Saturday 17th December 2016

At an Impressive Ceremony, Buhari Gives Out Daughter Osinbajo, Abdulsalami, Atiku, Saraki, Dogara, Tinubu, others light up ceremony

Tobi Soniyi in Abuja After an initial glitch, occasioned by physical altercation that trailed the delivery of several stacked dowry boxes valued at N44 million, the wedding fathia of Zahra, President Muhammadu

Buhari’s daughter eventually took place yesterday at the State House, Abuja at an impressive ceremony.

The attractive and outgoing Zahra was formally wedded to Ahmed Indimi, the son of an oil magnate from Borno State,

Mohammed Indimi in the midst of many dignitaries.

The National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, the Senate President, Bukola Saraki, former head of state Abdulsalami Abubakar, Vice

President Yemi Osinbajo, former vice president Abubakar Atiku and captains of industry were among dignitaries that attended the wedding reception at the State House Banquet Hall.

Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara

was also at the reception.

State governors who attended the reception included Nasir el-Rufai, Godwin Obaseki, Kogi - Yahaya Bello, Akinwunmi Ambode, Ibikunle Amosu, Simon Lalong, Rochas Okorocha, Abdullahi Badaru, Ben Ayade,

Samuel Ortom, Aminu Masari, and Aminu Tambuwal.

Many cabinet members also attended the reception.

Speaking with State House correspondents at the end of Continued on page 6

Nyako's Prayer for Reinstatement as Governor Fails at Supreme Court ... Page 6 Saturday 17 December, 2016 Vol 21. No 7912 Price: N250

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Rivers Poll: UK, US, Germany, France Call for Probe of Killings Indicted security agents, INEC staff to be sanctioned

Ernest Chinwo in Port Harcourt, Onyebuchi Ezigbo, Alex Enumah and Dele Ogbodo in Abuja The United Kingdom High Commissioner to Nigeria, Paul Arkwright and his United States, France, Germany and the

European Union counterparts, Messrs Stuart Symington, Denys Guaer, Bernhard Schlagheck and Micheal Arrion respectively, yesterday called on the federal government to conduct a transparent investigation into the killings of innocent Nigerians during the just concluded Rivers

re-run election.

Also yesterday, The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) vowed that it would get to the root of incidences of malfeasance involving its staff, politicians and some security agents during the just concluded re-run elections

in Rivers State.

This was contained in a statement, signed by the Deputy Press and Public Relations Officer of the British High Commission, Jamila Fagge, on behalf of the five envoys resident in Abuja.

The envoys also alleged wide

rigging of the December 10, parliamentary re-run election in the state.

The countries who claimed to have been following proceedings before and during the election indicted some staff of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as well as

personnel of security agencies.

They however did not mention any politician or political party as a beneficiary of the rigging.

The envoys called for a full scale investigation of the Continued on page 6

CJN to Judges: Don’t Surrender to Intimidation,NJCFiresAnotherJudge Orders police to arrest lawyer, registrar; warns two Lagos judges

SARAH DANIEL

Tobi Soniyi in Abuja

I Studied Law But My Heart Is with Interior Design

The Acting Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) Justice Walters Onnoghen has charged Justices of Court of Appeal to always resist blackmail and internal/ external influences in the delivery of justice on matters before them.

Onnoghen’s charge came on the day that the National Judicial Council (NJC) recommended the dismissal of Justice Ugbo Ononogbo of the Abia State High Court and the compulsory retirement of Justice Nasir Gummi of Zamfara State High Court with immediate effect.

The Acting CJN who spoke on the occasion of 2016 Court of Appeal Justices conference in Abuja told the justices to uphold the tenets of independence of

SuperSaturday pg. 8-9

AKEEM APONMADE

I Wish I Am More Patient in Handling Matters

Plus pg. 17-19

Continued on page 6

Aviation Fuel Scarcity may Distrupt Flight ZAHRA WEDS AHMED...

