The newly installed monarch of Ologo Ogogoro town in Iwerekun Ibeju-Lekki Local Government Area of Lagos, HRM Oba Mufutau Adewunmi Olanrewaju (Idogun Tunwase I Ologunfayo of Ogunfayo) has requested the need for old and prospective land owners within his domain to come and regularise their land titles, just as he warned land speculators lurking around the community.
The monarch, who addressed newsmen in his palace at the weekend, said the need for the land owners to come forward to get their land documents verified has become inevitable in order to ensure peaceful and harmonious coexistence between natives and non-natives within the community.
“It has come to my notice that there are undisclosed numbers of landed properties within and around our community here in Ologo Ogogoro kingdom that have been lying fallow ever since because the owners failed to come and develop them. The result is that criminal elements use these places as hideouts to carry out all forms of criminality and other nefarious activities thereby endangering the lives of other law-abiding citizens of the community.
“Most of these places are now overgrown with weeds. We don’t want to see bushes or undeveloped lands in our midst anymore,” he stressed.
“I have the mandate of the respective family heads in this domain to request that all existing and prospective land owners need to come forward with the proof of ownership of their land titles for proper verification and authentication. We are giving all the concerned parties between now and December 15, 2023 to come forward to regularise their land documents, “he reiterated.
“It is so bad that some of the owners of these lands have held these titles for between 20 to 10 years without doing anything concrete on the lands. This is most unfortunate because they are by so doing denying both the community and its people the benefits of socioeconomic growth and development that can come to these areas.”
“Under my reign, I want peace and development for our ancestral land and we are ready to do everything humanly possible to achieve that objective,” he said.
“I urge the land owners to comply. Anyone who fails to come forward to my palace for this verification exercise should be ready to bear the consequences thereafter,” he warned.
The royal father who also seized the occasion to express his profound gratitude to heads of other adjoining towns and villages within Ibeju-Lekki environs who came for the traditional installation exercise, expressed optimism that with the cooperation of all and sundry, the various communities within Ibeju-Lekki will experience socioeconomic development that would make it the envy of other people and places.
“I have no doubt at all in my mind that with the full cooperation and support of everybody including the young and old amongst us men, women and our sons and daughters outside the community have a major role to play in our quest to raise the bar of socioeconomic growth and development of our ancestral land. We can achieve more if we work together. I need your prayers and most especially your cooperation to lift Ologo Ogogoro kingdom to greater heights and most enviable position,” he pleaded.
The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, yesterday pleaded with Nigerians to shun the temptation of judging the military by last Sunday’s accidental drone attack in Tudun Biri community in Kaduna State.
He said nothing should be done to demoralise the troops who are saddled with the responsibility of tackling insecurity in the country.
Musa spoke at the graduation of the Senior Executive Course (SEC) 45 of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru, near Jos.
But a group of lawyers from the North said it would be taking legal action against the federal government over the bombing, while the House of Representatives promised to monitor the probe of the incident.
”The incident wasn’t on purpose. We are meant to protect Nigerians and cannot be seen killing them,” Musa said.
“And so, I want to appeal to Nigerians not to use this incident to demoralise our troops because we are determined to end all forms of insecurity currently confronting our nation.
”The incident in Kaduna is, indeed, unfortunate and regrettable. It was a mistake and not a deliberate act.”
The defence chief expressed the military’s commitment to protecting the sanctity of human lives, adding that troops would never attack law-abiding citizens.
He further appealed to Nigerians to pray and support the military and other security agencies in their bid to rid the nation of all forms of security challenges.
In an interview with newsmen at the 4th Edition of the Chief of Defence Staff Armed Forces and Security Agencies Half Marathon Championship 2023 in Abuja, also yesterday, Musa said the military would take every measure to ensure that the mistake never occurs again.
“We pray for the repose of those that have died and those that are injured. We will make sure that they are provided for,” he said.
“The Federal Government and everyone are putting hands on the deck to ensure that we take care of the community, take care of those that have been injured and to also ensure that this doesn’t happen again.
“I want to thank all Nigerians for understanding with members of the armed forces and other security agencies.
“It was not deliberate; it was something that should not have been.
“We are going to move forward and we are using this competition to appreciate Nigerians for all their support and love for members of the armed forces and to assure them that we will continue to work very hard.
“We want to restore peace and tranquility in Nigeria and God willing, all of us together will achieve that.”
Northern lawyers threaten court action against FG
The Concerned Northern Lawyers Forum yesterday expressed its decision to go to court over the bombing to obtain justice for the victims.
Its spokesman, Mr. Nafi’iu Abubakar, said it found the Nigeria Army’s claim that the incident was accidental ‘deeply troubling’.
“We firmly believe that such occurrences should have never happened in the first place, especially, during a time of joyful celebration and unity,” Abubakar said.
He added: “It is unacceptable and goes against the principles of justice and respect for human rights.
“As representatives of the legal fraternity in northern Nigeria, we stand firmly in support of the affected victims and their families.
“It is our duty to ensure that justice is served and the rights of these innocent victims are protected.”
He said the forum would be instituting a legal action against the Federal Government to demand the payment of adequate compensation for the victims and their families who had suffered irreparable loss as a result of the unfortunate incident.
Abubakar therefore asked the Federal Government to take immediate and decisive action to ensure a thorough and independent investigation into the incident.
“It is imperative that those responsible are held accountable for their actions, and measures are put in place to prevent any recurrence of such incident in the future.
“We also urge the Nigerian Army to re-evaluate its rules of engagement and training procedures to prevent the loss of innocent lives during military operations,” he said.
According to him, it is vital that the Nigerian Army, as a defender of the nation, exercises utmost caution to avoid any further instance of collateral damage and civilian casualties.
Reps to monitor probe of military drone attack
The House of Representatives in its reaction to the drone attack said the incident “has cast a sombre mood over the hearts of all Nigerians.”
Chairman of the House Committee on Defence, Babajimi Benson, said in a statement in Abuja yesterday that while members had taken note of the “prompt admission of responsibility by the Nigerian Army” for the air strike, it was imperative for the military to henceforth exercise caution and precision in their operations, particularly in areas with civilian populations.
“The House Committee on Defence takes this opportunity to appeal to the Nigerian Army and other security agencies to prioritise the safety of civilians during operations, exercise utmost caution, and implement measures to prevent similar occurrences in the future,” Benson said.
“In our thorough examination of this incident, the Committee acknowledges the complexities encountered by the Armed Forces of Nigeria in upholding security and addressing diverse threats across the country.”
It hailed “the dedication and sacrifice exhibited by the Armed Forces and other security agencies in the service of our nation” and stressed the need for the public to “steadfastly support our troops, acknowledging the intricate nature of the security environment in which they operate.”
