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ASABA DECLARATION

Will Buhari Budge On Open Grazing Ban, Restructuring, Others?

SPECIAL REPORT

YAHAYA BELLO: PROTOTYPE OF VISIONLESS EXUBERANCE

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BY THEWILL CORRESPONDENTS

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he end, definitely, may not have been heard of the controversies triggered by the resolutions passed by members of the Southern Governors Forum at their meeting held a fortnight ago in Asaba, the Delta State capital.

THEWILL authoritatively gathered that the governors, in their determination to drive home their demands, are set to meet with President Muhamadu Buhari any time from now and officially table their requests. Already, one of the resolutions arrived at during their meeting in Asaba - the decision to ban open grazing across southern Nigeria - is generating heated debate in the country. Undeterred and apparently determined to walk their talk and go all out to enforce their decisions, the governors appear ready for the big battle ahead against the President’s men, who, from all indications, are bent on maintaining the “status quo.”

COVER FG Rejects Southern, Opposition Governors’ Resolution

RISING UP TO A MESSY SITUATION Against the state of general insecurity and lawlessness pervading the country at present and the seeming inability of the Federal Government to rise to the embarrassing security challenge, the 17 governors of the southern states had risen to the occasion in a clear bid to protect their states and people as they gathered in Asaba for the meeting hosted by the Delta State Governor, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa.

Apparently bent on forcing their will and interests on the entire country without due regards to the principles of true federalism, they see the Asaba Declaration as a ‘mutiny’ and an affront that must be shot down for their northern interests to continue benefiting from the apparent lopsidedness in political appointments and other inequalities that, unfortunately, have been pushed to the front burner by the Muhammadu MBuhari Administration. The insistence of the southern governors on the ban on open grazing in all southern states, restructuring of the country and devolution of power, among other vexed issues, has, indeed, pitched them against Buhari’s men as the crisis appears set to progress into a full-blown clash of political and regional interests.

FIRING THE FIRST SALVO However, the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN), may have taken his luck too far in his opposition to the Asaba Declaration as he came out openly to condemn the southern governors. Apparently presenting himself as the unofficial “Voice of the Fulani Herdsmen” and official “Defender of the North”, the Attorney General threw caution to the winds by his preposterous statement comparing open grazing to spare parts trading in the North by southerners. Malami, who spoke on a Channels Television show on Wednesday, had said that the decision of the southern governors did not “hold water” in the context of human rights as enshrined in the Nigerian Constitution of 1999.

“It is about constitutionality within the context of the freedoms expressed in our constitution. Can you deny the rights of a Nigerian?” the AGF quipped, adding, “For example, it is as good as saying, perhaps, maybe, the northern governors coming together to say they prohibit spare parts trading in the North. Does it hold water? Does it hold water for a northern governor to come and state expressly that he now prohibits spare parts trading in the North? If you are talking of constitutionally guaranteed

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Akeredolu

ASABA DECLARATION In the 12-point communique issued at the end of the meeting, the Southern Governors Forum came up with resolutions that they considered to be pertinent to the future of their states in a corporate entity called Nigeria. The resolutions, now known as the Asaba Declaration, have become not only controversial, but also controversial thorns in the flesh of some of their northern counterparts, who are overtly protective of their archaic cattle herding practice and seem to have the open backing of the President’s men and close aides.

Malami

Present at the Asaba meeting held on Tuesday, May 11, 2021, were the nine governors from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), seven governors from the All Progressives Congress (APC) and one governor from the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA). Absent at the meeting were two governors, namely, Ben Ayade (Cross River, PDP) who defected to the ruling APC last week and Gboyega Oyetola (Osun State, APC). Also, the governors of Imo and Akwa Ibom States, though absent, were represented by their deputies.

rights, the better approach to it is to perhaps go back to ensure the constitution is amended.”

“The decision to ban open grazing stays. It will be enforced with vigour.”

WE STAND BY OUR DECISION - AKEREDOLU Governor Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State, who is also a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, would however not take the preposterous reasoning from Malami as he expressly fired back at the minister, describing his faulty logic as “wicked and arrogant.”

AGF’S COMPARISON IS NONSENSICAL - FALANA Also slamming Malami for his reckless comparison was human rights lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Femi Falana, who described the comparison of spare parts trading with open grazing as nonsensical, saying it was funny that the minister, who is the chief law officer of the federation, was ignorant of the fact that northern governors had taken a decision to ban open grazing since January.

In a statement condemning Malami’s outburst, Akeredolu said: “I have just read the press statement credited to the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr Shehu Malami, on the resolution of the Southern Governors Forum to ban open grazing in their respective states.

“The AGF is quoted to have said that this reasoned decision, among others, is akin to banning all spare parts dealers in the northern parts of the country and is unconstitutional.

“It is most unfortunate that the AGF is unable to distill issues as expected of a Senior Advocate of Nigeria. Nothing can be more disconcerting. This outburst should, ordinarily, not elicit a response from reasonable people who know the distinction between a legitimate business that is not in any way injurious and a certain predilection for anarchy.

“Clinging to an anachronistic model of animal husbandry, which is evidently injurious to the harmonious relationship between the herders and the farmers, as well as the local populace, is wicked and arrogant.

“Comparing this anachronism, which has led to the loss of lives, farmlands, and property, and engendered untold hardship on the host communities, with buying and selling of auto parts is not only strange. It, annoyingly, betrays a terrible mindset.

“Mr Malami is advised to approach the court to challenge the legality of the laws of the respective states banning open grazing and the decisions of the Southern Governor Forum taken in the interest of their people. We shall be most willing to meet him in court.

“On April 27, 2018, the members of the National Economic Council resolved to ban open grazing and adopt the Livestock Transformation Plan of the Federal Government.

The National Economic Council is constituted by the Vice President, the 36 state governors, the Minister of Finance and the Central Bank Governor,” Falana said, adding, “On February 9, 2021, the Northern Governors Forum banned open grazing in all states in northern Nigeria. On February 11, 2021, the Nigerian Governors Forum banned open grazing in all the 36 states of the Federation.”

Maintaining that spare parts traders pay rents and had been known to be peaceful in their conduct, Falana said: “The AGF equally said that banning open grazing is like banning the sale of spare parts. The comparison is not applicable as the sellers of motor parts who operate in shops and markets in all states have not been accused of engaging in the killing of fellow citizens and destruction of their properties...

“With respect, the ban on open grazing has not affected the rights of herders to move freely and acquire land in any state for the establishment of ranches in line with the provisions of sections 41 and 43 of the constitution.

“Since the constitution does not cover the right of animals to move freely and destroy farmlands it is grossly misleading to give the impression that the ban on open grazing has abrogated the right of herders to carry out their business...

“Besides, those who sell spare parts outside their states of origin either acquire properties or pay rent for their lawful THEWILLNIGERIA

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COVER

Ganduje Backs Open Grazing Ban •Who Blinks First?

SACK MALAMI NOW - SENATE SPOKESPERSON The Chairman, Senate Committee on Media, Senator Ajibola Basiru, in a statement on Thursday, said Malami should be sacked immediately, describing the minister’s comments as “less than dignifying.”

Basiru maintained that “It was not dignifying of the status of the nation’s Attorney General and Minister of Justice to make such remarks,” saying equating the activities of archaic nomadic herdsmen destroying peoples means of livelihood with others legitimately carrying on businesses by selling spare parts in their shops stand logic on its head.

According to the Senate spokesperson, “Anyone who cannot rise above primordial sentiments and pursuit of parochial ethnic agenda need not occupy position of trust especially at this time of sectional agitations.”

OPEN GRAZING INCOMPATIBLE WITH MODERNITY - GANDUJE’S AIDE The Southern Governors Forum, however, found succour in the support from Governor Abdullahi Ganduje of Kano State on the ban on open grazing. Ganduje, who is a Fulani, had, for long, advocated the ban on open grazing, describing it as incompatible with modernity. The governor even built a Rural Grazing Area (RUGA) for herdsmen with modern facilities. That, according to the governor, is what should be done - modern ranching.

Okowa

Ganduje

Expressing the views of the governor on the controversial issue, in a chat with THEWILL, his Director General on Media and Publicity, Mallam Ameen Yassar, said, “You cannot continue to move between 500 and 1,000 cows across long distances in search of fodder and water.

Nowadays, you do so within your own location. In such cases as we have seen in Nigeria, it has led to clashes and ethnic disagreements moving from Nasarawa to Ebonyi, Kano States and then Niger Republic. It is even not safe.

It has attendant risks like cattle rustling and conflicts with farmers.

business...

“Malami should be reminded that he is the AGF and Minister of Justice of Nigeria. So, in making statements he should always regard the sensibilities of every part of the country and respect all legitimate interests of the entire people of the country. Mr. Malami should please stand up for social justice and unity of Nigeria in the interest of all as required of him in accordance with his oath of office under the 1999 Constitution.”

ABUJA HIGH COURT HAS OKAYED THE BAN AJULO An Abuja-based lawyer and human rights activist, Dr. Kayode Ajulo, said, “From all indication, any attempt to criticise the actions of the Southern Governors on the ban of open gracing which is a regulation of pasturing and herding of cows is clearly calculated to fan into flame the embers of sectionalism, and to polarise people along ethnic lines to the detriment of national security.”

In a note to THEWILL on Thursday, Ajulo said: “As if this is the forensic response to the hullabaloo created by a cacophony of opinions on the open grazing, the Federal High Court, Abuja on Thursday affirmed the right of Nigerian states to implement anti-grazing laws in their domains. This position weakens that of nay-sayers to open grazing on the ground that such a ban is unconstitutional and infringes on the rights of movement enshrined in the nation’s laws.”

The court presided over by Justice Ijeoma Ojukwu indicated this when it rejected a suit seeking to compel President Muhammadu Buhari to direct security agencies to enforce the Benue Open Grazing Prohibition and Ranching Law of 2017.

According to Ajulo, “The judge, in the judgement, also said the enforcement of the anti-grazing law, having been validly passed by the Benue House of Assembly, for instance, “lies with the state government”.

“Aside from Benue State, there are other states particularly in the southern part of the country that have put the antiopen grazing law in place to check rampant kidnappings and killings associated with some criminal herders in their THEWILLNIGERIA

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domains.

“The aspect of the fresh from the bakery Thursday’s judgment affirming the power of state governments to enforce the anti-open grazing law in their states comes as impetus for the implementation of such a statute where they are already in place and an inspiration for others to seek to have it.

“So, I agree with the southern governors’ ban. It is obvious.

Even Miyetti Allah, I understand, has supported it. Open grazing with all the attendant risk to lie does not even allow the herders to enjoy life nowadays. Imaging that you are moving and not domiciled in a location to enjoy health and educational facilities.

“Our Governor, Abdullahi Ganduje, at a point in time, said nomadism is not only a Federal Government of Nigeria issue, but also that of ECOWAS. So, regulation has to be across the sub-region because some of these Fulani are really not from Nigeria, but from Mali, Guinea and Niger, who have mastered age-long routes across West Africa.

“Conclusively, in the light of the current social, economic implications including psychological intimidations and the overall depressing atmosphere which open grazing has permitted, it is my belief that the action of the Governors is a step in the right direction.

“Also because of their exposure across the countries, they got involved in conflict-ridden countries like Libya. These Fulani outside Nigeria bring in weapons to cause havoc, which is often blamed on those in Nigeria. Most of the clashes are done by these migrant Fulani.”

“Whatever angle the present issue tilts, one thing is certain, open grazing is archaic, anachronistic and out of synch with modern day realities. What is more itinerate rearing of animal and breeding animals on crops, grass and other plants which might be dangerous to the health of the animals and allowing animals to wander for several kilometers and miles are forms of cruelty to animals punishable under our Penal laws. For instance Section 495 of the Criminal Code prohibits cruelty to animal. “

MALAMI’S STATEMENT IS DISAPPOINTING DON Also condemning Malami, describing the statement credited to him on the controversial matter as disappointing, a professor of Economic History and Development Studies and Secretary General of the Committee of Vice – Chancellors of Nigerian Universities, Yakubu Ochefu, said, “Our inability to rid ourselves of these issues make you believe there is a conspiracy at some level,” even as he lamented, “At this level of our development, farmer / herder conflicts are still dominating discussions in Nigeria, something the developed world has left behind long ago.”

MINISTER CAN’T MAKE PROCLAMATIONS FOR NIGERIA - ADEGBORUWA Also faulting Malami on his unguided proclamations, another Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa, said, “His comment is ultra vires, being beyond and outside his office as a minister,” adding, “The role of interpreting the constitution is the exclusive preserve of the courts under the constitution.”

According to Adegboruwa, “You cannot deploy the right to movement of person and cattle to violate the right of another citizen to own property, such as land or farmland, or else you become a trespasser. It is in this regard that I disagree with the Honourable Attorney-General of the Federation, when he said that the ban on open grazing is unconstitutional. That cannot represent a proper interpretation of the Constitution, with all due respect. The AGF is a member of the Executive arm of government, under section 5 of the Constitution. The Constitution has not assigned any role to the AGF to make proclamations for the country. “

According to Ochefu, who spoke to THEWILL on Friday, northern governors meet regularly. “The Southern Governors Forum issued a communiqué, just as their counterparts in the North often do. Ordinarily, this is not a matter for discussion in our country now. But everything in Nigeria is politicised which has made a simple issue assume a political and security dimension.

“Given our ethnic and religious fault lines, if President Muhammadu Buhari does not solve this problem and another President comes to do so, his Fulani people may suffer if the South-West, South-East and South-South, who are complaining of attacks and destruction of their farm from herders were to turn around and retaliate. He is not even afraid for his people, a small minority, which he should shield,” he said. *Continues online @ www. thewillnigeria.com

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NEWS

COAS, 10 Others Die In Plane Crash

BY ANTHONY AWUNOR

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he Chief of Army Staff, Lt General Ibrahim Attahiru, and 11 other military personnel lost their lives in a plane crash, which occurred near the Kaduna International Airport on Friday May 21, 2021 on their way to attend the graduation ceremony of the Nigerian Army Depot slated for Saturday, May 22, 2021 in Zaria, Kadua State.

Late Attahiru was on the official trip in company of his Chief of Staff, Brig-General Abdulkadir; the Acting Provost Mrashal, Nigerian Army, Brig-Gen Olayinka; Acting Chief of Military Intelligence, Brig Gen Kuliya; Aide De Camp to the COAS, Major La Hayat; Chief Security Officer to the COAS, Maj Hamza; and Orderly to the COAS, Sgt Umar.

Aircraft crew involved in the crash were the pilot, Flt Lt To Asaniyi; Co-pilot, Flt Lt AA Olufade; Sgt Adesina and ACM Oyedepo.

The Nigeria Air Force Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Gabkwet Edward, broke the news of the tragic event.

Edward stated that the Nigerian Air Force had begun an investigation into the cause of the crash of the aircraft in which Lt Gen Attahiru was killed.

He said, “An air crash involving a @NigAirForce aircraft occurred this evening near the Kaduna International Airport.

The immediate cause of the crash is still being ascertained”.

Meanwhile, Acting Director Defence Information, BrigadierGeneral Onyema Nwachukwu, later on Friday night informed that Attahiru and 10 others were killed in the crash.

“It is with a heavy heart that the Armed Forces of Nigeria regrets to announce that this evening at about 1800 Hours, the Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen Ibrahim Attahiru, in company of his entourage, who were on an official trip from Abuja to Kaduna, were involved in an air mishap. The unfortunate incident occurred after landing at the Kaduna International Airport due to inclement weather,” Nwachukwu said.

According to him, the Chief of Defence Staff, General Lucky Irabor has therefore, directed that an Accident Investigation Board be constituted to unravel the immediate and remote cause(s) of the unfortunate accident.

LG Polls: PLASIEC Targets Over N4bn from Nomination Forms

FROM UKANDI ODEY, JOS he Plateau State Independent Electoral Commission is set to realise not less than N3 billion from the sale of nomination forms and payment of administrative fees by candidates intending to contest in the upcoming local government polls in the state.

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According to the guidelines for the elections released by the PLASIEC and signed by its Chairman, Fabian Ntung, all political parties are required to obtain nomination forms from PLASIEC’s headquarters at No. 7, John Mark Samchi, Jos between Monday June 14 and Saturday June 19, 2021, from 8am to 4pm.

The guidelines further indicate that, “all political parties shall pay a non-refundable fee of one million naira only for chairmanship, seven hundred and fifty thousand naira only for deputy chairmanship, and five hundred thousand naira only for councillorship, for any nomination form issued.”

The parties and their candidates are to also note that, “political parties shall pay non-refundable administrative charges on the nomination processes for each of their candidates”, specifying that while chairmanship candidates will be charged N250,000, vice chairmanship and councillorship candidates shall pay N150,000 and N100,000 respectively.

Furthermore, the guidelines said, “any uncleared candidate may appeal to the Commission against the decision of the screening committee using the appropriate form obtainable from the Commission on payment of prescribed fee of fifty thousand naira only.”

According to the Independent National Electoral Commission, there are 325 electoral wards and 17 local government areas in the state.

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L-R: Deputy Governor, Ogun State, Alhaja Naimot Salako; Vice President Yemi Osinbajo SAN; Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-olu; Former Governor, Ogun State, Aremo Olusegun Osoba; Governor of Ekiti State Dr. Kayode Fayemi and others at the tributes ceremony dedicated to media moguls at The Muson Centre, Onikan in Lagos on 21/5/2021.

Nigeria Loses N3.7 Trillion To Poor Cold Chain Logistics

BY ANTHONY AWUNOR

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ue to wastage arising from improper storage of foods, Nigeria is loosing a whopping sum of N3.7 trillion annually.

The Chairman, Governing Council of the Nigerian Institute of Transport Technology, Mr John Onojeharho, who disclosed this while speaking on the topic: “Cold Chain Logistics” at the 8th Nigeria Annual Transport Lecture held at Sheraton Hotel Ikeja on Friday, said the country would have saved such a large sum of money if proper food storage facility was in place.

He said, “Nigeria is ranked 1 per cent in terms of cold chain management. The market is huge and if properly tapped, we can save $9 billion annually by avoiding food wastage through proper storage”.

Onojeharho added that if the 15 million metric tonnes of perishable goods wasted annually were well preserved, inflation would drop and there would be drastic improvement in the economy.

Stressing that Nigeria ranked 110 out of 160 countries globally in the performance index of logistics, Onojeharho lamented that a lot of food products were lost due to bad storage system.

He advised that such anomaly should be addressed urgently as food security is part of human existence.

According to the transport expert, Nigeria is lagging behind in terms

of cold chain management, just as he appealed to stakeholders to invest in the cold chain sector to assist the diversification efforts of the present government.

