Abubakar Jimoh, Chairman of Access Holdings Plc, says the organisation has begun moves to appoint acting Group Chief Executive Officer following the demise of Hebert Wigwe.

This is contained in a statement signed on Sunday by Mr Sunday Ekwochi, Group Company Secretary, Access Holdings, which confirmed the passing of Wigwe, along with his wife and son, in a helicopter crash in the U.S.

Jimoh said the decision to immediately name Wigwe’s replacement was in line with the company’s policy.

He expressed hope that “the Access Group will build further on Dr Wigwe’s legacy of growth and operational excellence.”

According to the Chairman of Access Holdings, “the Access Family has suffered a major loss with the passing of Dr Wigwe who was a great friend and fine gentleman.

“He had a prodigious intellect, admirable personal qualities, and vast business experience which he brought to bear on the Access Family and for which we owe him a debt of gratitude.”

The statement also conveyed Access Bank’s deep sadness over the death of Wigwe.

“It is with deep sadness that the Board of Directors of Access Holdings Plc (‘the Company’) announces the passing of Dr Herbert Wigwe, CFR, the Company’s founding Group Chief Executive Officer and former Group Managing Director of its flagship subsidiary Access Bank Plc (‘the Bank’).

Dr Wigwe died alongside his wife and son on Friday, February 9, 2024 in a helicopter accident in the United States of America.

“The entire Access Family mourns the loss of Herbert, Doreen and Chizi. We extend our deep and sincere sympathies to his family and loved ones.

“Dr Wigwe was a key driving force and a larger-than-life personality who brought his remarkable passion, energy, and experience to the transformation of the Access franchise since joining the Bank in 2002,” he said.

In a bid to address violence in the Niger Delta region, the European Union has rolled out plans to invest in 60 communities in three Niger Delta states.

The Country Director, Search for Common Ground, Fatima Abubakar stated this at the official launch of the European Union-funded project titled: ‘A Community-Centered Approach to Transforming Criminality and Violence in the Niger Delta’ on Friday in Asaba.

Abubakar said that the project, which marks a noteworthy milestone in its collaborative endeavors to promote inclusive community security approaches, was to address the root causes of violence and criminality in the region.

She said, “We will invest in 24 communities of 12 local government areas in Delta State, the gesture also spanned across 26 communities in 13 Local Government Areas in Rivers State, including Bayelsa State.

“This is aimed at fostering inclusive community security approaches to addressing the systemic drivers of violence, criminality and building resilience in oil-rich Niger Delta region.

“We are abreast of the local context of the region, its history, challenges, and conflict dynamics that have shaped the current political, economic, and social landscape of the region.

“Consequently, Search designs its projects to collaborate with local and international partners to spearhead impactful initiatives aimed at mitigating violence and building resilience in communities across the Niger Delta.”

Abubakar also called on all stakeholders to use this opportunity to build a resilient and peaceful Delta State, setting an example for sustainable development and community-driven transformation.

The State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori said the European Union deserves applause for making their resources available to us in this regard.

While commending EU and other stakeholders for their interest and willingness to invest in 24 communities in the State, Oborevweri who spoke through his deputy Monday Onyeme, noted that “This is a huge human capital development effort, and I expect that those who will be entrusted with managing the different aspects of the programme will do their job with utmost zeal, dedication, and integrity.

“I am persuaded that the ‘bottom-up, inclusive, and community-centred approach’ of this project, will inspire hope in our people, foster behavioural changes, and give them a sense of belonging. It is therefore, incumbent on the project managers to display the highest levels of fairness, transparency, and accountability in the discharge of their duties.”

Ahead of the official launch of the Student Loan Scheme on February 21, 2024, the Nigeria Education Loan Fund said it is finalising repayment modalities.

Although it confirmed that the 10 per cent direct deduction from the beneficiaries’ salaries still stands, applicants can pay higher percentages or 100 per cent upfront if they choose.

However, persons confirmed to be dead, terminally ill, and incapable of earning a living through work will be granted waivers, a source close to the board’s activities told The PUNCH.

“First and foremost, the modality for loan recovery will be done by the employers, which is what we are putting in place at the moment. The loan is N500,000 per year. So, in four years of schooling, that adds up to N2m. And it is interest-free, which means you are not paying more.

“You will pay the baseline 10 per cent. But if you so wish, you can ask your employer to increase your recuperation rate.

“If you don’t want to be encumbered by any debt, you can give a standing order that you want your employer to take away 15 or 20 per cent of your salary every month, or you can choose to clear it up all at once. If you do your business and you can make enough money, you can clear it up,” the source disclosed.

Asked if the rates would be prorated according to the remuneration package of beneficiaries, the source replied, “Everyone will pay a flat rate.”

On Wednesday, February 7, the Executive Secretary of NELFund, Dr Akintunde Sawyerr, confirmed to our correspondent that the much-awaited scheme would go live on February 21, when President Bola Tinubu launches it at the State House, Abuja.

“Yes, it is confirmed. It is confirmed. It will be launched on February 21,” Sawyerr confirmed to our correspondent exclusively.

