Personality in Focus
Godfathers Are Problem of Vandalism, and We Will Flush Them Out – Ayeni PK, NSCDC Commandant
The Commandant, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Paul Kolawole Ayeni has said that godfathers are the major problem of vandalism in the country, adding that the Corps will not relent in its fight against vandalism, vandals and their godfathers.
P.K Ayeni stated this during a courtesy visit by the executive members of the National Association of Online Security News Publishers (NAOSNP) led by its President, Mr. Samson Oki.
The Commandant expressed happiness with the visit, praising the Association’s and media bodies’ unbiased reportage of security and other related news.
While pledging the Corps’ unrelenting support and cooperation with the media, he vowed not to relent in his efforts to reduce vandalism to the barest minimum, stating categorically that he hates, with a passion, vandals and vandalism.
“This people make governance very difficult, and deprive the people of accessing democracy dividends by the way they siphon petroleum products and infrastructural facilities installed by the government for the benefit of the people,” he said.
He frowned at any security agent colluding with vandals, saying the harm the vandals do is far more greater than whatever you will collect from them.
Take for instance, they bribe you with one million naira, they will syphon fuel of 800 million worth of oil. Who is the loser? So here, all we do is flush them out, and we will never cooperate with criminals,” he blurted.
Ayeni added that beyond the vandals that commit the atrocities, there are notable individuals in the society who are their godfathers and support their nefarious activities.
“I say it again, I hate vandals and I tell anyone that cares to listen never to engage in vandalism, because the NSCDC I head in Lagos will not spare them. However, we are facing the greater challenge of godfathers behind these vandals protecting them. These people are notable in the society, but we are leaving no stone unturned to fish them out, and prosecute them,” the Commandant promised.
Earlier, the President of NAOSNP, Mr. Oki, had expressed satisfaction at the efforts the Lagos Command under PK Ayeni has put in so far to address the issue of vandalism and siphoning of the nation’s natural resources for selfish and criminal use.
Recounting that the Commandant was posted to Lagos at the peak of the ENDSARS crisis, Oki acknowledged that the Commandant handled the affairs professional with little or no casualties. He noted as well that NSCDC has come of age, and recorded landmark achievements in the right months Ayeni has held sway as the helmsman in Lagos.
“I must say that you have proved yourself a worthy administrator, and have carved yourself a worthy image since you came on board. NAOSNP congratulates you on the lofty heights you have created, and will continue to partner with you and the Corps in the reportage of well researched and investigated stories and news,” Oki said.
He further lamented the place of fake news as the original harbinger of most of the crises the country has experienced in recent times, especially the spill over of the EndSARS crisis of October, 2020.
Also speaking, the Public Relations Officer of the Association, Mr. Eric Elezuo, praised the magnanimous efforts of the Lagos Command, adding that they have performed beyond expectation, adding that notwithstanding, a lot still need to be done to further perfect and cement what has been achieved, especially in the area of publicity.
“The reward for hard work is more work. So continue to do what you are doing, and do not relent in flushing out enemies of the society, who call themselves vandals, and their co-travelers in the name of godfathers. We, the media in general, and NAOSNP in particular are solidly behind you,” Elezuo said.
In his remarks, the Chief Administration Officer of the Corps, Deputy Commandant Paul Shomide, appreciated the Association for the visit, saying the Corps cherishes partnership with the media, and will continue to keep the relationship with NAOSNP alive for more achievements.
Shomide recalled that the period when the Police down tools as a result of victimisation occasion by the EndSARS protests, it was the NSCDC under Ayeni that held the society together.
Commandant Ayeni also reiterated the Corps’ commitment to work effectively with the media so that the corporate goal and objective of NSCDC will be met saying “the better the organisation is known, the greater it is appreciated. We cannot do without the media”.
The NSCDC is a paramilitary organisation, established by the Nigeria Government to help in putting a stop on vandalism of national facilities and stealing of petroleum products along pipeline routes among others.
Writers across Nigeria, under the auspices of the Society of Young Nigerian Writers (SYNW), have united in commemorating the 94th posthumous birthday of one of Africa’s greatest literary icons, Prof. Chinua Achebe. Achebe, renowned globally for his groundbreaking novel *Things Fall Apart*, remains an enduring symbol of literary excellence and cultural preservation.
In a statement issued by Wole Adedoyin, the President of SYNW emphasized Achebe’s unmatched contributions to African literature and his role as a beacon of inspiration for writers across generations. Adedoyin highlighted the Society’s unwavering commitment to honoring Achebe’s legacy through creative and impactful initiatives.
One of the key tributes mentioned is the *Chinua Achebe Annual Literary Festival and Memorial Lecture*, initiated by the Anambra Chapter Coordinator of SYNW, Izunna Okafor. Now in its 9th edition, the festival has become a significant platform for celebrating Achebe’s works and discussing his influence on modern African literature.
Cynthia Maduekwe, the President of the Nigeria Society of Campus Writers, also spearheaded the *Writers Tour*, another initiative aimed at engaging young writers with Achebe’s literary philosophy. This tour exposes aspiring authors to Achebe’s timeless themes of cultural identity, colonialism, and societal transformation, ensuring his legacy continues to inspire future generations.