Onojeharho attributed poor cold chain logistics to lack of good road infrastructure, continuity of the cold supply chain, high capital investment, power supply amongst others. He, however, opined that efficient logistics are critical to economic growth, noting that when foods are properly preserved, it will bring about reduced wastage, increase income, create employment and add value to the products.

Also speaking at the event, the Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, commended Transport Day Newspaper, stating that the government is leveraging the transport sector as a backbone to industrialise and diversify the Nigerian economy.

The minister, who was represented by Executive Director, Federal Ministry of Transportation, Mr Agbaji Francis, said these efforts were evidence of the rail subsector where 859 km of standard gauge rail lines were constructed and commissioned for commercial use in the last five years.

In his presentation, titled, ‘Improving Nigeria Transportation System; The Way Forward’, the Corp Marshall of the Federal Road Safety Corps, Dr Boboye Oyeyemi, described transportation as critical to economic growth and advocated proper utilisation of five modes of transport including road, air, water, rail and pipeline.

NOTICE OF INCREASE IN COVER PRICE

Dear reader, since we launched our first print edition in February 2021 we have striven to deliver bold, fresh and authoritative content in top quality newsprint and art paper with a cover price of N250.

However, in the last three months, the prices of newsprint and art paper have increased by more than 30 percent. For instance, a ton of newsprint, which sold for N350,000 in February now sells for over N550,000. The importers have ascribed the sharp increase to the weakened naira in the FX market.

Our printers have also increased the cost of printing by over 30 percent, citing hikes in the cost of ink and other printing consumables as the reason.

Sadly due to these developments, it has become impossible and unrealistic to sustain production at our current cover price. Hence management has decided that starting from June 6, 2021, the new cover price for your trending and favourite Sunday weekly newspaper will be N350 with a commitment to adjust it downwards as soon as the prices of printing consumables drop.

Thank you for your understanding and continued patronage.

Signed Management THEWILLNIGERIA

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SPECIAL REPORT

Yahaya Bello: Prototype of Visionless Exuberance

BY SAM DIALA lhajiYahaya Adoza Bello, Governor of Kogi State, suffered a bruised ego recently and this must have given him a rude shock. He was on the half-hour live programme of Channels Television, Politics Today, on Friday, May 14, 2021 where he continued to propagate his interest in becoming Nigeria’s next president. But technology was clinically unkind to him that evening, with embarrassment leaving a deep imprint on his psyche.

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Channels Television had organised a Twitter poll during the live programme to determine Bello’s level of popularity among Nigerians. The poll was: “Would you support a Yahaya Bello 2023 Presidency? The Kogi State governor hinted on Friday that he might run for the top spot in the 2023 election cycle,” the television station posted. The result was a horrendous outcome.

Less than 30 minutes into the poll, Bello had lost by 91 percent. According to the result published shortly after the programme, out of 6,796 participants in the poll, only six percent voted in favour of the governor. Three percent were undecided while the rest 90 percent rejected Bello and his dream of ruling Nigeria. The television station later deleted the poll from its platform, apparently out of sympathy and, possibly, to save His Excellency the (un)deserved embarrassment.

But that may not deter Bello. Before the conclusion of the Twitter poll disaster, the Kogi governor had told his viewers that his eyes were on the Presidency. He said the pressure on him to contest the topmost national leadership position was too enormous and evident to ignore.

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“Nigerians, the youth and women, and all Nigerians, including very objective elites are asking me to run for president in 2023. And I believe it is high time that we looked into capacity – who can do the job, who is going to unify this country. And I think they are seeing something in me that they are asking me to come and unite and fix this country.

“My answer will be in the affirmative in a short time from now,” he said, urging Nigerians to be patient with him. “It’s a work-in-progress. And by the grace of God, I am not going to disappoint you when the time comes for me to give a response to that,” he added.

VAIN DISPOSITION Yahaya Bello’s six years as governor of Kogi reveals a man whose only preoccupation lies in flaunting his youthful age.

Yahaya Bello was born on June 18, 1975. He was 40 years of age when he was first elected governor in 2015. As the only governor born after the Nigerian Civil War, he is the youngest among Nigeria’s 36 state governors. He is 46 this year.

Indeed, Bello’s youthful age is an asset and a plus for him, especially given where Nigeria is today. He is both lucky and unfortunate. He was chosen on the platform of the All Progressives Congress as the replacement for the late Abubakar Audu who originally won the election but died before the result was declared.

Bello’s ascension to power was one that luck bestowed on him beyond imagination. His was like the man whose palm kernel was cracked for him by benevolent spirits but who

forgot to be humble. He was expected to fold up his sleeves, hit the ground running and explore the massive opportunities that fate had bestowed on his growing shoulders.

ESCAPED OPPORTUNITIES A young man, stepping into Government House at 40, with no legacy that points to his previous performance would have shown Nigerians that those ruling the country in their advanced age really need to give way. Bello’s Albatross is that he is a young man, with no legacy behind; no vision ahead. He has not really justified the luck that fate bestowed on him.

The status of the state offered Bello a huge room for performance. Kogi is not in the league of Nigeria’s fast growing states – in economy, infrastructure, human capital and other key fundamentals. There is little evidence that the state is pursuing industrialisation. It has a rice mill, yet not distinguished in agriculture.

It has no strategic human capital development scheme like some of its peers. For instance, it is not among the upclimbing non-oil producing states like Anambra. Kogi is not known to be positioning for human capital development that would transform the state into a vibrant, technological economy. The people are poor, they are not top in education; the state is not known for a unique selling point that makes its distinction undebatable. All these require a lot of work, thinking and, above all, vision.

Incidentally, Kogi State is full of potential. Its location singles it out for unique development in agriculture, tourism, solid minerals and transportation. Kogi is located in the *Continue on Page 8

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SPECIAL REPORT

Prototype of Visionless Exuberance

*Continued from Page 7

central region of Nigeria bordering nine states. They include Niger, Kwara, Ekiti, Ondo, Anambra, Nassarawa, Benue, Enugu States and the Federal Capital Territory.

With this strategic location, Bello could tap from the natural gifts of the states to make Kogi an epicentre of tourism, trade and commerce. The confluence of Rivers Niger and Benue could be developed into a unique tourist attraction with a special annual boat festival. Security business will thrive in the state. Kogi is far from all these, yet it has a young man fresh from school.

BOUNCING IN NO-VISION Yahaya Bello is a young man; but he lacks vision. Since his leadership, there is nothing to single Kogi out for distinction.

There is no industrialization programme; there is no strategic human capital development programme; there is no foreign partnership investment; there is little economic development traceable to Bello’s visionary leadership. The Nigeria Union of Journalists recently honoured him for his “outstanding” performance in education. The criteria include starting and finishing the state university, transforming the state polytechnic. Experts explain this as counting what is not yet there. These huge projects are yet to be seen to impact on the real human capital development of the state.

Abia has a small and cottage industry development programme. The state has a skill development partnership with China. The aim is to boost small and cottage industries in the areas of leather works, textiles, manufacturing and many others. These are export-oriented SMEs. Anambra also has a scheme for an SME export-oriented programme.

It now exports ‘Anambra Tea’ produced by indigenous entrepreneurs under a scheme launched some years back.

Its strategic human capital development has led to the state’s contingents emerging champions at various international competitions.

Benue has an economic development scheme entitled “Collective Vision for a New Benue State” with clearly defined goals and objectives. The scheme has suffered a setback from incessant herdsmen attacks on the state.

Otherwise its planned yam flour processing industry would have gone into production. Nasarawa has a human capital development scheme that involves using qualified nonindigenes as pace-setters, with an articulated succession plan that absorbs indigenes after the foundation has been laid.

Amid heightened insecurity, Borno State governor, Babagana Zulum, unveiled a 25-year Development Plan through which the state will be transformed into a worldclass society. It has a human capital and SME development segment which he has tried to put in reality but for the unremitting insecurity in the region.

unique to this state.A fertile arable land that makes Kogi the largest producer of cashew, potential major rice producer, a respected fishing community among others as well as a bed of some of the most prolific solid minerals including coal, limestone, iron ore and tin makes undoubtedly, the confluence state.”

RE-ELECTION Bello’s re-election in 2019 is documented as one of the worst electoral frauds in Nigeria’s history. It was reportedly a story in bloodletting, corruption and thuggery. Before then, Bello’s unpopularity was written on the faces of the people. An average Kogi indigene rated Bello’s first tenure a disaster. The social media was awash with narratives of his poor performance. The people were determined to vote him out. But, being a young man with vigour to do all things, Bello would not give room for that. He belongs to the ruling party, APC whose election character revolves around the PMB factor – power, money and brutality.

Foreign observers who monitored the election wrote off the exercise as a sham. An election observer and Executive Director, Justice and Peace Development Initiative, Catholic Diocese of Sokoto, Rev. Fr. Lawrence Emhel who monitored the election in Kogi as a member of Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room, said the election was an outright war won by bullets.

With alleged collusion of security agents and INEC officials, Bello won the election after the First Lady, Aisha Buhari and Kaduna Governor, Nasir el-Rufai among many top APC chieftains, had stormed Kogi to campaign for Bello’s re-election. El-rufai, at the campaign, practically went on his knees to beg the people of Kogi to forgive Bello for his unpardonable shortcomings. According to him, Bello as a young man could be swayed by youthful exuberance.

“

It is evident that by presenting himself as a presidential hopeful amid glaring lack of vision and capacity, Bello is compelling Nigerians to choose between leukemia and brain tumour

“Many people say Yahaya Bello is young and that he has fought many people. For every one that the governor has offended, I am asking all of you to forgive him. He is young; he is supposed to make mistakes. When you are young, you make mistakes, but you are supposed to learn from him. On his behalf, I am kneeling down to beg all of you to forgive Yahaya Bello if he has offended you,” el-Rufai said.

Barely 72 hours to the November 16, 2019 governorship election, the Senate approved President Buhari’s request of N10.069 billion as refund for projects that Kogi executed on behalf of the federal government.

MORE FACTS TO CONSIDER Kogi recorded a total revenue of N67.33 billion in 2020, according to the National Bureau of Statistics. This was made up of FAAC N49.98 billion and IGR of N17.35 billion. FAAC accounts for 74.22 per cent of Kogi’s total revenue as against 25 percent that IGR contributes. It has a total domestic debt of N68.1 billion and foreign debt of $30.15 million. Kogi is not among the states that attract foreign capital inflow like Anambra, Akwa Ibom, Lagos, Rivers. Its 2021 budget is N130 billion.

Bello has had his first taste of the demonic pleasure of power and fame. His ambition is probably fueled by the fact that Nigeria is wallowing in a regime of failed leadership and the people keep moving. He must have studied the psychology of a people who can be ruled by anybody. He is exploiting the abuse of our collective intelligence. He never took vision seriously at least as a means of interpreting social phenomena.

Nigeria’s leadership challenge is not really about age. Yes, young age is a factor to reckon with, but competence and capacity are key. Former president Olusegun Obasanjo did not rule Nigeria as a young man. But he showed capacity that enabled him to open up the economy which helped in repositioning Nigeria after many years of military rule.

At the state level, former governor of old Imo State, Sam Mbakwe, did not rule Imo as a young man. But his vision and works remain unmatched till date. Former governors Orji Uzor Kalu, James Ibori and Lucky Igbinedion, for instance, were all young men when they ruled their various states.

Late Lateef Jakande was far above Bello’s age when he ruled and transformed Lagos. Their records of performance are there for Nigerians to judge.

What is this vague claim to youthful age that Bello is clinging to? How can a man who has not shown capacity at the state level aim to rule Nigeria from Abuja? Bello is perpetually at war with Labour in Kogi. He lacks tact and maturity to handle delicate labour matters. It is evident that by presenting himself as a presidential hopeful, amid glaring lack of vision and capacity, Bello is compelling Nigerians to choose between leukemia and brain tumour.

There is nothing to show Bello has a vision; besides being a ‘Young Man’. In February 2018, the state held its first ever Kogi Investment and Economic Summit to showcase the potential of the state. At the opening ceremony of the event, elated Bello statedthat Kogi had worn the appalling appendage of ‘Civil Service State’ since inception and his administration was determined to change the narrative:

“Our geographical location, natural water bodies, variable vast and arable land, human capital and solid minerals are great potentials. I refer to Kogi State as the solid mineral capital of Africa. All these potentials will remain untapped so long as we continue to see Kogi State as a civil service state and nothing is done,” Bello said at the opening ceremony in Lokoja, as if preempting Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, who represented President Muhammadu Buhari at the occasion.

Osinbajo said, “This summit is both timely and strategic not only to draw attention to the confluence of opportunities in Kogi State but also to reinvigorate and inspire the people of Kogi; as you are reminded of your prospect both as a state and what it has to offer and the possibilities that are so

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Amina, Rasheedat & Bello

“Twenty-five years ago, Kogi State was created and ever since then, it is often referred to as a civil service state.

Under this administration, we will no longer take that narrative because Kogi state is full of potential.

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POLITICS “The NFIU should comply with those standards on combating money laundering and financing of terrorism and its proliferation as stipulated, not dabble into matters that are both constitutional and beyond NFIU purview”.

While the state governors kicked against the NFIU directive, many Nigerians were particularly happy. They believed that the Intervention by the NFIU would make the third tier of government and the closest to the people at the grassroots level have enough money to carry out its desired functions and programmes.

The National Union of Local Government Employees was particularly happy about the development and supported the NFIU. Individuals and groups backing the NFIU believe the guideline would help to check the reckless spending of local government funds.

Buhari

Fayemi

Speaking with THEWILL, an Osun State-based lawyer, Barrister Gbenga Akano, described the governors’ demand for restructuring as a cheery development that would lead to financial autonomy for the local government councils.

Governors as Stumbling Block to LG Autonomy

BY AYO ESAN he desire for financial autonomy for the 774 local government areas across Nigeria once again came to the fore recently when 17 governors of the southern states rose from a meeting held in Asaba, the capital of Delta State, and demanded the restructuring of the country.

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Most people that reacted to the governors’ demand also called on them to allow the LGAs under them to enjoy financial autonomy as a way of kick starting the restructuring they demanded.

It would be recalled that one issue that has attracted condemnation from critics and political analysts across the country is the way state governors stifle local government councils and manipulate their resources through the State/ Local Government Joint Accounts.

Observers see the governors using resources belonging to local government areas to run their states. This unholy financial wedlock between the states and local government councils has rendered the latter incapable of performing their statutory roles of serving the grassroots.

Most local government councils are only able to pay salaries and nothing more, except those located in the urban areas that can generate tangible internally generated revenue.

In 2019, the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit stirred the hornet’s nest when it issued guidelines that barred state governors from interfering with the statutory allocations accruing to the councils from the Federation Account.

The guidelines titled, ‘NFIU enforcement and guidelines to reduce crime vulnerabilities created by cash withdrawal from local government funds throughout Nigeria’, took effect on June 1, 2019.

The NFIU’s directive, it was gathered, is aimed at enthroning financial transparency at the local government council level

and freeing funds for development at the grassroots level.

The NFIU, therefore, imposed a daily cash transaction limit of N500,000 on all the 774 LGAs in the country. It also barred commercial banks and other financial institutions, public officers and other stakeholders from tampering with the statutory allocations to the LGAs. The governors frowned at the guideline, which they see as an affront on the states’ control of the LGAs. They vehemently opposed it. Acting under the aegis of the Nigeria Governors Forum, the governors had at the height of the controversy generated by the guideline and approached President Muhammadu Buhari to complain that the NFIU was acting beyond its mandate with the new directive .

The forum, in a letter to the President dated May 15, 2019, argued that the NFIU Act 2018 did not give the body the powers that it tried to exercise in the guideline, saying that, it was acting in excess of its powers and in doing so, showed complete disregard for the 1999 Constitution.

The governors further averred that local government councils were not financial institutions but creations of the constitution and they wondered where the NFIU derived its authority from.

To the governors, the local government councils are not reporting entities and therefore not under the NFIU in the manner contemplated by its so-called guideline.

The letter read “In principle, the NFIU should concentrate on its core mandate of anti-money laundering activities and combating financing terrorism as prescribed in the Act establishing it.

“It should desist from encroaching on or even breaching constitutional provisions. The NFIU is the Nigerian arm of the Global Financial Intelligence Units. It was once domiciled within the EFCC, but now, for the purpose of institutional location, it is domiciled in the Central Bank of Nigeria.

“True federalism will ensure fiscal federalism and devolution of powers to the federating units in the country.

Akano said that if state governors were ready to embrace restructuring should first demonstrate it by allowing local government councils to breath the air of freedom.

“Before now, local government councils were grappling with peanuts, with resultant negative development indicators. This narrative is going to change with the prospects of development getting brighter.

He said that if the governors could prove that their clamour for devolution was genuine, it would translate into greater accountability and transparency in the management of local government funds.

“Nigerians will therefore not listen to any local government chairman who fails to perform. There will no longer be any excuse for failure from any chairman”, Akano said..

Many respondents to THEWILL question as to whether the NFIU directive in 2019 was obeyed showed that nothing much has changed in the management of local council allocations.

It was gathered that while some states claim to have totally complied with the directive, others claim partial compliance.

The local government council workers, who spoke with The Will, expressed their displeasure with the way that council allocations are being cornered by the governors at the State / Local Governments Joint Accounts Committee meeting every month.

A Senior accountant in one of the local government councils in Lagos State, who spoke to THEWILL on the condition of anonymity, said the state had the worst case in the country.

“You and I know that only 20 Local Councils receive their budgetary allocations from Abuja. But when the money comes they will have to share with 37 Local Council Development Authorities. That is where manipulation begins. Some local government chairmen only go back to the council with only money to pay his workers.

“That is why the local government elections in the state are always one way. The presence of one local government chairman from the opposition party will create problems,” he said.

A resident of Ondo, Mr Jacob Agbe noted that the relevant sections of the Constitution must be amended to enable the local government councils to enjoy financial autonomy.

He said the NFIU guideline could not guarantee the independence of the councils because the governors were aware that the Constitution had not been amended to reflect the new development.

Will the restructuring championed by the governors of the southern states also bring forth a fresh air of freedom for local government councils? Only time will tell.

*C

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POLITICS

BY AMOS ESELE

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ension mounts in the Niger Delta, following the expiration this week of the 30-ultimatum given by the Ijaw Youths Council for the constitution of the Board of the Niger Delta Development Commission.

According to the President of the IYC, Dr Peter Igbefa, the ultimatum was to make the Federal Government stop what he described as the undue delay and uncertainty in policies which have led to the non-constitution of the board of the Commission.

