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Programme: CITY TALKS WITH REUBEN ABATI

Time: 12:00pm

Guest: Mr. Jiti Ogunye (Principal Counsel, Jiti Ogunye Chambers)

Topic: Bobrisky: The Trial, Naira Abuse and Lessons.

Date: 13th April, 2024
                         

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Details have emerged from the meeting yesterday involving President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the leadership of the National Assembly and state governors.

The stakeholders visited President Tinubu on Friday at his residence in Lagos.

During the meeting, President Tinubu stressed the importance of unity and increased collaboration among the federal government, state governors, and members of the National Assembly to achieve national development objectives.

According to a statement made available to journalists by Tinubu’s media aide, Ajuri Ngelale, the delegation, led by Vice-President Kashim Shettima, included Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara State, and Chairman of the Nigeria Governors Forum, among others.

Vice President Shettima, speaking on behalf of the President, expressed confidence in Nigeria’s economic recovery and urged a joint effort to drive the nation towards progress.

The Nigerian leader encouraged a united body and collaboration among all stakeholders to achieve shared prosperity and promised a brighter future for the nation under President Tinubu’s guidance.

“Let us unite, rally around our leader, and catapult this nation to a greater pedestal. By December, I hope we will have cause to celebrate. Let us coalesce to take the nation to a greater pedestal,” Vice-President Shettima said.

The Vice-President underscored President Tinubu’s ability to bring people together regardless of their ethnic or religious backgrounds.

He noted that the gathering of 27 governors in Lagos, alongside leaders from the National Assembly and former governors, is a testament to his inclusive leadership style.

”This gathering cuts across ethnic, religious, and political lines. Here, we have Pastor Eno of Akwa Ibom and Father Hyacinth of Benue, and as the President was seated, he was asking, ‘Where is Wammako, where is Yari’? That is the hallmark of true leadership. What binds us together supersedes whatever it is that may divide us.”

”The future of the black man rests on Nigeria to make or mar. Our economy has turned the corner. By the coming months, the economy will roar back to glory,” the Vice-President said.

Senate President Akpabio praised the state governors for adopting President Tinubu’s leadership approach, which is known for its inclusivity and willingness to engage with individuals from various backgrounds, regardless of their political affiliations.

“The governors are doing well. I can say so because I have been there before,” Akpabio said while speaking at the meeting.

Expressing confidence in President Tinubu’s leadership, the Senate President said Tinubu enjoys the broad support of Nigerians across political divides.

“As you coast home to victory for a second term, may all the governors seated here also coast home to a second term victory in their states,” he said.

Kwara State Governor AbdulRazaq voiced his endorsement for the 700km Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway during his speech, emphasizing its importance as a major project that will greatly benefit the nation upon its completion.

He praised the President for his work in strengthening the economy and enhancing the quality of life for citizens, pointing out the positive advancements such as the stabilization of the exchange rate and the decrease in food prices.

The Governor credited these positive changes to the President’s policies and also commended the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare for allocating funds to support 8,800 primary healthcare centres.

“We commend your efforts because the ship is gradually turning. We have seen how the exchange rate of the naira against the dollar is coming down. The cost of food is coming down. The dry season harvest is commencing soon. Things are getting better, and there is light at the end of the tunnel,” Abdulrazaq said, urging President Tinubu to persevere in his efforts towards achieving economic stability.

The governor also expressed gratitude for the Federal Government’s support of states, particularly in distributing grains to alleviate food shortages.

”We are here to support you and thank you for the support you are giving to the subnationals. Trucks are wheeling up across the nation, distributing grains. I have received, and most of the states have.

”Because of what you are doing, those who are hoarding food items are releasing them, and that is why the prices of food are coming down,” he said.

He restated the governors’ dedication to backing the President’s plans and promised to persist in supplementing the endeavours of the federal government in advancing progress and prosperity throughout the country.

Nollywood actress, Foluke Daramola-Salako, has asserted that Nigeria has become a dumping ground, because of its economic issues and loss of values.

Naija News reports that the movie star made this known during an interview with Punch, expressing displeasure at how crossdressing issues are treated with flippancy.

Foluke noted that it is saddening that Nigeria’s value system is dying because the government is not doing anything.

