The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • Five Influential Journalists making wave in Nigeria

    Five Influential Journalists making wave in Nigeria

    Nigeria, known as the “Giant of Africa,” boasts a vibrant media landscape that has produced several influential figures who have made significant contributions to the industry. From television personalities to journalists, these individuals have played pivotal roles in shaping public discourse, challenging the status quo, and promoting positive change. In this article, we will explore the lives and achievements of five of the most influential Nigerians in the media.

    We have listed below five individuals with significant contributions

    Mo Abudu

    Mo Abudu, often referred to as the “Oprah Winfrey of Africa,” is a media mogul and entrepreneur. She is the founder and CEO of EbonyLife Media, a production company that has revolutionized Nigerian television and film. Through her company, Abudu has successfully produced and directed popular shows like “Moments with Mo” and “The Governor,” as well as blockbuster movies such as “The Wedding Party.” Her dedication to quality programming and commitment to telling African stories has earned her international recognition and made her a true icon in the media industry.

    Tajudeen Adepetu

    From media enthusiast to media legend, Tajudeen Adeputu through out his rich and extensive career performed the incredible act of turning a hobby into a franchise. This story teller began his media career in radio, producing jingles and other radio related productions. Soon after he pivoted into TV, launching his own holding company of media channels and production studios; Consolidated Media Associates. He is the brains behind the hit TV series Everyday People and Family Circles, shows that were household in the early 2000s. He turned his craft into an empire, founding media establishments like Soundcity Radio Network, SoundCity TV, ONTV, ONMax, Trybe TV, Spice TV, and UrbanTV, making him a pre-eminent figure in Nigerian media, even till this day.

    Reuben Abati

    He is a widely accomplished journalist with a career spanning over two decades. Apart from running his own blog, where he gives an in-depth analysis on trending political issues, he is a columnist on ThisDay Newspaper, radio host on City FM and Lead Anchor on Arise News flagship programme; the Morning Show. One which has become a daily tonic for many young Nigerians especially after its coverage of the October 2020 #EndSARS protests. This is just as it recently secured a very revealing exclusive with President Muhammadu Buhari; his first media chat since he was re-elected for a second term. Prior to his current engagement, he has served as Chairman, Editorial Board of Nigeria’s Guardian Newspapers, co-presenter of the television program: Patitos Gang, and was Deputy Governorship Candidate for the People’s Democratic Party(PDP) in the 2019 Ogun Governorship Election.

    Samuel Ogunyooye

    In an era where digital platforms dominate the media landscape, there are individuals who not only adapt to change but also spearhead it. Samuel Ogunyooye, a name that has become synonymous with innovation and impact, is a media entrepreneur, pastor, and visionary founder of Cheser Media.

    Ogunyooye made his career debut at the Guardian Newspapers. Being in the editorial department, he started out as a reporter on the features desk and from there, he moved to the political desk and thereafter to the Supplements and Special Projects unit of the Advertising department.
    After about close to a decade, he left the journalism terrain and moved to the banking sector. His first port of call in the banking industry was the Corporate Affairs department and Brand Management departments of the Global Bank which later became Intercontinental Bank Plc.

    On how he came about the name “Cheser”, he said it is a short form of Cherubim and Seraphim which is also the name of the church he attends. So adding it up with the word media equals ‘Cheser Media’.

    He said:” Cheser Media is a brand and a platform from where all our innovations and ideas spring up from. Its mission is to promote the cause and mandate of the Cherubim and Seraphim by giving Seraphs the deserving exposure and to support their cause as it pertains to the church. This aligns with our values which are anchored on discovering and raising musical talents in the church”.

    Stephanie Busari

    She is a Lagos-based journalist, who for the last 13 years has been under the commission of one of the biggest news platforms in the world; CNN. She is a journalist and editor at CNN International, based in West Africa, a Peabody Award recipient, and a TEDx curator. Her efforts in obtaining proof of life for Chibok girls at the height of the Bring Back our Girls movement is a feat of journalism that has found its place in the pantheon of journalistic achievements in Nigerian history. Her courage was responsible for the release of a number of the abducted girls at the time. It goes without saying that she has also been vocal and active about the recent kidnappings in Jangebe, Zamfara State. She was one of the investigators who, with irrefutable evidence, reported the shooting at Lekki Toll Gate, through the CNN Lekki Massacre documentary which went viral. She is currently the bureau head at CNN Africa.

