The Senate has confirmed the nomination of Dr Olayemi Cardoso as the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN.
He was screened alongside four nominees for the positions of CBN Deputy Governors, to steer affairs of the apex bank in the next five years.
The deputy governors include: Mrs. Emem Nnana Usoro, Mr. Muhammad Sani Abdullahi Dattijo, Mr. Philip Ikeazor, and Dr. Bala M. Bello.
Mohammed Shosanya
The Nigeria’s House of Representatives,has resolved to monitor the ongoing investigation of Mohbad’s death by the Nigerian Police Force.
Specifically,the House said its monitoring will
cover the allegations of harassment and unpaid royalties, as well as collaborate with relevant stakeholders, including record labels, artists, legal experts, and industry associations, to develop and implement industry-wide guidelines that ensure fair treatment, transparent contractual agreements, and proper compensation for artists, reviewing existing copyright and contract laws in Nigeria, identifying gaps or areas in need of reform.
The resolution of the House followed a Motion on the “Need for Justice, Safeguarding the Legacy of Late Ilerioluwa Olademeji Aloba A.K.A Mohbad, and Protecting the Rights of Young Promising Artists in Contracts with Their Record Labels”, adopted in the green chamber of the National Assembly on Tuesday.
The House observed a minute silence in honour of the deceased during the proceeding.
It resolved to invite the Nigeria Copyright Commission (NCC) with a view to puting immediate measures in place to protect the rights of Ilerioluwa Olademeji Aloba (Mohbad’s) songs and lyrics.
It also urged the Commission to initiate measures at addressing copyright infringements and ensuring the proper management of his musical assets while securing his son’s benefits from his musical legacy.
Hon. Babajimi Benson who sponsored the motion, noted that the Nigerian music industry mourns the loss of the talented artist Ilerioluwa Olademeji Aloba, popularly known as Mohbad, who tragically passed away under mysterious circumstances on September 12, 2023, a development he said had been greeted with ‘heartfelt protests, a procession of youth chanting his name”
According to him, followingthe death of the music star, “a disturbing industry practice has come to the fore. Evidence of mistreatment highlights the struggles of young artists who, in their quest for success, become entangled in parasitic contracts and face bullying when they seek to exit these agreements”.
He said it was disturbing that most of the proceeds of the late artist are still going to the Marlian Music Group, and there have been no moves from any agency to protect the Estate of the late singer who is currently the 46th best-selling digital artiste in the world.
Mohammed Shosanya
Speaker of Ondo State House of Assembly, Olamide Oladiji on Tuesday,says court can’t stop ongoing move to impeach the deputy governor of the state,Lucky Aiyedatiwa.
Oladiji,who stated that what the Assembly had done so far was in line with the dictates of the constitution wondered why the deputy governor rushed to the court to stop his investigation on allegation of gross misconduct even when he had not been served notice.
“In line with Section 188(2) (b) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), the Ondo State House of Assembly formally served the Ondo State Deputy Governor, Honourable Lucky Aiyedatiwa the notice of allegation of gross misconduct, on Monday, 25th September 2023 within Seven (7) days after the notice was presented to the Speaker of the House of Assembly.
“The Notice was signed by Eleven (11) members of the House which is more than one-third of the members of the House required to sign the impeachment notice under Section 188(2) of the Constitution.
“The impeachment notice contains Fourteen (14) specific allegations of gross misconduct with detailed particulars to which the Deputy Governor is expected to react to not later than Seven (7) days from the day he was served. Hitherto, the House has refrained from publishing the allegations because of the need to accord the Deputy Governor the courtesy of being served with the notice, first.
“Having served the notice, and in view of the massive public interest in the subject matter, the House of Assembly has formally directed that its acknowledgement copy be released to the public.”
He noted that the deputy governor erred by alluding to some precedents that court it law could not adjudicate on matters of Impeachment when the Assembly has not deprived the person in subject fear hearing.
He said: “For the umpteenth time, the House wishes to assure the general public that it would strictly follow due process of law as outlined in Section 188(1) – (9) of the Constitution.
“The House is not unaware of media reports that His Excellency, the Deputy Governor, has rushed to Court to stop the impeachment process. Media reports even claim he has secured an injunction from a certain Judge of the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja to halt the process.
