BusinessDay Weekender 26th Edition

SATURDAY 23, JANUARY 2021

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EDITION 26 I 23, JANUARY 2021

RESTAURANT A GUIDE TO EXPERIENCING GREECE IN LAGOS: MYKONOS ON THE ROOF

SPORT THE $1BILLION FIGHT

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Contents

SATURDAY 23, JANUARY 2021

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C O N T E N T S

8 OPINION The Power Of The Single Story To Nation Building

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COMMUNICATION

RELATIONSHIP DEALING WITH GRIEF

Vaccine hesitancy and the place of empathetic communication

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BRANDS THE CASE FOR CONSOLIDATION IN THE NIGERIAN MEDIA INDUSTRY

25 EVENTS Didi Museum is pleased to invite you

BUSINESS GENERATE BUSINESS IDEAS THROUGH OBSERVATION

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RESTAURANT A GUIDE TO EXPERIENCING GREECE IN LAGOS: MYKONOS ON THE ROOF

RECIPE BOOK REVIEW Ways to Stand Out at DIY Hot Work- A Review of Ngozi chocolate recipe Adebiyi’s Grow

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RELATIONSHIP DEALING WITH GRIEF

SPORTS The $1billion Fight

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Editorial

Editor’s Note SATURDAY 23, JANUARY 2021

Dear weekender readers, We are almost at the end of the first month of 2021 and we often hear that January is the longest month of the year; is that accurate for you? For me it’s almost unbelievable that February is just 8 days away. I hope this January has been everything you hoped it would be.

I hope you are doing well and reading this edition in good health. As the joke going around states: ‘The way 2021 has started looks like 2020 returned with a scary wig on’! COVID-19 is still very much around and I hope that you are taking care of yourself, staying safe and practicing the recommended protocol such as washing hands frequently, wearing a mask and keeping physical distance as well as boosting your immune system.

There are mixed opinions on the vaccine around the world and in Nigeria.

As Nigeria expects its COVID-19 vaccine this February... would you follow the advice of the medical corps and take the vaccine when it’s made available?

Inside you will find very timely articles on ‘Vaccine hesitancy and the place of empathetic communication’ but also ‘How to deal with grief ’.

You will also enjoy a beautiful piece on love. Love, they say, makes the world go round… But are there other benefits of love and being in love? From times immemorial, the heart has been a symbol of love and romance; we examine the other very important benefits of love inside this issue.

The Power of The Single Story to Nation Building by Chidera Muoka is an enlightening article as well as ‘Generating business ideas through observation’.

You can also read the ingenious story of one of our contributors who makes a vase for consolidation of the Nigerian media industry.

Our book review explores the book by Ngozi Adebiyi Grow which targets employees at all levels of an organization who want to bring a significant transformation within their company. And this is coming from a woman who has gained her experience working as an HR expert & consultant with and from several leading firms. Enjoy!

In the news round up: Nigeria expects first Covid-19 vaccines doses in Februar y; Biden inaugurated as the 46th president of the United States; Kamala Harris sworn in as America’s first female Vice President; US reverses immigration visa ban on Nigerian; Vice President Osinbajo promises to lift 20 million youth out of poverty with N5000 monthly; FG says no SIM card will be blocked until February 9th; Heirs Holdings expands oil and gas portfolio; Museveni wins Uganda presidential poll; Bobi Wine files detention complaints at UN; Tunisia youth unrelenting in vicious protest against the government.

Last but not least: our weekly sports round up, recipes and much more Have a great weekend . BD

Lehlé Baldé is the Editor of BusinessDay Weekender email: lehle.balde@businesssday.ng | social: @lehlelalumiere Businessday.ng

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SATURDAY 23, JANUARY 2021 PUBLISHER/EDITOR IN CHIEF Frank Aigbogun MANAGING DIRECTOR Ogho Okiti EDITOR BUSINESSDAY SATURDAY Lehlé Balde EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, OPERATIONS Fabian Akagha MANAGER, CONFERENCES & EVENTS Obiora Onyeaso MANAGER, ADVERTS Ijeoma Ude COPY SALES MANAGER Florence Kadiri DIGITAL SALES MANAGER Linda Ochugbua HEAD OF DIGITAL SERVICES Onyinyechi Eze HEAD, HUMAN RESOURCES Adeola Obisesan DESIGN AND ART DIRECTION Tolulope Ayo-Olubiyo.

CONTRIBUTORS Dr. Monisola Adanijo FMCP Chidindu Mmadu-Okoli Titilade Oyemade Yomi Owope Ibukun Akinbamijo Chidera Muoka Glory Enyinnaya Karla Abua (When in Lagos) Anthony Nlebem Mercy Ayodele

PHOTO CREDIT Freepik, Google Images, Pexels '

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ENQUIRIES lehle.balde@businessday.ng samuel.anyanwu@businessday.ng ADVERTS Ijeoma Ude +2348033225506 PUBLISHED BY BusinessDay Media Limited The Brook, 6 Point Road, GRA, Apapa, Lagos, Nigeria.

01-2799100 www.businessday.ng LEGAL ADVISERS The Law Union

News Roundup

JANUARY 2021 SATURDAY 23,

Nigeria expects first Covid-19 vaccines doses in February MERCY AYODELE

Nigeria’s inflation rate quickens t0 15.75%

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igeria has been experiencing the coronavirus second wave which has proven to be deadlier than the first wave. But there is some good news as the FG has announced that the country expects to take delivery of its first set of Covid-19 vaccine doses in February. The health workers, top government officials and vulnerable people to be given priority. The vaccines, which could be as many as 100,000 doses of Pfizer Inc.’s shot, will be procured through the Covax initiative backed

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by Gavi the Vaccine Alliance. The first batch of vaccines will be enough for about 50,000 will be allocated to healthcare professionals working in Covid-19 isolation centers and those supporting them.

Biden inaugurated as the 46th president of the United States

oe Biden, the new President of the United States in one of his first acts has signed an executive order reversing the immigration ban placed on Nigeria by the former president, Donald Trump. Trump issued a statement February 2020 that Nigeria has been added to a list of countries whose citizens will in some way be restricted from entering the United States.

Biden has reversed this ban not only for Nigeria but also for over a dozen other countries including Eritrea, Yemen, and Sudan. This is just one of the 17 other executive policies reversed from the previous tenure. This reversal makes it possible for Nigerians to obtain green cards in the coming days.

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oe Biden having won the presidential elections was inaugurated as the 46th president of the United States took place on January 20, 2021marking the commencement of the four-year term of Joe Biden as president. The inaugural ceremony took place on the West Front of the United States Capitol in Washington, D.C. being the 59th presidential inauguration. Biden took the presidential oath of office pledging to confront an array of convulsing challenges and bring healing and unity to a deeply fractured nation.

