BD Weekender Edition 37

SATURDAY 10, APRIL 2021

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EDITION 37 10, APRIL 2021

TRAVELLING WHILE BLACK FASHION

SPOTLIGHT

IRETIDAYO ZACCHEUS IS THE FOUNDER OF STREET SOUK, PUTTING AFRICA’S STREETWEAR FASHION ON A GLOBAL SCALE.

KAANU OLANIYI: THE NEXT GEN BASKETBALL SUPERSTAR FROM SWITZERLAND Businessday.ng

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SATURDAY 10, APRIL 2021

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Contents

SATURDAY 10, APRIL 2021

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C O N T E N T S

8 LAUGHTER IN THE MIRROR

9 HEALTH BEFORE YOU JUDGE A NIGERIAN NURSE...

14 LEAD STORY

INTERVIEW KAREN ADIE IS THE DIRECTOR OF MERCHANT SERVICES AT TRADEDEPOT

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UDY' CORNER

SPOTLIGHT KAANU OLANIYI: THE NEXT GEN BASKETBALL SUPERSTAR FROM SWITZERLAND

BOOK REVIEW

ONE MISTAKE TOO MANYTHROUGH THE

RECIPE APPLE TART RECIPE

FASHION IRETIDAYO ZACCHEUS IS THE FOUNDER OF STREET SOUK

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RACISM AGAINST AFRICAN PEOPLE

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ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT SUCCESS SOUL SHAKES

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BOOK REVIEW A NEW PARADIGM FOR ADDRESSING TODAY'S PROBLEMS – A REVIEW OF MOSES IDAMICHAELS’S COLLIDE

SPORTS EL CLASICO, THE GAME THAT COULD DECIDE THE TITLE RACE Businessday.ng

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Editorial

Editor’s Note SATURDAY 10, APRIL 2021

Dear weekender readers, Welcome to another edition of the weekender. I hope you are doing well and staying safe. It is hard to believe that we are on the 37th edition already. 37 weeks ago we set out to introduce a light and informative Saturday read for Nigeria’s young professionals. We are grateful to be getting closer and closer to our objective.

Our lead story this week explores the realities of travelling while black. Travelling can have many rewarding benefits but have you ever travelled internationally and felt discriminated against? As the world begins to open back up, our article looks into a Ugandan man’s ordeal with racism while travelling internationally.

We decided to use this as our lead to shed light on the issues affecting many black people worldwide. We hope to shed light and bring attention to this in hopes for a more secure travelling environment for black people worldwide.

Inside: Before You Judge a Nigerian Nurse, a look at what it’s like to be a nurse in Nigeria.

Our fashion piece highlights Iretedayo Zaccheus, the 21 year old who is putting African street wear on the map with her festival street souk.

In our interview we speak to Karen Adie who is is the Director of Merchant Services at TradeDepot. She started off her career at Goldman Sachs as a Technology Analyst and has worked in various capacities at several tech startups in Nigeria. Flip the pages to learn more about her career in tech.

How do you turn customers to advocates ? Find out in our brands page.

As usual find our comprehensive sports round up and recipe and this week we have not one but two book reviews.

In the news round up: Nigeria to limit first doses of AstraZeneca due to supply concerns; IMF project 2.5% growth for Nigeria on vaccine rollout; Egypt to release the ship that blocked the Suez Canal as compensation for related losses; Egypt to release the ship that blocked the Suez Canal as compensation for related losses; Kelechi Ndukwe makes history as the first Nigerian-American Commander of a US Navy ship; CBN freezes 11 bank accounts of companies and individual; Gunmen free 1800 inmates in Imo state; Buhari appoints new acting Inspector-General of Police; Buhari sued over N3.8 billion health fund.

I hope you enjoy flipping through the pages of the weekender. . BD Lehlé Baldé is the Editor of BusinessDay Weekender email: lehle.balde@businesssday.ng | social: @lehlelalumiere Businessday.ng

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SATURDAY 10, APRIL 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 Mercy Ayodele Udy Osaro-Edobor Dr. Helen Zidon Ifeoma Okeke Elvis Kachis PHOTO CREDIT unsplash, Google Images, Freepik 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

APRIL 2021 SATURDAY 10,

Nigeria to limit first doses of AstraZeneca due to supply concerns MERCY AYODELE

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igeria has directed its 36 states and federal capital territory to stop giving first doses of AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccines once they use half their current stock in order to safeguard supply for the second dose, the health minister Osagie Ehanire said. The directive came amid concerns over when Nigeria would get another shipment of the shots after India put a temporary hold on all major exports of the doses made by the Serum Institute of India (SII). The country has used roughly a quarter of the 3.92 million doses of the AstraZeneca vaccines, produced by the SSI. It had administered 964,387 first doses as of April 6, but progress varied widely by state.

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Kelechi Ndukwe makes history as the first NigerianAmerican Commander of a US Navy ship

C Twenty-one of its states and capital territory had given first doses to more than half of those targeted for shots. Nigeria hopes to receive up to 70 million doses of the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine this year through the African Union.

IMF project 2.5% growth for Nigeria on vaccine rollout

ommander Kelechi Ndukwe has assumed his new role as the Commander of a U.S. Navy ship, making him the first Nigerian-American in that position. Ndukwe is from OkokoItem in Bende LGA, Abia State. In decision made by the military top brass of the United States, with the knowledge of the US President Joe Biden, Commander Kelechi Ndukwe was appointed and given charge to take command of the US Navy-guided missile destroyer USS HALSEY (DDG-97) on April 2 2021.

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fter an estimated contraction of 1.8 percent in 2020, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) sees Nigeria’s economy growing strongly at a projected rate of 2.5 percent in 2021, moderating to 2.3 percent in 2022, driven by vaccine rollout. Nigeria’s economy grew 0.1 percent year-on-year in the fourth quarter of 2020, representing the first positive quarterly growth since Q1-2020, an indication that the economy exited the COVID-19 induced recession.

Analysts say the reason for the upgrade in

the forecast is as a result of the vaccine rollout, the reduction in the rate of infection and also because economic activities are beginning to pick up.

Egypt to release the ship that blocked the Suez Canal as compensation for related losses

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gypt will release the giant container ship that had blocked the Suez Canal for nearly a week once a deal is reached on compensation for related losses, the head of the canal’s authority said. The Ever Given blocked the canal for six days, roiling global markets and costing the Suez Canal Authority $15 million a day in lost revenue, according to its calculation. Rabie said Egypt wants compensation for the losses, as well as the cost of freeing the vessel.