  • Emporio Armani marks Father’s day with stronger with you Amber

    Emporio Armani marks Father’s day with stronger with you Amber

    Emporio Armani has launched Stronger With You Amber, a limited edition fragrance that unveils a new, sensual facet of the Stronger Than You fragrance collection.

    Just in time for Father’s Day, this captivating scent is an embodiment of everlasting togetherness similar to a father’s love, and is available at all Essenza stores, both physical and online.

    Initially introduced in 2017, Stronger with You captured the essence of powerful love, and now Stronger With You Amber takes it a step further, revealing a more passionate and sensual side of the fragrance that is suitable for both men and women.

    Crafted as a Fougère Ambery fragrance, Stronger With You Amber offers a captivating scent that lingers on the skin.

    Inspired by the timeless radiance of the amber stone, this fragrance harmoniously blends an Amber accord at its base with top notes of mandarin and fresh lavender at its heart.

    Perfumer Cécile Matton (MANE), the creator of the original Stronger With You fragrance has masterfully composed Stronger With You Amber.

    With this limited edition, she infuses the fragrance with a contemporary Amber note, intensifying and prolonging its sensuality. The result is a deeper and warmer interpretation of the original fragrance, capturing the essence of an enduring connection, as if forged in family; a perfect gift for fathers and father figures this Father’s Day. On June 18, lovers of great fragrances will converge on the Essenza Store at The Palms, Lagos, to experience the Stronger With You Amber and indulge in the opulent scent.

    In line with Armani’s commitment to sustainability, the Vanilla Bourbon Premium infuses the Stronger With You Amber with its balsamic and floral aspect, sourced from the mountainous Loky Manambato region of Madagascar, using a special extraction technique. Emporio Armani, in collaboration with local NGO Fanamby, supports a solidarity sourcing program that benefits local communities, providing reliable work and income to vulnerable individuals while promoting entrepreneurship.

    Presented in the distinctive Emporio Armani fragrance glass bottle, Stronger With You Amber captures attention with its translucent ambery shade, reminiscent of the eternal glow of amber stone. The bottle is adorned with interlacing gold rings symbolizing the enduring bond of love. The golden-toned Stronger With You cap, adds a touch of warmth and luxury to the overall design.

  • Inter Miami transfer: Can Messi reignite MLS’ fortunes?

    Inter Miami transfer: Can Messi reignite MLS’ fortunes?

    Argentina’s 2022 World Cup winning captain Lionel Messi is set to become not only the face of Inter Miami, but also the entirety of Major League Soccer (MLS) after the former Barcelona legend agreed to sign for the South Florida side on June 8 despite being linked with a possible return to Barcelona and also a record-breaking deal to move to Saudi Arabia, writes OLUWAMAYOMIKUN OREKOYA

    While World Cup winner Messi explained that it was for the benefit of his family to move to Miami, claiming that money wasn’t the driving force behind his future, he is being projected to be a catalyst, building momentum for the sport in the United States in the three years before they co-host the 2026 World Cup with Canada and Mexico.

    Before that, the USA will also host the 2024 Copa America, meaning Messi could not only play his final game in club football in the States but likely his final major international tournament too.

    And the move has echoes of Inter Miami’s owner and England legend David Beckham, who joined LA Galaxy in 2007, and of the late Pele, who was drawn to the American soccer package at New York Cosmos in the old NASL in the 1970s.

    Already, Messi’s soon-to-be former teammate at PSG , Neymar Jr, has predicted the U.S. top flight is set to change because of the popularity the Argentine maestro will attract.

    “I’m certain that Leo is going to change the league in the United States,” the Brazil international, who was also Messi teammate at Barcelona, said.

    “I believe the league will become a lot more popular. So everyone has to take advantage and enjoy watching him play because unfortunately nothing lasts forever.

    “I’m sad and happy at the same time. I already knew. Messi is one of my best friends, a gift that soccer has given me. I had the opportunity to get to know him, to play with him and then, to build a beautiful friendship. So, I knew that he wanted to come here [Miami], and we spoke about it. I told him he was going to be very happy in the city, because of the style of life, the opportunity to come to live and play here in Miami,” he added.

    Messi’s move will partly be judged, whether he likes it or not, on the growth of soccer in America during his time there. Propelling it to the front and centre of the conversation in American sports, rather than an appendage.