She said, “We accommodate a lot of things in Nigeria, and that has its good and bad sides. Many cross dressers have come among us, and we gave them a soft landing. These days, the normal has become abnormal; and vice-versa, just because Nigeria has become a dumping ground for a lot of things. Even when one decides to go one’s own way, one will just find out that one is alone, and people will not relate with one.

“It hurts me to see that our value system is dying. People no longer show love genuinely. Now, it is purely based on survival instinct. Many young stars in the country have to struggle to make a difference, because the government is not doing anything. There are many young Nigerians with brilliant ideas, and when they even take it to the government, they (government) would steal it. That is why Nigerians excel more when they are abroad. Every youth has to think of how to fend for themselves, and that is why the crime rate keeps increasing.”

Speaking on the recent outrage that was triggered after her colleague, Eniola Ajao, awarded a controversial crossdresser, Idris Okuneye, popularly known Bobrisky, the ‘best dressed female’ award at the premiere of her movie, ‘Ajakaju’, Foluke said, the producer was solely responsible for everything regarding the movie production and marketing, unlike what happens in other climes.

She said, “What happened at the premiere was because Eniola was the only one thinking for herself. She sourced the money to shoot the movie, and spent so much on it. She also had to think of an advertisement platform. Meanwhile, in some other climes, there are different platforms to assist artists with different parts of production, especially advertising. After putting together such a movie, she (Ajao) still had to think of advertising, and that could be draining.”

Tim Simpson, the manager of Nigerian-born Australian UFC fighter, Israel Adesanya, said his client is disappointed not to be a part of the star-studded UFC 300 event.

Israel Adesanya returned from his almost six-month break from the UFC recently and declared his attention to feature in the UFC 300. Then, his target was to challenge middleweight champion Dricus du Plessis for the title.

Adesanya almost got the deal but Plessis pulled out from the fight which ought to take place at the UFC 300 which is scheduled for today, April 13.

The South African fighter said he pulled out from the fight because he hasn’t fully recovered from the injuries he sustained in a successful bout with Sean Strickland at UFC 297 in January.

Afterward, Israel Adesanya couldn’t find an alternative fighter to battle with leaving him out of the UFC 300 roster.

Adesanya’s manager said the Nigerian-born fighter is not happy over the development but noted that his client is open to fighting du Plessis on the upcoming UFC 305 card on August 17 in Perth, Australia.

“Israel was very upset that he didn’t do it (at UFC 300),” Simpson said on The MMA Hour.

“I believe Dricus was not ready. I think he had some sort of procedure after the last fight. Again, this is what’s been put publicly by Israel and (coach) Eugene (Bareman). But yeah, he really, really wanted it. He was upset, he wanted to be here and do it, he really, really wanted to do it. He loves big moments, the title fight coming back. I was texting (UFC executive) Hunter (Campbell) and couldn’t get it done on Dricus’ side, but Izzy was ready to go.”

Wembley Stadium looks set to host the all-British heavyweight clash between Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua.

The long-awaited bout looks set to go ahead if Fury wins against Oleksandr Usyk on May 18 in Riyadh.

And Fury’s co-promoter Bob Arum is confident that London rather than Saudi Arabia will play host to the super fight.

He said: “The Saudis also, with having all this money, who can dictate the place, are very intelligent and they would, I think, like nothing more than to do that fight in Wembley with 95,000 people where they were the promoters.

“I think that would do more for their image than doing that fight – Fury and Joshua – in Saudi. But that’s up to them. That’s what I feel in talking to them briefly about the future.”

Joshua still might have a wait to finally fight Fury with the latter potentially facing a double header against his Ukrainian opponent.

“Looking at Tyson Fury, if he beats Usyk and fights Usyk again and beats him and then does a massive fight hopefully in the UK at Wembley Stadium,” he told Sky Sports, “that would really put an exclamation point to his great career.

“But let’s not put the cart before the horse. May 18 is an awfully competitive, really competitive heavyweight championship fight for all the marbles. He will give Tyson Fury everything Tyson can handle.

“I really believe from the reports I get that Tyson has really buckled down and is training very, very hard for this.”

Nigeria skipper William Troost-Ekong believes Victor Osimhen has what it takes to be a future captain of the Super Eagles.

The 30-year-old has been a leader in the national team since making his debut in June 2015 in an Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier against Chad.