“The House is shocked that rather than wait to be served with notice of the allegation of gross misconduct, and react to same as required by the Constitution, the Deputy Governor has been running from pillar to post and filing multiply suits in both at the Abuja Division of the Federal High Court and the Ondo State High Courts in a bid to stop the legislative process.
“For the avoidance of doubt, the House is fully conscious of Section 188 (10) of the Constitution which clearly states that “No proceedings or determination of the panel or of the House of Assembly or any matter relating to such proceedings or determination shall be entertained or questioned in any court.”
“In the case of Abaribe V. Abia State House of Assembly (2022) 14 NWLR (Pt. 788) 466, the Court of Appeal emphatically stated that it was wrong for the Appellant to jump the gun by rushing to the Court to stop his impeachment process on the grounds of alleged breach of fair hearing when the panel to investigate and hear him had not even been constituted.
“The Court of Appeal then restated that by the provision of Section 188 (10) of the Constitution, no court has the jurisdiction at that stage to interfere in the legislative proceedings for impeachment.
With over 20 million residents, Lagos is the most populous city in Africa and among the fastest-growing megacities in the world. Over the last decade, the number of vehicles on Lagos roads has quadrupled. On average, most of these vehicles are over 15 years old, using old emission technologies and fuel with high sulfur levels.
The upward trajectory in vehicle numbers poses a significant challenge as transportation has been identified as a key contributing sector globally to annual CO2 emissions, accounting for close to a third of emissions. This figure is significantly higher in Nigeria where transportation contributes approximately 60% in carbon emissions. The World Bank estimates that at least 30,000 people die annually in Lagos due to pollution.
Oando recognizes that one of the fastest routes to net zero will be to take transportation and associated pollution out of the equation. Against this backdrop and in support of accelerating Nigeria’s race to achieve net zero by 2060 is the ‘cleaning up’ of the country’s transport system through the deployment of sustainable transport solutions.
Oando Clean Energy’s (OCEL) agenda is to invest in climate-friendly and bankable energy solutions across the African continent, starting in its home country Nigeria.
Currently, Lagos State’s mass transit system has over 1,000 internal combustion engine buses releasing an estimated 44,000kg of CO2 daily.
OCEL’s strategic approach is to stimulate Electric Vehicle (EV) adoption in Nigeria and build the next downstream sector for mobility; one that will dispense electricity instead of petrol or diesel via transitioning the country’s current combustion engine mass transport vehicles to EVs.
To this end OCEL signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA), the Lagos State Government Agency tasked with planning, implementing, regulating, and franchising sustainable integrated public transport in Lagos.
The MoU establishes a partnership between OCEL and Lagos State in her journey to becoming a sustainable city via the rollout of electric mass transit buses, supporting charging infrastructure and service centers (EV Infrastructure Ecosystem).
This landmark initiative and a first for Lagos State demonstrates Oando’s dedication to the Ten Principles of the United Nations Global Compact, which the company has participated in since 2009.
It also reflects their commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 7 – Affordable and Clean Energy, SDG 11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities, and Goal 13 – Climate Action.
President of OCEL, Dr. Ainojie ‘Alex’ Irune acknowledges that the initiative is in recognition of the urgent need for electric vehicles to address transportation’s circa 60% contribution to Nigeria’s GHG emissions.
“This is an opportunity for us to revolutionize mobility in our country as well as build local capacity for the renewable and clean energy ecosystem. Whilst today these buses have come from across the world, in the very near future they will be produced here in Nigeria. In the very near future, we will have a multitude of locally trained engineers who are capable of operating, maintaining, and servicing these buses and other renewable energy assets. We see these buses as a first step.
This PoC facilitates the collection of the first sets of data points to support the development and deployment of EV for municipal and public transport on the continent. Our ambition together with Lagos state, is to set our sights on the future and chart a path for others to follow” he noted.
The Sustainable Transport Initiative will see OCEL introducing electric buses to LAMATA’s current fleet of buses. The initiative aims to support the transformation of the State’s public transport system through the development and deployment of a pathway to a carbon free mobility ecosystem within the state.
Speaking on the launch of the PoC phase the Honorable Commissioner for Transportation, Dr. Frederic Oladeinde, noted.