    The depth of influence Messi has will depend on whether his impact goes beyond the superficial. Will the enthusiasm end when he leaves or will Messi’s magic see domestic soccer strengthen across the nation?

    At the moment, North American men’s professional sports consist primarily of the ‘Big Four’ major leagues – basketball (NBA), baseball (MLB), American football (NFL) and ice hockey (NHL).

    While the 35-year-old’s move to Inter Miami is yet to be finalized, his impact on Major League Soccer is being felt already.

    Inter Miami has already benefited from a huge boost in social media followers, while ticket prices all around the league are soaring as fans eagerly await Messi’s first visit to play against their teams with his new club.

    Read Also: Messi scores fastest career goal in Argentina win

    The club before announcing Messi’s capture had around one million followers on Instagram; as of June 13, it now has 7.8 million – more than every NFL, MLB, NHL and MLS team account.

    “Converting followers or monetizing followers is always a challenge,” Kieran Maguire , author of The Price of Football and a football finance lecturer at the University of Liverpool Management School, noted. “It helps in terms of commercial deals because if you want to pitch to a commercial partner, you can now say: ‘Well, your product is now going to be seen by six million people instead of one million.

    “So it will help from that perspective, A) in terms of the prices that Inter Miami can charge and B) with the number of commercial partners, who all of a sudden they want their product next to Lionel Messi.”

    In fact, tickets to see Messi’s potential debut for Inter Miami have been listed online for an eye-watering $20,000 as prices continue to skyrocket, while the MLS club’s chiefs try to add 3,000 seats to their home stadium.

    The cheapest resale price for Miami’s Leagues Cup match against Cruz Azul on July 21, predicted to be Messi’s first match, has soared 1,034 percent.

    The average listed resale ticket prices for Inter Miami’s away games have also surged by 1,000 percent, according to The Miami Herald, providing a profit boost for other MLS teams.

    Charlotte FC sold 10,000 tickets for its home game against Miami in no more than three hours after Messi revealed his move to the US. Atlanta United, which ranks first in average attendance (46,097) in the league, is providing full venue upper-level seats for its 71,000-capacity Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

    Searches for ‘Inter Miami tickets’ and ‘Inter Miami season tickets’ spiked by 13,057 percent and 1,215 percent worldwide compared to average levels over the last five years, according to Google Trends.

    Messi’s signing drew over 150,000 searches for Inter Miami in June, an all-time high in the club’s history. Searches for ‘MLS’ are now at a five-year high, soaring by 322 percent compared to the last 30 days as the signing was announced.

    Long-serving MLS coach Bruce Arena praised the league for tweaking contract rules to facilitate the deal, adding that he is delighted with Lionel Messi’s impending arrival in MLS.

    It has also since emerged all MLS clubs contributed towards the contract offer put to Messi ahead of his switch, as his arrival appears to be a joint effort. The deal has not come without some complications, however, with Inter Miami currently already having the maximum number of three designated players (DP) on their roster.

    As it stands, Gregore, Rodolfo Pizarro and Leonardo Campana are registered as the club’s exceptions to the salary cap restrictions which are in place in MLS as part of what has been dubbed the ‘Beckham Rule’. Essentially, each MLS player on the regular roster is allowed to earn a wage of approximately $651,250 (£513,179), with designated players allowed to earn a higher wage.

    Although Inter Miami is, therefore, in a bit of a predicament heading into the upcoming MLS transfer window, veteran coach Arena praised the league for being lenient. For him, even if the South Beach club were left with three DPs plus Messi, the benefits of bringing a player of the World Cup winner’s quality and star power outweigh these concerns.

    “I think bringing Lionel Messi into our league is fabulous and whatever they can do – if they had [the maximum] three DPs [designated players] already and they brought him in – I could live with it. It’s good for our league,” the former American national team coach said.

    “I don’t know what it is, but the rules are being followed. The league isn’t doing any special for Miami. What’s special is that [David] Beckham was able to attract Messi to his club and they worked on him for a couple years.”

    He added: “I think although he turns 36 this month, he’s gonna have a tremendous impact for that team and that city in the league. And that has to be good.”

    Meanwhile, another soon-to-be former teammate at PSG, Kylian Mbappe, believes Messi didn’t get the respect he deserved in France. The France international, also confirming his decision not to renew his contract with PSG, went on full-sincere mood when talking about the Argentinian superstar.