During Yuletide L -R: The groom's father, Alhaji Indimi; the groom, Ahmed standing next to his bride, Zahra; parents of the bride, President Muhammadu Buhari and his ...Pg 55 wife, Aisha at the wedding reception held at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa, Abuja ...yesterday GODWIN OMOIGUI

Emefiele Appointed Chairman International Islamic Liquidity Management Corporation ... Page 53

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T H I S D AY, T H E S AT U R D AY N E W S PA P E R •SATURDAY, DeceMbeR 17, 2016

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Nyako's Prayer for Reinstatement as Governor Fails at Supreme Court Tobi Soniyi in Abuja The Supreme Court has dismissed an appeal by former governor of Adamawa State, Murtala Nyako seeking to be reinstated as the state governor.

Nyako was impeached by the State House of Assembly on July 15, 2014, ten months before he concluded his tenure.

The Court of Appeal had earlier declared his impeachment unconstitutional but declined to reinstate him.

Yesterday, a panel of seven justices of the Supreme Court upheld the Court of Appeal's decision.

The court said that because of the way the case was handled at the Appeal Court, it was unable to order that Nyako be reinstated.

In the judgement delivered

by Justice Dattijo Mohammed, the apex court held that the appeal must fail because Nyako’s lawyer had compromised the case at the Appeal Court by withdrawing the prayer seeking the ex-governor’s reinstatement.

His Lordship held that a lawyer was entitled to conduct, compromise or withdraw his or her client’s case, but that there

could be no ground of appeal when a lawyer compromised his client's case.

“On that score alone the appeal fails,” Justice Mohammed ruled.

However, the court upheld the order of the court of appeal that Nyako be paid his salaries and other entitlements which he would have earned had he not been impeached.

The court said that Nyako

would bear the consequences of the decision of his lawyer to withdraw the prayer for his reinstatement before the appeal court.

Justice Mohammed held: “Because of the special facts enunciated in this appeal, that fact of compromising his case by his counsel is a cross that the appellant (Nyako) will continue to bear.

“So, there will never be a forum again where that issue of reinstatement would be raised, and to that extent, that informs my dismissal of the appeal in its entirety.”

Justice Tanko Muhammad and other members of the apex court’s panel, comprising Justices Clara Ogunbiyi, Mary Peter-Odili, Chima Nweze and Amir Sanusi, agreed with the lead judgement.

NJC said the allegations against Justice Ononogbo and Justice Gunmi constituted misconduct contrary to Sections 294 (1) and (6) of the 1999 constitution and Rules 3 (i), 11(ii) and 2 of the National Judicial Council Revised Code of Conduct for Judicial Officers of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

The council, in the exercise of its disciplinary powers under the 1999 constitution has suspended the two judges with immediate effect, pending the approval of the recommendations of the council for their dismissal and compulsory retirement respectively, from office by Governor Okezie Ikpeazu and Governor Abdul Aziz Yari Abubakar, of Abia and Zamfara States, respectively.

The statement said Justice Ononogbo was recommended for dismissal to the Governor of Abia State, pursuant to the findings by the council on the allegations contained in a petition written against His Lordship by Mr. Urum Udensi Ifegwu.

The council said the judge in Suit No: HOH/25/2013; Mrs

Nnenna Enweliku and 4 Others Vs Udensi Dike Udensi and 2 Others made a blanket order for the payment of unascertained amount as estate fee from the Access Bank Account of late Lord Chief Dike Udensi Ifegwu to the Probate Registrar of the High Court.

The Assistant Chief Registrar, Probate Division of the Court, Mr. Udeka U. C. was said to have altered the order of the Judge in a letter to Access Bank requesting the bank to release the sum of N200,000,000.00 (Two Hundred Million Naira) only into the personal account of E. M. Ojiako, Esq, counsel to the applicant in the case.

However, the bank was said to have refused to honour the request.

NJC said the judge also granted another order to vacate the first order directing the bank to pay any money assessed by the Probate Registrar for the Estate fee of late Lord Chief Dike Udensi Ifegwu into the personal account of E. M. Ojiako, Esq, without ascertaining the assessment made by the Probate Registrar.

