Too Few Women Breaking Corporate Glass Ceiling – Grant Thornton
Concerned about what it referred to as the slow pace of the race towards attaining parity in the rate of women versus men in senior management positions, global professional services and accounting company, Grand Thornton has released a report to commemorate the international women’s day titled “Pathways to Parity: 20 Years of Women in Business Insights.” “While the percentage of women in senior management roles globally has increased from 19.4% to 33.5% over two decades, progress remains disappointingly slow with just a 1.1 percentage point increase from last year. At the current rate, parity won’t be achieved until 2053” it lamented in the report that marks two decades of devoted research into the representation of women in senior executive positions around the globe in mid-market businesses. The report delineates three distinct avenues by which businesses can expedite their journey towards gender parity in senior management. These avenues include designating a female senior leader and a C-suite member as the respective recipients of responsibility for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I); executing an independent DE&I strategy with quantifiable objectives; and providing flexible work schedules. Adding voice to the report, Grant and Thornton Managing Partner and CEO in Nigeria, Dr. (Mrs.) Ngozi Ogwo, says “In today’s world, it is essential for women to be an integral part of DE& I (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) leadership teams, as they bring unique perspectives, experiences, and insights that contribute to the creation of a more balanced, empathetic, and effective workplace culture.” Others who commented on the report were Peter Bodin, CEO of Grant and Thornton International Ltd (GTIL). She says: “Our Women in Business research has been a significant contributor to the global debate on equity in the workplace for 20 years. While we’ve seen some positive change over that time, we also know that sustainable change takes an intentional effort and clear accountability from leadership at every organisation. Through the Grant Thornton International Business Report research and the pathways, we identify, we aim to give mid-market organisations a roadmap to accelerate progress and build more diverse, resilient and successful businesses.” “Mid-market companies have the agility to drive significant change,” says Karitha Ericson, global leader of network capability and culture at Grant Thornton International Limited (GTIL). “By adopting the pathways to parity outlined in our report, achieving 50% representation of women in senior management within the next five years is within reach.” The Grant Thornton International Business Report (IBR), the world’s preeminent mid-market business survey, provides information for the Women in Business (WiB) report by conducting biannual interviews with about 5,000 senior executives from listed and privately held companies across the globe. The report, which was first released in 1992 in nine European nations, currently conducts annual polls of almost 10,000 business executives across 28 nations, offering insights into the commercial and economic concerns influencing the growth prospects of organizations worldwide. About 5,000 chief executive officers, managing directors, chairs, and other senior decision-makers from all industrial sectors in mid-market companies across 28 countries were interviewed between October and November 2023, from which the conclusions in this research were derived.
‘Nigeria is so complex to govern’ says Buhari
Given the prevailing circumstances in Nigeria, the immediate past President of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari, said there is nothing much anyone can do to salvage the situation as Nigeria is a complex country to govern. The former president gave the remark when he received the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi and members of the management team of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) in Daura, Katsina State, at the weekend. Buhari maintained that his successor, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has performed very well since his assumption of office nine months ago. Addressing Adeniyi and his team, Buhari said Nigeria is a hard nut to crack, enjoining the citizens to endure the economic hardship in the country and support the policies and programmes of the current administration. “I thank you very much for coming. I very much appreciate it. I thought Tinubu has done very well,” Buhari said. “Nigeria is so complex. Really, there isn’t much anybody can do.” Tinubu has faced wide criticism over some of his economic policies, including the removal of fuel subsidy and unification of the exchange rate windows. Reacting, Adeniyi thanked the former president for his unprecedented role in supporting the NCS Act 2023. The CGC also paid a courtesy visit to the Emir of Daura, His Royal Highness, Dr Farouk Umar Farouk. “This legislative milestone grants the NCS expanded authority to implement policies aimed at bolstering revenue generation and facilitating trade, thus contributing significantly to Nigeria’s economic growth trajectory,” Adeniyi said. He also spoke about trucks carrying food items seized at the border, saying, “I will also use this occasion to brief you on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s directives that all trucks of food carrying exports across borders that were seized by customs be returned to the traders with the hope that they would plow them back into the Nigerian markets.” It should be noted that this was not the first time Buhari made a remark about Nigeria being a tough job for leaders to govern. In November 2023, during an interview with the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), Buhari said the country was difficult to rule. “Nigerians are extremely difficult. People know their rights. They think they should be there, not you. So, they monitor virtually your every step. And you have to struggle day and night to ensure you are competent enough,” he said.