He added: “The House Committee on Defence will closely monitor the investigations and work collaboratively with the military authorities to ensure that corrective measures are implemented to prevent the recurrence of such unfortunate incidents.
Yari, Ningi lead Northern Senators to visit Kaduna airstrike victims
A delegation of the Northern Senators Forum yesterday visited the injured victims and bereaved families.
The delegation, led by the Chairman of Forum, Senator Abdul Ningi and Senator Abdul’aziz Yari Abubakar expressed their deepest condolences to the affected families and offered their support during this difficult time.
The Chairman of the Forum, Senator Ningi, announced a donation of N58 million to the victims from the 58 Northern Senators as an expression of their commitment of to supporting their constituents in times of need.
Speaking on the tragedy, Senator Yari, representing Zamfara West, expressed profound grief and condemned the incident.
He said:”Our hearts go out to all the families affected by this senseless tragedy. We witnessed firsthand the immense pain and suffering caused by this event.
“We pray for the deceased, their families, and a speedy recovery for the injured.”
Senator Yari also called for stronger measures to ensure that such accidental deaths do not reoccur, while also welcoming the investigation by the authorities into the cause of the accident.
Wife of the President, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, state governors, senators, members of the House of Representatives, traditional rulers and other eminent Nigerians yesterday paid glowing tributes to the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio.
Speaking during a grand reception to mark the 61st birthday of the Senate President at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Mrs. Tinubu described Akpabio as an extraordinary democrat.
She said the event was not only a birthday celebration but an occasion to reflect on Akpabio’s contributions to the growth of democracy and his developmental strides while he was governor.
The First Lady said: “It is my pleasure to celebrate the 61st birthday of the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio. This is an opportunity to reflect on his contributions to Akwa Ibom and Nigeria.
“Under his leadership, Akwa Ibom State witnessed improved infrastructure and human capital development. He has displayed exemplary leadership as Senate President. He is committed to good governance and accountability.”
Speaker Tajudeen Abbas in his goodwill message said that members of the House of Representatives are proud to identify with the Senate President because of his commitment and loyalty to improving the country through people-centred legislations.
National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Abdullahi Ganduje congratulated Akpabio for earning the love and respect of Akwa Ibom people and Nigerians as a whole.
Ganduje noted that Akpabio’s landmark projects and legacies will continue to endear Akwa Ibom people to him and expressed satisfaction with his leadership of the 10th Senate.
Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom said Akpabio was a gift to the state and Nigeria, adding that his administration will continue to collaborate with the Senate President to attract development to the state.
Eno described President Bola Tinubu as the father of the nation and thanked him for supporting Akpabio to become the Senate President.
Cross River state governor, Senator Bassey Otu, who was the chairman of the occasion, said Akpabio remained indispensable in the development of Akwa Ibom state.
Otu promised to partner with Governor Eno to ensure that all boundary disputes between Akwa Ibom and Cross River states are resolved.
The host, Senator Akpabio, who thanked all the guests that came to honour him, said he was overwhelmed with the turnout of guests from all walks of life.
Akpabio urged Nigerians to remain hopeful as the Senate would work hard with the executive to turn around the fortunes of Nigeria.
He said: “There is hope for Nigeria under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu in spite of the economic crisis facing the nation.”
Lawan lauds Akpabio at 61
Immediate-past President of the Senate, Senator Ahmad Lawan, also joined other eminent Nigerians yesterday to felicitate Senator Akapabio.
In a birthday message, he extolled the Senate President for his remarkable achievements throughout his political career.
He commended the Senate President’s efforts in championing legislative initiatives and lauded his unwavering determination in advocating for good governance.
The birthday message reads: “Your Excellency, as you celebrate your 61st birthday anniversary today, I join in congratulating you on the remarkable achievements you have displayed throughout your political career as an ‘Uncommon’ leader.
“Your dedication to public service and commitment to improving the lives of the Nigerian people have not gone unnoticed. Your visionary leadership has paved the way for positive change and progress, and the citizens of your beloved state, Akwa-Ibom, can attest to this.
“As President of the Nigerian Senate and Chairman of the National Assembly, you have demonstrated a steadfast commitment to making a lasting impact as you stir the affairs of the National Assembly.
“I commend your tireless efforts in championing legislative initiatives and applaud your unwavering determination to advocate for good governance.
“Your vision and passion continue to inspire us all, and we are grateful for your steadfast devotion to public service.
“Indeed, Nigerians are grateful for your tireless efforts in striving for a better future for our country.
“On the special occasion of your birthday celebration, I extend my warmest wishes to you, your family and loved ones.
“May your birthday be filled with joy, happiness and the recognition of the profound impact you have made on the lives of so many.
“We look forward to many more years of your exemplary leadership and dedication to our great nation.”
108 APC Non-Serving Senators Group hail Senate President
The 108 APC Non-Serving Senators Group also lauded the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, on the occasion of his 61st birthday celebration.
The group in a statement issued by its Convener and Chairman Pro tem, Senator Basheer Lado, in Abuja, said: “Your dedication and accomplishments in the political arena are truly commendable and uncommon.
“Your pivotal role in advancing the renewed hope agenda alongside President Tinubu has not gone unnoticed, showcasing your unwavering commitment to progress.
“Your exceptional leadership qualities resonate in the harmonious working relationship you have fostered between the legislature and the executive arm of government. Your ability to unite and drive collaboration is truly inspiring.
“Wishing you continued success and fulfillment as you celebrate this milestone.
“May your uncommon contributions continue to shape a better future for our nation.”
Courts rather than voters are the ones deciding winners now.” “The judiciary is no more the last hope of the common people.” These are the most common of the unthinking refrains of wayward politicians and their co-travellers in Nigeria today. According to a basic course material entitled “The Meaning and Purposes of Law”, “The law serves many purposes. Four principal ones are establishing standards, maintaining order, resolving disputes, and protecting liberties and rights.” As judges play their vital role in this regard, discomfited beneficiaries of chaos have been denigrating the judiciary ceaselessly. These include those who know next to nothing about law and jurisprudence and even those who are lawyers, but who subordinate their legal expertise to sentimental partisanship.
Well-informed and forthright lawyers assert that a judgement on an electoral case normally depends on counsels’ pleadings, extant laws, evidence supplied, witnesses called and precedents cited, and not on personal or group sentiments, opinions or preferences. This was the case with the Supreme Court judgement on the petition on the Imo State governorship election of 2019. Hope Uzodinma whom the Supreme Court declared as the true winner of the election has been made the butt of jokes, and some have asked derisively, “How can No. 4 become No. 1?” He has also been derogatorily called “Supreme Court Governor”, and the judgement has been frequently cited as a patent example of fraud in the judiciary.
