Herbert Wigwe, the co-founder of Access Bank and the visionary behind Wigwe University, has reportedly passed away in a tragic helicopter crash in California, United States.

Wigwe, who also served as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Access Holdings, the parent company of Access Bank, was traveling aboard the helicopter with his wife, son, and three other passengers. The aircraft was en route to Las Vegas when it tragically crashed near the border between Nevada and California on Friday night.

The US government has confirmed that there were no survivors among the six individuals on board, with the helicopter crashing near Nipton, California, an unincorporated community approximately 60 miles south of Las Vegas in eastern San Bernardino County. The crash was reported to the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department around 10:12 pm local time, with the site located east of Interstate 15, near Halloran Springs Road.

While The New York Times has corroborated the incident, the identities of the passengers have not been officially disclosed. As of Saturday morning, no formal statement has been released regarding the tragic event.

The year 2023 marked the tenth anniversary of the partial privatization of the power sector, where the Federal Government relinquished its 60% stakes in 11 electricity distribution companies and either sold or concessioned seven power generation plants. Despite this move toward privatization, electricity supply has remained inconsistent, leaving consumers frustrated. Surprisingly, the government, attempting to divest from the sector, ended up spending over N7 trillion to support the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI).

The power sector underwent significant changes in 2023 with the signing into law of the Electoral Act, shifting the power sector from the exclusive legislative list to the concurrent list. This allowed state governments not only to issue licenses but also to generate, transmit, and distribute electricity within their states. Adebayo Adelabu's appointment as the Minister of Power marked a unique development, as he became the first individual to administer the sector single-handedly since the advent of the present democracy in 1999.

Despite a 13,000MW installed capacity from the country's 27 power generating plants, power generation remained exceptionally low due to poor utilization. The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) reported a worrying plant availability factor (PAF) of 33.31% in 2023/Q3, highlighting the significant issue of mechanical outages, particularly stemming from the age of many plants.

The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), managing the national grid, faced challenges with repeated collapses and attacks on transmission towers. The government aimed to unbundle TCN into two entities, Independent System Operator and Transmission Service Provider. Despite efforts to upgrade substations and procure new transformers, incidents like fire outbreaks and attacks on power towers persisted.

Electricity distribution companies (DisCos) continued to perform poorly, neglecting infrastructure investments and lacking in proper metering. As of September 2023, only 44.51% of registered electricity customers in NESI were metered. The Federal Government took steps to address this metering gap, opening bids for 1.25 million electricity smart meters funded by a $155 million World Bank loan.

The Rural Electrification Agency (REA) played a role in rural electrification through the Nigeria Electrification Projects (NEP), providing electricity to 6.8 million people under a $350 million World Bank loan and a $200 million African Development Bank loan. The World Bank expressed interest in supporting a successor project with another $750 million grant.

Despite these efforts, the power sector faced financial struggles. Closing the metering gap was identified as a crucial step, with calls for the government to ensure that all customers are provided with electricity meters. Addressing losses, expanding and modernizing networks, and encouraging necessary investments in the sector were highlighted as essential measures to support tariff adjustments and improve overall efficiency in the power sector.

Leaders of thought and elder statesmen representing Southern and Middle Belt regions have penned a letter to President Bola Tinubu, urging him to address the ongoing killings and destruction in the Middle Belt, which they see as a threat to the nation's existence. The group, known as the Southern and Middle Leaders Forum (SMBLF), emphasized the President's responsibility to resolve the issue and criticized the portrayal of the conflict as mere herders/farmers clashes. They called for a comprehensive security inquiry, the closure of IDP camps, and specialized training for security agents.

The leaders, including Chief Edwin Clark and Chief Ayo Adebanjo, highlighted the diversity within the North-West geopolitical zone and underscored the dangers of the Fulani territorial agenda. They urged President Tinubu to take decisive action, address the senseless killings, and ensure the safety of citizens, especially in the Middle Belt. The letter criticized the government's handling of the Fulanization agenda and called for the return of displaced communities to their ancestral homes.