The build- up to the group’s demand started on the heels of the commissioning of the permanent office of the Commission in Port Harcourt in April 2021, with nothing said or done about the corruption and maladministration carried out by the Prof Pondei-led Interim Management Committee and the endless forensic audit authorised by President Buhari since April.

“As a council, we have activated our structures at the chapter, zonal and national levels to enforce our demands on the expiration of the 30-day ultimatum this week,” the spokesman of the IYC, Ekerefe Ebilade, told THEWILL in an interview.

He said that although the group agreed with the President on his directive to carry out a forensic audit of the Commission and thanked him for it, it kicked against the continued delay and “lack of readiness to constitute the board and leave the running of its affairs in the hands of a sole administrator unknown to the NDDC Act.” “What we are doing is not just about the IYC. No. Stakeholders comprising governors, National Assembly members and traditional rulers in the region are on the same page with us.”

When he was reminded that the supervising Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Senator Godswill Akpabio, aware of the groundswell of opposition in the region, recently appealed for calm and restated his mission, which is to reposition the Commission for “uncommon development,” Ebilade said the minister was employing delay tactics to carry out his plans.

He added that Akpabio twice made the IYC to shelve its planned protest.

He said, “When he told us that the forensic audit would be completed in April, we shelved the protest. He came again and said it would be completed in July. He then came up with the appointment of a sole administrator unknown to the NDDC Act. This has become a pattern of their plan.”

Speaking recently through his media aide on Project Monitoring and Special Duties, Mr Anthony Ekene Onwuka, Akpabio had corrected what he said was a wrong impression being created about the progress of work at the Commission.

“NDDC must succeed and the Niger Delta must register uncommon development. What will I tell my children tomorrow? I must stamp my trademark- uncommon transformation,” the minister said.

According to Onwuka, the NDDC is an interventionist agency that has been marred by poor leadership and corruption until the appointment of Akpabio as Minister of the Niger Delta.

The minister is facing opposition, he said, because he “wants to change the narrative in the Niger Delta and ensure lasting development.”

State governors in the region do not think so. In fact, as early as January, 2021, they called for the suspension of allocation to the Commission, pending the constitution of a new board.

Restating that position penultimate week, Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State called for the restructuring of the NDDC to drive the development of the South-South region.

Obaseki, who made the call during a meeting with the SouthSouth Zone Working Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party at Government House, Benin City, said the Federal Government was deliberately starving the Commission of funds in order to frustrate the drive for development in the region.

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Akpabio

Three weeks ago, Igbefa reportedly said, “The sole administrator is unknown to the law setting up the Commission. While we support the forensic audit set up by the Federal Government and praise President Muhammadu Buhari for it, we cannot watch and see nothing being done to make NDDC serve our region. Many of our youths are unemployed, projects have not been completed and nothing is happening. At the expiration of our 30-day ultimatum, we will strike…”

“

The current structure of the NDDC has caused underdevelopment in the region, with the Federal Government not showing any concern. The government seems not to care about the scandals associated with the NDDC He said, “The current structure of the NDDC has caused underdevelopment in the region, with the Federal Government not showing any concern. The government seems not to care about the scandals associated with the NDDC. “What is going on in the NDDC today is totally untenable. The Commission can’t do any work in Edo and other states in the South-South. You can’t use the resources meant for the region to develop other regions of the country.”

Elder statesman and frontline South-South leader, Chief Edwin Clark, had cause to wade into the matter when he dissociated himself from the group and restated his support for the position of the South-South governors who have called for the restructuring of the Commission.

A group known as the South-South Front, after a recent meeting, noted, “The leaders (like) the Ijaw National Leader, Chief Clark, has shown his support for the NDDC management.”

But on a Tuesday, May 11, statement which he personally signed, Clark denied being in support of Akpabio’s firm grip on the NDDC and its finances.

Clark said, “I wish to dissociate myself from this group that I do not even know. My position on the activities of Akpabio has been consistent and it is in the public domain. I am in support of a forensic audit to unravel the stinking corruption in the Commission, but not the activities of Akpabio.

“I recall that I made this known when the Sole Administrator, Effiong Okon Akwa, came to pay a courtesy call on me soon after his appointment. I advised him to insulate himself from the honourable minister and face the work he was appointed to do.

“Also, just a few days ago, in my address, which was read by

Trouble Looms in Niger Delta Over NDDC my son, Chief Ebikeme Clark, who is a Special Adviser to the Governor of Delta State, during the commissioning of a road project in my community, Kiagbodo, by the NDDC, I asked that the minister should leave the Commission to do its job.

“I condemned his decision to use the funds of the NDDC on the East-West Road. The funds of the Commission are meant to develop the Niger Delta region, which is seriously underdeveloped.”

On the Federal Government’s position on the NDDC’s current mission, Clark added, “The Federal Government is allocating huge sums of money to construct roads, such as the AbujaKaduna-Kano Road, the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, etc, which they call legacy projects, leaving out the East-West Road, which as a matter of fact ought to be the first legacy project of the country, as it is, today, the major haul through which the product sustaining the economy of the country is transported to various parts of the country.”

When the governors from the region held a meeting with President Buhari in October 2019 and accepted his proposal to conduct a forensic audit and the introduction of the Interim Management Committee, a totally unknown order in the Commission’s Act, they, perhaps, did not foresee the ugly turn of events.

As soon as this mistake was made, a familiar Nigerian syndrome, known as motion without movement, set in.

The IMC that was initially billed to last for six months dragged on for almost 12 months, until it was sacked by the government following the embarrassing disclosures of monumental corruption to the tune of N6.2 billion out of the of total sum of N80 billion allegedly looted from the Commission.

The scandal allegedly involved the supervising minister, Akpabio; former IMC Managing Director, Joi Nunieh; her successor, Prof Kemebradikumo Pondei and his IMC officials and some senior lawmakers, much of which is already in the public domain.

Perturbed by the corruption of the IMC, which further dented its anti-graft posture, the Federal Government dissolved the IMC and appointed a sole administrator to head the Commission.

Ironically, the Sole Administrator, Engr. Effiong Okon Akwa is one of those under probe.

He was in the Pondei-led IMC alongside Cairo Ojougbo and Caroline Naagbo. This, stakeholders believe, is playing politics with the management of the Commission. Akwa hails from Akwa Ibom, the same state as the minister in addition to being his ‘own man.’

Igbefa believes that President Buhari meant well by setting up the forensic audit as the move would have helped to sanitise the Commission, but he laments that his laudable presidential *Continue on Page 11

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POLITICS

Disquiet as Cabal Moves to Stop Ortom’s Security Outfit FROM AUSTINE JOR, MAKURDI

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Nyigba said, the entire community is currently deserted with most of the inhabitants taking refuge at the LGA Primary School in Naka, the local government headquarters.

overnor Samuel Ortom of Benue State recently announced that the Benue State Government, in agreement with stakeholders in the state, had arrived at a decision to reorganise the Benue State Vigilante Group, with a mandate to tackle persistent attacks by suspected Fulani militia on communities in the state.

Still in Gwer West, the marauding herdsmen attacked Tse Shishim and Tse- Iber, around Jimba settlement in Sengev Council Ward, killing four persons and abducting one.

Francis Ugbede, a journalist and native of the community, told THE WILL that those killed in the attack were Terhemba Shishim, Teryila Agbe, Yorikyo Adamu and Mne Iorhemba, while Iorheme Terhemen was taken away by the attackers.

The governor said the law establishing the vigilante, now renamed Community Volunteer Guards, was signed into law in 2000, stressing that its renaming was only a review, not a fresh law as currently viewed by a section of the country.

According to eyewitness accounts, another gang of herdsmen attacked and killed several persons at Udei in Guma Local Government Area. Angry youths barricaded the AbujaMakurdi Expressway in protest over the killings. One of the victims was allegedly shot dead by a personnel of the military outfit, Operation Whire Strock, during an argument.

The decision to rejig the security outfit, which was disclosed to journalists after an expanded meeting of stakeholders held in Makurdi, was made, following renewed cases of incessant attacks on Benue communities by the rampaging herdsmen,

Those to be recruited into the security outfit, he noted, would be between the ages of 18 and 50. The group will be composed of ex -service men who must have lived in the communities for long periods of time without criminal records.

The candidates for recruitment, Ortom stressed, must be gainfully engaged in meaningful ventures, including farming.

He insisted that on no account should vested interests be allowed to tamper with the recruitment process.

The governor charged those who would be recruited to live above board and endeavour not to betray the trust reposed in them. He also warned that any deviation from the rules of engagement would attract severe sanctions.

Ortom advised members of the group not to seek assistance from conventional security agencies but to respond rapidly in case of emergency attacks. He promised that government would provide for them licensed weapons and other logistics that would enable them to effectively repel such attacks.

The decision, which is considered by stakeholders in Benue to be the final solution to the carnage currently witnessed in the state, THEWILL gathered, has not gone down well with a powerful cabal in the Federal Capital Territory.

Shortly after the news of the rebirth of the vigilante group was broken, the cabal held a series of nocturnal meetings to come

Ortom

Ortom told journalists that the meeting, which had in attendance opinion leaders across party lines, urged the security outfit to work closely with conventional security agencies with coordination from the state down to the ward level.

up with a strategy on how to scuttle the activities of the outfit.

Investigation shows that the arrowheads of the plot are northern state governors elected on the platform of the All Progressives Congress, most of whom, it was learnt, vowed that the security body would not see the light of the day.

Findings revealed further that the cabal warned that allowing the decision to stand was tantamount to giving Ortom permission to run a parallel government. Its members vowed to do everything possible within their power to frustrate the security outfit.

The resumption of murderous attacks on innocent and defenceless citizens in the state is believed to be favoured by the cabal as a strategy for weakening the drivers of the decision and in the process, sending warning signals.

Cases of organised violence are still rife in the state. In Gwer West Local Government Area, for example, one Kenneth Nyigba, who hails from Tse Adaa, told THE WILL that a few days ago, Fulani herdsmen numbering about 20 attacked his house at about 2.00 am. The gunmen shot sporadically for over four hours, killing six persons in the process.

Trouble Looms in Niger Delta Over NDDC

*Continued from Page 10

intention has been hijacked by politicians who are only out to feather their nests.

These politicians, he notes, have resorted to delay tactics and a strategy that will make it easy to continue the looting spree in the Commission, ahead of the 2023 general elections.

Going by the recently announced tenure of three to four months for the field audit by the minister and the ongoing claims and counter-claims of maladministration and corruption, there are genuine fears that impunity will continue to reign at the Commission, particularly in the face of non-prosecution of those identified with its mismanagement.

Sadly, everything appears to have come back to a starting point.

When former President Olusegun Obasanjo signed the NDDC bill into law, he meant to assuage the Niger Delta people and prevent the disruption of oil production by the brewing youth militancy in the region.

Since Obasanjo created the NDCC in 2000, following the successful agitation for resource control by stakeholders of the region, in addition to the 13 per cent derivation policy, the Commission has been plagued by one crisis or the other, mostly fueled by maladministration and manipulation by appointees who are often proxies of the government in power and their cronies in the benefiting states of Abia, Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, THEWILLNIGERIA

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Cross Rivers, Delta, Edo, Imo, Ondo, and Rivers.

The IYC’s resolve to go back to the creeks and carry out their threat against oil installations will only compound the already bad security situation in the country and seriously affect its economic fortunes.

The heady days ahead will reveal the meaning in that statement.

The threatening Ijaw youths and Governor Obaseki seem to think otherwise.

Governor Ortom’s Principal Special Assistant on Projects Monitoring, Frank Utoo, confirmed the killing of the youth by the military. Utoo, a lawyer and human rights activist, told journalists that he was heading to the court to seek justice over the extra judicial killing of the youth. He also said that he would petition the National Human Rights Commission in order to ensure that justice takes its course in the matter.

Utoo, who managed to calm the protesting youths and thus, preventing a possible breakdown of law and order, was present at the scene on the instruction of his boss, Ortom.

Following the perceived antagonism of the Community Volunteer Guards, individuals and concened persons have continued to vent their anger, most of who submitted that the governor should not renege on same, in different chats with the THEWILL. The President of Benue Alliance For Peace And Development, Comrade Christian Aernan, at a press conference held in Makurdi urged Ortom not to yield to pressure by abandoning the decision of the stakeholders over the issue of the Community Volunteer Guards.

Aernan insisted that the decision was a collective one just as the Anti-Open grazing and Ranches Establishment that has come to stay in the state. He warned that any attempt by the governor to do otherwise would amount to a betrayal of the people of Benue. According to him, his group supported the decision, which is considered to be the only solution to the continued attacks. He flayed those who were against the move and challenged them to suggest better ways of ending the killings.

The BYAPD president expressed dismay that sponsors of those opposing the decision were leaders whose states had become killing fields with dozens of people being maimed every day.

The President- General of the Tiv Youth Organisation, Comrade Timothy Hembaor, in a telephone interview with the THEWILL, declared that the security outfit had come to stay and nothing was going to make the state governor to abandon it.

“We are aware that meetings are being held in high places, but it’s just a normal thing. We experienced same during the era of anti - open grazing. The outfit has come to stay,” he said.

Obaseki says, “We have enough money in the region to build infrastructure and revive the economy. We can do it ourselves by stopping the interference.”

Terence Kuanum, a security expert, told THEWILL in another interview, that those opposing the security outfit were only ignorant of the issues surrounding the security architecture of the country and its workings.

“In the South-South, we must stand up to defend ourselves economically, politically and security-wise. We have pretenders in the region who try to exploit the region and we must stop them.”

According to him, there was nothing wrong with the decision

by Governor Ortom to review the law since it did not violate any provision in the Nigerian Constitution.

Obaseki says the region faces impeded growth because of the inability to make use of its resources for its development.

“The Ijaw Youth Council will definitely shut down the entire region if the President fails to deliver within one month...This message must be taken very seriously,” Igbefa warns. The month is here.

Kuanum urged those having issues with the decision to rather seek clarification rather than harp on primordial sentiments.

As the unprovoked attacks and killings by Fulani herdsmen continue unabated across the state, it remains to be seen how the Community Volunteer Guards will effectively carry out its mandate of securing Benue Communities against further attacks by killer herdsmen.

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POLITICS/INTERVIEW

It’s Stupid to Seek Foreign Assistance to Combat Insecurity – Williams In this interview with AYO ESAN, a former Chief of Training, Operations and Planning in the Nigeria Army, Major-General Isola Williams (Retd.), speaks on some major issues affecting the country. Excerpts:

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The reason why I am saying this is that if you accuse somebody of fraud you must produce the evidence and that is after warning the person with a query. But in this case there was no query. If after investigation has been carried out and the lady is proven to be innocent of what the minister wrote about her, the minister must resign. This is because I read somewhere that the minister is taking back for initial activation. I am talking about insubordination. If that is true and the revelation comes out, the Minister should resign because he would have lost his integrity by taking that action.

This kind of thing happens in all corporations and parastatals in Nigeria. None of them is clean.

Ask anybody who has served there. They all take their own cuts. It is when they become greedy or somebody within the system, who believes he or she is not getting his full share of the loot, cries out or somebody above, who expected the MD to be sharing the Gaari within the agency, feels it is not being shared properly, that trouble rears its head. The disgruntled will find one way or the other to remove that person and put the person who can play the game. So that is what I think happened in the case of the NPA. If you look at the auditors’ report, how many people have they accused of fraud in Nigeria? What has happened to them? Have you ever seen an auditors’ report published by the Federal Government since you were born? How many states have published the auditors’ report and how many corporations have published their auditors’ reports? And they are supposed to be public institution. What about the members of the National Assembly whom we elected to represent us? Are they honest with us? Have you ever seen the auditors’ report of the National Assembly. I am waiting for it before I die.

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Williams

he Managing Director of the Nigeria Ports Authority, Hadiza Bala Usman was recently suspended over an alleged fraud she allegedly perpetrated in office. Are you surprised that this kind of thing is happening under President Muhammadu Buhari’s watch?

What is the real reason why the Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi decided to confuse the President? He didn’t convince him to suspend the lady. From What I read in the newspapers, it was clear that President Buhari was confused in suspending that lady.

The whole system has not changed at all. Despite the President’s claim that there is improvement, nothing has changed. When you take a closer look at the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, you will discover that they have a backload of cases. They were told by many people to establish a corruption tribunal, a special corruption tribunal. They have been talking about it, but the National Assembly has kicked against it.

Can you recall when Senator Smart Adeyemi stood up in the National Assembly and started complaining about insecurity? What did one of his colleagues tell him openly? So when you find yourself in such a situation, you know we have a country that lacks integrity.

Aren’t you worried about the rate at which the present government is procuring foreign loans?

The point is that we can never develop. We will continue to borrow money and part of this money will be going to some people’s pockets and personal

banks accounts. People are running away from Europe now, but they are taking their money to Dubai and other places in the Middle East.

Can you imagine that after changing the leadership of the armed forces, those who came after them are now saying that, in spite of the large sums of money given to their predecessors to buy weapons, they can’t find the weapons. What did the government do to the erstwhile leaders of the armed forces? They appointed them as ambassadors. Where in this world can you see that happening?

Now the same people and the same corrupt National Assembly are now asking us to set up a Public Trust Fund for the armed forces like they have done for the police. They send mobile police personnel to guide individuals. They pay the police for the services of the mobile police. Is that money part of the budgetary allocation to the police? It is not. So where does the money go? It is shared. Where does the money go, if it is not shared? Yet it is not part of the budget for the police.

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POLITICS/INTERVIEW

“

If we really need foreign assistance, the president should step aside and a foreigner should take over his job. All the service chiefs and the Inspector-General of Police should step aside, too and let foreigners take over their job. Then they should begin to run Nigeria

read in the newspapers that state governors donate Hilux vehicles to the police, six months later nobody gives account of what happened to those vehicles.

Who is asking questions about those vehicles? And the leaders are completely unaccountable, especially at the state and local government levels. They don’t account for anything. That is why they don’t want to change the system, especially in terms of going to collect money from Abuja.

There can be no Federal Government if there are no state governments and there can be no state governments if there are no local governments.

There will be no local governments if there are no communities. But if the members of a community themselves and the local government have no contiguity, then corruption will continue. Our political party system is the worst in the world.

When you ask the police they will say they have no money. But I have not seen any Inspector-General of Police or the head of any agency that is poor. You can see the late Comptroller General of Customs and the number of cars that were found in his house. With all this, how can you have a disciplined force?

So I can say that there are no bad policemen or bad soldiers. Even the officers themselves are corrupt and against the state. You can’t expect the security agencies to perform.

Is that the reason why Transparency International still rates Nigeria high on the Corruption Perceptions Index?

Yes, of course. Anybody who has been to Nigeria will experience what I am talking about. They keep saying we should continue to improve the welfare of the police. The question nobody has ever asked is what have the police done with the money they were given?