On June 12, 2023, President Tinubu signed the Access to Higher Education Act, 2023 into law to enable indigent students to access interest-free loans for their educational pursuits in any Nigerian tertiary institution.

The move was in “fulfillment of one of his campaign promises to liberalise funding of education,” a member of the then Presidential Strategy Team, Dele Alake, said.

The Act, popularly known as the Students Loan Law, also established the Nigerian Education Loan Fund, which is expected to handle all loan requests, grants, disbursement, and recovery.

The source further explained that beneficiaries will get a two-year “grace period” after completing the one-year National Youth Service.

“The moment they (beneficiaries) finish NYSC, they have two years of grace, almost like a moratorium, after which they will commence repayment.

“So, the idea is we are hoping a lot of them will get jobs. And those who don’t get jobs will run their businesses. That is why, in the beginning, when you apply for a loan, you must submit your National Identity Number and Bank Verification Number.

“If you are in private business, you will tell the loan board how you want to repay, either in the 10 per cent model or any other percentage you want,” the source added.

However, beneficiaries who cannot find employment within two years will periodically report their employment status to the board.

Speaking exclusively to our correspondent, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr Bayo Onanuga, explained the delay, saying, “Don’t forget, the last time they met the President, he asked them to expand their mandate to include those who want to learn vocational skills. That could be the reason why the whole thing was delayed because they had to increase the scope.”

Meanwhile, the President of the National Association of Nigerian Students, Lucky Emonefe, has expressed concern over their (NANS) non-involvement in the implementation of the loan disbursement.

In an interview with one of our correspondents, Emonefe said, “On the student loan, we have some worries. Fine, the president has good intentions but I don’t think those given the responsibility to do it are serious.

“In the first place, when they wanted to sign these student loans, we recalled that NANS was invited by Mr President but as I speak now, they want to kick-start it but we have not been informed. We have not seen the guidelines on how students can access it.

“If they include private schools, while the students at UNIBEN pay N120,000 and those at Idahosa University pay N1m, it may lead to a situation where UNIBEN will increase their school fees. So, this is our worry.”

Student Loan: FG Finalises Repayment Plans Ahead Feb 21 Launch

Ahead of the official launch of the Student Loan Scheme on February 21, 2024, the Nigeria Education Loan Fund said it is finalising repayment modalities.

Although it confirmed that the 10 per cent direct deduction from the beneficiaries’ salaries still stands, applicants can pay higher percentages or 100 per cent upfront if they choose.

However, persons confirmed to be dead, terminally ill, and incapable of earning a living through work will be granted waivers, a source close to the board’s activities told The PUNCH.

“First and foremost, the modality for loan recovery will be done by the employers, which is what we are putting in place at the moment. The loan is N500,000 per year. So, in four years of schooling, that adds up to N2m. And it is interest-free, which means you are not paying more.

“You will pay the baseline 10 per cent. But if you so wish, you can ask your employer to increase your recuperation rate.

“If you don’t want to be encumbered by any debt, you can give a standing order that you want your employer to take away 15 or 20 per cent of your salary every month, or you can choose to clear it up all at once. If you do your business and you can make enough money, you can clear it up,” the source disclosed.

Asked if the rates would be prorated according to the remuneration package of beneficiaries, the source replied, “Everyone will pay a flat rate.”

On Wednesday, February 7, the Executive Secretary of NELFund, Dr Akintunde Sawyerr, confirmed to our correspondent that the much-awaited scheme would go live on February 21, when President Bola Tinubu launches it at the State House, Abuja.

“Yes, it is confirmed. It is confirmed. It will be launched on February 21,” Sawyerr confirmed to our correspondent exclusively.

On June 12, 2023, President Tinubu signed the Access to Higher Education Act, 2023 into law to enable indigent students to access interest-free loans for their educational pursuits in any Nigerian tertiary institution.

The move was in “fulfillment of one of his campaign promises to liberalise funding of education,” a member of the then Presidential Strategy Team, Dele Alake, said.

The Act, popularly known as the Students Loan Law, also established the Nigerian Education Loan Fund, which is expected to handle all loan requests, grants, disbursement, and recovery.

ADVERTISEMENT
The source further explained that beneficiaries will get a two-year “grace period” after completing the one-year National Youth Service.

“The moment they (beneficiaries) finish NYSC, they have two years of grace, almost like a moratorium, after which they will commence repayment.

“So, the idea is we are hoping a lot of them will get jobs. And those who don’t get jobs will run their businesses. That is why, in the beginning, when you apply for a loan, you must submit your National Identity Number and Bank Verification Number.

“If you are in private business, you will tell the loan board how you want to repay, either in the 10 per cent model or any other percentage you want,” the source added.

However, beneficiaries who cannot find employment within two years will periodically report their employment status to the board.

Speaking exclusively to our correspondent, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr Bayo Onanuga, explained the delay, saying, “Don’t forget, the last time they met the President, he asked them to expand their mandate to include those who want to learn vocational skills. That could be the reason why the whole thing was delayed because they had to increase the scope.”

Meanwhile, the President of the National Association of Nigerian Students, Lucky Emonefe, has expressed concern over their (NANS) non-involvement in the implementation of the loan disbursement.

