Category: Business

BY TONY ERHA “Okuo na hon y’ oto ighi gb’ adowe”. A war foretold does not consume the lame; echoes a Benin idiom. What started as mere ruse and a bottled-up emotion, some months ago, had finally reached a boiling point. By hindsight, both opponents were prepared for the showdown, as things tend to manifest. Edo, the Nigeria’s heartbeat state that had been enmeshed in serial political crisis, is in another mess that is most quaking, but of a different dimension. The amalgamated market women of Benin City, the state capital, are incensed and ‘showing their red eyes” to a daughter of Nigeria’s president, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Chief Dr. Mujidat Folasade Tinubu-Ojo, the Iyaloja-General of Nigeria and the National Market Council of Nigeria, for imposing on them, Pastor Isi Ibhaguezejele, as leader of the city’s market women. Ibhaguezejele, meaning, “I lay no claims to the throne of the king”, is entangled in an alleged forceful claim to a non-existent ‘Iyaloja’ of Benin markets. She wasn’t accused of angling to preach the Bible in their market places (hence she is called a pastor), but of an intent to advance her political relevance. “Her aspiration is unwarranted and be thwarted”, said one of the market women, Mrs. Osayi Aiwekhoe, as she recalled a popular Nigerian idiom in Pidgin English; “trouble dey sleep, yangan go wake am”. Numerous other critics are united that the installation of Ibhaguezejele by Chief Tinubu-Ojo, is a raw show of political strength and use of her father’s presidential powers, and she came from a distant Lagos, to impose a market leader in Benin City. The market women, in their thousands, had besieged Benin streets, in protests. At the Oba Palace, His Royal Majesty, Ewuare II, Uku Akpolokpolo, the revered monarch of Benin kingdom, among other things, had voiced his disapproval for the installation of an Iyaloja into the Benin market affairs, where its tradition holds sway and an Iyeki is chosen from among Benin women and not from the outside. “Ahenmwen ere omase ese na zo”. “Obedience is better than sacrifice”. Perhaps, if Chief Tinubu-Ojo wasn’t obstinate at installing Ibhajuezejele, she would have heeded the wise counsel of the Oba of Benin, and there would have been no crisis. Before the installation, the respected Benin monarch had cautioned her about the futility of Iyaloja for Benin markets, which is exclusive to Lagos. SaharaReporters, an investigative news media, had chronicled the episode, revealing that Chief Tinubu-Ojo had earlier written a letter on 30th April, 2024, to the Benin monarch, requesting for support to carry out the installation. The president’s daughter wrote same letter at the same time to Mr. Godwin Obaseki, the immediate-past governor, contrary to what was said that it was to Senator Monday Okpebholo, the present governor. Governor Okpebholo was accused by the opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP) of being a mastermind of the installation, as a move to please President Tinubu and to work ahead by using Ibhajuezejele to muster the block votes from the market women in the 2027 presidential election, when Tinubu would have opted for re-election. But the All Progressives Congress (APC) responded that Mr. Obaseki had worked ahead to appoint an Iyeki, who would have assisted him to firm up his plot to further deal with the Oba, as he hoped that his protégé Dr. Asue Ighodalo, would win the 2024 governorship election and finish his well-known evil scheme to reduce the huge influence of the Oba and his kingdom. Nevertheless, it is hard to believe the PDP’s theory that a Governor Okpebholo, who is so much loved by the Oba, had orchestrated the Iyeki’s imposition in order to also slight the Edo monarch, whereas Governor Okpebholo holds him as a father-symbol and in higher esteem. The Iyaloja crisis had rekindled the undying rivalry between the Yoruba and Benin ethnic groups, where the provenances of Benin and Lagos had always been the bone of contention. “Imposition of Iyaloja of a Lagos tradition upon the Iyeki, a Benin sphere, if upheld, would have diminishing implications on the Benin kingdom before Lagos, especially as history has it, sometimes disputably, that a Benin Oba founded Lagos. In another flank, the Iyeki dispute has worsened the longstanding mutual distraught between the Binins and their Esan kin. Particularly, the Iyaloja imbroglio ‘has a k-leg’ (a difficult one that can’t fly), as the Edos would say, as Ibhaguezejele is from Esan, ‘the enemy’s camp’. Ibhaguezejele is from Igueben, a variant Esan community that is the closest relative to the Benins, among the Esans and the other affiliate tribal groups of the Benin suzerainty. In Esan, Igueben is about the only one that speaks a tongue closest to that of the Benin. Ironically, Igueben is often sidelined in the affairs of the Edo central senatorial district, consisting of five local government areas, including Igueben. Being closed to Benin, Ibhaguezejele, a native of Igueben would ordinarily have had no problem becoming leader of the market women hence there isn’t much difference between Igueben