Muslim Cleric Who Shielded 262 Christians From Danger In Plateau Crisis Bags MFR Award

October 11, 2022

An Islamic scholar, Imam Abdullahi Abubakar, who hid 262 Christians in his Mosque thereby shielding them from being killed in the Plateau State religious crisis a couple of years ago, was one of the recipients of the national honour of Member of the Federal Republic (MFR).

Also honoured today, October 11, by President Muhammadu Buhari, among the over 400 recipients of various national honours are Ms. Josephine Agu, an airport cleaner who returned $12,200 found in a toilet at Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos and Ogbanago Muhammed Ibrahim, a bank security man who found and returned $10,000.

Imam Abdullahi Abubakar, a religious leader hid over 262 Christians in his mosque from attacks in Yelwa Gindi Akwati village, in Plateau State.

President Buhari described Imam Abdullahi as a good example of religious tolerance.

“I am excited that he is being honoured today with Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR).

“Despite the present economic challenges, Nigeria still boasts of men and women of integrity; Ms. Josephine Agu, an airport cleaner returned $12,200 found in a toilet at Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos as well as Ogbanago Muhammed Ibrahim, a bank security man who found and returned $10,000.

“Today, we celebrate their dignity and strong strength of character by conferring National Honours on them.

“They are a shining example to our younger generation.”

Leading the 2022 National Honours Award recipients, in the category of Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON) are Senate President Ahmed Lawan, Acting Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, immediate past CJN, Justice Ibrahim Tanko Muhammad, Director-General, World Trade Organisation (WTO), Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Deputy Secretary-General of UN, Amina Mohammed and Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Prof Tijjani Muhammad-Bande.

President commended the National Awards Committee headed by Justice Sidi Bage Muhammad I, a retired Justice of the Supreme Court, the Emir of Lafia, for a great and patriotic duty by diligently going through over 5,000 submissions and coming up with these recommendations.

The President noted that the screening and selection of nominees for this year’s award as always, followed established broad criteria, in accordance with the National Honours Act CAP.N43 of the Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004.

They include but not limited to: ‘‘consistent and meaningful participation in community and/or national development; rendering unsolicited, selfless and philanthropic services to humanity; outstanding sacrifice in the defence of a cause popularly adjudged to be positive, relevant and beneficial to the nation and community.’’

Other criteria listed by the President for selecting the recipients are:

‘‘Distinct act of bravery in the protection and/or defence of national interest, public peace, safety of life and property.

‘‘Remarkable achievement in any field of expertise where the person’s activities in that field have made significant contributions to the attainment of national goals and objectives.

‘‘Immense contributions towards the uplift of community, state, nation and/or humanity through achievements by way of inventions and bringing outstanding honour and glory to the state through personal dedication and patriotic commitment. Service with integrity is also a basis for the selection process.’’

Buhari stressed that nation building involves a lot of sacrifice by the citizenry, the President declared that citizens who contribute to national development deserve to be encouraged and appreciated.

He lauded the 2022 National Award recipients for distinguishing themselves in various ways ‘‘for the purpose of recreating a new Nigeria of our dreams through respect for the rule of law, image laundering, transparency and accountability in management of scarce resources.’’

The President said that those in the private sector have also creditably discharged themselves in business, entertainment, hospitality, transportation and other forms of human endeavours to transform Nigeria.

‘‘We have amongst the recipients today, Amb. Prof. Tijjani Muhammad-Bande, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo Iweala, Ms. Amina J. Mohammed and Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, who are doing our country proud on the international scene. Our dear sisters are a source of inspiration to our young women that through the dint of hard work and dedication, they can achieve greatness.

‘‘Worthy of mention are our Artistes, particularly, our very own Damini Ebunoluwa Ogulu (Burna Boy), who won the Grammy Awards in 2020. He along with other artistes have repositioned the Nigerian entertainment industry and placed it on the global map. At the just concluded Dubai Expo 2020, Nigeria’s pavilion was a beehive of activities as our musicians entertained guests from around the world.

‘‘I congratulate all the recipients today who will be joining the league of Awardees.

‘‘I appreciate the non-Nigerian recipients and assure all of you that this administration will continue to provide the enabling environment for you to undertake your lawful businesses to allow you to sustain your efforts at contributing to the development of our nation, Nigeria.”

The President acknowledged that the list of awardees is justifiably long because the exercise has not been carried out since 2015.