In a separate development, governors from the North Central states visited Plateau State, expressing concern over the persistent attacks and killings. They called on the federal government to address the root causes of the issue and find lasting solutions. The governors emphasized the need for unity and cooperation among the North Central states to combat banditry effectively.

Additionally, the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) called on President Tinubu to deploy radical security and economic policies in response to the increasing insecurity in the country. The NBA condemned recent attacks in Plateau State and a drone strike in Kaduna State, urging the government to prioritize the security of lives and properties. The association called for a comprehensive and region-specific approach to address security challenges, emphasizing the importance of inter-agency coordination and substantial investments in security.

Nollywood enthusiasts fondly recall the Netflix original epic, 'Jagun Jagun,' as one of the standout movies of 2023, garnering widespread acclaim. Building on that success, the movie's producer and actor, Femi Adebayo, has unveiled an exciting new project titled 'Seven Doors' slated for release in the upcoming year, 2024.

Adebayo shared this revelation during an appearance on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief on New Year’s Day, presenting it as a significant venture for movie enthusiasts to anticipate. He tantalizingly teased the movie's plot, indicating that filming has been successfully completed, and the project is currently in the post-production phase.

"In my upcoming movie, a Yoruba marries an Igbo woman, and the Igbo tribe supports the husband, who is a core Yoruba king. They uphold their traditions and everything. That is one of the things you should look out for this year; the title of the film is ‘Seven Doors,’ and it’s going to be big. Filming is done, and I am at the post-production stage," Adebayo disclosed.

Additionally, Adebayo shared plans to film the second season of the highly successful 'Jagun Jagun,' providing a platform for emerging actors to showcase their talents. He expressed enthusiasm for the intentional collaboration between indigenous language actors and their English-speaking counterparts, highlighting its positive impact on the industry.

"It has really helped the industry, and for me, it’s one of the joys that I’m seeing in the industry presently. I am so happy about the harmonization and synergy. We are even coming together to co-produce to engage the Yorubas, even the Hausas, so most of us now when we write scripts we must infuse other tribes," Adebayo remarked.

While acknowledging the progress, Adebayo emphasized the need for a more conducive environment for movie producers, citing concerns such as the lack of security in movie locations among other challenges.

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has announced modifications to the registration fees for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) in the year 2024. As per the official statement from JAMB, the revised fees for UTME registration now stand at N7,700, inclusive of a mock examination, and N6,200 for UTME registration without the mock examination. This marks an increase from the previous cost of N5,700 for the JAMB form without a mock exam and N6,700 for the application form inclusive of a mock exam. Additionally, foreign candidates applying for the JAMB form will incur a fee of $30.

JAMB is set to provide a detailed breakdown of these fees when the registration details are released on or before January 15, 2024. Alongside the adjustments in UTME registration fees, JAMB has disclosed the registration period for the sale of Direct Entry (DE) application documents in 2024. The sale of Direct Entry application documents is scheduled to kick off on February 28, 2024, and will conclude on March 28, 2024.

As the process of generating profile codes for registration is currently underway, JAMB advises prospective candidates to stay informed about official announcements and guidelines to ensure a seamless registration process. Detailed guidelines on profile code generation will be provided closer to the registration commencement date on January 15, 2024.

In an official statement on its X page, JAMB stated, “This is to inform all prospective 2024 UTME/DE candidates that the creation of Profiles for registration has officially started, while the sale of application documents will commence on Monday 15th January 2024. You are to please take note of the following important dates for the coming UTME/DE exercise.”

Traders in the Police Officers’ Wives Association (POWA) Shopping Complex within Computer Village, Ikeja, Lagos, faced significant losses after the complex was demolished on Sunday. The demolition, supervised by armed security personnel, commenced around 12 am, catching shop owners by surprise. Tayo Shittu, Chairman of the Computer Dealer Association in Computer Village, expressed dismay at the lack of prior notice and emphasized the impact on over 300 shops and more than 1,000 occupants. Shop owners reported the loss of valuable goods, and the demolition raised concerns about job losses and the livelihoods of those affected.