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News Roundup

SATURDAY 10, APRIL 2021

CBN freezes 11 bank accounts of companies and individual

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he Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has obtained a court judgment to freeze 11 accounts belonging to customers of First City Monument Bank (FCMB) Limited for a period of 45 days pending the outcome of an ongoing investigation into suspicious activities.

The affected bank accounts are owned by Albert Austin Ugochukwu (two accounts); Belfour Energy and Allied Services; Belfour Oil and Gas Limited (three accounts); Circle Flow Integrated Services; Kacynaus Realty Nigeria Limited (three accounts) and Tasmara Integrated Services. The CBN said the action would help it successfully conduct an investigation on the affected parties.

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Gunmen free 1800 inmates in Imo state

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ore than 1,800 prisoners are on the run in southeast Nigeria after escaping when heavily armed gunmen attacked their prison using explosives and rocket-propelled grenades. Nigerian police said it believed a banned separatist group, the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), was behind the attack in the city of Owerri. IPOB wants independence for a region in southeast Nigeria it calls Biafra.

Buhari appoints new acting InspectorGeneral of Police

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resident Muhammadu Buhari has approved the appointment of Usman Alkali Baba as the acting inspectorgeneral of police. Alkali replaces Mohammed Adamu who was on official assignment to Imo State when the appointment of the acting IGP was announced. The appointment comes a day after the police headquarters in Owerri, Imo State, was attacked by unknown gunmen. Coincidentally, the outgoing IGP visited Imo State for an on the spot assessment of the damages of Monday’s incident when his sack was announced. Buhari had extended the tenure of Mr Adamu as the IGP by three months.

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Buhari sued over N3.8 billion health fund

The president said the extension was to allow him more time to choose a successor to outgoing IGP. Adamu was due to retire from the police on February 1, having spent the maximum 35 years in service.

ocio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has filed a lawsuit against President Muhammadu Buhari over his failure to probe allegations that N3.8bn of public funds meant for the Federal Ministry of Health, teaching hospitals, medical centres, and others were missing, as documented in the 2018 audited report by the Office of the Auditor-General of the Federation. The suit is coming in the wake of the controversy over Buhari’s travel to London for a “routine” medical check-up at a time resident doctors are on strike over unpaid salaries, upward review of hazard allowances and COVID-19 care incentives, leaving millions of poor Nigerians without access to medical treatment.

SATURDAY 10, APRIL 2021

TRIBUTE

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FORD FOUNDATION MOURNS PASSING OF INNOCENT CHUKWUMA Ford Foundation has regretted the passing of Innocent Chukwuma, its former regional director, on Saturday, April 3 in Lagos. Innocent had recently been diagnosed of leukemia and was just beginning emergency treatment.

It stated that, “as the director of Ford’s West Africa office from 2013 to 2021, Innocent led the Foundation’s work in the region with admirable humility, grace and exceptional knowledge of civil society and governance challenges and opportunities.

“In addition to being a dedicated and admired leader in his office, he built solid partnerships with donors, civil society leaders and public and private sector leaders.

The organisation disclosed that Innocent was a skilled grant maker and a dedicated thought partner to its grantees in the region and beyond, adding that most recently, he played a pivotal role in the growth of impact investing in West Africa to help leverage private sector resources towards meeting Sustainable Development Goals.

“Innocent’s expertise and ability to forge meaningful partnerships helped catalyze private and public sector entities to launch the Impact Investors Foundation, which aims to promote the growth and excellence of impact investing in Nigeria.

“Before joining the Ford Foundation, Innocent founded and led the CLEEN Foundation to promote public safety, security, and accessible justice in West Africa. CLEEN was the first African nongovernmental organisation to receive the prestigious MacArthur Foundation Award for Creative and Effective Institutions.

In addition, Innocent held various posts within the Civil Liberties Organisation, one of Nigeria’s first human rights organisations. Innocent was the recipient of numerous honours, including the Reebok International Human Rights Award, and served as visiting lecturer at Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government.

“We are deeply saddened by the loss of our friend and colleague, Innocent Chukwuma,” said Ford Foundation President Darren Walker.

Innocent leaves behind his wife Josephine and three daughters.

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LAUGHTER IN THE MIRROR

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SATURDAY 10, APRIL 2021

SATURDAY 10, APRIL 2021

HEALTH

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BEFORE YOU JUDGE A NIGERIAN NURSE...

DR. HELEN ZIDON

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here are so many stories about Nigerian nurses and midwives; some pleasant, and others not-somuch. From the very attentive and caring, to the grouchy and very stern; whatever the case may be, nurses are an essential part of a fully functioning healthcare system.

A recent tiktok video that was published on twitter compared the attitudes of Nigerian nurses vs nurses abroad: https://twitter.com/mamaariella/status/12578 31968470904832?s=20 In this video, the nurse abroad was clearly more knowledgeable, kinder and more empathetic, while the nigerian nurse was brash and mean-spirited. Before we chime in on propagating this narrative, we need to highlight and understand some of the reasons why you might come across a nurse who doesn’t seem to have the technical knowledge you’d expect from her, or who might seem nonchalant, frustrated or even angry in her approach towards you or another patient.

The role of a nurse is very complex. Nurses serve as a pivotal part of an extremely complex matrix of healthcare workers and patients. I subjectively view them as connectors and facilitators. They connect the patients

and their families to other healthcare professionals, e.g. physicians, physiotherapists, nutritionists, etc.; and they are facilitators of therapy, as they administer, monitor and care for patients directly. Nurses spend more time with, and have more direct contact with patients than any other healthcare professional; as such they evidently end up having more knowledge of a patient’s welfare and wellbeing. A good nurse merges technical medical knowledge, tasks and skills, with critical thinking which ensures that they have an in-depth understanding of the physiological and psychological aspects of patient care.

Nurses make up the single largest healthcare professional group in the Nigerian healthcare system.

The nurse-population ratio is low at 1.2 to 1000 population (Ireland: 16.11, United States: 14.5; Ghana: 4.2). This shocking ratio, in addition to the plethora of systemic issues in the educational and professional development of a single nurse, culminate into the issues that are regularly mentioned by Nigerian nurses: time constraints, competing priorities, sleep deprivation, occupational stress, and fatigue.

