Remove These Billboards Congratulating Me, FCT Minister, Wike, Orders

August 27, 2023

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Chief Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, has ordered the removal of lamp post billboards, full scale billboards and other such adverts, congratulating him on his appointment as Minister.
Wike said that while he deeply appreciates the warm wishes and support of the citizens, he kindly, but strongly requests that such billboards and advertisements be discontinued forthwith.
A statement today, August 27 by Director of Press, Anthony Ogunleye, said that the minister acknowledged the overwhelming outpouring of goodwill from the residents of the Federal Capital Territory and beyond and understood the sentiment behind those congratulatory displays and that he is genuinely touched by the show of support.
“However, in the spirit of public service and commitment to his responsibilities, the Minister wishes to focus his full attention on assisting the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, in realizing his vision and Renewed Hope agenda for Nigeria.
“As the FCT Minister, his foremost duty lies in contributing to the development and growth of the FCT and the well-being of its residents and the nation as a whole.
“The Minister holds in high regard, the aspirations and expectations of the FCT residents, and he remains dedicated to fulfilling his role with utmost sincerity and dedication. He believes that this can be best achieved by concentrating all efforts on the task at hand and joining hands with fellow public servants to serve the country to the best of their abilities.”
Wike hoped that the public will understand his perspective and continue to extend their support and cooperation, even as he looks forward to working hand in hand with all stakeholders to build a stronger, more prosperous and united FCT and Nigeria.

SERAP Gives Tinubu 48 Hours To Reverse His Ban On 25 Media Organisations From Aso Rock

Greenbarge Reporters

August 27, 2023

Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has given President Bola Tinubu 48 hours from today, August 27, within which to reverse the “unlawful” ban on 25 media organisations and their correspondents from covering the presidential villa, asking that their accreditations should be restored.
SERAP appealed to the President to publicly instruct the officials in the presidential villa to allow journalists and media houses to freely do their job and discharge their constitutional duty of holding those in power to account.
The Presidency had recently withdrew the accreditations of 25 journalists from covering activities at the Presidential Villa, Abuja. The banned journalists include those from the Vanguard; Galaxy TV; Ben TV; MITV; ITV Abuja; PromptNews; ONTV, and Liberty.
In the letter dated 26 August 2023 and signed by SERAP deputy director, Kolawole Oluwadare, the organisation said: “Barring these journalists and media houses from covering the presidential villa is to prevent them from carrying out their legitimate constitutional responsibility.
SERAP said: “Your administration cannot, with one broad stroke, ban journalists from covering public functions. Citizens’ access to information and participation would mean little if journalists and media houses are denied access to the seat of government.
“Media freedom is a cornerstone of Nigeria’s democracy and journalists must be able to hold the government to account. This is a matter of public interest. The government cannot cherry-pick journalists to cover its activities.”
The letter, read in part: “We would be grateful if the recommended measures are taken within 48 hours of the receipt and/or publication of this letter. If we have not heard from you by then, SERAP have shall consider appropriate legal actions to compel your government to comply with our request in the public interest.”
“Nigerians may consider the expulsion of the journalists from the presidential villa as your government’s ambivalence towards media freedom, and citizens’ rights of access to information and participation in their own government.
“The legal obligations imposed on your government to ensure and uphold media freedom and human rights, and facilitate public access to the presidential villa as a public trust outweigh any purported ‘security concerns and overcrowding of the press gallery area.’
“Media freedom, access to information and citizens’ participation in the affairs of their own government are the sine qua non of a democratic and rule of law-based society.
“The withdrawal of the accreditation tags of these journalists directly violates media freedom and human rights including access to information and the right to participation. It would have a significant chilling effect on newsgathering and reporting functions, and may lead to self-censorship.
“The withdrawal of the accreditations of the journalists would construct barriers between Nigerians and certain information about the operations of their government, something which they have a constitutional right to receive.
“Media freedom, access to information and the right to participation are necessary for the maintenance of an open and accountable government. These freedoms are so fundamental in a democracy that they trump any vague grounds of ‘security concerns and overcrowding of the press gallery area.’
“The effective exercise of media freedom, access to information and citizens’ right to participation in their government would preserve and contribute to a free and democratic society, something which is consistent with your constitutional oath of office to defend the Nigerian Constitution 1999 [as amended].”
“Allowing the media to cover the presidential villa would improve the reliability of information available to the public and serve the public interest.
“Your government reportedly justified this grave constitutional infraction on the pretext of ‘an internal attempt to reduce bloated number of print photographers and overcrowding in the State House.’
“Your government also cited alleged ‘security concerns raised by State House officials and visiting dignitaries concerning the overcrowding of the press gallery area that blocks the walking path to the President’s Office.’
“According to our information, your administration on 18 August 2023 withdrew the accreditation tags of some 25 journalists and media houses from covering activities at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
“The banned journalists reportedly include those from Vanguard newspaper; Galaxy TV; Ben TV; MITV; ITV Abuja; PromptNews, ONTV, and Liberty. Other media personnel affected by the withdrawal are mostly reporters and cameramen from broadcast, print, and online media outlets.
“The affected journalists were simply told at the main gate of the presidential villa to submit their accreditation tags.
“SERAP is concerned that the withdrawal of the accreditations of 25 journalists covering the presidential villa is a grave violation of the Nigerian Constitution and the country’s international human rights obligations.
“Our requests are brought in the public interest, and in keeping with the requirements of the Nigerian Constitution 1999 [as amended]; and the country’s international obligations including under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights to which Nigeria is a state party.
“Under section 22 of the Nigerian Constitution, the mass media including ‘the press, radio, television and other agencies of the mass media shall at all times be free to uphold the fundamental objectives contained in this Chapter and uphold the responsibility and accountability of the Government to the people.’
“Section 14(2)(c) of the Constitution provides that ‘the participation by the people in their government shall be ensured in accordance with the provisions of this Constitution.’
“Similarly, Article 9 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights provides that, ‘Every individual shall have the right to receive information. Every individual shall have the right to express and disseminate his opinions.’
“Article 13 of the Charter also provides that, ‘Every citizen shall have the right to participate freely in the government of his country. Every citizen shall have the right of equal access to the public service of his country. Every individual shall have the right of access to public property and services.’
“Articles 19 and 25 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights contain similar provisions.
“SERAP also urges you to take meaningful and effective steps to ensure respect for the rights to media freedom, access to information and citizens’ right to participate in their own government.”
Kolawole Oluwadare
SERAP Deputy Director.