The statement said: "Out of the N200,000,000.00 (Two Hundred Million Naira) withdrawn as a result of the second order, E. M. Ojiako, Esq, only paid the sum of N83,000,000.00 (Eighty-three Million Naira) to the Probate Registry.

"That there were discrepancies between the representations of parties in the order made by the Respondent and the representation of parties in the Record Book of the Court to which Justice Ononogbo admitted that he did not vet the order before signing same and that it was an oversight."

Apart from recommending the dismissal of Justice Ononogbo, the council also recommended that the Assistant Chief Registrar, Probate Division of Abia State High Court, Udeka N. C., and E. M. Ojiako, Esq., the lawyer, be handed over to the police for investigation.

The council also decided to report the lawyer, Ojiako to the Nigerian Bar Association

Disciplinary Committee for investigation and that Abia State Judicial Service Commission should take appropriate action against Udeka, the Assistant Chief Registrar Probate Division after investigation of the allegations.

The council recommended Justice Gunmi for compulsory retirement for failing to deliver judgement in Suit No: ZMS/ GS/13/2013; Chiroma Vs Forte Oil Plc, almost twenty-three months after the final address by all counsel in the suit, contrary to the constitutional provisions that judgements should be delivered within a period of 90 days.

NJC also said that the judge allowed the judgement to be altered by changing the word “dismissal” to “struck out” to which his Court Registrar, Hayatu Wadata Bungudu admitted was done by him, after which he informed the Hon. Judge on phone, as he was out of the state at the time.

The council also said that the judge assumed jurisdiction in the matter by a ruling, only to dismiss the same action 22 months after, for lack of jurisdiction, after the cause of action had lapsed.

NJC said it would write to the Zamfara State Judicial Service Commission to take appropriate action against Hayatu Wadata Bungudu, Registrar of Hon. Justice Gunmi’s court for altering his judgement.

NJC also issued a 'strong warning' to Justice D. O. Oluwayemi of Lagos State Judiciary for granting an ex-parte order in Suit No: LD/2393LMW/16, relying on an affidavit of urgency which disclosed no threat of destruction of rights, or interest, in the subject matter of the dispute without putting the other party on notice.

NJC also said that it would issue another letter of warning to Justice M. A. Savage also of the High Court of Lagos State, for holding discussion with complainant’s counsel in Suit No: LD/179/2000 which he had judicially acted upon, and for serving as a bridge between him and the other party’s counsel.

CJN TO JUDGES: DON’T SURRENDER TO INTIMIDATION, NJC FIRES ANOTHER JUDGE the judiciary with integrity and fairness in the discharge of their official functions.

He called on the justices not to allow the recent unprecedented assault on the judiciary to intimidate them into taking wrong decisions or steps.

As traumatic as the assault may be, he counselled that it should be seen as an opportunity for the judicial officers to reaffirm their commitment to the rule of law and independence of the judiciary.

Justice Onnoghen who declared the conference open maintained that the battle for the soul of the judiciary could only be fought and won from a position of integrity, judicial independence and fairness in the dispensation of justice to all those who will come before them.

He declared: “I therefore urge you to remain focused at all times. Be bold and try to resist all forms of undue influence, both external and within. Blackmail in any form must not be entertained. Shun all forms of corruption. The current fight against corruption by the

present administration is real and commendable. We must all join hands to fight this monster, lest it consumes us. This is the only country we have, and we owe it to posterity to bequeath a safe and decent nation to future generations.

“I must remind you that the judiciary is the only organ of government that can guarantee its independence by the conduct and utterances of judicial officers.

If you adhere to these guidelines, you are assured of protection.

“Always rely on precedent set by the Supreme Court. If you do, I promise you, you won’t go wrong in your judgments.

Another concept I want to encourage you to embrace is information technology.

“Times have changed and the time has come to open up a window of communication to the public. You have to engage the media to showcase the activities of your courts, especially your efforts at better justice delivery to litigants.

“This will encourage public enlightenment and boost confidence in the judiciary, as well as

remove the public perception of the judiciary as a closed society.