But, what exactly happened in Imo State? According to the Supreme Court judgement of 14 January, 2020, delivered by Kudirat Motonmori Olatokunbo Kekere-Ekun, JSC, Senator Hope Uzodinma and the All Progressives Congress (APC) had appealed the judgement of the lower court which ruled that the rightful winner of the governorship election of 8 March, 2019 was Rt. Hon. Emeka Ihedioha. According to results declared by INEC, he scored 273,404 votes and came first, while Senator Hope Uzodinma scored 96,458 and came fourth. The respondents were Rt. Hon. Emeka Ihedioha, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Specifically, the preamble to the judgement states as follows: “It was the Appellant’s contention, inter alia, that election held in 27 Local Governments Area, 305 Electoral Wards and 3,523 polling units. That the 3rd respondent [INEC] cancelled the election in 252 polling units, collated results from 2,883 polling units and excluded results from 388 polling units. It was the appellants’ contention that they scored an overwhelming majority in the 388 polling units, the result of which was excluded from ward collation result (Forms EC8B). Furthermore, the appellants contend that the total votes due to the appellants but unlawfully excluded from the 388 polling units is 213,695 while the 1st respondent is entitled to 1,903 votes from the same 388 polling units. It was also contended that the 1st respondent [Ihedioha] was returned based on a wrong computation of votes collated from 2,883 polling units.” Moreover, it was pleaded that “when the votes from the excluded units are added to the 1st petitioners and the 1st respondent the total score will be 310,153 for the first petitioner [Uzodinma] and 260,162 for the first respondent [Ihedioha].” After the lower court considered the replies of the respondents to the petition, along with their witnesses and documents tendered, the petition by Senator Hope Uzodinma and APC was dismissed by a majority judgement of 4:1.
Dissatisfied, Hope Uzodinma and his party APC appealed to the Supreme Court, and the Court noted as follows with respect to the efforts of the appellants to prove their case: “… in the instant case, the contention was that at the Ward Collation stage, votes scored by the appellants were unlawfully excluded. The appellants called 54 witnesses and tendered Forms EC8A, EC8B, EC8C, EC8D and EC8E series. The 1st respondent also tendered certified true copies of the Form EC8 series and called 4 witnesses. The 2nd respondent [PDP] called one witness while the 3rd respondent [INEC] did not call any witness and did not tender any documents.” After considering all the facts of the case, the Supreme Court ruled that the petition had merit and therefore declared the Certificate of Return issued to Ihedioha withdrawn and ordered that a Certificate of Return be issued to Uzodinma and that he be sworn in as the Governor of Imo State immediately.
Could the motive for the wrongful exclusion of Uzodinma’s 213,695 votes where Ihedioha scored only 1,903 votes have been to push the Senator so low on the score scale that he would be discouraged from contesting the result? Is it getting clearer now why No. 4 could become No. 1? Interestingly, The Nation reported that, just on Tuesday, 5 December, 2023, Chief Mike Ozekhome, SAN, was fined N40 million by the Supreme Court for still filing a “baseless” and “irritating” motion asking the Court to reinstate Ihedioha. The motion was seen as “a calculated design to demonize the Supreme Court”.
Another Supreme Court judgement that has generated deep emotion relates to the recognition of Senator Ahmed Lawan as the properly-nominated candidate for the Yobe North Senatorial District for the 25 February, 2023 senatorial elections. According to the Supreme Court judgement of 6 February, 2023, delivered by Chima Centus Nweze, JSC, Bashir Sheriff approached the Federal High Court, Damaturu Judicial Division, and sought the following, among other reliefs: “1. A DECLARATION that it is unlawful for the first defendant [APC] to recognize the name of the second defendant or any candidate other than the plaintiff [Bashir Sheriff] as its candidate for Yobe North Senatorial District for 2023 Election. 2. A DECLARATION that it is unlawful for the first defendant to change the name of the second defendant in respect of the primary election conducted by the first defendant for Yobe North Senatorial District (Zone C) in which the plaintiff [Bashir Sheriff] emerged winner and was so declared.by the first defendant.” The Federal High Court ruled in favour of Bashir Sheriff and the Court of Appeal affirmed that ruling. Dissatisfied with the ruling, APC appealed to the Supreme Court.
In the Supreme Court ruling, it is noted as follows: “In the instant case, the bedrock of the suit before the trial court, from a perusal of the affidavit and further affidavit of the first respondent [Bashir Sheriff], along with exhibits attached thereto, shows that there were allegations of fraudulent practices by both parties.” For example, Bashir Sheriff averred in the Affidavit in support of Originating Summons that the National Chairman of the APC told the media that Ahmed Lawan participated in the party’s primary, when he did not.
According to Justice Nweze, “The Originating Summons procedure was, irredeemably, improper to commence a suit founded steeply on allegation of diverse acts of fraud, misrepresentation and forgery. Such allegations are criminal in nature and central to the claims of the first respondent. They must be proved beyond reasonable doubt even in civil proceedings and thus suitable for proceedings to be commenced by way of Writ of Summons.” In other words, Bashir Sheriff wrongly adopted the Originating Summons procedure in ventilating his grievances at the Federal High Court, when he should have properly adopted the Writ of Summons procedure. Continuing, Justice Nweze said: “where the procedure adopted to ventilate grievances is wrong, the processes ought to be struck out.” He therefore considered the judgement of the trial court (and lower court), which favoured Bashir Sheriff, as “sacrilegious affront” and “perverse”, and as having “occasioned miscarriage of justice.”
Justice Nweze then declared as follows: “Facts are the spring board of law. It is the facts of the case that determine the appropriate procedure. The first respondent’s case is lost because of the unpardonable procedure resorted to by learned senior counsel for the first respondent. An action by way of Originating Summons may sound romantic and possibly prosaic, but it could lead to a loss of a case because of a parade of abysmal ignorance as to what to do.” The Judge then ruled: “Accordingly, this appeal is allowed and the judgment of the Court of Appeal, Gombe Judicial Division, sitting in Abuja, delivered on September 28, 2022 and all the orders made therein, are hereby set aside. The first respondent’s suit is, hereby, struck out.”
Public sentiment weighed heavily on the side of a judgement in favour of Bashir Sheriff, but the intricacies of the law were on the side of a judgement in favour of APC and Ahmed Lawan. The justices of the Supreme Court, having considered the facts before them, decided to be on the side of the law. For this, they have been extensively excoriated for basing their judgement on a ‘technicality’ and for thereby delivering a ‘controversial’ judgement’.
The Kano State governorship Court of Appeal judicial mishap in which the oral judgement favoured Nasiru Gawuna of APC, but part of the certified true copy of the ruling contradictorily favoured Abba Kabiru Yusuf of the New Nigeria People’s Party, has given fillip to the denigration of the judiciary. Fortunately, it is not the judicial Armageddon that judiciary-bashers wished it to be. There is still the opportunity for the Supreme Court to resolve contradictions and clear misgivings that may have been created by the Court of Appeal “clerical error”.