Why I Have Been Holding ECOWAS From Going To War In Niger, Tinubu Tells U.S Envoy

Greenbarge Reporters

August 27, 2023

“We are deep in our attempts to peacefully settle the issue in Niger by leveraging on our diplomatic tools.
“I continue to hold ECOWAS back, despite its readiness for all options, in order to exhaust all other remedial mechanisms.
“War is not ideal for my economic reforms, nor for the region, but the defense of democracy is sacrosanct.”
These were the words of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu when he received in audience, August 26, the U.S. Presidential Envoy and Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs, Ambassador Molly Phee at the Presidential villa, Abuja.
He said that the ECOWAS consensus is that they would not allow anyone to insincerely buy time, but that he did not believe in war.
President Tinubu made it clear that the crisis in Niger Republic would not deter him from concluding his economic reform programme successfully for the benefit of Nigerians.
He stressed that he would not take a queue from any nation and that he would only advance the interest of the Nigerian state in his approach toward ECOWAS’ handling of the regional standoff.
President Tinubu said that African democracies are currently under assault by anti-democratic forces within and outside the continent.
The President noted that American-backed development finance and multilateral institutions, which were designed to support war-torn Europe after World War II, require swift and comprehensive reform to meet the developmental requirements of younger democracies in Africa, which operate in authoritarian-crowded environments, such that the legitimate yearnings of Africans would no longer be manipulated to serve the narrow aims of self-seeking demagogues through unconstitutional takeovers of power.
“Yes, the private sector will lead the way within an enabling environment we create for them, but the U.S. Government must be innovative in its thinking and systematically create incentives for U.S. industrial investment in Nigeria. Under my leadership, Nigeria stands ready to address their specific regulatory, tax and environmental concerns. I am determined to create prosperity for all Nigerian families.”
Meanwhile, the visiting Special Presidential Envoy pledged his country’s support for the position of ECOWAS, and that the U.S government had high regard for Tinubu as Chairman of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government.
He extended an exclusive invitation to President Tinubu, from U.S. President, Joe Biden to meet on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York City to advance discussions further in late September this year.
“We know there is more we can do to incentivize large-scale American investment in Nigeria and we are committed to working closely with you to achieve that, as part of efforts to strengthen the Nigerian economy and the regional economy.
“We appreciate your willingness to create an enabling environment for that.
“President Joe Biden is asking to meet with you on the sidelines of UNGA, and you are the only African leader he has requested to meet. It is a mark of his high regard for your leadership.”
President Tinubu instantly accepted the invitation to meet the U.S. President on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly and that the work of perfecting democracy is never done, even in developed democracies, as seen recently in America, as well as other emerging democracies in the world.

