The Port Harcourt Refining Company (PHRC) is on the brink of commencing production, with oil marketers gearing up to load refined petroleum products, as confirmed by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited.

The anticipation builds as workers hasten preparations under directives aimed at revitalizing the facility’s operations.

Dealers expressed optimism on Friday, projecting potential pricing of N500 per litre for Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol, directly from the refinery in Rivers State.

This development is eagerly awaited amid fluctuating fuel prices that have burdened consumers across the country.

Adding to the hopeful outlook, operators are also eyeing the Dangote Petroleum Refinery, which is slated to begin petrol distribution next month.

Currently supplying diesel, the entry of Dangote refinery into the petrol market is expected to further drive down prices, potentially below the N500/litre mark, offering a significant relief to the market.

On Thursday, members of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), Rivers State Branch, during a visit to the PHRC, observed readiness for the refinery to start disbursing refined products imminently.

They anticipate that the refinery might begin operations within the month, a sentiment echoed by IPMAN’s National Public Relations Officer, Chief Ukadike Chinedu.

Chinedu noted that the plant’s completion was largely achieved, confirming Friday’s developments and fueling marketers’ preparations to commence purchasing and loading activities from the refinery.

He highlighted the positive impact expected on fuel pricing, particularly benefiting independent dealers and ultimately consumers.

This revitalization of the PHRC stands as a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector, promising to stabilize and possibly lower fuel prices, thereby alleviating some economic pressures faced by Nigerians.

Asked whether the refinery has put a price on the PMS to expect from the plant, Ukadike replied, “Not yet. However, NNPC is still giving us PMS at N567.7/litre, so we want to believe that the Port Harcourt refinery should give us the product at N500/litre or less than that.”

Ukadike stated efforts were really ongoing at the plant to begin the production of petrol and other refined products, as recently announced by the NNPC.

Meanwhile, Ukadike also stated that marketers were putting in place measures that would enable them to purchase products in bulk, going by the fact that the Dangote Petroleum Refinery did not sell less than one million litres when it commenced the sale of diesel.

He said, “So when they resume at Port Harcourt refinery and they key into what Dangote has done by selling in bulk, it means that we the independent marketers particularly in the South-East should be able to have a company that can be able to buy up to four/five million litres from the refinery.

“We are also planning to reach NNPC Trading to see whether they will be able to send 20,000 metric tonnes of PMS to our depots, strictly for independent marketers.

“From every indication, the Port Harcourt refinery is almost set to start releasing products. The government has told us that the plant will start production, at least by the end of this month. So we don’t want to be caught unprepared, for instance, if they say we should pay for two million litres and we can’t be able to pay.”

Ukadike also stated that oil marketers were discussing with their banks, adding that the financial institutions “are ready to fund such bulk allocations so that we can be able to distribute it nationwide because we have the reach.”

The oil dealers are also awaiting the potential entry of PMS from the Dangote refinery into the domestic market, with hopes that the company would crash the price of petrol below N500/litre.

The anticipation stemmed from the manners in which the Dangote refinery recently crashed the price of diesel to N1,200/litre in March when the cost of the commodity was around N1,600. The refinery later crashed the price of diesel to N1,000/litre.

The National President, IPMAN, Abubakar Maigandi, said the refinery might sell petrol at N500/litre or below.

Linking this to the rebound of the naira against the dollar, Maigandi told one of our correspondents that the product might be sold at a relatively cheaper price.

While saying the refinery is yet to begin the sale of petrol, the IPMAN president noted: “We are happy the price of diesel is coming down, thanks to Dangote refinery. As for petrol, the sale has not started. We hope petrol too will come down to like N500.

“But if the dollar continues falling, it may go back to the normal rate.”

The Executive Secretary of MEMAN, Clement Isong, said, “I expect the price to be at import parity. Why (will it go down to N500 or low)? Petrol pricing is at the international price. It is based on an international reference. You buy petrol based on a willing-seller, willing-buyer basis.”

The Police Command in Abia State has confirmed the arrest of one of its operatives who allegedly killed a businessman in Aba for failing to give some officers on patrol duty a bribe.

It was gathered that the businessman, identified as Emmanuel Okocha, was shot dead on Friday for allegedly refusing to give a bribe to some police operatives from the Rapid Response Squad of the state who demanded a bribe despite having his vehicle particulars and driver’s license up to date.