The traders had previously sought intervention from Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun amid rumors of impending demolition. Despite the traders’ efforts, the complex was demolished, and the Lagos State Government clarified via its official social media handle that it had no involvement in the action. The statement from the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso, attributed ownership of the structure to the Police Officers' Wives Association, emphasizing that they ordered the demolition.

The incident triggered criticism from traders and questions about due process, especially given the lack of prior engagement and the impact on businesses. The Lagos State Task Force spokesperson, Raheem Gbadeyanka, did not have detailed information on the incident. Force Public Relations Officer Muyiwa Adejobi, while emphasizing the planned demolition in a prior statement, did not provide updates on the situation. The demolition raises broader concerns about property rights, due process, and the welfare of those affected.

Concerned about the looming threats of environmental pollution and its impact on human well-being, a gathering of experts convened in Ogun State on Wednesday to brainstorm solutions to this pressing issue. The 16th National Conference and Annual General Meeting of the Nigeria Institute of Landscape Horticulture (NILH) took place at the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, where experts not only discussed potential remedies but also sought legislative support for a bill mandating landlords to plant trees on their properties.

Delivering the keynote address under the theme "Urban Greenery and Beautification as a Strategy for Control of Environmental Pollution and Climate Change," Dr. Elizabeth Augustus, the Provost of the Federal College of Agriculture, Moor Plantation, Ibadan, Oyo State, highlighted the urgent need for green solutions to combat environmental pollution. Dr. Augustus emphasized the far-reaching consequences of pollution, encompassing climate change, water and soil contamination, and its detrimental effects on aquatic life, agriculture, and wildlife, all of which ultimately impact human health.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, respiratory issues, and increased hospitalization rates were identified as major health concerns associated with pollution. Dr. Augustus proposed a strategic approach to environmental control, advocating for greenery and beautification as crucial interventions. She underscored the significant role of plants in the global carbon cycle and their potential for climate change mitigation. Dr. Augustus also highlighted the importance of phytoremediation, a plant-based method aimed at extracting pollutants from the soil and restoring fertility.

President of NILH, Kola Quadri, called on the National Assembly to pass legislation mandating homeowners to plant at least one tree on their premises as a proactive measure against climate change. Quadri stressed that climate change is a global issue, and implementing such laws would contribute to environmental preservation. Similarly, Emmanuel Bankole, the Ogun State chairman of the institute, emphasized the significance of the program in raising awareness among policymakers about the effects of climate change. Bankole expressed the institute's commitment to collaborating with governments at all levels to mitigate global warming and preserve the environment for future generations.

Renowned singer Charles Chibuezechukwu, popularly known as Crayon, has shared a piece of advice with his fellow artists and creatives, cautioning them against the misconception that abusing illicit substances can enhance their creativity. According to Crayon, genuine talent is the source of creative inspiration, and the use of weed or other drugs won't magically bestow creativity upon those lacking inherent artistic abilities.

The 'Ngozi' crooner emphatically urged his colleagues to abstain from any form of substance abuse. Taking to his social media handle, Crayon stated, "The biggest lie na say igbo/weed/drugs dey bring inspiration, lol. Na the biggest lie, bros. You get talent, you get talent, if you no sabi, you no sabi, if you like smoke one bag of Igbo, shishi you no vibe! Don’t be deceived. Please, say no to drugs!"

Crayon's advice stems from his personal journey, as he recently disclosed his past struggles with substance addiction. It was Mavin Records producer and Blowtime Imprint CEO, Babyfresh, who discovered Crayon's talent and advised him to break free from the grip of illicit substances. The artist has since embraced a drug-free lifestyle, emphasizing the importance of authentic talent over substance-induced creativity.

Governor Abba Yusuf of Kano State is taking his case to the Supreme Court to challenge the verdict of the Appeal Court, which had earlier removed him from office. The Appeal Court had ruled against Yusuf, a member of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), citing his ineligibility to contest, and declared Nasiru Gawuna of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the rightful winner of the governorship election in the state.