Medical Centre Raises Alarm Over Outbreak Of New, Deadlier Covid Variant

Editorial staff

August 25, 2023

The National Obstetric Fistula Centre NOFC), Abakaliki in Ebonyi State has raised alarm over the outbreak of a new and deadlier Covid variant, known as BA.4 and BA.5 COVID delta.

An Internal memo, signed by Yakubu E.N, Head of Clinical Services and sent to all the staff of the centre, said that the new variant takes less time to go to extremes, sometimes without symptoms.

The memo said that the new variant has no symptoms of cough and fever, but explained that BA.4 and BA.5 COVID delta come with a lot of joint pain, headache, neck and upper back pain, general weakness, loss of appetite and pneumonia.

It said that the symptoms also include sore throat that resembles strep throat and more virulent and with a higher mortality rate.

“It takes less time to go to extremes. Sometimes without symptoms. Be more careful. This strain does not live in the naso-pharyngeal region.

“Now it directly affects the lungs, which means that the “windows” periods of time are shorter.

There have been several patients without fever, without pain, but who report mild chest pneumonia on their X-rays. Nasal swab tests are very often negative for Cavid-19, and there are more and more false negative results from nasopharyngeal tests.

“This means that the virus spreads and spreads directly to the lungs, causing acute respiratory stress caused by viral pneumonia.

“This explains why it has become sharp, more virulent and deadly. Please, be extremely careful.”

As part of precautionary measures, the centre asked the staff and members of the public to avoid crowded places, keep 1.5 distance even in open places, double face masks and wash hands often.

“Please no hugs, it is very dangerous at the moment, as almost everyone is asymptomatic. This wave’ is much more deadly than the first, so we have to be very careful and take every kind of precaution,” the memo said.

NCDMB Concludes Innovation-Based Training For 17 Companies

Editorial staff

August 25, 2023

The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) has concluded an innovation training for 17 portfolio companies. The training concluded research- and innovation-based training which was conducted at its Technology Incubation and Innovation Centre (TIIC).

A statement today, August 25, from NCDMB said that the training signalled the intensification of its capacity-building initiatives that birthed its Project 100 companies a few years ago.

It said that the 17 companies, which had enrolled at the Centre as energy industry startups were among 54 incubates that underwent the 7-month programme, initiated by NCDMB in partnership with the Nigerian chapter of Founder Institute (FI), based in Silicon Valley, California, United States.

It said that the research and innovation endeavours of the companies have yielded products in fields as diverse as pipeline protection technology, embedded systems, drilling fluid additives, gas penetration technology, tele-medicine, electric-powered engines for inland water transportation/charging solutions, among others.

The statement quoted the Executive Secretary of the Board, Engr. Simbi Kesiye Wabote, as saying that TIIC was established with the strategic intent to serve as “Resource Centre for obtaining data on priority research areas in the oil and gas industry.

“Low-cost transition platform to incubate research ideas into tangible products, “Ecosystem for innovators to think through new ideas for technology adaptation or process improvement,” and “Networking between researchers, investors and end-users in the oil and gas industry and its linkage sectors.”

He expressed confidence that, “Following the conclusion of the accelerator program, the innovators are now well-positioned to scale up and commercialize their products.” He charged the beneficiary start-ups of the incubation programme “to continue leveraging the network exposure and effectively fast-track their products to market, while adhering to all relevant compliance and standards requirements.”

The NCDMB boss, who was represented by the Director, Corporate Services, Patrick Daziba Obah, said: “The journey of NCDMB Research and Development is a long one – a tough one for us.” Underlining the complexity of the programme, he wondered, “What if no one graduated…especially if you are talking about Founder Institute and Silicon Valley?