The victim is said to have hailed from the Abiriba community in Ohafia Local Government Area of the state.

Reacting to the incident, the Abia State Police spokesperson, ASP Maureen Chinaka, in a statement on Saturday, said the officer who allegedly killed the businessman has been arrested and would face necessary punishment upon conclusion of investigations.

She also identified the suspect as Corporal Obagi Njok, who is attached to the Abayi Police Division in the state.

The statement added that the incident is regrettable and the Police authorities have commiserated with the victim’s family and his loved ones.

“The officer has been apprehended, and necessary disciplinary procedures have been initiated. Appropriate disciplinary actions and sanctions will be effected soonest, and he will face the full course of appropriate administrative and legal consequences,” Ms Chinaka stated.

“The Abia State Police Command states without prevarication that the incident is unfortunate, and regrettable.

“Abia State Police Command remains steadfast in upholding professionalism and the rule of law. We unequivocally condemn any act of misconduct, unprofessionalism, and indiscipline among our officers,” she added.

Naira, Nigeria’s currency is set to stabilise further as the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has agreed with the International Money Transfer Operators (IMTOs) and foreign investors to double remittance flow in the country, in the short to medium term.

To achieve this, the CBN said it is setting up a tax force that will ensure that all hindrances to the foreign inflows are addressed. 

Olayemi Cardoso, governor of the CBN, disclosed this at a joint press conference of the ministry of finance and the CBN in Washington D.C. at the International Monetary Fund (IMF)/World Bank meetings. 

Foreign exchange inflows to Nigeria rose to $2.3 billion in February, the central bank according to the CBN, driven by renewed interest from foreign investors and a rise in overseas remittances.

According to Statista the personal remittances received in Nigeria increased by 0.7 billion U.S. dollars (+3.59 percent) in 2022. In total, the personal remittances received amounted to 20.13 billion U.S. dollars in 2022.

Remittances are flows of money between immigrants and their relatives. They refer to personal transfers between resident and non-resident individuals, and the compensation of employees who are employed in an economy where they are not resident, and of residents employed by non-resident entities.

“Besides our meetings with multilateral financial institutions, and foreign investor groups, with a keen interest on developments in Nigeria, including the US Chamber of Commerce, we had very productive discussions with leading international money transfer operators IMTOs, where we collectively committed to doubling remittance flows through formal channels into Nigeria in the immediate short to medium term. 

“This target is both ambitious and achievable. And we are wasting no time in setting up a collaborative Task Force reporting to myself to drive progress and address any bottlenecks that hinder flows through formal channels,” Cardoso said.

The naira weakened by the most in over a month at the parallel market on Friday, ending a rally since late March that had made the currency the world’s best performer.

A dollar sold for N1,230 in street trading on Friday, a 17 percent decline compared to N1,050 the previous day.

Traders say there was an uptick in demand on the day but still expect the naira to pare the losses in the coming days.

The naira also depreciated at the official market to N1,169.99 against the dollar on Friday — a 1.38 percent drop from the N1,154.08/$ rate on April 18.

He said in the six months since assumed the position of Central Bank governor, the challenges have been significant from grappling with inflation to addressing volatility in the foreign exchange market.

“However, with relative stability now achieved particularly in the foreign exchange market, we have transitioned from firefighting to strategic planning across key areas.

“These areas include improving the ease of doing business in Nigeria to consolidate and sustain the gains through an efficient and transparent market system and boosting financial and economic inclusion for small businesses and households. Interrogating all potential ways to leverage smarter use of technology and remote banking to reduce the cost of transactions and expand access accessibility to the financial system,” Cardoso said.

Imagine missing school or work every  month because you can’t afford sanitary pads. This is the reality for over 37 million Nigerian women and girls, according to a former Minister of Women’s Affairs, Pauline Tallen.

Sadly, the current high cost of sanitary pads has pushed many more into period poverty, restricting their ability to work, study and participate in daily life.

In the face of this challenge, Sunday Vanguard probes how Nigerian women and girls navigate menstrual hygiene.

As a mother of three teenage girls, ages 14, 16 and 18, Mrs Joy Anyanwu has been bearing the burden of providing her girls with sanitary pads and other items they may require.