It is not in the character of Judges to engage in ‘two fighting’, the street lingo for street brawls. So, the Chief Justice of Nigeria has only been able to issue restrained admonition to those guilty to stop maligning the judiciary. The Minister of Justice and Attorney-General of the Federation graciously lent his voice to the admonition. The President of the Nigerian Bar Association, Mr. Yakubu Maikyau, SAN, similarly acted on 27 November, 2023, at the opening of the 2023/2024 legal year and conferment of the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria on recipients. He called the rabid critics of the judiciary “judicial bullies and literary terrorists”, and noted: “The judiciary neither enacted the laws that govern the electoral system nor appointed persons saddled with the management of the process. It is certainly not the judiciary that removed the spirit of conceding defeat from our politicians.”
Though some judges may have been compromised, the current cacophony of flippant condemnation of the entire judiciary by sundry partisan commentators is unwarranted. To keep judges at bay, let politicians play by the rules, allow internal democracy and desist from subverting the law in the voting process. It would then be difficult for fraud to be committed in vote counting, vote collation and the declaration of results.
[ERRATUM: In paragraph 12 of the article titled “Obasanjo’s state of democracy address” in this column last week, “in 2003 were returned to the Alliance for Democracy (AD)” was written instead of “in 2003 and 2007 were returned to the progressives camp”. Error is regretted.]
Desolation persists nine years after The Nation exposed Lafarge’s devastation of Ewekoro
We prioritise health, safety of our host communities – Lafarge Africa
The commercialization of despair over 60 years, two generations
Why Federal Govt must check cement company’s breach of regulations
Deadly metals in our blood – Residents
In July 1987, Aminu Adigun Akintokun took his last breath thus signalling the end of a life grisly spent. Until his death, the 61-year-old stirred every day to a wind rush of catastrophe, choking on chronic asthma and poisonous air, which made something as commonplace as breathing extremely difficult. “We sensed there was trouble when the hair on his head and body started drying up and falling off, recalled his grandson, Olajide Akintokun.
Like his grandpa, Olajide’s uncle, Biliaminu Akintokun, died in 2015. He also suffered shortness of breath while his hair peeled off his head and body.
Olajide’s aunt, Amina Akintokun, battled a similar ailment until she died in 2022 at the age of 87. She had trouble breathing, which caused the family to invite a nurse to treat her at home. At her demise last year, Olajide recalled his father, the late Baale of Ewekoro, Mukaila Adeyeri Akintokun’s warning that he must never reside in Ewekoro.
“Before he died in April 2010, he reiterated the warning to me, saying I must leave lest I suffered a similar fate like my late uncles and aunt,” disclosed Olajide. Consequently, he packed his belongings and relocated to Lagos.
Two generations of the Akintokuns have died in Ewekoro, where the skies bleed perpetual grey and the gnarled trees, polluted farms, dusty roofs and shutters jointly fulfil the image of an industrial graveyard.
In this neglected tract, dreams die out. Both the young and old expire in a thick haze of cement dust. The natives breathe in poisonous rubble and ingest slurry dispersed from Lafarge Africa’s industrial chimney.
More worrisome are the poisoned crops, rendered toxic by the cement company’s production activities. Several studies have revealed that residents living between 1km to 5km from Lafarge’s production plant are imperilled by chemical, atmospheric, and toxic waste pollution. This is the fate of the residents of Ewekoro where both old and young suffer a slew of fatal respiratory problems and skin diseases until their death.
For instance, the late Seyi Bisiriyu and John both died in their 20s, after they were diagnosed with shortness of breath and cement dust sediments in their hearts.
The Nation findings revealed that the two youngsters and former residents of Olapeleke, a satellite community in Ewekoro, suddenly collapsed and died after suffering persistent shortness of breath.
Several youths are deserting it in droves. For instance, it was due to the perilous environmental situation that Olajide’s parents raised him far away from Ewekoro. Even as an adult, the place holds little or no attraction to him, as he could neither work nor live there, he said. According to him, there are no decent job opportunities and living there exposes residents to a myriad of respiratory diseases caused by Lafarge pollution of the environment with cement dust.
Idris Adio, a farmer, equally bemoaned the gruesome living conditions, stressing that his recurrent episodes of intense cough and shortness of breath, are caused by the persistent pollution of Ewekoro by Lafarge Africa.
Speaking with The Nation, Adio wheezed through his sentences as he fought, albeit futilely to unclog his chest of phlegm. “This is what I go through. It’s what we all go through frequently,” he said.
The wrinkled grimace of a life poorly spent
The situation in Ewekoro seems to have deteriorated since The Nation’s expose of the dystopic living conditions in the community, in a five-part investigative report, in 2014.
The wrinkled grimaces of a life poorly spent masked the faces of the natives, back in the period. Many of them presented a pitiable sight. For instance, Amos Odekunle, the Asiwaju of Olapeleke, a satellite community in Ewekoro, lamented his failing health. Speaking exclusively to The Nation, Odekunle recounted his battle with chronic cough. The light receded from his eyes every time he wheezed for breath. His words tapered off incoherently as he struggled to complete his sentences against tormenting spasms of chronic cough and a clogged chest.
The village chief disclosed that he had been diagnosed with shortness of breath and a badly scarred chest. “The doctors say I have cement dust sediments in my heart. They say that is why I can no longer breathe easily,” he said. Odekunle attributed his ailment to long years of exposure to Lafarge’s limestone quarrying activities and persistent discharge of cement dust into his neighbourhood.
Odekunle revealed that he had to take lots of drugs and hot water to decongest his heart of blockage. “When the pain becomes too unbearable for me, I have to travel to the General Hospital in Lagos to receive proper treatment. It is only then that I get to enjoy relief,” he said.
Many residents of Ewekoro suffer asthma and shortness of breath but they never know until their health worsens. Many struggle to manage their ailments while avoiding the hospital. Aside from the fact that the only hospital within the axis is cited far away in a neighbouring community, they dread receiving any bad news that could worsen their fears and accentuate their impoverishment, said Ekeji Baale of Ewekoro, Musulumi Balogun, in a previous interview with The Nation on the issue.
The few that go to the clinic can’t afford an inhaler or the drugs to manage their health condition. Right now, an inhaler costs between N4,800 and N5,200, which is markedly higher than its former price of N1,000 to N1,200 back in 2014, when The Nation exposed the situation in Ewekoro.
Consequently, several parents give their children palm oil to lick whenever they suffer a clogged chest or shortness of breath. Those who can afford it give them sachet milk to drink hoping it would mitigate the effect of the polluted air.