“Beyond such preliminary concerns, how to even get investors, potential sponsors, seed funding to enhance business capacities of these portfolio companies,” posed another subset of challenges.

“Besides, after getting your product design, how do you proceed to prototyping?

“We had to do something new in R&D – not just what others were doing,” he emphasised, noting that the “concept of commercialization of R&D ideas” made some difference.

Expressing a sense of triumph on the part of the Board, he declared: “I reckon today as one of those days that has brought fulfilment to Nigeria.”

In an “Overview of NCDMB TIIC Operating Model,” the Board’s Director of Planning, Research and Statistics, Alhaji Abdulmalik Halilu, emphasised the importance of R&D as “a major enabler for local capacity development,” lamenting that “Over 70 per cent of our software requirements are met through importation.” According to him, “Under a do-nothing scenario,” Nigeria was losing some US$2 billion annually.

He pointed out that with over 200 degree – awarding institutions Nigeria is not in short supply of institutional capacity to produce manpower to drive development.

The trend, he noted could be reversed through R&D, highlighting successive stages in the incubation programme at the TIIC, beginning with ideas, development of a business model, field trials and then writing proposals and getting a business registered.

While underlining the relevance of mentorship, he expressed happiness at the milestone covered.

“We are celebrating them (17 portfolio companies) because they have moved from ideation to the market phase.”

A resource person for Mentorship, Adebayo Omole, Managing Partner, Matrix Solicitors, counselled the new portfolio companies to get all the certifications required, telling them: “get your ideas patented, “make sure your operational agreements are tight, deliver on your promises, make sure your technologies don’t fail, open yourselves to collaboration and defend your brand; don’t let people steal your intellectual property.”

Another resource person, Engr. ThankGod Egbe, Managing Director, CYPHERCRESCENT LTD., advised the incubates that having done so much thus far, they should “leave the technical area, move into marketing,” pointing out the importance of marketing communication and related activities.

Earlier in an opening address, the Managing Director, Founder Institute, Abuja, Mrs. Ajuma Ataguba, commended the NCDMB for its initiatives in capacity building, particularly the establishment of the TIIC, noting that Founder Institute was appreciative of the partnership that has evolved between the two organisations. She pledged to continue to partner the Board in such endeavours.

Each of the 17 portfolio companies had an opportunity to highlight and demonstrate its product, showing what makes such product different from and preferrable to any other existing in the oil and gas industry and linkage sectors of the economy. All equally signified their desire for equity participation by prospective investors.

The new companies represent a significant expansion in the capacity-building profile of the NCDMB, which in January 2019 started an initiative known as Project 100 Companies under which it has nurtured such number of wholly indigenous companies into big players in the oil and gas industry through strategic interventions by way of funding and creating access to markets.

Communication Commission Boss, Danbatta, Describes Nigerian Telecom As Africa’s Powerhouse

Editorial staff

August 25, 2023

Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communication Omissions (NCC),

Professor Umar Garba Danbatta has said that Nigeria is currently the telecommunications powerhouse on the African continent.

He said: “Nigeria is a telecommunications powerhouse, with 82% of the continent’s telecom subscribers and 29% of the continent’s internet consumption.

“Our nation rates eleventh globally in terms of internet penetration and seventh in terms of mobile phone usage.

“Despite these remarkable metrics, the fact that our Network Readiness Index (NRI) ranking for 2022 is 109th out of 131 countries is both humbling and challenging.”

Professor Danbatta spoke yesterday, August 24, at the Emerging Technology Forum for the telecommunications Industry, with the theme: ‘Contextualizing the Network Readiness Index (NRI) for the Nigerian Telecommunications Industry.”

He said that in recent years, the Nigerian telecommunications industry has embarked on a remarkable growth trajectory, solidifying its position as an engine of economic growth.

“The enhancement of digital access and the expansion of our networks have left an indelible impact on the lives of our citizens. “While we celebrate these accomplishments, we are keenly aware that our dynamic society requires even higher connectivity, reliability, and accessibility standards.

“The surge in data utilisation, the proliferation of the Internet of Things (IoT), the advent of artificial intelligence and the emergence of cutting-edge technologies highlight the urgent need for ongoing network surveillance and expansion.”