The Bachelor of Nursing Science (BNSc) Degree is awarded after five years of training, while the midwifery Businessday.ng

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10 HEALTH

SATURDAY 10, APRIL 2021

education and other post basic nursing education programmes run for 18 months.. The current curriculum was devised in 1979, and amended in 1988, 1989, 1992 and in 2004, under Decree No. 89, the Nursing and Midwifery (Registration etc) act. Cap. N143, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004. The changes reflect the council’s proactive and dynamic approach taken by the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (N&MCN) in amending the curriculum to reach regional and

international standards.

Unfortunately theoretical guidelines and standards are meaningless in under resourced environments, and ultimately hinder efforts in the development of the nursing workforce. There are 72 approved schools of nursing, and 27 associated post basic nursing education programmes in Nigeria lack the basic educational items which facilitate teaching and learning, such as academic journals and books, up to date and relevant electronics in the form of computers, laboratory equipment and nursing kits.

The benchmark set by the National Universities Commission (NUC) and N&MCN for lecturer to student ratio is 1:10. However, the increasing demand for education in the large Nigerian youth population has seen this ratio to be well over 1 lecturer to 100 students. A

trainer who is ill-equipped to train, will train inefficiently, and this ultimately leads to the development of a workforce with multiple gaps in knowledge and skills.

And as is the norm in most Nigerian institutions, occupational hierarchies reign supreme. Medical doctors are paid more and trained better than nurses.

The average salary of a Nurse is typically around 265,000 NGN (£500) per month; salaries range from 133,000 NGN (lowest) to 411,000 NGN (highest). Doctors earn from approximately 180,000 NGN as junior doctors to 650,000 NGN (£1230 or more) as fresh consultants; senior consultants earn more. A Registered Nurse in the UK earns between £33,000 to £35,000 per annum.

So before a comparison is made between the demeanour of a healthcare professional in NIgeria versus elsewhere in the world, we must look into why. .BD Dr. Helen Zidon is the Deputy Head of Medical Information at Aspen Pharma Group, where she oversees the medical information functions of Aspen territories globally for multiple widely used pharmaceutical products. She is a public speaker and advocate for Global and Public Health, accessible and streamlined medical care, and the incorporation of Medical Technology in medical academia and medical practice.

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SATURDAY 10, APRIL 2021

FASHION

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IRETIDAYO ZACCHEUS IS THE FOUNDER OF STREET SOUK, PUTTING AFRICA’S STREETWEAR FASHION ON A GLOBAL SCALE.

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ELVIS KACHI

t a time where people still very much fancy the remarks that comes with the luxury fashion market, it is imperative we acknowledge those who are frontlining other sectors of the industry, especially streetwear. Ireti Zaccheus, the Founder of Street Souk is one of those putting Africa’s streetwear fashion on a global scale. The 21year old Nigerian-British creative is creating a brand hugely inspired by her mother’s love for fashion. After completing an undergraduate program in the University of Manchester as an International Business Finance and Economics major in 2020, Ireti is currently juggling a Master’s degree in Marketing Strategy and Innovation at CASS Business School, London.

Hi Ireti, it’s really great to have you here. Kindly tell us about Street Souk?

Thank you so much, Elvis. Street Souk was a convention built for people to come, share and show their brands/ideas. It was a platform designed with the intentions of creating a street arena where people could shop physically. We are the hub of other brands, as we provide a platform for people to network, collaborate and create a community.

Amazing. How do you get brands on this platform – Do you work with just Nigerian brands?

Well, we initially started with reaching out to a few brands with some form of established digital presence.

Also, we know quite a number of brands who are doing amazing work, and have potentials for growth.

Therefore, we reached out to them, telling them about the amazing work we do at Street Souk, and how they could benefit off the convention. However, as popularity Businessday.ng

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Mmm. Why i s thi s important to you though?

I found that (young) people needed a community where they could express themselves. Young people need a space where they would feel like they belonged without any form of judgment – you know, nails, hair, clothes, shoes, just anything they feel connected to, anything they feel makes

of Street Souk grew, a lot of brands have been reaching out in advance about their intended involvement.

The responses and conversations we’ve had with these people has been overwhelming. Our last convention had over a hundred entries. This means that we have to go through rigorous vetting processes to ensure the brands who are really putting in the work gets an opportunity on our platform – Quality control, well established and organized collection, artistic measures, etc.

Also, we’re solely (right now) just working with Nigerian brands. But as we progress, we would shift gears Businessday.ng

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into other African countries – Ghana, Kenya, South Africa, etc are already showing interest.

They know the popping nature of Homecoming, and I’m glad.

Nothing goes out without going through here.

Wow. Sounds like a lot of work?

It is, trust me. However, I do think that a major take home and reason for all this is how it turns out in the end. I want people to see and appreciate the work we put in, into bringing the best to them.

them their true authentic selves; and I wanted Street Souk to provide that.

Also, I wanted people to know and understand that there are a lot of potentials that emanate from Africa.

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Right. No lies here. Tell me about your Off-White collaboration with Virgil Abloh?

Oh; so, I was on a homecoming panel on how Africa could rejuvenate the street wear culture, and it so happens that Virgil was a part of it too. He liked the vision, and wanted to be a part of the community. It so happened that he was part of a campaign, I Support Young Black Businesses; therefore, it made sense that he wanted to promote what we did at Street Souk. He came on board, and we shared ideas on how the collaboration would be mutually beneficial.

And how has that been? Also, any future collaborations?

It was amazing. You know, to be honest, nobody gets to rate you or your brand until you receive international validation – it’s a really sad thing. Street Souk started before the Off-White collaboration with Virgil, so it was really great to see a mass number of people interested. I have also gained a lot of international recognition from it. I’m now in spaces, and people are likening me to the “cool factor.” This is just the beginning. The vision is still there, and we will continue to push further.

We would potentially do this again, exclusive to Street Souk. We would plan for the next few years, since we still need the hype factor.

We are also looking to collaborate with more African and non-African brands.

Wow. You’re doing so much, and it’s great to see. What is the most exciting part in all of this, Ireti?

For me, it’s seeing the growth of brands, how they’re elevating, and how they’re rebranding. It’s great to see because we want to create

a leading street convention like China’s and Japan’s. I love how this convention has brought people together and how it has provided them with reasons to further on, especially brands who are starting little. I remind myself when I hit a hard wall that I’m really not doing this for myself, but for them. They’re like a form of motivation for me.

Super. And during this course, what would you say were the major challenges?

That would be working with sponsors and understanding that they demand certain deliverables.

Initially, getting sponsors was pretty difficult. But as we grew, brands like Paper Magazine and First Bank decided to support our course.