and Benin. The angst of the imposition of Iyaloja and the alleged rebellion by the king of Ibhaguezejele’s town, were said to have informed the crisis. The Igueben king was said to have addressed Esan kings and the people never to pay obeisance to other monarch outside of Esan, a rude innuendo directed at the Ojirrua of Irrua and the Oba of Benin kingdom, where Igueben came from. The imposition of leader for Edo markets that are dominated by women may seem a non-issue. Not in Edo, where women and markets are traditionally sacrosanct. It is the same thing with the almighty market men of Onitsha, Anambra State. Edo market women definitely hold their place in a society that is otherwise male dominated. History reminds all that a despotic Oba would ‘zegbele’ if the market women performed certain rites, where the Oba refused to vacate the throne, although there are no proven cases of despotic Oba(s) who broke such checks and balances of power. But don’t

‎ ‎ ‎Nigeria’s president, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has been commended for placing a ban on the exportation of sheabutter nuts in the country, adding that it was a timely decision, which stood to save livelihoods and immensely benefit the people. ‎ ‎ ‎The statement was made by Ms Nelly Osagie Ndaguba, a certified sheabutter technician and quality control expert, who is a leader of the sheabutter entrepreneurs and aggregators of its nuts in the country. ‎ ‎Ndaguba, who is also Secretary General of the African Women Entrepreneurship Group (AWEG), said the ban was a welcome development for producers of the sheanuts and that it was the much-needed move to address the longstanding exportation of the raw materials, that left local producers with substandard nuts at exorbitant prices, in the local market. ‎ ‎ ‎”With the ban now in place, we have the opportunity to support local production, to ensure that large and small-scale producers benefit, where Nigeria has the infrastructure and capacity to process sheanuts locally”, she further said. ‎ ‎ ‎Nduguba also called on all governors of the 23 sheanut-producing states of the country, to consider establishing storage facilities where women could bring their sheanuts for sale. ‎ ‎ ‎This, she added, was to enable local producers to have access to a consistent supply of quality sheanuts, which had forced some factories to close down, because they could not compete with the prices offered by international buyers. ‎ ‎ ‎She further commended the Comptroller General of Nigeria Agricultural Quarantine Services (NAQS), for swiftly mobilizing his officers to secure the country’s borders and ensure that no sheanuts are smuggled in out of the country. ‎ ‎ ‎Also commended for a sustained effort leading to the ban, was the National President of the trustees board and  stakeholders of the National Association of Shea Products of Nigeria (NASPAN). ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎

  CHUKS OKOH The Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the suspension of the 4% Free on Board (FOB) levy AON in a statement said it was a clear demonstration of President Tinubu’s commitment to creating a business-friendly environment, protecting critical sectors of the economy, and promoting sustainable growth. They noted that, the  levy, if implemented, would have had severe consequences for airlines in Nigeria, leading to higher operating costs, further straining an industry already contending with multiple economic challenges. “AON particularly lauds Mr. Wale Edun for his exemplary leadership as a listening Minister who has shown deep patriotism and responsiveness by heeding the concerns of stakeholders. His decision reflects a strong commitment to carrying out the mandate of the President with diligence, sensitivity, and fairness to all sectors of the economy”. According to AON, the bol

BY TONY ERHA About forty-three years ago, my path got crossed with Joseph Ohens’. And it has been stuck! This long, it is still engraved in my perception, thus opening my mind’s eye to puzzled expressions like ‘ordination’, ‘providence’ and ‘predestination’ etc. as they relate with the human person(s). About four and a half decades of knowing a person or subject, would be sufficient for one to know it in and out. Joseph Adonor Ohens (more known as Joe Ohens), is a trained educationist, journalist and lawyer; a motivational speaker, healthcare giver and philanthropist extraordinaire, who is Global President of the Annunciation Catholic College Irrua Boys Association (ACCIOBA). It was early in 1981, amidst flurry activities of a newly-established higher educational institution, located in the present-day Edo State. Here, we had met for the first time. Being a keeper of admission and academic records of the institution, it didn’t take me long to know some students of the institution, who were in top forms of academic brilliancy. Joe Ohens happened to be one of the few. He was also studious, calmed and focused. One wouldn’t be surprised, therefore, that from a little-known and humble beginning, aided with a blazing intellect, Joe Ohens strode upward the rungs of living, to