Joy, a teacher in one of the private schools in Ikotun area of Lagos, who lost her husband some years ago, said she is disturbed watching her girls use rags for their monthly period due to her inability to afford sanitary pads.

 This development is no thanks to the high cost of sanitary pads.

The mother of three girls and two boys told Sunday Vanguard that due to her inability to afford these menstrual hygiene products, her children usually stay away from school and church services for four days in order not to be embarrassed.

With tears in her eyes, she said with a monthly salary of N30, 000, the family can barely feed three times a day.

“To support myself, I have been able to cut some of my unused wrappers in small sizes.  I supervise the washing and anytime I have money I buy a pack and keep it in case any of them have tests or exams”, Joy told Sunday Vanguard.

“For instance, before now, a Lady Care pad of 10 pieces in a pack was sold between N300 and N450 last year. “Today, some go as high as N850, N1, 550, and N2, 980, depending on the area of purchase.

In supermarkets visited by Sunday Vanguard, the prices of popular brands like Always start from N985. 

Some of the different types of Always pads like Ultra-normal with wings go for as high as N2, 785.

Some of the cheapest pads, like Lilypad Ultra-soft, a pack of 7, sell now for N510. 

A Molped pad (Super Value Pack) is sold for N1, 810, a value pack of 10 goes for N965, Super Value Pack of 32 goes for N3, 270 and a Molped Ultra-soft of 10 is sold at N1, 145.

Also, Kotex Pad Ultra goes for N585, depending on the area of purchase.

“I tried going back to using toilet tissues, but their prices have also skyrocketed. Some of the cheap brands that go for N50 are now sold for N250,” Joy said.

Like Joy, many parents are facing a lot of trouble following the skyrocketing prices of sanitary products.

Investigations by Sunday Vanguard show that the cost of all brands of sanitary pads has gone out of the reach of the poor by over 400 per cent.

The prices of other popular economy brands like Virony sold at N1, 200 last year have gone up to N3, 000.

Angel pads of 10 are now sold for N700 while 10 pieces of Dry Love sanitary pad go for N900.

“My daughter almost missed her mock exams. She was supposed to go to school that morning when the period came out”, Joy said.

“I was not at home and there was no money to buy a pad. Thanks to my neighbour who volunteered to give her two pieces from her house.

“She got to school late. Government must put policies in place to check the high cost of essential products that can put the lives of people in danger; it is no longer easy for parents like me”.

Missing classes

 For an undergraduate student at Imo State University, Celestina, many students are avoiding classes due to their inability to afford these sanitary pads.

“Girls are missing classes not because they are sick but because they cannot afford to spend their feeding money on expensive sanitary pads, especially some of them that experience heavy flow”, Celestina stated.

“Some use toilet tissue which is not good but they have no choice.  Some even use newspapers.  It is pathetic. Some also tear their clothes for their menstrual period.

“Last week I did not go to church because I ran out of sanitary pads.  I cannot go to church with rags or toilet tissue. I had to stay in my hostel”.

Meanwhile, Sunday Vanguard finds that if nothing is done urgently, the period of poverty may persist or become a bigger burden. 

Nigeria, over the years, has continued to face challenges in menstrual hygiene management.

For instance, a study published by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) based on a survey conducted in the north-western state of Kaduna shows that only 37 per cent of women aged 15–49 have everything they need such as clean materials, a facility, pain medication, and places to dispose of used products for proper menstrual hygiene.

In a UNFPA-supported Lagos State-wide assessment on Menstrual Hygiene Management, MHM, across its secondary schools, it was found that over 77 per cent reported re-using their menstrual materials that are not reusable pads.

Although studies have shown that menstrual hygiene management is an essential aspect of hygiene among women and girls in the menstruating age group, it is often overlooked and doesn’t attract much attention in some countries, like Nigeria.

Infections

 Medical experts are, in the meantime, warning that poor menstrual hygiene can severely impact a woman’s sexual and reproductive health.

Poor menstrual hygiene, according to them, increases the risk of reproductive and urinary tract infections, which can lead to future infertility and complications during childbirth.

Again, resorting to unhygienic sanitary products, they said, not only puts girls at physical risk but also subjects them to a cycle of fear as they approach their period, dreading leaks and odour.