“We know it never works. It’s just a poor and desperate form of damage control. We have suffered the death of loved ones due to preventable ailments like asthma and shortness of breath. Many of us were not born with such ailments,” lamented Balogun.
Such incidents have become a recurrent tragedy in Ewekoro given the communities’ persistent exposure to flying rock debris and cement dust from LafargeWAPCO’s plant chimney and limestone quarry in the area.
Most residents of Ewekoro are unable to undergo comprehensive medical laboratory tests to determine the true state of their health due to the prohibitive costs. Consequently, many of them battling with health issues only get to know an aggravated state of decline.
Pleading anonymity, health personnel in neighbouring townships revealed that what they provide is ameliorative care to most of their patients from Ewekoro who present with aggravated cases of pulmonary diseases.
“Many of them dread being told to go for tests because they have neither the means nor resources to foot the bills. Most are unemployed and impoverished peasant farmers. The best we can always do is to comfort them and give them drugs to manage the pain. Those who are referred to larger health facilities take the referral and never come back until their health worsens,” said a nurse at the General Hospital in Itori.
Studies affirm the deadly impact of cement dust exposure
In a study carried out to determine selected heavy metals and electrolyte levels in the blood of staff of LafargeWAPCO and residents of the industrial community in Ewekoro and neighbouring districts, it was discovered that workers and the residents of the community and their neighbours are at great risk of lead poisoning to which they are persistently exposed.
The study which was conducted by Dr O. O. Babalola and Babajide S. O of the Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Obafemi Awolowo University Ile-Ife, Osun State, and the Department of Science Laboratory Technology, Moshood Abiola Polytechnic, Abeokuta, Ogun State respectively. It focused on the determination of the levels of lead, cadmium, sodium and potassium in the blood of 36 selected industrial workers, 36 residents of the neighbouring communities and 12 residents of the communities further away from the industrial setting. The latter 12 residents served as the control population. The subjects were recruited from the cement, ceramic and granite industries at Ewekoro, Abeokuta North and South Local Government Areas of Ogun State.
In the study, exposure to lead was identified as a major occupational hazard and a consequence of industrialisation, according to the researchers.
“The most significant source of lead exposure is dust. Occupational dust is the reason for the test carried out on these industrial workers and the residents of the neighbouring communities. In each case, the lead in dust arises from a complex mixture of fine particles of soil, flaked paint and airborne particles of industrial or automotive origin. Dust is deposited in windowsills from outdoor sources. The particles characteristically accumulate on exposed surfaces and are also trapped in the fibres of clothing and carpets.
“When lead is released into the environment, it has a long resident time compared with other pollutants. Lead and its compounds tend to accumulate in soil and sediments. They will remain bio-available far into the future due to their low solubility and relative freedom from microbial degradation. Another reason may be that, most of the arable crops being consumed by the residents of the neighbouring communities might have taken up lead from the soil. Lead from dust and gases from various industrial sources such as these factories can contaminate soil and plants.
Govt looks away as Lafarge breaches mining, environmental laws
The Nigerian Minerals and Mining Act, which came into effect in 2007, seeks to protect the environment and communities where solid mineral resources are found. The law protects the rights of host communities and their environment and provides for rehabilitation and penalties for defaulters.
The Nation’s findings, however, revealed that Lafarge Africa continually flouts environmental and mining laws in its operations.
According to the National Environmental (quarrying and blasting operations) Regulations, 2013, section 20 states “a person shall not locate a quarry or engage in blasting within three kilometres (3km) of any existing residential, commercial or industrial area.”
In addition, the Nigerian Minerals and Mining Act, 2007, section 3 (c) identifies lands excluded from mineral exploration and exploitation to include those occupied by any town or village. Section 22 of the National Environmental Regulations adds that ” A person shall not blast in such a way that the impact of such blast will cause any form of discomfort or nuisance to the public and residents within 1,000 metres from the epicentre of the site or users of the road thereof.”
Section 123 of the Mining Act also states that “No person shall in the course of mining or exploration for minerals pollute or cause to be polluted any water or watercourse in the area within mining lease or beyond that area.”
Despite these provisions, Lafarge has destroyed several houses and farmlands, while persistently polluting the air and water bodies by its operations in Ewekoro.
Section 23 (2) of the National Environmental Regulations further specifies the time the blasting must not take place. “Blasting operations shall not be carried out at the rush hours of 7 am-10 am and 5 pm and beyond.” Notwithstanding, residents report that Lafarge engages in blasting operations even at night.
Also, Lafarge’s pollution of Ewekoro manifests a clear violation of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Act of 1992. Section 2 (1)(2) of the Act states thus: “The public or private sector of the economy shall not undertake or embark on or authorise projects or activities without prior consideration, at an early stage, of their environmental effects.
“Where the extent, nature or location of a proposed project or activity is such that it is likely to significantly affect the environment, its environmental impact assessment shall be undertaken by the provisions of this Act.”
Residents despair as govt, regulators ignore their plight
Despite Lafarge’s evident breaches of mining and environmental laws, the Minister of Environment, Balarade Abbas Lawal, recently commended the company for its commitment to “environmental sustainability,” to the chagrin of its long-suffering host communities in Ewekoro.
Lawal gave this commendation during a courtesy visit of the company’s management team led by the Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Lolu Alade-Akinyemi, to the Minister in Abuja.
The minister commended Lafarge Africa for the various awards received over the years in environmental responsibility referring to it as a testament of the company’s environmental friendliness.
According to him, Lafarge Africa’s compliance with rules and regulations makes it comfortable to come for a courtesy visit, without waiting for the Ministry to come after them to comply.
Against the backdrop of the environment minister’s curious endorsement of Lafarge’s operations, it becomes understandable why the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) has failed to serve a statutory check on Lafarge’s operations in Ewekoro. The federal agency charged with the task of protecting the environment against industrial defaulters with actionable sanctions has, so far, failed to protect Ewekoro.
According to Section 2 of the NESREA’s Act (2007), the Agency is responsible for the protection and development of the environment, biodiversity conservation and sustainable development of Nigeria‘s natural resources in general and environmental technology, including coordination and liaison with relevant stakeholders within and outside Nigeria on matters of enforcement of environmental standards, regulations, rules, laws, policies and guidelines.
Attempts to contact the agency through its official phone line and the Ministry of Environment’s phone line failed repeatedly as both numbers were permanently switched off. Attempts to reach the agency by email equally proved abortive.
The Ministry of Mines and Steel Development has equally failed to check the activities of Lafarge Africa. Just recently, the ministry and Lafarge entered into a partnership to purportedly help the administration of President Bola Tinubu realise its ‘Renewed Hope’ agenda.