In an interview with one of our correspondents, Emonefe said, “On the student loan, we have some worries. Fine, the president has good intentions but I don’t think those given the responsibility to do it are serious.

“In the first place, when they wanted to sign these student loans, we recalled that NANS was invited by Mr President but as I speak now, they want to kick-start it but we have not been informed. We have not seen the guidelines on how students can access it.

“If they include private schools, while the students at UNIBEN pay N120,000 and those at Idahosa University pay N1m, it may lead to a situation where UNIBEN will increase their school fees. So, this is our worry.”

Access Bank Plc has reacted to reports of death of its Group CEO, Herbert Wigwe, in a helicopter crash in California, USA.

Wigwe, who has been feared killed in a helicopter crash was said to be with his wife, son, and a former Group Chairman of the Nigerian Exchange Group Plc, Abimbola Ogunbanjo.

The bank in a statement posted on its X handle on Sunday said it has received numerous inquiries concerning the crash and is working with the US authorities for updates.

“We have received numerous inquiries concerning an airplane crash in the USA. Presently, we lack specific information; however, we are actively collaborating with US authorities who will furnish updates.

“Your understanding and support are valued, and we commit to keeping you informed promptly as we receive updates on the situation.”

Wigwe, his wife and others onboard the ill-fated helicopter are reported to have been en route to Boulder City, Nevada from Palm Springs, California, on Friday night when it crashed at about 10 pm, near a small town in California’s Mojave Desert.

This development has dashed the hope of many Nigerians who planned to fly to the country to watch the final match.

There has been an outcry over the high airfare to Abidjan, which is less than one hour, 30 minutes from Lagos.

Nigeria’s Air Peace, Asky and Air Côte d’Ivoire, are few of the airlines flying to Abidjan.

Checks by our correspondent revealed that a one-way ticket from the Murtala Muhammad International Airport (MMIA) costs between N890,000 to N1.2million, while a return ticket costs over N2m, depending on the airline.

Checks on the website of Asky on Saturday indicated that a one-way fare is 1,229,811 for Sunday’s flight when the final match would be played, while the same flight costs N890,000.

On Air Côte d’Ivoire, the flight was priced at $913, which is over N1.3m at N1,450 to a dollar.

Yesterday, a Professor of Law, Joy Ezeilo, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), decried the price of flight ticket to Abidjan, saying she dreamt of watching the AFCON match live but was shocked with the price of the return ticket, which is estimated at over N2.1m.

She wrote, “I am dreaming of watching AFCON 2024 live and I enquired about flights to Abidjan to watch our Super Eagles play in the final. I believed that Ivory Coast, being so close (an hour and 35 minutes) wouldn’t cost me too much. However, my travel agent of over 20 years sent me a price quotation of N2,183,000.00, which was a huge shock. I did the math and realised that I would need to save my five months’ salary as a Professor of Law on the last professional step to buy one return ticket to a West African country.

“This is a sad reflection of our current economic realities. Please refrain from attempting to convert to US dollars, it is extremely depressing and demystifying of a full professor position. This will push the resolve of brilliant young ones we are training and mentoring to take over from us farther away from the classrooms to becoming political aspirants/election delegates.

She, however, pointed out that she had made an alternative plan which includes recharging her DSTV at N19,800, and to buy 20 litres of fuel to generate power because they didn’t have electricity during the semifinal match.

“The struggle continues! Good luck to our Super Eagles! You are in my thoughts and prayers,” she stated.

However, an aviation management consultant, Babatunde Adeniji, said with the huge demand for flight to Abidjan, the value of a seat on the route also increased.

“Demand and supply of must-watch mean that each seat becomes so much more valuable. The demand and supply principle states that because of this final match, which is coming up just once, the value of your seat has gone up. If you throw a bid now on a 120-seat aircraft for all Nigerians to bid for seats, you know some people would bid much more than this amount you are even talking about, and that’s what is happening with ticketing,” he said.

This is not the best of times for Nigerian families, who have had to adopt bizarre cost-cutting measures to cope with the recent hardship occasioned by the dramatic hike in the prices of goods and services.

Several of them lamented that their income could no longer take care of their daily needs, adding that the prices of staples had almost tripled in the market. Rice, which is arguably one of the commonest consumed staples in the country, has risen to N77,000 per bag.

In December, the National Bureau of Statistics stated that the country’s inflation rate hit a 27-year high as headline inflation rose to 28.9 per cent.

The December headline inflation rate showed an increase of 0.72 percent when compared to the previous month’s rate.

In recent years, food prices have been on the rise across Nigeria. The situation deteriorated due to the impact of government policies such as the removal of subsidy on petrol and the free fall of the naira in the foreign exchange market.

Foodstuffs sellers in major cities, who spoke to Sunday PUNCH, lamented that the cost of a bag of rice had risen almost 200 per cent.

Sunday PUNCH gathered that long grain rice, which used to sell for between N45,000 and N50,000 in November, now costs over N70,000, putting a huge pressure on the consumers.

The unprecedented increase in the prices of commodities has caused nationwide hardship, with residents of some major cities taking to the streets to register their displeasure.

From Kano to Niger, Rivers to and Osun, residents protested the hardship on the streets.