Violent youth protest hits Tunisia

Kamala Harris sworn in as America’s first female Vice President

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aking histor y on the inauguration day was Kamala Harris who was sworn in as America's first female, Black and South Asian American vice president at the West Front of the Capitol. Vice President Kamala Harris drew applause as she entered the chamber to deliver the oath of office to the new Democratic senators, Jon Ossoff, Raphael Warnock and Alex Padilla just hours after taking her own oath at the Capitol alongside Biden. Moments after her swearing in, she tweeted

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everal attempt to end the 5-day violent protest by the Tunisian youths has provided abortive. The youth are enraged that North African country is on the verge of bankruptcy and has dire need for public services. The youth are disappointed that the 10 year anniversary of the revolution that ousted autocratic president Zine El Abidine Ben Ali has little to show in terms of improvement.resumption.

"Ready to serve" from her official handle Vice President Kamala Harris.

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News Roundup

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Vice President Osinbajo promises to lift 20 million Nigerians out of poverty with N5000 monthly

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ice President Yemi Osinbajo has said that the current administration has a plan to lift 20 million Nigerians out of poverty in the next two years by giving out N5000 monthly. This statement generated a lot of buzz on social media with many Nigeria making comments about how it is impossible to lift any one out of poverty with N5000 monthly. Nigeria has one of the highest poverty rates in the world with almost half of the population living in extreme poverty. The World Bank has

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projected that another fresh 11 million Nigerians with be added to the poverty list, thanks to the pandemic and the economic recession..

FG says no SIM card will be blocked until February 9th

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arious agitations for the government to cancel the ongoing NIN registration and linking has fallen on deaf ears as the federal government has urge Nigerians to comply with the directives of the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) or risk getting their SIM cards blocked on February 9th. About 47.8 million Nigerians already have their NINs collected by the mobile operators. Many Nigerians continue to lament over the strenuous procedures to register for NIN with the spike in COVID-19 cases in the countries.

Heirs Holdings expands oil and gas portfolio

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eirs Holdings (HH), in partnership with Transnational Corporation of Nigeria Plc (Transcorp), announced the acquisition of a 45 percent participating interest in Nigerian oil licence OML 17 and related assets from the Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Limited, Total E&P Nigeria Limited and ENI. The deal was struck through TNOG Oil and Gas Limited, a related company of Heirs Holdings and Transcorp, which will have sole operatorship of the asset. With a financing Businessday.ng

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Museveni wins Uganda presidential poll, Bobi Wine rejects result

component of US$1.1 billion, industry sources say the transaction is one of the largest oil and gas financings in Africa in more than a decade.

ganda’s electoral commission has declared incumbent Yoweri Museveni the winner of the country’s presidential election, extending his 35-year rule as his main rival Bobi Wine alleged fraud and urged citizens to reject the result. Museveni secured 5.85 million votes, or 58.64 percent, of the total votes cast, while main opposition candidate Bobi Wine won 3.48 million votes or 34.83 percent.

Bobi Wine rejects this results saying they would not live like serfs and that the results were fabricated.

SATURDAY 23, JANUARY 2021

Photo Of The Week

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Matema Beach Resort Osse Sinare Content Creator | Youtuber | Photographer www.ossegrecasinare.com

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OPINION

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The Power Of The Single Story To Nation Building CHIDERA MUOKA

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he first thing that comes to mind when you hear of the single story is Chimamanda Adichie’s 2013 TED Talks titled The Danger of a Single Story, and although the author gave legitimate points as to the dangers of stereotyping, it gives a bad name to the purpose a single story does when it is properly told and seen through.

The world has come upon changes that will define us for the next couple of generations. We have developed from physical currencies to virtual currencies.

Social media has made it possible for the average human to be connected to at least ten different countries. We lift the myth of virtual working as we move through the uncertain waters of the Businessday.ng

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OPINION

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novel coronavirus in our daily lives.

Although the world seems to be in a constant state of flux, it has become even more important for nations to develop the story that influences public perception and relations with them.

Countries like New Zealand have been able to adapt in the fight to flatten the curve. How? According to Med Page Today, the culture of New Zealand was significant in achieving this. The culture emphasises c om mu n i c ati on , e mp at hy, a n d cooperation with all academic, political, and scientific institutions.

The power of this culture has New Zealand a positive case study in the battle against the virus. It also reinforced the citizen’s belief in their country and influenced public perception of what a working society looks like.

We best know the UAE for its key economic drivers - tourism and business development. To ensure the sustainability of these economic drivers; they have adapted laws in terms of taxes and tourism that have made it favourable to any participants of these drivers. This mindset influenced their bid for the COVID-19 vaccine, and why Dubai (one of its popular tourist states) was flooded with tourists from all over the world in December 2020. The UAE’s story to the average global citizen is that of safety and advancement.

Canada has been on the Nigerian radar in more recent times and has been linked with the infamous slang japa (to immigrate) because of the open invitation to immigrants by the country to keep their populations growing and to support their labour markets.

Only in 2019, 12,600 Nigerians became permanent residents of Canada, and this number has only ballooned.

According to the Pew Research Center, the presidential term of Donald Trump reduced the positive public image of the country around the world. The world’s greatest country and leader of the free world was open to scrutiny because of its leader, who was subject to tantrums and radical decision-making. The story of this president marred the effort and years the United States of America has put into positioning itself as the leader of the free world.

It would almost be unfair to mention Nigeria in the conversation, however, it

is almost as important that we ask what story the world believes of Nigeria. We have moved from the giants of Africa to the ridicule of the continent. When asked about Nigeria, the average global citizen links the country to internet fraud, terrorist attacks, poverty, and more recently human rights violation.

The single-story of Nigeria is not driven by a vision that triumphs between the leaders and the political parties in question. It is a story built based on their individual bias, Nigerian leaders have been to Nigeria what Donald Trump has been to the USA in four years. We know what we need to attain the Nigeria of our dreams; we need weavers to create a story that influences its citizens like New Zealand, a story that drives our economy like the UAE, and implementers of the story that move us one step away from the current disaster of the USA.

would author it? BD Muoka is a multipotentialite and a storyteller. A firm believer of storytelling, she is committed to push compelling narratives through her storytelling agency, House Of ZETA. Social media handles IG: @themadamezeta /Twitter: @ TheMadameZeta / LinkedIn: Chidera Muoka

Nigeria needs a powerful story. Who Businessday.ng

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COMMUNICATION

SATURDAY 23, JANUARY 2021

VACCINE HESITANCY AND THE PLACE OF EMPATHETIC COMMUNICATION CHIDINDU MMADU-OKOLI

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COMMUNICATIOJ

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fter several prevention, management and control methods deployed globally in the past 12-14 months, since the first announcement of the COVID-19 outbreak, scientists and researchers have taken one major leap that is leading to a big change in the lives of mankind. We have a vaccine!

In simple terms, as seat belts help prevent us from road accidents, vaccines prevent us, in the first instance, from getting sick from a disease. A vaccine is a biological substance containing the dead or weakened form of the disease-causing microorganism, which when administered to the body, provides protection (immunity) against that disease. When one receives a vaccine, the immune system responds in three steps: Recognition: The immune system recognizes the invading or disease-causing organism Antibody Production: The immune system naturally produces “warriors'' called antibodies. Antibodies are proteins whose function is to fight disease.

