The Federal Government has announced an ambitious initiative to increase Nigeria’s crude oil production by one million barrels per day within the next 12 to 24 months. This plan, aimed at addressing significant challenges in the oil sector, including oil theft, pipeline vandalism, and outdated infrastructure, seeks to attract much-needed investment.

The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) recently reported a decline in production, dropping from 1.571 million barrels per day in August to 1.544 million in September, a 1.68% decrease. In response, the government is implementing targeted interventions to boost production levels.

At the launch of “Project 1MMBPD,” marking NUPRC’s three-year anniversary, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, represented by Senator George Akume, emphasized the initiative’s importance for enhancing national revenue and economic growth. “Project one million barrels per day is a giant step forward for our oil and gas industry,” Tinubu stated, highlighting the goal of ensuring Nigeria’s continued significance in the global energy market.

Calls for Higher Production Targets

Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, argued that the current target of one million barrels per day is inadequate, advocating for higher production goals. “For a country that once produced over two million barrels per day, the present target is unacceptable. We should be aiming for 2.5 million in the short term and four million barrels per day in the long term,” he asserted.

Recent Divestment Developments

Engr. Gbenga Komolafe, Chief Executive of NUPRC, also announced that the government has blocked Shell’s $2.4 billion divestment of its onshore and shallow water assets to local consortium Renaissance. However, four other divestment applications received approval, including ExxonMobil’s sale of Mobil Producing Nigeria Unlimited to Seplat Energy. Komolafe confirmed that out of five divestment applications, four met regulatory requirements and secured ministerial consent, paving the way for increased investment and activity in the sector.

Dangote Refinery has approached the Federal High Court in Abuja, seeking to nullify import licenses issued to the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL) and several other companies, while also demanding N100 billion in damages.

In a recent statement, the company expressed its readiness to settle the matter amicably, describing the case as an “old issue” that began in June and culminated in a suit filed on September 6, 2024. The statement, signed by Group Chief Branding and Communications Officer Anthony Chiejina, emphasized that discussions are ongoing following President Bola Tinubu’s directive on crude oil and refined product sales in naira.

The suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1324/2024, questions the legality of the licenses granted to the defendants for importing refined petroleum products into Nigeria despite local production meeting daily consumption needs. Other defendants include the Nigeria Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), AYM Shafa Limited, and Matrix Petroleum Services Limited.

Dangote Refinery is also seeking an injunction to prevent NMDPRA from issuing or renewing import licenses to the other defendants. The company argues that such licenses were issued despite existing production capabilities exceeding consumption, thereby breaching the Petroleum Industry Act.

In addition to the nullification, the refinery seeks various declarations regarding tax exemptions as a registered Free-Zone Enterprise and challenges additional financial obligations imposed by NMDPRA. The case is set against the backdrop of ongoing developments in Nigeria’s petroleum sector, with significant implications for both local refineries and the broader industry.

The Supreme Court has scheduled a hearing for October 22 regarding a lawsuit filed by 16 state governments contesting the constitutionality of the laws that established the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and two other agencies.

A seven-member panel of justices, led by Justice Uwani Abba-Aji, set the date after the states were joined as co-plaintiffs in a case originally initiated by the Kogi State Government through its Attorney General.

The states involved in the suit, marked SC/CV/178/2023, include Ondo, Edo, Oyo, Ogun, Nassarawa, Kebbi, Katsina, Sokoto, Jigawa, Enugu, Benue, Anambra, Plateau, Cross-River, and Niger.

The plaintiffs argue that the constitution is the supreme law of Nigeria, asserting that any law inconsistent with it is null and void. They reference a previous Supreme Court ruling in the case of Dr. Joseph Nwobike vs. Federal Republic of Nigeria, which stated that the UN Convention against Corruption should have followed constitutional provisions when the EFCC Establishment Act was enacted in 2004.

The states contend that Section 12 of the 1999 Constitution mandates the approval of a majority of state Houses of Assembly to incorporate such conventions into Nigerian law, a process they allege was not followed in the case of the EFCC Act and similar legislation.

Their argument posits that since the law was not endorsed by all states, any institution formed under it should be considered illegal, as it cannot be applied to states that did not approve it in accordance with constitutional provisions.

Dozens gathered outside London’s Old Bailey court on Monday following the acquittal of a police marksman who fatally shot Chris Kaba, a 24-year-old black man, two years ago. Supporters chanted “Say his name – Chris Kaba” and held placards demanding “Justice for Chris Kaba.”