Biden’s Blunder Fuels Criticism from Russian Officials
In a recent interview with MSNBC, US President Joe Biden stumbled over his words, mistakenly conflating Ukraine with the Middle East while discussing international affairs. Former Russian leader Dmitry Medvedev seized on the blunder, claiming it reflects Biden’s deteriorating mental state. During the interview, Biden discussed the Israeli military campaign in Gaza, stating, “We shouldn’t have gone into Ukraine.” He quickly corrected himself, referring to the US involvement in Iraq and Afghanistan. This confusion is not isolated, as Biden has faced criticism for similar slips in the past. Medvedev, currently serving as deputy chair of the Russian Security Council, posted a clip of the gaffe on social media, accompanied by a scathing remark, labeling Biden a “rare kind of idiot.” Some Russian officials suggest Biden’s mistake was Freudian, implying underlying sentiments about US involvement in Ukraine. The conflict in Ukraine is viewed by Moscow as a US-led proxy war against Russia. In the interview, Biden also criticized former President Donald Trump’s skepticism towards NATO, highlighting the organization’s importance for national defense. However, Moscow perceives NATO’s expansion in Europe as a contributing factor to tensions with Ukraine. The incident adds fuel to the ongoing debate surrounding Biden’s mental acuity and his ability to effectively navigate international relations.
How Lawyers, Civil Servant, Asabe Waziri Secured Police Covering To Invade Property
Despite court order, a civil servant, Ms. Asabe Waziri, a staff member of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company, and her lawyers, Chukwudi Prince Oli and C. J. Abengowe of Oli and Partners went ahead to secure covering from the Nigeria police to invade a property situated at No 1, Mekong Close, Maitama, Abuja. Findings revealed that the police are still occupying the property, as at the time of filing this report. Despite being aware of the court order barring them from having anything to do with the property, Asabe and her lawyers secured services of the police to give them cover to take over the property. Justice Mohammed Madugu of the High Court of Justice of the Federal Capital Territory had ordered Asabe Waziri not to go near the property pending the hearing and determination of the substantive suit. Justice Madugu had ordered “upon reading the Motion on Notice” along with the accompanying affidavit of Yinka Bariwa, including the written address filed along with the application. And upon hearing A.V GANI (Esq) Counsel for the Claimant/Applicant. “Court hereby makes the following order(s): leave of this court is granted to the Clamant/Applicant for an interlocutory injunction restraining the 1sy Defendant/Respondent ( Asabe Waziri) from interfering. trespassing, disturbing the quiet possession of the Applicants or doing anything adverse to property described as a two (2) bedroom unit, of flat 3B and 3C, Abeh signature Apartments, 1, Mekong Close. Maitama Abuja FCT, pending the hearing of the substantive suit with Reference No: CV/3261/22” The absence of the judge yesterday stalled the hearing of the suit. The case has been adjourned to. March 27, 2024.
Budget Padding: Northern Senators Distance Themselves from Allegations
In response to recent allegations made by Senator Ahmed Abdul Ningi regarding the 2024 budget, the Northern Senators Forum (NSF) has issued a statement distancing themselves from his claims. Senator Ningi, who chairs the forum, made remarks on the BBC Hausa Service alleging budget padding, which the NSF vehemently refutes. According to the NSF, there was no mandate given to Senator Ningi to address the press on the matter, and his views were deemed as personal opinions that do not represent the stance of the Northern Senators. The forum highlights that the budget was presented to the National Assembly by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in accordance with constitutional requirements and was diligently debated and passed by both chambers. Contrary to Senator Ningi’s assertion of a N25 trillion budget, the NSF clarifies that the budget passed was N28.7 trillion, allowing for adjustments in appropriations to address critical projects and services. The forum asserts that there was no budget padding involved in the process. Expressing solidarity with President Tinubu, the NSF emphasizes the need for collaboration across ethnic lines to address the challenges facing Nigeria. They pledge to work with colleagues from the southern part of the country to advance the nation’s prosperity. The NSF concludes by distancing themselves from Senator Ningi’s actions, labeling them as “grossly unparliamentary,” and reiterates their commitment to supporting efforts aimed at moving the country forward for the benefit of all citizens.