rest his hands on the table of the affairs of men. Added that he always strives to better the have-nots; the ignorant; the despaired and the wretch of the earth! In the charitable realms, he is widely acknowledged as a light that inspires hope and an assuager of the dire thirst of the needy. Indeed, free giving is to him a second nature, as he is a forgiving heart, who tolerantly gives to others his only-cup-of-cold water. In Lagos, where he later relocated, he set up a business firm with a well-equipped office complex in the high-class Allen Avenue of the city. His residence wasn’t well-away from this workplace. Both became a confluence and shelter of the sorts, frequented by friends, fellow journalists and the needy, particularly those from his Esan and Edo origins. With him giving a place within his elaborate office as our secretariat, Joe Ohens was also very resourceful in the success story of the once stormy restitutional activism that I championed for some 3,000 deformed victims of serial kerosene-petrol explosions, which ruined the poor and vulnerable of Edo State, in 2001. Joe Ohens was smarting out from the heels of a robust journalism practice, particularly with the now-rested CityNews, a famous tabloid published within the proximate of Clay Bus Stop, on the Ojudu/Ikeja road, Lagos. He was its Editor-in-Chief and Manager, encumbered with the editorials and running of the ubiquitous newspaper, bankrolled by the late Chief Victor Imiavan (a.k.a. Vanni), a Nigerian patriot and billionaire business man, who hailed from Igueben, Edo State. Suffice that CityNews, as edited by Ohens, was a fearless and objective medium, a front-line watchdog of the Nigerian society. The fear of Joe Ohens’ CityNews was the beginning of wisdom for the oppressive government-of-the-day. CityNews was relentless in a global campaign for re-validation of the annulment of the June 12, 1993 presidential election results, by the repressive military regime of General Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida. The election was widely believed to have been won by Chief M.K.O Abiola of the Social Democratic Party (SDP). Dr. Ohens is tireless at giving back to the society as he is generous and caring to Opoji (his hometown), Esan (his tribe), Edo (home state) and to his fellow Nigerians. Also in far-away United States of America, where he has lived for decades, his humanitarian activity knows no limits. Joe Ohens, a research-bent fellow, is an alumnus of the Nigeria Institute of Journalism, Lagos and Lagos State University, variously, where he got a first degree in Law. He also bagged Masters and Doctorate degrees, respectively, in Law from the esteemed University of California, Berkeley School of Law. Currently serving as a Senior Vice President at the largest primary health care administration in the north coast of California, he is also an adjunct professor of law in advanced legal writing and US health system and policies. ‘Erudite Joseph Ohens’ professes to “Education as the common property of humankind”. He readily inspires all, especially the youth to go to school and develop their selves. He urges others to go acquire vocational trainings. He continually gives scholarships to the school children and youth, as he also assists numerous others to establish a trade. His deep love for education and desires for others to have it, is firmly rooted in his philanthropic deeds. For instance, the Annunciation Catholic School (ACC), Irrua, his alma mater, has long received the attention of Dr. Ohens and his old school mates, who have transformed it, so much so that it is now a cynosure of eyes, and a former commissioner of Education, Joan Oviawe, regarded it as a benchmark for other alma maters to transform their schools, all over Edo State, where leaning is often neglected. Dr. Ohens is a consistent member of the Annunciation Catholic College Irrua Boys Association (ACCIOBA), as he ascended to be its Global President, having served as president of its North America branch and Chairman of the Project Committee, which turned the school around. ACC, located at Irrua, headquarters of Esan Central Local Government Area, a pioneering boys secondary school, was established in March 25,1955 by the Catholic Mission, that consistently managed it. However, it was taken over by government, from where it dwindled in infrastructures, learning and moral discipline. ACCIOBA, with it past global presidents like the public-spirited Sir Pascal Isele, past executives and members, had ploughed over N2.29 billion joint and personal fund and efforts, to bring it back from the precipice. Provided are a massive gate, with a perimeter fencing; six-bedroom Corpers’ Lodge; 500-person capacity College Auditorium; 20-bed ultra-modern Medical Centre; provision of solar powered electricity; tarring of roads within; provision of books and other learning aids; furnishing and modernization of existing buildings; improvement of sports and other