Kaba was shot dead in September 2022 while trying to stop the car he was driving in south London. The officer, Martyn Blake, 40, faced trial for murder but was cleared after the jury deliberated for about three hours.

Upon hearing the not guilty verdict, Blake was visibly emotional, while Kaba’s family sat in silence, later expressing their devastation and commitment to continue seeking justice.

Activists from the Justice For Chris Kaba Campaign, Temi Mwale and Kayza Rose, stated that the outcome was “painful proof” of a system that devalues black lives. They emphasized that the verdict reinforces a troubling reality: police can kill without facing consequences.

Kaba’s death has sparked ongoing protests, highlighting issues of systemic racism and the disproportionate impact of police violence on black men. Inquest director Deborah Coles remarked, “Chris’ death is not an isolated case but part of systemic racism and stereotyping that equates black men with dangerousness.”

The incident continues to fuel discussions around police accountability and the need for reform in handling state-related deaths.

A recent study reveals that US infant mortality rates surged in the months following the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn the national right to abortion. The increase is largely attributed to a rise in babies born with birth defects, highlighting the consequences of restricting abortion access in many states.

Researchers Maria Gallo and Parvati Singh from The Ohio State University analyzed national birth outcome data, comparing trends before and after the June 2022 Dobbs v. Jackson ruling. They found that in the months following the decision, infant mortality was approximately seven percent higher than expected, resulting in an average of 247 additional infant deaths each month during October 2022, March 2023, and April 2023.

The majority of these deaths were linked to congenital anomalies, including heart defects and other severe malformations. Gallo noted, “These are cases in which before Dobbs, people would have been able to have an abortion rather than have to continue the pregnancy and go through the experience of having an infant die.”

Currently, 21 states either ban or heavily restrict abortions, and the aftermath of the Dobbs decision has led to significant changes in state-level abortion laws. Abortion-related measures will be on the ballot in 10 states during the upcoming elections, as activists seek to secure new protections for the procedure.

The researchers aim to determine whether the rise in infant mortality is consistent across all states or concentrated in those with strict abortion laws. Co-author Singh emphasized the broader implications, including the mental health consequences for those denied abortion care or forced to carry a fetus with fatal abnormalities to term.

The Israeli military reported that around 170 projectiles were launched by Hezbollah from Lebanon into Israel on Monday. This escalation coincided with a series of air strikes by Israeli forces targeting Hezbollah’s funding sources. The military stated, “As of 23:00 (2000 GMT), approximately 170 projectiles fired by the Hezbollah terrorist organization have crossed from Lebanon into Israel today.”

The Lagos State House of Assembly has directed the Chairman of the House Committee on Education, Mosunmola Sangodara, to convene a meeting with all relevant stakeholders regarding the recent hike in boarding fees for the state’s model colleges.

FEE INCREASE SPARKS PROTESTS

This directive follows a meeting between Speaker Mudashiru Obasa and protesting parents at the Assembly gate in Alausa, Ikeja, on Monday. The boarding fees for the 2024/2025 session have increased significantly from N35,000 to N100,000, effective September 15, 2024.

During the plenary session, Obasa noted that the intervention was necessary due to the ongoing protests from parents voicing their concerns. He urged parents to remain calm, assuring them that the Assembly would address the issue.

COMMITTEE ENGAGEMENTS AND PARENT CONCERNS

Sangodara informed the House that the committee had already engaged with the Ministry of Education and other stakeholders. Shabi Adekola (Lagos Mainland II) mentioned that it was agreed during a prior meeting that parents would continue paying the old fee of N35,000 pending further review.

Gbolahan Yishawu (Eti-Osa Constituency II) emphasized that the fee increase was primarily related to rising students’ feeding costs. He called on the government to explore measures to alleviate the financial burden on parents.

Bonu Solomon (Badagry I) added that parents have raised concerns about students who cannot afford the new fees being denied food purchases on school premises, complicating the situation further.

NEXT STEPS

The House plans to await the report from the education committee before deciding on further actions regarding the fee increase.

Women Empowerment and Legal Aid (WELA) has praised Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, the Honourable Minister of Interior, for his exemplary leadership in implementing the 35% affirmative action for women in recruitment across paramilitary services under his ministry.