    The duo Mbappe and Messi made up at PSG came with some great achievements for Paris Saint Germain in the Ligue 1 and the French Cup, but they failed to win the Champions League, which was the main goal from the team’s owner Nasser Al-Khelaiffi. Maintaining a high payroll became very difficult for Paris Saint Germain, with an all-star team that didn’t reach the most important trophy in UEFA.

    “He is one of greatest player in the history of football. It is never good news when someone like Messi leaves. I don’t quite understand why so many people were so relieved that he was gone. He didn’t get the respect he deserved in France,” he said

  • Football experts crown Osimhen Africa’s best

    Football experts crown Osimhen Africa’s best

    • *Chelsea on red alert for Nigerian ace

    The poll for the 2023 African Footballer of the Year by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) is still months away but some experts already posited that Osimhen have done enough to join the exclusive list of Nigerians to be so crowned as Africa’s best, writes MORAKINYO ABODUNRIN

    Nigeria international striker Victor Osimhen may have earned the coveted African Footballer of the Year crown after his goals led Napoli to their first Italian Serie A title since the Diego Maradona era in the 1989/1990 season.

    This is the aggregate opinion of some leading African football followers on the continent with a motley crowd already rooting for the 24-year-old Nigerian striker who is currently the most demanding striker in this summer’s transfer window.

    The poll for the 2023 African Footballer of the Year by the Confederation of African Football (CAFF) is still months away but some experts already posited that Osimhen have done enough to join the exclusive list of Nigerians to be so crowned as Africa’s best.

    In a ground-breaking season with Napoli, Osimhen who is now heavily linked with a big move to the Premier League, featured 32 times for the Italian giants, scoring 26 goals to become the first African to win the Serie A top scorer award.

    In February, Osimhen scored his 100th career goal and also became the first ever player in the history of Napoli in the three-point era to score in seven league games in a row. Last month, he broke the long existing records of both Samuel Eto’o (as the African player with the most goals in a single Italian championship season) and George Weah (as the African player with most goals in the Serie A with 47 goals) among other accolades in a storied season.

    “Concerning your question (as the best African player good enough to win the African Footballer of the Year), I think there is only one African player that did more than impressed me but rather, he convinced me with his performances and that is Victor Osimhen,” Beninese journalist and a veteran of many African Cup of Nations, Elvis Dedjinou Zanclan , told NationSport. “He deserves to be crowned African Footballer of the year.”

    One other player that was highly referenced in the mini-poll conducted by our correspondent was Cameroon International goalkeeper Andrea Onana who took Inter Milan within an ear shot of winning the UEFA Champions League until last Saturday’s 1-0 loss to Manchester City.

    But Onana’s compatriots have divided opinions on whether the goal-minder is good enough to be crowned Africa’s best.

    “The best African player for me is Andre Onana of Inter Milan,” noted vastly experienced photo journalist, Happi Mbiele.

    But Elizabeth Mosima of the influential Cameroon Tribune would rather pitched with Osimhen, saying no African has done what Osimhen did for Napoli this season: “ I believe Nigerian goal poacher Victor James Osimhen plying his trade in the Italian Serie A league, stands now to be given the Africa’s golden crown after his scintillating performance notably his 26 goals in 32 matches this season.”

    Incidentally, both Osimhen as well as Algeria international striker Riyad Mahrez who played pivotal role in helping Manchester City to win their Holy Grail of the UEFA Champions League with the defeat of Inter Milan last Saturday, caught the fancy of two African football experts from Uganda.

    While the communication manager of Federation of Uganda Football Association (FUFA) , Ahmed Hassan put Osimhen ahead of Mahrez, TV sports personality and a pundit on the lively NTV Sport Knights, Andrew Mwanguhya thinks the opposite.

    Read Also: AFCON 2023 Qualifiers: Super Eagles give Finidi, Osimhen rousing welcome

    “My choice is as follows: Victor Osimhen and then Riyad Mahrez,” Hassan said briefly.

    But Mwanguhya who also writes for the Ugandan Newspaper, Daily Monitor was more forthcoming:

    “What he (Osimhen) did to help Napoli do what they last did with Maradona is one of the stories of immortality. The scope of Napoli’s achievement and Osimhen’s role in it makes a richer human interest story,” he crooned. “However, Riyad Mahrez’s role at Manchester city, never mind his disappointment of not contributing as he would have loved in the FA Cup and Champions League finals, has him up there

    “Actually, I’m struggling between Osimhen and Mahrez, but allow me change to Mahrez. I’ll go with Mahrez and Osimhen in that order.”