“Climate change refers to a long-term shift in temperature and weather patterns and it’s something we have been experiencing in Lagos and Nigeria recently. Such shifts can be due to natural causes such as changes in the activities of the sun or large volcanic eruptions, or they can be caused by human activities. Today, there is abundant evidence that shows that human activities have been the main drivers of climate change primarily due to the burning of fossil fuels like coal, oil and gas”.
“This situation has given rise to affirmative actions by world leaders and environmentalists to act fast to save our world. Lagos is the only state in Nigeria that has prepared and initiated the execution of a climate action plan. The plan outlines 26 efforts covering adaptation and mitigation actions to build a sustainable low carbon economy in the pursuit of achieving net zero emissions by 2050, 10 years ahead of the Federal Government’s target of 2060” he said.
“The UNGC has provided Oando with an amazing platform, supported by invaluable resources and a network of like-minded private sector companies and peers to which we can align and benchmark our sustainability vision and practices. We are particularly grateful for the opportunity to show sustainability leadership through our involvement in the UNGC local network and global action platforms and collective action initiatives.” noted Ayotola Jagun, Chief Compliance Officer & Company Secretary, Oando Plc.
The roll-out of the electric buses kicked off with a three-month Proof-Of-Concept (PoC) phase in May 2023 and is geared at assessing the viability of electric buses for mass transportation in Lagos State. This will be followed by a Pilot phase with an expanded fleet and bus routes, and the eventual countrywide deployment of 12,000 buses creating employment for over 30,000 Nigerians.
By day 50 of the PoC phase, the electric mass transit buses had transported 41,678 passengers, travelled a total of 22,129km, and mitigated over 29 tonnes (29,875kg) in CO2 emissions. Also, OCEL has trained 44 drivers and technicians (both male and female) during this phase.
The launch of electric mass transit buses in partnership with the Lagos State Government sets a precedent for other States and industry stakeholders and signifies a milestone in the pursuit of sustainable urban mobility. E-mobility has the potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve air quality, and contribute to the mitigation of climate change.
The Honorable Commissioner for Energy & Mineral Resources, Engr. Olalere Odusote, noted the positive impact the project will have on the health of the citizens and productivity of the city.
“Lagos sits on less than 0.4% of Nigeria’s landmass but plays host to 12% of Nigerians; that should tell you that this is indeed a crowded city, it is also the smallest state in Nigeria, yet the most populous. Research shows that a large majority of the presentations to hospitals across the State are for respiratory illnesses, meaning they are breathing significant amounts of polluted air with direct and indirect losses to the State because of missed worked days, lost earnings, hospital bills to name a few. This is yet another step we’re taking as a government to ensure we clean up the environment, and in addition to the other positive steps being taken in the electricity sector” he said.
The Managing Director LAMATA Engr. Abimbola Akinoja also noted “This initiative is a major aspect of our vision for transportation in Lagos State, we are desirous of having a clean and efficient transportation system. I am elated that in just over a year that Oando Clean Energy came to us to discuss the possibility of working with us in the deployment of electric buses we have signed an MoU with a key deliverable being the implementation of a PoC that would allow us finally include electric buses in our ecosystem”.
Oando’s Sustainable Transport Initiative, which aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, enhance energy efficiency, and promote cleaner and more sustainable transportation, will contribute to global climate goals and Nigeria’s sustainable development. It is anticipated that the success of the initiative in Lagos State will lead to its replication in other States across the country and serve as a blueprint for sustainable urban mobility across Africa.
“We are delighted to recognize Oando PLC for their efforts and exemplary leadership in driving clean and efficient transportation solutions” says Executive Director of the UN Global Compact Network Nigeria, Naomi Nwokolo.
“This initiative aligns with the UN Global Compact’s mandate to promote sustainable development, social progress, and environmental stewardship, especially Principle 8 of the UN Global Compact: “Businesses should undertake initiatives to promote greater environmental responsibility’.
“We encourage all businesses, including Oando PLC, to continue exploring innovative and sustainable solutions that create shared value for society, the environment, and the economy. Collaboration between the private sector, governments, and civil society is crucial for achieving the SDGs and creating a more sustainable future for all.
“We remain committed to supporting businesses in their journey towards responsible and sustainable operations, and we look forward to witnessing further progress and innovation from our participating organizations in the pursuit of a more sustainable future” she noted.
Mohammed Shosanya
The MSECB, an international provider of Audit and Certification Services has granted the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) three ISO certifications.