He recalled that since the inception of this administration, there has not been such occasion like this where individuals and friends of Nigeria have been so singled out for investiture except for the Special Investiture Ceremony in honour of Chief MKO Abiola, Alhaji Baba Gana Kingibe and Chief Gani Fawehinmi, SAN.

The President noted that the Investiture Ceremony for Abiola and others was specially carried out to right the wrong done in the past, to assuage our feelings and to resolve to stand firm now and in the future for the sanctity of the electoral process and our democracy.

He said that the country’s athletes were also honoured recently for their spectacular performances in several competitions.

He appealed to other Nigerians who are yet to receive this recognition to be patient and understand that their efforts in nation building are appreciated and at the right time, would similarly be recognized.

‘‘This administration will continue to partner with Nigerians and friends of Nigeria with like minds in our efforts to build the Nigeria of our dreams where everybody will strive to excel in their chosen fields devoid of parochial sentiments,’’ he said.

President Buhari reminded the recipients and other Nigerians that National Honours are not merely decorative, saying: “they remind us of an important part of our responsibility as citizens. We must always endeavour to do our best for our country.’’

President Buhari restated the commitment of the Federal Government, under his leadership, to root out all forms of banditry, criminality, terrorism and insurgency in the land.

He reaffirmed his solemn pledge in the Independence Day address to the nation of handing over a Nigeria that is free from insecurity to the next generation of leaders.

The award, which is in 10 categories, was presented to Supreme Court Justices, judges, top lawyers, incumbent and former governors, Ministers, traditional rulers, creative artistes, politicians, businessmen, athletes, security officers who died in the line of duty, and other distinguished Nigerians.

A total of 6 persons were conferred with GCON, 55 received Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic (CFR), 65 got the Commander of the Order of Niger (CON), 77 were presented with the Officer of the Order of the Federal Republic (OFR); 110 received the Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON); 74 were presented with Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR) and 55 received Member of the Order of the Niger (MON).

There were four recipients each for the Federal Republic Medal I (FRM I) and Federal Republic Medal II (FRM II) Second Class) respectively.

The seven foreigners honoured received the OFR Award.

Speaking on behalf of the Awardees, the Senate President thanked the President for the honour, pledging that the award is an encouragement to more work and a call to duty to serve Nigeria with renewed strength, loyalty and honesty.

Telecom Infrastructure Very Critical To Successful 2023 Elections – NCC Boss, Danbatta

Editorial staff

October 11, 2022

The Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Professor Umar Danbatta, has said that telecom infrastructure will be very critical for the success of the 2023 general elections in Nigeria.

Danbatta, who was special guest at the 6th Edition of the Annual Conference of Guild of Corporate Online Publishers (GOCOP) in Lagos at the weekend, called on Nigerians in every community to join hands in protecting it for the benefit of the country.

He said that with the planned transmission of election data and results riding on telecom infrastructure, there is need to ensure the fidelity of the transmission systems to enhance the credibility of such data.

“If telecom infrastructure is vandalised or damaged, it would create problem in the area of the data transmission during election; citizens will find it difficult to use their phones to seamlessly communicate and the journalists too might find it difficult in being able to access their web platforms to disseminate necessary information which members of the public require to make informed decisions at every point in time.”

Danbatta recalled that over the years, the telecoms sector has continued to face destabilising situations arising from negative attitudes and actions of hostile communities; theft of diesel, batteries, and power generators from telecom base stations; digging up and cutting of fibre optic cables by construction workers; indiscriminate sealing/locking-up of Base Transceiver Station (BTS) sites by state governments, other governmental and community stakeholders; as well as other disruptive activities which must be decisively tackled.

Reiterating the importance of telecommunications in all aspects of human lives, including the forthcoming election and other national activities and programmes, Danbatta said that without telecom infrastructure, it will be difficult to communicate with family and friends over long distances or conducting banking, insurance, or accessing government and other social services, including education, entertainment, and other essentials services that enhance quality of life.

“This means that telecom infrastructure is important, and we must all ensure that we guard and protect those critical national infrastructural assets now, during the upcoming elections and thereafter. So, every citizen in Nigeria must take responsibility for the protection of telecom facilities for the benefits to all.”

Danbatta enjoined GOCOP members to use their credible media platforms and enviable experiences to collaborate with the NCC in creating greater awareness and public enlightenment on the need to protect telecoms infrastructure.