This undoubtedly has its own risk. Today, we are witnesses of the horrific trend of some unscrupulous lawyers discussing matters that are before courts in the media, in brazen attempts to influence judgments of courts. To stem this ugly tide, I urge you to consider invoking your inherent power of contempt where there are such violations or infractions in respect of matters that are sub-judice.”

NJC Fires another Judge Meanwhile, the NJC has recommended the dismissal of Justice Ugbo Ononogbo of the Abia State High Court and the compulsory retirement of Justice Nasir Gummi of Zamfara State High Court with immediate effect.

A statement by the NJC's Acting Director of Information, Mr Soji Oye said the decision to sanction the two judges was taken at the council's 80th meeting held on 14th and 15th December, 2016 under the Chairmanship of the Acting Chief Justice of Nigeria.

RIVERS POLL: UK, US, GERMANY, FRANCE CALL FOR PROBE OF KILLINGS

allegations as well as the death of some civilians and police officials with a view to bringing them to book and serve as deterrent to others in future elections.

“We note with concern the rising tension in Rivers state ahead of elections on 10 December. We followed closely the conduct of the elections held in Rivers state on 10th December and the days immediately following. We are extremely concerned by the use of incendiary language, intimidation and violence by supporters of both the major political parties prior to and during the elections.

“We praise the bravery and commitment of those INEC staff, who persevered in their work on the ground to ensure polls went ahead in the face of severe challenges, but are troubled by reports that some INEC officials accepted payment to influence election outcomes”, the statement said.

They added: “We are saddened by the reported death of civilians and police officers who were present in the state.

We call for a transparent and full investigation into those deaths and other security incidents, including credible reports that some elements of the security forces either obstructed the course of the elections or improperly influenced the results.

The envoys called on the leadership of all political parties and their supporters to allow future elections in Nigeria to go ahead peacefully.

Indicted Security Agents, INEC Staff to Face Sanctions In a related development, INEC has vowed to get to the root of incidences of malfeasance involving its staff, politicians and some security agents during the just concluded re-run elections for legislative seats in Rivers state.

To that effect, the leadership of the commission said that it had constituted a probe panel to investigate acts of illegality and violence.

It also said that INEC would recommend any security agent found to have aided or

participated in acts of malfeasance during the elections for prosecution and sanctions by the appropriate authority.

While the statement of the commission on Friday at a workshop for journalists in Abuja, the Chairman of INEC, Prof.

Mahmood Yakubu said: "There will never be any cover up; we will never sweep anything under the carpet. Anyone with information on the involvement of INEC staff in rigging the elections in Rivers state is free to make it available to the panel and we assure Nigerians that all infractions will be investigated and appropriate action taken against such a staff."

He said that INEC and security agencies would work together to uncover and punish those who disrupted the distribution of election materials in Okirika, Gokana, Oyibo and Ogu-Bolu as well as heavy shootings recorded in Biata and Bodo "We also acknowledge that in Ahoada East and West, a Supervisory Presiding Officer unsuccessfully tried to abscond with ballot papers and result sheets. We are also investigating the allegation of bribery involving other staff, particularly those deployed to Etche and Ikwerre.”

Speaking further on the outcome of Rivers re-run election, Yakubu said that out of the 22 outstanding federal and state constituency elections where elections were held on December 10, 20 comprising three senatorial districts, seven federal and nine state constituencies were concluded and winners declared.

The INEC chairman said that the commission will fix a new date for election early in January for the two remaining federal and state constituencies in Etche Local Governments where massive disruption occurred.

A worried Yakubu, said the practice whereby many governors from other states mobilise men and resources to one state to campaign for their party's candidate raises unnecessary tension.

On the issue of alleged bias

by the commission in favour of APC, the Presidency, government functionaries, Yakubu said such never happened.

"I cannot be intimidated by anybody directly and indirectly, I do not think that anyone has influenced me. There is no influence on INEC and there will never be any influence on the commission under my leadership," he said.

Wike: Audio clip sponsored Also yesterday, Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike stated that the audio clip being aired in the social media which implicated him, was sponsored by the APC and produced to divert public attention from the massive electoral fraud by INEC, Police and Military killings that marred the rerun elections.