Professor Danbatta said that to navigate this era of transformation, Nigeria must embrace innovation, make strategic investments, and cultivate a growth-friendly ecosystem.

According to him, this would be the nation’s gateway to innovative and disruptive solutions that can positively transform the telecom industry.

“By engaging in conversations about new technologies, collaborating with global best practices and subject-matter experts, and pooling our insights, we open the door to unimaginable future possibilities.

“Let us grasp this opportunity to investigate emerging technologies, envisage their potential applications and determine how they can be leveraged to solve our specific challenges.

Let me get down to the substance of the forum by stating the problem at hand:

“The global data collected by the NRI team reveals that digital transformation is a global imperative in order to maximize the social and economic effects of the digital era.

“It can create new inequalities which can hinder the ability of younger generations to engage in the digital economy, but also remains a powerful way to do more with less at all levels of income.

“Formal education is

evolving and metrics are important to support

informed policymaking. This requires reskilling and upskilling opportunities

to be available, accessible, and affordable in order to have more inclusive and sustainable economies and societies.”

Abubakar Jimoh, NAFDAC Director Of Public Affairs, Retires

Greenbarge Reporters

August 25, 2023

The Director, Public Affairs of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Dr. Abubakar Jimoh has retired.
An astute Journalist, consummate Public Relations Practitioner, Jimoh retired after 30 years of meritorious service to the nation.
Dr. Jimoh, who was one of the several of Directors in the Federal Civil Service affected by the 8-year tenure policy of the Federal Government for Directors, has handed over to one of the Deputy Directors in the Department, Paul Oyemonlan in an emotion laden meeting with staff of Public Affairs Department across the country.
Acclaimed as one of the best Public Relations Practitioners in the Federal Civil Service, Dr. Jimoh was employed in 1993 when NAFDAC was newly established and he was saddled with the onerous task of setting up the Public Relations Unit for the fledgling Agency, his media adviser, Onche Odoh disclosed in a press statement.
Barely two years into the operations of NAFDAC, Dr. Jimoh deployed his investigative journalism skill that led to the arrest of two Chinese nationals, Messrs. Fred Huang and Joseph Huang and confiscation of 28 Lorry Loads of Counterfeit Medicines worth millions of naira imported into the country.
In 1999, he was given double promotion by the pioneer Director–General of NAFDAC, Emeritus Professor Gabriel Osuide for his hard work, diligence dedication to duty and confrontation with Drug Counterfeiters.
A Recipient of several Awards and recognitions, Dr. Jimoh had also received the best worker’s award and Letters of commendation from Successive Directors – General, Late Prof. Dora Akunyili and Dr. Paul Orhii.
In 2018 Dr. Jimoh was one of the members of the Presidential Advisory Committee for the Elimination of Drug Abuse (PACEDA), inaugurated by former President Muhammadu Buhari.
He worked very hard and assiduously under the chairmanship of Brigadier – General Muhammed Buba Marwa who is currently doing a great job as Chairman of National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).
In her response to Dr. Jimoh’s retirement notice, Incumbent Director-General of NAFDAC, Professor Moji Christianah Adeyeye said: “I want to say thank you for the five years plus that we have worked together. The activities of the Public Affairs in the last many months have been impactful and it is very appreciated and I know it will continue. I wish you the best in future endeavours.”
Dr. Jimoh, who holds a Ph.D. in Political Economy won two academic prizes in 1987 for the best graduating student in Political Science Department and also best graduating student in the faculty of the Social Sciences of University of Ibadan.
In 1993, he bagged a Masters Degree in Political Science from University of Lagos and Postgraduate Diploma in Management Information System from University of Ibadan in 1997.
In his five years of journalism career at Kano State Government owned Triumph Newspapers, Dr. Jimoh once served as Aviation Correspondent in Lagos and Kwara State Editor of the Newspaper.
Some Journalists in attendance at the valedictory session took turns to praise Dr. Jimoh’s professional accomplishments as a journalist, thoroughbred Public Relations Practitioner and Seasoned Administrator.
Source: Verity News.