Immune Memory: The immune system does not forget. It remembers the disease once you are exposed to them in the future and quickly destroys it, before you become unwell. In such cases, it’s like a lock-and-key effect. The antibody fits perfectly into the antigen and eats or kills it.

However, a knowledge of how vaccines work is not enough to make the world open to this preventative option, for diverse reasons including vaccine hesitancy.

Described as a delay in the acceptance or refusal of vaccines despite the availability of vaccine services, vaccine hesitancy is a challenge worldwide. Globally, racism and other health inequalities have contributed to major public health concerns over the years. These concerns are hinged on views of the anti-vax communities, a distrust in the public health systems, the amplification of disinformation through the digital media, ill-equipped healthcare workers who have inadequate health communication skills to empower patients and the public, amongst others.

Locally, a 2020-study published by The Nigerian Journal of General Practice, shows that context-specific factors contributing to vaccine hesitancy in Nigeria is largely dependent on its multi-ethnic and multi-religious diversity across the various geographical regions. Other influencing factors like educational and socio-economic status also contribute to the uptake of vaccines. Vaccine hesitancy in the early 2000s, contributed to the heightened cases of polio in Northern Nigeria. In some religious contexts, all deaths, including those from vaccine-preventable diseases, are ascribed to, as the will of God. There are also those who see vaccines as the western agenda to depopulate people of African origin. More specific to COVID-19 is the misinformation and assumption by most Nigerians that the disease is simply non-existent, or at most a type of malaria, for which the government is using to plunge into the national economy.

We cannot ignore these concerns as we begin the COVID19 vaccination in Nigeria. Since vaccination from vaccinepreventable diseases offer the fastest route to herd immunity, concerns that influence a people's disposition to it must first be understood and addressed using context-specific strategies.

What, then, is the place of empathetic communication in Businessday.ng

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COMMUNICATION

SATURDAY 23, JANUARY 2021

safe and long-term benefits of getting vaccinated.

vaccine administration?

The first and most important step is for the government to join forces with allies: healthcare workers, scientists, researchers, religious, community, social, political influencers at all levels who are strong advocates of vaccination as a launchpad to health security. These forces at various levels must imbibe empathy in reaching out to and engaging with individuals and communities who, verbally or not, express these concerns. For a win-win engagement: Seek to listen, understand and acknowledge the concerns of the individuals or groups. This step is nonnegotiable, as we cannot talk about behavioural change communication if we do not pay attention to the people. Acknowledge by showing that their fears, worries, complacency, or cautiousness are valid. A community where everyone is heard is one where we see a surge in transparency and trust for health workers and public health systems.

Give and receive feedback without blame. The best approach to empathetic, change-driven communication is not to ask people to roll up their sleeves and Businessday.ng

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get the COVID-19 vaccine because it is what we think best for them. Our approach should reflect that we care more about them, what they represent, their dreams, liberty and safety, amongst others. Feedback given in the way that these audiences can understand, and gain the support or endorsement of influencers from these communities present a win - win situation.

Most times, these underlying causes reflect an unfamiliarity with the content of the vaccine, a deficit of information by experts, or even a lack of trust in information shared by non-experts.

This is where we address issues around misinformation using sound, relevant and easy-to understand communication methods. Massive health education, especially in local languages, could simplify complexities like the content of the vaccine, how it works, why it is

Identifying and engaging with audience segments like parents and household leaders, whose decisions are key in vaccinating against COVID-19 and other vaccine-preventable diseases are key. This can be achieved through town hall meetings in communities and religious groups. Knowing that these people often have the final say, we need to be honest without coming off as insulting.

Addressing these vaccine hesitancy in the most humane way is neither a one-time campaign nor is it dependent on a single type of intervention. Most times, it is a long journey. However, the multiple interrelated determinants underlying this behaviour can be addressed per time. It is a continuous loop of listening, understanding, acknowledging concern and giving timely, relevant feedback in a way that is memorable and shareable within these communities. In the long run engagement strategies suited to a local context will do more to reduce vaccine hesitancy and amplify the uptake of COVID-19 vaccination. BD

Ibukun Akinbamijo is a visionary who keeps adding value to men and women. She is the Founder of The Evolution Center; a coaching platform that offers edifying courses engineered towards the training of men and women, to help them live a holistic life. She holds a Bachelor's degree in International Law and Diplomacy, and a Master's Degree in Political Science. A Certified Life Coach, Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) Practitioner and an Emotions Therapist. She is also an Emotional Intelligence Specialist. Ibukun is a ball of fire who has authored 2 life-transforming books with a number of other book projects in the works, as well as being an Accredited Mediator and ADR Registrar who specializes in peace and conflict resolutions. Connect with her via Email akinbamijoibukun@gmail.com

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ART

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RELATIONSHIP

IBUKUN AKINBAMIJO Businessday.ng

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RELATIONSHIP

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r Tola had booked a session with me for over a month but he never showed. Just when I was about refunding him, he sent me a message saying ‘I am so sorry for my silence, when can we see?’ During our meeting, he looked at me with tears in his eyes and said ‘why would she die? Why would she leave me alone? We didn’t plan it this way; we were supposed to grow old and gray together. Why would she die?’Mr Tola’s late wife had passed on on the operating table while having a Caesarean Section (CS) for their son.

He couldn’t understand how she passed and left him. He didn’t understand how she could be that ‘cruel’ to him. He said she was truly ‘selfish’ to have walked out on him from life. Mr Tola spoke about his anger and pain at her death, like she was right in front of him and could hear him. He spoke like he wanted to get an apology from her despite the fact that she was dead. At a point, he was referring to her as ‘that woman’. He also became angry at himself for allowing a CS. Grief is a multifaceted emotion, it drags along with it so many other emotions.

Grief is a person’s response to loss.

People respond in so many ways to the loss of a loved one, so there is no ‘textbook style’ for responding to loss.

People laugh, cry, go quiet or withdraw

from others, get angry, scream and people become depressed and suicidal while grieving. Grief can lead one on a destructive path if care is not taken.

And that’s why, it is not appropriate to tell people how to grieve, your duty is to be there for them because they need you and they might not be able to say it.

Mr Tola was going through one of the many other emotions encompassed in grief, which is anger. It is not rare for people grieving to be angry with themselves or at the person they lost.

This anger is in two phases: Why couldn’t I save the person?

Why did the person die? Why didn’t the

person save him/herself?

It is important to note that there are certain things we have no control over, if it was within our control, many of us would choose life eternal on earth regardless of the issues we are going through. However, when people transition from earth, we need to understand that they have gone on to rest. Knowing that if it was up to them, they would still be here should also bring us a level of peace.