The aftermath of the Appeal Court's decision has been marked by uncertainty and confusion, particularly regarding the judgment that ousted Yusuf. The court has directed concerned lawyers to return certified true copies of its judgment for necessary corrections.

The basis of the Appeal Court's ruling was the determination that Yusuf was not a member of the NNPP during the election. However, the certified true copies of the judgment have added to the perplexity, as they seemingly suggest the court upheld Yusuf's victory. The discrepancies in the documents have contributed to the ongoing uncertainty surrounding the legal proceedings and the political landscape in Kano State.

The inhabitants of Ugborodo Community in the Warri South-West Local Government Area of Delta State took a decisive step on Wednesday by erecting the shrine of a formidable deity in front of the Chevron Escravos Gas to Liquid (EGTL) facility. This unusual action serves as a potent symbol of the community's discontent with Chevron's perceived failure to implement the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).

Protesters, wielding placards and forming a blockade at the facility's entrance, clarified that the idol, named "Ogbejugbele," posed no threat to Chevron staff. Instead, its presence was intended as a symbolic manifestation of ancestral displeasure towards the company.

Undeterred, the demonstrators declared their resolve to remain within Chevron's facilities until the federal government intervenes and compels the multinational corporation to address their grievances. Among their 41 demands, the protestors specifically called for Chevron to adhere to the provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) and the Ikpere Host Community PIA, as stipulated by the National Upstream Regulatory Commission (NURPC). Additionally, they demanded employment opportunities for the youth and residents of Ugborodo and Itsekiri descent.

In a conversation with reporters, Helen Uremure, a prominent woman leader in the community, elucidated that the protest was a response to Chevron's failure in fulfilling its corporate social responsibilities to Ugborodo. Expressing frustration, she highlighted the lack of tangible benefits from Chevron's presence over the past six decades, emphasizing the absence of employment opportunities and contracts.

According to Uremure, Chevron's reluctance to convert qualified graduates from the community into substantive roles has left many relegated to menial labor. Julie Iwetan, another community member, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the prevailing hunger and hardship faced by Ugborodo residents.

Youth representative Ukueyinden Ajuetsi underscored the community's dire need for basic amenities such as clean water and electricity, lamenting the absence of employment opportunities. Joseph Ireyefoju, a community leader, decried Chevron's hiring practices during ongoing maintenance work, alleging a disregard for the local content law.

Augustine Iyinbo, one of the leaders of the peaceful protest, affirmed their unwavering stance, stating, "We will not leave until they (Chevron) do the needful." The demonstration serves as a potent expression of the community's frustration and determination to secure their rights and well-being from the oil multinational.

The Senate declared its determination to ensure the dismissal and prosecution of the Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Mele Kyari, and other top executives. This stern stance stems from the alleged misappropriation of N12 trillion on the turn-around maintenance (TAM) of the country's non-functional refineries.

Highlighting the alarming financial figures, the Senate Ad hoc Committee disclosed records of over $592 million, €4.8 million, and £3.4 million expended on TAM from 2010 to 2023. Despite this significant expenditure, the refineries continue to operate below capacity, prompting the committee to demand accountability.

During an interactive session with the management of NNPCL and other oil sector executives, the Senate Ad hoc Committee expressed dissatisfaction with the absence of chief executive officers from agencies, including NNPCL, Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), and their subsidiaries. The committee issued a warning of potential dismissal and prosecution for those failing to comply.

Senator Isa Jibrin, the committee chairman, emphasized the need to address operational inefficiencies and financial leakages within the refineries. He announced the committee's intention to seek refunds and dismissals of executives involved in the turn-around maintenance. Expressing concern about operational expenses of N4.8 trillion between 2010 and 2020 on non-functioning facilities, Senator Jibrin demanded explanations for such expenditures.