Residents of the Omoregie transformer axis in Ugbor, Benin City, have expressed deep appreciation to the Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC) for its swift and decisive response to the prolonged power supply challenge that had plagued the area. In a public statement signed by community advocate Moses Uyi Osaretin, the residents commended BEDC’s management and technical team for their prompt intervention following a recent media outcry. The quick response, which led to the restoration of electricity in the area, has brought significant relief to households and businesses that had endured years of erratic and insufficient power due to a faulty transformer. “We wish to express sincere appreciation to the management and technical team of BEDC for their swift response to the long-standing power supply challenge in our area,” Osaretin stated. “Your timely action has brought much-needed relief after a frustrating period of darkness and neglect.” While celebrating the progress made, the statement also called on BEDC to implement a more permanent solution, particularly to address the lingering issue of low voltage, which continues to compromise the quality of electricity supply. “Nonetheless, we recognize this progress as a sign of your commitment to improved service delivery, and we look forward to further collaborative engagement in ensuring that the residents of this area enjoy stable, reliable electricity going forward,” the statement concluded. The commendation from Ugbor residents highlights the growing demand for responsive and sustainable energy solutions across communities within the BEDC distribution network.

  By Uyi Osaretin If ever there was a textbook example of how not to run a utility company, the Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC) would easily make the front page. For residents of Omoregie area, MTN Mast axis in Ugbor, Benin City, BEDC has become synonymous with failure, disappointment, and utter disregard for customer welfare. For more than two years, the area has suffered from epileptic power supply due to a defective Omoregie transformer. During this time, the affected residents have written letters, made countless visits to BEDC offices, cried regularly on the WhatsApp group created by BEDC agents themselves, and even engaged community leaders to intervene. Yet, the response has been the same: silence, excuses, and inaction. “How can a whole power distribution company be dancing around a transformer fault for over two years and still call itself an organization?” fumes Mr. Osagie Emmanuel, a resident whose household now runs entirely on a petrol generator. “This is not just inefficiency—it is a complete system failure.” In many developed climes, the inability to fix such a basic technical fault within weeks would spark resignations, investigations, and compensations. But here, BEDC continues to bill consumers for power they rarely supply—with no explanation, no timeline, and no shame. The economic and emotional toll is staggering. Small business owners are bleeding financially, with some closing down due to the unsustainable cost of fueling generators. Students are struggling to study. Families sleep in darkness and heat. Security concerns are rising. Yet, BEDC marches on as if all is well. “If BEDC’s management still reports to anyone, they should be held accountable for gross negligence,” says Mr. John Omoregie, a community advocate. “What’s happening here is not just bad service—it’s a betrayal of public trust.” Despite its mandate to serve, BEDC has seemingly chosen a path of indifference. The transformer at the heart of the crisis—serving a densely populated residential area—has remained in poor condition, unserviced, and unreplaced. Every complaint seems to vanish into a void. “It is tragic that we have to beg to have light in 2025,” says Mrs. Ehis Agbonlahor, a retired civil servant. “BEDC has failed us completely. If this isn’t the definition of a failed organization, I don’t know what is.” What makes it more infuriating is the company’s habitual billing of residents for electricity not supplied. “How do you send us estimated bills every month when you’ve barely given us two hours of power in a week?” asks another resident. “BEDC is collecting money for darkness.” Many now look back at the days of BEDC under the management team led by Mrs. Funke Osibodu as the company’s glory days—a period when residents at least knew their load-shedding schedule and could predict when they’d get power and for how long. While not perfect, that era offered structure, transparency, and a semblance of accountability—qualities that are now glaringly absent. Calls for a total overhaul of BEDC’s operations and management are growing louder. Some residents are advocating for class action lawsuits, others for community protests and media pressure. Many now openly call for the revocation of BEDC’s license. At a time when Nigeria claims to be moving toward improved power sector reforms, the Ugbor experience exposes the rot and reality on the ground—a power company that takes and takes but fails to deliver even the bare minimum. BEDC may still carry the label of a “distribution company,” but to the people of Ugbor—MTN Mast to be specific—it is simply this: a true definition of a failed organization.