Addressing journalists in Port Harcourt, Wike said the audio clip was fabricated using audio software, pointing out that he never spoke with any electoral officer or anyone for that matter, either in person or over the phone seeking to influence the elections.

He said: "When you look at certain things, you just laugh.

At no time did I speak to any electoral officer, let alone issue threats to any electoral officer.

"There is nowhere I spoke to an electoral officer, threatening him or her as the case maybe.

I never spoke with anybody, I never threatened anybody.

Nobody can say that he sat with me or that I threatened him or her. Let any electoral officer come forward to say that Ì called him or her on phone.

"I never spoke to anybody. It is totally not correct. The major issue is: did the police participate in rigging election? Did the army participate in rigging election?

Did INEC compromise? The police is denying somebody that was captured on video.

That is what they are trying to cover up.

"Face the reality and stop chasing shadows. Let them show me. What is audio clip?

What can’t this government do? I don't have an orderly,

I don't have a Chief Security Officer, I don't have a camp Commandant. All were taken away before the election. " The governor stated that rather than bringing the SARS Commander, Mr. Akin Fakorede to justice for his criminal activities captured on video during the rerun elections, the police authorities have arrested the policemen who accompanied him (Wike) to stop Akin Fakorede from swapping Rivers East Senatorial District results sheet.

"They have now arrested and detained the policemen who accompanied me to the collation centre to stop that criminal. Even Akin Fakorede who was caught on video, has been released so that police can bungle it.

"What kind of country is this?

And you are telling me that they are circulating a contrived audio clip. You caught a man on camera committing crime, but you have swept it under the carpet."

Meanwhile, members and supporters of the APC in Rivers State yesterday staged a peaceful protest to the INEC and the Rivers State Police headquarters, demanding for removal of the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Elder Aniedi Ikoiwak, on allegations that he was compromised during the rerun election.

The protesters, who dropped letters for the Inspector-General of Police, Ibrahim Idris and INEC National Chairman, Professor Yakubu Mahmood, also opposed the demand by Governor Nyesom Wike for the transfer of the Assistant Commissioner of Police in-charge of Operations, Stephen Hasso and the Commander of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), Akin Fakorede, out of the state.

They also dropped a copy of an audio recording where Wike allegedly threatened to deal with officials of the INEC that refuses to work for him during the December 10, 2016 legislative rerun election in the state.

AT AN IMPRESSIVE CEREMONY, BUHARI GIVES OUT DAUGHTER the wedding reception, Tinubu congratulated Buhari on his daughter's wedding.

He also wished the couple happy married life.

The high profile marriage was deferred following the physical altercation that trailed the delivery of dowry boxes.

Trouble started on November 18, during the traditional introduction ceremony, when the sister of the groom, Yataka Indimi, insisted on taking her mobile phone into the Presidential Villa, Abuja, contrary to security protocol.

THISDAY gathered that Yataka wanted to record all the proceedings, including the delivery of the boxes made by the French luxury brand, Louis Vuitton, with her mobile phone, despite the fact it was against standard security protocol in the villa.

In line with the Hausa/Fulani tradition, the boxes, according to sources, contained cash, jewelry, clothes, bags, shoes and other

gifts valued at several millions of naira for Zahra and the first family.

However, a struggle ensued between Yataka and the security officials who tried to compel her to comply with protocol, only for her to resist. The incident attracted the attention of other dignitaries who tried to stop the scuffle.

According to a reliable family source, the argument degenerated to a scuffle, compelling the wife of the Nasarawa State governor, Mrs. Tanko Almakura, to step in to stop the altercation from getting out of hand and may have injured her arm in the process.

THISDAY learnt that the incident was so embarrassing that it incurred the wrath of the president over the behaviour of the Indimis.

Indeed, Buhari was reported to have threatened to return the boxes and stop the marriage ceremony that had been scheduled to climax on Sunday, December 4.

T H I S D AY SATURDAY DECEMBER 17, 2016

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER •

DECEMBER 17, 2016

SUPER SATURDAY Sarah Daniel

I Studied Law But My Heart Is with Interior Design Okonkwo

Foremost interior designer and Managing Director of SD Interiors Limited, Sarah Daniel, is style personified.