Budget sizing was also difficult at first, seeing that we had a lot of crazy ideas. Also, a lot of brands weren’t comfortable with the positions they were in, but we had to make them understand the rewards they stood to gain. Then, there was the fear of Covid and its transmittance.

The undertaken processes, and how you keep trying to pull a convention even amidst a pandemic. What would be your final last words to those who are constantly inspired by your story?

Wow. Thank you so much. I think what I would advise is that they be authentic. Do not copy people, and be consistent. Believe in yourself because that’s when you’ll be sure what you want. Always trust your guts. Be hardworking, determined and never forget why you started.

Doing something for the right reasons gave me my confidence and essentially shaped me to the person I am today. Keep grinding and do not be intimidated by the successes of others. God rewards, keep working hard. It helps. BD

Should we be expecting any this year?

Of course. Somewhere on the 18th or 19th of December. There really isn’t any fixed date yet, but it has to be the second week of December, give or take.

People, especially young creatives, have been motivated by your story and drive.

Elvis Kachi is a performance-driven Fashion, Culture and Lifestyle Journalist, with years of demonstrated track records in positively impacting organizations through building and strengthening strategic communications, producing digital marketing contents, performing market research and managing projects.

A creative content writer, creator, illustrator, and an overall lover of artistic fashion; currently using his skills to further explore the creative space, and give a voice to a culture he believes in.

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LEAD STORY

SATURDAY 10, APRIL 2021

RACISM AGAINST AFRICAN PEOPLE IS FINDING SAFE HAVEN IN THE INTERNATIONAL AIR TRANSPORTTRAVEL SERVICES INDUSTRY IFEOMA OKEKE AND LEHLE BALDE

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s the transport – travel services industry across the world builds strategies to help cushion effects of COVID-19 pandemic, the last thing any major stakeholder in the industry will want are obstacles in the way of the recovery process from the unprecedented impact of the pandemic on the industry. Moreover, as travel ‘is generally limited to those considered “Essential” It naturally behoves the major stakeholders in the above industry to become more creative in developing services that encourage travel and the patronizing of hospitality services while on the move. It is therefore shocking when the stakeholders in the industry permit racism against black people to permeate into their operations and service provision.

As issues around marginalization and/or oppression of people of colour based on socially constructed racial hierarchies that privilege white people continue to attract international outrage and condemnation while steering reform, one industry that has not been critically interrogated with regards to institutionalized racism and where reform is urgently required is the air transport - travel services sector.

Two months ago, Walter Mandela took to his twitter handle @Mandela_Esq to express his outrage over degrading treatment at a restaurant at Istanbul International Airport, alleging thatit was racially inclined . According to Mandela,“The @tadindanadolu restaurant at Istanbul International Airport is blatantly racist!!!! While in transit flying@TurkishAirlines; I and other black travellers who went to the restaurant were subjected to degrading treatment by the @ tadindanadolu staff. “Upon engaging the management; they were not constructive - instead explaining the Businessday.ng

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STORY 15 LEAD

SATURDAY 10, APRIL 2021

actions of their staff as a "misunderstanding" since the staff don't speak English and think all black clients are cleaners at the airport hence the bad treatment!!

Couldn't file a formal complaint with the airport authorities/Police due to technical/procedural/ time issues. “The restaurant is a disgrace to the @ tadindanadolu franchise, airport and country. Please investigate the claims and take action. No other black travellers should go through similar indignities and racial humiliation.”

The tweet was corroborated by a video recording of the incident posted by Honore Mvula @honoremvula21 that went viral on Twitter.“But why?! In 2021 people still behave like this! So sorry about this. I've experienced this in Cairo too! Very degrading!,” Stella Nasirumbi (lawyer at the International Committee for the Red Cross) Twitter handle @StellaNasirumbi corroborated his experience in the Tweet thread.

it.”

It’s high time that governments (mainly of the major international travel hubs), international organisations (particularly the International Organisation for Migration – IOM) and civil society appreciate the severity of racism against African people embedded in the air transport- travel services that the bulk of African travellers endure - most times in silence; and reign in on the air transport- travel industry to ensure that concrete steps are taken to address the institutional racism that seems to have found a comfortable haven in the above industries.BD

When asked about his thoughts on what occurred and the handling of the issue by the restaurant management Mandela said, “It was utterly shocking and infuriating, simultaneously - once it registered that the ill-treatment was racially inclined. At some point you second-guess yourself on the reality of what is happening. In that instance, the relevance of validation of your thoughts by other people present cannot be overstated – and for this I will eternally be grateful to a Tunisian-French couple in the restaurant who corroborated my observations and stood by me as I confronted the management.”

Regrettably, Mandela’s unfortunate incident offers only but a glimpse into a much larger problem of racial prejudice and in some instance’s outright racism against African travellers. Al Jazeera highlighted the gravity of the issue in a moving article by Nigerian writer Shayera Dark titled: Do airlines and airports treat African passengers differently? where she deliberated the issue – drawing attention to the poor service African travellers receive in the air transport services sector ranging from hostility of flight attendants and ground staff to African destinations being designated older carriers.

Furthermore, the Twitter hashtag #FlyingWhileAfrican reveals a litany of grievances against international airlines with insights into: ground staff questioning Africans in priority or business class queues as though they are out of place, flight attendants sneering at passengers or deliberately ignoring the call button and flights to African destinations taking off with dirty toilets. Sierra Leonean business executive Mariama Nyelenkeh accurately conveys the frustrations faced by African travellers and the urgency for reforms in her statement: “It’s just horror stories up and down,” “I don’t want to hear ‘sorry to hear that’ [from the airlines]. Fix Businessday.ng

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INTERVIEW

SATURDAY 10, APRIL 2021

Karen Adie is the Director of Merchant Services at TradeDepot. She started off her career at Goldman Sachs as a Technology Analyst and has worked in various capacities at several tech startups in Nigeria. She has a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science from the University of Nottingham and a Master’s degree in Management from Cranfield University, both in the UK. Her areas of expertise include project strategy and management, design thinking, digital and social media marketing.

Why is the development of digital finance crucial to the economy in Africa?

What role is technology playing in empowering women in roles you wouldn’t normally see them in?

African economies are largely driven by SMEs and access to finance remains a major challenge for the large majority.

These challenges have been exacerbated by COVID-19, with Africa’s informal retailers struggling to continue providing the crucial service their communities rely on daily.

Thankfully, the pandemic has accelerated tech adoption and innovated tech solutions for some of the age-old challenges we’ve faced in Africa.