The interesting thing in this issue is that each time you THEWILLNIGERIA

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What is your take on the worsening insecurity in the country?

We don’t have insecurity because no country is engaging us in a war. It is just that Nigerians are no longer safe in their own country. The South-West states founded the Amotekun security outfit and the South-East copied their example. The North created Hisbah a long time ago. In every state of the federation there are vigilante groups. So there is confusion all over the place as to who is responsible for the public safety. It is the duty of the National Assembly to look at the situation and decide if it is necessary to create a law that will remove this confused state that we are have found ourselves or reduce its impact to a minimum.

Now that they have set up Amotekun by law in each South-West state, what the National Assembly should do next is regularise the situation. That is all.

They are shouting about Amotekun. What is the meaning of Hisbah? Hisbah is not a government agency like Amotekun. So why are they are crying out against the existence of Amotekun and they are not talking about Hisbah? In fact, the current Senate President is the worst we ever had in this country. He is not good enough for this country.

Then how do we move on as a nation?

The point is that they have created a situation in which everybody has to look after himself, in terms of public safety. Nobody will defend anybody now like the Nigeria Police. Unfortunately the police have

refused to get reorganised. What they are doing now is creating big positions for their top shots. Does that constitute public safety? The answer is no. This is because the job of policing the country as a whole is too big for the IGP to handle. Yet he doesn’t want to let go. It is not his fault because the people that are supposed to take political decisions are not doing their job. So there is a problem with our security governance at the presidency level. It is a serious problem because it appears to me that neither the President nor the people advising him know what to do anymore. If they know, they don’t want to do it for reasons best known to them.

Are you saying that President Muhammadu Buhari has not done what he is supposed to do?

If he has done what he is supposed to do, we won’t be in this kind of situation. There is no doubt about that.

The issue is that he knows what is happening. If you tell him something is happening he will only promise to deal with it. There is no strategy.

Is it not surprising that despite the confidence they initially reposed in the President Nigerians still feel unsafe in their own country?

This is what is very funny about the presidential system of government. Under this system, the President can be likened to demi-god that has all the answers to all problems. It is a big mistake. That is why he has advisers, but, unfortunately, one man will take responsibility. If he is old and sick, what do you expect him to do, if he has bad advisers? If he cannot sack them, then he is compounding the problem for himself.

Senator Smart Adeyemi recently urged President Buhari to seek foreign assistance to combat insecurity. What is your reaction to this?

That is the most stupid thing that I have ever heard.

People are talking as if America is not there. The America is still there. If we really need foreign assistance, the president should step aside and a foreigner should take over his job. All the service chiefs and the Inspector-General of Police should step aside, too and let foreigners take over their job. Then they should begin to run Nigeria.

If you bring in those set of people who are they going to advise? Is it not the same President? Who are they going to work with? Are they not the same advisers?

And if the foreigners don’t understand many things about Nigeria, who are they going to ask? Are they not going to work with Nigerians?

If you want to change the whole thing, the best thing is to change the President. He should step aside. The service chiefs and key ministers should step aside, too. The Minister of Defence and Vice President should also go. Then you can bring in foreigners there. That is when I’ll know that we really need foreign assistance.

Why is it that you retired generals are not speaking out or advising the President at this critical time in Nigeria’s history?

The Federal Government does not need our help.

They called some people, those who are their friends and those who will tell them what they want to hear.

They did not call those who will tell them that what they are doing is wrong. It is human nature.

What is your advice to those who are talking about self-determination?

That happens all over the world. There is nothing new about that. There is no country in the world where people are satisfied with the status quo. They want a change.

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EDITORIAL

Ngige’s Timely Intervention in Kaduna K

aduna State has been saved from another major disaster. The seven-day warning strike embarked upon by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) last week was cut short after the third day. The timely intervention of the Minister of Labour and Productivity, Dr Chris Ngige, in the labour crisis that virtually paralysed the state was, indeed, a saving grace.

The strike was a protest against the highhandedness of the state governor, Nasir El-Rufai, in handling the government - Labour relations in the state. The mass sack of workers in the state without due diligence and appropriate disengagement compensation was like adding salt to an injury for the overburdened people of the state.

For several months before the strike, residents of the state had been going through the most harrowing experiences of their lives from the atrocities of bandits and kidnappers who have made Kaduna, a predominantly civil service state, a killing field.

At a time they were heaving a sigh of relief with the release of their children from captivity, following various interventions and payment of heavy ransoms, Governor el-Rufai, then came with another ‘hammer.’ For a governor who had vowed not to negotiate with the bandits, thereby leaving the parents of the abducted students in the state to their fate, the mass sack was like hitting the vulnerable workers with another devastating blow without any consideration of the pains they had

been going through all along.

Displaying an uncommon arrogance and treating the workers in the most disrespectful manner, the governor who rode to power on the back of the civil servants in the state, simply turned his back on the poor workers.

Carrying himself about as the Lord of the Manor and a man with the monopoly of wisdom, the Governor was apparently transferring his aggression for leadership failure on the poor civil servants as if they were the cause of his woes.

It is against this background that mobilisation for the strike and the supportive action received was quite unprecedented as the state was practically shut down for three days, to the shock and consternation of the governor.

Still reveling in self-adulation and vain glorification, El-Rufai was unyielding, stubbornly refusing to shift ground, even as the workers continued their mobilisation for the “mother of all strikes” after the initial seven-day warning strike.

However, Ngige saw the danger ahead and his quick intervention, as well as the warning by the Nigerian Governors Forum, saved the day. But the arrogant governor was still adamant, maintaining that he would not sit on the same table to negotiate with the labour leaders, especially the NLC President, Aliyu Wabba, who, he had earlier declared wanted

for alleged economic sabotage. El-Rufai even went further to slam his fellow governors for, at least, calling him to order. Apparently, they were wiser than a man suffering from delusions of grandeur of the highest order.

While we condemn the arrogance being displayed by the Kaduna governor, we commend Ngige for his maturity in calling a stubborn governor to order. It is unfortunate that the same El-Rufai, who has not been able to handle a small state as Kaduna is day-dreaming of leading a country as big as Nigeria. Nigeria would surely be very unfortunate to have this kind of a man that is so full of himself as a leader.

Ngige has really saved the day for El-Rufai just as Wabba has also displayed maturity in calling off the strike as a mark of respect for the Federal Government. That is the spirit of mutual respect that is needed in government-labour relations and not the master-servant posture being exhibited by a “demystified demagogue.”

It is however heartwarming that a truce has finally been brokered and frayed nerves have been calmed through the efforts of the minister. A tripartite committee, we understand, is already working on resolving some of the vexed issues so as to bring normalcy back to the state. While we agree with the Federal and Kaduna State Governments that an employer has the right to hire and fire its staff, we still believe that due diligence must be followed.

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AUSTYN OGANNAH

Publisher/Editor-in-Chief Editor – Olaolu Olusina Deputy Editor – Amos Esele Politics Editor – Ayo Esan Business Editor – Sam Diala News Editor (Online) – Felix Oboagwina Copy Editor – Chux Ohai Cartoon Editor – Victor Asowata Entertainment/Society Editor – Ivory Ukonu Photo Editor – Peace Udugba Head, Graphics – Tosin Yusuph Circulation Manager – Victor Nwokoh Nigeria Bureau: 36AA Remi Fani-Kayode Street, GRA, Ikeja. Lagos, Nigeria. info@thewillnigeria.com / @THEWILLNG +234 810 345 2286, +234 913 333 3888. EDITOR: Olaolu Olusina @OLUSINA [Letters/Opinions: opinion.letters@thewillnigeria.com] PAGE 14

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OPINION Ganduje in The Eyes of Social Media

BY ABUBAKAR IBRAHIM

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overnor Abdullahi Ganduje of Kano State has been identified by social media activists as an indispensable fan since the inception of his regime. This is supported with pictures of the various structures put in place by his government. The social media has for a long while recognised and declared Ganduje, who is also known as ‘Working Machine,’ as the best performing state governor in the North-West, even beyond.

Social Media platforms have been promoting the activities of the governor ever since he introduced a skills acquisition project that has benefitted thousands of youths in the state.

Ganduje did not only provide training for thousands of automobile mechanics, but also empowered them with the necessary tools and created an enabling environment for their work. This became a major subject of discussion on social media. As a matter of fact, for the first time in the history of Kano State, women were among the beneficiaries of the training scheme.

The governor recently disclosed that his administration was planning in the long term to transform the capital city into a mega city. The blueprint for this includes the provision of much-needed social amenities and infrastructure in terms of road networks, rail transport, housing and a host of others. In this regard, the primary

objective of the state government is to meet the needs of the people and to fulfill their expectations.

One of the major goals of the government is to attract investors to Kano through sufficient power supply to all parts of the state. Based on the ongoing system of transmission and distribution of electricity, Kano only receives eight percent of the entire power generated in Nigeria, even as it is being shortchanged.

To meet its target of transforming Kano into a mega city, government requires an increase in power supply.

To achieve this, it has invested in the generation of hydro electricity at places like Tiga Dam. The governor has since divided the Kano Emirate into five as a way of expanding development and reaching out to the grassroots. The new emirates created out of the old one include Rano, Karaye, Bichi, Gaya and the Kano Emirate. This will serve as a way of balancing development at the grassroots level.

Following the increase in population and in the number of children in the state, Ganduje introduced free education for all in the state from primary to secondary school and up to tertiary level for those who are physically challenged. This has attracted the attention of many Nigerians on social media.

The governor has placed Kano on the path of becoming a mega city through the construction of underpasses, surface roads and flyovers in strategically populated parts of the state.

The social media has also hailed Ganduje’s efforts aimed at improving the health sector in the state. One of his successfully completed projects, the Muhammadu Buhari Cancer Centre, is considered to be the biggest of its kind in Nigeria. It was built and equipped to provide the necessary treatment for cancer patients.

In the eyes of the social media, the governor’s positive actions in Kano State are overwhelming and so remarkable that they have cancelled out negative propaganda against his government on one hand and other hand, rendered the efforts of his critics to undermine his achievements ineffective.

One other important factor that has shaped the way in which the social media views Ganduje’s performance is security. Kano has literally turned out to be the most secure state in the North so far. The social media attributes this to the governor’s commitment to ensuring the right thing is done at the right time.

Indeed, the social media will for a long time continue to regard Ganduje as the best performing governor ever in northern Nigeria and the most popular among social media activists. It will certainly take a long time before another state governor can attract as much attention from the social media.

Abubakar is the Special Assistant on New Media to Governor Ganduje.

Minority Tribes in Middle-Belt Find New Voice in Ortom

BY BENJAMIN NGUTSA igeria is arguably regarded as a federating state with 36 states and six geopolitical zones of North-Central, North-East, North-West, South-East, South- South and South-West. It is also made of more than 250 ethnic groups. However, three of them are considered to be the major tribes. They are the Hausa-Fulani, Yoruba and Igbo.

Nigeria is mostly discussed among these major tribes.

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The power play in Nigeria often takes place among the Hausa-Fulani, Yoruba and Igbo, although the latter have suffered gross marginalisation and consistently denied the opportunity to govern this country.

While these three major ethnic groups continue to dominate the affairs of the country, the other tribes suffer injustice and oppression. The minority tribes in the Middle-Belt region are the worst hit. They have suffered untold injustice and oppression for decades as a result of the Hausa - Fulani, specifically the Fulani, domination of the North. This is why many leaders from the minority tribes in the Middle-Belt have risen in defence of their cause.

For example, Joseph Sarwuan Tarka, spoke and fought for minority tribes in the North-Central geo-political zone that have been sandwiched by those three major tribes. He was an advocate of state creation to politically and economically empower minority groups within the country.

Tarka supported the creation of a Middle-Belt state. He was a nominated member to the Nigerian Constitutional Conference of 1957 and was also the representative of the Middle-Belt to the Willinks Commission where it was reported he spoke in favour of a fair treatment of minority tribes in Nigeria.

Solomon Lar, an ardent middle-belter, also fought for the minority tribes in the North. He helped the people of Plateau State to realise their freedom when he championed a policy based on the idea that the state should help indigenes to realise the benefits of their emancipation from Hausa-Fulani domination.

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For a long time now after Tarka and Lar, there has not been a politician who speaks against the injustice done to the minority tribes in the North and other parts of the country.

The Middle-Belt and other minority tribes have not had someone to fight for them or to protect them from the slavery and expansionist ideologies of the feudal Fulani. There was a void and silence against evil and injustice.

When he became Governor in 2015 he quickly moved to end the conquest agenda hidden in the name of cattle grazing.

He found the solution in the Open Grazing Prohibition and Ranches Establishment Law 2017, which has banned open grazing in the state. And that open grazing law became the beginning of the ongoing war against Ortom and Benue State

by Fulani herdsmen and their sponsors.

The minority tribes in the Middle-Belt needed someone to speak for them. It took time coming, but today the void has been filled by Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue State who has been consistent with his justice-for-all message.

The expansionist saw how Ortom had ambushed them, clipped their wings and so they started pushing back by attacking Benue communities, killing and destroying properties in a bid to make Ortom repeal the law. Unfortunately for them, they got him emboldened, fire branded and determined to push on till his mission is accomplished.

At the recently held Governor Samuel Ortom Colloquium, the President of the Middle-Belt Forum, Dr Pogus Bitrus, said in his speech titled, ‘Another Joseph Tarka on duty,’ described Ortom as the Tarka of this generation.

Ortom has distinguished himself as the new rallying point of the Middle-Belt as a whole by speaking truth to power in defence of the oppressed and by exposing the conquest agenda of the Fulani and defending his people against them.

The governor abhors injustice of any kind and he has made it clear, quoting Martins Luther King Jr, that if “peace means a willingness to be exploited economically, dominated politically, humiliated and segregated,” he does not want peace. And If peace means “being complacently adjusted to a deadening status quo” or keeping his mouth “shut in the midst of injustice and evil,” he does not want it either.

Before Ortom was elected governor of Benue State there had been perennial Fulani attacks on Benue farmers resulting in scores of death and loss of property. The farmers would be sacked from their villages, while the attackers took possession of their ancestral lands. These attacks by armed Fulani herdsmen were also taking place in other parts of the Middle-Belt with the minority tribes as their target. Many people did not see the hidden agenda, but Governor Ortom did. He saw the conquest agenda as clear as day light.

The governor has consistently and vehemently stated that nothing would make Benue State think of repealing the law.

He has flawed all arguments against the law in print, broadcast and in the court. He championed the death of the RUGA, cattle colony, cattle routes, which the Federal Government brought to undermine the Benue ranching law. He said the only solution to attacks on farmers is ranching. This was hard to chew by the Federal Government at first, but it has bowed to Ortom’s superior argument, though reluctantly.

Minority tribes in the Middle-Belt are happy about his determination to end herdsmen attacks on farmers, which has been a thorn in their flesh of the people of the state and through which they have lost their loved ones and property.

They know and believe thzt as he is succeeding, they are succeeding too. They support his fervent call for peace and justice, for an end to impunity.

The minority tribes may have found someone who they can trust and stand with in their struggle for emancipation. They have found a voice of liberation in Governor Samuel Ortom.

•Benjamin Ngutsav is a secretary in the Office of the Chief Press Secretary To Governor Samuel Ortom. He writes from Makurdi.

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Wema Bank: N2.6bn Uncollectible Loans Gulp 20% of 3Years Profit

Forex Speculators to Lose N100bn as CBN Sustains Funding for BDCs

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First Bank of Nigeria New Website Review PAGE 35

Forex Scarcity: Domestic Airlines Bemoan High Operating Costs

BY ANTHONY AWUNOR

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Despite the hike in ticket costs, airlines in the country have continued to struggle to remain in business, owing service providers and regulatory agencies the deductions of five percent Ticket Sales Charge (TSC) and Passenger Services Charge (PSC), just to stay afloat becomes something in vogue.

igeria’s aviation sector is writhing in pains at the moment due to high operating costs occasioned by the lingering foreign exchange scarcity experienced by airlines in the country. The situation is worsened by the continued depreciation of the naira, which is currently fuelling inflation and thereby shooting up the cost of operations.

THEWILL gathered that Sirika has been in talks with the CBN over the lingering forex scarcity plaguing the airline operators, the government has not been able to satisfy all parties since it also has its own policy on prioritisation.

Four years ago, the Central Bank of Nigeria approved a Special Secondary Market Intervention Retail Sales in the foreign exchange market for airlines operating in the country. The intervention, brokered by then Minister of State for Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika, on behalf of the airlines, was a one-off exercise dedicated to the clearance of the backlog of matured forex obligations.

Since then, the resolution by the apex bank to intervene in the interbank foreign exchange market through forward settlement raised operators’ optimism. It was expected to engender market confidence and ultimately rub off on the aviation sector.

Ironically, four years after, domestic airlines in the country are still finding it difficult to operate smoothly due to the paucity of forex, especially the US dollar.

Despite several interventions by the Federal Government, more than eight carriers operating locally seem to be groaning because they could not easily access the dollar. It becomes even more difficult, since virtually all operations, spare parts, aviation fuel known as Jet A1, are all procured in the foreign currency.

The difficulties associated with the operators’ activities are further worsened as all aircraft parts and even aviation fuel are now imported as against the local availability that used to obtain in the past.

In addition, the exchange rate has continued to increase, thus creating uncertainties while high operating costs persist. The World Bank and the International Monetary Fund have urged the Federal Government to discontinue with hedging the naira and allowing it to operate in its real value. They also advised against Nigeria’s multiple exchange rates regime, which creates room for arbitrage and other inauspicious acts.

While the government has “officially” rejected the option of floating the naira, the CBN has gradually applied a “soft” measure that points towards unifying the exchange rate windows. At present, there is the official, AFEX, SME, Wholesale, Investors and Exporters, Bureau De Change and the (blacklisted) Black market rates. The high exchange rate has forced airline operators to increase their fairs and other tariffs by over 50 percent.

Besides, operators in the industry have decried the approach adopted by the CBN in disbursing forex to beneficiary airlines.

THEWILL gathered that the disbursement is done through a bidding process based on the airlines’ forex applications. Airlines

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Sirika

Although there are moves by the government to support the sector with policies that mitigate the debilitating impact, there seems to be little effect as the nflation rate keeps rising.

“

The difficulties associated with the operators’ activities are further worsened as all aircraft parts and even aviation fuel are now imported as against the local availability that used to obtain in the past

that did not succeed are meant to wait for the next two weeks before the window can be opened for them again since the bidding is only done bi-weekly.