At the event, which was chaired by the Founder, Centre for Alternative Policy Perspectives and Strategy (CAPPS), Dr. Umar Ardo; with other personalities including former Inspector General of Police, Solomon Arase; Regional Director Ford Foundation, Dr. Chidi Aniagolu-Okoye; and distinguished members of GOCOP, most of who are senior media professionals, Danbatta commended GOCOP members for their contributions in the promotion of awareness of derivable benefits of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) through their online platforms.

“The NCC would like to commend the leadership and entire members of GOCOP for the good work you are doing in your professional practice of disseminating timely and accurate information to Nigerians to enable citizens to take inform decisions,” he said.

How We Acquired Obajana Cement Plant – Dangote: Says Kogi Has No Share

Editorial staff

October 11, 2022

The management of Dangote Industries Limited (DIL) has insisted that its acquisition of the Obajana Cement Plc in 2002 followed due process, contrary to claims by the Kogi State government.

The conglomerate stressed that Kogi State government has no equity interest in Obajana Cement Plc.

It said that the company, as a responsible corporate organisation, has been paying relevant State taxes, levies and charges to the Kogi State government since 2007 when production commenced in the acquired cement plant.

These were contained in a statement today, October 11, by the management of Dangote Industries Limited. The statement, titled: ‘Obajana Cement Plant: Separating Facts from Fiction,” issued for the sole purpose of addressing the concerns and apprehensions of the stakeholders of Dangote Cement Plc (DCP) and over twenty-two thousand people it employs directly as well as thousands of contractors, wholesalers, users of our products, our financiers and shareholders.

The management said that at a time of significant “economic challenges that we face as a nation, we believe all must be done to keep our economy running effectively, our people employed, businesses that depend on us thriving and not discourage those who take the risks of needed, lawful and significant investments in our economy. The shutdown of our plant has materially jeopardised the economic wellbeing of our country without any regard for its significant consequences.

“Whilst reserving our rights to proceed to arbitration in accordance with the extant agreement, we have reported the unlawful invasion by KSG and the consequential adverse effects of same to all the relevant authorities, including the Federal Government of Nigeria who has now intervened in the matter. It is hoped that the dispute resolution process we have initiated will quickly resolve the disputes and allow us to focus on our business without distraction and continue our significant contribution to our national economy. It is in this context that we state in brief as follows”, the company added.

According to the statement, “The Obajana Cement Plant is one of the most critical components of economic activity in the nation, being one of the highest taxpayers, and vehicle for one of the largest companies invested in by thousands of Nigerian and foreign investors. Its most important assets are (1) its land, the plant and machinery thereon, and the vast limestone deposit covered by mining leases issued under licence by the Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN).”

The company clarified that the land on which Obajana Cement Plant is built was solely acquired by Dangote Industries Limited (DIL) in 2003. “The land on which the Obajana Cement Plant is built was acquired solely by Dangote Industries Limited (DIL) in 2003, well after it had acquired the shares in Obajana Cement Company in 2002, following the legally binding agreement it entered into with KSG to invest in Kogi State. DIL was issued three Certificates of Occupancy in its name after payment of necessary fees and compensation to landowners.

“The plant and machinery were conceived, designed, procured, built, and paid for solely by DIL, again, well after it acquired the shares in Obajana Cement Company. The limestone and other minerals used by the Obajana Cement Plant, by the provisions of the Nigerian Constitution belonged to the Federation, with authority only in the FGN and not the State in which the minerals are situated, to grant licences to extract and mine the resources”, the company explained.

“After the agreement with the KSG, DIL applied for and obtained mining leases over the said limestone from FGN, at its cost and has complied with the terms of the leases since inception. The Government of Kogi State had no minerals to give, had no assets to give, and only invited DIL as most responsible governments do to come into the State and invest in a manner that will create employment, develop the State, and earn it taxes”, the statement added.

In a section of the statement titled, ‘The Incorporation of OCP and the Invitation by KSG’, the company noted: “In 1992, the Kogi State Government incorporated Obajana Cement PLC (OCP) as a public limited liability company. Sometime in early 2002, about 10 years after the incorporation of the OCP (which still had no assets or operations as of that time), KSG invited Dangote Industries Limited (DIL) to take the opportunity of the significant limestone deposit in the State by establishing a cement plant in the State.

“Following several engagements and assessment of the viability of the proposed opportunity, DIL agreed that it would establish a cement plant in Kogi State and provide the entirety of the substantial capital required for the investment.