In a statement signed by chairperson Mrs. Funmi Falana, WELA highlighted the significance of the 35% recruitment slots as a crucial step toward addressing gender imbalances in these sectors.

ENCOURAGING WOMEN’S PARTICIPATION

WELA noted that this initiative will motivate more women to pursue careers in security, law enforcement, and emergency services. The statement emphasized the importance of prioritizing women’s participation in these areas to create a more balanced and diverse workforce, which will enhance the effectiveness of these agencies.

“The decision to allocate 35% of recruitment slots within the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Federal Fire Service (FFS), and Nigeria Correctional Service (NCoS) is a vital move towards addressing gender imbalances in these critical sectors,” the statement read.

COURT JUDGMENT AS A CATALYST

WELA expressed particular satisfaction with the implementation of this affirmative action, following the 2022 Federal High Court judgment (FHC/ABC/CS/1006/2020) by Honourable Justice Donatus Okorowo. The court ordered the Nigerian government to enforce the National Gender Policy by reserving 35% of public appointments for women, ruling that the exclusion of women from key roles constituted discrimination and violated Section 42 of the Nigerian Constitution.

“This judgment reaffirms the need to dismantle barriers to women’s participation in public spheres,” the statement added.

CALL TO ACTION FOR OTHER MINISTRIES

WELA commended the Ministry of Interior for taking significant steps to ensure women are included in decision-making and nation-building roles. The organization urged other ministries to follow suit and ensure that women are not sidelined in any sector.

“We believe this development will strengthen the country’s efforts towards gender parity and encourage more women to pursue careers in these vital fields,” WELA concluded.

The management of Dangote Refinery has denied recent reports alleging that it has initiated new legal action against the NNPC and other companies concerning import licenses.

In a statement released on Monday by Anthony Chiejina, Group Chief Branding and Communication Officer of Dangote Industries Limited, the company clarified that the matter had its origins in June, culminating in a case filed on September 6, 2024.

CLARIFICATION ON LEGAL MATTER

The statement emphasized that the issue is outdated due to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s directive on the crude oil-for-naira initiative, which has shifted the focus of discussions.

“The parties are currently in discussion following the directive on Crude Oil and Refined products sales in Naira Initiative, approved by the Federal Executive Council (FEC),” the statement noted.

Dangote Refinery asserted that no party has been served with court processes, and there is no intention to pursue legal action further. They also mentioned that there have been no court orders made and no adverse effects on any party involved.

PROGRESS AND NEXT STEPS

“We have made tremendous progress in that regard, and events have overtaken this development,” the statement added. The company anticipates that once the matter is reviewed in January 2025, they will be in a position to formally withdraw the case from court.

This clarification aims to dispel any misconceptions regarding ongoing legal proceedings and highlight the cooperative discussions among the involved parties.

Operatives of Ogun State Police command have arrested one Yemisi Ogunlana, for allegedly using a sharp object to severely injure her husband’s man organ, during a disagreement.

The Command’s spokesperson, SP Omolola Odutola, disclosed this in a statement she made available to newsmen in Abeokuta on Monday night.

She explained that the Divisional Police Officer of Ogijo Division, reported that one Idowu Adebowale, 31, from Oko Oba came to the station to report a case of attempted murder.

The statement reads, “A 31-year-old man named Idowu Adebowale, from the Oko-Oba area of Ogijo, came to the police station and stated that on the October 15 at 4:30 a.m, his wife, 28-year-old Ogunlana Yemisi, used a sharp object to severely injure his man organ during a minor disagreement.

“He showed the officers the injury, revealing a significant cut near the tip of his penis”.

” Following this report, detectives promptly visited the scene, where the suspect was arrested”.

” The wife denied the allegations during questioning”.

“But given the severity of the injury and the length of time the complainant had not sought medical help, he was provided with a medical form and advised to go to the hospital,” she said.

Odutola explained that the suspect is currently in custody, saying that the case will be forwarded to the SCID in Abeokuta for further investigation.

“This matter will be given detailed investigation, as it is a suspected case of uncontrollable anger, leading to domestic violence,” she said.

A 42-years-old man identified as Gbolahan Osinusi has been charged to court for allegedly defiling a 12-year-old girl leading to several abortions.

According to a statement made available to Vanguard by the Spokesman to the Lagos State Police Command, SP Benjamin Hundeyin, Osinusi was a teacher at a school in Ketu-Epe, Lagos, and also the guardian to the victim.