The Society of Young Nigerian Writers (SYNW) reaffirmed its dedication to Achebe’s memory through these longstanding programs. Writers across the country were encouraged to reflect on Achebe’s life and works, sharing tributes and essays on social media platforms to further propagate his vision of storytelling.
Adedoyin lauded the efforts of writers like Okafor and Maduekwe, whose initiatives keep Achebe’s legacy alive.
He also urged literary organizations and institutions to continue collaborating to sustain Achebe’s impact on African literature and culture.
“Prof. Achebe’s work transcends literature. He gave Africans a voice on the global stage, presenting our stories with authenticity and pride. Celebrating his 94th posthumous birthday is a reminder of the power of storytelling in shaping society,” Adedoyin stated.
The SYNW also used the opportunity to announce plans for a series of upcoming events dedicated to Achebe in the coming year, including essay competitions, poetry readings, and book discussions. These programs aim to further Achebe’s vision of nurturing literary talent and promoting African narratives.
As the literary community celebrates Achebe’s life and achievements, his timeless words resonate: “Until the lions have their own historians, the history of the hunt will always glorify the hunter.”
Achebe’s legacy continues to inspire writers to tell their own stories, preserving the richness of African culture for generations to come.
The Society of Young Nigerian Writers concluded by inviting literary enthusiasts to join in celebrating Achebe’s enduring impact, emphasizing that his legacy is a shared treasure for all who value the power of words.
Personality in Focus
UBA Appoints Henrietta Ugboh Independent Non-Executive Director As Owanari Duke Retires from Group Board
Africa’s Global Bank, United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc, has announced the appointment of Henrietta Ugboh as an Independent Non-Executive Director.
The appointment has been approved by the relevant regulatory bodies, including the Central Bank of Nigeria.
UBA’s Group Chairman, Tony Elumelu, CFR commenting on the appointment, said, “Henrietta Ugboh brings a track record of professional success, integrity and leadership, which will further strengthen the UBA Group Board, underlining once again the Group’s commitment to robust corporate governance.”
Ugboh holds a degree in Economics and Statistics from the University of Benin, an MBA from ESUT Business School, and is an alumnus of the Harvard Business School’s Executive Management Program. She has over 30 years experience in banking with Citibank and is an Honorary Senior Member of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria and a Fellow of the Institute of Credit Administration (FICA).
Elumelu added that with her considerable experience and expertise, which includes commercial banking, credit, and risk management, the UBA Board is delighted to welcome Mrs Ugboh to the Group Board, “We look forward to her invaluable contribution to the Group, as we continue to execute our unique growth strategy across Africa and globally.”
The Board also announced the retirement of Mrs. Owanari Duke, an Independent Non-Executive Director, who joined the UBA Group Board in October 2012.
During her tenure, Mrs. Duke provided distinguished leadership, serving on Committees of the Bank including the Board Governance Committee, Board Audit, Governance, Nomination & Remuneration Committee, Board Credit Committee, Finance & General Purpose Committee and Statutory Audit Committee.
On behalf of the board, Mr. Elumelu expressed UBA’s deep appreciation to Mrs. Duke for her dedication and significant contributions to the Group, wishing her the best in her future endeavour.
United Bank for Africa Plc is a leading Pan-African financial institution, offering banking services to more than forty-five million customers, across 1,000 business offices and customer touch points in 20 African countries. With presence in New York, London, Paris and Dubai, UBA is connecting people and businesses across Africa through retail, commercial and corporate banking, innovative cross-border payments and remittances, trade finance and related banking services.
Personality in Focus
Tinubu Hails FirstBank’s Immediately Past CEO, Adeduntan on Exceptional Service
By Eric Elezuo
Nigeria’s President, Bola Tinubu, has congratulated the immediate past Chief Executive Officer of the FirstBank of Nigeria Limited, Dr. Adesola Adeduntan as the bank holds a splendid Sendforth party on his behalf for a meritorious service.
The president’s congratulatory message is contained in a statement signed by his Special Adviser, Information & Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga.
The statement reads in full:
PRESIDENT TINUBU CONGRATULATES DR ADEDUNTAN, AS FIRST BANK CELEBRATES EX-GROUP CEO
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu congratulates Dr Adesola Adeduntan, the retired Group Chief Executive Officer of First Bank Nigeria Limited, for his exceptional service at Nigeria’s oldest bank.
In celebration of Adeduntan’s remarkable tenure, the 130-year-old First Bank will host a special send-off ceremony this weekend, expressing gratitude for his contributions over the past nine years.
President Tinubu commends him for steering the bank through transformative growth, which includes expanding customer accounts from 10 million to over 42 million and elevating Profit Before Tax from N10 billion in 2015 to an impressive N300 billion in 2023.
These milestones, the President said, reflected Adeduntan’s visionary leadership and commitment to excellence.
The President expresses his appreciation for Adeduntan’s willingness to serve the nation in various pivotal roles, including his contributions to the Nigerian Economic Summit Group and other prominent institutions. His extensive expertise in the financial sector has significantly bolstered Nigeria’s economic landscape.
President Tinubu also lauds the bank’s solid internal management ethos, which is responsible for the seamless transition from Adeduntan to the current CEO, Olusegun Alebiosu.
President Tinubu wishes Dr Adeduntan continued success in all his future endeavours.