The Executive Chairman of the Edo State Internal Revenue Service (EIRS), Barr. Oladele Bankole-Balogun, on Friday, disclosed that the administration of Governor Monday Okpebholo has generated N33.8 billion in the First Quarter (QI) of the year. He disclosed this shortly after being honoured by Pinnacle Builder Homes and Company in Benin Mr. Bankole-Balogun said with the N33.8 billion, in the first quarter of the year, it gives an average of N9.8 billion monthly. According to him “Under the leadership of senator Monday Okpebholo, the governor of the state, this state has been able to achieve, attain and sustain increased level of revenue and that is the reason why His Excellency, to this day, has not borrowed a single penny to execute virtually all of the gigantic projects he has engaged in. “And to answer your question very simply, somebody sent me a message from one of the states and said, look, in the first quarter, they have achieved N19 billion in their state and I laughed because under this government in the first quarter of this year, Edo State has been able to achieve N33.8b, given us an average of N9.8 billion every month. “Once or twice we have exceeded N10 billion mark and it has never been done and mind you, this far exceeds the personal target that we have set for ourselves. “So, to answer your question, we are doing much better under this government than the government before”, The EIRS boss said paying of taxes is a civic responsibility of every citizen and that the media must help to enlighten the public of the need to be tax compliant for the government to serve them better. “We need your taxes to make Edo greater and greater again and to make Edo continuously rise. “We need your taxes and the message must go on and you as the media must help us to put that message across that paying taxes is not an option. “It is not whether you like it or not. It is a civic responsibility and that civic responsibility behoves all of us to ensure that we contribute our quota to building our state for now and for the future generation”, Bankole-Balogun said.

  CHUKS OKOH A Chinese Sales Manager of Yangda drone, Garry Chen, has described Nigeria as a fast growing drone acquisition nation in the world with an immense potential in the application of the drones technology.   Speaking with journalists at his pavilion at the just concluded Dronetecx conference and Exhibition held at the NIGAV Expo Event Centre at the Murtala Muhammed Airport Lagos, Chen described Nigerians as hard working people with great vision in the drones technology application.   According to the Chinese drone technology expert, Dronetecx under Mr Fortune Idu, will play an important role in attracting the Nigerian youths to drone technology. He said Yandga came to the 5th Dronetex Conference to exhibit the company’s latest drone technology. According Chen, the company has already produced two types of fixed wing drones with three hours duration in the air. He said the drones can be used for pipe line surveillance and urged interested Nigerians to partner them He said the company will be interested to work with Nigerians to produce drones in the country in other to boost the development of the Drone industry in the country He described the future of drone technology in the world as promising especially by deploying them to areas like mountains and other difficult terrains where human beings can not reach.