It was also revealed that Osinusi had been having sexual intercourse with the survivor since she was 12 years old till December 2023 when she clocked 17 years, forcing her to swear an oath not to disclose it to anyone else she would die.

The statement read “On the 30/09/24 at about 3 pm, a case of defilement/abortion was transferred from Festac Division to Gender Unit of Lagos State Police Command, Ikeja. The complaint who reported the matter, alleged that one Gbolahan Osinusi ‘m’ aged 42, a teacher at a school in Ketu-Epe, Lagos State, and also the guardian to her 12-year-old had been having sexual intercourse with her since the survivor was 12 years old till December 2023 when she was 17 years.

“She added further that Gbolahan Osinusi forced the survivor to swear on oath not to tell anyone, else she would die, and that he took her severally to a nurse by name Mariam Fatolu for abortion drugs to be administered on her whenever she got pregnant.

“The said Gbolahan Osinusi has been charged to court, on 16/10/24 while the said Mariam is currently admitted for medical attention at General Hospital Ketu-Epe. She will be charged to court as soon as possible.”

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), in 2022 alone, a staggering 42,000 people lost their lives on U.S. roads, with a significant portion of these crashes linked to human errors. These errors range from minor distractions to outright reckless driving behavior.

This guide offers insights into the reckless driving scene in Ohio, exploring the various factors contributing to this pressing issue.

DISTRACTED DRIVING

Distracted driving is a major concern on Ohio roads, as highlighted by the NHTSA’s report of over 3,000 lives lost due to distractions nationwide in 2022. Many Ohio drivers are seen juggling phones, GPS devices, and even snacks while navigating highways.

Distractions divert attention from the essential task of driving safely. Maintaining focus requires more than merely adhering to traffic laws; it demands genuine awareness throughout each journey.

BREAKING DRIVING LAWS

A worrying trend in Ohio is the blatant disregard for traffic laws. Some drivers choose to ignore basic rules, creating hazards for everyone on the road. Common violations include running red lights, disregarding stop signs, and weaving between lanes.

Ohio personal injury lawyer Charles Boyk notes, “Maneuvers like driving on the shoulder or lane splitting can catch other drivers off-guard, leading to severe accidents. These reckless behaviors not only violate laws but also endanger lives.”

IMPAIRED AND DROWSY DRIVING

Driving under the influence remains a significant issue across the nation. The legal blood alcohol content (BAC) limit is 0.08%, yet even small amounts of alcohol can impair judgment and slow reaction times. Despite increased awareness, incidents of driving under the influence continue to pose daily risks.

Drowsy driving is another serious, often overlooked danger. Fatigue from long work hours or sleepless nights can impair concentration and reflexes similarly to intoxication, increasing the likelihood of accidents.

Understanding the dynamics of reckless driving in Ohio is essential for improving road safety. By addressing distracted driving, adhering to traffic laws, and recognizing the dangers of impaired and drowsy driving, we can work towards a safer driving environment for all. Being proactive and aware can help reduce the number of preventable tragedies on our roads.

Each year, the Nobel Prize recognizes extraordinary human contributions across various fields, including Literature, Science, Economics, and the promotion of peace. In 2024, the Nobel Prize in Economics was awarded to Daron Acemoglu, Simon Johnson, and James Robinson for their groundbreaking research into how political and economic institutions shape a nation’s prosperity. Their influential work, particularly in the book Why Nations Fail, argues that the success or failure of nations largely hinges on the quality of their institutions. This year’s award highlights the critical role institutions play in shaping national outcomes, with countries like Nigeria at the forefront of such discussions.

The laureates emphasize the importance of inclusive institutions—those that provide equal access to resources and opportunities to foster long-term economic success. In contrast, extractive institutions concentrate wealth and power among a select few, leading to inequality, stagnation, and often collapse. This is especially relevant for Nigeria, where despite having rich natural resources and a large population, a significant portion of the populace lives in poverty. The Nobel Prize serves as a reminder that institutional reform is essential for Nigeria to unlock its full potential.

Nigeria, with over 220 million people, exemplifies a nation rich in resources yet hindered by weak institutions and governance. Acemoglu, Johnson, and Robinson highlight Nigeria as a case study in institutional failure. Their research suggests that effective management through institutional reform and strong leadership could transform the nation, allowing its resource wealth to benefit all citizens. James Robinson, in a post-award interview, pointed out that Nigeria’s struggles stem not from a lack of resources or talent but from the absence of institutions and leadership capable of utilizing these assets for the greater good.