Breaking! UK Bans Nigerian Health Workers, Others From Bringing Family Members
In a move aimed at reducing net migration and addressing visa abuse, the UK Home Office has announced a ban on health workers bringing dependants to the country. The decision, part of a broader plan to control legal migration, seeks to cut down on unsustainable levels of immigration. Last year, 120,000 dependants accompanied 100,000 workers to the UK, prompting the government to take action. Care providers sponsoring migrants will now need to register with the Care Quality Commission (CQC) to curb exploitation and abuse in the sector. Home Secretary James Cleverly MP stated, “Our plan is robust but fair – protecting British workers while ensuring the very best international talent can work and study here.” The government aims to prevent the undercutting of British workers by raising the salary threshold for skilled workers and removing the 20% ‘going-rate’ discount for migrant workers in shortage occupations. Minister for Social Care Helen Whately MP emphasized the need for an ethical and sustainable approach, stating, “International recruitment and more immigration are not long-term solutions to our social care needs.” The government is simultaneously investing in the domestic workforce through social care career reforms and qualifications. In addition to these measures, the Home Secretary announced a review of the graduate route for international students to prevent abuse and maintain the integrity of UK higher education. The upcoming rules, set to be laid in Parliament on March 14, signify a determined effort to fulfill the government’s commitment to substantially reduce migration numbers.
Senate Forms Ad-Hoc Committee to Probe Financial Controversies
Amidst mounting controversies surrounding the financial operations of the Buhari administration, senate president, Sen. Godswill Akpabio has inaugurated the Senate Ad-Hoc Committee on Ways and Means on Monday. The committee’s primary mandate, driven by concerns over fund management, includes a thorough investigation into the utilization of resources, notably focusing on the Anchor Borrowers’ Programme and other financial avenues. In his address to stakeholders, the Senate President emphasized the critical need for transparency, accountability, and good governance, especially in light of recent financial controversies. He highlighted the significance of the committee’s mandate and urged members to execute their duties diligently and professionally, prioritizing the interests of the Nigerian people. The establishment of the committee followed consultations with the Federal Government’s Economic Management Team and a subsequent report by the Joint Committees on Banking, Insurance and other Financial Institutions; Finance; National Planning; Agriculture; and Appropriations. The report identified concerns and irregularities in fund utilization, prompting decisive action from the Senate. Furthermore, the Senate President reiterated the importance of the committee’s task amidst ongoing financial debates in Nigeria. He expressed confidence in the committee’s ability to conduct thorough investigations and called for a commitment to justice, fairness, and the public good. Senator Isah Jibrin (Echocho), appointed as the committee’s chairman, emphasized the significance of the Ways and Means controversy and assured Nigerians of a thorough and impartial investigation. He urged stakeholders to cooperate and provide necessary documents for scrutiny. The committee, composed of distinguished senators, is poised to embark on its mission to investigate and address concerns regarding fund management in Nigeria, guided by principles of transparency, integrity, and accountability. Members of the committee include: 1. Senator Isah Jibrin (Chairman) 2. Senator Sahabi Ya’u (Vice Chairman) 3. Senator Adamu Aleiro 4. Senator Adetokunbo Abiru 5. Senator Asuquo Ekpeyong 6. Senator Mohammed Tahir Monguno 7. Senator Victor Umeh 8. Senator Solomon Olamilakan 9. Senator Sani Musa 10. Senator Abdul Ningi 11. Senator Aliyu Wadada 12. Senator Ipalibo Banigho 13. Senator Jimoh Ibrahim 14. Senator Ibrahim Mohammed 15. Senator Joel Thomas Onowakpa 16. Senator Dafinone Ede 17. Senator Aminu Iya Abbas 18.
How Emefiele stole billions from Nigeria’s foreign reserve without approval – Presidency
The Presidency has accused the immediate past Central Bank of Nigeria, (CBN) governor, Godwin Emefiele, of stealing billions from the country’s foreign reserve without seeking the approval of former President, Muhammadu Buhari. Presidential spokesperson, Ajuri Ngelale, disclosed this in an interview with TVC, saying Emefiele was unchecked because he was in charge of most of CBN’s operations. According to him, Emefiele succeeded in depleting Nigeria’s foreign reserve because he was the then CBN governor and the chairman of the apex bank’s board of trustees. Ngelale said: “What was done concerning the expenditure of billions of dollars from the foreign reserves was done largely without the approval or knowledge of President Muhammad Buhari and President Bola Tinubu. “Yes, that might seem hard for some people to believe, but I want to explain how that could have happened. “We have one of the few Central Banks in the world where the day-to-day CEO was the governor of the Central Bank and was also the chairman of the board of directors. He was essentially overseeing himself.”