FCT Minister, Wike, Seizes Plot On Which 2-Storey Building Collapsed, Orders Arrest Of Owner

Greenbarge Reporters

August 25, 2023

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barrister Nyesom Wike, has directed that the plot of land on which a two-storey building collapsed yesterday, August 24, killing two persons, should be taken over by the government immediately.
The Minister, who visited the site of a collapsed building on Lagos Street, Garki II District yesterday, also ordered the arrest of the owner of the building.
The Minister condemned the act of building without approved plan, in response to the comment by the Director Development Control, Town planner, Mukhtar Galadima that the area is an unplanned settlement for the original inhabitants of the FCT.
“When government says take building plan, it is not as if government wants to take action, it is not as if government wants to suffer anybody. It’s to make sure that everybody is protected, that cities are planned and to forestall this kind of incident.
“Imagine a building without approval. I will ask that we must identify and arrest the owner of this property. It is very important and then of course the government will take over the area and make sure no further development is carried out here.”
Wike stressed the importance of fast-tracking the issues of resettlement to forestall a reoccurrence of such unfortunate incident.
He said that the difficult decisions which government is making are not aimed at victimizing anybody but to promote the overall safety and wellbeing of the people
“It’s so unfortunate that we woke up this early morning to hear this very saddening news. It is not what we contemplated. We had our schedule for this morning before we were told.
“Let me thank the agencies, particularly FEMA that supported us to rescue not less than 32 lives. It’s unfortunate for the two that are dead. I will say to the Permanent Secretary to make sure that funds are raised to pay the hospital bills of those who were rescued because we don’t want to hear that another person has passed and that should be done immediately.”
The Minister reiterated the need for compliance with building codes and regulations reminding residents that decisions and actions of government were for public good.
“These are the things we have been saying. Nobody knows whose turn it will be and therefore it is important that when government says that they will take action on certain areas that we believe they are illegal developments or even buildings that do not comply with the standard, it’s not as if anybody has any personal vendetta.
“But for God, we would have lost virtually everybody, and this is what we are trying to cure.”
On the resettlement of the indigenous population, the Minister emphasized the need to properly resettle them saying: “I do not know why it has taken so long that the FCTA did not resettle them. I’m sure we will take immediate action to see that indigenes of this area are resettled and then government has to plan this place.
He called for the cooperation of all stakeholders, saying that government actions which although could be uncomfortable is ultimately for public good.
“I want all the stakeholders here to please work with government. It is for the interest of everybody. Nobody has come here to say I don’t like A, I don’t like B, I like C, no. I know sometimes the government’s decision may not be too comfortable for the people but at the long run, it is for the interest everybody.
“Now that all of us have gathered here, who is happy? Nobody is happy and these are the things we are trying to forestall. Once more, I sympathize with those who have lost their lives and government will take all the bills for those who are alive.
The Minister was accompanied on the visit by the Minister of State, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud the Permanent Secretary, Mr. Olusade Adesola, the Executive Secretary, FCDA, Engr. Shehu Hadi Ahmad, amongst others.
The building which collapsed on Wednesday night is a two-floor structure which serves both residential and commercial purposes.

Information Minister Releases His First Salvo On Edo Gov Over Alleged Negative Comments On FG

Editorial staff

August 24, 2023

Minister of Information and National Orientation, Malam Mohammed Idris, has bore his fangs on the Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki over his Alleged negative comments on the Federal Government’s measures so far to alleviate the effects of fuel subsidy removal.

In a statement today, August 24, titled: “Elections Are Over: A Call For Governor

Obaseki To Show More Statesmanship, Idris accused the governor of trying to “divert attention from his poor performance at the state level since his move to the Peoples Democratic Party.”

Referring to the statement credited to the Governor which was published in the front page of Thisday Newspaper of August 24, the minister said that the governor’s uncomplimentary statement did not come to anyone as a surprise.

“However, it is essential to clarify certain narratives for a more informed public discourse.

“Governor Obaseki has, in recent times, shifted focus to the nation’s economic challenges as cannon fodder to divert attention from his poor performance at the state level since his move to the Peoples Democratic Party.

“While it is common for leaders to have divergent views, it’s crucial to align criticism with reality, and to premise discourse on tangible results.

“Governor Obaseki’s comments regarding the APC-led Federal Government’s decisions on fuel subsidy and foreign exchange market reforms perhaps overlooked the broader economic picture.”