One key takeaway from the laureates’ work is the significance of the rule of law and how corruption hinders national development. Countries with weak legal systems and corrupt institutions struggle to achieve sustainable economic growth, prioritizing the interests of elites over the broader population. This is particularly relevant for Nigeria, where corruption is deeply entrenched. According to Transparency International’s 2023 Corruption Perceptions Index, Nigeria ranks around 145th out of 180 countries, underscoring the widespread corruption at various levels of government and society. This entrenched corruption stifles innovation, entrepreneurship, and the potential for widespread economic prosperity.

The laureates also underscore the contrast between extractive and inclusive institutions. Nigeria’s extractive institutions concentrate wealth and power in the hands of a few, contributing to short-term economic growth but long-term instability and inequality. This is evident in Nigeria’s heavy reliance on oil, where wealth has enriched a small elite without leading to broad-based economic diversification. Conversely, inclusive institutions encourage participation in economic and political life, enabling citizens to prosper. Examples like South Korea, which lacks natural resources yet thrives, illustrate how inclusive institutions can transform a nation into a global economic powerhouse.

Leadership is crucial in determining whether a country’s institutions are inclusive or extractive. Unfortunately, Nigeria’s leadership has historically failed to build the necessary institutions for sustained growth, prioritizing personal gain over national development. Additionally, Nigeria’s colonial history and ethnic fragmentation complicate its development. The institutions established during colonial rule were designed for exploitation, not for the benefit of the local population. These extractive systems continue to influence Nigerian governance today, with political elites using their positions to extract wealth from the economy. Ethnic diversity, while potentially a strength, has often been exploited by elites to maintain control and deepen divisions.

Another significant challenge is the absence of a unifying national ideology. Without a shared vision, political and business leaders exploit religious and ethnic divisions for personal gain, weakening social cohesion. This lack of unity hampers the establishment of inclusive institutions necessary for sustained development. Instead of striving for common goals, Nigeria’s elites often manipulate religion and ethnicity to perpetuate inequality and maintain power, leaving much of the population in poverty.

Effective economic institutions are those that protect property rights and uphold the sanctity of contracts—both essential for encouraging private sector investment and entrepreneurship. Unfortunately, Nigeria lacks respect for contracts and property rights, and its judiciary is often seen as ineffective or corrupt. Strengthening the judiciary to operate independently and fairly is one of the most crucial reforms Nigeria’s leaders can undertake. Without such reform, other efforts to improve governance and promote development may prove futile.

The insights from the 2024 Nobel laureates offer a clear path forward for Nigeria: institutional reform is essential. By strengthening the rule of law, improving accountability, and fostering inclusive growth, Nigeria can begin to reverse its current trajectory and move toward a more prosperous and equitable future.

In summary, the work of Acemoglu, Johnson, and Robinson emphasizes that a nation’s fate is not determined by geography or culture but by the quality of its institutions and leadership. Nigeria’s ongoing underdevelopment is not an inevitable consequence of its history or ethnic diversity but rather a result of weak, extractive institutions. However, with the right leadership and a commitment to reform, Nigeria can break free from its cycle of poverty and underachievement. Ultimately, Nigeria’s development must be driven by its citizens and institutions, with leaders focused on fostering good governance and inclusive growth. The 2024 Nobel Prize in Economics serves as a powerful reminder that institutional change is possible—and that the time for Nigeria to act is now.

Today, October 22, 2024, Dr. Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan, former Governor of Delta State, celebrates his 70th birthday. Time truly flies! I first met Dr. Uduaghan in July 2003, shortly after he became Secretary to the Delta State Government under Governor James Ibori.

From our initial encounter, he struck me as a warm, agile, and friendly man, radiating quiet authority. Despite his age, he possessed a youthful vigor and charm that instantly put others at ease. Over the years, I had the privilege of serving in his administration as his communication advisor and coordinator for climate change and green economy projects, among other roles.

Dr. Uduaghan’s leadership has only recently been fully recognized in Delta State for his vision, accomplishments, and the challenges he faced and overcame. His administration was marked by a series of dramatic events, starting from his candidacy within the PDP to his ambitious three-point agenda: Peace and Security, Human Capital Development, and Infrastructure Development, later expanded into the visionary goal of “Delta Beyond Oil.”