    While the Osimhen vs Mahrez or Osimhen vs Onana debate would partly be in focus when the CAF annual poll is decided, Ivorian journalist Ouattara Gaoussou (OG) would rather ranked current Africa’s best players in this order.

    “I have a ranking for you and in this order,” OG of Le Patriote told NationSport.“ First is Osimhen (Nigeria); second is Yassine Bounou (Maroc); third is Seko Fofana (Côte d’Ivoire); fourth is André Onana (Cameroun); the fifth is Sébastien Haller (Côte d’Ivoire) and the sixth is Mohamed Salah (Egypte)”

    Yet for Niamey-based Malik Koudize and Antananarivo-based sports and communication consultant, Mirado Rakotoharimalala, it is the Nigeria’s Osimhen all the way.

    “ I’m running with Osimhen; for his performance in the Serie A and in the Champions League,” Rakotoharimalala , the self-style French-African, told NationSport. “He brought Napoli to the title and he (Osimhen) is the forward of the season in Italy.”

    Across the Nigerian border in Niamey comes the voice of Koudize: “ For sure, my vote is for Osimhen. He was the key player for Napoli this season and he offered them the title.”

    In a related development, Chelsea are reportedly on red alert after Osimhen drops major transfer hint following secret Napoli meeting.

    According to Italian publication Il Matino, Osimhen is refusing to sign a new deal with Napoli after receiving offers from Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain. The report stated that his agent, Roberto Calenda, recently held a meeting with the club’s owner, Aurelio de Laurentiis, regarding his client’s future.

    Following Napoli’s draw with Bologna last month, Luciano Spalletti was quizzed on the Nigerian’s future by DAZN. As quoted by Football Italia, the former Napoli boss said: “When players start working in a certain way, you identify their characteristics and find paths to give them service.

    “Osimhen is good in open spaces, in the air, with the ball passed to his feet. He will have an important future, no matter what team he plays in, and is above all a good lad too.

    “His teammates love him, he helps them out and resolves situations rather than complains. He will become even more of a top player in future.”

    Where that future lies ahead for Osimhen yet remains to be seen until the summer transfer window is closed in September.

  • ‘Our expectations from Fed. Govt’

    ‘Our expectations from Fed. Govt’

    The President, National Union of Chemical, Footwear, Rubber, Leather and Non-Metallic Products Employees (NUCFRLANMPE), Comrade Goke Olatunji, in this interview with TOBA AGBOOLA, explains how the economy has impacted workers and their expectations from the new administration.

    What are your expectations from the new administration?

    Our expectation from them is to do the right thing, particularly in areas that have been against the interest of workers.They have to ensure that those areas are adjusted. For instance, the minimum wage of N30,000 is nothing to write home about. In addition, they must look at the economy to alleviate the suffering of Nigerians.

    The expectation is high.They have to consider the masses who have suffered for too long in  their plans. We expect the incoming government to hit the ground running. I will say that the President of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), Joe Ajaero, is ready for them. The NLC will be there as usual to be the voice of the people having seen the sufferings of the average Nigerian. We will ensure that Nigerians get what they deserve from the new government, which is good governance and accountability.

    How will you access govt’s policies in the sector?

    It is not that governments are not coming up with good policies, but the major problem is implementation. All hands must be on deck to make things work. Policy inconsistency is another problem. The government should come out with a policy that will encourage foreign investors. This is very important for us to move forward. We want the government to take issue of security seriously. There is nowhere that is secure in Nigeria, and no foreign company will want to invest in a place that is not secured. The government must address this.

    Also, the government must chose the right people for every positions. It must go for the technocrat. I am also emphasising it that the next government must put the right peg in the right hole. Any government official that is not ready to work should be removed.

    Comment on the problem of brain drain

    As I said earlier, the incoming government needs to do a lot to improve the economy. People are leaving in droves because it is not easy to live in Nigeria. This is because our Naira has been devalued and the exchange rate is high. Even to afford three-square meals a day is not easy. Some have even resorted to going to people’s homes to beg for food. That is the harsh reality of life in Nigeria.