The dead cannot respond to the questions on our minds, we need to get help with healing from their death and our pain. BD

Ibukun Akinbamijo is a visionary who keeps adding value to men and women. She is the Founder of The Evolution Center; a coaching platform that offers edifying courses engineered towards the training of men and women, to help them live a holistic life. She holds a Bachelor's degree in International Law and Diplomacy, and a Master's Degree in Political Science. A Certified Life Coach, Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) Practitioner and an Emotions Therapist. She is also an Emotional Intelligence Specialist. Ibukun is a ball of fire who has authored 2 life-transforming books with a number of other book projects in the works, as well as being an Accredited Mediator and ADR Registrar who specializes in peace and conflict resolutions. Connect with her via Email akinbamijoibukun@gmail.com

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BRANDS

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THE CASE FOR CONSOLIDATION IN THE NIGERIAN MEDIA INDUSTRY YOMI OWOPE

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he Nigerian media industry has witnessed tremendous growth over the past two decades. However, the sector has consistently failed to command the level of financing that is required to harness its full potential.

Many traditional media enterprises remain unable to attract funding from potential investors because of the myriad of challenges affecting them as they engage in the daunting task of keeping afloat in Nigeria’s tough business climate.

The Media as a business in Nigeria is fraught with difficulties of perennial shortage of capital and manpower, and entrepreneurs in this field are often left to go after funding from personal means, including unconventional sources. This means that within a few months or years of commencing operations, the business begins to struggle and often ends up insolvent. Across every sector of media, the entire landscape is strewn with carcasses of defunct media establishments. Many not yet deceased are barely getting by, essentially comatose in operations, with demotivated staff members scrounging to make ends meet.

A World Association of Newspapers and News Publishers report on mobilising funding for independent news media states that “the capitalization gap for independent news media businesses in developing markets is a stark reality.” In Nigeria, this stark reality is reflected in the number of news media businesses that have folded up in the past 25 years. Television s t at i o n s s u c h a s Clapperboard, DBN and MBI, pioneers in the field of independent television, have either died or mutated so much as to be unrecognizable.

In the cable TV sector, HITV is the poster child for a media start-up arriving with much promise, but never able to surmount the innumerable impediments which besieged it from the day it commenced operations.

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broadcast start-ups like NN24, ACTV, Infinity, Daarsat, MyTV, Consat, Montage and never actually stood a chance as they all foundered even before gaining significant market share. The story is always the same: many months and billions of naira later, operations grind to a halt and the blame game commences. This same trend has been witnessed in virtually all the sectors of the media industry.

There are no more than 3 leading dailies from the 1980s that are still operational and thriving today. Daily Times’ recent rebirth under new management has not really paid off as the paper has failed to live up to its glory days. Compass, New Age, NEXT, Post Express, Eagle, Third Eye, Daily Mirror and many others never made it past a few months in operation before going belly up, throwing hundreds of journalists out of work.

Apart from the fixed costs for equipment, technology and content, there are the prohibitive costs of licensing, regulation and other hidden elements that make the business a high-risk venture and hence unattractive to potential investors in Nigeria. Additionally, there are economic and political pressures from the elite in developing countries, including Nigeria, who make the survival of the media business difficult without their influence and involvement.

This in no small way greatly inhibits the role of a free press in a democratic society. A fallout of this is that Nigerians still largely rely on Western media to provide reportage on stories affecting them every day.

A BGL Research and Intelligence report on the state of the media industry in Nigeria asserts that “attempts to raise private equity-style funds for the industry have remained largely unsuccessful,” but that for the Nollywood side of the media business, international attention and strong interest from global markets has seen some change for the better. This does not seem to be the case for the core media and journalism industry, which continues to be trapped in the cycle of undercapitalisation, economic hardship and easy buyouts and control from wealthy individuals with vested interests and for intellectual hegemony. Today, widely read dailies like The Sun, The Nation, The Independent, Daily Trust, Pilot, National Mirror and others are 100%-owned by politicians. Others, including television and radio stations that are ostensibly “independent,” are deeply influenced by the political class and can hardly survive without the patronage of the elite.

For independent media to thrive therefore, new strategies for accessing funding and capital must be

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employed, especially if they are to fulfil their role of being the watchdog on which the public can rely for balanced news and information. This assessment of the challenges in the Nigerian media industry commenced in 2014 during a research program at the Pan Atlantic University. It is an attempt at a daring solution, which some agree, may be an answer to an industry characterised by a myriad of never-ending problems.

ceased its operations in Nigeria. Perhaps this should have been a warning sign to the others who came after it, as most of them operated for three years or less. It is instructive to note that what happened to HITV cannot happen in China – but that’s a story for another day.

SORRY STATE OF AFFAIRS More than half of Nigeria’s media organisations are fundamentally insolvent, unable to meet their obligations as and when due. This writer’s survey found that around half of the media establishments operating in Nigeria (across all fields), have not

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The tendency is to put the blame squarely on the owners’ shoulders, without due consideration of all the peripheral factors which have stopped them from reaching their full potential in the years of operation. While this may be true, it is not entirely the case with all the start-ups. It is a well-known fact that when companies like NN24, Bloomberg Nigeria, NEXT newspapers and Ebony Life TV commenced operations, they possessed some of the best employee benefit schemes available across the industry, with local and international training programs bankrolled by the organisation. HITV on its own attracted the best hands with impressive pay packages – its human capacity development was also second to none in the industry during the time it operated. But survival in the media business requires much more than best intentions or having capable hands; it requires capital and lots of it.

MIRED IN DEBT AND MEDIOCRITY

THE HITV EFFECT In 2005, lawyer and media entrepreneur Toyin Subair made an incursion into the Nigerian media industry with the launch of HITV. Within three years, the organisation had acquired sizeable market share in the pay TV industry by being the exclusive rights owner for the European Premiere League in Nigeria. On expiration however, HITV was only able to come up with a fraction of the bid amount needed to renew the rights to the League and lost the bid to its South African competition, DSTV. Within 18 months of this loss, HITV

paid wages in more than 3 months – and this was before the coronavirus pandemic. Most media establishments in Nigeria do not contribute to any pension fund. They also do not possess health insurance or life insurance that guarantees benefits to the journalist’s family in the event of their death in the line of duty.

By almost every measure, the traditional Nigerian media industry is not pulling its weight. There are no regional magazines, with coverage across West Africa, let alone the sub-Saharan region. A number of publications have attempted to push across borders, but the sheer size of capital required to hire the right people, print locally and deliver relevant content on a consistent basis, meant that they would spread themselves too thin, as was the case with True Love, Flair West Africa and Hello. TV and satellite stations with coverage across borders could only boast of negligible numbers until the Businessday.ng

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recent cultural exchange occurring through music, art, cinema and the digital convergence. And even then, the people getting the benefits of such exchanges are not home-grown media establishments, but rather hybrids like Africa Magic and their spin offs, which are an agglomeration of many iterated ideas from the struggling competition.