Bashir A. Nuhu, the Director, Communication and Public Affairs, conveyed this in a statement made available to newsmen on Tuesday.
He said the ISOs include “Information Security Management System ISO/IEC 27001:2013 (on how organizations manage and protect their information assets so that they remain safe and secure, using this robust framework);
“IT Service Management System ISO/IEC 20000-1:2011 (on how to ensure effective and resilient services in today’s changing service delivery environment); and Business Continuity Management System, ISO 22301(on the requirements for a management system to protect against, reduce the likelihood of, and ensure businesses recover from disruptive incidents)”.
The certifications followed a rigorous and independent audit exercise confirming that the NDIC is in compliance with the requirements for the three standards,the statement said.
“The ISO is an independent, non-governmental international organization that brings together experts from around the world to develop, voluntary, consensus-based, market relevant International Standards that support innovation and provide solutions to global challenges.
“The certification is a three-year, multi-layered process that begins with an initial certification in the first year, followed by two (2) surveillance audits over the course of two (2) years.
“In line with its vision to be one of the best deposit insurers in the world, the Corporation will continue to offer excellent services consistent with international standards and best practices to ensure that the current achievement is duly sustained”,the statement added
Mohammed Shosanya
Sahara Group has said the dedication and contribution of energy traders and shippers to the medical interventions of Mercy Ships in Africa would help enhance access to quality healthcare and promote sustainable development on the continent.
David Walker, Head of Chartering at Sahara Energy International Geneva (a Sahara Group Company) said traders and shippers in Geneva had over the years demonstrated unwavering commitment to the cause of bringing quality healthcare to thousands of beneficiaries in Africa.
Walker who recently became Chairman of the Mercy Ships Cargo Day Committee in Geneva, noted that similar collaborative fund-raising interventions by businesses across the globe would provide more life-changing surgery, medical training and infrastructure renovations to support the local health care systems in Africa.
He said his tenure would focus on consolidating current success stories and exploring other avenues for more positive impact. “We believe this opportunity to contribute to the remarkable work Mercy Ships is treasured by the shipping and trading community here in Geneva. For Sahara Group, being part of Mercy Ships aligns perfectly with our commitment to Making a Difference, responsibly,” he said.
Speaking on Walker’s appointment, Kola Motajo, Director, Sahara Group, said: “This marks another milestone in Sahara Group’s ongoing efforts to collaborate with organizations dedicated to transforming lives. We believe that sustainable change comes through strategic partnerships, and our association with Mercy Ships is a testament to our commitment to creating a better future for all, leaving no one behind.”
He said Sahara Energy Geneva would continue to spearhead interventions that promote sustainability through collaboration with like-minded organizations and investment in projects that will “bring energy to life responsibly “. He added that Sahara Energy Geneva is embarking on a 5-year tree planting exercise across several countries in Africa as part of its contribution to combating climate change and deforestation on the continent.
Sahara Energy Geneva has been unwavering in its support for the Mercy Ships Cargo Day initiative, a medical outreach that has been saving lives and bringing smiles to beneficiaries since its inception in 2016. Mercy Ships cargo day has raised over 7millions USD in the last 7 years.
Mercy Ships operates hospital ships that deliver free surgeries and other healthcare services to those with little access to safe medical care. An international faith-based organization, Mercy Ships has focused entirely on partnering with African nations for the past three decades. Founded in 1978 by Don and Deyon Stephens, Mercy Ships has worked in more than 55 countries, providing services valued at more than £1.3 billion.
Mohammed Shosanya
The Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG) has implored public and private sector stakeholders to prioritize human capital development as a critical step in addressing the challenges of brain drain and unemployment in Nigeria.
The Think Tank, whose 29th summit (NES 29) scheduled to hold from 23 -24 October 2023 will explore the subject as a sub-theme, observed that the emigration of highly skilled professionals deprives Nigeria of valuable human capital assets, while high levels of youth unemployment hinder the utilisation of human capital, thus ultimately contributing to economic underperformance.
Amina Maina, Chairperson, NES 29 Central Organising Committee, said this year’s Summit seeks to galvanise bold ideas from the public and private sectors to keep the youth productive and minimise the brain drain affecting the economy.
She said: “Wherever you go around the world, you hear that the best people – whether in education, healthcare, the financial industry or even in infrastructure, are Nigerians. We must find a way to keep and retain our best brains in-country.