    How are you tackling the issue of casualisation?

    Casualisation has continued to be a problem in Nigeria. It  is very  practised by virtually all employers. Even those casual workers, if you ask them not to do it, they would ask if you were going to feed them. It is as bad as that because of the growing unemployment rate in the country. However, we are still tackling the issue in our sector to our very best. The common term used by the employers who are registered with the Federal Ministry of Labour are outsourcing and contract. What we are doing, however, is to make sure that we organise them by introducing unions to them because there is no law that says we should not organise workers.

    Read Also: Ojerinde, family members arraigned over alleged sale of govt property

    Tell us about your experience the pandemic.

    Our plan is to intensify more efforts in the area of organising. Our sector experienced a lot of closure and redundancy, but we equally have some new companies.

    During the COVID-19 pandemic, a lot of companies were shut. This had an effect on their profit margin. No production, no sales. We, as a union, could not demand anything for our members during those period. There are some benefits that workers enjoyed when they go to work, like free lunch, overtime, and company products – all these were stopped. But we thank God that we have surmounted that. The pandemic really dealt with us. Today, we cannot count more than 300 companies in our industry nationwide. Before we had over 600. Some of them could not come back. Some have relocated outside Nigeria to neighbouring countries like Ghana, Sierra leone. These are companies like Michelin, and Dunlop.

    However, we have been able to organise more companies and that is why we are still standing and, I will say, overcoming our challenges gradually.

    What is the state of the union?

    It is not all about me. Unionism is teamwork. With God on our side, we have been able to achieve a lot. We carried out a proper maintenance of our secretariat and that of the guesthouse. Also, work is ongoing in our shopping complex. We have adopted the use of renewable energy, solar.

    We organise training programmes for members almost yearly. All member of my Central Working Committee possess leadership qualities as a result of training.

  • No alternative to democracy, says NLC

    No alternative to democracy, says NLC

    The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has said despite its imperfections, democracy remains the best option for electing leaders.

    The NLC in a statement by the Acting President, Comrade Adewale Adeyanju, said though democracy might have fallen beyond expectations, Nigerians still enjoy freedom of speech and association as well as the right to elect their leaders.

    While joining the government and Nigerians in commemorating Democray Day, Adeyanju said: “For us, our Democracy Day represents a statement of intent, irrevocable decision and irretraceable step in our march to freedom from military rule and dictatorship.

    “In the course of the struggle, many lives were lost, and unquantifiable investments destroyed, accompanied by major social upheavals and displacements.

    Read Also: Democracy Day: NLC, stakeholders laud successive administrations, demand improved workers’ welfare

    “Nigerians were not deterred as they were united by a common resolve and destiny.  Today, we once again celebrate the heroes and heroines as well as martyrs  of that struggle, especially Chief M. K. O. Abiola, who gave his all.”

    Adeyanju, who commended Nigerians for their resilience, faith and belief in themselves, said further: “We commend in particular  workers who played not only a significant role in the decolonisation process but also a leading one in the pro-democracy struggle through various phases of military dictatorship.

    “Although the practice of democracy in our country may have fallen below the expectations of not a few, we take solace in the fact that we have freedom of speech and association and we elect our leaders fairly, even though not perfectly.

    “In spite of the imperfections of our democracy, it remains the best option  for us in electing our leaders.

    “In light of this, the task before us as a people and as a nation is to strive towards perfecting our democracy, especially in critical areas such as  transparent and credible elections, accountable governance and citizen participation.”

    Relatedly,  Adeyanju, who is also the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN) President, felicitated with Nigerians and President Bola Tinubu during the Democracy Day anniversary held on Monday.

    In a statement, Adeyanju said: “It would be recalled that Democracy Day was informed by the annulment of June 12, 1993 election where Chief Moshood Kashimawo Abiola (MKO) won the election of that year in a landslide victory under the Military Presidency of General Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida (IBB), who annulled what was adjudged the fairest,  freest and widely acclaimed best election in Nigeria and the entire global community amidst the international observers, who came to witness the election.

    “Today, Abiola has been so honoured and had become a martyr and a symbol of democracy in the country, given to the understanding of the immediate past administration of President Muhammadu Buhari, who made June 12 a nation wide holiday.” 

  • ASUU: withheld salary will be released soon

    ASUU: withheld salary will be released soon

    The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has assured members in the Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka, Anambra State, that their seven and half months withheld salary arrears will be released soon.