According to a Consultant Gynaecologist at Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, LASUTH, Modupe Olatokunbo-Adedeji, the use of unhygienic rags in place of sanitary pads could lead to genital tract infections.

Olatokunbo-Adedeji said such infections occur due to alternative materials like used clothes, and tissue rolls, which break into particles when moist and are left behind even far into the vagina for microbes to thrive on and others.

She listed such infections that can be contracted to include genital tract infections, vulvovaginitis, cervicitis, endometritis, salpingitis, oophoritis and then pelvic inflammatory disease.

Olatokunbo-Adedeji said: “Government basically should look into ensuring that essential products are accessible to people by some subsidy or encouraging  local production.

“The use of clothing materials is supposed to be extinct and is looking like we are recalling these materials. “Just like childhood immunisation is free, why can’t the distribution of sanitary towels be likewise? The definitive option is to make them affordable.”

For the Executive Director of Yeye Modupe Alakija Foundation, YMAAF, Omobola Olaribigbe, limited access to menstrual hygiene in Nigeria is a key concern and this lack of access is why her organisation works to improve menstrual hygiene supplies for disadvantaged girls in schools across communities. Olaribigbe decried that the price of menstrual products has skyrocketed by over 300 per cent in just a year, making them scarce and forcing people to resort to unsafe alternatives.

“This has severe consequences. It leads to health risks, keeps women from work and forces schoolgirls to miss classes, further hindering their education and future job prospects”, the expert said. On health, she noted that, depending on the menstrual flow, a person may need an average of three pads a day but some are using one. For those using tampons, for example, she explained, there’s something called Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS), a serious illness caused by bacterial growth. “Long (over 8 hours) and even using sanitary pads for too long could lead to discomfort or leaks”, Olaribigbe added.

The expert stressed the need to promote proper menstrual hygiene and encourage women to change pads and tampons regularly based on their needs. “Apart from the health implications, there is also the economic impact on adults and children because they will begin to miss work and school”, she said. Olaribigbe explained that, on average, women with regular periods need 3–4 pads changed every three hours. This translates to roughly 15- 20 pads used per 5-day cycle, requiring about 2–2.5 packs of pads.

Experience in the field

Sharing her experience, she said for three years, her NGO provided pads to a young woman who has moved to university now every month and that lifted a burden for her and her family.

“However, we met some girls who resorted to washing and reusing pads, which is a health risk”, Olaribigbe said. “It is a health disaster. Disposable pads are meant for single use, and washing them reduces their effectiveness. These are the two realities I’ve encountered.

Way forward

”Some people sew their reusable pads, which can be cost-effective in the long run. “However, proper hygiene is crucial when reusing pads to prevent infections.

“This requires access to clean water and proper drying methods. For those struggling with access to hygiene resources, other menstrual products like menstrual cups (if culturally appropriate) might be a better option. “Another solution is for government to come to the aid of young girls. Some parts of the world are already giving away free sanitary products to girls in their countries.

“I will give it out to Cortex because sometime last year, they gave out a thousand sanitary pads to different NGOs that are working on menstrual hygiene. “I believe that government can come to the aid of young girls by making policies whereby we can get free sanitary pads access to girls. Especially the girls in the public schools, it will go a very long way.” She further stressed the need to raise awareness of hygiene conditions for reusable pads.

According to World Bank Statistics, though Menstrual Health and Hygiene, MHH, is essential to the well-being and empowerment of women and adolescent girls, on any given day, more than 300 million women worldwide are menstruating. In total, an estimated 500 million people lack access to menstrual products and adequate facilities for Menstrual Hygiene Management (MHM), the report shows. The report, therefore, recommends that to effectively manage their menstruation, girls and women require access to Water, Sanitation and Hygiene, WASH, facilities, affordable and appropriate menstrual hygiene materials, information on good practices, and a supportive environment where they can manage menstruation without embarrassment or stigma.

A 65-year-old suspect, Lukman Odejoju has narrated how alcohol packaged in nylon influenced the killing of his mother. 

Vanguard has reported that the suspect killed his mother over palm oil proceed in Kajola village via Apomu, Isokan local government area of Osun state. 