In the news segment, some notable exceptions are TVC News and News Central (a reincarnated NN24), which attempts an Aljazeera model of local reporting across Africa. Indeed, TVC News hired top talent from Aljazeera at its launch - eight years ago - in a bid to establish a truly continental news platform. This impressive feat has one problem, however. One should Businessday.ng

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note that Aljazeera is 100% Qatari government-owned, which has an agenda to bring reportage straight out of the Middle East which their western competition was unable to do. In Africa, news is fragmented and must be relevant locally. Most people are not aware of – nor do they care about - the fighting in Ethiopia or the threat of Al Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb. They do care about the rising cost of food or the ASUU strike. TVC realised this quickly and ceased its Africa-wide reporting after running for more than 5 years without profit.

We should also note that Aljazeera is not profit-driven but agenda driven and will therefore be sustained as part of the overall budget of the Government

of Qatar. Reporting hard news across Africa without unlimited access to money will be a failed experiment if media owners do not focus operations to connecting with local audiences.

Yes, there is BBC Africa, but there is also BBC Hausa, and Yoruba, and Pidgin and so forth. Also consider that Aljazeera America failed after less than three years and billions of dollars for this very reason: by trying to make Aljazeera America profitoriented without localizing, they failed in their mission as the American public never warmed to the station. The New York Times writes that the station was essentially dead on arrival, with a parent company in Doha overtly promoting Qatari Government foreign

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in recent months under a new chief executive.

INDUSTRY CONSOLIDATION AS SOLUTION In making a case for the consolidation of the banking industry at a special Bankers' Committee meeting in 2004, Professor Charles Soludo made an important note: "All over the world and given the internationalization of finance, size has become an important ingredient for success in the globalizing world. In the world of finance, no country can afford to operate in isolation. The last few years have witnessed the creation of the world’s biggest banking group through mergers and acquisitions.

The trend has been influenced by factors such as prospects of costsavings due to economies of scale as well as more efficient allocation of resources; enhanced efficiency in resource allocation; and risk reduction arising from improved management."

policy objectives including supporting controversial organisations like the Muslim Brotherhood.

Another fresh entrant is Arise TV, which was launched with much global pomp, but came to near utter ruin under the weight of licensing fees, massive running costs and intercontinental lawsuits. For those who remembered the defunct “THISDAY South Africa,” it was easy to predict that it would be an experiment doomed from the start, having London and Washington DC bureaus established with no defensible plan for revenue generation and inadequate understanding of local labour laws in Europe or the Americas.

The revamped Arise TV with a narrower focus has seen some success

Following on the above point, it should not be entirely sacrilegious to suggest that the entire future of the traditional media industry as we know it today rests on consolidation. For decades, most of Nigeria’s newspaper houses, television and radio stations have operated as one-man businesses, struggling to make ends meet. The same style of governance has spilled over into the digital media space through the likes of Linda Ikeji, Uche Pedro and so forth. With digital however, growing organically, while slow, enables companies to manage costs and remain sustainable.

For many t radit iona l me di a establishments, their response has been to set up websites and social media accounts churning out the same content from their newsrooms in the hopes of acquiring new audiences or appealing to millennials and Gen Z. It has now become clear that old media business models have been irrevocably disrupted and that the new models - even for early adopters of online journalism - are fundamentally different from what they once were.

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scale, enhanced efficiency in resource allocation and risk reduction arising from improved management.” Simply put, size matters – for relevance, for influence and for profit. For the media industry as we know it to survive, become profitable and attract top talent, there must be consolidation on an unprecedented scale, not just within the same fields of media, but across industrial catchments. A truly viable consolidation venture will see at least 3 to 4 big players from every field. This would mean the tentative merger of say, Thisday, Guardian and Vanguard with a medium size television station and two leading radio stations. Throw “The Cable” or “Premium Times” into the mix to bring their online proficiency, and you’re ready for the next 10 years.

One of the important considerations in these kinds of mergers as has been noted in other industries is the similarity in vision or core principles.

Channels Television, with a strong partiality for news may merge with or acquire the news divisions of AIT and Silverbird Television, while Silverbird and AIT’s other core divisions can focus primarily on entertainment programming, which may then see the acquisition of smaller operations like ONTV, Rave TV, Superscreen, MITV and TVC Entertainment – and all this before bringing in radio stations and entertainment magazines under the same corporation. Following the same logic, TW Magazine, Genevieve, Exquisite Magazine and others should become a single entity; but this will not be enough without a BellaNaija in the mix and several other struggling platforms offering good content. This writer brought up these possibility or mergers by having extensive discussions with a number of media chiefs on the issue. Some declined outright. Others saw it as a great idea but doubted its practicability since most of the establishments were started and wholly owned by a single individual. The problem with this kind of thinking is that it is already becoming too late. BD

CONSOLIDATE OR DIE The ke y t a ke aways f rom t he consolidation of the banking industry which the media must now focus on are, “cost-savings due to economies of Businessday.ng

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BUSINESS

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SATURDAY 23, JANUARY 2021

GENERATE BUSINESS IDEAS THROUGH OBSERVATION GLORY ENYINNAYA

O

bserving your environment using the AEIOU Framework is a powerful tool for generating ideas.

Using the AEIOU framework helps you take note of: Activities: What are people doing?

Environment: How are people using the environment?

What’s the role of the environment?

to improve the coffee shop that might warrant further exploration for improvement.

Using observational techniques helps you develop logical insights on how you can improve the world around you. BD Glory Enyinnaya is an international business consultant and corporate change agent who has consulted for a diverse range of blue-chip companies, including Accenture, Nigeria LNG, British-American Tobacco, Access Bank, FCMB and

Interactions: Do you see any routines? Do you observe special interactions between people? Between people and objects?

MTN. She has also advised over 200 entrepreneurs

Objects: What’s there and being used or not used? Describe engagement with objects

States).

Users: Who are the users? What are their roles? Look for extreme users.

To put this principle into practice, visit your favorite coffee shop and find a nice place to sit that allows a good view of the room. Use the AEIOU framework to take note of the activities of people around you – the waiters, the customers etc. How are people using the space and objects? Look for patterns or interesting things that stand out. Analyze your observations and develop 3 unique insights on how Businessday.ng

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for clients such as the Centre for Global Enterprise (New York), the Entrepreneur Scan (Netherlands) and the International Business Accelerator (United

She is a technology entrepreneur, having founded Kleos Africa, which is Africa's pioneer consulting platform. She is a Regional Partner for Faster Capital, a venture capital fund in the UAE which funds entrepreneurial projects around the world. She is a founding member of the African Women Entrepreneurship Cooperative (AWEC).

She facilitates sessions on strategy and entrepreneurship at Lagos Business School and Regenesys Business School. She is also a frequent contributor to the FATE Foundation's MSME Hub and the SME Toolkit of the Enterprise Development Centre of the Pan-Atlantic University. She is available to advise aspiring and current entrepreneurs on Kleos Africa and can be reached at glory@gloryenyinnaya.com.