In Niger State, for instance, residents of Suleja took to the street last Wednesday to register their displeasure over the high cost of living in the country.

Wednesday’s protest came two days after a similar protest in Minna, the state capital.

The Organised Labour on Friday insisted on embarking on an industrial action to register its displeasure over the current economic hardship in the country.

Although the Federal Government has ordered the distribution of grains and other items to cushion the effects of the economic crisis across the country, citizens are still grappling with the hike in the prices of commodities.

Lagos residents lament

In Lagos, some residents, who spoke to one of our correspondents, lamented that the incessant increase in the prices of foodstuffs had strained their finances.

This is as they urged the government to intervene before things got out of hand.

A mother of two, Mrs Mede Orunmade, said this present situation had made life unbearable for her and her family.

Orunmade stated that it was as though the country was at war, adding that the hike in the prices of foodstuffs was continuous.

She said, “It has been a hard time for me and my family. The country hasn’t been in the right position for the past eight months. I have been struggling with my family to clear up our electricity bills. Coupled with the ever-rising price of foodstuffs, I don’t know if I am going to survive.

“I used to operate an online business but it has packed up. There’s no gain on any business in Nigeria like before anymore. I am just striving to survive.

“The surprising thing is that a small carton of noodles is now N7,000 to N7,800. We used to buy it for between N1,900 and N2,000 in the past. It is so shocking that the price of a bag of rice continues to change almost every minute.

“A bag of rice five months ago was around N49,000, but it increased to N68,000. As of yesterday (Thursday), my supplier said it had risen to N70,000. The cheapest thing we used to buy before, garri, is now N2,500 for a paint bucket. It was N800 before.”

Another Lagos resident and father of four, Mr Taiwo Babatunde, said he could no longer afford to feed his family like he used to.

He asked the government to come to her aid, as her suffering was becoming too much.

A housewife simply identified as Wunmi said, “The government needs to come to our aid now as everything is very hard. A bag of beans is now N65,000, which is three times the price it used to be. Also, groundnut oil is now N8,400 for four litres, and a bag of rice is now N70,000.

“This is getting too much. We hope the government will come to help us.”

Further findings by our correspondents revealed that a kilogramme of Semovita, which sold for N800 four months ago, now sells for N1,200.

The price of beans also increased from around N1,500 to N4,200 per tin.

Some women, who spoke to one of our correspondents at the Ibafo Market, Ogun State, lamented the difficulties they were facing in purchasing items from the market with little resources.

A trader, Mrs Bamise Olaiya, said, “The prices of the foodstuffs are just annoying. I came to the market with N8,000 to buy some food items but the prices have changed between last week and now. Just last week, I bought three portions of tomatoes for N1,200 and pepper for N1,000, but today I have spent N4,200 for the same items. Pepper grinding has also increased from N200 to N300.”

Businesses struggling – Traders

Entrepreneurs across various sectors are feeling the pinch as they struggle to navigate through the challenging times.

A skincare consultant, Mr Damilola Olasunkanmi, said the current economic situation had almost put her out of business.

“I don’t get customers like I used to. My customers are cutting down on skincare purchases to prioritise other essentials like food and transportation, and that is affecting sales significantly. Restocking has become a daunting task as costs continue to soar,” he said.

Similarly, a dental therapist managing a private clinic in Iwo, Osun State, Dr Oluwafemi Ogunsakin, noted that the surge in the cost of his services had deterred patients from seeking dental care.

A foodstuffs retailer, Mrs Ore Ilerioluwa, lamented that the increase in prices had continued to threaten the operation of her business.

She said, “I buy foodstuffs from the market wholesale and sell them in a little shop I run at home. But these daily changes in the prices of items are affecting me so much that I find it difficult to buy the items.

“Do you know that three days ago I bought a carton of spaghetti for N13,000, today I was told it was N14,000. Now, when you add to the cost of each one today, by the time you return, the prices will have gone up again.

“So, you will be forced to add more money. A bag of beans is now N120,000, whereas it was N70,000 before. People are going for anything cheap now. Many families are hungry.”

Another foodstuffs seller at the Magboro Market in the Obafemi-Owode Local Government Area, Ogun State, Sukurat Akanni, complained that prices of many items had doubled.

Another trader, Adeola Israel, noted that a bag of brown beans had increased to N62,000, while a paint rubber now costs N6,200.

She lamented that she no longer made as much sales as she used to in the past.

Govt concerned – A’Ibom

The Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, said that his administration had concluded plans to establish a bulk purchase agency to regulate prices of foodstuffs and bring them within the reach of the citizens.

The governor announced this on Friday during the Nigerian Unity Conference 2024 tagged, ‘That We May be One’, organised by the 10th Episcopal District, Christian Methodist Episcopal Church, at the Ibom Hall, Uyo.

The governor announced this on Friday during the Nigerian Unity Conference 2024 tagged, ‘That We May be One’, organised by the 10th Episcopal District, Christian Methodist Episcopal Church, at the Ibom Hall, Uyo.

He said that a bill to establish the agency would soon be sent to the state House of Assembly for legal backing to enable the agency to intervene and stem skyrocketing food prices in the state.