Fielding questions from journalists while he was being paraded at the State Police Command headquarters in Osogbo, he said the alcohol popularly referred to as ‘pelebe’ led him to an argument with his mother. 

“We were both arguing inside the farm over handing over of her palm plantation to me but she refused. Amid the argument I pushed and strangled her, but I didn’t know she would die.

“Before I went to the farm, I had taken a sachets of alcohol. It was after the incident it dawned on me that I had committed a grave mistake.

“I adjusted her body and went to the village to bring people back to the scene. It was at the scene I told them what happened.

“I love my mother, I am her eldest surviving child out of five children and I urge the government to forgive because it was not intentional”, he pleaded.

The United States (US) government has different visa for potential immigrants to apply for which will enable them to relocate to, work, and study.  

A US visa is a permit issued by the US government that grants non-citizens entry into the country for certain purposes, such as work, study, or travel.

To apply for a visa, you should carry out some complex but important tasks like filling out the correct forms, providing relevant documents, and paying a fee. 

In some cases, you may also need to attend an interview at a US embassy or consulate.

Below are application requirements:

To apply for a US visa, you must meet certain requirements. Applicants should have valid passports and documents demonstrating their purpose of travel, such as employment contracts or educational records. 

Depending on the type of visa you are applying for, additional documentation may be required.

You should also be prepared to provide proof of your funds and any medical or other relevant information requested by the American embassy or consulate. 

In addition, you must have evidence of your intention to return home after your authorised stay, if you’re applying for a temporary or nonimmigrant visa.

It’s also important to remember that all documents must be in English or translated into English and that all original documents must be presented with copies at the visa interview.

Types Of US visa

The US offers two types of visas: immigrant and non-immigrant.

An immigrant visa is for those who intend to stay in the US permanently, while a non-immigrant visa is for those who are only in the US temporarily. 

Non-immigrant visas generally allow people to work or study in the US for up to 180 days, while an immigrant visa allows you to stay indefinitely and work without restrictions. 

Non-Immigrant Visas

There are a number of types of non-immigrant visas, and these include:

Work Visa

A work visa allows you to legally work in the US, and all require you to have a firm, concrete job offer in the North American country. Your work visa will be tied to your company- you are not permitted to work for anyone else while you are in the US on a work visa.

The main visas in this category include:

1.C-1/D Visa (Combined Transit and Crewman) – crew members of international flights or ships.

2. E-1 Visa (Treaty Trader) – managers/executives/specialists/supervisors of companies driving trade to the US. 

3. E-2 Visa (Treaty Investor) – managers/executives/specialists/supervisors of companies investing in the US.

4. H-1B Visa (Speciality Occupation Worker) – For highly qualified professionals and people with an academic degree.

5. I Visa (Foreign News Media) – journalists and media representatives.

6. L-1 Visa (Intracompany Transferee) – internal transfer of employees of all nationalities.

7. L-1 Blanket Visa/Registration – internal transfer of employees with a simplified application process. 

8. O- 1 Visa (Extraordinary Ability) – people with extraordinary skills and abilities.

9. TN Visa – skilled workers from Canada and Mexico.

US Visitor Visa (Business Visa USA and US Tourist Visa)

In many cases, tourists and visitors will qualify for the Visa Waiver Program (ESTA). However, as a Nigerian citizen, you will need to apply for a specific visa in order to visit. In this case, you will need one of two visas:

i. B-1 Visa (Business Visitor) – business travellers who stay in America for up to 180 days

ii. B-1 Visa (Tourist) – tourists looking to stay in America for up to 180 days 

Internship and student visas

If you are studying in there, taking part in an exchange program, or undertaking an internship, you will need one of two visas:

a. F-1 Visa (Student) – for studying at an American university or college.

b. J -1 Visa (Exchange) – for people who participate in an exchange program in the US (e.g. an internship or training).

Immigrant visa for US (Green Card)

If you have an immigrant visa, you will be permitted to stay in the US on a permanent basis and undertake paid work. The categories of immigrant visas are Employment-based immigration, Family-based immigration, and the Diversity Visa Program. 