The forex scarcity has forced local airlines to resort to the parallel (black) market for Dollar, usually at a high rate, for them to continue with their businesses. As at May 20, 2021 the naira exchanged N412/US$1 on the FMDQ Securities Exchange platform where the local currency is exchanged for the I&E window, used as the real official exchange. The naira exchanged N480/US$1 in the parallel market while the rate at Bureau De Change was N482/US$1.

With the high operating costs, the airlines are forced to unilaterally increase their fares through adjustment in ticket prices. Although most stakeholders believe that the increase in fares and other tariffs has to do with the Economic principle of demand and supply, cost remains a major factor. Nonetheless, forex scarcity has equally caused most of the airlines to operate below capacity, thereby creating a huge gap in the system.

Apart from the bi-weekly forex allocation, the Federal Government recently disbursed the sum of N4 billion to airline operators and N1 billion to regulators and service providers to enable them subsidise the huge losses encountered on account of the COVID-19 lockdown. The “largesse” has not impacted sufficiently positively on the players with the result that passengers and other consumers of the airlines’ services are subjected to high tariffs.

Speaking on the government’s effort to ameliorate the situation, the Director-General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, Capt Musa Nuhu, said, “The minister has been fighting for the airlines since the time I worked in his office. To be honest, I can make a strong case to consider these people but we can help ourselves by supporting the MROs that the government is trying to do. That will significantly reduce the amount of forex airlines would need. If we can produce those things in Nigeria, it will reduce capital flight as well as create employment for our people.

It is a double win for the country”.

Confirming the challenges facing airline operators, the Chairman of United Nigeria Airlines, Chief Obiora Okonkwo, identified scarcity of forex as a major challenge confronting Nigerian airlines. Chief Okonkwo disclosed that the CBN could not approve most of the airlines’ application for forex in the first quarter because of the scarcity.

He said, “In two weeks, CBN had not given dollars to airlines since February 2021 owing to scarcity of forex. Aircraft business is very capital intensive. The solution to the survival of airlines is access to spare parts. Aircraft spare parts are not sold here in Nigeria, they are available overseas. The aviation industry should be given all the necessary support to ensure the survival of airlines”.

Okonkwo attributed the increase in air fares to the high cost of aviation fuel. He also noted that demand for air services has increased as Nigerians opt for air transportation amid security challenges that road commuters face on the country’s highway.

According to him, within two months, Jet A1 price had risen from N160 per litre to N260 per litre; a situation that operators said would definitely lead to a hike in airfares by 50 per cent.

Although the Federal Government seems to be making efforts to see that airlines have access to forex, operators still believe that more needs to be done. To that end, they have continuously canvassed for a special forex window for airline operators for easy accessing of forex.

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BANKING

Wema Bank: N2.6bn Uncollectible Loans Gulp 20% of Three Years Profit •Directors’ Cost Shrinks in COVID-19

BY SAM DIALA

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ema Bank Plc, a player in the minor league of Nigeria’s deposit money banks cancelled loans and advances valued at N2.6 billion in three years.

These are facilities granted to its customers which could not be recovered,even when overdue. Their cancellations were made during the last three financial years (2018 – 2020). Details of the facilities in terms of their number, beneficiaries and sectors concerned, were not contained in the bank’s annual financial statements for the periods where the data was obtained.

Wema Bank recorded post-tax profits of N3.32 billion, N5.19 billion and N5.06 billion in 2018, 2019 and 2020 financial years respectively. During the period, a total of N84.3 billion was achieved asNet Interest Income which soothed the pains of the N2.6 billion lost to bad and doubtful debts (cancelled, uncollectible facilities) for the period. This represents 3 percent of the total NII before impairment charges for credit losses.

The highest NII of N31 billion was recorded in 2020, a year that incidentally has the lowest cancelled loans of N166.87 million; while 2019 with the highest cancelled loans of N1.52 billion recorded the lowest NII of N25.98 billion. This is followed

by NII of N26.99 billion and cancelled loans of N897 million recorded in 2018.

It could be deduced that the bank appliedstrict prudence in the management of its facilities as the necessary Impairment Charges for credit losses were adequately provided. The same applies to Prudential Adjustments. In 2018, this was N17.07billion when a total of N897.95 million loans were cancelled against Profit After Tax (PAT) of N3.32 billion and NII of N26.99 billion.

Directors’ cost did not move proportionately with the recorded improvement in Profit, unlike many firms where directors’ expenses and remunerations took an upward trend while profit dipped. The directors’ expenses in 2018 was N106 million while their fees was N99.64 million totaling N205.7 million.

In 2019, directors’ expenses dropped to N34.95 million while they received N56.91 million as fees, a total of N91.86 million.

The figures dropped further in the COVID-19 year (2020), when the directors’ cost came to a total of N64.46 million – made up of N27.3 million and N37.16 million. This represents a drop of N27.4 million or 30 percent compared to the previous year (2019). The bank has 12 directors.

The bank’s Head of Corporate Communications, Olumide Omolayo, confirmed that the bank did not record an increase in directors’ cost during the 2020 financial year when businesses battled with the rampaging impact of COVID-19. According to him,“the bank did not increase directors’ emolument in 2020FY. Also, due to the pandemic, there was no international training for the directors during the year, hence the reduced cost”.

Adebise

The figures which, appeared as Loans and Advances “Written off in the year as uncollectible,” formed part of the explanatory notes to the Loans and Advances in the Assets side of the ‘Statement of Financial Position’ (Balance Sheet).The report showed that a total of N166.87 million was cancelled in 2020; while N1.52 billion was written off in 2019. In 2018, the amount cancelled was N897.95 million.

The cumulative cancelled sum of N2.6 billion which has a negative impact on the shareholders’ assets represents 14 percent of the combined pre-tax profit (N18.52 billion); or 19.15 percent of post-tax profit (N13.58 billion) of the bank for the period.

120 percent over the period. Compared to the total loan and advances of N910.15 billion, the bank is in good stand with the regulatory requirements in terms of the 65 percent Loan Deposit Ratio.

Wema Bank’s strong position in technology remains its unique selling point and it hasreaped bountifully from this innovation.

For instance, the lender harvested N2.27 billion and N2.45 billion as revenue from Technology& Alternative Channels in 2018 and 2019 respectively. Surprisingly, the figure dropped to N1.46 billion in 2020 when other banks used the COVID-19 environment to record bumper harvest in this aspect of banking operations.

Fees on Electronic Products also recorded a similar trend: N2.84 billion, N3.75 billion and N2.6 billion in 2018, 2019 and 2020 respectively. The bank harvested N3.62 billion in 2018 from Treasury Bills investments which jumped to N14.52 billion in 2019, but dropped to N3.62 billion in 2020. The dropped could be attributed to dovish policy of the CBN in the last three years which led to low interest environment in the fixed market window, as investors throng the equity market.

Customers’ deposits witnessed a quantum leap during the period – from N369.2 billion in 2018 to N577.28 billion in 2019, representing 56.35 percent; then climbed 40.67 percent to hit N812.1 billion in 2020. This represents a growth of

On the cancelled loans, the bank’s spokesman explained that loans can be written off to clean up the books as is the practice in the banking industry. He however added that such facilities are not taken as lost. The “write off from the books does not mean that the loans have been forgiven. Recovery is still ongoing and is subsequently treated as loan recovery in the P&L (Profit & Loss). The bank has a well-structured loan recovery team. Loan balances recovered are clearly stated in the FS (Financial Statements) note,” Omolayo stated in a note to THEWILL last week.

A major expenditure item was the high cost of Diesel totaling N1.75 billion during the period. The bank recorded N757.42 million as Diesel Expenses in 2018, N568.35 million and N430.05 million in 2019 and 2020 respectively. Added to Electricity Expenses (N241.32 million, N264.05 million and N465.48 million for 2018, 2019 and 2020 respectively) totaling N970.85 million, Wema Bank burnt N2.72 billion on Energy for the period.

The NDIC premium and AMCON levy constituted a huge drain in the bank’s balance sheet with the regulatory commitments gulping N5.33 billion and N8.3 billion respectively, totaling N13.63 billion during the period.

A further peep into the bank’s report revealed its active involvement in the Central Bank of Nigeria and Bank of Industry intervention funds for agriculture and small and medium enterprises development. The total (on lending) exposure during the period rose from N4.6 billion in 2018 to N4.52 billion in 2019. The figure for N2020 was N17.84 billion. This could mean that Wema Bank took active part in the CBN 2020 intervention funds created for several sectors to weather the storm of COVID-19.

Like the proverbial stitch that saves nine, the CBN sectorspecific intervention funds constitute a booster to the economy that was near being totally ravaged by the COVID-19 pandemic, compounded by the impact of the 15-months land border closure that ruined many businesses and led to thousands of job losses. Then, recession emerged.

The intervention funds includethe N50 billion Targeted Credit Facility as a stimulus package created by the apex bank to support households and micro, small and medium enterprises affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. A one-year extension of a moratorium on principal repayments for CBN intervention facilities was also approved by the apex bank.

Others include additional N100 billion intervention funds in healthcare loans to pharmaceutical companies and healthcare practitioners intending to expand/build capacity. There were also N1 trillion in loans to boost local manufacturing and production across critical sectors. The CBN also approved a reduction of the interest rate on intervention loans from 9 percent to 5 percent.

Analysts have expressed mixed feelings over Wema Bank’s 2020 performance and its position in the financial services sector. But the bank’s managing director, AdemolaAdebise, has assured that the bank remains on strong financial fundamentals and reliable performance metrics.

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BUSINESS NEWS

Forex Speculators to Lose N100bn

BY ANTHONY AWUNOR

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oreign exchange speculators will lose over N100 billion in the next one month as the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) sustains massive funding for Bureaux De Change (BDC) operators.

President, Association of Bureaux De Change Operators of Nigeria (ABCON), Alhaji Dr. Aminu Gwadabe who disclosed this on Friday in Lagos, said the CBN is committed to improving funding for over 5,000 BDCs nationwide in new move to deepen market liquidity and protect the naira against speculators.

•As CBN Sustains Funding for Licensed Traders•Dollar Sales to BDCs Still at N393/$1

He called for return of normalcy to the market as the ongoing speculative behaviour hampering the market operations and stability will come at huge loss to speculators.

The ABCON boss linked the continued fall of the naira at the parallel market and Investors’ and Exporters’ (I&E) Forex window to currency speculators hoarding dollars to profit from the currency crisis.

He said the perpetrators are creating artificial scarcity of the greenback within the market to cause more woes for the local currency.

Gwadabe said the ABCON Management and the CBNlicensed BDCs will fight alongside the regulator to ensure that speculators lose their capital should they persist in the illegal activity.

“The ABCON and CBN have observed with disdain the speculative behaviour currently blushing the market with the misinformation that the CBN has adopted I&E window as its official rate. The above information is not true because as operators we still funded our accounts at our normal rates of N393/$ and not the I&E window rates for our operation this Friday,” he said.

The ABCON management therefore advised its members not to join on that behaviour as CBN remained resolute with its partnership with the group and is looking at various options to induce liquidity in the sector.

He advised BDCs not to join the rumour mongers creating confusion and fragility in the market.

“ABCON Will continue to keep you posted and guide you accordingly. We urge all members to continue to give the CBN the utmost support as a strategic partner and in the interest of the economy,” he said.

He said that CBN-licenced BDCs are fighting back by supporting the apex bank in tackling forex spectators and reiterating commitment to operate within set rules.

Gwadabe said the “Naira for Dollar Policy” being implemented by the CBN Governor, Godwin Emefiele would further lift market liquidity and improve naira status.

The policy, he added will provide Nigerians in the Diaspora with cheaper and more convenient ways of sending remittances to Nigeria and increase dollar inflows into the economy.

Reiterating the provision a new circular on remittances, the Emefiele said the bank introduced the rebate of N5 for every $1 of fund remitted to Nigeria, through International Money Transfer Operators (IMTOs) licensed by the Central Bank in order to incentivize the process of remittance.

He emphasized that the new measure would help to make the process of sending remittance through formal bank channels cheaper and more convenient for Nigerians in the diaspora.

Gwadabe said BDCs will continue to defend the naira through compliance with the Anti-Money Laundering and Combating the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT), supporting CBN’s exchange rate stability policies.

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Gwadabe

The naira was on Friday May 22, exchanging at N485/$1 at the parallel market and N411.25/ $1 at the I&E Forex window.

He said every BDC operator needs full knowledge and understanding of how to raise and submit both the Suspicious Transaction Reports (STRs) and Currency Transaction Reports (CTRs) to regulators, understand the obligation of registering and filling reports on the NFIU goAML -Anti-Money Laundering portal and proper documentation of all forex sales.

He said all BDCs should file their reports as and when due on weekly basis to Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit, and CBN and also Economic and Financial Crimes Commission as well as Know Your Customer (KYC) and due diligence reports.

Gwadabe disclosed that BDC operators can be spot-

checked by the CBN examiners at any time and should therefore put in necessary measures to align with the regulatory policies.

“Be vigilant in your operations because you can be spotchecked by the CBN examiners at any time. All BDCs should appoint Compliance Officers and Data Protection Officers as directed by the CBN which is also in-line with the global best practices. Also, avoid sending your returns late, selling dollars above CBN approved rate,” he advised.

Gwadabe said that by following set rules, the operators will set a good example in their operational modalities and make forex buyers lose confidence in black market dealers.

Anti-Tax Agency Arrests 40 Suspects

FROM BASSEY ANIEKAN, CALABAR he Chairman of the Cross River State Anti-Tax Agency, Bishop Emmah Gospel Isong says about 40 Suspects have been arrested by the agency. He said the suspects awaiting prosecution will have their day in court when the courts in the state resume sitting.

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Bishop Isong made this known in Calabar during the one year anniversary/stakeholders workshop organised by the agency. He said the agency has made modest achievements in it’s one year of existence.

“We have confronted thousands of illegal tax activities in the state. With very swift operations with joint security forces we have made not less than forty arrests. Because the judiciary is on strike they suspects are pending arraignment. We hope this will serve as a strong deterrent to those who are still perpetuating this Shylock, oppressive and anti-Ayade activity”, he said.

He said he has been threatened in the course of his assignment but said he has forgiven those who did that and prays they see reason why they should desist from that act.

He listed about 12 other achievements of the agency within the past twelve months which includes encouraging small

and medium scale businesses by taking the tax burden off them.

Isong advised residents to become wiser and reject empowerment by politicians because illegal taxes are also used to finance the empowerment. He said the people should throw away the empowerment and bags of rice but insist on affordable housing, increased salaries and other basic amenities.

Also speaking, secretary of the Agency, Rev. fr. Julius Ada said the philosophy behind the creation of the agency is to build a better future for the people of the state. He said the agency is working on strategic plans that will help fuel the state’s economy and their target is to achieve zero taxation and also become the first tax free state in food production by the end of the year.

Williams Anwan, the legal Adviser of the Agency said 3 magistrates have been assigned to the agency by the state government.

According to him, illegal taxation is an economic crime but the agency will go for noncustodial sentencing. He said some of the convicts will also be deployed to farms where they will work so that the energy they used to collect illegal taxes can be deployed to agriculture.

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BUSINESS NEWS

First Bank of Nigeria New Website Review

numerous sub-sections in it that cover everything from the very personal to the corporate-level banking.

BY BOLUWATIFE ADESINA

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s we all know, the first point of call for almost any business in today’s web age is no longer physical. Almost every business is attempting to harness the power of the internet and First Bank of Nigeria is no different. Nigeria’s premiere bank has completely revamped it’s website to bring it right up to date with the times. Accompanied by a superbly produced introductory video, this redesign is a vast upgrade on its predecessor in multiple ways. I’ll be delving into this website to see just how the new look and functionality of this site can help you, the everyday customer.

Stickiness: This site may on first look look quite straightforward, but it actually does have subtle ways of keeping you around. There are lots of articles to read, video content to watch and of course you can do your internet banking right from the site. I know money keeps me attentive!

FirstBank, the site always seems to be moving. Images and helpful descriptions flow across the screen and are even clickable to guide you to different sections of the site. I found that particular feature quite helpful on a number of occasions. Overall I’m very satisfied with the complete look and feel of this website.

Usability: As previously stated, it’s very easy to know that this site was very well thought out and executed. The toplevel organization of information is split into 4 sections: Home, Personal, Business and Private. Each section has

Who is This Website For? This website is quite possibly the most comprehensive corporate website I’ve ever seen. In a complete redesign, this site seeks to both be a welcome to new customers as well as a familiar home for current patrons. Chock full of information and brilliantly designed, I really cannot say enough about how well this website has been executed.

MAN Takes Quality Campaign to Schools

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With the theme “dare to dream”, MAN held its Open Day programme in which it struck a momentary synergy between learning and production/manufacturing by committing production companies to open doors to students for interaction and exposure during production hours.

At the Nasco Foods ltd, venue of the North West MAN catch-them-young initiative to mark the Open Day, students of Day Care Chosen High School, Jos, were live with the Management of Nasco Foods Ltd where they were briefed on the production processes cornflakes and biscuits

which are the two lines of production that make up Nasco Foods outfit. This was however taken to the practical level, as the factory manager urged the students to “learn and aspire”, as the students were later conducted through the factory lines on facility tour.

Executive Secretary, MAN, North East, Augustine Egili, said the purpose of the event is to expose “young minds to 21st century manufacturing processes”, using the Open Day to actualise basic knowledge and understanding of factory operations. He said “this is to inspire ‘big dreams’ and educate participants on various career opportunities in the manufacturing sector”.

“The Association has been fulfilling this purpose in the last 50 years”, Egili said further.

Host, Nasco Foods Ltd left the visiting but already excited students with fond memories as they received a pack of souvenirs.

Makinde, Amaechi Resolve Issues Delaying Ibadan Dry Port

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overnor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State and the Minister of Transportation, Mr. Rotimi Amechi met in Ibadan on Friday and agreed to resolve all issues delaying the take-off of Ibadan Inland Dry Port.

The governor and the minister, who also jointly inspected the location of the Dry Port and the Moniya Terminal of the Lagos-Ibadan rail line, said that the Dry Port would bring great economic benefits to Nigerians and relieve the Apapa Ports, Lagos, of congestion.

While speaking when Amaechi led the delegation, including officials of his ministry and the Nigerian Shippers Council, to Government House, Agodi, Ibadan, Makinde declared that the state wanted the dry port to start operation almost immediately, adding that the government would do all that is necessary to ensure the bottlenecks are resolved.

He promised to further reinforce the synergy between the state government and the Federal government over the project.

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Sustainability: One section of the site I want to highlight is the sustainability section. As such a large corporation, it’s always nice to see their more personable side and they dedicated an entire section of their site to just that.

There are sustainability reports, initiatives discussions and overall just a deep dive into how they are seeking to positively impact their environment and I just thought to highlight this.