Troost-Ekong was born in the Netherlands and represented the European nation at U19 and U20 levels before switching nationality to play for Nigeria. He has since made 71 appearances for the Super Eagles, while starring in multiple tournaments, including the 2016 Olympics in Rio, two AFCONs and one FIFA World Cup.

Troost-Ekong’s latest tournament was the 2023 AFCON in the Ivory Coast, where he played six out of Nigeria’s seven matches as they reached the final of the tournament. Although the Super Eagles failed to end their decade-long wait to win the Nations Cup, having lost to hosts Ivory Coast in the final, He He won the golden ball and was named in the team of the tournament.

Troost-Ekong sees Osimhen as future Super Eagles captain

The PAOK defender scored three goals in the tournament, two of which came in the semi-final and final against South Africa and Ivory Coast respectively. Having captained his country for two successive AFCONs now, Troost-Ekong has tipped Osimhen to one day take up the role.

Like Troost-Ekong, Osimhen also demonstrated impeccable leadership during Nigeria’s AFCON campaign, and although he scored just once, his work rate and selfless play made up for his lack of goals. He was also instrumental in Napoli’s historic title success last season, leading by example from the front and scoring 26 goals in Serie A to emerge as the league’s top scorer.

“I am a fan of his. I saw his journey when he came to be a part of the Super Eagles in 2019, as an understudy of Odion Ighalo. I saw how hard he worked,” Troost-Ekong said.

“He is a leader in our team, and I tell him that ‘everybody is watching you. The way you play, it drives all of us’. I just try to remind him how important he is and I think he understands that role now and what he means to Nigeria as a person and as a football player.

“I’m sure that he’s going to be a captain of the Super Eagles in future, that’s my wish for him. And for him to win the AFCON and be the leader in that moment.”

Troost-Ekong ruled out for the rest of the season

Tyson Fury vs Anthony Joshua: Wembley to host ‘Battle of Britain’ heavyweight clash
Meanwhile, Troost-Ekong is unlikely to play any part in the remainder of the season for PAOK after suffering a serious injury just a few days after the AFCON.

The former Udinese and Watford centre-back played through the pain during the tournament but ruptured the biceps femoris in his right foot when he returned to his club and has since undergone surgery in Finland.

The injury caused the defender to miss Nigeria’s international friendlies against Ghana and Mali in March and he now faces a race against time to be fit for the Super Eagles’ upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying matches against South Africa and Benin in June.

Should the PAOK defender make a recovery before June, he’d still have to fight for his position following the rise of young talents like Benjamin Taminu.

Troost-Ekong was in a similar position before the 2024 AFCON, having been left in the cold in the months leading up to the tournament. However, he fought his way back into Jose Peseiro’s plans and eventually became a starter under the Portuguese.

The Super Eagles are currently without a substantive head coach, with the NFF appointing Finidi George to serve in an interim role. However, no matter who becomes Nigeria’s next coach, it is unlikely that Troost-Ekong would lose the captaincy, especially with Ahmed Musa’s international career in the balance at the moment.

Shocking no indicted person held accountable — Eze Onyekpere

Govt must urgently develop strategy to address corruption — Dr Zikirullahi

Five years after the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, ICPC, launched with fanfare, a robust effort to verify the execution of constituency projects by Nigerian lawmakers across the country, the anti-graft agency has failed to prosecute those it indicted in its yearly reports in accordance with the Act setting up the commission.

The Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act 2000 which established the ICPC vested it “with the responsibility for investigation and prosecution of offenders thereof”.

Records have shown that at least N2 trillion has been sunk into the so-called constituency projects in Nigeria between 2003 and 2024 without any concrete results to show in terms of projects and programmes that could add even marginal value to the people of Nigeria. The huge cash, which is dispensed in the sums of N95 billion to the 109 senators and N100 billion to 360 House of Representatives members yearly, is meant to provide additional quick impact schemes to the communities where lawmakers come from and quicken the pace of development in those places.

On April 2, 2019 when it launched its initiative, the ICPC focused its attention on 12 states, taking along officials from the Budget Office of the federation, Accountant-General Office, Nigerian Institute of Quantity Surveyors and some journalists to track the projects claimed to have been undertaken by lawmakers in the states of Kogi and Benue in the North Central, Adamawa and Bauchi in the North East, and Sokoto and Kano in the Northwest. Others were: Imo and Enugu in the South-east, Lagos and Osun in the South-west and Edo and Akwa Ibom states in the South-south.