“DIL also agreed, following a specific request by KSG, to use the OCP name (albeit only existing on paper as of that time, and without any assets or operations) for the time being, as the vehicle for this investment. On 30 July 2002, KSG and DIL entered into a binding agreement to document their understanding. The agreement was amended in 2003 and remains binding on, and legally enforceable by, the parties to same,” the statement explained.

On the issue of an Agreement between Dangote and Kogi State Government, the statement gave a summary. It noted that “it was agreed, inter alia, that: DIL would establish a cement plant with a capacity of 3,500,000 metric tonnes per annum; DIL shall hold 100% of the shareholding in OCP, and source for all the funds required to develop the cement plant; KSG shall have the option to acquire 5% equity shareholding in OCP within 5 years; and KSG shall grant tax relief and exemption from levies and other charges by KSG for a period of seven (7) years from the date of commencement of production.”

“Consistent with the terms of agreement, DIL sourced for 100% of the funds that was used to develop the plant without any contribution from KSG. In line with its rights, ensuring alignment with the Dangote Brand, as part of internal restructuring and for better market recognition the name of OCP was changed to Dangote Cement Plc in 2010, and a number of other significant cement companies (such as the Benue Cement Company) owned by DIL were merged with OCP to become the enlarged Dangote Cement Plc.”

On the issues of ‘Execution of the Agreement: The Plant, Taxes, Shares & Dividends’, the statement noted, “DIL assiduously and at significant cost met all the terms of the agreement between it and KSG in relation to OCP. It built the cement factory, much bigger and better than envisaged.

“KSG could not meet its financial obligations of contributing to the funding the plant in any form; neither could KSG fund acquisition of 5% equity shares in OCP when it was asked on a number of occasions to exercise the purchase option.

“KSG also did not meet its obligations to grant waiver of taxes, charges and levies that it could charge the operations, affairs and activities of OCP. Rather despite being entitled (under the terms of the agreement with KSG) to tax relief and exemption from charges and levies by KSG for a period of seven years from the date of commencement of production, OCP (and now DCP) has paid all due sub-sovereign taxes, levies and charges to KSG since it commenced production in 2007.

“KSG does not have any form of investment or equity stake in OCP, so no dividend or other economic and/or shareholding rights whatsoever could have accrued to it from the operations of the company.”

On the issue of the Acquisition of the Plant Site, the statement noted that, “After the agreement between DIL and KSG in 2002, DIL in 2003, applied to KSG for the acquisition of land for the plant site, and this application was granted with the issuance of three Certificates of Occupancy to DIL. DIL to the knowledge of KSG, paid substantive compensation to Obajana Farmland Owners located within the two (2) square kilometres plant site.

“Subsequently, in September 2004, DIL, in good faith, applied to the State Governor for the statutory consent for DIL to assign the plant site to OCP being DIL’s investment vehicle. This consent request was granted by the State Governor and the appropriate consent fees were paid by DIL”, it added.

Shedding more lights on the company’s engagement with Kogi State Government, the statement explained: “the investment of DIL in Kogi State through OCP was at the instance of the duly constituted government of Kogi State, done in accordance with the law of the State and all enabling laws in that regard, and the transaction documents were effectively, lawfully and duly executed by the Governor and Attorney General of the State (at the time), after internal approvals were obtained within the government.

“Since the inception of Alhaji Yahaya Bello’s administration in 2016, and regardless that government is a continuum, we have had series of enquiries about the ownership structure of the Dangote Cement PLC as it relates to the alleged interest of KSG; and had several engagements with the officers of the State government including Governor Yahaya Bello. At all of these engagements we have provided all the details and information supported by relevant documents, required by the Government and the State House of Assembly to confirm our lawful investment.

“For instance, in 2017, we were invited by the Judicial Commission of Inquiry, and we made our submission to the commission with relevant documents to support our position. We are yet to receive any feedback from the Judicial Commission of Inquiry. While still waiting to hear of the report of the Inquiry, we were invited by the State House of Assembly on the same matter earlier this year, and again, we provided evidence in support of our position that KSG does not have any equity or other interest in OCP or DCP.

“On Wednesday 5 October 2022, hundreds of dangerously armed men, other than law enforcement officers, attacked our cement plant in Obajana, Kogi State, destroyed our property, inflicted grievous injuries on many of our employees, and shutdown operations at the plant. KSG has admitted that the armed invaders acted on its instructions, and in furtherance of the recent enquiry by the Kogi State House of Assembly in connection with the ownership of the Obajana Cement Plant.