     President Comrade Emmanuel Osodeke gave the assurance at the foundation laying ceremony of the ASUU NAU Guest House. He thanked the former Executive Committee and retired members for their efforts, saying efforts were being made by the national body to ensure the salaries are released.

     Osodeke, who praised the chapter for its efforts in getting the benefits for members in the medical line, urged the members not to give up on struggles which ‘are urgently needful’.

    Read Also: ASUU to Tinubu, IGP: arrest killers of UI Prof

     The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Charles Esimone, commended the cordial working relationship between ASUU and other unions since the present administration came on board.

     Prof. Esimone, represented by Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Prof. Joseph Ikechebelu, also thanked the unions for the peace they have maintained in the university, and urged them to sustain the tempo for more progress.

     ASUU NAU Chairperson, Comrade Stephen Ufoaroh, said the guest house project, being the second phase of the union’s secretariat complex, would provide accommodation for conference attendees, researchers and other visitors. The facility would also generate income and create employment, he added.

  • Nigeria drives global offshore drilling markets

    Nigeria drives global offshore drilling markets

    With the race for cleaner energy dispensation intensifying, fossil fuel offers huge revenue for countries exploring it. Nigeria, it is believed, will remain a major crude exploration hub in Africa, leading to an estimated $4.9 billion by 2033, derivable from the activity, MUYIWA LUCAS writes.

    Nigeria has been identified as a major crude exploration hub in Africa, driving the global offshore drilling .market estimated to reach $4.1 billion this year end and $4.9 billion by 2033.

    The biggest deepwater reserves of crude oil remain in the country, which is first among the 10 nations. The bulk of the reserves are located offshore in the Gulf of Guinea, the Bight of Benin and the Bight of Bonny as well as in the Niger River Delta. Two main drivers in this market are responsible for accelerating its growth in the past few years.

    The increasing number of offshore projects along with the rising production of shale gas globally will garner the requirement for offshore drilling risers. At the same, the extraction of crude oil has driven extensive investments in offshore production and exploration activities globally.

    A significant surge in the investments for multiple offshore projects has been prominent for the last five years and hence propelling the global demand for offshore drilling risers.

    The Middle East and Africa are thought to be the most lucrative region for this market as large offshore oil and gas deposits are present in several Middle Eastern and African nations, says Oil Review Africa.

    The South Pars Gas Complex present in the Persian Gulf, which is the biggest gas field in the world, as well as recent developments of oil and gas deposits in the eastern Mediterranean Sea are anticipated to support the market’s expansion.

    Read Also: FG okays amendment of 2022/2023 deep offshore oil block bid round

    For instance, Shell Plc stated in January, last year that a large oil and gas quantity had been discovered in a Namibian offshore well. Resources estimated to be worth 250-300 million barrels of oil and gas equivalent have been discovered since the Graff-1 well drilling began in December 2021. The region, which has been essentially inert for the past 25 years, is anticipated to see a big increase in foreign investment as a result of the Graff-1.

    Although little onshore exploration is taking place, the emphasis on exploration is mostly on the deep as well as ultra-deep offshore. Therefore, it is anticipated that the number of offshore drilling risers in the region would increase throughout the projection period due to upcoming offshore E&P operations, particularly from the West African region.

    Recovering crude oil prices have been driving investments in offshore exploration and production (E&P) around the world. A significant uptick in the number of final investment decision for a number of offshore projects has been prominent over the past couple of years, which has been driving the contracts for offshore drilling risers.

    Emergence of integrated service providers, who provide both design engineering and installation services has been a prominent trend, as they help reduce the overall cost of the project to E&P operators.

    Unstable crude oil prices and widening supply-demand gap are anticipated to hamper the growth prospects of the offshore drilling riser market in the foreseeable future.

    Also, growing number of offshore discoveries in Nigeria, Iran, South Africa, Egypt, Guyana, and Mozambique are expected to create significant growth opportunities for offshore drilling riser manufacturers in the Middle East & Africa region.

  • Nigeria can’t end open defecation by 2025, says UNICEF

    Nigeria can’t end open defecation by 2025, says UNICEF

    UNITED Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) yesterday expressed worry about the country’s slow rate of activities geared towards ending open defecation by 2025.