While women still represent a tiny proportion of investor funding, Africa is creating a powerhouse of women in our tech startup ecosystem. We are seeing more women engineers as well as phenomenal women driving change with health technology innovations and agriculture. Technology is providing a much needed level playing field as no one can say you can’t code, design or manage because you are a woman. In the retail sector, the rise in digital platforms connecting traditionally analog services is creating a wide variety of opportunities in the sector. It is digitally enabling the millions of women who drive the informal retail sector to seamlessly access supplies, funding and in some cases keep in touch with their customers. The possibility of empowering many more millions of women to forge their own paths with technology is exciting. Our creativity knows no bounds and I live for the numerous ideas inside the brilliant minds of African women, yet to be discovered.

With COVID restrictions requiring touch-free interactions, we’ve started to see more mobile-enabled financial services. Access to flexible credit is one of the remaining barriers that prevents small retailers from running their businesses efficiently. The pandemic has necessitated lots more people seeking financial help and this has accelerated financial innovation to meet this demand. We expect to see lots more innovation in this space - which is ultimately good for the SMEs who are the driving force of our economy.

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INTERVIEW

SATURDAY 10, APRIL 2021

What can be done to increase the number of women in the African tech ecosystem?

Globally, men account for a huge share of the partners in the top 100 venture capital firms, and female-founded startups receive only a miniscule proportion of total investments by venture capitalists. And in Africa, only 9% of start-ups have female leaders, according to a 2016 study by Venture Capital for Africa. These disparities underscore the need for more women at all levels of start-ups.

Taking it a few steps back, we can continue encouraging more girls to consider STEM as a career option. My mother was far ahead of her time and spotted the global shift in the way technology was driving everything we do - and encouraged me to study computer science. We need more women, and men, encouraging girls to study science and technology, so that the solutions and products being made actually work for us. The way science and technology is taught also needs an overhaul and needs to be applied to a range of challenges, not just the age old text book ideas often pushed in formal education.

Africa’s tech ecosystem is an exciting mix of bold entrepreneurs and while still heavily male-dominated, there are a number of female founders that are flying the flag and inspiring a new generation of young women to follow their lead.

What is the most significant moment in your career and why?

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becomes a wonderful cycle that ensures that every woman gets the necessary support needed to excel in her career.

Lastly, older and more established and successful female leaders should leave the door open for women coming up behind them; this is one of the ways we can encourage high female leadership rates and create diverse teams. With so few women in leadership spaces, it is understandable that some women protectively guard their hard-won positions at the top. But with a different approach, there can be enough seats for everyone at the table.

What are some of the things you’ve learned in your career journey that you wish you knew when you started out?

I have been incredibly lucky to work with some amazing minds in my career to date and I have learned something different from working with each of them. Each one of them took their own unique path to get where they are in their career and I think that is one of the things anyone starting out can be assured of. Having a great education opens doors, as does having strong connections in the field you are pursuing. But having a vision and the determination to boldly follow it through is equally important - the thousands of entrepreneurs I’ve met over the years are testament to this.

The other thing is knowing when to self-promote. As women, we often feel like we can’t be vocal about our input, talent or contributions - instead leaving our work to speak for us. But I have seen so many fly in their careers not just due to their skills but because they were great at letting people know just how great they were! So I would say, yes speak up and also speak up for other women when they’re not in the room.BD

It would be moving from the UK to Nigeria - from working with established large multinational companies to working with startups to build from the ground up.

The experience I gained early on was very useful in providing a structured foundation for me to think about, and practice finance and technology. However, the path that I’ve been able to chart here in the technology startup world has given me an unparalleled view into the realities of building great solutions for problems in Africa. There is a unique combination of challenges and opportunities that I have been presented with, which I would not have been exposed to if I hadn’t returned, and I’m definitely better for it.

What is the best way women can support each other in the start up space?

I have been blessed with a great mentor - my mother. She encouraged me to consider a career in tech at a time when there weren’t many women pursuing careers in STEM. I’ve seen the power of women working together, shattering barriers, and creating seats at tables they were not invited to be at. The African startup ecosystem has many examples of this. One phenomenal recent example is the combining force of Eloho Omame and Odun Eweniyi to create a fund specifically for women.

It is so important for younger women at the onset of their careers to find female mentors and sponsors who can offer advice and act as advocates for them. This then Businessday.ng

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18

UDY'S CORNER

ONE MISTAKE TOO MANY UDY OSARO-EDOBOR

D

emola and I have been friends since I could spell my name. We grew up in the same neighborhood then we became roomies at the University. We were opposites. Searching for an introvert? Look no further. His name is Demola... very quiet and studious to a fault. He was a first class material and did not want any form of distraction. But me? I am hot like fire. The one that everyone expects to make mistakes. I was the live of every school party and the toast of all the girls. I was the bad guy. I don't even know how I graduated with a second class lower.

Something changed in Demola in our final year when he met Laraba. My friend was smitten. It was very obvious that they were head over heels in love, however it came as a surprise to everyone when they announced their engagement after our service year. It didn't make sense to me. Demola was just twenty four. In my opinion, he had no business getting married at that age.

Well, they got support from their families and were joined in an elaborate ceremony in Laraba's home town in Kogi State. The wedding ceremony was a three day carnival with a rich display of culture, influence and affluence. As part of their wedding gifts, they got a house in Abuja and two cars. Man, I won't lie, I really envied my friend. But that didn't mean that I wasn't looking for a 'Laraba'. I was very busy sowing my wild oats.

Theirs looked like a happy marriage until Demola told me that Laraba had left their six year old marriage and relocated to Dubai. Reason? Irreconcilable differences.

Over the years, there was something I couldn't understand about Demola. He was very secretive about his private Businessday.ng

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SATURDAY 10, APRIL 2021

life and I made it my business not to pry. He gave zero information about what happened in his marriage and I knew better than to ask questions. Demola only tells you what Demola wants you to know. But I later heard from here and there that not having children may have contributed to the problems in their marriage.

Two years later, he met and fell in love with Stella, she was a widow. She had a daughter and that seemed to be the main attraction for Demola.

I advised him to live life a little and take his time before plunging into a second marriage but there was no reasoning with him. So at thirty two, my friend was married again..

Three years into his marriage with Stella, I noticed that things were falling apart....again. Demola had travelled out of town. He said he was going to Asaba for two weeks but it was four months already and he wasn't saying anything about returning home. At some point he stopped taking Stella's calls. She was worried and so was I. I traveled to Asaba to see my friend. We met in a hotel.