“Curiously, on 6 October 2022, a day after the shutdown of our facility in Obajana on the orders of KSG, Governor Bello addressed the public and announced that a Specialised Technical Committee which was set up as part of the recommendations of the Judicial Commission of Inquiry had just presented its recommendations, which have been accepted by KSG. This statement makes it abundantly clear that the shutdown of DCP’s plant occurred regardless of the Governor’s own confirmation that implementation of the recommendations of the Specialised Technical Committee was still pending.”

Focusing on the current state of play, the company said, “Whilst we do not want to speculate on the motivation for the spurious claims being made by KSG in relation to the ownership of the Company, which have resulted in the unfortunate unlawful forcible closure and damage of our plant, and injury of several people, we condemn in strongest possible terms, the unlawful shutdown of our plant by KSG sponsored armed-thugs, the damage to our property (including the looting of large sum of money kept in the office), and grievous injury inflicted on our employees by them.

“This disruption of operations at the plant has caused loss of revenue not only to our company and its customers but has also adversely impacted revenue due to both the Federal and State governments. It has also occasioned loss of jobs for the teeming youths who are daily paid workers that throng our plant for their daily sustenance.

Appealing for overall peace and calm, the statement said: “We implore all our stakeholders, namely shareholders, customers, suppliers, employees, and the entire community of Obajana and Kogi State at large to remain calm while we follow the legitimate and lawful process to resolve this matter. We shall keep our stakeholders duly updated whilst we remain confident that the statutory and contractual rights of DIL shall be upheld by these legal processes which we have initiated.”

Buhari Rewards 3 Of His Presidency Inner Caucus With National Honours

Greenbarge Reporters

October 11, 2022

Amongst the over 400 Nigerians and foreigners on whom President Muhammadu Buhari conferred with national honours today, October 11, are three members of his inner caucus in the Presidency.
One of them is the State Chief Of Protocol (SCOP), Ambassador Lawan Abdullahi Kazaure who bagged Officer of the Federal Republic (OFR). Kazaure is practically the presidential security compass and has been on it almost since Buhari came to power in 2015.

Also conferred with national honours is Femi Adesina, with Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON). He had for a long time, been a friend of the President before he was made Special Adviser to the President on media and publicity, the position he has been holding since 2015,

and Alhaji Sabiu Yusuf, popularly referred to as Tunde (as he was born during the reign of General Tunde Idiagbon, who was second in command to the then military Head of State, General Muhammadu Buhari). Tunde was conferred with OON too. He is Special Assistant to the President on Presidential Matters.

Presidency Wades Into Kogi – Dangote Muscle Flexing: More Evidence Against Dangote Revealed

Editorial staff

October 11, 2022

The Presidency has intervened in the struggle for ownership of the sprawling Dangote Cement factory in Obajana, Kogi State.

A meeting was held yesterday, October 10, at the Office of Chief of Staff to the President in the Presidential Villa, Abuja towards a peaceful resolution of the standoff which resulted in forceful closure of the factory.

The meeting was attended by the President of the Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, Governors Yahaya Bello (Kogi) and Abdullahi Sule (Nasarawa).

This intervention followed the shutting down of the Dangote Cement Factory in Obajana by the Kogi State government last week over allegations of tax evasion and unresolved ownership.

Already, the management of Dangote Group is said to have concluded plans to approach the court this week over the legality of the Kogi State’s vigilante members who reportedly stormed the Obajana cement factory, where many of the company’s staff were allegedly wounded and the facility shut.

This is just as Bello has brought out more damning evidence centred on the agreement between Dangote and Kogi State, when he was taking over the plant in 2002.

The Kogi Governor has released the duly signed and stamped agreement as evidence buttressing the firm stance of the State against Dangote Industries Limited.

According to the document, which was jointly signed on 30th September, 2002, by Kogi State former Governor, late Abubakar Audi and the then Kogi State Attorney-General for Kogi State, while Aliko Dangote for Dangote Industries.

Extracts from the duly signed and stamped agreement include but is limited to the following:

Project was at conceptual stage in 1992

Preliminary feasibility study carried out in 1992

Obajana Cement Company Plc with Certificate of Incorporation No. RC208767 dated 4th November, 1992 is solely owned by Kogi state

Prospecting Right (Numbered PR No.14 of 2001 No.0053) was issued exclusively to the company

Kogi state offered and transferred 90% of its total shareholding in the company to Dangote Industries Limited

Kogi state is at liberty to sell half of its 10% equity to indigenes of the state by public offer or private placement

Kogi state shall grant Dangote Industries Limited tax waivers and exemption from levies for a period of 7 years from the date of commencement of production

Meanwhile, Governor Bello has said that it has become imperative against the background of protests by the people of the state who felt they had been suppressed and marginalised by the Dangote Industries who reportedly camera to rip them off.