Between 2019 and 2023, the commission has carried out numerous verification exercises across the length and breadth of Nigeria and found some disturbing levels of graft ingrained into the constituency projects by lawmakers. Evidence seen by the commission also confirms that rather than abate, the venom of looting the treasury has been sharpened year-on-year by those who are eager to use constituency projects as a seamless avenue to draw from the public till and smile to their banks.

After verifying constituency projects across the country, the ICPC in its report in 2022, frowned seriously at the deep-seated misnomer that has continued to rob the nation of funds. However, the commission did not do more than render scathing remarks. Although the commission claimed that it found instances where lawmakers awarded contracts under their constituency projects to themselves or their proxy companies, it did not have the courage to mention the names of those involved in the illicit acts but admitted that the overall amount involved in constituency project fraud ran into billions of Naira.

As an unwritten rule guarding the verification programme, the ICPC has been very reluctant to expose those found to have inflated constituency projects or diverted the cash meant for the projects while it has also remained silent over the lawmakers indicted and has failed to prosecute anybody for the constituency projects fraud. But early this week, the commission came again with its generic report of achievements, claiming that no fewer than 50 unnamed contractors, consultants and officials of MDAs were being probed under its phase five tracking project. It shared the report on its Twitter handle also known as X.

The anti-graft agency also boasted that no fewer than 200 bank accounts used for the fraudulent transactions in respect of constituency projects were frozen and cash worth N5.6 billion was recovered and as cumulative savings for the government. The ICPC spokesman, Azuka Ogugua, however, declined to respond to an inquiry by Saturday Vanguard on what they were doing to prosecute those their own reports indicted over constituency projects.

Although ICPC has launched the fifth phase of the verification programme and rendered its reports, it has also discovered to its chagrin that the country was still losing billions of Naira to the antics of lawmakers, government officials in critical ministries, departments and agencies. There were constituency projects in which contractors were proxies of the nominating lawmakers and top government officials.

That may perhaps, explain why despite the searchlight being beamed on the implementation of constituency projects by the ICPC over the years, not much appears to have changed in terms of reducing the amount of money being diverted by those who also nominated the projects and the contractors to execute them.

The narrative around constituency projects has not changed from when former president Olusegun Obasanjo frowned at the developments, saying that they were shrouded in fraud. “You and I know what constituency projects mean. It is simply corruption,” Obasanjo said at a public event in Minna, Niger State on August 15, 2017, without blinking an eye. The former president was bold to look at the people including lawmakers at the event and made the audacious allegation.

Even the immediate past chairman of the ICPC, Prof Bolaji Owasanoye, who spearheaded the tracking of constituency projects under an initiative called Constituency and Executive Projects Tracking Group, CEPTG, must have been shocked at the level of rot inherent in the scheme.

But he managed to give a balanced view of the commission’s finding. He said, “The outcome of the tracking exercises was positive with regards to the commission’s desire to engender value for money in government projects implementation and sustaining impactful governance within the local level.

Aside from diverted funds, which were recovered or completed projects hitherto abandoned by contractors, the outcome of phase one was a mixed bag of revelations. The tracking exercise revealed lots of mismanagement of funds and the non or shoddy execution of projects that would have had greater impacts on the lives and well-being of the people if they were executed to specifications.

Out of 524 projects under phase one, 195 were education projects, while 46 were health-related. The implication of diversion or mismanagement of public funds meant for development purposes is that communities are being short-changed and unable to access life-changing social services, thereby deepening poverty, increased diseases, heightened ignorance, spiralled criminality and unrest in the society”.

Reacting to the failure of the ICPC to prosecute those it indicted in its reports, Dr Zikirullahi Ibrahim, the Executive Director of Resource Center for Human Rights and Civic Education (CHRICED), said: “We have always argued that anti-corruption agencies such as ICPC, EFCC, and the Code of Conduct Bureau are not truly independent due to political interference from higher authorities. This interference hampers their work and prevents them from effectively addressing the issues they encounter. As a result, these agencies are not free to investigate and reveal the details of corruption cases thoroughly. The refusal of the ICPC to expose corrupt individuals and recover illicit funds highlights the challenges faced in combating corruption. Preventing corruption is crucial, as it is better to prevent it than to cure it later.