The announcement was made by the Minister for Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, while receiving a Lafarge Africa delegation, led by the company’s Group Managing Director, Lolu Alade-Akinyemi, on a courtesy visit.
Alake emphasised the critical role Lafarge Africa Plc plays in the mining sector of the Nigerian economy, stressing that the role aligns with the present administration’s policy to make the solid minerals sector a significant contributor to the nation’s gross domestic product.
Residents of Ewekoro, however, urged Alake to launch an inquiry into the company’s operations. “If the minister knows the level of damage done by Lafarge to our community, he wouldn’t be so eager to partner with them just yet,” said Olatunde Idowu, a teacher and former resident of Ewekoro.
Crafty tokenism and bullying of dissenters
In the first part of this report, published last week, The Nation highlighted Lafarge’s recourse to crafty tokenism disguised as Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and elders’ support, this curious sort of CSR has for a long while, served the interests of the company in stifling dissent or silencing it outright.
Immediately after last week’s publication, however, a certain employee referred to as Engineer Yomi – allegedly in charge of the organisation’s damage control – started reaching out to respondents featured in the last report.
“They have started calling them for “urgent meetings,” in a bid to shut them up. When they refuse, they will issue subtle threats to them in a bid to prevent them or any other person from speaking to the press,” said one of the local chiefs in Ewekoro.
Already, factions loyal to Lafarge within Ewekoro and satellite communities, mostly traditional chiefs, have started intense lobbying and bullying of perceived dissenters, accusing them of working against the community’s interests.
“That is how our people behave, many of those who are supporting Lafarge today were yesterday’s dissenters. But now that they are enjoying patronage and cash tokens from the company, they have stopped speaking for our interests,” lamented an aggrieved youth.
Indeed, it is noteworthy that some of the traditional chiefs and residents who spoke to The Nation, nine years ago, accusing Lafarge of destroying their homes and farmlands, have switched sides.
While some have suddenly lost their voice, a few others barefacedly defend Lafarge claiming it is doing its best.
The natives would find it easier perhaps to assert their rights if they could escape the cycle of tokenism that has them jostling for “paltry sums” given to them annually by Lafarge Africa. While the latter prides itself on its commendable Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives in the area, more residents of Ewekoro have dismissed the company’s claims, arguing that whatever form of support the company gives to their community as part of its CSR, will never be enough palliative to the damage it wreaks on their neighbourhood by its production activities.
A good example is the so-called elder support. The traditional authorities are asked to suggest beneficiaries of the fund and when they do, Lafarge gives each beneficiary N50, 000. When the latter gets back to the community, he or she has to share the money with about 20 other people. In the end, what often gets to each beneficiary, around N2,000 or thereabouts, is usually too ridiculous to be acknowledged.
Hence from a purported N50,000 annual support to one aged person, in Ewekoro, what gets to the beneficiary and other recipients, is a measly N2,000.
We are committed to zero harm to people – Lafarge Africa
In an exclusive interview with The Nation, Lafarge’s Head of Corporate Communications, Public Affairs and Sustainable Development, Ginikanwa Frank-Durugbor, stated, “We recognise the importance of prioritising the health and safety of our people and host communities and reducing the environmental impact of our operations to the barest minimum.
“As a member of Holcim, we are reinventing how the world builds for today, tomorrow and the future through our commitment to decarbonise our business operations and drive sustainable growth. Our sustainability strategy is centred on four pillars including climate and energy, circular economy, nature and people.
“We are committed to conducting our business with zero harm to people while minimizing our environmental footprint. This investment in a new bag filter underscores this commitment. Our stack emission measurement is done by government-accredited agencies every quarter and the report is shared with both the State and Federal Ministry of Environment.
“In addition, Air quality measurement (Total Suspended Particulate) conducted across the plant fence lines shows all measured values are below the national standard of 250 µg/m3. However, measurement was also carried out simultaneously on 3rd party (Lagos/Abeokuta express road) influence and the result showed a dust (Total Suspended Particulate) value of more than 250 µg/m3. Mitigation measures are to plant trees along our perimeter fence to prevent the impact of dust from the third party. We also carry out palliative repairs regularly on bad portions of the road to reduce fugitive dust generation.”
Lawless in Ewekoro, humbled in America
Notwithstanding Lafarge’s assurances of its commitment to the best business practices, many residents of Ewekoro are hardly impressed. Its operations in Ewekoro have triggered various comparisons between the cement company’s operations in Nigeria and in other parts of the world.
In 2021, the United States federal government, New York State and a LafargeHolcim cement plant reached a settlement to resolve alleged violations of federal and state water regulations. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for New York’s Northern District, the Environmental Protection Agency and New York State announced the deal with the LafargeHolcim facility in Ravena. The consent decree would require the company to pay an $850,000 civil penalty and comply with a state discharge permit.
It’s alleged that from 2015 through April 2021, the cement company violated effluent limitations 273 times with a variety of pollutants. The agencies say the plant, situated across the street from the Ravena-Coeymans-Selkirk High School on Route 9W, was also responsible for unauthorized discharges into tributaries of the Hudson River, such as Coeyman’s Creek and Hannacroix Creek.
Judith Enck, former EPA regional administrator and president of Beyond Plastics, said the plant has a long history of violating environmental laws.
“It’s really troubling that we’re now just learning that for over six years the company violated the Clean Water Act and is now being fined $850,000 by federal and state environmental agencies. Remember, this cement kiln is very close to the Hudson River. It’s also across the street from a large public school. The company was discharging large amounts of pollutants either directly into the Hudson or into tributaries that run into the Hudson. They were discharging sulfuric acid, partially treated the landfill leachate, fecal coliform and other materials. This violation of Law happened 273 times between April 2015 and April 2021.”
A humbled LafargeHolcim, in its reaction, stated that it cooperated fully with state and federal regulators, adding the “consent decree is a humbling reminder that we did not achieve our expectations, for which we take full responsibility. We have worked closely with the State and Federal Government to take steps to ensure we are in continuous compliance, today and into the future.”
Under the agreement, LafargeHolcim is being directed to invest in an Environmental Benefit Project that will help improve the health of the Hudson River, which residents termed “a victory for the town of Coeymans” in Albany County.
In 2019, Lafarge Africa’s parent company, LafargeHolcim, became an entity of interest in an investigation of the operations of its cement plant in the northern Serbian town of Beočin. A government inspection had revealed that the factory’s harmful emissions far exceeded the legal thresholds. Despite this disclosure, the report has remained confidential and no proceedings have been opened to date.
Three years ago, Lafarge Africa’s parent company, France-based LafargeHolcim said that Lafarge Béton was not responsible for the discharge of ‘particles of cement, treatment liquids and plastic microfibers’ from its Bercy concrete plant in Paris Department. The La Télégramme newspaper reported that the plant has been under environmental inspection since late August 2020. The company argued that the pollution resulted from a single incident ‘caused by malicious parties’ who knew of the ongoing investigation.