Demola looked very happy, as a matter of fact, it was the happiest I had seen him in a long time. He squealed to me that he was going to be a father. His girlfriend was pregnant with twins. She lived in Asaba so he had to move down to be close to her. My jaw literally dropped. I couldn't believe what I was hearing. (You see these quiet people eh? Fear them).

My trip to Asaba was an effort in futility. Demola's mind was set on what he wanted to do. He had no plans of going back to Stella and she was free to do whatever she wanted.

Well, a few days ago, I attended a funeral ceremony. It was Demola's. Yes he died. Cause of death? Heart attack.

A routine medical check showed that he was sterile and the twins from his baby mama were not his. He went into shock, slipped into a coma and never came out of it. He was only 37.

To whom it may concern: if there's a lesson to learn from this story, please do so and borrow your brain some sense. BD Udy Osaro-Edobor is the Content Creator for SoTv (Supernatural Online TV) Nigeria. She is a movie/ scriptwriter, editor, and proofreader. She has several stories to her credit which she posts for free on her Ebook called Udy's Chapter. She is currently working on two short movies. Udy is also a wife, mother, and a "serial entrepreneur". udy1717@gmail.com

SATURDAY 10, APRIL 2021

SPOTLIGHT

19

KAANU OLANIYI: THE NEXT GEN BASKETBALL SUPERSTAR FROM SWITZERLAND

K

IFEOMA OKEKE

aanu Olaniyi, this young budding player is in league of his own and is taking huge strides in the game of basketball.

Basketball is one of the most popular sports around the globe, any young player who plays basketball today dreams of becoming the next Michael Jordan or Kobe Bryant.

These legends of the game are idols for many, and the youngsters today leave no stone unturned in preparing and training themselves to be on the top of their game. In the process of matching the same level and bringing out their A game, today youngsters go the extra mile to prove themselves.

One such amazing superstar in the making is Kaanu Olaniyi from Switzerland. With his immense passion, interest, and love for the game of basketball, Kaanu has worked extremely hard to reach the top level in the game and is very dedicated to keep working on the court. With a clear objective of creating a niche for himself in

the basketball arena, Kaanu has made sure he has put the right foot forward to rule the game.

Born and brought in Riddes, Switzerland, Kaanu is mere 23 years of age and started playing basketball since he was 16. The sheer love for the game of basketball has ensured him to amend his career in the same sport and attain lot of name and accolades for himself.

Ka a nu t o d ay i s a n established Swiss basketball player and is gaining rapid popularity in the country. In the year 2013, Kaanu shifted from Switzerland to France to gain further training and develop his game, to work closely on his skills and master the sport. Working more on his Agility, Stamina, and Strength building, Kaanu came out as true-blue professional basketball player.

team Union Neuchâtel Basket.

In the season of 2018-19, Kaanu moved on to the national division BC Boncourt and continues to play there.

Wit h t re me nd ou s recognition that Kaanu has created for himself, like being a part of B-European Championship with the Swiss national team in 2014 and also being a part of Swiss men’s national team in 2017, he has raised lot of eyebrows and is gaining momentum day by day. Kaanu is extremely excited about NBA draft 2020 and is confident of making a mark. BD

In France, Kaanu had joined the youth movement of the first division club named ES Chalon but had failed to make into the club's first division squad. Later he returned back to Switzerland in 2017 to join the national league Businessday.ng

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20

RECIPE

SATURDAY 10, APRIL 2021

APPLE TART RECIPE INGREDIENTS FOR THE FILLING 5 apples, peeled, cored, and sliced 1/3 c. packed brown sugar Juice of 1/2 lemon 1 tsp. ground cinnamon 1 tsp. pure vanilla extract

DIRECTIONS FOR THE CRUST 1 1/3 c. all-purpose flour 1/4 c. packed brown sugar 1/2 tsp. kosher salt 1/4 tsp. ground cinnamon 10 tbsp. butter, melted 1 tbsp. granulated sugar 2 tbsp. butter, cut into small cubes Melted apricot preserves

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Preheat oven to 350°. In a large bowl, toss apples, brown sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon, vanilla, and salt together.

In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, salt, and cinnamon. Add melted butter and stir until dough forms. Press mixture into a 10” or 11” tart pan with a removable bottom, pressing until dough is smooth.

Arrange apples over crust, sprinkle with granulated sugar and dot top with butter. Bake until crust is golden and apples are tender, about 1 hour.

Brush with melted apricot preserves and let cool slightly before slicing and serving. BD

SATURDAY 10, APRIL 2021

BOOK REVIEW

21

A New Paradigm for Addressing Today's Problems – A Review of Moses Ida-Michaels’s Collide Book Title: Collide: GPS for a New Generation Author: Moses Ida-Michaels Publisher: Free State Publishing Year of Publication: 2021 Number of Pages: 235 Category: Self Help

COLLIDE: GPS FOR A NEW GENERATION

A

lthough millennials facing a wide variety of challenges today, they still receive quite a lot of criticism, especially from the older generation.

They are tagged lazy and entitled – a perception feed by the seeming discord between them and the older generation. This is perhaps why the timing is ideal for the release of Moses Ida-Michaels’ Collide: GPS for a New Generation.

When Moses Ida-Michaels began writing Collide seven years ago, he probably didn’t imagine that the book would still be fresh and relevant today. The author in this excellent time has provided more than a guide book to choosing what's important in our lives and what's unimportant. Or, as Ida-Michaels writes in the preface: “This book Collide is a GPS, to track new territory and beat your way to your true essence amidst the cacophony, the collide of a new world.”

Moses Ida-Michaels, an experienced pastor-counsellor, offers guidance to individuals, couples, families and groups and found that a lot of people were dealing with issues that affected their mental health and well-being. In the book, the author espouses topics that are not timebound because people still get depressed, feel pain, get divorced, are anxious about the future and even attempt suicide.

The author has written ten chapters in this book and evolves around rethinking approaches to addressing today’s problems. The first chapter makes you question who you are, your purpose and values. It provides you a good reason to overcome identity crises. Ida-Michaels does not just communicate, he also motivates his readers through his words.

Ida-Michaels writes of his childhood. He is grateful for being raised in a village, one of the smallest town in Benue state, Middle Belt Nigeria. He recalls not seeing any doctors, engineers or other professionals from his tribe as everyone around was a farmer, petty trader or

hunter. He explains, in retrospect, the most remarkable thing about growing up in the village was how massive his dreams were and how he somehow stepped above mindsets. For many years, the young boy tried to create happiness for himself and never giving up on his dreams.

But then, the pursuit of happiness kept him on a quest.