Unfortunately, large sums of money have been lost, and much of it cannot be traced. This is why there is an urgent need for the current government to develop a comprehensive strategy to address corruption. A clear, detailed plan is necessary, not just vague statements about fighting corruption. Such a strategy would allow for accountability and measurement of progress. Right now, the situation is unclear, and the government’s approach to fighting corruption is unknown. To resolve these issues, the government needs to establish the autonomy of anti-corruption agencies and remove any political interference. Until this is achieved, the problems will persist. Recent incidents, such as the arrest of a journalist for reporting on corruption in the military, demonstrate the need for change. Transparency and accountability are essential for combating corruption effectively.”

On his part, Mr Eze Onyekpere, Executive Director, Centre for Social Justice, said: “It shouldn’t have been just a matter of recovering the money; there should have been some form of punishment and prosecution to deter such irresponsible conduct in the future. I am shocked that despite claiming to have conducted loot recovery, no one has been prosecuted or held accountable. This lack of action means that they (lawmakers) could continue their activities in the future without consequence, which is unacceptable.”

In his contribution, Auwal Musa Rafsanjani, the Head of Transparency International (Nigeria), and Executive Director of the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC), said: “I commend the ICPC for recovering public funds that had been misappropriated by some lawmakers. The issue of looting funds for Constituency projects began during the Obasanjo era when he encouraged the idea of projects without putting in place any proper legal framework for it. Legislators, ministries, and the press must begin to take responsibility, as these projects frequently lack proper oversight and accountability. In many cases, these lawmakers collude with contractors, resulting in subpar projects, incomplete work, or total non-execution. Furthermore, there is a pressing need for increased transparency and public input regarding the projects’ relevance to the community’s needs.

“Currently, appointees in the ICPC and EFCC are often limited by political corruption and influence, which can hinder necessary action, including recovery and prosecution. This environment of judicial and political corruption may prevent successful legal proceedings, leaving those responsible for embezzlement untouched while they enjoy their ill-gotten gains.

“As a result, the ICPC focuses on recovering funds within its jurisdiction while avoiding judicial processes that may prove unsuccessful due to corruption. This approach prioritizes the recovery of public funds over full legal prosecution to avoid losing both the money and the case. ICPC and EFCC must be supported by the President to overcome significant challenges to fulfil their mission, including budget cuts that limit their capacity to tackle fraud effectively. Public support for anti-corruption agencies is also vital, as the very institutions that oversee them can impede their work.

“To advance their mission, these agencies must navigate a challenging environment in which the lawmakers they investigate are often the same individuals who could either provide or withhold the resources necessary for them to fulfil their mandates through the Appropriation Bill. Consequently, the ICPC seems to place greater emphasis on recovering misappropriated funds while steering clear of prolonged legal battles that could deplete their already limited resources. This strategic decision prioritizes the recovery of funds for the public’s benefit.”

“While the commission may appear to be working and fulfilling its mandate of investigating, and monitoring constituency projects to checkmate corruption, the inability of ICPC to prosecute lawmakers and top government officials involved in siphoning huge cash meant for such intervention, leaves much to be desired and sets the anti-graft fight back. It is as if the commission is not only condoning the suspects because of their overriding political influence but it is also appeasing them, while the nation’s scarce resources are actively being frittered away by the same set of predators posing as defenders of the people’s mandate and well-being.

“The ICPC must move away from the unhelpful ritual of playing to the gallery by regularly ‘verifying’ constituency projects across the country to reprimanding those found to have soiled their hands in the process of awarding and implementing the so-called projects whose impact is not being felt where they are said to be located. The relevant laws are there in the country’s statutes and the agency only needs to muster the needed political will and determination to face the people whose appetite for diverting public funds knows no bounds.

“By merely recycling this national annual ritual and drawing media blitz to itself and its officials, the ICPC may end up advertising itself as a toothless bulldog that can only bark but cannot bite while the stench of graft arising from the zonal intervention projects suffocates the land. If that happens, the commission might etch itself on the wrong side of history and unwittingly appease those who don’t wish us well as a nation”.

Nigeria star athletes Victor Osimhen and Tobi Amusan top the list of Forbes Africa’s ’30 Under 30′ list recently released.