Conclusion I’ve used a lot of banks and in one way or another, I’ve had reason to complain about some aspect of their website.

This FirstBank site is right up there at the very top in terms of look, feel and functionality. I really got a premium experience out of the website. Kudos to FirstBank. It couldn’t have been easy (or cheap) but they were able to see where the banking market is going and pivoted in order to stay ahead.

User Experience Design: Decked out in the iconic blue and yellow of

FROM UKANDI ODEY, JOS he Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, MAN has taken its industrialisation and human capital development drive to schools as the private sector organogram innovates to to refurbish and reposition itself as it turns 50.

Contact: All over the site, there are multiple avenues for your feedback. There is a dedicated tab for complaints and there are multiple numbers to call to receive instant customer service assistance if you so wish

The governor said that he was aware of most of the issues affecting the take- off of the project and pledged that all issues would be amicably resolved.On Infrastructure around the dry port corridor, Makinde said that his government had completely reconstructed the Moniya - Iseyin road linking the Dry Port.

He said, “We are thinking of a very solid infrastructure that will ensure that the headache at Apapa in Lagos doesn’t happen here. We will be able to handle it very well and plan ahead in this place. That is the scheme and scope of infrastructure we are thinking about.

“For us, the whole area, the IDP, the rail corridor and the few acquisitions that will be done around that place; we think that should be our new world, a new business district for us.

“If what we are putting in place are not going to fit into the plan of the Inland Dry Port, we can always look at other areas for us to execute the same plan.”

Kano Businessman Harps on Tax Review FROM MUSA DISO, KANO Kano-based businessman, Engr. Balarabe Mohammed, has advised the state government to urgently review the tax system to attract investment and fast-track the economic development of the area.

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He also expressed concern over the negative impact of multiple taxes on the efforts to promote entrepreneurship and support the small and medium enterprises (SMEs).

Engr. Mohammed, who is the managing director of Executive Sparkling Laundry and Cleaning Service Limited, maintained that the present tax system has adverse effects on the industrial drive of the state.

He called on the governor, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje to look into the agitations of business owners over tax pressure that is capable of reversing the progress already made by his administration in developing Kano.

“We as industrialists are economic boosters especially in the areas of creating employment opportunities for Nigerians, apart from the revenue we generate for the government. Yet, the taxes we pay are killing and taking tolls on our businesses”, Mohammed said in an interview with THEWILL. Mohammed observed that the same tax is paid to 10 different government establishments in the same year, which he said amounts to exploitation and abuse of the tax system.

He noted that the measure would create serious challenges for the government and the people if it was not checked.

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MAY 23 - MAY 29, 2021 www.thewillnigeria.com

SHOTS OF THE WEEK PHOTO EDITOR: PEACE UDUGBA [08033050729]

L-R: Special Adviser to the Governor on Transportation, Mr. Oluwatoyin Fayinka; Managing Director, Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA), Engr. (Mrs) Abimbola Akinajo; Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat; Governor of Lagos State, Bababjide Sanwo-Olu; Chairman, House Committee on Transportation, Hon. Temitope Adewale, and Commissioner for Transportation, Dr. Frederic Oladeinde, during the cutting of the tape to formally launch the First and Last Mile (FLM) Bus Scheme at Lagos House, Ikeja on 17/5/2021.

Imo State governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma (left) discussing with the Chairman APC Appeal Panel Committee, Hon Farouk Adamu Aliyu (right) while the Chief of staff, Sir Nnamdi Anyaehie watches during a paid visit to the Governor at the Government House, Owerri 19/5/2021.

L-R: Managing Editor, Transport Day newspaper, Mr. Frank Kintum; Corps Marshal of Federal Road Safety Corps, Dr. Boboye Oyeyemi; Chairman of Governing Council, Nigerian Institute of Transport Technology, Olorogun John Onojeharho; National President of Association of Nigeria Licenced Customs Agents, Hon Tony Nwabunike, and the Lagos State Coordinator of SMEDAN, Mr. Adeyinka Fisher at the 8th Nigeria Annual Transport Lecture held at Sheraton Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos:on 21/5/2021 photo: Peace Udugba.

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L-R:Director General, Department of State Security, Yusuf Bichi; Acting Inspector General of Police, Usman Baba; Chief of Staff to the President, Prof. Ibrahim Gambari, welcome President Muhammadu Buhari at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport Abuja, after his official trip to Paris, France on 20/5/2021.

L-R: Yemisi Obadina, Brand Manager, Mouka, presenting a dummy cheque of N100,000 to Esonu Chisom, as the best graduating student, College of Management and Social Studies, covenant University ota , and Professor Uwalomwa Uwuigbe, Dean of the College of Management and Social Studies, during the 15th convocation ceremony of CU, Ota, Ogun State on 20/5/2021.

L-R: Deputy Governor of Ondo State, Mr Lucky Aiyedatiwa; Oba Adeleke Adegbite; the Owa-Ale of Ikare-Akoko, and his wife, after the presentation of instrument of appointment and staff of office to the Oba, at Ikare-Akoko in Ondo State on 18/5/2021.

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•Gold

•Idibia

•Afolayan

•Oyebanjo

•Akindele-Bello

•Jalade Ekeinde

•Sanda •Abraham

•Ojo

UNENDING FEUDS IN CELEBRITY WORLD THEWILLNIGERIA

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STORIES BY SHADE METIBOGUN

They used to be the best of friends before mundane issues tore them apart. While some of them have decided to forget the past and move on with their lives, others are reluctant to sheathe their swords and give peace a chance. Here are 11 famous entertainers who are still at war with each other:

Celebrities Still At

Seyi Edun and Wumi Toriola

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he two Nollywood actresses used to be very close friends until an unresolved matter turned them into bitter enemies. Before their relationship crashed, they were often seen together in similar attires at several public functions. However, things began to fall apart after Wumi decided to make peace with another actress, Toyin Abraham, the ex-wife of actor, Adeniyi Johnson, now Seyi Edun’s husband. The decision didn’t go down well with Seyi, who is still not on speaking terms with her husband’s ex, Toyin Abraham. But rather than assuage her friend’s anger, Wunmi began to act like one burdened by a sense of guilt and she resorted to lashing out at Seyi on social media. On different occasions, the light-skinned mother of one accused Seyi of not celebrating her on her birthday and that of her son on social media. She even went as far as ridiculing Seyi because of her fertility challenge. Despite the show of shame on social media, Seyi has however displayed some level of maturity by ignoring her social media rants.

Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde and Rukky Sanda

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he duo of Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde and Rukky Sanda used to be quite close in the past. Theirs was an unusual friendship. They were both so fond of each other that Omotola’s children addressed the younger actress as their aunt. In an interview granted some years ago by Omotola’s son, singer and music producer, Captain E, he boldly told all those who cared to listen that Rukky Sanda was his mum’s best friend. The two beautiful actresses developed interest in each other because of their acting skills and Omotola instantly became a role model to Rukky Sanda, who aspired to be like the talented actress.

However, somewhere along the line their friendship ended. Nobody seems to know what went wrong and why they are no longer on speaking terms. They have even unfollowed each other on their respective social media platforms.

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unle Afolayan and Mike Ezuruonye are both talented, when it comes to movie making and role interpretation.

But they are currently not on speaking terms with each other. Trouble started when Kunle shared a private message from one of his fans who accused Mike of defrauding people on his social media page. In the post, Afolayan asked the fan what business he had with Ezuruonye and the allegations leveled against him to warrant anyone sending him such a message.

But the series of questions and messages infuriated Ezuruonye who slammed Afolayan for putting up the post publicly on social media without reaching out to him privately. He called Afolayan a tribalist whose hatred for the Igbo was palpable.

He also reminded Afolayan of a press statement he made some years ago in which he accused the Igbo of ruining the Nigerian film industry. However, Afolayan kept his cool, apologised to Ezuruonye and even stressed the fact that he would not hesitate to work with him in future if he has to.

Iyabo Ojo and Faithia Willams

yabo Ojo and Faithia Williams seem to have forgotten those days when their relationship used to be the envy of their colleagues in Nollywood. Nowadays it appears that all they are bent on doing is dragging each other on social media. Iyabo, in particular, has not hidden her displeasure with Fathia. Not long ago, she revealed

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Mike Ezuruonye and Kunle Afolayan

that what happened between them that ended their friendship was beyond the stories peddled in the rumour mill. She even said that their quarrel bordered on the spiritual. According to sources, Iyabo and Faithia fell apart after she allegedly took the latter to Turkey and introduced her to a younger lover who then bankrolled Fathia’s birthday celebration.

Despite Iyabo’s kind gesture to Faithia, the older actress decided to pay her back by exposing the fact that she underwent tummy tuck surgery in Turkey.

Iyabo accused Fathia, the sources claimed, of telling her close friends that she was in coma for many days in hospital and almost lost her life to the surgery.

Iyabo patiently waited till Fathia celebrated her 50th birthday to take her pound of flesh. While friends, well-wishers and colleagues took to social media to wish Fathia a happy birthday, Iyabo did the exact opposite by calling her a witch. To further spite Fathia, she hosted Fathia’s ex-husband, actor Saheed Balogun’s birthday party at her Fespris Lounge on the same day. Fathia has so far maintained her cool in spite of Iyabo’s provocative actions. She hasn’t responded to Iyabo’s rants. She even sent the latter a condolence message when she lost her mother in 2020, but Iyabo ignored it. Iyabo’s body language and actions clearly show that she is not eager to revive her friendship with Fathia

Adediwura Gold and Liz DaSilva

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here is no love lost between Liz da Silva and Adediwura Gold who were once best friends. When the going was good, the two actresses were almost inseparable. They were always in one another’s company and would storm each other’s house with goodies to mark birthdays and other laudable achievements. Many are still in the dark as to what might have caused the bad blood between them. Their fans only noticed they were posting solo videos and pictures and were no more celebrating each other as they used to do. Things however got messy in 2019 when Adediwura got engaged a second time and advertised it on social media. Her supposed close friend, Liz looked the other way without uttering a word to her friend who has been divorced for 12 years. Adediwura gave Da Silva the same treatment when she marked her birthday last year. She ignored Da Silva’s special day and concentrated on the movie she was working on. The two actresses have also unfollowed each other on social media.

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War With One Another

Mercy Aigbe and Toyin Abraham

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Dapo Oyebanjo and Michael Collins

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hen the duo of Michael Collins Ajereh, a.k.a Don Jazzy and Oladapo Daniel Oyebanjo, otherwise known as Dbanj, founded Mo’hits Records, many were excited about the coming of a record label that would give others a run for their money. Unfortunately, the union didn’t last as clashes of diverse interests put them asunder.

Although they both produced great hit songs, which became anthems in no time, their separation was tagged the most disappointing ever by their fans who were left reeling in shock. Their rift started when Dbanj suggested that they should take their music to another level internationally. They got signed on to GOOD Music label owned by American rap artiste, Kanye West, but Don Jazzy was not comfortable with the idea of moving to America. They tried to make amends, but it was too late. In 2011, the Mo’hits crew decided they were done with Dbanj and they called it quits with him, with Don Jazzy establishing Mavin Records and Dbanj setting up Dbanj records (DB records). A few years after their breakup, both music icons tried to get back again and renew their friendship. This attempt was followed by a series of social media posts where they hung out together and a rumoured reunion concert was in the offing. However, things went awry after Dbanj’s rape allegation as all his celebrity friends including Don Jazzy watched him battle with his reputation from a distance. The communication gap between them automobiles in his garage with a second Rolls Royce for his further deepened as Don Jazzy started shunning Dbanj, even 40th birthday, did he get a congratulatory message from his on social media. Not even when he increased the number of erstwhile buddy.

Funke Akindele-Bello and Ronke Odusanya

part from the fact that they are both natives of Edo State, Toyin Abraham and Mercy Aigbe used to be very good friends. Some years ago, both actresses had an altercation, which ended their relationship. The warmth in their friendship began to fizzle out after Mercy sent a congratulatory message to Toyin’s ex-husband, Adeniyi Johnson’s fiancée, Seyi Edun. This didn’t go down well with Toyin who responded by letting out bottled up grievances against her friend. She accused Mercy of playing a part in the breakup of her marriage to Johnson, branding her a big-for-nothing hypocrite. However, many fans of the two actresses, who witnessed the show of shame displayed by Toyin, insisted that she went overboard with her reaction. They demanded that she should apologise to Mercy. Their timely intervention worked wonders as Toyin later apologised for her outburst, calling it a joke. But Mercy didn’t see it that way and so ended their once yummy friendship.

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oth Funke Akindele-Bello and Ronke Odusanya are no longer as close as they used to be. However, both of them have been quite discreet about the twist in their relationship. It wasn’t until Funke failed to send birthday wishes to busty Ronke, her supposed close pal, did many realise that something was obviously amiss between the two.

Today the two respected actresses no longer celebrate each other’s achievements on their social media space, a friendly gesture which stopped in 2018. They have both gone their separate ways, with each person minding her own business.

Oge Okoye and Nkiru Sylvanus

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he feud between Nkiru Sylvanus and Oge Okoye stems from a statement by the latter accusing Nkiru of dating her ex-husband and getting married to him. The two actresses who used to be friends and colleagues went their separate ways afterward.

Despite attempts by close friends to settle their rift, they are still not on speaking terms. However, Nkiru has denied ever getting married to Oge’s ex-husband but confessed to knowing him even before he wedded the light-skinned actress. Unfortunately, her confession didn’t help matters.

Anita Joseph and Uche Elendu

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nita Joseph and Uche Elendu were probably the closest among their colleagues in Nollywood before jealousy and unhealthy rivalry separated them. Anita had always believed that her erstwhile friend never had her interest at heart.

She considered Uche an ingrate who was never appreciative of her efforts. On the other hand, Anita always patronised her friend’s hair business and would even go the extra mile by advertising the hair for her, despite the fact that she was not a brand ambassador of the hair company. Trouble started after Anita became a hair ambassador to other brands and began to showcase them alongside her friend’s brand. This led to a quarrel that caused Anita to renounce her friendship with Uche. In spite of what happened between them, Uche has said that she holds no grudge against Anita. But sources close to them insist that the once rosy relationship between the two is now a thing of the past.

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Innocent Idibia and Ahmedu Augustine Obiabo

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nnocent Idibia, popularly known as 2baba and his exPlantashun Boiz bandmate, Ahmedu Augustine Obiabo, also known as Blackface, has had the messiest feud in the history of Nigerian music. Despite taking each other to court and signing an agreement to let sleeping dogs lie, the two are yet to sheathe their swords. Their feud dates back to 2004 when Blackface claimed he wrote the song African Queen which was a hit single from 2Baba’s maiden solo album, Face 2 Face. Not long after fans thought the dust had settled, Blackface re-ignited the beef when he claimed to have partly written part of the single Let somebody love you by 2Baba, which ruled the airwaves in 2014. He accused his erstwhile friend of stealing his intellectual property. Once again in 2020, when Plantashun Boiz’s former driver, Benny died, Blackface accused 2Baba of intentionally withholding information on his passage from the public. Late Benny was also 2Baba’s personal driver before he died. The frustration from the periodic beef with Blackface forced 2Baba to seek redress in court where he filed for defamation of character. However, he had to drop the suit after the warring parties both signed an agreement not to publicly call out each other again. They also promised to work out modalities that would enable Blackface to earn royalties from some of the songs that has been the bone of contention. Let’s hope Blackface doesn’t renege on his part of the agreement.

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MAY 23 - MAY 29, 2021 www.thewillnigeria.com

BY IVORY UKONU

Where is Geraldine Uju Ibori?

Ibori

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efore his incarceration in a London prison for money laundering, a former governor of Delta State, James Ibori, never hid his love for women.

According to the gossip mill, the ex-governor kept quite a few of them as lovers, beside his now estranged wife and former first lady, Nkoyo, who has since disappeared from the radar after serving time in a London prison for helping him launder funds. One of those favoured women is Geraldine Uju Ibori, nee Ononiba, whom he met long before Senami Sosu, his constant companion before his incarceration and who has remained by his side since his release from prison. Ibori was so smitten with Geraldine, whom he met at a friend’s wedding ceremony, that he married her immediately after her graduation from law school and soon after she bore him a son. However, the marriage rites, it was gathered, were performed without Nkoyo’s knowledge. She managed to find out much later. Shortly before Ibori’s incarceration in the United Kingdom, Geraldine vanished into the thin air. Many have wondered what may have become of her. There is talk that he may have relocated her to the United States of America while he was being pursued by security operatives, where she has remained.

Socialite, Ausbeth Ajagu, Turns Minister of The Gospel

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ollowing the crash of her high-profile wedding to popular Lagos socialite, Sonnie Ayere, Uche Ajene decided to move on with her life, as if nothing happened, rather than a throw a pity party. It would be recalled that THEWILL reported the breakup of their marriage a few months ago.

Sonnie for reasons best known to him, had allegedly moved out of the swanky Ikoyi home he shared with Uche as soon as she left the country to seek medical attention for a domestic accident she was involved in earlier in the year. No matter what might have gone wrong in their marriage, Sonnie was obviously too cowardly to confront it head on while Uche was in the country. He had to wait till she had left the country before striking. An investment guru, Sonnie, who is also the CEO of Dunn Loren Merrified, a leading investment firm, was a divorcee until he met Uche, the head honcho at Stephanie John, a Public Relations and Strategic Communications agency, who was equally divorced. Many Nigerians were rooting for a happily ever after for them, given that it was their second attempt at marriage. Unfortunately, the social experiment collapsed like a pack of badly arranged cards. Both are now back in the singles club. While Sonnie is channeling his energy into repositioning his investment firm, Uche whom he abandoned at her time of need has picked up the pieces of her life and equally moved on. She has returned to the country hale and hearty and is poised to move her fashion business, My Girlfriend’s Closet, an outlet that stocks nicely used and designer outfits and accessories, to the next level. She is already putting finishing touches to her plans to debut a peep show for the business.

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Orji Uzor Kalu Eyes Nollywood

fter his failed bid to purchase Arsenal Football Club, a former governor of Abia State, Orji Uzor Kalu wants to expand his business empire by wanting to invest in Nigeria’s burgeoning movie industry.