Kwara gives palliatives

The Kwara State Government delivered 10,000 bags of 10kg rice to labour unions for onward distribution to their members.

This was disclosed by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Rafiu Ajakaye, on Friday, following an engagement with Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq.

In their separate remarks, the state chairmen of the Trade Union Congress, Joseph Meshach, and the Nigerian Labour Congress, Saheed Olayinka, commended the governor for his continuous efforts to provide relief to the people in the state

Anambra residents groan

Residents of Anambra State are battling with the soaring costs of food items like rice, beans, garri, palm oil, tomatoes, onions, fruits, and others in the various markets across the state.

One of our correspondents, who spoke to residents and marketers in Awka, the state capital, and Onitsha on Saturday, gathered that the high cost of items was attributed to the rise in the value of the dollar, just as the situation dampened the mood of the people and forced them to ration food.

A visit to the Relief Market in Onitsha, and the Eke-Awka Market in Awka, showed that a 50kg bag of foreign rice was sold for N72,000 as against N51,000 a month ago. A full bag of iron beans was sold for N110,000 as against N89,000 a month ago

. Pregnant lady, mother of 3, three other women among 24 suspects nabbed in Anambra, FCT, Kano, Ondo, Edo, Lagos raids

A total of twenty-four (24) suspected drug traffickers and dealers including a 42-year-old man taking thousands of concealed opioid pills to insurgents’ enclave in Banki area of Borno state, a six-month-pregnant lady, a mother of three children and three other women have been arrested in major interdiction operations by operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, leading to the seizure of over 7,609 kilograms of assorted illicit drugs in eight states.

The bulk of the seizures was made in Nasarawa state where NDLEA operatives acting on credible intelligence on Sunday 4th February intercepted a truck marked Lagos JJJ 64 YC conveying 367 jumbo bags of cannabis sativa weighing 4,037 kilograms from Akure, Ondo state to be delivered at Shabu area of Lafia, the state capital. Three suspects: Shuaibu Yahaya Liman, 35; Monday Audu, 33, and Linus Samuel, 42 have been arrested in connection with the seizure.

The following day Monday 5th February, operatives in Abuja, FCT arrested the duo of Jibrin Shuaibu, 23, and Prosper Innih, 17, with 169 bags and 80 blocks of compressed cannabis sativa weighing 1,961.5kgs concealed in a truck with registration number Ogun WDE 557 XC. The truck was intercepted during a stop and search operation along Abaji – Abuja highway on their way from Uzeba to Dei-Dei, FCT.

In another operation by NDLEA operatives in Abuja on Tuesday 6th February, a suspect, Abdulhameed Dauda, 27, was arrested with 89kgs of the same psychoactive substance loaded into his truck in Owo, Ondo state to be delivered at Gwagwalada in FCT. On the same day, operatives also intercepted another driver, Hassan Ade, 30, transporting 696.5kgs of the same substance loaded in Idoani, Ondo state to be delivered at Gwagwalada and Dei-Dei in FCT. A follow up operation led to the arrest of a mother of three children, Mrs. Joy Chukwuka, 42, linked with the consignment.

In Ondo state, apart from the seizure of 633.5kgs of cannabis at Eleyere, Ogbese in Akure North LGA, NDLEA operatives also recovered 59 jumbo bags of same substance loaded in a truck marked GAD 287 XA heading to Northern part of the country. Detergents were sprayed on the cannabis bags ostensibly to suppress the odour of the psychoactive weed, while 192 packs of table water were loaded on top to conceal the illicit consignment.

Not less than 187kgs of same substance were seized by operatives at Sapele road, Benin, Edo state while in Kano, NDLEA officers on Monday 5th February arrested 58-year-old Bashir Attahir in Bachirawa area of the state with 216,000 pills of tramadol 250mg. Another suspect, Ejike Moses Nmenme, 47, was nabbed the following day Tuesday 6th Feb with 25,190 capsules of tramadol and different quantities of rohypnol and codeine syrup along Emir road, Sabon Gari area of the city while the duo of Yusuf Abdullahi Musa, 35, and Yusuf Musa, 28, were nabbed at Gadar Tamburawa, with 1,000 ampoules of tramadol injection on
Thursday 8th February.

In Borno state, a 42-year-old suspected supplier of illicit drugs to insurgents in Banki, a border region between Nigeria and Cameroon, Ahmad Mohammed was arrested by NDLEA operatives on Friday 9th February at Bama check point. When his luggage was searched 20,000 capsules of tramadol were recovered from him while on his way to deliver the opioid consignment in the border town.

A six-month pregnant woman, Amarachi Akaolisa, 25, and another lady, Ifeoma Iheanyi, 21, were among six suspects arrested for dealing in illicit substances in Oraifite and Umuni-Evili, Aguleri, Anambra state. Others nabbed include: Okwuchukwu Chukwuka; Onyedika Ngwu; Ekene Hyginus and Nzomiwu Ikechukwu. Recovered from them were over 6 kilograms of cannabis, tramadol, diazepam and codeine syrup in raids conducted NDLEA operatives between Tuesday 6th and Thursday 8th Feb in parts of the state.