SATURDAY 23, JANUARY 2021

Restaurant

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A GUIDE TO EXPERIENCING GREECE IN LAGOS: MYKONOS ON THE ROOF Businessday.ng

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RESTAURANT

O

ne of the striking wonders of Lagos is how it can practically morph into anything, providing us with the pleasure of experiencing different cultures on a spot; be it through music, food and any other medium. The art and culture scene in Lagos is deep rooted and can be felt wholesomely; in fact, there is no denying its presence.

One of the many gifts Lagos has provided us with is the ability to experience cultures; partly or wholly. Through music, food and now; even restaurant ambience provides this beautiful experience only Lagos can give.

A number of foreign cultures can be proudly found in Lagos, especially in the form of restaurants. It is not out of place for these restaurants to make the art and culture powerhouse of Africa their abode, it is quite welcome even. It is just a gift that keeps on giving.

Themed restaurants are not uncommon and in Lagos, themed restaurants create an atmosphere that provide an unforgettable dining experience for visitor; it is a creative way to appeal to guests.

Theming is used to attract guests to create a memorable experience. For example, apart from the food, an Arab Businessday.ng

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themed restaurant would have elements of decor that can be found in the Arabian culture; giving visitors a mind trip.

Theming is giving a whole new meaning to overall customer satisfaction; it is the new way restaurants now provide a unique dining experience for guests.

Thanks to the concept of restaurant theming; themed restaurants provide their guests with some kind of simulation of the real deal.

Themed restaurants give guests a semblance of an alternate reality, it is a reference to a particular demographic or culture.

One of those themed restaurants is “Mykonos of The Roof ” that is seeking to give guests an out-of-body experience of Greek Island it was named after. It is located at Ogbunike street, Lekki; it is a creative adaptation of the famous Greek party island “Mykonos”, it is an island found in the Cyclades group of the Aegean Sea. It is a breathtaking city known for its beauty and amazing white walls, summer party atmosphere and vivid nightlife; the restaurant is modelled to give guests that “paradise” feel that can only be associated with the famous island.

You can consider it a personal ode to the Greek Island; a worthy one at that.

SATURDAY 23, JANUARY 2021

The Island took its name from the grandson of the Greek god “Apollo”, even the island’s architecture is distinct!

Imagine experiencing all that history and beauty in the heart of Lagos.

It is a rooftop restaurant that conveniently overlooks the Lagos lagoon and the Ikoyi link bridge (which definitely contributes to the Greek Island aesthetics).

It is known for its amazing view that is a sight to behold, amazing décor that is minimalist but still gives off the Greek opulence, nice staff, amazing finger foods and music.

The destination bar opened in November of 2019 and since then has garnered a sturdy reputation in thoughtfully giving guests a make-believe Greek island experience.

Its opening hours are between 2pm2am daily. BD Karla Abua, for wheninlagos.com Lead Brand Curator, WheninLagos.com is your source for local lifestyle news. We curate the things that matter to you the most and highlight great things to do, attend, view, and eat When in Lagos.

SATURDAY 23, JANUARY 2021

BOOK REVIEW

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Ways to Stand Out at Work- A Review of Ngozi Adebiyi’s Grow Title: Grow Author: Ngozi Adebiyi Year of Publication: 2017 Number of Pages: 158 Category: Self Improvement

Ways to Stand Out at Work- A Review of Ngozi Adebiyi’s Grow .

TITILADE OYEMADE

G

row is a collection of articles that were published in a newspaper and also in blogs and is full of instructive ideas presented in digestible bite-sizes.

The book uses a range of options including real life events and movie references to reveal a pathway for leading yourself and others towards a goal/business success or career achievement and life.

Grow puts forward novel thematic drift not always associated with career, the workplace and entrepreneurship (e.g. are you a diaper leader? What are you minding? What are you incapable of? Soft skills are new hard skills etc.). Ngozi Adebiyi, however, deftly switches between and around the themes with elegance, carrying the reader along and leaving no one confused about her direction or message. Some of the topics seem to be addressed in a simplistic way and each can be taken as a nugget.

The book will have you thinking about how to get the passion back in your career.

Many today aspire to have purpose or meaning in our career, so much so we seek for ways up to the pinnacle of life as best to improve the quality of our lives. Unfortunately, most of do not have a hang of the traits and behaviors that can ensure we excel in our chosen careers.

Ngozi Adebiyi who is CEO of Outsidein HR (as well as author of Grow), reveals her yearning to share some of what she had learned from books and from the mistakes she has gone through in her career culminating in the desire to help and challenge people with the same or similar goal .

The writing is clear, and the tenderness with which Adebiyi writes is inspiring. Each chapter consists of illustrations and beautiful designs packed in an easy-to-read format.

The book is a brilliant answer to possible questions on emotional intelligence, business partnering, ownership mindset, leadership and more.

Grow targets employees at all levels of an organization who want to bring a significant transformation within their company. And coming from a woman who has gained her experience working as an HR expert & consultant with and from several leading firms.

The best way to read “Grow” is slowly - deliberately, bite after bite digest the chunks of nutritious career sustenance. At over 150 pages, it becomes a rewarding and relatable experience. You can enter and exit every page of this illustrated book on whatever page you choose. It is that accessible.. BD

oye m a d e is a business execute in a leading organisation and holds a degree in Russian Language. She’s the convener of the Hangoutwithtee Ladies Event and the publisher of Hangoutwithtee magazine. She spends her weekends attending women conferences, events and book readings. She loves to have fun and to help other women have the same in their lives.

Email: titi.oyemade@gmail.com Social: @tiipree

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Laughter in the mirror

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SATURDAY 23, JANUARY 2021

EVENTS

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EVENTS

SATURDAY 23, JANUARY 2021

Didi Museum is pleased to invite you to the Heartwells Foundation Fundraising Art Exhibition titled ‘Art for Cancer’ on the 29th of January – 31st of January, 2021 at DIDI Museum.

The exhibition will feature works from 9 notable painters and sculptors who would exhibit their works to help raise funds for cancer patients across the nation.

Art for Cancer would include works from renowned artists like Juliet Ezenwa Maja-Pearce, Gerry Nnubia, Emmanuel Isiuwe hopes to raise funds that will assist individuals living with cancer with the monetary capability to fight this battle.

The Heartwells Foundation is an NGO dedicated to education and cancer awareness, prevention outreach targets, early detection of breast and cervical cancers owing to their high prevalence, to possibly forestall death, and support for examinations and maintenance of patients.

Opening date for the exhibition 29th January Time: 4pm, other days 30th -31st January, Time 11 am-5 pm.

Other renowned artists showcasing at the exhibition includes Taiye Erewele, Bertha Onyekachi, Gab Awusa, Godwin Adesoye, Chris Ogiebo, Ebong Ekwere, Lucky Isaiah, Dare Adenuga, Omoyeni Arogunmati, Akanimoh Umoh and Luke Osaro.

Proceeds from this exhibition through the Heartwells Foundation will go to the support of individuals living with cancer, cancer awareness and outreach programmes.

