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NNPC, Oando and Atiku Abubakar’s attacks By Temitope Ajayi

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By his advanced age and eminent status as a former Vice President of Nigeria, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar is by no means qualified to be an elder statesman. Statesmen are highly venerated and revered people to whom we go for advice, guidance and direction.

But sometimes, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar behaves as if he should be removed from that exclusive club. Or how else can one interpret some of his utterances and statements? Or is the former vice president merely playing politics? But politics should have its season and time and should sometimes give way for nation-building and patriotism. Statesmen are not given to flippancy. Neither are they whimsical. They are measured in words and deeds, a quality that Alhaji Atiku has not demonstrated in public discourse since losing the last presidential election as the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Alhaji Atiku, obviously still stung by his electoral loss, can not see that a person of his profile must make interventions decorously and decently.

As a former Vice President of Nigeria, Alhaji Atiku self-denigrates when he makes interventions that eschew basic decency and without weighing how such unguarded outpourings portray the country and the implications for businesses and state institutions.

A man who still nurses the ambition to be president despite being close to the Octogenarian Club should be mindful not to destroy the institutions of state upon which the government functions.

For reasons borne out of desperation and frustration arising from an unrealised presidential ambition, Alhaji Atiku and his attack dogs have been unrelenting in their assault on NNPC and members of President Bola Tinubu’s family without any justifiable reason. It is more telling that the attacks have been based on outright lies, half-truths, and deliberate distortion of facts to hoodwink the public.

In his recent tirades, the former Vice President falsely accused President Tinubu, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company, and Oando Plc, where the President’s relative, Mr Wale Tinubu, holds sway as the Chief Executive, of unwholesome practice in a purely commercial transaction involving a downstream company where Oando had interests and the retail arm of NNPC.

For Alhaji Atiku, facts are not sacred if his politics is served. The damage he has inflicted on the economy and the public image of the entities involved in this matter means nothing to a man who wants to pollute the environment enough to create a credibility crisis.
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While Alhaji Atiku, on whose authority false claims are regularly made via reckless press statements, is vicariously liable, it is pathetic that the defeated PDP presidential candidate parades media aides such as Paul Ibe and Phrank Shaibu, who also lack introspection. The two pitiable men, who must be seen working to justify their pay, have scant regard for the truth.

Ibe and Shaibu have a superficial knowledge of the issues they raised in many of their arid press releases. The two men are either too lazy to do the necessary research on the subject matter or at least seek the opinions of experts for proper education on the transaction dynamics involved in the OVH/NNPC deal and that of OANDO/AGIP divestment.

In one of his press statements, Alhaji Atiku misinformed the public when he accused President Tinubu of mortgaging the country to his family members and associates. In his rage, he said NNPC puts its retail arm under the control of OVH, a company he alleged that Oando, led by Wale Tinubu, owns a 49% stake in. One would expect that a former Vice President of Nigeria should speak to facts and not innuendos. This is more so for a man who expects the public to take him seriously. To start with, Wale Tinubu and Oando do not own a 49% stake in OVH after Oando sold its downstream business.

Evidence declines to support any of the wild claims contained in the Atiku’s press statements. NNPC has rightly responded to Atiku and set the records straight in a statement issued by its Chief Communication Officer, Femi Soneye, on 22 August 2024. In the statement entitled ‘OVH Acquisition: The Facts by NNPC Limited,” Soneye firmly pushed back against Atiku’s tissue of lies thus:

“At the time NNPC Ltd acquired OVH in 2022, Oando (in which Mr. Wale Tinubu has equity interest), had fully divested its equity in OVH to the two other partners – Vitol and Helios. Oando began its divestment in 2016, with Vitol and Helios coming in as equity partners, leading to the name change from Oando to OVH. In 2019, Oando fully divested its equity interest in OVH, resulting in Vitol and Helios holding 50% equity interests, respectively.