In Lagos, two ladies: Boluwatife Adebayo and Omolade Fola Adebayo were among suspects arrested during raids in parts of the state on Saturday 10th February. While Ogah Sunday Adole and Boluwatife Adebayo were arrested at Agidingbi, Ikeja, in connection with 220grams of cannabis, 10.6 litres of codeine syrup, and other psychotropic substances,
Omolade Fola Adebayo was nabbed at Ijesha with various quantities of cannabis, codeine syrup, rohypnol and molly.

The Commands across the country balanced their drug supply reduction operations with War Against Drug Abuse, WADA, advocacy campaigns to schools, markets, worship centres and communities. Some of these include: WADA sensitisation lecture on Drug Use and Mental Health for students and staff of Oba Akinbiyi High School, Mokola, Ibadan, Oyo state; Owode Senior Secondary School, Owode Yewa, Ogun state; Federal Science and Technical College, Awka, Anambra state; Yusad Secondary School, Gashua, Yobe state; and African Church Grammar School, Ilesa, Osun state as well as WADA advocacy visit to
HRM Ochi’Idoma, Agaba Idu, Dr. Elaigwu Odogbo Obagaji John at his palace in Otukpo, Benue state and the Emir of Rano, HRH Amb. Muhammed Kabiru Inuwa in Kano state.
While commending the efforts of the Nasarawa, FCT, Ondo, Kano, Borno, Edo, Anambra and Lagos Commands of the Agency for jobs well done in the past week, Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retd) urged them and their compatriots across the country to always strive to surpass past feats in their drug supply and drug demand reduction efforts.

Nigerians in the United Kingdom have continued to decry the worsening economic conditions in the country, describing the situation as “disturbing”.

 Those studying or working are worried as inflation climbs to a 40-year high and energy prices rising even higher, Nigerians living in the UK are facing an unprecedented cost of living crisis.

The UK inflation rate was 4 percent in December 2023, up from 3.9 percent in the previous month. Between September 2022 and March 2023, the UK experienced seven months of double-digit inflation, which peaked at 11.1 percent in October 2022.

Rishi Sunak, the nation’s Prime Minister says he is determined to cut taxes, keep inflation falling and get mortgage rates down to affordable levels.

Desirous to slow down an overheated economy, London has embarked on extensive monetary policy tightening that has helped to halve the inflation rate from 11 percent in 2022 to 4 percent in December 2023.

Yet, this has meant a slowdown in the rate of economic growth as businesses reduce investments and consumers cut down on spending.

A health worker who wants to be identified as Omoyemi said though there are food banks around with “street angels” selling at discounted prices, the cost of varieties of food items has increased significantly.

She stated that the major expense squeezing money out of her pocket is her rent bills.

“Honestly the cost of living in the UK has increased significantly. Initially, my 2 bedroom terraced house was £900-1000 but now I pay 1200 (about 2 million naira monthly).

“Food and groceries have increased too, though it is still affordable, but the increase is significant,” Omoyemi said.

The Airline Operators of Nigeria have expressed deep concern regarding the escalating cost of operations, amidst the surge in aviation fuel prices exceeding N1300.

This was disclosed in a statement on Friday by the Spokesman of Airline Operators of Nigeria, Obiora Okonkwo.

Okonkwo in the statement stressed the critical need for immediate government intervention to prevent the collapse of numerous airlines.

The airlines said that the fluctuation in forex rates and the soaring cost of aviation fuel at N1,300 per litre have disrupted operational planning and stability within the aviation sector.

Okonkwo, who also chairs United Nigeria Airlines, explained that the unforeseen increase in aviation fuel prices from N700 per litre and the rise in the exchange rate to N1400/$1 have resulted in significant losses for airlines, TheGlittersreports.

Passengers who purchased tickets well in advance under previous rates are now being airlifted at the current higher costs, further impacting the airlines’ loss in the revenue stream, he claimed.

“We are making losses on factors that are beyond our control. We are not only faced with the problem of scarcity of dollars; even the aviation ecosystem is feeling the heat. Handling companies have increased the cost of their services, airports have increased their charges and those that service the aircraft have also increased the cost of their services. The monies for these payments are coming from the passengers who are already exhausted financially,” he said.

Okonkwo also noted that numerous businesses in Nigeria are experiencing low returns, leading to a decline in the number of essential passengers traveling during both peak and off-peak seasons. As a result, the airlines struggle to maintain adequate load factors to support their operations during the current low season, as there are fewer travelers for tourism and social engagements.

“Passenger traffic has shrunk because even those on social engagement like weddings, burials and other ceremonies may not be inclined to spend money on flight tickets; they would rather send credit alerts to those hosting the events who would appreciate such gestures. So, they pay instead of appearing in person,” he added.

“Air travel is a catalyst to economic development. There should have been government engagement with airlines at different levels. Airlines do not have special forex allocation; so, they buy at the same place traders who trade in Brazilian hair, textiles, and others buy.

“Our passion to remain in this business is being eroded. We are at the point of oxygen supply. Some airlines are going into a coma. Our equipment is diminishing. The minimal revenues we earn to keep the airlines flying, we convert to pay our lessors.