The list features notable Nigerians including Osimhen, a footballer and striker for the Super Eagles; Tobi Amusan, a track and field athlete; Ruth Erikan James, the founder of Veekee James; and Josiah Akinloye, founder and CEO of Mainlogix Technology.

Forbes Africa celebrates a decade of honoring young achievers with its acclaimed. This year’s cohort, like those before them, comprises exceptional individuals driven by a passion for impact across diverse industries.

The list showcases innovators and revolutionaries shaping the future in media, art & style, food & drink, education, science, music, sports, healthcare, and more.

1. Alex Mativo, 29, Kenya
   CEO and Co-founder, E-LAB, Nanasi and Duck
   Industry: Multiple ventures
2. Ann-Kathrin Joos, 28, South Africa
   CEO and Founder, Standard Beauty
   Industry: Beauty
3. Vimbai Masiyiwa, 29, Zimbabwe
   CEO, Batoka Hospitality
   Industry: Tourism
4. Andrew Ddembe, 28, Uganda
   Co-founder and CEO, MobiKlinic
   Industry: Healthtech
5. Chad Jones, 28, South Africa
   Social Media Content Creator and Brand Influencer
   Industry: Social media
6. Adedamola Oyinlola Adefolahan (Fireboy DML), 28, Nigeria
   Singer-songwriter
   Industry: Entertainment 
7. Tyla Laura Seethal, 22, South Africa
   Singer-Songwriter
   Industry: Entertainment
8. Ayushi Chandaria, 26, Kenya
   Founder, Design Thinking Program (Kenya)
   Industry: Education
9. Ama Qamata, 25, South Africa
   Actress, Producer
   Industry: Entertainment
10. Daniel Novitzkas, 28, South Africa
    Co-founder and Chairman of the Board, Specno
    Industry: Software Development and Technology Solutions
11. Prisca Wegesa Magori, 29, Tanzania
    CEO and Co-founder, TenTen Explore and Smart EFD
    Industry: Software Development
12. Luke Mostert, 27, South Africa
    Co-founder and Chief Strategy Officer, CatalyzU
    Industry: Venture Capital
13. Arooj Sheikh, 28, Kenya
    Founder and CEO, Beyond Kenyan Bars
    Sector: Social development
14. Kenneth M. Njeru, 25, Kenya
    Director and Founder, Africa Afya Healthcare
    Industry: Health Investment Services
15. Cayley Jorgensen, 29, South Africa
    CEO and Founder, Ingage Support; Registered Counselor
    Sector: Mental health
16. Hildah Magaia, 29, South Africa
    Forward for Mazatlán F.C Femenil and Banyana Banyana
    Industry: Sport – Football
17. Victor Osimhen, 25, Nigeria
    Footballer and Striker for Super Eagles
    Industry: Sport – Football
18. Tobi Amusan, 26, Nigeria
    Track and Field Athlete
    Industry: Sport – Athletics
19. Damian Willemse, 25, South Africa
    Stormers and Springboks rugby player
    Industry: Sport – Rugby
20. Ricardo Lognath, 29, South Africa
    Co-Founder and CEO, Omninela Medical
21. Nicolas Lognath, 27, South Africa
    Co-Founder and Director, Omninela Medical
    Industry: Healthcare/E-commerce
22. Ruth Erikan James, 29, Nigeria
    Founder, Veekee James
    Industry: Fashion
23. Shaun Maswanganyi, 23, South Africa
    Track and Field Athlete
    Industry: Sport – Athletics
24. Jeremiah Thoronka, 24, Sierra Leone
    Founder and CEO, Optim Energy
    Sector: Climate Change and Sustainability (Social Impact)
25. Calvin Usiri, 28, Tanzania
    Co-founder and CTO, Ramani
    Industry: Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
26. Peace Wutawunashe, 27, Zimbabwe
    Founder, Trigershot Engineering
    Industry: Solar/Renewable Energy
27. Esethu Cenga, 29, South Africa
    Co-founder and CEO, Rewoven
    Industry: Fashion
28. Josiah Akinloye, 29, Nigeria
    Founder and CEO, Mainlogix Technology
    Industry: Automation and Technology
29. Abioye Oyetunji, 29, Ghana
    Founder and CEO, FXKudi
    Industry: Fintech
30. Nadine Roos, 27, South Africa
    South African Rugby Union (Springboks) and Sevens player
    Industry: Sport – Rugby

The Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) has set up a 13-man committee to enhance safety measures and welfare provisions for its members following the tragic boat accident on the River Niger which claimed the lives of five Nollywood members, including actor Obumneme ‘Junior Pope’ Odonwodo.