“Upon acquisition of OVH by NNPC Ltd, NNPC Retail Ltd and OVH effectively became subsidiaries of NNPC Ltd. However, based on professional advice and sound commercial considerations, NNPC Ltd opted to merge NNPC Retail Limited into OVH, and then retain NNPC Retail Limited as the company name post-merger. The first step of merging NNPC Retail Ltd into OVH has been completed, and the post-merger renaming of NNPC Retail Ltd is ongoing. Contrary to the false alarm, neither Wale Tinubu nor the President has any interest in the OVH acquisition.”

Providing more significant details and clarity on the OVH/NNPC deal, Mr Femi Awoyemi, Publisher and Chief Executive Officer of Proshare decried how political actors like Alhaji Atiku pursue personal political agendas at the expense of the economy and public good, arguing that “players seeking to push self-interested agendas must come with evidence and not innuendos.”

Mr Awoyemi averred: “Despite misgivings about an entity, I, as a member of the governance community, understand that it is unhelpful if we allow misrepresentations to replace objectivity and accountability.

“On this note, I offer my thoughts on the NNPC-OVH issue without holding a fort for any party. Public and analyst records available to our economic and market intelligence (EMI) unit affirm that Oando Plc was out of OVH three (3) years before NNPC Retail chose to buy it out. (OVH stands for Oando, Vitol, and Helios). A review of Oando’s financial statements shows that it divested its downstream business (OVH) in three tranches: 60%, 35%, and 5%.”

From the dates of Oando’s divestment from its downstream business, which started with the first one to OVH on 30 June 2016 and ended with the final exit on 29 November 2019, the company no longer participated in subsequent transactions between OVH and NNPC Retail.

We are in a political environment where politicians like Alhaji Atiku are constantly plotting and scheming, using every fair and foul means, but it should not be so. After all the divisive rhetoric of electioneering, a nation deserves healing time when the focus should be solely on nation-building and governance. Alhaji Atiku is not willing to yield any space. He wants to remain in the election mood till the next electoral season, dishing falsehoods in industrial quantities to create his alternative universe. He is acting out the Trumpian playbook, which is to constantly push out falsehoods in the forlorn hope that they would gain currency and that people would believe.

That was why Shaibu doubled down on the lies on the OANDO/AGIP deal when the ones by Paul Ibe did not gain traction. In a scathing and uninformed statement issued by Shaibu, Alhaji Abubakar queried the Oando/AGIP deal, seeking to know why the transaction has gone through while that of SEPLAT/Mobil is yet to be fully consummated. Alhaji Atiku’s cheap shot and laborious attempt to draw false equivalence should never be lost on anyone. If the former Vice President and Shaibu had applied themselves well, they should have known that the circumstances around Oando/AGIP and SEPLAT/Mobil were different.

Industry regulator the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) gave an update on divestment activities by the International Oil Companies in a statement issued on Monday, August 26, 2024. Its Head of Public Affairs, Mrs. Olaide Shonola signed the statement. The issues involved in the two upstream deals differed.

While both transactions predate the current administration, Oando/AGIP did not face the legal encumbrances faced by SEPLAT/MOBIL.

On a comparative basis, through a letter dated February 24, 2022, Mobil notified the regulator of its intention to assign 100% of its issued shares to Seplat Offshore Energy Limited. NUPRC did not consent to this assignment because Mobil should have obtained a waiver of pre-emption rights and the consent of NNPC. The matter was held up in court in Suit No: FCT/HC/BW/173/2022 Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited versus Mobil Producing Nigeria Unlimited, Mobil Development Nigeria Inc., Mobil Exploration Nigeria Inc., and Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission. The transaction could not have been concluded until the parties resolved the dispute.

According to the statement by NUPRC, NNPC and MPNU resolved their dispute in June 2024, and MPNU, by letter dated 26 June 2024, informed the regulator of the resolution of the dispute. Upon resolution of this dispute, the Commission communicated its no-objection decision to the assignment via a letter dated July 4, 2024, and requested MPNU to provide information and documentation required under the Commission’s due diligence checklist to enable the Commission to conduct its due diligence as required under the PIA. MPNU, by letter dated 18 July 2024, provided the information requested by the Commission.

Accordingly, MPNU’s application to the Commission for consent is undergoing due diligence review under the same divestment framework applied to the NAOC-Oando and Equinor-Chappal divestment. The Commission’s due diligence process is ongoing and within the 120-day timeline required by the PIA.