“It is impossible to bring in more aircraft. Aircraft owners have become skeptical because of country risk. A Nigerian airline may meet its terms, and all the standard criteria but the aircraft owners consider country risk above other factors. Country risk supersedes everything and lessors have their own obligations. So, there is nothing personal. Some airlines deposited money with the Central Bank of Nigeria but they cannot provide us the needed dollars,” he said.

The Super Eagles of Nigeria will receive $7m (N8.9bn) if they win the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast.

Recall that Nigeria reached the final of the AFCON following a victory against South Africa where the Eagles claimed a 4-2 win on penalties after 120 minutes of football ended 1-1.

Meanwhile, one of the finalists, the Eagles, alongside the hosts, who they face on Sunday, have already secured $4m.

Sports Extra, Dr Patrice Motsepe, Confederation of Africa Football president, had announced a 40 per cent increment in prize monies before the start of the tournament.

According to the statement published on the website of the football governing body on January 4, the winners of the tournament will receive $7m, $2m more than the reward doled out at the last edition in Cameroon.

The runners-up of the African showpiece event will now get $4m (N5bn), while each of the losing semi-finalists South Africa and DR Congo will receive $2.5m, with each of the four quarter-finalists taking home $1.3m.

“CAF has made significant progress over the past two years in increasing the prize money of the AFCON and all its other major competitions,” Motsepe said.

“We have increased the prize money of the AFCON winner to USD 7 000 000 which is a 40% increase from the previous AFCON prize money.

“I am confident that a portion of the prize money will contribute to developing football and also benefit all the football stakeholders, as well as assist our Member Associations with their administrations,” he added.

The Chairman, Edo State Pilgrim Welfare Board, Sheik Ibrahim Oyarekhua, has disclosed the 250 intending pilgrims have so far made deposits out of the 412 slots approved for the state by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON).

Sheik Oyarekhua disclosed this in Benin on Saturday during a meeting with intending pilgrims and other Hajj stakeholders in the state on the 2024 Hajj operation.

According to him, “NAHCON allocates 412 slots to Edo state and about 250 intending pilgrims had made a deposit for the initial N4.5 million.

“But, as at Wednesday when we reconcile our books after the fare announcement, out of the 250 intending pilgrims, 123 have made full payment.”

Sheik Oyarekhua explained that the meeting with intending pilgrims and resource persons was to formally announce to them the final Haj fare for Edo pilgrims which is N4,899,000 million as announced by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON.”

He added that the meeting was also to let intending pilgrims know that the Hajj exercise regarding fare payment closed by February 12 while all remittance to the Saudi Arabia Ministry of Hajj operation must be done on or before February 26.

He noted it was as a result of the development that NAHCON fix the payment deadline for February 12 to enable them remit the money to Saudi authority.

“So anybody who is desirous of performing Hajj this year must pay his or her remaining balance on or before February 12,” he said.

READ ALSO: Estimated Bills: NERC Fines BEDC, Others, Deducts N10.5bn From Discos Revenue

He explained that going by the rate people are coming forward for to make payment, he is optimistic that the state will exhaust the 412 slots, adding that given to it by NAHCON as those who have been waiting for the fare announcement are coming to make payment

He however expressed appreciation to governor Obaseki for the ongoing renovation of the Hajj camp and called on the contractor to expedite action on work and complete by middle of April before intending pilgrims to come to the camp

While calling on stakeholders to take the message down to the people, he charged the intending pilgrims to work with the board for a seamless exercise by paying the full amount and furnishing them with necessary documents for the Hajj.

Edo Civil Society Organisations (EDOCSO), has given the President Bola Tinubu-led Federal Government to urgently end the suffering in Nigeria with two weeks, threatening that failure to do so will lead to mass protest.

The civil society organisations gave the ultimatum in Benin City, the Edo State capital, during its General Assembly on Saturday.

Reading a statement jointly signed by Comrade Austine Enabulele,
Interim Technical Committee Chairman, and Comrade Grace Okike, Interim Technical Committee Secretary, EDOCSO, the organisations lamented that the economic hardship in the land is becoming unbearable.

“We want to state clearly that failure for the federal government to swing into emergency action to end this HUNGER and economic suffering in Nigeria within the next two week the President and his Vice should resign so we can elect a better leader, or we at Edo Civil Society Organisations (EDOCSO) will have no option than to mobilize other citizens all over the country on a Tinubu/Shetima must go protest, and we shall ensure a change in the leadership of Nigeria government to prove that indeed section 14 subsection 2a can be activated by any person elected into place of leadership.

“We shall ensure a better tomorrow for Nigerians and not this present better yesterday than we are currently experiencing. Let’s not be discouraged by the show of ineptitude of our leaders but focus on taking back our country from the hands of greedy politicians,” they added.

According to the civil society organisations, since the first day President Tinubu took over the leadership of Nigeria, “the country has known no peace in terms of our daily living.”

The EDOCSO added: “Beginning from the increase in fuel price till date, continuous rising of dollar that has affected everything in Nigeria including farm produce that comes from the local farms to our markets today, this has made the saying that whatever goes up must surely come down an irony, considering Dollar-naira exchange rate and suffering in Nigeria.”