Bayelsa Guber: Panel declines to recluse from proceeding
The Bayelsa State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal, Monday, declined to recluse self from proceeding with the petition before it, challenging the election victory of Governor Duoye Diri. The All Progressive Congress (APC) and it’s Candidate, Timipriye Sylva had filed a motion seeking disqualification of members of the panel from the proceeding. The tribunal, led by Justice Adekunle Adeleye dismissed the motion after he took arguments from counsel to Sylva, Mr. Tunde Falola, Mr. Charles Edosanwan for INEC, Chief Chris Uche, SAN, for Governor Diri, Mr. Chukwuma Machukwu Ume, for the deputy Governor and Tayo Oyetibo for PDP. In a brief ruling, the panel held that a letter from the President of the Court of Appeal on March 5, mandated the tribunal to proceed with hearing of the petition, irrespective of any application by the parties. He, therefore, said the PCA’s letter has overtaken the request by the petitioners for the disbandment of the tribunal. Sylva’s lawyer, Falola, had argued that his clients filed the fresh application against the tribunal on the ground that the two petitioners are convinced beyond reasonable doubt that they cannot get justice from members of the panel. The two petitioners further stated that the tribunal had exhibited strange circumstances that made them to believe that they would be denied fair hearing. He, therefore, asked the tribunal to in the interest of justice, step aside from the petition and allow other members to be constituted by the PCA to determine their petition within the little time remaining for the expiration of hearing of the case. Meanwhile, all the Respondents, through their respective lawyers, opposed the request for the panel members to recuse themselves. They argued that the application was an attempt to prevent the respondents from presenting their defense against the petition. They stated that the motion by APC and Sylva was a calculated attempt to blackmail the tribunal members to do their bidding. The four respondents claimed that the petitioners closed their case, even when the time allocated to them had not expired, hence, there was no basis for the allegation of denial of fair hearing to them. Bedsides, the respondents also stated that APC and Sylva were part of the pre-hearing session and fully subscribed to the schedule of time as agreed upon by all the parties. The tribunal has fixed March 13 and 14 for INEC, being the 1st respondent, to open and close its defence.
Protest Rocks Edo Over Deputy Governor’s Impeachment
Indigenes and residents of Edo North Senatorial District have voiced their discontent with the impending impeachment of Deputy Governor Philip Shaibu. Tensions escalated after Shaibu’s fallout with Governor Godwin in 2023 due to his gubernatorial aspirations. During the February People Democratic Party (PDP) primary, Shaibu held a parallel poll at his residence, declaring himself the winner, while Asue Ighodalo secured victory in the official primary. Last week, the Edo State House of Assembly issued an impeachment notice to Shaibu. Protesters, chanting solidarity songs, called on Governor Obaseki to prioritize peace. Placards with inscriptions like “No to impeachment of Edo deputy governor” and “Give peace a chance” conveyed their rejection of the move, labeling it a political vendetta. Led by Festus Owu, the Edo North PDP Rescue Movement (ENREM) protesters marched through major streets, urging lawmakers to focus on meaningful legislation instead of pursuing a futile impeachment that leaves citizens hungry. They appealed to Governor Obaseki to intervene and halt any impeachment proceedings against the deputy governor. Protest Rocks Edo Over Deputy Governor’s Impeachment By Doris Israel Ijeoma Indigenes and residents of Edo North Senatorial District have voiced their discontent with the impending impeachment of Deputy Governor Philip Shaibu. Tensions escalated after Shaibu’s fallout with Governor Godwin in 2023 due to his gubernatorial aspirations. During the February People Democratic Party (PDP) primary, Shaibu held a parallel poll at his residence, declaring himself the winner, while Asue Ighodalo secured victory in the official primary. Last week, the Edo State House of Assembly issued an impeachment notice to Shaibu. Protesters, chanting solidarity songs, called on Governor Obaseki to prioritize peace. Placards with inscriptions like “No to impeachment of Edo deputy governor” and “Give peace a chance” conveyed their rejection of the move, labeling it a political vendetta. Led by Festus Owu, the Edo North PDP Rescue Movement (ENREM) protesters marched through major streets, urging lawmakers to focus on meaningful legislation instead of pursuing a futile impeachment that leaves citizens hungry. They appealed to Governor Obaseki to intervene and halt any impeachment proceedings against the deputy governor.