Unfortunately, Alhaji Atiku ignored the facts above in the transactions to make a mountain out of a molehill as part of his grand design to misinform the public and continue his needless war of attrition against President Tinubu.

The PDP presidential candidate has elected to seek and push darkness. Where Alhaji Atiku and others like him see only despair, President Tinubu will continue to work toward building a virile society and a buoyant economy while holding on to the promise of a greater Nigeria.

-Ajayi is Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity

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Opinion

Future of Sickle Cell Anemia Treatment: A Path to Hope and Innovation

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By Abaire Olanlesi

Sickle cell anemia, a hereditary blood disorder, remains a significant global health challenge. As one of the most common genetic diseases, it affects millions worldwide, predominantly among people of African, Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, and Indian ancestry.

The disorder alters the shape of red blood cells, turning them from their normal round and flexible form into rigid, crescent-shaped cells that obstruct blood flow, causing severe pain, organ damage, and increased vulnerability to infections.

The Burden of Sickle Cell Anemia

The complications of sickle cell anemia extend far beyond pain crises. The disease manifests in various forms, including chronic anemia, leading to fatigue and shortness of breath due to insufficient oxygen supply.

Frequent infections are also common, as sickle cell patients have weakened immune systems, making them more susceptible to severe illnesses.

Severe pain episodes, also known as sickle cell crises, occur when blood vessels become blocked by sickled cells, causing intense pain and requiring urgent medical attention.

In addition to pain, the disease can lead to delayed growth and development, particularly in children, as reduced oxygen flow affects normal body functions.

Many patients also experience organ damage, including kidney disease and vision problems, which develop over time due to prolonged blood vessel blockages.

These challenges highlight the urgent need for better treatment strategies and long-term solutions.

New Era of Treatment and Hope

For decades, treatment for sickle cell anemia has focused on managing symptoms and preventing complications.

Hydroxyurea, a drug that increases the production of fetal hemoglobin, has been widely used to reduce the severity of the disease.

Blood transfusions have also helped manage complications, but these methods do not offer a permanent solution.

Recent advancements in medical research, however, suggest that a cure may no longer be out of reach.

Gene editing therapy, particularly with CRISPR technology, is among the most promising breakthroughs.

Scientists have demonstrated that by correcting the genetic mutation responsible for sickle cell anemia, they can potentially cure the disease at its root.

Clinical trials have already shown remarkable improvements in patients treated with gene therapy, raising hope for a future where sickle cell is no longer a lifelong condition.

New medications such as voxelotor and luspatercept are also improving blood oxygen levels and reducing the frequency of pain crises, allowing patients to lead healthier and more productive lives.

The emergence of precision medicine, which tailors treatment plans based on an individual’s genetic profile, is another groundbreaking approach that enhances patient outcomes and provides more effective, targeted therapies.

The Role of Genetic Counseling

Beyond treatment, genetic counseling is playing an increasingly important role in sickle cell prevention.

By helping prospective parents understand their risk of passing the disease to their children, genetic counseling provides critical guidance on family planning and reproductive options.

Increased awareness and accessibility to genetic screening can significantly reduce new cases and promote informed decision-making among at-risk individuals.

Why Advancing Sickle Cell Treatment Matters

The potential for a cure through gene-editing technologies represents a major milestone in medical science, offering hope to millions living with sickle cell anemia.

Beyond the promise of a permanent cure, the development of new drugs and therapies is transforming patient care by reducing complications, improving quality of life, and extending life expectancy.

Expanding healthcare access through innovative models such as telemedicine and community-based programs is also helping to bridge the gap in underserved regions, ensuring that more patients receive the care they need.

A Call for Action

Sickle cell anemia remains a formidable health challenge, but progress is being made.

Scientific advancements, increased advocacy, and better healthcare accessibility are paving the way for improved patient outcomes.

However, more efforts are needed to address healthcare disparities, enhance public education, and combat stigma associated with the disease.

With continued investment in research and policy reforms, those living with sickle cell anemia can receive the care, support, and ultimately, the cure they deserve.