“We hope that at NES 29, the private sector community will be able to give us bold ideas, which will be a way of turning things around. From the public sector side, we hope to find a synergy that brings the public and private sectors together to help us reduce our unemployment rate, ensure our youths are gainfully employed and have something to look forward to. We desire to use the human capital we are blessed with to put Nigeria back on the trajectory where it should be. We should be able to take our place amongst the comity of nations because we do have the best and brightest, and with the right system, we can retain them back home.”
The NESG had recently announced it will anchor its 29th Summit on ‘Pathways for Sustainable Economic Transformation and Inclusion’, in light of the urgency of translating economic growth into improved and sustainable living standards for all citizens.
This year’s summit theme hints at Nigeria’s potential for sustainable development, leveraging innovative policies, robust institutions, strategic infrastructural investments, and human capital development.
Mohammed Shosanya
Treepz, Africa’s leading car rental and sharing marketplace,has announced partnership with Sabinus, Africa’s comedy giant, for a highly anticipated campus tour in three universities: UNIPORT, UNEC, and UNILAG this October.
The campus tour is scheduled to kick off from October 11th, 2023 to October 26th, 2023 and will be making stops at various campuses across Nigeria.
This remarkable event is expected to captivate university students and youths, promising unforgettable experiences for all in attendance,a statement said.
Onyeka Akuma, CEO and Co-Founder of Treepz expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership, stating:”We are delighted to partner with Sabinus, a dynamic influencer who shares our vision of creating memorable experiences for individuals. Students require hassle-free and reliable transportation options for different uses such as attending graduation ceremonies, tours and excursions and event attendance. With the largest selection of rental vehicles on our platform, we are committed to providing seamless, convenient, and cost-effective mobility solutions, empowering students to make the most of their university years and beyond.”
Nancy Nwachukwu, Director of Sponsorships and Partnerships at Sabinus Campus Tour,said:”Our collaboration with Treepz perfectly aligns with our mission to enhance campus life. By enhancing students’ access to reliable transportation, we aim to amplify their campus experiences, fostering lasting memories.”
This tour welcomes all university students from the University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus, the University of Lagos, and the University of Portharcourt to join in the excitement, promising endless fun and fantastic surprises.
According to a statement,participants can look forward to incredible prizes, including,gift vouchers of N20,000 with a validity of 1 year,10% discount on all car rentals using the code SABICA23, valid for 1 year and cash prizes.
Mohammed Shosanya
The Nigeria Labour Congress and Trade Union Congress have declared an indefinite strike, beginning from October 3rd, 2023.
Both unions disclosed this on Tuesday, shortly after their National Executive Council meetings in Abuja.
NLC President, Joe Ajaero,said the action became inevitable due to government’s lackadaisical stance in meeting demands raised by both unions.
He said NECs of both unions having taken into consideration the stance of government in the wake of the subsidy removal policy, left them with no option than to call for an indefinite strike.
He accused the government of putting the unions under its whimps and caprices, particularly regarding its interference in the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) activities.
President of the Trade Union Congress, Festus Osifo said they resolved at their NEC that beginning from October 3rd, after the independence day festivities, all workers are expected to withdraw their services.
Mohammed Shosanya
Nigeria’s Guaranty Trust Bank has partnered with Infosys Finacle to use the latter’s services for its multi-country digital banking transformation program.
Guaranty Trust Bank will select the Finacle Digital Banking Suite in order to improve its overall digital transformation program. The GTBank will also leverage Finacle’s suite of solutions and capabilities across markets such as retail, corporate banking, and wealth on account of the partnership,a statement said.
Besides,the will be given the possibility to optimize its development process across its home operations in the region of Nigeria, as well as in other 10 markets across Africa and Europe.
Infosys Finacle’s cloud-native and open API-driven platform is set to provide GTBank with the needed solutions to become a more transparent, open, and secure financial institution, while also being prepared to integrate with its ecosystem collaborators and to benefit from modern digital offerings.
According to the statement,Guaranty Trust Bank aims to meet the needs, preferences, and demands of its customers, while Finacle will prioritise the process of ensuring a significantly lower total cost of operations and services, due to the bank-wide digitalisation and automation procedures.
Besides,the financial institution will also focus on optimising its overall client experience, by delivering a secure, convenient, and efficient banking system.