Parts of the Minister’s statement go thus:

It’s well documented that Nigerians, State Governors across party lines, and global institutions—including the World Bank and IMF—along with various economic experts, have consistently advocated for the removal of fuel subsidy because of the fiscal distortions and burden it has placed on the economy.

This burden includes many months of zero accretion to the Federation account by the NNPC which left states and local governments with less money from FAAC, as a result of payment for fuel subsidy, which the national oil company regularly charged to the Federation account.

For perspective, Edo State, under Governor Obaseki’s leadership, has notably benefited from the fuel subsidy removal, which is evident in the more than doubling of the FAAC allocation between June and July 2023 to Edo State – more than it had ever received pre-fuel subsidy removal.

Our advice? Rather than delving into narratives which do not provide the complete picture, the focus should be on how the Edo State Government will be using available resources to drive impactful projects that genuinely uplift the people of Edo State.

Nationally, decisions led by President Tinubu are based on foresight, with the primary aim of engineering a resilient and sustainable economy. This vision is consistently echoed within the National Economic Council, where significant economic decisions are made.

We want to clearly state that Edo State, alongside other 35 States plus FCT, can access more FAAC revenue, due only to the bold and courageous economic decisions taken by President Bola Tinubu since he assumed office. These decisions have been applauded across the globe because they are the decisions that needed to be taken to reposition the national economy for better output.

We are still at a loss on what could be the trigger for Governor Obaseki to issue such blatantly false accusations against the Federal Government.

Constitutionally, Governor Obaseki is a member of the National Economic Council (NEC) where far-reaching decisions were taken on the issues he talked about, in his media address by his colleagues, while sitting in-Council with the Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima. Even as Governor Obaseki will have an explanation to make to the people of his state on why he was absent at the two NEC meetings under the current administration, we will like to inform him that his colleagues praised President Tinubu for finding the courage to remove the ghost of fuel subsidy which crippled the finances of the 3 tiers of government for decades. It would be helpful if Governor Obaseki participated in these meetings to provide insights and align with the collective vision.

At the last NEC meeting which took place last week, the council took far-reaching decisions on many interventions to help households, contrary to the wrong impression being created by Governor Obaseki. One of the decisions was an approval for the immediate disbursement of N5billion to each of the states to procure food items for onward distribution to families, while the states are working to clean up the social registers for cash transfers that will benefit up to 20 million of the most vulnerable Nigerians. The NEC also constituted a committee to negotiate a new national minimum wage with the Labour Unions and the general upward review of salary for public sector workers as part of plans to address the rising cost of living and help working people to maintain a decent living standard. This is apart from ongoing plans to provide 11,500 CNG powered mass transit vehicles for affordable public transportation, supply of fertilizers to farmers, and support for farmers to cultivate 500,000 hectares of arable land to plant staple crops for consumption and industrial use.

The Federal Government understands the current difficulties Nigerians are facing and is working very hard with the states and local governments to bring succour to our people. President Tinubu is guiding our country through very challenging times. We are supremely confident that we will soon turn the corner into a prosperous future.

What is required at this time is for leaders at all levels to cooperatively bind together to make life better for Nigerians, not to play cheap politics that serves no better purpose.

As President Tinubu has admonished, the time for politics and politicking is over. We are now in the season of the serious business of governance to build a stronger, more viable, socially cohesive and more prosperous Nigeria.

Dangote Emerges Most Valuable Brand In Nigeria For 6th Year; Beats MTN, Globacom, Banks

Editorial staff

August 24, 2023

Dangote Industries Limited has emerged as Nigeria’s most valuable brand for the sixth consecutive year, as confirmed by the brand and marketing firm, TOP 50 BRANDS NIGERIA.

Winning the award for a record 6th time confirms the foremost African indigenous Conglomerate’s unwavering dominance of the domestic brand space.

TOP 50 BRANDS NIGERIA, is a qualitative, non-financial evaluation of top corporate brands in the country.

The annual top brands league table which has become like a report card, with which top corporate brands have a feel of their ranking in the market is done with a special purpose model, the Brand Strength Measurement (BSM Index).

The rating firm, in a statement, said that Dangote got an impressive aggregate score of 86.2 on the Brand Strength Measurement (BSM) index, reinforcing its position at the forefront. The score reflects the consistent excellence of the brand.