There is an indication that the ex-governor might be

Makun & Kalu

Uche Ajene Set to Hold Peepshow for Fashion Outfit

Ajagu

Ajene

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he much-dreaded apocalypse must be getting quite close. What else could explain why some prominent Nigerians have suddenly turned Christian evangelists and ministers of the gospel. The latest entrant to the gospel ministry is the chairman of Betcy Group of Companies and President of Academy of Entrepreneurial Studies, Ausbeth Ajagu. Before now, Ajagu, who is also a political-economist, had been on the sidelines for a while, preferring only to encourage his wife, Rev Anuli Ajagu, who was already a minister of the gospel and is the President of Divine Heritage Gospel Ministry. Now, the socialite has discarded his man-about town image to plunge headlong into the gospel ministry. Ajagu now lives in Canada and heads a prayer network called Pentium Global Prayer Network, under the Pentium Ministries which he runs.

planning to transform his vast estate located at Igbere in the Bende Local Government Area of the state, which has been left unoccupied for many years, into Nigeria’s first-ever film studio. To this end, he will be working in partnership with comedian, actor and movie producer, Ayo Makun, otherwise known as AY. To be named Camp Neya, after Kalu’s first daughter, the film studio will be modelled after Tyler Perry’s film studio, which is located in Atlanta, Georgia, on 330 acres of land belonging to the former Fort McPherson Complex, the largest film studio in America. Kalu’s estate, which comprises several units of eye-popping buildings and other exotic structures is expected to be a tourism destination that will also be used for high quality movie productions of international standards. Some of the features of the estate, which hasn’t been occupied in almost 16 years are - over 36 jumbo sized sitting rooms, 12 room presidential lodge, governors lodge for all the 36 states and FCT, a 5000 capacity conference hall, a banquet hall, a Karaoke hall, 22 Kitchens, 102 toilets, 76 Bathrooms, 187 bedrooms, a golf course, a football pitch, an Olympic-sized swimming pool, one indoor swimming pool, a basketball court, a lawn tennis court, a sports centre, a church, a mosque, a bush bar, a petrol filling station, ATM machines, a clinic, children’s recreation centre, an ICT centre, several gardens, a police post and a military detachment.

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JOY ONUORAH AND SHADE METIBOGUN

Niyi Akinmolayan’s Elevator Baby Attracts Indian Remake D’banj Returns to Christ

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his is probably the era of returning to Christian roots.

Just as Chidinma Ekile returned to her Christian roots, popular musician and entrepreneur, Oladapo Daniel Oyebanjo, popularly known as D’banj, recently announced that he has decided to rededicate his life to Christ. The 40-year-old singer made this disclosure at the ‘Bliss Experience,’ a church event hosted by Moses Bliss, a music artiste. He stated that he had always acknowledged God as his source of inspiration while also according Him due honor in all of his albums. D’banj reflected on how he and his wife, Lineo Didi Kilgrow, mourned the loss of Daniel Oyebanjo III, their one-year-old son in 2018. The toddler fell into a swimming pool in his parents’ home and got drowned.

The Koko master, as he is fondly called, said God blessed him with two children after his son’s demise. Meanwhile, his fans are so excited about this new development as they hope his decision will resuscitate his dwindling musical career.

Raparthyr

Akinmolayan

ward-winning director and movie producer, Niyi Akinmolayan is already reaping the reward of his hard work as the franchise of one of his brilliant productions Elevator baby has been bought by an Indian movie maker. Akinmolayan revealed that he got a call from Indian film producer and director, Raparthyr on Instagram, who confessed that he had fallen in love with the story line of the movie and as such would like to have an Indian version of the movie. Titled Thank you brother, the Indian remake of Elevator Baby was no less than excellent. Just like the original movie, it gained the attention of many viewers in no time and became a blockbuster, as evident in the rave reviews that followed its release. This collaboration, which has been applauded as a welcome development in the Nollywood industry, has paved the way for movie makers to make more revenue from copyrights. It also promises to birth very healthy and more beneficial collaboration between film makers in both countries in the coming days.Produced in 2019, Elevator Baby has Toyin Abraham and Timini Egbuson playing lead roles. The movie tells the story of a wealthy young man and an less privileged woman trapped in an elevator as she goes into labour. Akinmolayan came into the limelight

when he directed The Wedding Party 2, the highest grossing Nigerian movie of all time.

Tayo Sobola Becomes ‘Queen Mother’ of Uke Kingdom

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Sobola

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ot too long ago, actress Tayo Sobola, who sent tongues wagging about her marital status when she uploaded pictures of herself in a wedding gown, has again got people talking with her latest act. She was recently conferred with the title of “Queen Mother” by the Emir of Uke Kingdom in Nasarawa State, HRM Abdullahi Hassan.

The gesture has raised eyebrows in some quarters, with many questioning the reason for honoring her with the title, which is believed to be the second highest in Uke kingdom. The lightskinned actress is the second person to be bestowed with the title since it was created in 1970. This has got many wondering about the nature of the relationship between the actress and Uke Kingdom. One thing that is clear to THEWILL is that the actress has been frequenting Abuja as she has set up shop there for her fashion business, Clean Stitches and Nasarawa, which is a border state to Abuja, is just a few minutes’ drive to the capital city. Several reasons have been attributed to the Emir’s gesture. Sources have hinted that what he has with Tayo may just be beyond a subject and a monarch relationship. Some allege that the handsome traditional ruler has been bankrolling the actress’ expensive lifestyle and spoiling her silly with the good things of life, including the mansion where she stays whenever she is in Abuja and the building that houses her fashion house. The actress was recently sighted with the Emir when they paid a courtesy visit to the Vice President Yemi Osinbajo.

D’banj

MC Oluomo Dumps Lover For Divorcee

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he Chairman of the National Union of Road Transport Workers, Lagos State chapter, Musilui Ayinde Akinsanya, a.k.a Mc Oluomo, has dumped his lover of many years and wealthy interior decorator, Ehi Ogbebor, for a divorcee and mother of three. THEWILL reliably gathered that MC Olumo had a secret traditional marriage with his beau in the Ebute Meta area of Lagos, in the presence of not more than 50 guests. The woman he married is a wealthy businesswoman based in the United States of America who came home for her father’s funeral.

According to reports, the new wife acts as a guardian to all of Mc Oluomo’s children in US. Meanwhile, Ehi, who has also been married twice and divorced twice and recently went public with her relationship with MC Oluomo, has remained mute about this development. While some allege she is heartbroken and has buried her head in shame for flaunting her relationship with a man many didn’t approve of, others are saying that she still remains the apple of Mc Oluomo’s eyes. Besides, they claim, the NURTW boss plans to compensate his aggrieved lover by spending every weekend in her home. We are waiting to see how this will play out.

Ogbebor

few weeks ago, up-and-coming Nollywood actress, Esther Nwachukwu, popularly known as Esther sky, embarrassed actor Obumneme Odonwodo, a.k.a Junior Pope, and his wife, Jennifer Awele. Esther

disclosed that sometime in 2018 she decided to tattoo Junior Pope’s initials on her chest because of her love for him. Stunned by this revelation, Jennifer immediately decided to keep a long distance from Esther. Fans of the actor and his wife felt the best way to deal with Esther for tattooing the initials of another woman’s husband on her body would be to deactivate her social media page, which they accomplished successfully. But this didn’t go down well with the publicity hungry actress who then threatened to snatch the actor from his wife and make her “husbandless”. Esther is hell bent on making her threat become a reality because of the “foolishness” of the actor’s fans. She has dared Junior Pope’s fans to do their worst. This isn’t the first time that Esther has made such provocative statements. The Imo State- born busty actress is known to openly talk about sleeping with married men for money and the likes. She once expressed her desire to become Senator Ned Nwoko’s ninth wife while flaunting her boobs in a video.

MC Oluomo & Wife

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The Odonwodos & Nwachukwu

Esther Nwachukwu Threatens to Snatch Junior Pope From Wife

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MAY 23 - MAY 29, 2021 www.thewillnigeria.com

Women Shouldn’t Be Judged

by Marital Status – Uddy Udoh The film I produced for the church was a beautiful story: Troubled Woman. I was the lead actress.

Udoh

You are first a nurse.

What is the relationship between your medical profession and entertainment?

You may see this differently, but they are kind of related. I am a nurse by profession. I started my nursing career in Nigeria before I left and I’m still practicing as a nurse but you see, entertainment is part of me. I started acting right from primary school then a little bit in secondary school and in the school of nursing. With all that, I had never thought of acting as a career until I joined the Navy. Also, I attended a church where I was a key member. I wrote scripts for them each time they had conventions. I didn’t even know that I was serving as a script writer. I usually just wrote and directed them on stage. Then someone told me “You know what?

This is awesome. Just keep doing it. When you get to the US, you can develop your talent”. When I went to the US, I started acting at church and it was there I discovered my talent. Then I decided to give it a shot in Nollywood.

The Chief Executive Officer of US basedUddy Udoh Productions, Uduak Udoh, speaks with UDEME UTIP on her role in the entertainment industry and other matters. Excepts:

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ou are making waves in your acting career in a country dominated by whites. How did you get there?

As a matter of fact, I started acting in Nigeria, that was 2012 and it was an indigenous movie. After that I acted in three movies still in Nigeria then I went back to the US and I started producing my own movies. I produced for the church first in 2014, then I started Uddy Udoh Productions & Uddy Udoh Films in 2015 and started producing my movies.

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How challenging has it been so far?

I can’t say I have gone to any school although I have taken some online courses on production but I earn on the job. Each movie that I have produced is different. The challenge is the kind of people you meet. Some people feel that they have been in the industry longer than you. Some even act like they are the owners of the industry and won’t even want to give someone a chance. That has been my challenge. Still, I have met some wonderful people. I have also had challenges like traveling from US to shoot in Nigeria. I’ve had a lot of challenges with obsolete equipment though there is a lot of improvement. Some people don’t understand that.

You have met and interacted with producers from both Hollywood and Nollywood. How do you view the two industries? Do you think that Nollywood movies could reach Hollywood standards someday?

If you want to compare Hollywood and Nollywood movies, you’ll see that they are different. I give kudos to them: they are wonderful. Hollywood producers invest a lot into production. We are trying with Nollywood. From when I started in 2014, we have been improving but the two

industries cannot be compared. We are not on the same level but we are trying. We might meet up one day but I’m not sure. we have improved since we started and we’re still trying.

How financially viable do you think the movie industry is?

You need to go to cinemas and see what people make from movies. When you invest good money in your production, you make quite a lot of gain. African stories are rich and people like epic movies. When you use obsolete equipment to produce films, nobody will patronize you but if you invest well, it goes a long way. It is about money and it is very rewarding financially.

In the midst of some great names in the industry, you are already winning awards. What would you say has been the secret of your success?

As I said, each day I face new challenges. I’m definitely not near where I want to be in the entertainment industry and where I was when I made my first production is definitely not where I am today. I get better each day because of my directors. They help me a lot plus the encouragement from other actors. I also read a lot because this is an industry that I just found myself in. I watch other people’s productions and I ask a lot of questions. I have failed in some areas to be very honest. I have also lost money but I still go on. Each production is different. With the help of my directors, actors and technical crew, I just keep going.

What are some of the awards you have won in the course of your acting career?

Uddy Udoh Productions and the movies that we have done to the glory of God, have won awards. Like “John Bosco in America” which was shot in 2015 won African Oscar Award as best in Cinematography in 2015. We were also nominated for best sound, best comedy in diaspora. I acted in Okobo, an epic movie. I was a supporting actor. I won the best supporting actor award in Los Angeles Nollywood Films Association (LANFA). I did ‘Loving Daniella’ where I won the best actress in an all-black festival in Las Vegas (Black Film Festival) . Our Teresa Edem was awesome as the lead actress. The last production before the Corona pandemic ‘The Only Celebrity in Nigeria’, I acted as a supporting lead and I won best supporting lead.

Who would you say positively influenced you growing up?

My late mother, Obonganwan Eme Eyo. If it weren’t for her, I won’t be the person I am today. She was so focused.

She retired as teacher. Even in her 50s, after having me and my siblings, she went to the University of Calabar to get a degree in Education. Whatever she was determined to do, she always did it. When I was at the school of nursing, she always encouraged me to be the best that I could be. Even when I started my movie production, she was my number one fan. I remember the first movie I acted in, it was an epic movie. I used all her wrappers. Even other actors used her wrappers and she was so excited about it. I learnt a lot from my mum and if it weren’t for her, the woman I am today would just be a fantasy. May her soul rest in peace.

The society we live in frowns at successful single women.

As a woman who falls into this category, what are your thoughts on this?

I am a single mother. I have a daughter. Our society here in Nigeria frowns at a lady who can feed herself and isn’t married. However, in the society that I am in, that isn’t a big deal. I am happy. I can take care of myself and my daughter.

No one should judge a female based on her marital status.

They should see her capabilities instead. They should see how she can contribute positively to the society. Marriage is a good thing, but that doesn’t mean an unmarried woman should be judged. Just let her be herself. I haven’t had any sad experiences but people are kind of intimidated. A woman is always a woman and they should know that.

Where would you want to see yourself in the next few years?

I would want to make movies that would educate. I will want to make a name such that every household would want to buy Uddy Udoh movies because of the nature of enlightenment the storyline would bring to them.

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MILESTONE

Nike Okundaye @ 70

Outside Art, I Would Have Become a Nun

BY JANEFRANCES CHIBUZOR t 70, it appears the Founder of Nike Art foundation, Chief Nike Okundaye, still dreams of spending the rest of her life as a Roman Catholic nun. Mrs Okundaye, who celebrated her 70th birthday recently in Lagos, revealed that she would have settled for a quiet life as a nun but her passion for art led her on a different career path.

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in the church as a cleaner for the Rev. Fathers. I worked as a baby sitter. I always visited the hostel where nuns lived and each time I saw them neatly dressed in their white uniforms, I would dream of becoming a nun. I was always fascinated by those uniforms. In fact, I was deeply attracted to them. The fact that they were the only ones who enjoyed free education up to university level in addition to training as priestesses got me excited.

As a teenager, Okundaye, who looks quite trendy and beautiful I spite of her age, was very curious and afflicted with an unquenchable thirst for a knowledge-based profession.

She thanked God for giving her the desired opportunity to train people to be self independent through their hand work, emphasising that training the trainers has always been her life ambition.

As luck would have it, along the line her great grandmother of blessed memory sparked her journey into the world of art.

“I am very fulfilled and I thank God that most of the people I mentored are now independent and have their own money without waiting to borrow from the banks to establish themselves,” she said.

She knew that the journey to success required working through every step to arrive at the next level. So she quickly recognised the need to seek God first.

Okudaye also pledged to ensure that more females find their way into the arts in such a manner that they will outnumber and outshine male artists in the system.

According to her, the journey to stardom was never a bed of roses from inception, but due to hard work, humility and diligence, she was able to project herself as a colossus in the arts and culture.

She appealed to government to send more artists for training overseas, stressing that in doing so they will be able to bring the idea back home and share the knowledge gained with the people down home.

“As a woman artist it has been a hard one, but with patience everything is possible because nothing goes smoothly. It was a journey I started as a teenager and that has brought me to where I am today”.

She also appealed that artists should not see art galleries as a way to make money alone, but also an avenue to showcase their works.

She said, “I am an artist. I know the heart of the artist and I know how to dip into it and that is why I tell them to bring their works to me. Your work is your voice. Whatever I sell, you can give me 10 percent and if you do not have it you can always give me a small art work to cover your10 percent”.

Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, Nike said she was able to create something new, although she was not aware of the coming of the virus.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has been very challenging because we did not know that there would be a lockdown for almost three months and we did not have enough materials to work with at the time. However, the unexpected situation gave us the idea to create something new. We have to make do with whatever materials that was I our possession. That experience made me learnt that with THEWILLNIGERIA

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Okundaye

“I always thank God for my great grandmother, who was my first teacher and who inspired and inculcated textile knowledge in me. That same knowledge is what I am passing it to the younger generations,” Okundaye said, in an interview.

patience nothing is impossible,” she added.

Speaking on her choice of career, she said, “Outside art, I would have become a nun. This is because I always regarded nuns as next to God. My father actually worked

Noting that Nigeria is blessed with more than 50,000 artists who are very productive and only about 5,000 are well known locally and internationally, she added, “There are many artists in this country, but they are always afraid that the gallery will sell their works and take all the money.

Artists are keeping their works at home just because they do not want the galleries to eat out of it.”

She further disclosed that her foundation is planning to showcase about 15 artists and their works.

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An Africanist, Molecular Oncologist, Pianist & His Ambitious TV Network I

BY MICHAEL JIMOH f someone describes himself as an Africanist, you know exactly what he means – a champion of anything African especially culturally. If the same person tells you of his ambition to run a television network devoted only to African arts and culture, you know he wants to live up to his name.

Oluwayomi Bosede is the most unlikely individual you ever hope to take up a continental cause like he has. He was born in Akure, Ondo state but studied Molecular Oncology at the University of Ilorin, Kwara state where he graduated.

So, anyone would reasonably expect the science graduate specializing in the root causes of cancer at the molecular level to be in monkish seclusion in a spotless lab coat peering in petri dishes in equally squeaky-clean laboratories.

And who are the target audience? AAMTV is aimed at both old and young people but specifically at music directors and conductors, music teachers and their wards, choir members and instrumentalists, even art and culture enthusiasts. What are they likely to watch on AAMTV? Mostly African inspired programmes, compositions by African musicians, the companies that employ them as well as cultural festivals and interviews with culture personalities.

All well and good if he manages to pull it off. AAMTV has networks in 10 – 15 African countries, Yomi insinuated, with plans to “create branches in all those countries in a short while.” He also says that with AAMTV, “we can network Africa as a whole and even connect with Africans in the diaspora.”

It has not been so. Indeed, for several years now after his youth service in Asaba, Delta state, Oluwayomi has turned away from what he read in school and taken up music. For one, he describes himself as “naturally talented in music,” having logged in more than 20 years in the profession.

More than anything, however, the molecular oncologist wants to start a television station dedicated to arts and culture, nothing but arts and culture. If he pulls it off, then he would have scored a first in the continent.

“My idea of setting up a continental television is based on my drive to showcase the beauty in African culture,” Yomi Africa told THEWILL in a WhatsApp message last week. “I believe Africa has a very rich cultural heritage and dynamic ways of ethnic groups with different traits. We have our culture, we have beautiful places in Africa, we have our museums and different festivals…to showcase these features to the rest of the world, but through our music, hence the African Art Music TV.” As it is, there is an online version, “an already established

It is just very possible that when worshippers converge this August at Osun River for the annual Osun Osogbo Festival, viewers can sit back at home and watch thousands of devotees dip themselves in the sacred stream for spiritual rebirth.

Bosede

It all began when Oluwayomi aka Yomi Africa started as a tenor at the Cathedral of St David’s Church, Akure, where he won an award as the best tenor. Of course, he has the perfect build of men who fill concerts with their remarkable voices, voices that can carry far without the aid of a microphone.

(Here, the great Italian tenor, Luciano Pavarotti, comes to mind. Usually, such men are well built, complete with bulllike necks sitting on equally powerful chests, two parts of the body tenors cannot do without in resonating their voice.)