Bello said he took the bold step in line with his mandate to safeguard the lives and livelihood of the people of Kogi State, including residents, and to ensure their wellbeing.

The government’s resolution is contained in the report of the Specialised Technical Committee on the Evaluation of the Legality of the Alleged Acquisition of Obajana Cement Company by Dangote Cement Company.

“We received several petitions from the general public over this particular subject matter. In the past five to six years, all efforts to sit with the proprietors of the Dangote Conglomerate failed.

“We set up a committee to look into this and invited the Dangote company to discuss with them and tell them the imminent dangers they are exposing the people to, but it all fell on deaf ears.

“I am here to defend my people, and from all reports, it is clear that Obajana Cement Company does not belong to Dangote,” Bello declared.

Bello also accused Dangote of being evasive in spite of the interventions of some well-meaning Nigerians in the matter. However, he expressed his openness to discussions once Dangote Company Plc is ready to come clean.

Earlier, the Kogi House of Assembly had announced the sealing of the cement factory, threatening to arrest President of the Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote.

The report was presented to the public by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Folashade Ayoade, earlier today in Lokoja.

Ayoade said: “Recovery of the state’s Obajana Cement Company Plc from Dangote Cement Company Limited became imperative at this point in time.”

The SSG revealed with documents that the purported transfer of Obajana to Dangote Industries Limited was “invalid, null and void.”

She disclosed that in the report, three Certificates of Occupancy for Obajana Cement Company Plc, which was solely owned by the Kogi State Government at the time, were used to obtain a loan of N63 billion by Dangote.

According to her, the committee, in view of its findings, has, therefore, recommended that Kogi State should take steps to recover the Obajana Cement Company from the Dangote Group.

Osinbajo Sees Nigeria Becoming World Leader In Digital Technology, But…

Editorial staff

October 10, 2022

Nigeria’s Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo has said that Nigeria has the requisite talents, creativity and acumen to become a world leader in the digital economy but that it is vision that would limit such attainment.
Speaking today, October 10 at this year’s Nigeria Digital Economy Summit (NDES) with the theme “Web 3.0, Blockchain & DeFi: Impact on Africa’s Digital Economy,” Osinbajo said: “we can be world leaders in the Web 3 revolution. The only limit is our vision.”

According to him, with the right approach and policy, as well as the country’s human capital and potential, “we can actually become world leaders in digital technology in all its various ramifications.”
He said that since the advent of the use of the Web on a large and global scale since Web 1 in 1989, the future of technology, digital economy meant a lot globally and for Nigeria.
“A whole new world is unfolding before our very eyes, unlike Web 1 and 2 where we were relatively disadvantaged.
“In 1989 we didn’t have mobile phones so we could not take advantage of the reach and depth that mobile telecoms gave digital innovation and financial inclusion. We are now better positioned to be significant players in Web 3.
“We have already shown that we have the talent, creativity and acumen to build and grow major tech companies. At the last count, we have 6 unicorns and many more on the way. But we must spend time on the development of digital skills.”
The Vice President called for more synergy between Government and the private sector in driving the digital economy revolution in the country, saying that both sectors must find ways to ensure policy is way ahead for development.
“We must think through and develop appropriate policies and regulations that promote, rather than inhibit, innovation and commerce.”
The Vice President, who used examples such as the technology-driven Growth platform by the Bank of Industry, and the implementation of the Government Enterprise Empowerment Programme (GEEP), one of the schemes under the Federal Government’s Social Investment Programmes (SIPs), observed that the technology platform deployed in the implementation of the microcredit schemes such as TraderMoni and MarketMoni was built by Eyowo, a local Nigerian tech company.
On digitization in the public sector, Professor Osinbajo said: “web 3 will also mean that the digitization of government’s services will come with more options, government agencies can then be smarter, faster and more efficient in delivering their services.
“But I think most importantly, digitising government processes and services is a sleeping commercial giant. The whole range of government services will provide several opportunities for innovation.”