This exhibition will be conducted in line with the State Covid-19 regulations on social distancing and sanitization.

About DIDI Museum

Didi Museum is Nigeria’s first private museum established on the 11th of May, 1983 at the private residence of the founder, Dr. Newton Jibunoh. It has since then grown to become a space that has hosted 100s of exhibitions for both domestic and international artists as well as expanded its collection of antiques that dates back centuries.

It is located at 175 Akin Adesola Street, Victoria Island, Lagos.

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SATURDAY 23, JANUARY 2021

RECIPE

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Chicken mac and cheese recipe INGREDIENTS 1. 340 g boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 3) , cubed 2. Pinch each salt and pepper 3. 1/4 cup butter 4. Half onion , chopped 5. 4 teaspoons all-purpose flour 6. 1 1/2 cup milk 7. 1/2 cup prepared butter chicken sauce 8. 1 3/4 cup shredded Cheddar cheese 9. 1 3/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese 10. 1 teaspoon tandoori masala (optional) 11. 2 cups elbow macaroni 12. 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro

METHOD 1. Sprinkle chicken with salt and pepper. In large cast-iron or ovenproof skillet, melt 1 tbsp of the butter over medium heat; cook chicken, stirring occasionally, until no longer pink inside, about 5 minutes. Transfer to bowl. Set aside.

2. In same pan, melt remaining butter over medium heat; cook onion, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 2 minutes.

Sprinkle in flour; cook, stirring, for 30 seconds.

3. Gradually whisk in milk and butter chicken sauce; cook, whisking, until thick enough to coat back of spoon, about 4 minutes.

Stir in 1 1/2 cups each of the Cheddar and mozzarella until melted. Stir in chicken and tandoori masala (if using). Meanwhile, in large saucepan of boiling salted water, cook pasta according to package instructions for al dente; drain well.

4. Stir pasta into chicken mixture until coated.

Sprinkle with remaining Cheddar and mozzarella; broil until top is bubbling and lightly browned, about 3 minutes. Let stand for 4 minutes. Sprinkle with cilantro.

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HEALTH TODAY

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SATURDAY 23, JANUARY 2021

“Love” they say, makes the world go round… But are there other benefits of love and being in love?

Amazing health benefits of being in Love DR MONISOLA ADANIJO

F

rom ancient times, the heart has been a symbol of love and romance, According to Harry Reis, PhD, co-editor of the Encyclopedia of Human Relationships: It takes a calmer, more stable form of love to yield clear health benefits.

He noted that there is very nice evidence that people who participate in satisfying, long-term relationships fare better on a whole variety of health measures.

A four-year study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association revealed that unmarried people suffering from heart disease were 52% more likely to experience a major cardiac event than married people with chronic heart issues. The same study found that married people who had heart attacks had a 14% lower risk of dying and spent an average of two days less in the hospital than their unmarried peers.

Here are a few that may surprise you:

Fewer Doctor’s Visits

A healthier heart It has been proven that there’s a correlation between romantic love and heart health.

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Human beings are designed to live in closely knit social groups. When that is not happening, the body systems break down. It has also been noticed that people in good relationships take better care of themselves.

Less Depression & Substance Abuse Being in a loving relationship reduces depression and contributes to a decline in heavy drinking and drug abuse, especially among young adults.

Social isolation is clearly linked to higher rates of depression.

Lower Blood Pressure A happy relationship is good for your blood pressure. In a study in the Annals of Behavioral Medicine, researchers found that happily married people had the best blood pressure and unhappily married participants fared the worst. Those with a strong social network also did well. It’s the quality of the relationship

HEALTH TODAY

SATURDAY 23, JANUARY 2021

that makes a difference.

Less Anxiety A loving, stable relationship helps reduce anxiety levels.

from the National Health Interview Survey, researchers found that people who had never been married were 58% more likely to die than married people.

Better Stress Management

Loving relationships may give the immune system a boost. Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University found that people who exhibit positive emotions are less likely to get sick after exposure to cold or flu viruses.

Longer Life A growing body of research indicates that married people live longer. One of the largest studies examines the effect of marriage on mortality during an eightyear period in the 1990s. Using data

Love indeed is the key and makes the world go round.

Dr Monisola Adanijo FMCP a Cardiologist and the Medical Director at Naveen Healthcare.

Love helps people stress. There is evidence of a link between social support and stress management. if you are going through stressful period, and you’ve got the support of someone who loves you, you its easier to cope.

Fewer Colds

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With

experience spanning over

20

years , she built her pathway in medicine and cardiology

Mecure Healthcare Limited, Barnes Hospital, Lagos University Teaching Hospital, University College Hospital, Ibadan, Chevron Hospital, Lagos to mention but a few.

working in reputable medical centres such as

Her passion for preventive cardiology led her to convene the Naveen Healthcare 10,000 Hearts Project, in order to help individuals detect, protect and correct cardiovascular diseases.

Skilled in cardiovascular diagnostic procedures and treatment, a fellow of the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria, a member of Nigerian Cardiac Society, American College of Physicians, Hypertension society of Nigeria and an international associate of the American College of Cardiology. She also has a Diploma in Leadership and Management from the University of Washington, USA, As a Continuous Medical Education (CME) provider, she has worked with the likes of Trigen Healthcare Solutions, Pfizer GP Academy, Diamond Helix Medical Assistance, Pfizer Pharmacy Academy, Global Health Project and Resources, Sanofi-Aventis Nigeria, Novartis Nigeria and Servier International. She has helped build capacity in Electrocardiogram interpretation, preventive cardiovascular diseases, management of heart failure, patient education and more.

She

launched the first

TeleElectrocardiogram

project in

Nigeria

and

West Africa

and does her part in contributing to

good health and wellbeing, a Sustainable Development Goal (SDG3) of the United Nations.

moni.adanijo@naveenhealthcare.com www.naveenhealthcare.com

Instagram: https://Instagram.com/moni_adanijo https://Instagram.com/naveenhealthcare

Linkedin: Monisola Adanijo

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RECIPE

DIY Hot chocolate recipe INSTRUCTIONS • Place the milk of your choice in a saucepan over medium-low heat. Using milk instead of water, makes this hot chocolate extra creamy and flavorful. I prefer whole milk or 2% milk, but you can choose any milk that you choose (I’ve even used unsweetened almond milk).

• Whisk in cocoa powder and sugar, and heat until warm.

• Once the milk is warm, add chocolate chips, whisking until they melt into the milk.

• Add a splash of vanilla extract.

• Serve immediately, topped with your favorite garnishes: marshmallows, whipped cream, chopped chocolate, crushed candy canes or more.BD

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SATURDAY 23, JANUARY 2021

SPORT

SATURDAY 23, JANUARY 2021

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ANTHONY NLEBEM

T

he $1billion fight

Mayweather sets for money spinning showdown with McGregor

F

loyd Mayweather is in talks with Conor McGregor over a sensational $1billion rematch, according to reports from SunSport.