By his own admission, Yomi Africa has also directed church choir groups at Ilorin and elsewhere. He would later improve on that during his youth service in Asaba, Delta state where he took up the piano and keyboard, eventually ending up as the state pianist for his batch fellow youth corp members.

“Production and delivery of excellent, creative and quality musical contents are our core values,” he continues, “the originality of African music because it connects us to who truly are…to create an impression that will lead to a paradigm shift in the way Africa is perceived globally.”

TV network dedicated to promoting African classical music or the Art Music of Africa,” Yomi insists.

The online version is as important as the expected network.

“It is an electronic TV network for now,” he told THEWILL, “because we need to create enough awareness, and the social media is a very important tool to achieve this.”

Of course, setting up such a TV network is capital intensive.

Yomi is aware of that more than anyone, a point he conceded during the interview. “Starting a new TV network and transmission may be difficult to sustain. If there is enough information, online awareness and convincing evidence that the network will impact lives positively, especially the target audience.”

It isn’t that such pilgrimages don’t make it to a few local channels. They do. But no one television station has devoted as much time to a spectacular cultural event as they would a run-off election anywhere in Nigeria. True, there is Art House in Channels Television for now, a 45-minute programme popular with the culturati. But there is no known station that can boast of airing only arts and culture programmes. This is what African Art Music TV aims to do.

Book fairs and book presentations will be fair game for AAMTV when it begins transmission, just as famous writers such as the one and only Kongi, Odia Ofeimun, Chimamanda Adichie and many more will have their time, if only to discuss what they know best – writing and literature for a change from the all-too common talk on and about politics.

“The ultimate goal of African Art Music TV,” Yomi has said, “is to showcase African Art, Culture and lifestyle through music.”

Sow a thought and you reap an idea. Sow an idea and you reap an action. In no distant time, the culturati in the continent will benefit from Yomi’s grand idea about a television station with a specialized broadcast - arts and culture, nothing but arts and culture.

Lagos Leverages Multi-Destination Tourism For Growth In this piece, JANEFRANCES CHIBUZOR looks at the potentials derivable from the Lagos State multidestination tourism agenda

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ourism practitioners and other stakeholders recently gathered in Lagos to discuss the way forward for the sector and how to enhance tourism facilities across the state. They also discussed ongoing plans to develop historic monuments across state According to them, one way to achieve this growth is to develop a tourism framework that will serve as a guide for the implementation of every tourism activity in the state.

Having understood that, they also resolved to establish a common purpose and collaboration among public and private sectors, alongside other tourism related sectors to stir up the state revenue generation through growth in tourism.

The state, no doubt, is endowed with a wide range of tourism facilities, which include waterfront, eco-tourism, leisure, the business side of entertainment, heritage sites and others.

Speaking durig the 2021 briefing on tourism, arts and culture in Lagos State, the Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs. Uzamat Akinbile-Yussuf, said the development of a Tourism Master Plan that would serve as a pathway to

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the implementation of every tourism activity in the State.

others.

Akinbile-Yussuf added that the document would change the narrative in the state’s tourism sector and ensure uniformity of government programmes, plans and policies in the development of tourism.

“We have equally identified the business side of entertainment and tourism. Beyond using tourism and entertainment as a vehicle for fun, relaxation and social integration, entertainment and tourism remain a major source of income generation for different countries and cities of the world and we will also leverage on this aspect to boost the State’s IGR.

She described the document as a worthwhile achievement under the administration of Sanwo-Olu, in addition to other tourism infrastructure in place simultaneously in different parts of the state.

With the master plan in place, she averred that the era of haphazard development of tourism activities in the state had passed. “There will now be a structured guideline that must be followed for short, medium and long-term tourism activities and projects.

“Apart from this, some areas of tourism activities that have not been given attention before has now been captured in the master plan and this will engender all-round development of every aspect of tourism in the coming years.”

She explained that more attention would be given to the development of the state’s Waterfront for Tourism purposes under Beach and Leisure captured in the Tourism Master Plan, the exploration of medical tourism, focus on MICE (Meetings, incentives, Conferences and Exhibition), among

“We believe in creating an enduring atmosphere for tourism activities to thrive, being a private-sector driven sector. It is our belief that when businesses operate under the right atmosphere, the economic activities of the State would increase and the resources at the disposal of government would also be impacted greatly,” the commissioner averred.

She said that within the last one year, which is the second year of the present administration, the ministry had made appreciable progress in positioning entertainment and tourism to occupy their rightful positions.

Akinbile-Yussuf also said: “We have maintained a better relationship with our stakeholders, developed policies that would guide tourism activities and also implemented programmes and projects as it relates to the fulfilment of the fifth pillar of the themes agenda of Sanwo-Olu administration. *Continues online at www. thewillnigeria.com

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Desperate Religious Charlatans The Role of a Culture of Superstition in the Proliferation of Religio-Commercial Pastors in Nigeria by Chima Agazue

For readers, that is a timely warning from the author.

Unfortunately, there are no shortages of such warnings in history. They have mostly fallen on deaf ears, which is why victims continue to fall victim.

BY MICHAEL JIMOH hey are more desperate and wily than politicians and conmen combined. They exert almost hypnotic control over church members. And yet when they lure the hapless victims, they pretend they are out to deliver them from one problem or the other. It could be deliverance from bondage, from marine spirits, from a generational curse, from witches and wizards, and even from family members forever scheming on how to do them in.

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From the Reverend Jimmy Jones tragedy in Guyana in the late seventies to the religious cults of David Koresh in Waco, Texas, and their cruder equivalents in some African countries, worshippers have always been hard done by, and it is often by those to whom they entrust their lives, by those who should, in essence, deliver them.

The Reverend Ezeugo King saga and a female worshipper, Anne, who was allegedly burnt to death on his instruction is one infamous example. Sentenced to death by a court in Lagos, King has been awaiting death by hanging for more than a decade now in Kuje Prison, Abuja.

The range of their power of deliverance is simply astonishing, oftentimes silly and questionable. Yet people believe them and even entrust their lives to them. And such is their complete devotion you often hear some say, “My Pastor said,” “My Pastor said,” as if they have no mind of their own.

Another reason for the gullibility of worshippers, as the author suggests, is ignorance. Where, for instance, a sick person should find solution in orthodox medical centres, church members prefer to invite their pastors to cure the ailing. Western medicine has never embraced spirituality.

But some Pentecostal preachers consider spirituality the essence of human existence. So, when problems arise, ignorant church goers sometimes seek help from their pastors or General Overseers.

How do these so-called men of God do it? What makes them so successful in their charm offensive to people desperately in need of deliverance – spiritual or otherwise?

There is a lot to learn from this book for any reader with an unbiased mind. It is profoundly illuminating and the author, Chima Agazue, has done his countrymen and women a great service, those in chains to desperate charlatans masquerading as men of God. In tackling his subject, he does not flinch from citing examples where necessary, laying bare for readers how many of the supposed men of God have simply taken victim after victim for a ride.

There is the incredible story of a 53-year-old Pentecostal evangelist who bedded and impregnated several married women in his church and then casually proceeded to do the same to their daughters. Found out years ago, the man defended his action by claiming to do the work of God. His act, he said, “was in line with the directives of the Holy Spirit to do the will of God, which is an act of spirituality.”

Another wolf in sheep’s clothing was caught and arrested years before, in Lagos. Pretending to exorcise a possessed woman, he used anointing oil to massage her breast and private part for a whole week. He was also caught pants down. And yet another case was of a mother who innocently left her preteen daughter with another pastor in Lagos for spiritual cleansing. By the time the mother returned, her young daughter was not so innocent anymore.

There are many of such atrocities and abuse by supposed men of God in this book and they are simply mind-boggling, mind-boggling because you wonder how these preachers succeed in inveigling church members or those seeking solution to problems that may not even exist in the first place. It is also mind-boggling to readers who may wonder how the victims are so gullible to fall victim time and time again to the rapacious preachers.

“The etiology of mental illness in Africa,” Agazue writes, “is often inextricably linked with the spirits through culturally-embedded beliefs. Hence, the perceived efficacy of Western-style psychiatrists is disputed since they are not known to communicate with the spirits in order to appease the gods to exorcise the spirits.”

In Agazue’s words, it is “how these pastors have built on an existing culture of superstition to pioneer a religion centering on prophecies, miracles and prosperity, as opposed to making Christians good people.”

Continuing, he notes that “many pastors in Nigeria are quick to give the people what they want or tell them what they want to hear, in order to receive favours from such people.

This is partly why charlatan pastors win many followers who regard them as spiritually powerful, while the genuine ones – who instead tell people the truth – are avoided and scorned as not being governed by the Holy Spirit.” And another: “Prayer houses have replaced both psychiatry and hospitals as pastors are now all-in-one therapists.”

In strong words, the author condemns the gullibility of the victims who “live their lives by the dictates of the prophets, who are often ‘miracle workers’ too. Whatever they say is accorded value, irrespective of how silly their words may sound.”

While Agazue’s book may come as a remedy to church members under the spell of dubious pastors, he himself needs deliverance from unprofessional editors. The spelling errors and prepositional inaccuracies can only turn readers against a publication that should set captive minds free.

when they make love while slumbering, it is interpreted as an attack from the marine world.

Runsewe Commends Nigerian Footballers For Displaying Cultural Symbolism

T

When Agazue wrote this book, he was a doctoral student of Forensic and Criminal Psychology at the University of Huddersfield, UK. The Role of a Culture of Superstition in the Proliferation of Religio-Commecial Pastors in Nigeria will have earned him a PhD. It is a scholarly investigative work and his case against the promiscuous preachers is solid.

he Director-General, National Council for Arts and Culture and President World Crafts.

Council, Otunba Segun Runsewe, has applauded Nigerian-born Leicester Football Club players, Kelechi Iheanacho and Wilfred Ndidi, for their common display of patriotism in form of cultural symbolism during the English Football Association Cup final match between their club and Chelsea Football Club over the weekend.

Agazue does not concentrate alone on the atrocious acts on victims. In his view, worshippers, or those who believe in the infallibility of their spiritual guides, are to blame as well.

To begin with, he writes that his book “is not written with the intention of passing judgment on all men and women of God on Nigerian streets…I wish to present the facts of a very unhealthy development in their midst…desperados using the Bible and God’s name to make a comfortable living through the vulnerability and gullibility of their adherents.”

Runsewe said that a powerful and fascinating merger between culture and sports showcased itself immediately after the match. Beneath the pomp, glitz and glamour of the FA cup final, a unique, spectacular and outstanding show of patriotism was displayed. It came in the manner that Kelechi and Ndidi soaked themselves in their love for Nigeria by wrapping themselves in Nigerian Green White Green flag to celebrate their victory over Chelsea football club

But the message at the heart of the matter of his book, as the title suggest, is the influence of superstition in most cultures where these dubious men of God thrive most. When people eat while asleep, for instance, it is seen as a bad omen. Even THEWILLNIGERIA

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He stated that there is need to document, institutionalise and legalise the legacy of Iheanacho and Ndidi as a show of extreme love and indivisibility of Nigeria their country.

Runsewe said he was prompted to put up a request for the

artistic impression of their actions on that day.

He stressed that with the collaboration of the Society of Nigerian Artists, Abuja, the NCAC is instituting an art competition that celebrates the intersection of sports and culture referencing the Iheanacho’s and Ndidi’s actions with the Nigerian flag.

According to Runsewe the arts competition, which will be in traditional 2D Art (Painting, Print making and drawing, which will be done within a one month duration will be open to residence of FCT only for now.

Other details of the competition, including assessment and adjudication, will be worked out with the Nigerian Society of Nigerian Artists.

Runsewe added that they shall be a reward system for the best three winning entries which will be presented to the honourable minister of Information and culture and to his counterpart in the sports ministry may include a trip to London in the nearest future.

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SportsLive

Celebrating Emmanuel Okala @ 70

BY JUDE OBAFEMI

O

n Monday, May 17, 2021 a living legend of Nigeria’s football heritage, Emmanuel Okala, MON, clocked 70 years. The maverick goalkeeper in his heydays was adored by millions of football fans and sports administrators for his skill and exploits on the pitch.

His 70th birthday therefore presents an opportunity to celebrate and reflect on the dual-pronged subject matter of a life dedicated to service to country.

To address the subject properly, it is apposite to recall the humble football origins of one who went on to become easily one of the most recognisable footballers on the continent and beyond for his unmatched skills.

Emmanuel Oguajiofor Okala was born in Onitsha, the Anambra State city located on the eastern bank of the Niger River, in 1951. At birth, nobody would have guessed that he was destined to be an imposing mountain of a football player at 6’6” tall.

Okala’s years of total and complete dedication to everything he devoted his time to doing, which was at the very foundations of his exceptional professional career, began long before he started representing the country in his traditional Green-White-Green jersey. There were already glimpses of those values when at the tender age of 15, he was set on the course his life would evenually to take with a career with the Onitsha Red Devils Football Club.

That distinctive character that placed a high premium on self-denial, which also considered no bar too high to reach for success, was at the very heart of Okala’a senior career, when in 1971, just five years after he joined the Onitsha Red Devils, he joined the Enugu Rangers International Football Club at the age of 20, following its formation after the Nigerian Civil War. Everywhere he went, Okala carried his enormous stature and imposing influence with grace and his resilient spirit was infused into the very DNA of the Enugu club that the mere thought of a fixture against them was tension-inducing for other clubs in the league, especially as his imposing frame was the last line of defence between the goal posts.

The width of his palm and the long fingers they held allowed Okala the leverage to easily wrap his gloves around a ball with one hand. When he spread both arms wide, he almost covered the goal posts. Kicking the ball out immediately placed it in the opposition area for contest. To be honest, he launched many a Rangers attack from his post and his long reach was effective in intercepting crosses into his box.

Attackers knew better than to run into him.

Okala would convert his single-minded predisposition for settling for nothing less than the superlative when he joined the national side, the Green Eagles, as they were known then. He brought a solidity to goalkeeping that had never been witnessed before. His coming coincided with the era of the rise of goalkeeping excellence with the likes of Inua Rigogo, Peter Fregene, Amusa Adisa and Eyo Essien who were making waves at the time in the country. But, he was the standout regular. He conceded two goals in his first cap in the national team in a friendly against Tanzania in Lagos that Nigeria won 3-2.

There was nothing Okala detested more than conceding against the opposing side. He considered it embarrassing and beneath him to retrieve the ball from his net after having failed to prevent it from going in in the first place. Even in training, he was hard on himself when he conceded, how much more in competitive football. To avoid conceding carelessly, Okala trained to the extreme and as far as his body could endure. Then, he challenged the best goalscorers for duels to improve on his reflexes and techniques.

Two years after joining the national team, he was in the victorious side that secured the football gold at the All Africa Games in Lagos in 1973. Returning to team football in the 1977 season, Okala provided Rangers the goalkeeping they required to win the African Cup Winners’ Cup after a brilliant domestic season. His continental accomplishments included

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Okala would convert his singleminded predisposition for settling for nothing less than the superlative when he joined the national side, the Green Eagles, as they were known then. He brought a solidity to goalkeeping that had never been witnessed before

a bronze medal at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in 1978 and a silver finish at the All Africa Games in Algiers that same year.

However, when Nigeria hosted the AFCON two years later in 1980, Okala, who was the 6’6” body of mass and muscle with the imposing frame and fearsome intimidating mien, was ready to make sure all hands were on deck to produce the sort of displays that ensured the country took her premier continental football trophy and that was how it came to pass.

Yet, as with every true success story, there was a couple of occasions that marked a low point in Okala’s glorious career. Of those moments, two stand out for the remarkable goal tender that left indelible scars on the otherwise amazing goalkeeping career. On a balanced note, one of these was a domestic league loss, and the other was a loss for Rangers in a continental meet.

Rangers lost the 1978 FA Cup final to a young Bendel Insurance team coached by Alabi Aissien in one of Okala’s most hurtful experiences as a goalkeeper. Given his detestation of conceding just one goal, it is only imaginable the ignominy of him having to retrieve the ball from his net three times in a final that they were favourites to win.

But, the Bendel side, which swept aside Shooting Stars International of Ibadan, which, at the time, featured some of the best players in the national team, in the semi-finals, were the better side on the day.

The continental low point was about the same time though the match took place in Algiers, at the home stadium of the Algerian side they faced. Several factors accounted for their loss, which saw them ship another trio of goals. Changes in pitch technology meant that on a bitterly chilly night, Rangers played on an artificial turf, which are synthetic fibers made to look like natural grass and used in sports arenas, for the first time but without the appropriate football boots. All he did was not enough to prevent Okala conceding three goals in a second match.

However, none of such moments detracted from his inherently superb overall consistency so much so that Okala became one of the most recognisable sports figures on the African continent. His physical attributes, the imposing 6’6” frame, and his fearsome disposition between the goal posts made it difficult to miss him in a crowd full of footballers and their coach and crew.

When he was recognised as the 1975 Africa’s Player of the Year by the African Sports Journalists Union, there was no contest because his performances bore witness to the facts.

Yet, it is to the credit of his repute that never before and never again has there ever been another goalkeeper to be so acclaimed, in the presence of amazing attacking footballers, who almost always win such awards.

Okala received his award at the ASJU congress in Lomé, Togo. Unfortunately, that was the last time ASJU gave out those awards. That is partly why many people are not aware

of that recognition of his prowess.

However, as relayed by another living football legend, Segun Odegbami, who though a contemporary of Okala, was younger, the patriotic and dedicated, imposing and energetic Okala of old is now old and frail with the effects of aging rendering it difficult to walk. That stature that instilled fear in a generation of opposing footballers is not what it used to be due to arthritis while he resiliently contends with poor eyesight, heart conditions, monitored sugar levels that mean he must make do with a daily cocktail of very expensive and very potent drugs.

It is the ravages of age exacting a pound for the strain of youth. Yet, those times he pushed himself to excellence, he did as a service to club and country with the accolades, laurels, awards, trophies and medals to show for them.

Post-active career welfare for the legends who have made the country proud and have etched the name of the country forever in gold internationally while giving up to a lifetime of pleasures with sacrifices for the perfection winning requires, is unfortunately nonexistent. Action has not followed years of government promise for a welfare fund for career athletes and retired athletes have been forced to fend for themselves with practically nothing to fall back on.

There must be, with the celebration of the 70th anniversary of the icon Okala, a renewed determination to bring an end to this depressing narrative. Government and the private sector can collaborate, especially corporate bodies who already associate with sports for the benefits of their bottomline, to institutionalise the welfare of the individuals and personalities that make sports the productive source of big money it has become today.

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