In the book, the author sheds light on the digital giants and internet addiction struggles of nearly everyone and reveals how it is affecting our lives. As Moses IdaMichaels puts it, relationships are harder now because conversation becomes texting, argument becomes phone calls, and feelings become statuses and tweets.

He went on to say that the internet has been compared to alcohol intoxication. Keep in mind Ida-Michaels is a pastor but his messages are brutally honest and much needed reality check about our problems, fears and expectations. These insightful perspectives on life are what makes the book well worth a read. Be warned however that his writing style is complex – that might however be of interest to you.

If it's true what he writes, that there is a battle raging for the soul of man then it makes sense when he says that the media manipulates the souls of the non-discerning who consumes their content without check. Rather than reading this book cover-to-cover, it is probably best swallowed one chapter at a time, with some reflection in-between.

Perhaps the most interesting chapter is the one that focuses on transformation and the last which convincingly illustrates how transformation happens, as well as why we need to transform our soul.

In general, this 235-page book is a real contribution to changing the nation and will definitely be a tremendous resource to initiate a conversation about addressing today's problems. It will also be of interest to anyone interested in focusing on the things that bring joy and meaning to their lives. BD oyemade 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 Businessday.ng

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22

BOOK REVIEW

Title: Success Soul Shakes Author: David Dokun Year of Publication: 2020 Number of pages: 381 Category: Motivation, Self Help, Success

W

hen a writer treats a particular topic and makes you fall in love with it, he or she deserves to be saluted accordingly.

That is why despite the fact that David Dokun is a First time writer, he has produced what can be considered a great book in finding The Solution to Setbacks, Struggles, Failure in career or business, Poor performance, Frustration and Poor self-esteem.

In the 381-page book, Dokun is so passionate in his exposition on success that even anyone reading the book becomes engrossed.

The author puts the foundation upon which we can think progress in perspective, he also vividly and systematically establishes the steps to achieving greatness.

Reflecting on his early experience as an employee, he described a time his high flying career flipped in what appeared like a quick succession of bad events, and he found himself staring down the barrel and about to be fired. In a positive reversal that took about six months and applying some of the concepts shared in the book he landed a mercurial career shift that shot him ahead of his contemporaries.

Dokun believes anyone can achieve this same turnaround and even better. This is one of the outcomes the book will help readers achieve Dokun explains that most of the prevalent erroneous perspectives and perceptions of success in our society has forged mental strongholds in their hosts, and have to be dealt with at a micro-level for there to be any form of ‘deliverance’.

He said a survey across several career people and entrepreneurs preceded the selection of fifty-two words that means success to them both personally and professionally.

He noted that our world today is filled with so much misconception about success. The most rampant Businessday.ng

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ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT

SUCCESS SOUL SHAKES

understanding and representation of success is heavily tilted towards the amount of material acquisition and level of visible social significance a person has.

Also, there has been an increased tendency for people to focus their expectations on the contribution of the supernatural. Most individuals fail to play their part, do little yet expect so much, and make comparisons with other successful people without understanding their stories.

He goes on to look at the belief in charms and voodoo as hindrance to success in Africa.

"In Africa, it gets a bit more interesting with the belief in charms and voodoo; failure in family and career being attributed to thep handiwork of ‘village people’.

"This sort of thought diarrhoea is what "Success Soul Shakes" was formulated to cure.

"While the thoughts that follow are presented as simply as possible, I perceived it would benefit from something extra to enhance the results.

The gems enclosed herein are effective for the treatment of all kinds of trans-generational and selfinflicted failures on the journey of success." he said.

Apart from including his experience in this book, Dokun also presents down-to-earth suggestions on what he believes people should work on.

"In the same way you take protein shakes and vegetable shakes to stay healthy and fit, you need Success Soul Shakes to keep you fired up towards becoming all you can be" - David Dokun Foreworded by President, Benson Idahosa University, Feb Idahosa, the book is, indeed, a dependable manual for anyone interested in the ideals of achieving success.

It is rendered in simple but inspiring language just as it is beautifully printed and packaged.BD

SATURDAY 10, APRIL 2021

SPORT

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ANTHONY NLEBEM

EL CLASICO, THE GAME THAT COULD DECIDE THE TITLE RACE

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ne of the most decisive El Clásicos in years will take place this weekend in LaLiga Santander, as Real Madrid host FC Barcelona at the Estadio Di Stéfano on Saturday night at 21:00 CAT.

received a red card, Barcelona is now on a six-game winning streak.

The team has been rejuvenated after a change at the top and return of Joan Laporta as the club’s president, leading to a streak of 19 games without a loss. More importantly, Barcelona is now only a point behind One of the major taking points Atletico Madrid and two points for this year’s El Clasico is that it ahead of their next opponent. Neto, could decide who wins the LaLiga Coutinho, and Fati are injured and title. out of this match, while Pique is under question.

The Spanish title race is tight with nine games to go: Atletico Madrid sit There is also the small matter of top on 66 points, with Barcelona one this potentially being Lionel Messi’s point behind in second and Real final Clasico: the Argentine talisman’s Madrid just three off leaders in third. future is unclear beyond the summer, but there is no way that a player who LaLiga glory seemed beyond Real has dominated so many of these Madrid and Barcelona earlier in the mammoth contests in years gone by season, but Atletico’s drop of form will want to sign off with anything has allowed the two Clasico rivals to less than three points and a star shoot on the league chase. performance.

If teams are level on points in LaLiga come the end of the season, head-to-head record - not goal HEAD-TO-HEAD STATS difference - decides the title, which makes this Clasico potentially The recent head-to-head record between Real Madrid and Barcelona decisive. is split down the middle, with both Los Blancos are entering the El sides winning two of their last five Clasico in great mood after a mid- league meetings. week victory over Liverpool in the Champions League. Real Madrid has Real Madrid did, however, come won 7 of their last 9 games in LaLiga away as 3-1 winners in the reverse and they are looking for a win against fixture earlier this season. their fierce opponents to improve their shot at another title. However, Real Madrid vs Barcelona is they will be without Varane, Ramos, scheduled for 9pm Nigerian time on Saturday, April 10, 2021.

Carvajal, and Hazard.

After struggling in the previous The match will be held behind round against Valladolid and only closed doors at Estadio Alfredo Di beating them 1-0 after they’ve Stefano. Real’s Santiago Bernabeu

stadium is undergoing renovation works, so Real’s reserve stadium is serving as their home base given no fans can attend during the coronavirus pandemic.