They continued: “With dismay, pain and agony we have watched Nigerians groan in pains even when we try to assist as individuals from our own personal struggles is still never enough, and this has led to the continuous rising of suicide being committed by Nigerians everyday because they can no longer bear the hunger and sufferings, women are turning to widows and men widowers, children becoming fatherless or motherless all because, parents can no longer bear the pains of watching their children suffering, as a result of not being able to provide a meal for their children.”

According to EDOCSO, “Is it the crime that has increased all over the 36 states including the FCT, everyday we hear and experience kidnapping, armed robbery all over the country, that even the common local farmer, petty trader and mechanics are now being kidnapped in Nigeria in exchange for whatever the kidnappers can scoop for themselves from innocent citizens as ransom.

“The Federal Government has suddenly become somewhat deaf and dumb that they have refused to act or do anything about it, the almighty giant of Africa has suddenly become handicapped.

“Today in our markets, we can not even buy products manufactured locally, even the foods we bring from our local farms, all because the prices of food and all other things are going up every blessed day and the government supposedly has agencies that control market prices, while these agencies watch in their slumber with their hands folded doing nothing to correct these anomalies in the system and yet we say we have a government in Nigeria?

“Citizens get sick in Nigeria today and can’t afford money to buy common paracetamol, there are no health centers or government hospitals to go to by citizens to be attended to with little or no money.

“In some cases, you go to the very limited hospitals and you are not well attended to by professionals because of its shortage, you can’t get drugs from these few hospitals that are available and yet the wife of the president could donate 100,000 dollars to Sierra Leone to build a hospital when we have needs for it here in Nigeria.”

EDOCSO stated that, “We also wants to state here that we are most disappointed in the National House Of Assemblies who have become a puppet in the hand of the executive not knowing the power the constitution gave them to serve the people, unfortunately we have slumbering representatives who originally don’t know why they were sent to the National House of Assemblies.

“They feel it’s their time to enrich themselves at the expense of Nigerians and we think to the extent of their uselessness, they should all go home, so Nigerians can now conveniently know they have a country without legislators.

“Flowing from the above, it is clear of the general sufferings that Nigerians have been plunged into by the federal government since the day of taking over, due to the removal of fuel subsidy without proper plans on ground to ensure the welfare of Nigerians, and of course the further devalue of our Naira till date.

“We say to the Federal Government and president Bola Ahmed Tinubu that he has failed in his responsibilities and agreement reached with Nigerians, in Section 14 subsection 2b and Section 16 subsection 1b of the 1999 Constitution of the federal republic of Nigeriand as such have made the following demands.”

The civil society organisations therefore urged the Federal Government to urgently “put in place all machineries to ensure proper market price regulations to end the current economic hardship in the country,” and also put “all economic processes to give value to our currency be put in place.”

The organisations also demanded that “a proper fair and citizens friendly policies be put in place to ensure economic stability in the country,” and “all security measures to end insecurity be activated immediately.”

Herbert Wigwe, the group chief executive officer (GCEO) of Access Holdings Plc, shared a cryptic message on his social media pages a few weeks before his involvement in a helicopter crash in the United States.

At around 7 a.m. Nigerian time on Saturday, Wigwe was aboard the Eurocopter EC130 helicopter that crashed in California near the Nevada border.

The GCEO of Access Holdings was in the chopper alongside his wife, son and Abimbola Ogunbanjo, the former group chairman of Nigerian Exchange Group Plc (NGX Group).

There were six passengers onboard, but no survivors have been found so far.

On January 19, Wigwe took to his social media pages and shared a message urging his thousands of followers to “remember that life is a precious gift”.

He advised them to “honour this gift by living with purpose”, adding that “let us number our days”.

“Today and always, let us remember that life is a precious gift – a chance to breathe, feel, love, experience and connect,” the post reads.

“Let’s honour this gift by living with purpose, kindness, and gratitude, making every moment count. Let us number our days.”

The GCEO is also the founder of Wigwe University, and was the deputy managing director at Access Bank from 2002 to 2014, when he became the group managing director and CEO.

He served as the chairman of Access Bank (Ghana), Access Investment & Securities Limited, Central Securities and Clearing System (CSCS) and presently as chairman of Access Bank (UK) Limited and Unified Payments Services Limited.

Tragedy struck when a small plane crashed onto a South Florida highway on Friday afternoon, claiming the lives of two passengers.

A spokesperson for the Naples Airport, Robin King, informed CBS that three individuals managed to exit the plane, as the Collier County Sheriff’s Office reported.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed that there were five passengers aboard the flight.

FAA verified that a Bombardier Challenger 600, carrying five individuals, crashed on the highway near the city of Naples at approximately 3:15 p.m.

Witnesses filmed the aircraft engulfed in flames and emitting smoke in video footage.

“Had a plane just land RIGHT in front of us on I-75,” the witness said after posting the video on social media.

The sheriff’s office reported that southbound lanes on Interstate 75 were closed at mile marker 111, while northbound lanes were closed at the 105-mile markers.

The department is providing assistance with traffic management and closures.

The FAA stated that both the FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board would conduct an investigation into the incident.