Employment-based immigration visas are:

EB-1 (Priority Workers)

EB-2 (Advanced Degree/Exceptional Ability

EB-3 (Skilled Workers, Professionals and Other Workers)

EB-4 (Special Immigrants – this includes religious workers) 

EB-5 (Immigration Investor Program)

Family-based visas include:

Spouses and relatives of US citizens, or ofpermanent residents

The Diversity Visa program requires participation in the yearly Green Card Lottery – this is open to citizens of eligible countries, and allows a certain number of people to gain permanent resident status.

Popular chess master, Tunde Onakoya, has joined the league of Nigerians who recently won the Guinness World Record.

The 29-year-old Onakoya broke the Guinness World Record for the longest chess marathon in New York’s Times Square, when he reached the 57-hour mark, surpassing the previous record of 56 hours and 9 minutes.

The previous record of 56 hours, 9 minutes, was held by Norwegian players Hallvard Haug Flatebø and Sjur Ferkingstad in 2018.

Nigerian gourmet chef, Hilda Baci entered the Guinness World Record for longest cooking hours by an individual lat year.

The Guinness Book of Records is a reference book that chronicles human and natural world records.

It was first published in 1955 by the Guinness Brewery in Ireland and has since become one of the world’s most well-known and frequently read reference books.

Individuals or groups must submit proof to the Guinness World Records team and go through a verification process to qualify for a world record listing.

Below are a brief information about a list of Nigerians that have broken the Guinness World Records in recent times:

1. Hilda Baci in May 2023

Hilda Effiong Bassey, popularly known as Hilda Baci, entered the Guinness World Record for the longest cooking marathon by an individual. Hilda Baci made Nigerians proud on May 15, 2023, in the cook-a-thon held in Lagos, which was set to last for 93 hours and eleven minutes.

2. Divine Ikubor (Rema) in May 2023

Nigerian music star, Divine Ikubor, popularly known as Rema, made it to the Guinness World Book of Records. Rema’s hit song, ‘Calm Down’ made history as the first No. 1 Hit on The Official MENA Chart (the world’s first regional streaming chart).

3. Gbenga Ezekiel in October 2022

Ezekiel achieved the most skips in one minute on one leg (278), breaking his own record of 265, and the most double under skips in one minute on one leg (144), beating the previous record of 132, set by India’s Himanshu Prajapati in 2021.

4. Folashade Oluwafemiayo in August 2022

In 2021, Folashade Oluwafemiayo won the gold medal in her event at the 2021 World Para Powerlifting Championships held in Tbilisi, Georgia. At this event, she also set a new world record of 152.5 kg. She competed at the 2022 Commonwealth Games where she won a gold medal in the heavyweight event.

5. Chukwuebuka Ezugha and Victor Richard Kipo in March 2022

The most consecutive passes of a football (soccer ball) between the head and soles (team of two) is 252, achieved by Chukwuebuka Ezugha and Victor Richard Kipo (both Nigeria), in Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom, Nigeria, on 11 March 2022.

6. Vincent Okezie in March 2022

Vincent Okezie, on 3 March 2023, Master Okezie won his fifth GWR to become the current holder of the most football (soccer) ‘around the world’ tricks (71) with arms linked.

7. Bose Omolayo in December 2021

Bose Omolayo became the new Guinness World Record holder in 2021 when she made the heaviest para power lift by a female in the -79 kg category at 144 kg.

8. Chinonso Miracle Eche in October 2021

Chinonso Miracle Eze achieved the fastest time to 1,000 touches while balancing another ball on the head, and broke the Guinness World Records Holder for “Most Consecutive Football Touches In One Minute While Balancing a Ball On His Head.

9. Peter Aho in October 2021

Peter Aho became one of the bowlers from Nigeria to break the Guinness World Record after taking five wickets and a hat-trick in a T20i game and also holds the record for best bowling figures in T20is, claiming six wickets for five runs against Sierra Leone in 2021.

10. Bayo Omoboriowo in September 2021

Bayo Omoboriowo broke the Guinness World Record for creating The Largest Photo Book in 2021. The photo book, done in collaboration with The JT Agency and with the federal government’s support, is 60.84 square metres (654 square feet and 87 square inches) and was a recreation of a photo collection titled Discover Nigeria.

11. Tunde Onakoye in April 2024

Tunde Onakoya is the latest Nigerian to break the Guinness World Record after an unprecedented and uninterrupted 58-hour chess session, and reaching the 57-hour mark.