Professor Osinbajo said that the category of licences created and made available to some FinTech companies by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) in the past few years as a significant example of how government policy can drive innovation and economic growth.
He said that this category of banking licences accessible to fintech companies are at a far cheaper rate when compared to the cost of actual traditional banking licenses by the CBN.

He stressed that there must be the adequate regulatory framework to ensure ripple effects across the digital economy value chain.
“From a policy perspective here in Nigeria, we may need to again expand the range of banking licenses available to enable more players in the financial mediation value chain.
“We must also set clear rules to enable crypto markets and trading in other digital assets. Identity in the Web 3 age is a key development. It means the user owns his or her own identity and personal data.”
The Vice President highlighted the Web 3 revolution, saying: “we are in the early days of Web 3.0. Its defining components, as we can already see, are blockchain technology, smart contracts, DEFIs (Decentralized Financing), tokens, both fungible and non-fungible tokens (NFTs); and the whole range of token economics; unlike Web 2.0 where data is mostly centrally stored. Web3.0 data will be interconnected in a decentralised way and will also be machine-readable.
“Decentralised protocols as you know is at the heart of blockchain, cryptocurrency technology and the whole range of DeFis. So, these systems will be effectively integrated and interoperable and automated through smart contracts.
“That data will be machine readable is very significant, which is why Web3 is sometimes described as the Semantic web. This means that users and machines using AI and Machine Learning will be able to creatively interact with data.
“Now these developments mean a whole lot. First is the increasing sovereignty of the user, the user will have more control over personal data. DeFi will mean cheaper and faster financial transactions, as the middle institutions will be retired. So, this means more room for FinTechs, and not just for banking services but insurance and consumer finance.
“Even central banks will have to rethink their roles since blockchain will challenge the centralization of monetary authority with its clear imperfections. Who knows, we might actually be in the last days of the central banking system as we know it.”

Bandit Kingpin, Ali Dogo, Meets His Waterloo In Kaduna Forest

Editorial staff

October 10, 2022

A notorious bandit leader in Kaduna State, Ali Dogo, and 30 of his fighters have been killed through bombardments by the Nigeria Air Force.
It was learnt that Dogo, also known as Yellow, and his gang members, were killed by airstrikes undertaken by the Air Component of Operation WHIRL Punch, over the weekend.
Confirming the bombardments of Yellow and his fighters, a defence intelligence source said that the bandit leader, and his gang had fled from Niger State to one Alhaji Gwarzo’s house at Yadi in Giwa Local Government Area for safety, following NAF aircrafts sustained bombardments on his location in Niger State recently.
The source said: “Unfortunately for Yellow and his fighters, while they were having a meeting, NAF aircraft struck Alhaji Gwarzo’s house, leaving everybody in the building neutralized including Yellow.”
Meanwhile, separate bombardments same day, targeted at terrorists in Northwest of Mando, Kaduna State were also undertaken.
“Following credible intelligence of terrorists leaders and their foot soldiers converging under tree covers at the location for a meeting, the location was struck with several terrorists killed.”
Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet, NAF Spokesperson, confirmed the successful strikes, saying: “the Air Component in keeping with the directive of the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Oladayo Amao, would continue to sustain offensive operations against these criminal elements in collaboration with the Land Component and other security agencies to rid the Joint Operations Area and indeed the entire Northwest of terrorism and other acts of criminality.”

Source: PRNigeria.

Ooni Of Ife Marries Ex World Miss University Africa As 3rd Wife; 4th One On October 14

Editorial staff

October 10, 2022

The paramount ruler of Ife Kingdom, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, (Ọjájá II) has married the former World Miss University Africa, Tobi Phillips as the third wife.

This comes weeks after he got married to his second wife, Olori Elizabeth Opeoluwa Akinmuda and his first wife, Olori Mariam Anako.

The Ooni is also expected to wed his fourth wife, Ashley Adegoke, on 14 October.

Tobi is a graduate of Marine Science from the University of Lagos. She will be taken to the Ooni’s palace and formally welcomed into his home as an Olori, later in the week.

Barely nine months after the exit of Olori Silekunola Naomi from the palace, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, unveiled his new wife, Olori Mariam Anako.

In December, 2021, Queen Naomi Silekunola, announced her divorce from the traditional ruler.

In an Instagram post, the queen said she would no longer be regarded as the wife of the Ooni of Ife.

“His Majesty has a picture he would love the world to see and perceive him as and another one which is his true self,” Naomi revealed in the statement, and then announced her separation from the king.