The future is bright, and with collective action, sickle cell anemia can be transformed from a life-limiting illness into a manageable or even curable condition.

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Opinion

The Dark Side of Scavenging in Abuja: Health, Security, and Environmental Risks

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By Ade Iyamoye 

Scavenging, commonly known as ‘Baban Bola’ in Abuja, has become a source of growing concern for residents. While it provides a means of livelihood for many, the activities of these waste pickers are increasingly associated with health hazards, environmental degradation, and security threats.

Scavengers operate without protective gear, exposing themselves and the public to harmful waste materials. Studies have shown that prolonged exposure to toxic substances from waste dumps leads to respiratory infections, skin diseases, and eye irritation. The unhygienic handling of waste also increases the risk of disease outbreaks, endangering both the scavengers and the communities they operate in.

The indiscriminate sorting and disposal of waste contribute to environmental pollution. In some cases, scavengers resort to burning electronic waste to extract valuable metals, releasing harmful chemicals into the air. This practice not only depletes air quality but also contaminates soil and water sources, posing long-term risks to public health.

Beyond environmental and health risks, scavengers are increasingly linked to criminal activities. Residents have reported cases of vandalism, with scavengers stripping metal fittings from abandoned buildings, streetlights, and even vehicles. Some have also been accused of using their trade as a cover for theft and violent crimes, prompting calls for stricter regulations.

In certain instances, scavenger activities have led to fatal accidents. A tragic case in Abuja’s Sabon-Lugbe area saw a building collapse after scavengers tampered with its structure in search of scrap metal. Such incidents underscore the urgent need for authorities to enforce waste management laws and prevent further loss of lives.

While scavenging remains a survival strategy for many, its adverse effects cannot be ignored. The Abuja Environmental Protection Board (AEPB) and law enforcement agencies must implement stricter regulations to curb illegal scavenging. Providing alternative employment opportunities, improving waste recycling systems, and educating scavengers on safe practices could help mitigate the dangers associated with their activities.

If left unchecked, the menace of indiscriminate scavenging could escalate, posing even greater risks to Abuja residents. Now is the time for urgent action to protect public health, security, and the environment.

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Opinion

NYSC: Some Nigerian Youths Are Unemployable

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By Our Correspondent 

In a nation of over 200 million people, Nigeria is home to an immense youthful population, with young people aged between 15 and 35 making up over 60% of the total population.

However, despite the large number of young people in the country, there is a growing concern among employers, educators, and policymakers about the increasing unemployability of Nigerian youths.

What was once viewed as an enthusiastic and ambitious generation ready to contribute meaningfully to the country’s growth is now grappling with issues that hinder its ability to participate in the workforce.

One of the major initiatives meant to address youth unemployment in Nigeria is the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).

The scheme, established in 1973 to foster national unity and development, has, over the years, become a rite of passage for university graduates.

The NYSC aims to equip young people with leadership skills, promote national integration, and serve as a platform to improve community development.

However, recent trends suggest that the current crop of corps members are often failing to live up to the scheme’s expectations.

A number of factors contribute to this growing crisis, from lack of initiative and laziness to inadequate education and skills development.

These challenges are exacerbated by a higher education system that has long been criticized for failing to equip students with marketable skills.

As a result, the reality of a significant number of Nigerian youths being unemployable looms large.

 

A Crisis of Skills

One of the core reasons for the growing unemployability of Nigerian youths is the disconnect between what is taught in schools and what the job market requires.

According to a 2022 report by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), over 23 million Nigerian youths are unemployed, with many more underemployed or working in informal sectors.

These numbers are reflective of a broader trend: the mismatch between academic qualifications and industry demands.

The Nigerian education system, particularly at the tertiary level, is often criticized for prioritizing theoretical knowledge over practical skills.

Most graduates leave university with limited hands-on experience, making them ill-prepared to meet the demands of the modern workforce. Furthermore, a significant proportion of graduates struggle with soft skills such as communication, problem-solving, and teamwork—skills that are essential for success in any job.

For example, recent surveys have shown that many Nigerian university graduates are unable to effectively express themselves in English, the language of business in the country.