The mayor of Paris had contacted the public prosecutor to request a criminal action against LafargeHolcim.
Between a small fry and the behemoth
Against the backdrop of the cement giant’s stark environmental footprint in the global business arena, the United Nations Climate Change Summit, otherwise called COP28, in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, opened with the historic launch of the Loss and Damage Fund on Thursday, December 3. While the operationalisation of the fund on the first day of the summit demonstrated the commitment of world leaders to the resolution reached last year at COP27 in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, Nigeria is expected to leverage on the foci of this year’s event to resolve its myriad of environmental challenges, particularly those triggered by industrial pollution.
Victims of pollution like the residents of Ewekoro believe they constitute a small fry in the cauldron of Lafarge Africa’s manufacturing operations.
“Nobody cares about us here. Nobody. Left to the government, Lafarge is treating us right. They are giving them awards here and there. Nobody sees the destruction they are visiting on us,” said Kehinde Olaleye, a commercial transporter.
Olaleye, 31, relocated to Arigbajo-Ifo, with his wife and only son after the latter developed a chronic cough “before his second birthday.” He disclosed that he had to desert his family home and leave it for squatters.
Corroborating him, Bolanle Moyo, a trader, stated that before she fled from Ewekoro, she and her husband endured several spells of starvation as her petty trade suffered a complete dearth of patronage.
“No money was coming in. Everybody came to buy things on credit. My husband was out of job due to his failing health. He used to be a farmer as he inherited large tracts of farmland from his grandfather. But he developed whooping cough and became too weak to work on the farm. When he started coughing blood-stained sputum and suffering shortness of breath, we knew we must leave the community,” she said.
The pervasive devastation is responsible for the mass exodus of youths from the community into the suburbs of Lagos and Abeokuta, and sometimes, even farther.
Notwithstanding, the hopes of the once vibrant agrarian community are riding on the President Bola Tinubu-led administration to intervene and save it from complete annihilation.
While campaigning for the presidency, President Tinubu promised to boost food production and employment while helping to mitigate the harmful effects of extreme weather cycles and climate change. According to him, approximately 35 per cent of Nigeria’s arable land is presently under cultivation. He stated that his administration’s target will increase this to 65 per cent within four years.
He said his “Farm Nigeria project” will begin with a special focus on the 11 river basins throughout the country, explaining that such an innovative project will aim to make more arable land available for agriculture.
The situation in Ewekoro, however, manifests in counter-purpose to President Tinubu’s promises. In its prosperous epoch, the rivers Ewekoro, Amititi, Sofuntere, Abalaye and Olorekore irrigated Ewekoro and its satellite communities but Lafarge channelled the five rivers away into its quarry thus causing them to dry out, the villagers claimed.
Consequently, the communities’ cash crops gradually died off. Ever since the township has been struggling to deal with the tragic loss of its once flourishing agricultural economy.
There are no flourishing cocoa, rice, palm kernel and cocoyam farms anymore; a dense forest and swamp of shrubs and thickets plastered with cement dust, currently dominate the wide tracts that once attracted itinerant contract farmhands, agricultural entrepreneurs, farmers, middlemen, transporters and traders, to mention a few, to the erstwhile prosperous enclave.
Against the backdrop of the township’s devastation, the Environment Minister, Lawal, and Minister of Solid Minerals, Alake, have both endorsed Lafarge Africa’s operations in Nigeria.
Some would be kind enough perhaps to oblige them with an uncensored narrative of Ewekoro. The industrial township howls like a wounded animal, scraped by the ripped moans of both the old and young wheezing through emaciated lungs and billows of cement soot, in search of breathable air.
This is the story of Ewekoro, where Lafarge Africa peddles patronage, like the proverbial carrot, to suppress generations of disgruntled natives, swallowing discontent for a token and the meal it could buy in silent fury.
Nigeria has recorded a fresh legal victory over the Irish firm, Process & Industrial Developments (P&ID), after a London court awarded £20 million in damages and compensation in favour of the federal government.
Justice Robin Knowles of the Business and Property Court of England and Wales directed the firm to pay,within 28 days, the costs which Nigeria applied for to defray its legal fees.
The court had, on October 23,upturned an $11 billion judgment debt which P & ID wanted enforced against Nigeria.
In his final pronouncement on the case on Friday Knowles rejected a proposal by the firm to pay the costs in naira.
He also dismissed in its entirety the judgement debt which had been awarded against Nigeria by an arbitration tribunal.
Counsel to Nigeria,invoking the common law principle of “fraud unravels all” had argued that the award be set aside in its entirety.
However,P & ID applied to the court to appeal the October judgement.
The tribunal first issued a $6.6billion arbitration award against Nigeria in January 2017 after the firm accused the Federal Government of reneging on an alleged 2010 contract with the Ministry of Petroleum Resources to construct and operate a new gas processing facility in Calabar.
The award,according to P&ID lawyers claim, had grown to $11.4 billion on account of interest.
Nigeria subsequently approached the Business and Property Court praying it to dismiss the award.
The court upheld Nigeria’s prayers and said the firm actually paid Nigerian officials to draft the contract agreement.
It also found that P&ID was illegally in possession of Nigeria’s privileged legal documents during the arbitration hearings.
Nigeria was able to provide the court with banking records from New York showing fund transfers to Nigerian government officials by entities allegedly affiliated with P&ID, as well as evidence of large, unexplained cash withdrawals from a P&ID affiliated entity’s Nigerian bank account around the time the contract was signed.
Nigeria,according to the terms of the purported contract, was to supply natural gas at no cost to P&ID’s facility while the company would construct and operate the facility.
The company was to process the gas for the purpose of removing natural gas liquids and return lean gas to Nigeria at no cost.
The understanding was that the lean gas so supplied would be suitable for use in power generation and other purposes.
Nigeria insisted that the contract was based on an unsolicited proposal presented by P&ID.
It also said no tender was conducted in respect of the project and the company even had no experience or assets in the gas sector to handle a contract of that magnitude.
He said every stolen fund would be recovered to develop the country’s social systems.
Olukoye spoke during a Road Walk in Abuja to mark the 2023 International Anti-Corruption Day.
He said the commission would fight corrupt elements in the country to make room for growth and development.
He also expressed readiness to approach the international community for the recovery of stolen funds kept abroad.
He said the EFCC would go after those keeping looted funds abroad.
The agency’s Head of Media and Publicity, Mr. Dele Oyewale, quoted Olukoyede as saying: “We are going to give sleepless nights to those stealing our money. We are going to remove opportunities for corruption.