    It noted while 48 million Nigerians, including 18 million children, practise open defecation, the country is ranked No. 1 globally this year, and has been Top 5  in the last  15 years.

    It urged the government and stakeholders to intensify community-led total sanitation (CLTS) for demand creation, mobilisation, awareness and advocacy; engage private sector to build toilets; provide financial support to access financing and low incomes toilet business owners (TBOs) to build their toilets.

    Speaking during a media dialogue on open defecation in Bui, Borno State, UNICEF Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) Specialist, Ogochukwu Adimorah, said: “Nigeria cannot continue business as usual or it will miss the target of 2025 and 2030! There is a need to strengthen and scale up proven strategies to reach the country’s goals. We are not on track to end open defecation by 2025 or 2030 at the current rate.

    Read Also: Lagos intensifies efforts to eradicate open defecation

    “Some of the challenges are: Low financing, commitment and investment interest in sanitation. Low private sector participation, low awareness health and business cases for sanitation. Population growth rate, climate change, and growing insecurity. Coordination and collaboration with other sectors – health, education, environment, and others.

    “We cannot leave it to the households to afford sanitation. The Government must support them, especially the rural areas. We are optimistic that Nigeria can do it before 2030 because of the resources it has, especially the private sector. But we are not using them enough.”

    In his remarks, Acting General Manager, Borno State Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (RUWASSA), Engr. Babagana Saad, said: “Some of the key factors in the achievement of the open defecation free status by Bui and Shani Local Government Areas (LGAs), include: Joint funding of projects activities between the Government with UNICEF/Donors; the State and LGA providing an enabling policy that supports the projects.

    “The role of Traditional leaders has played in encouraging the community members in taking ownership of the WASH facilities provided, particularly His Royal Highness the Emir of Biu.”

  • NUPENG seeks improved conditions of service

    NUPENG seeks improved conditions of service

    • •Wants govt to declare state of emergency

    The Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) has appealed for improved welfare.

    The oil workers said over the years, they have continued to bear the brunt of bad government’s policies.

    To this end, they called on President Bola Tinubu to address the challenges to guarantee industrial peace in the sector.

    The union made these known in a statement by its President and General Secretary of the union, Prince Williams Akporeha and Afolabi Olawale.

     They said: “It is very important to bring to your attention the dehumanising state of employment and working conditions of Nigerians in the oil and gas industry, most especially the blue-collar workers. There is increasing degeneration, indecency and precariousness of employment and working conditions in the industry. This can also be said to be one of the causes of the increasing frustration, crime, violence and restiveness among the youth who are continuously feeling alienated in their fatherland.

    “The implementation of Local Content Law, which the Unions in the industry fought vigorously for in the interest of young graduates/technicians/school leavers has been turned into cesspit of corruption with the Board’s only interest being to make more millionaires of portfolio-carrying businessmen.

    Read Also: NUPENG threatens strike over alleged security harassment

    “The Board seems uninterested in addressing the crude behaviour and exploitative employment tactics of those unscrupulous indigenous employers and multi-nationals who are, unfortunately, exploiting and turning the local contents law into slavery and precarious employment rather than a source of fulfilling employment and empowerment for the teeming qualified young Nigerians in their fatherland.”

    Akporeha called on the Federal Government to declare emergency in the sector.

    “We are urgently calling on the new administration to declare a state of emergency in the oil and gas sector  to properly situate the employment in the industry in such a way that will engender technical expertise and skills enhancement for young graduates/technicians/school leavers and further help to reduce the wave of brain drain, insecurity and penchant for fraudulent activities among the youth in the country.

    “It is our firm belief that Nigeria has enough human capacity to develop and enhance its technological capabilities,” he said.

    The union also implore the government of Tinubu to save Nigeria from the shame and global ridicule of open thefts and sales of the nation’s crude oil in the international markets while the country is reeling in helplessness, hardship and poverty.

    On the Petroleum Industry Bill implementation (PIB), the union said  Tinubu needs no further introduction to the tumultuous journey that led to its eventual signing into an Act by former President Muhammadu Buhari with the objectives of having a petroleum industry that will be accountable, rewarding and transparent in financials, governance and responsiveness to the needs and yearnings of communities and stakeholders.

    “These desirable objectives can only be achieved with strict adherence in implementation to the spirit and letters of the Act. We, therefore, plead with the President and his team to give a new narrative to wrong notions that governments are no respecter of their laws, “ he said.