This was disclosed in a statement signed by the guild’s Director of Communications, Kate Henshaw, late Friday.

Emeka Rollas, the AGN’s president, noted in the statement that the committee is also tasked with reviewing and refining existing regulations.

The statement reads, ”Following the recent fatal boat mishap on river Niger which claimed the lives of five film practitioners including renowned actor, John Paul Odonwodo aka Junior Pope in Asaba, Delta State, the National President, of the Actors Guild of Nigeria, Dr. Ejezie Emeka Rollas, MON, has set up a special committee with the following terms of reference:

1. Fine tune the existing bye laws to include members welfare, standard safety guidelines and set protocols.
2. Engage all relevant Guilds and Associations for the full implementation.
3. Also Recommend disciplinary measures against erring members, producers and production companies.
4. Seek further engagement with other Guilds/Associations and relevant stakeholders on drafting a general bye law for the industry.
5. Recommend possible requirements in setting up a royalty collecting body or rights collecting society for performers in Nollywood.”

The committee members, chaired by veteran actor Emeka Ike, include Joke Silva, Omotola Jalade Ekeinde, Francis Duru, Bimbo Manuel, Patience Ozokwor, Hilda Dokubo, Abubakar Yakubu, Gideon Okeke, Anthony Ogbetere, Femi Branch and Kevin Uvo.

Jude Orhorha will serve as the secretary.

Rollas, while expressing gratitude to the committee members for their willingness to serve, emphasized the importance of ensuring the safety and well-being of AGN members.

Recall that Junior Pope, 39, drowned alongside three others when their boat capsized in the River Niger while on their way back from a movie location. Their bodies have since been recovered.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio has begun drumming support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election barely months into the president’s first term.

Addressing a gathering of state governors and federal lawmakers that paid Sallah homage to Tinubu at his residence in Lagos on Friday, Akpabio expressed confidence in the president’s leadership, going as far as praying for Tinubu’s victory in the 2027 general elections.

“As you coast home to victory for a second term, may all the governors seated here also coast home to a second term victory in their states,” Akpabio proclaimed, setting the tone for an early push for Tinubu’s re-election bid.

Barely 11 months into Tinubu’s first term, Akpabio appears to be eager to secure Tinubu’s political future despite the administration having not marked its first anniversary.

Akpabio spoke at the Sallah homage that brought together 27 state governors, the leadership of the National Assembly, and some former governors.

President Bola Tinubu receives state governors and the leadership of the National Assembly in Lagos on Friday.

At the gathering, Vice President Kashim Shettima, who spoke on behalf of President Tinubu, called for collective efforts to propel the nation forward.

“Let us unite, rally around our leader, and catapult this nation to a greater pedestal,” said Shettima, speaking on behalf of the president.

Shettima expressed confidence in Nigeria’s economic resurgence, noting that the gathering of 27 governors in Lagos, along with the legislative leadership, was a testament to Tinubu’s unifying leadership that transcends ethnic and religious lines.

“The future of the black man rests on Nigeria to make or mar. Our economy has turned the corner. By the coming months, the economy will roar back to glory,” Shettima declared.

Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, who also chairs the Nigeria Governors Forum, praised the President’s efforts in stabilizing the economy and improving living conditions.

“We commend your efforts because the ship is gradually turning. We have seen how the exchange rate of the naira against the dollar is coming down. The cost of food is coming down. The dry season harvest is commencing soon. Things are getting better, and there is light at the end of the tunnel,” the Governor said.

He urged President Tinubu to persevere in his efforts towards achieving economic stability.

AbdulRazaq expressed gratitude for the support provided by the Federal Government to states, particularly in distributing grains to alleviate food shortages.

”We are here to support you, and we also thank you for the support that you are giving to the sub-nationals. Trucks are wheeling up across the nation, distributing grains. I have received, and most of the states have.

”Because of what you are doing, those who are hoarding food items are releasing them, and that is why the prices of food are coming down,” he said.