Driven by significant ambitions, Uduaghan worked tirelessly to achieve his objectives within the constraints he faced. His prior experience as Secretary to the Government of Delta State equipped him with a deep understanding of governance, enabling him to articulate clear strategies for the state’s development. His reputation for competence was well established during his tenure as SSG, where he tackled pressing issues that arose during the Ibori administration.

Upon taking office in 2007, one of his primary challenges was addressing the militant insurgency that plagued Delta State. With kidnappings and pipeline vandalism rampant, Uduaghan recognized that restoring peace was essential for attracting investment and implementing his ambitious goals. His first act as Governor involved engaging with militant youths in their camps, initiating a “carrot and stick” approach that successfully disarmed many and fostered a renewed sense of stability.

This peace initiative was crucial, particularly in Warri, a city that had suffered immensely from violence and unrest. Uduaghan’s commitment to peace helped transform Warri from a ghost town into a vibrant city, reversing years of decline.

In terms of infrastructure, his administration made remarkable strides, focusing on the growth centers of Warri and Asaba. Notable projects included the Warri Industrial Business Park Initiative, the Koko Free Trade Zone, and significant road and airport expansions. His commitment to modernizing Delta State is evident in the legacy of roads, bridges, and educational facilities that remain.

Uduaghan also prioritized human capital development, launching initiatives aimed at reducing maternal and infant mortality rates and providing scholarships for Delta’s brightest students. His dedication to empowering the vulnerable reflects his deep-rooted humanist values.

His entrepreneurial support initiatives fostered micro and small-scale enterprises, demonstrating his commitment to economic development. Uduaghan was not just a politician; he was a public intellectual who engaged in discussions on various platforms, advocating for environmental issues and climate change. His collaboration with Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger in the R20 regions of climate action positioned Delta State as a key player in global climate initiatives.

Throughout his tenure, Dr. Uduaghan forged international partnerships with sub-regional governments, elevating Delta State’s profile on the world stage. His active participation in UN conferences underscored his dedication to representing the interests of Delta State and Nigeria in national and international dialogues.

As he celebrates this milestone, we honor Dr. Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan for his visionary leadership, remarkable achievements, and unwavering commitment to the people of Delta State. Happy 70th birthday!

In the historical context of Nigeria’s political landscape, the cabinet of Prime Minister Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa included notable figures such as Alhaji Muhammadu Ribadu (Defence), Chief Festus Okotie-Eboh (Finance), and Alhaji Shehu Shagari (Internal Affairs), among others. This period saw significant political maneuvering, particularly the NPN-NPP accord under the presidential system of government.

On August 9, 1979, Chief Justice Sir Darnley Arthur Alexander established election tribunals to adjudicate petitions from the Senate, House of Representatives, gubernatorial, and state assembly elections, acting under the Electoral Decree of 1977. The tribunals, set up for zones including Imo, Gongola, Lagos, and Kaduna, aimed to ensure fair electoral processes amid political tensions.

For the Imo zone, the tribunal included Justice A.A. Adeoba as chairman, while Gongola’s tribunal was led by Justice D.E.Y. Aghahowa. In Lagos, Justices A. Allagoa, A. Desalu, and A.O. Ejiwunmi served, and the Kaduna zone was chaired by Justice S.E.J. Ecoma.

Simultaneously, a presidential election tribunal was formed, chaired by Justice Boonyamin Oladiran Kazeem, with Justices A.I. Aseme and A.B. Wali as members. Justice Kazeem’s extensive legal background included significant roles within Nigeria’s judicial system, and he was later elevated to the Court of Appeal and then the Supreme Court.

Following the elections held on August 11, 1979, the Federal Electoral Commission declared Alhaji Usman Aliyu Shehu Shagari the winner on August 17, 1979. This declaration highlighted Shagari’s achievement in securing the highest number of votes, affirming his position in Nigerian political history as a key figure during a transformative era.

The establishment of these electoral processes and the resultant political framework marked a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s journey toward democratic governance, setting the stage for future political developments and challenges.

A bill to establish the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Federal University of Languages has passed its first reading in the House of Representatives, sponsored by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu and eight others. The bill aims to promote the advancement of learning in Nigerian languages and cultures, offering higher education opportunities without distinction of race, creed, or political belief. It also seeks to produce individuals capable of effectively using Nigerian languages for national development.