One of the most intelligent Nigerian scholars contributing to the tech inventions in the world is Prof Ndubuisi Ekekwe, for his credit with the development of microchips used in minimally invasive surgical robots.

Ndubuisi Ekekwe is the founder of First Atlantic Semiconductors & Microelectronics Ltd. He holds a United States Patent on a microchip used in minimally invasive surgical robots and was part of the team that created the XL sensor inside the iPhone and iPad.

According to Wikipedia, Ndubuisi Ekekwe invented and patented a robotic system which the United States Government acquired assignee rights.

He holds two doctoral and four master’s degrees including a PhD in engineering from Johns Hopkins University, USA. He earned an undergraduate degree from FUT Owerri where he graduated as his class best student.

While in Analog Devices Corp, he co-designed an accelerometer for the iPhone. A recipient of IGI Global “Book of the Year” award, a TED Fellow, IBM Global Entrepreneur and World Economic Forum Young Global Leader, Prof. Ekekwe has held professorships in Carnegie Mellon University and Babcock University, and served in the United States National Science Foundation Committee.

The South African press called him “a doctor of innovation” for helping organizations on the mechanics of business innovation, strategy, and growth. Since 2009, the Chairman of Fasmicro Group which controls many startups and entities has been writing in the Harvard Business Review.

He was recognised by The Guardian as one of 60 Nigerians Making “Nigerian Lives Matter” on Nigeria’s 60th Independence Day.

Born in 1975, Ndubuisi Ekekwe co-designed a generation accelerometer for the iPhone and created the company’s first wafer level chip scale package for inertial sensor.

He is a player in the US semiconductor industry where he develops innovative microchip and invented a micro-controller for medical robots.

Ekekwe was born in Ovim, Isuikwuato in Abia State. He attended the Secondary Technical School where he set a record by obtaining eight distinctions.

He then proceeded to the Federal University of Technology, Owerri where he obtained a bachelor’s degree in Electrical engineering and graduated as his class’ best student.

The tech icon obtained two Doctorates in Management from St. Clements University and Electrical & Computer Engineering where he specialised in Microelectronics & Medical Robotics Engineering from the Johns Hopkins University, USA.

Some of his research work involved manufacturing of integrated circuits with the application of alternative energies, biomedical engineering, medical robotics and neuromorphic engineering.

Ekekwe is a US semiconductor industry veteran and has served in the United States National Science Foundation Engineering Research Center E&D Committee. Ekekwe is a Co-Chairman of JPL Financial Group, a California-based financial advisory firm which syndicates capital for projects in Africa

Renowned philanthropist and General Overseer of Christ Mercy Land church, Billionaire Prophet Jeremiah Fufeyin, has generously donated N10 million to the family of late Engr. Precious Ofurum, a sound engineer who lost his life in a boat mishap alongside Nollywood star, Junior Pope.

Fufeyin’s act of kindness has drawn widespread praise from Nigerians, who commended his compassion and generosity as a true embodiment of humanity.

Recall that the Akwa Ibom state governor Pastor Umo Eno had on 13th April visited late Nollywood make-up Artist, Ms Abigail Edith Frederick’s family to console them over the demise of the 24-year-old girl.

Eno promised to assist her two undergraduate sisters in school. He equally approved the remodeling of the deceased family house in Eket.

Eno during the condolence visit offered automatic employment to the deceased elder sister in the state civil service and directed that their home be renovated.

However, the tragic boat accident claimed the lives of Engr. Precious Ofurum, Ms Abigail Edith Frederick and Junior Pope, leaving the nation in mourning for the loss of these talented individuals.

Reacting on X, @Doris_Nkiruka tweeted “Prophet Jeremiah is a shining example of sympathy and compassion. I’m truly inspired by this gesture. May the soul of Engr. Precious rest in peace.”

@EmekaJohnson__ wrote, “Prophet Jeremiah Fufeyin has gained another fan in me. This is true Christianity—showing love and support to those in need. I admire his good work. Instead of criticizing, let’s each do our part. God bless PapaJ!”

Mr Aigboje Aig-Imokhuede, Chairman of Access Holdings Plc, has expressed confidence about raising 300 million dollars in capital for Access Bank, considering the bank’s strong market position and shareholders’ support.