The undefeated American legend stopped the Irish MMA star on his boxing bow in August 2017, 16 months after SunSport once again broke the story of the cross-sport showdown.

The rerun could eclipse even those silly sums, if the fight-loving Middle East enters the bidding to host and fans convince themselves McGregor has a better chance now Mayweather is even further past his impeccable prime.

Anthony Joshua commanded £100m to take his Andy Ruiz Jr rematch to Saudi Arabia, focusing on just a UK boxing audience.

And, on the eve of Notorious' clash with Dustin Poirier back in the MMA octagon, we can confirm the leatherfisted money magnets are planning round two.

The world's biggest watch, whiskey and betting companies will splurge millions in sponsorship deals and adverts, every single blank surface in a ten-mile radius will be expertly branded - for a fee.

Mayweather went 50-0 with the tenthround Las Vegas stoppage of the Dubliner, making around £250million once all the pay-per-view sales were totted up.

With the right hype and fanciful promotion, the magic 'billion-dollar battle' tag could be plastered all over the gold-leaf posters.

And Money, 43, boosted that windfall at the bookies by carrying the novice in the early rounds and backing himself to get the win late.

At present, Mayweather's 2015 showdown with Manny Pacquiao is the biggest-money fight in history at £678m - but this could theoretically blow that out of the water.

McGregor who went from claiming £170 dole cheques to making the UFC a $4bn empire, cleared around £100m from the clash.

Despite a sensational career winning world titles in five divisions in some of history’s biggest fights, rumours of cash flow troubles follow Mayweather Businessday.ng

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SPORT

SATURDAY 23, JANUARY 2021

around.

And the chance to make another outrageous pay cheque by meeting McGregor inside a roped ring under Queensberry rules will be easy money for the pound-for-pound genius.

McGregor’s reputation was in no way harmed from the T-Mobile circus, with boxing and YouTube stars - from Manny Pacquiao to Jake Paul - queuing up to fight the Dubliner.

McGregor’s MMA reputation was severely dented by the one-sided battering he took from Khabib Nurmagomdeov in October 2018.

But he redeemed himself with a 40-second demolition of Donald Cerrone in January that left him desperate for more regular combat.

Although the ongoing pandemic is likely to hit any potential live gate, a global lockdown could boost TV buys all around the entertainment-starved world.

The UFC and biggest b oxing promotions have managed to continue with shows, either behind closed doors or dramatically reduced attendances inside bubbles.

Man Utd battle Liverpool, Atletico Madrid host Valencia, Atalanta vs Milan

F

rom the 2020-21 FA Cup, LaLiga and Serie A games, football fans are in for an exciting and thrilling action this weekend.

McGregor insists he will win a bonafide boxing world title before his career comes to a close.

The pick of Fourth Round matches in the FA Cup is definitely the meeting of Manchester United and Liverpool at Old Trafford on Sunday. The traditional rivals met recently in a key Premier League clash and a renewal of hostilities so soon is a real treat for fans.

Mayweather currently holds no title and the sanctioning bodies do not allow title challenges instantly after a loss, the money on offer could be enough to bend any of the fight game’s rules. BD

The Red Devils and the Merseysiders last met in the FA Cup back in January 2012, with Pool claiming a 2-1 home win thanks to goals from Daniel Agger and Dirk Kuyt.

This time around, United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is hoping midfielder Scott McTominay can continue the fine

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form he has shown in recent weeks: “We’ve always trusted our young men coming through and Scott’s one of them that we really believe has got the DNA of Man United in him, and he knows what it is to be a Man United player.

“Should he be scoring more goals?

We’ve said that to him so many times!

He’s strong, he’s quick, he can leap, [he has] good timing, so he should get more goals.”

Elsewhere, one of the most ‘romantic’ ties sees League Two’s Cheltenham To w n h o s t P r e m i e r L e a g u e heavyweights Manchester City on Saturday.

Not only is it a ‘David v Goliath’ clash, but City fans even helped raise funds

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atmosphere more positive.”

Atletico’s fellow heavyweights and title contenders, Real Madrid and Barcelona, face tricky away games, as they tackle Deportivo Alaves and Elche respectively on Saturday.

Barcelona manager Ronald Koeman has been under fire through most of the season, but is hoping to win more favour with fans.

“We want to continue with the level of performance we’ve given lately. We’re growing in all aspects and this is a good opportunity to show we’re on the right track,” said the Dutch coach.

The top match from the Italian top flight this weekend sees Milan host Atalanta at the San Siro on Saturday.

The Rossoneri have firmly established themselves as title contenders with their excellent form in the 2020-21 season.

for Cheltenham by buying ‘virtual tickets’ for what is arguably the most high profile game ever at (an empty) Jonny-Rocks Stadium.

“There is a real sense of togetherness from both sets of supporters and Man City fans have been amazing as they were in a similar situation a few years back,” said campaign organiser James Robinson.

Tottenham Hotspur are visiting Wycombe Wanderers and will be looking to repeat their ruthless dispatching of Marine from the previous round on Monday, as well as an intriguing clash between Brentford and Leicester City on Sunday, with the former team looking likely to find themselves in the Premier League come the start of next season.

“Our attitude, hard work and togetherness has been bang-on,” said Bees manager Thomas Frank. “We have shown a lot of character – we are confident, but humble.”

In L aL iga, At let ico Madr id host Valencia at Estadio Wanda Metropolitano on Sunday. The

Rojiblancos defeated Los Che 1-0 at Estadio de Mestalla in the teams’ most recent clash, in November last year, with a late own goal from Toni Lobato deciding the clash.

Manager Diego Simeone has urged his team to remain focused as they continue to be the favourites for the LaLiga title.

“Nothing is decided yet,” said the Atletico manager. “We have done well but the season is long and unpredictable. We will also have the difficulty of catching up games. We need to keep our goals in our mind and remain calm. Hard work will be the foundation, as always.”

Valencia manager Javi Gracia remains a man under pressure heading into this clash, though he insists that he is still supported by the board: "What I have received from the club is that it has shown me support, which is appreciated, especially in times of difficulty and weakness,” said the former Watford tactician. "Personally, I'm happy, but not for me, but for the work of the players and for being able to give joy to the fans and make the

“Ilicic is the player who if we get him back to his best, he gives us a big step up in quality. Everyone knows that,” Atalanta manager Gian Piero Gasperini explained. “He’s a bit inconsistent, both in training and during the game, and tended to lose his confidence when things went wrong. However, he’s been training so well this week, hitting the ball so hard and with precision, I knew he’d put in this kind of performance.”

Elsewhere in Serie A, champions Juventus will look to continue their growth under manager Andrea Pirlo when they welcome Bologna to the Allianz Stadium on Sunday, with the cultivation of “mental strength” now a key aspect.

“What I do want is for us to improve our mental strength. Too many times, we score a goal and then have a few minutes after that where our heads are in the clouds,” said Pirlo of his team.

“I ask for more concentration because those are important minutes to give a sense of consistency.”. BD

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