Senator Yahaya Abdullahi underscored the seriousness of the matter and insisted that representatives should inform their chief executives to appear in person. Senator Sumaila Kawu emphasized the legislative duty to represent the people and urged respect for the Constitution. Senator Danjuma Goje clarified that the committee requires direct engagement with heads or chief executives rather than their representatives.

The committee set a deadline until Tuesday for the submission of documents by the agencies. Further meetings are planned to discuss the documents and provide the chief executives with an opportunity to address the Senate directly.

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) is intensifying efforts to combat currency hoarding and speculation, which are believed to contribute to the depreciation of the naira against major foreign currencies. Speculators and hoarders, identified as undermining government initiatives to stabilize the naira, face increased scrutiny. Recent positive strides in naira appreciation were marred by a subsequent decline, prompting suspicions of artificial market manipulation through speculation and hoarding.

While many Nigerians celebrated the previous naira appreciation, speculators and hoarders incurred losses, leading to suspicions that powerful entities, including politically exposed persons involved in foreign exchange round-tripping, are resisting government measures. The CBN, armed with intelligence, is poised to launch a campaign targeting these individuals, aiming to decisively address their disruptive activities.

A source within the CBN, speaking anonymously, revealed the central bank's determination to counteract the pushback from speculators and traders. The CBN plans to initiate a robust campaign against these disruptive forces to preserve the recent gains made in stabilizing the naira. Aminu Gwadabe, President of the Association of Bureau de Change Operators of Nigeria (ABCON), emphasized the CBN's readiness to inflict consequences on currency speculators, emphasizing the risks associated with attempting to manipulate the naira against its recent positive trajectory. 

The CBN's multifaceted approach includes measures such as dollar liquidity injection and naira mopping through interest rate hikes. The market is cautioned against further attacks on the naira, as the CBN remains well-equipped to safeguard its recent successes.

In response to the accusations made by the recently ousted Adamawa North Senator, Elisha Abbo, Senate President Godswill Akpabio has firmly distanced himself from any involvement in Abbo's removal by the Court of Appeal. Abpabio expressed his disbelief regarding Abbo's claims, asserting that he has no motive to engage in any form of witch-hunt against the ousted legislator.

After the Appeal Court's decision resulted in Abbo's removal, he openly accused Akpabio of orchestrating the legal action against him. Abbo went further to suggest that this was part of a broader plan targeting four additional senators who opposed the emergence of Akpabio as the Senate President, with Senator Orji Uzor Kalu being pointed out as Akpabio's purported next target.

In response to these allegations, Akpabio's stance remains clear. His Media Aide, Eseme Eyiboh, expressed the Senate President's viewpoint, stating that it is unfortunate for Abbo to make such claims, describing it as an attempt to find a scapegoat. Eyiboh further emphasized that the Court of Appeal's decisions are based on the provisions of the Electoral Act and the evidence presented by petitioners, with no room for any form of political vendetta or witch-hunting by the Senate President. This situation highlights the tensions and disputes within the political landscape and the need for clarity regarding the legal processes that led to Abbo's removal from office.

Nigeria's headline inflation witnessed a notable increase, surging by 0.90% to reach 26.72% in September, as reported by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) in its latest Consumer Price Index released on Monday. This uptick in inflation represents a rise from the August 2023 figure, which stood at 25.80%.

In a year-on-year comparison, the headline inflation rate for September 2023 was significantly elevated, marking a 5.94 percentage point increase from the rate recorded in September 2022, which stood at 20.77%. This reveals a substantial escalation in the headline inflation rate when comparing September 2023 to the same month in the preceding year, highlighting the challenges of rising prices.

Additionally, when considering a month-on-month perspective, the headline inflation rate for September 2023 amounted to 2.10%, reflecting a notable decrease of 1.08% from the rate recorded in August 2023, which was 3.18%. This signifies that in September 2023, the rate of price increase, on average, was lower than what was observed in the preceding month, August 2023. 

These inflation figures offer valuable insights into the economic landscape, reflecting the changes in the cost of living and the challenges of price stability faced by Nigeria, potentially affecting various aspects of the economy and the lives of its citizens.