“We are going to plug the loopholes. We are in the era of a new budget. We have sent words to all the gate- keepers of our finances in Nigeria that we are going to work with them. Every money that is released, we are going to track them.”
He said the nation’s anti-corruption mandate was being refocused to stimulate growth and development in all the sectors of the economy.
Olukoyede added: “We are refocusing the anti-corruption mandate of the EFCC. We will fight corruption to stimulate growth and development and remove all the threats to the progress of the nation.
“We are tired of corruption in Nigeria. Our youths must have job opportunities.”
On the theme of the 2023 International Anti-Corruption Day: UNCAC@20: Uniting the World against Corruption, Olukoyede said the whole world must come together to fight corruption .
He said: “Those who are keeping looted funds abroad are more corrupt than us. We are going to go after them.
“We will recover our funds and use them to develop our systems”.
He asked Nigerians to show more support for the government.
He said President Bola Tinubu was ready to promote businesses and public good.
Police Inspector General Kayode Egbetokun, who was represented by the Commissioner of Police, Federal Capital Territory, Haruna. G. Garba expressed delight with the Road Walk.
He described it as a demonstration of renewed hope of progress in Nigeria. “The Road Walk against corruption organised by the EFCC is a demonstration of a renewed hope that, if we are able to fight corruption and other crimes in Nigeria, it will be better for our country. “Nigeria has potential to be great. These potentials are on the air, on the land and beneath the ground and if we annex them without corruption, we will be able to provide for our children and children yet unborn”, he said.
The Chief of Air Staff , Air Marshal Hassan Abubakar, represented by Group Captain Abdulahi Abu, expressed support for the EFCC in its crusade against corruption and called on every Nigerian to continue to support it to make Nigeria great.
He said: “I want to assure you that the Nigeria Air Force stands with you to fight corruption through prevention, enforcement and coordination”.
The Road Walk which started at the Abuja Zonal Command of the EFCC in Wuse district through some major roads in Maitama, witnessed massive turn out of Nigerians from all walks of life, including staff of the EFCC, civil society organisations, representatives of the Nigerian Labour Congress, NLC, Police, Armed Forces, National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, women groups, media and other stakeholders.
Amidst singing and dancing, banners with different inscriptions condemning corruption were displayed by the crowd.
The Road Walk was also held in all the 14 Zonal Commands of the EFCC.
In Benin-City, the walk began at the Benin Zonal command office on Court Road, through Sapele Road, Ring Road, Oba Market Road, Obakhavere Road, Plymouth Road, Airport Road, Ezoti street before terminating at the Commission’s office.
The colourful event had staff clad in T-shirts bearing various anti-corruption messages with corps members and CSOs carrying banners with various inscriptions such as “Say No to Corruption, it’s Evil,” “Shun corruption,” “Stop Any form of Corruption” and a host of others.
Speaking on behalf of Olukoyede, the Zonal Commander, Kanu Idagu said the theme of this year’s Anti-Corruption Day, emphasized the need for collective efforts against the menace. “All over the world, corruption is a threat to the growth and development of individuals and nations.
” No one is immune to the contagion of corruption which is why nations are united in finding solutions to the common ailment,” he said.
He urged the public to take ownership of the fight against corruption in Nigeria.
Wilfred Ndidi netted Leicester City’s last goal as the Foxes recorded a comprehensive 4-0 victory over Plymouth Argyle at the King Power Stadium on Saturday, Soccernet.ng reports.
Derby-born Stephy Mavididi gave Leicester a first-half lead from the penalty spot before Patson Daka doubled the advantage for the home side from close range shortly after the halftime break.
Daka profited from Issahaku Abdul Fatawu’s assist for that goal, and the Ghanaian teenage wonder provided his second assist of the game moments later for Mavididi to net the Foxes’ third of the encounter.
In the 55th minute, Ndidi raced into the box to lash onto a Daka pass and send a low shot into the net and off the foot of the post to make it four-nil to Enzo Maresca’s men.
Interestingly, Ndidi appears to be Leicester’s lucky charm as the Foxes have won all the matches that the Super Eagles midfielder has scored in.
Ndidi’s first goal of the season was in Leicester City’s 2-0 League Cup win over Burton Albion. At the same time, he also found the net as the Foxes registered a similar scoreline against Tranmere Rovers in the same competition.
The development of sports, especially football, in Edo State will stem youth restiveness.
Edo Chairman of the Football Association (FA), Mr. Newton Erhunmwuse, made the disclosure yesterday in Benin.
Erhunmwuse spoke at the unveiling of a new football competition, Dr. Asue Ighodalo Unity Gold Cup, which he said would foster unity among the residents of the three senatorial districts of Edo.
Edo FA chairman revealed that the tournament was being sponsored by Darlington Okpebholo, while a local organising committee had been put in place.
Erhunmwuse called on other well-meaning Nigerians to emulate the sponsor, thereby contributing their quota to the development of football in Edo.
Okpebholo, the Chief Executive Officer and Publisher, Truth Live News Media, while also speaking, noted that the football competition would engender unity among the youths in the 18 local government areas of Edo.
“The Dr. Asue Ighodalo Unity Gold Cup stands as a symbol of togetherness, peace and inclusivity, bringing together youth teams from the vibrant corners of our state – team Edo South, team Edo Central, and team Edo North.
“Through the power of football, we aim to bridge gaps, foster understanding, and promote harmony among our young citizens, transcending political boundaries.”
Okpebholo also stated that the tournament would witness four teams that would slug it out for the coveted gold cup, with the winning team going home with a trophy and N250,000.
The second and third place teams will receive N150,000 and N100,000 respectively.
Chairman of Agbado Oke Odo Community Development Council, Ernest Kasunmu, will join teeming lovers of boxing on Sunday, 17th December, 2023 in the second edition of the annual Amateur Open Boxing Competition.
The competition to be hosted by the Karomishaus Organisation is also supported by the Lagos State Amateur Boxing Competition.
According to the organisers, the aims and objectives of the competition among others are; “to engage the youths meaningfully, and by extension gainfully employed through sports,” noting that “In Nigeria, we have not fully tapped into the potentials of sports as a business.”
Kasunmu explained further that; “participants are amateur boxers from our LCDA and others from councils like Mushin, Oshodi, Agege Orile Agege, Egbe Idimu, and Ojokoro and it is going to be in both male and female categories. It is free and participants will be given prizes.”
The promoter who was also a boxer in his growing years also noted that crime would be reduced where youths are meaningfully and gainfully engaged.
“We are of the view that crime will be highly reduced where youths are meaningfully engaged. Take the example of a football competition you can’t hear of crime during competition because everybody is watching the game, and it would help the mental development of our youths. One way or the other we are all involved in playing and watching games,” he explained.