A study by the World Bank highlighted that only 29% of university graduates in Nigeria were considered “adequately skilled” for the labor market.

 

The Role of NYSC

The NYSC program, which is supposed to provide young Nigerians with opportunities to develop leadership skills and contribute to national development, has also faced criticisms.

While some corps members utilize their service year to acquire valuable work experience and contribute meaningfully to their communities, others fail to do so, often due to a lack of initiative or apathy.

In some cases, it has been observed that some corps members exhibit laziness and an unwillingness to take on responsibilities.

A large number of them are unable to perform basic tasks such as communicating effectively in English, while some are unable to even write their names correctly.

Moreover, many corps members are reluctant to take up posts outside urban centers, preferring to serve in more comfortable locations.

This reluctance to step outside their comfort zones limits the potential impact of the NYSC program. The National Youth Service Corps was designed to address regional disparities and encourage national unity, but in recent years, it appears to have lost some of its relevance, especially in the face of widespread apathy and a lack of engagement from the youth.

 

The Impact on National Development

The implications of a growing population of unemployable youths are vast. When young people are unable to contribute meaningfully to the economy, it places a significant strain on national development.

The lack of a skilled workforce impacts industries across all sectors, from agriculture to technology, and limits the country’s ability to compete globally.

The rise of the “youth bulge,” where the population of young people continues to grow while job opportunities remain stagnant, has resulted in frustration, disillusionment, and in some cases, social unrest.

In a country where 60% of the population is under the age of 35, a failure to adequately address youth employability could exacerbate existing problems such as insecurity, poverty, and migration. For instance, the high rate of youth unemployment has been linked to the increase in youth involvement in criminal activities and militancy.

With no meaningful opportunities, many young Nigerians are turning to illegal ventures as a means of survival.

The Boko Haram insurgency, which has plagued the northeast, is a stark example of how unengaged and unemployed youths can be manipulated into violent extremism.

 

Efforts to Address the Problem

The government has implemented several initiatives aimed at improving the employability of Nigerian youths.

Programs such as the Nigerian Youth Employment and Social Support Operation (NYESO), and the National Social Investment Programme (NSIP), are designed to address youth unemployment and provide support for small businesses and job creation.

However, the scale of these programs often falls short of addressing the root causes of unemployability.

Additionally, there have been efforts to encourage skills acquisition and vocational training. Programs such as the National Directorate of Employment (NDE), provide various training opportunities for youths in different sectors.

These initiatives have had some success, but they often lack the necessary infrastructure and support to create lasting change. There is also the issue of youth mindset; many young Nigerians still place premium on white-collar jobs and are reluctant to embrace vocational training or entrepreneurship, viewing them as inferior alternatives.

 

The Way Forward

To tackle the issue of unemployability, a multifaceted approach is required. First, Nigeria needs a comprehensive overhaul of its education system.

This includes integrating practical skills training into the curriculum from an early age, promoting critical thinking, and encouraging entrepreneurial mindsets.

Educational institutions must focus on producing graduates who are not only academically capable but also possess the skills required to succeed in the real world.

Furthermore, the NYSC program should be restructured to encourage more proactive participation from corps members.

Instead of seeing their service year as an obligation, corps members should be encouraged to see it as an opportunity for self-improvement and contribution to national development.

This can be achieved through mentorship, leadership development programs, and exposure to real-world challenges.

In addition, the government must prioritize job creation and create an enabling environment for businesses to thrive.

Reducing the barriers to entry for small businesses, supporting startups, and investing in infrastructure are key components of this strategy.

Equally important is promoting the value of vocational training and entrepreneurship as viable alternatives to white-collar employment.

 

Conclusion

The unemployability of Nigerian youths is a crisis that requires urgent attention.

It is a crisis that is rooted in systemic issues within the education sector, a lack of skills development, and an inability to adapt to changing economic realities.

However, it is not insurmountable. By reforming the education system, improving vocational training, and fostering a culture of entrepreneurship, Nigeria can turn its youthful population from a burden into a boon.

It is time for both the government and the private sector to take bold steps toward tackling the root causes of youth unemployability and creating an environment where young Nigerians can thrive. The future of the nation depends on it.

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