However, the proposal has sparked significant debate, raising critical questions about the necessity of such an institution. With 62 federal and 63 state universities already in operation, many of which have departments of languages or African studies, the need for a specialized university dedicated solely to languages is questionable.

Moreover, there exists the National Institute for Nigerian Languages (NINLAN), established in 1993 in Aba, Abia State, with a mandate to be the apex institution for research, teaching, documentation, and coordination of studies in Nigerian languages. This raises concerns about whether the proponents of the new university are unaware of NINLAN’s existence or have failed to articulate how the proposed university would provide additional value beyond what is already available.

The questions surrounding the establishment of the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Federal University of Languages highlight the need for a clear rationale and defined objectives that distinguish it from existing institutions and initiatives in the field of language education in Nigeria. Without this clarity, the proposal risks duplicating efforts and resources already committed to the study and promotion of Nigerian languages and cultures.

In 2019, three Nigerian institutions—the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), and the Niger State government—were awarded the prestigious African Public Relations Awards for Superior Achievement in Branding, Reputation, and Engagement (SABRE) at the annual African Public Relations Association (APRA) conference in Kigali, Rwanda. These awards recognize exceptional PR campaigns marked by creativity, integrity, and effectiveness.

The award-winning campaigns were executed in collaboration with Image Merchants Promotion Limited (IMPR), the publishers of PRNigeria and Economic Confidential. Notably, Niger State became the first in Nigeria to receive a SABRE award, a recognition attributed to the outstanding efforts of Jibrin Baba Ndace, who served as Chief Press Secretary to Governor Sani Bello at the time.

Upon his appointment, Ndace tackled significant challenges in security information management, characterized by a lack of synergy among agencies. He established the Forum of Spokespersons of Critical Institutions in Niger State (FOSCIN) in December 2017, which facilitated monthly crisis management discussions addressing issues such as jailbreaks and pipeline explosions throughout 2018.

Under Ndace’s leadership, FOSCIN fostered collaboration among security agencies and improved public relations strategies, ensuring smoother interactions with the media and effectively addressing statewide and national security challenges. The SABRE Award acknowledged FOSCIN’s success in enhancing communication and reducing inter-agency rivalry.

With over 20 years of experience in journalism and public relations, Ndace is recognized as a public affairs commentator and media consultant. His work focuses on youth advocacy and combating violent extremism and hate speech on social media. Notably, he is the first Nigerian author of a trilogy on the nation’s counter-insurgency efforts.

Following his tenure as Special Adviser to the Minister of Information, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu appointed Ndace as the Director General of the Voice of Nigeria (VON) on October 19, 2023. Founded in 1961 as the External Service of the Nigerian Broadcasting Corporation (NBC), VON serves as a public service broadcaster in multiple languages, enhancing Nigeria’s global image.

Since his appointment, Ndace has not only taken on the responsibilities of Director General but has also become a prominent voice for Nigeria, advocating for programming that promotes national unity and accurately reflects the country’s diverse society. Under his leadership, VON has significantly improved its global image by creating content that aligns with Nigeria’s foreign policy and shapes its international narrative.

The Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Dr. Musa Aliyu, SAN, emphasized the potential for enhanced transparency and accountability at the grassroots level following the recent Supreme Court ruling that granted financial autonomy to local governments. He made this statement during a workshop organized by the ICPC in collaboration with the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) and the MacArthur Foundation, themed “Power of the Pen in the Fight Against Corruption,” held at Reiz Continental Hotel in Abuja.

Dr. Aliyu stated, “We are advancing initiatives such as the local government integrity initiative and advocating literary activism to inspire behavioral change through literature, jingles, and thematic short videos.” He highlighted the ICPC’s longstanding commitment to combating corruption, reiterating the importance of collaboration with key stakeholders, particularly the media.

He noted that the media plays a crucial role in promoting anti-corruption efforts. To align its strategies with national priorities, the ICPC has developed a robust Communication Strategy and reviewed its Communication Policy to reflect current realities.

Keynote speaker Dr. Ike Neliaku addressed the pervasive nature of corruption in Nigerian society, pointing out that it undermines various sectors through power misuse, bribery, embezzlement, and fraud. He reported that the country lost an estimated $18 billion to corruption between 2013 and 2023, asserting, “Corruption is so widespread that the pen has been badly threatened and seems to have become blunt.”

The workshop saw participation from approximately 67 media practitioners and stakeholders, all dedicated to addressing corruption in Nigeria.