Aig-Imokhuede said this in an interview on the sideline of Access Holdings’ second Annual General Meeting(AGM) held in Lagos.

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), on March 29, directed commercial banks in Nigeria with international authorisation to shore up their capital base to N500 billion and national banks to N200 billion.

Similarly, non-interest banks with national and regional authorisation will increase their capital to N20 billion and N10 billion, respectively.

The recapitalisation exercise is expected to commence from April 1, through March 31, 2026.

Consequently, the shareholders of Access Bank at the AGM unanimously backed the Group’s plan to establish a capital raising programme of up to $1.5 billion.

They also agreed to the subset initiative to raise up to N365 billion specifically, through a Rights Issue of ordinary shares to its shareholders.

The proceeds of the rights issue will be used to support ongoing working capital needs, including organic growth funding for the group’s banking and other non-banking subsidiaries

Aig-Imokhuede explained that having announced to embark on a capital raising through Right Issue, he was confident that the group’s shareholders would support the bank in the journey.

He stated that Access Holdings has a unique relationship with the capital market in Nigeria and internationally.

“It is not the first time CBN is coming up with such policy.

“Recall that in 2004 when CBN announced that all banks must recapitalise to the tune of N25 billion and Access Bank had about N3 billion of capital.

“Between 2004 and 2007, however, our team, when I was the CEO of the bank, raised two billion dollars of common equity capital.

“Therefore, in 2024 when Access Holdings is much older, wiser, stronger, larger and significantly respected by the capital market with over 800,000 shareholders, raising 300 million dollars in capital for Access Bank, its banking subsidiary is not really much of a challenge.

“We signalled to the market first that we will be doing a Right Issue, which means that we must carry everybody along, in spite of our large institutional shareholders.

“Nonetheless, we believe in ensuring that shareholders, either large or small, continue with us on our journey.

“They have always supported us when need be with good reasons, because they believe in the company and the performance that would be delivered subsequently to such capital raising exercise.

“What is on the mind of our shareholders now is recapitalisation and they are also concerned about how their company continues to deliver returns,” he said.

Commenting on the CBN recapilisation policy, the chairman noted that Access Bank as a group endorses the CBN policy wholeheartedly.

Aig-Imokhuede described the policy as a good and sensible prudential regulation.

He added that banks, particularly after period of significant devaluation of domestic currency, volatility in the foreign exchange, and interest rate regime, are always encouraged to build up their capital buffer.

According to him, this is to ensure that whatever adverse effect that may arise as a result of the dynamic changes in the business environment would not affect their very concern.

In terms of performance and expectations from Access Holdings going forward, Aig-Imokhuede stated that the earning profile of the group, which spread across Nigeria, Africa and outside Africa subsidiaries, is very robust.

He said: “As an investor, you always look to see whether there is deep concentration where the profit is coming from; in our case, these arears are spread across three core areas that is of significant interest to local and international investors.

“If you look at the performance of banks in the year ended 2023 financial reports, you will see that all banks in naira terms have increased significantly their profitability as a result of the devaluation.

“But that isn’t the case with Access Bank, whose revaluation benefits come from the fact that it has significant international operations, because it is not a function of holding large foreign currency balances.

According to him, Access Bank, United Kingdom for example, is the largest and probably highest performing Sub-saharan African bank that has a license in the UK and making hundred of millions of naira of profit from the UK.

The chairman further said that this is not an accounting benefit that comes in the year 2023, but will continue, and with the operations of the bank in France, and across other European, Asia and Middle Eastern jurisdiction.

“We can see that the foreign currency benefit of profit in those locations are going to also accrued to the holding.

“The holding as an investor is also thinking of retail banking, which is like a utility. A retail banking with about 60 million customers is enough to sustain the bank anytime, irrespective of how volatile or uncertain the market is,” he said.

Access Holdings full-year results for the period ended Dec. 31, 2023, showcased an impressive 335 per cent increase in pre-tax profit to N729 billion from N167.68 billion in 2022.

The group also experienced an 87 per cent surge in gross earnings to N2.59 trillion from N1.39 trillion in 2022 and reported a remarkable 306 per cent growth in profit After Tax to N619.32 billion, from N152.20 billion posted in year 2022.

(NAN)