MTN remains a strong contender, securing a close second place with an 85 BSM index score. This year’s third and fourth positions are secured by Airtel Nigeria and Globacom, both with BSM index scores of 77.9 and 77 respectively. Interestingly, this reaffirms the prominence of telecom brands, with three out of the top four hailing from this sector. Among the Top 10 brands are Access Bank, Zenith Bank, Coca-Cola, GTCO, and First Bank, Globacom was adjudged the Most Popular Brand following the outcome of a Top of Mind (TOM) Survey, where respondents mentioned 10 brands that came to their mind or that they could easily recall.

This year’s survey had, as respondents, Chief Marketing Officers and Head of Corporate Communications of major companies across the land.

TOP 50 BRANDS NIGERIA announcing the ratings said: “this annual top brand evaluation provides a qualitative, non-financial assessment of the value of leading corporate brands in the country. It gauges consumers’ perceptions of brands and their impact on overall brand strength, using the Brand Strength Measurement (BSM) index—a model designed to assess a brand’s ability to deliver on its promises from the consumer’s perspective.”

In today’s market, brands have woven themselves into the fabric of our daily lives, from dawn to dusk and even in every consumer choice. This phenomenon is amplified by the rise of concepts like consumer awareness, differentiation, and the dynamics of the global economy, making brands pivotal actors.

Chief Executive Officer of TOP 50 BRANDS NIGERIA, Taiwo Oluboyede, speaking on the outcome of this year’s evaluation, likened brand to a person.

He said: “A brand is like a person with all the traits that define his/her personality to the audience.

“When you hear someone’s name, you are likely not just going to remember their faces or apparel, but who they really are and what they mean to you.

“Someone may claim to be the best man in the world, and could even go as far as doing paid advertising to attract attention. However, the real description of the person to you is your experience. Perception about a person could change from like to dislike or the other way round, the same is also true for a brand. That is why promoters go the extra length consistently remain in the target audience like-list.”

He said that the onus lies on the brand owners and promoters to uphold compelling propositions and consistently deliver on promises.

“It’s not just about making pledges anyway; it’s about steadfastly living up to them—a commitment that separates the top brands from the rest.”

A breakdown of the 2023 evaluation report indicated that Nigerian-owned brands continued to shine among the top 10, with 10 brands. These are Dangote, Globacom, Access Bank, Zenith Bank, GTCO, and First Bank.

Five of the top ten brands are Banks, while three are Telecoms. Impressively, 9 of the 10 were among the top 10 last year, while 4 maintained their previous position. Airtel Nigeria made a remarkable ascent to third place. Also, six brands have consistently maintained top 10 positions for a remarkable 7 years in a row.

Overall, 26 or 52% of the 50 brands are multinational, while 24 or 48% are Nigerian brands.

Rite Foods Limited stands out as the highest gainer this year, leaping 14 places from 46th to 30th. Notably, Wema Bank makes a noteworthy debut in the annual brand ranking. Furthermore, nine brands maintained their 2022 positions, they are Dangote, MTN Nigeria, GTCO, First Bank, Multichoice, Fidelity, Toyota Nigeria, FMNPLC, and AXA Mansard.

A breakdown of the report indicated that Banking Services, as usual, had the largest entries with 12 entrants, representing 24% of the total. Access Bank topped the category. This is followed by Consumer Goods with 9 brands, that is 18%, with Dufil Prima Foods leading the charge.

The Conglomerates category has 6 brands, making up 12%, with Dangote Group on top. The Oil and gas, Beverages, and Telecom sectors each contribute 4 brands, with Oando, Coca-Cola, and MTN leading their respective categories.

The Insurance sector has 3 brands, with AIICO at the forefront. Meanwhile, the Building & Construction Services, Media, and Electronics categories had 2 brands each, featuring Julius Berger, Multichoice, and Tecno Nigeria leading their respective categories.

Automobile, Agricultural, and Aviation/Logistics sectors had 1 brand each —Toyota Nigeria, Olam International, and Air Peace.

Of note in the report also is a class called Brands to Watch, a set of 10 brands that have shown some level of vibrancy in recent times and are gaining momentum in consumer acquisition with the possibility of achieving the 50 top Brands League Table in few years. It should be noted that, while these brands have considerable mentions in the TOM survey, they were not strictly subjected to the rigorous BSM evaluation.

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