Mr President was either misinformed or is not really furnished with all the necessary details with regards to these appointments.”
[DailyPost]
President Bola Tinubu has appointed Malam Mele Kyari as the Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL).
This was announced in a statement issued by Presidential spokesman, Ajuri Ngelale, on Monday.
According to Ngelale, the appointment takes effect from Friday, December 1, 2023.
He said the president also appointed the management team of the corporation, with Chief Pius Akinyelure as Non-Executive Board Chairman.
“In compliance with Section 59 (2) of the Petroleum Industry Act, 2021, President Bola Tinubu has approved the appointment of a new Board and Management team for the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) with effect from December 1, 2023:”
(1) Chief Pius Akinyelure — Non-Executive Board Chairman
(2) Mallam Mele Kolo Kyari — Group Chief Executive Officer
(3) Alhaji Umar Isa Ajiya — Chief Financial Officer
(4) Mr. Ledum Mitee — Non-Executive Director
(5) Mr. Musa Tumsa — Non-Executive Director
(6) Mr. Ghali Muhammad — Non-Executive Director
(7) Prof. Mustapha Aliyu — Non-Executive Director
(8) Mr. David Ogbodo — Non-Executive Director
(9) Ms. Eunice Thomas — Non-Executive Director
[DailyTrust]
The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved N27.5 trillion as aggregate expenditure for the 2024 Appropriation Bill.
Disclosing this to journalists after the FEC meeting presided over by President Bola Tinubu at the State House, Abuja, the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning,Atiku Bagudu, also said the targeted revenue for next year is N18.32 trillion.
The Minister, who said the proposal was an increase of over N1.5 trillion when compared to the earlier projection of N26.01trillion, added that the deficit was also lower than that of 2023.
According to him, further details of the budget will be released when President Tinubu makes his presentation of the budget to the National Assembly.
He further disclosed that the 2024 – 2026 Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) and Fiscal Strategy Paper (FSP), which had been passed by the National Assembly, was further revised.
“Today, among other issues, the Federal Executive Council considered the 2024 Appropriation Bill. You may recall that the Medium Term Expenditure Framework was earlier approved and transmitted to the National Assembly, which the assembly graciously approved and that approved Medium Term Expenditure has the exchange rate of N700 to $1 and equally, the benchmark crude oil price at $73.96 cent.
“However, in Mr. President’s determination to find more money to fund our priorities, today the Federal Executive Council further revised the Medium Term Expenditure Framework and Fiscal Policy Framework and two of the important decisions were to use an exchange rate of N750 to $1 and also a benchmark crude oil reference price of $77.96, meaning $4 more than the earlier approval.
“This will significantly increase government revenue that Mr. President intends to use in further supporting the ministries, departments and agencies in the execution of the eight priority areas, particularly Health, Education, infrastructure, security and other developmental areas.
“Equally, the Federal Executive Council approved the 2024 Appropriation Bill and the presentation of such to the National Assembly by His Excellency, Mr. President. The bill has an aggregate expenditure of N27,500,000,000,000, which is an increase of over N1.5 trillion from the previously estimated, using the old reference prices.
“The forecast revenue is now N18.32 trillion, which is higher than the 2023 revenues, including that provided in the two supplementary budgets. Equally and commendably, the deficit is lower than that of 2023. Details of the Renewed Hope Budget will be announced by Mr. President when he makes the presentation to the National Assembly,” he explained.
[TheNation]