“I, at this moment, announce that I shall no longer be referred to as wife to the Ooni of Ife or as queen of Ile-Ife, but as the queen of the people and mother of my adorable prince.”

The three-year marriage that produced Tadenikawo, the first and only son of the Ooni, fell apart. But it was not Ogunwusi’s first marriage.

He was married to Adebukola Bambata, and then Zaynab Wuraola Otiti before Silekunola.

Ogunwusi’s matrimonial journey began in 2008 when he married Adebukola Bombata, seven years ahead of his coronation as Ooni of Ife and successor of Oduduwa, the common ancestor of the entire Yoruba race.

However, the marriage was reportedly rocked by Bombata’s inability to give Ogunwusi a son and her fallout with Princess Adeola, Ogunwusi’s daughter from a teenage romance.

Also, Bombata was said to have resented Ogunwusi’s decision to ascend the throne because she never wanted to be in the limelight.

Shortly after the prince became king in 2015, the couple parted ways, and Bombata relocated to the United Kingdom.

In March 2016, Ooni Ogunwusi got married a second time to Zaynab Otiti Obanor, popularly referred to as Olori Wuraola. Otiti was born and raised in Benin, the Edo State capital.

However, the marriage ended with the queen’s application for divorce in August 2017. While the reason for the divorce was never made public, there was a suggestion that she was a victim of domestic violence.

One year later, Ogunwusi married Naomi Silekunola, a 25-year-old prophetess and founder of En-Heralds Ministry, an inter-denominational ministry based in Akure, Ondo State. They went their separate ways last year.

Dangote Washes Hand Off Fire Outbreak At Kogi House Of Assembly Complex

Editorial staff

October 10, 2022

Dangote Group has exonerated self from the fire incidence that reduced the Kogi State House of Assembly complex to carcass today, October 10.

The Group Chief Branding & Communications Officer, Dangote Industries Limited, Anthony Chiejina, in a statement today, said that the Kogi State government’s accusation that Dangote Group sponsored arsonists to set the complex on fire is untrue.

“Our attention has been drawn to a circulating Press Statement issued by the Kogi State Government, wherein the Dangote Group was accused of allegedly sponsoring arsonists to set the Kogi State House of Assembly on fire in the early hours of Monday, October 10, 2022.

“The statement titled: ‘Obajana: Desperation sets in as imported hoodlums burn down Kogi Assembly,’, which was signed by the Kogi State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo pointedly accused our company of burning the Complex in an attempt to possibly destroy evidence relating to the ownership tussle between the Kogi State Government and the Dangote Group over the Obajana Cement Company.”

Chiejina said that as a socially responsible corporate entity, “we totally refute this allegation and condemn this unprofessional and irresponsible attempt to smear our image before local and international investors and thus erode our brand value.”

He said that Dangote Group would never stoop so low as to sponsor thugs to destroy any property, belonging to either government or any individual.

“This runs contrary to our business ethos and everything we stand for as a leading manufacturer with teeming customers and consumers across Nigeria and Africa.

“Our lawyers have been mandated to react appropriately to the damaging allegation from the Kogi State Government within the full extent of the law.

“We urge our stakeholders and the public to disregard such irresponsible and insane statements as we ask all our stakeholders, namely shareholders, customers, suppliers, employees, and the entire community of Obajana and Kogi State at large to remain calm while we follow the legitimate and lawful process to resolve this matter with the State Government.”

Dogara Lost His Mind Because Tinubu Did Not Make Him Running Mate – Onanuga

Editorial staff

October 10, 2022

The Director of Media and Publicity in the Tinubu-Shettima Presidential Campaign Council, Bayo Onanuga, has said that former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara has been angry because the Presidential candidate of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Bola Tinubu did not make him running mate ahead of the next year’s election.

In a statement today, October 10, Onanuga said: “Dogara has apparently lost his mind since he could not realise his self-imposed ambition to be on the presidential ticket of APC.

“The Tinubu-Shettima Presidential Campaign Council is therefore not surprised by media reports about a meeting of some so-called Northern Christian leaders, who claimed to be members of our All Progressives Congress that were championed by Dogara and his ilks. The claim was totally fraudulent.

“We want to assure Dogara and his co-travellers fanning hate campaign against Tinubu and his running mate, that they will fail spectacularly at the polls.

“Tinubu and Shettima are going into this campaign with clear objectives to engage Nigerians across the socio-economic brackets on policy actions that will make their lives better.”

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