TEAM NEWS Los Blancos captain Sergio Ramos is still out with a calf problem along with Dani Carvajal, while Eden Hazard has missed out on a return to the squad.

Gerard Pique and Sergi Roberto are doubts for Barcelona, while Philipp Coutinho and Ansu Fati are both out.

VERDICT With so much at stake in this weekend's El Clasico, both teams will fancy their chances of exposing defensive weaknesses. Real Madrid exploited a static Liverpool defence in the Champions League and Barcelona will have to be wary of pace in behind on the flanks, while Los Blancos will, as ever, have to find a way to stop the genius that is Messi.

Also, both sides are brimming with confidence due to their current form and will be fired up for the derby, knowing that they cannot afford to lose this game. It's hard to see a decisive winner from this battle.

That is most certainly the blockbuster match of the week in European football, with both teams knowing that they can, at least temporarily reach the top of the LaLiga table with a victory.

Los Blancos will aim to make it three ElClásico victories in a row, after winning 2-0 in their last home ElClásico and then 3-1 at the Camp Nou earlier this season.. BD Businessday.ng

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SPORT SATURDAY 10, APRIL 2021

EPIC BATTLE AS MAN UTD HUNT FOR REVENGE AGAINST SPURS

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a n c h e s t e r Un i t e d go on the hunt for revenge when they host Tottenham Hotspur in a Premier League clash in London at 4:30pm on Sunday 11 April 2021.

This clash is all about European ambitions, with United looking to consolidate their status as a top-four finisher and the UEFA Champions League berth that will come with it, while Spurs are fighting to reach that same bracket, or at least fifth-

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place and a spot in the UEFA Europa League.

Tottenham manager Jos e Mourinho will be hoping to see his side show more togetherness as the season enters the final stretch.

“The selfishness is around, the individual interests are around, the agents are around, the connections between agents and press are around,” said the Portuguese. "And instead of developing a feeling of a

team, empathy, 'I do for you, you do for me', 'I win if I play 90 minutes, I win if I am in the stands'. This is something that you need time to develop in a group.”

United, meanwhile, still boast an unbeaten away record in

SPORT 25

SATURDAY 10, APRIL 2021

the Premier League and will be targeting a revenge victory for the shocking 6-1 loss they suffered at the hands of Spurs when the teams met at Old Trafford earlier this season.

“That’s what we’re striving towards. I’ve been impressed, under these circumstances, which are unprecedented,” said manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.“I don’t think anyone in the world, or in England, has experienced these times before and I’ve been impressed by my boys. They’ve been excellent and the run we’ve been on has been excellent.”

KEY PLAYERS WATCH Harr y Kane – Tottenham’s captain and talisman is always a highly influential figure, with his penchant for both goals and assists making him one of the most potent attacking players anywhere in the Premier League.

Paul Pogba – If the French midfielder can remain fit for the remainder of the season, then he could be a massive presence for Man United as they chase a place in the top four of the Premier League and success on the UEFA Europa League front.

HEAD-TO-HEAD STATS In head-to-head stats, Tottenham and United have met in 194 matches across all competitions since their first clash back in 1899.

The Red Devils have claimed 92 wins compared to 53 for Spurs, while 49 games have been drawn.

As mentioned above, the previous Premier League clash between the teams, played in Manchester in October 2020, saw a thumping 6-1 win for Tottenham thanks to goals from Tanguy

Ndombele, Son Heung-min (two), Harry Kane (two) and Serge Aurier.

BATTLES TO WATCH Jose Mourinho vs Ole Gunnar Solskjaer – Tottenham manager Mourinho will hope his side show more control and pro-active play when they welcome Man United, while ‘OGS’ will want to see his charges use their pace and skill to its full and devastating effect.

Serge Aurier vs Luke Shaw – The Manchester United left-back has been one of his team’s best

performers this season, providing both defensive stability and an attacking thrust. He will come face-to-face with Tottenham rightback Serge Aurier, who was highly impressive when the teams met in October last year.

Gareth Bale vs Daniel James – Two Welsh wizards who have become increasingly influential in recent weeks, Bale and James will look to utilise their attacking tools on Sunday evening. Bale has the edge in skill and experience, but James has pace and energy to burn...BD Businessday.ng

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SPORT

SATURDAY 10, APRIL 2021

DORTMUND UNDER FINANCIAL PRESSURE TO SELL HAALAND, SANCHO

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ith the futures of Jadon Sancho and Erling Haaland both up in the air, Borussia Dortmund are beginning to have concerns ahead of the summer transfer market, with sporting director Michael Zorc confirming that the club are due to lose between 80 and 90 million euros as a result of fans not being in attendance at Signal Iduna Park.

Common sense would suggest that this level of fiscal pain will likely result in Dortmund having to sell players in the summer, and the aforementioned duo are likely to be among the first to pile out of the exit door if needs be.

Despite Zorc's insistence that Dortmund want to keep Haaland no matter what this summer, the matter may well be taken out of their control, especially with Mino Raiola and the player's father, Alf-Inge Haaland, already meeting with clubs around Europe in anticipation of a summer saga.

"If we have to play the Businessday.ng

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rest of the season without fans, as seems to be the case, we will have losses of between 80 and 90 million euros, based on that we will have to act," Zorc admitted at a pressconference.

Such a statement is likely to be of interest to clubs around Europe who would clearly love to sign either Sancho or Haaland, and the added possibility of Dortmund failing to qualify for the Champions League would only increase the likelihood of such deals.

Dortmund were robust in their refusal to let Sancho leave for Manchester United last summer, reportedly refusing an offer worth a total of 102 million euros including bonuses for the English winger.

Of course, Ed Woodward and his team of transfer specialists were well aware that their offer would be rejected, given the fact it was produced way after Dortmund's publicly imposed deadline for a sale had passed.

However, a year on and it looks as though the German club's

show of strength has backfired, with it difficult to see any offers for Sancho reach such a figure after his performances have dipped somewhat this term, although the emergence of Haaland as perhaps the best goalscorer in world football at this moment are likely to offset such a fiscal loss.

Now for a club that has historically been so good at identifying talent in the market, their recent record has been shaky at best, especially in defensive positions.

Sancho and Haaland have been two shining lights of the club's good recruitment though, along with Jude Bellingham, who has the potential to be a remarkable star in midfield, and it would hurt Dortmund to lose both in one window.

Financial pressures are something that Dortmund can't overcome, especially with their struggles of the mid-2000s still fresh in the minds of fans and staff members alike. BD

SATURDAY 10, APRIL 2021

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