CHUKS OKOH Skyway Aviation Handling Company (SAHCO) Plc has been commended for its outstanding achievement in exceeding the International Air Transport Association (IATA) standard for On-Time Performance (OTP). The commendation, issued by Shadrach Kambai of Cliqjets, highlights the company’s exceptional hard work, discipline, and collaboration as key factors in this success. According to Kambai, the achievement is a testament to the team’s ability to work together, breaking down silos and putting mission before ego. He emphasized that the success is not the result of individual brilliance alone but rather a collective effort from teams across various departments and organizations. Kambai praised the company culture, which fosters a sense of shared success and collective responsibility, allowing SAHCO Plc to excel in its operations. As SAHCO Plc approaches the final stages of its current phase, Kambai urged the team to sustain its energy, discipline, and humility. He emphasized the importance of continued collaboration, communication, and coordination to ensure a strong finish. Kambai’s message is clear: the team’s collective effort has been instrumental in achieving this milestone, and maintaining this momentum will be crucial to future success. The commendation highlights SAHCO Plc’s commitment to excellence and its dedication to meeting global best practices in the aviation industry. With its focus on teamwork and collective responsibility, the company has set a high standard for others to follow. As the aviation industry continues to evolve, SAHCO Plc’s achievement serves as a reminder of the importance of collaboration and teamwork in achieving exceptional results.

CHUKS OKOH   A Commonwealth Scholar, Mr Magnus Onyibe, has urged African leaders to seize the opportunities embedded in the new world order presented by Trump 2.0 to tackle unfair trade on the continent. Onyibe, who is also a columnist, made this assertion at the Commonwealth Institute of Advanced and Professional Studies (CIAPS) Public Roundtable  in Lagos. The roundtable has it theme as: Trump 2.0 and Africa. Onyibe, also a columnist, said that African leaders must prioritise their citizens’ welfare over personal opulence. He said: “However, on a larger scale, we also have to blame the world, because the reason Africa is undermined and underperforming is unfair trade. “Unfair trade; meaning that the rest of the world has decided that Africa will be a supplier of raw materials and not of finished goods. “That is why we still export raw cocoa. Do you know that Nigeria earned about $400 million from the export of cocoa seeds in 2022, while Germany, a non-producer of cocoa, earned about $6 billion from chocolates?” he asked. Speaking on industrialisation and Trump 2.0, Onyibe said that Africa was not benefiting from the old world order. “We have been made to be producers of raw materials. With Trump 2.0, he’s changing the world order, and I am saying that Africa should position itself so that it will move out of that cocoon and also become a producer of processed products. “It is about positioning Africa from the old world order to a new world order where it will become more relevant to the world and create more prosperity for the long-suffering people of Africa,” he added. He also commended President Bola Tinubu for deploying an Executive order on fuel subsidy, stating that Nigerians would soon enjoy the gains. Onyibe said that the pump price of fuel had become competitive, there is room for private partnerships in the establishment of refineries, and he foresees a further reduction in the pump price of petrol. He also identified energy as a bottleneck in the quest to seize opportunities but urged private investments in the energy sector. On the part of the convener, Prof. Anthony Kila, CIAPS Director, said that the purpose of the roundtable was to contribute to conversations that shaped lives. According to Kila, these conversations are opportunities to, where possible, give input to things that will affect the general public. “I think the rest of the world, when they look at what is happening in America and elsewhere, needs to think of two things. “Number one is that America is a sovereign country. Technically, they can do whatever they like, whether we like it or not. “What matters is how we react to it and how we influence it. So, it is not enough to say we like what is happening in America or hate it. “What really matters is what consumer citizens, policymakers, and leaders are doing about what’s happening in America and in the rest of the world,” he said. Kila, therefore, called on Nigerian leaders to take cognisance that the world is changing with the new world order and should put three things into perspective. The professor of Strategy and Development said: “One is definitely the need to strengthen their own positions internally and then to decide how they want to act with America, whether they are going to negotiate directly or together with Africa. “To also consider the possibility of a new alignment to review relationships with China, Singapore, the EU and the UK. “To be aware that the America of pre-Trump is not the America of Trump now. It is a different ballgame,” he said.