Trained at the prestigious KLC school of Design, London, she began her design firm in 1991 for a roster of local and international clients. In January 2016, she alongside her billionaire spouse, opened House of Splendor; a seven-room Boutique, Hotel and Spa, in the heart of Lagos, an oyster located in G.R.A Ikeja, Lagos. The affable and delectable Daniel shares with Adedayo Adejobi what stands her out amongst a host of designers in Nigeria and overseas. Daniel also gives an insight into her personality, fashion and her husband I Don’t Follow Trends to Make Interior Designs

W

hat influences your style?

My first influence is my upbringing. My dad was a very classic person whose music, interiors and lifestyle reflected his personality. Growing up in such a home clearly influenced my style of designing today.

I love timeless interiors. The trends and patterns of today have also influenced me.

As a result, my works have become quite eclectic. Being an African has its influence as well. I am at ease designing African themed interiors as much as neo-classic or eclectic interiors. The various countries I have visited at one time or the other have also influenced my interiors. I fuse these in some of my spaces.

Does every client you handle always buy into your design style?

When you come into this profession, you must be able to carve out a niche for yourself and that is what we have tried to do. Our clients come to us primarily

because of our design style. They know who we are and what we do best.

Interior designs have special sentiment for themes. Are there some themes that influence your work?

Theme is simply the combination of components and elements of designs, while style is a preset idea. I work in varied styles: Neo-classic, Baroque, Rococo, Eclecticism, Fusion and African.

I like transitional, Art Deco and art nouveau interiors too. But I have not come across clients to express that; a bit of modernism. At the end of the day, the clients’ tastes dictate the concept we come up with – concept being style and theme.

Share the experience of how you cut your teeth in the interior design sphere of influence?

I started out training myself. I bought several interior design books. I trained myself before going on a formal course abroad. Interior designing for me is a natural calling for which I have passion, notwithstanding my earlier training in

Law. When you discover your gift, aligning the same with passion and honing your skills for distinctive service delivery, nothing can be better or easier.

Every designer has a DNA of the creative juice flowing in them. What drives your creative energy?

It’s God. Then, my dad like I said earlier. I know this is my God-given talent or gift – my own calling. And, I treat what I do as not just a business but a ministry.

How is it a ministry and why the spiritual dimension it?

It is a ministry. As a Christian I know that whatever God gives you to do is a platform to minister (to) Christ. We do not know our clients. But God who created them knows them all. Therefore, we depend on Him to give us the concepts that will be appealing to each of our clients. We ask Him and He shows us.

We depend on Him every step of the way until the project is concluded. In the course of carrying out projects, there are challenges and conflicts, both within our team and on the sites with other professionals – even with the client sometimes.

I try as much as possible to listen to the voice of the Lord in handling such crisis when and if they arise. My co-designers in the office have come to appreciate bring-

ing Christ into our business and ministering (to) Him. So when situations arise, the question for me is always, ‘what would Jesus have me do?’ I am always open to the Lord to show me who to share the good news with, when I am on a project.

I have also by His grace brought couples back together in the course of executing a project and have also been able to give the women a voice in homes where their opinion or input did not matter.

All these make me a minister of Christ through my practice. At the end of each project, what people see and admire is the glory and beauty of the Lord. When we present a project He has given to us to Him for direction, we are only making ourselves available as channels for Him to pass through to show forth His creativity.

He is the master.

With a creative but spirituallydriven business template, you have a workforce that aligns with your shared values or spiritual inclinations. How do you work around that?

I have never advertised for designers who are Christians. But God sends them to me. It’s simply amazing. It is awesome when you are all of the same mind and judgment. When I say no to a project, they understand. And more often than not, the perception will be the same. They

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • DECEMBER 17, 2016

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SATURDAY I Depend on God to Create Appealing Concepts to Clients At the beginning, these were my frustrations: clients thinking that you shouldn’t charge for your services or that you are too expensive.

Meanwhile, ever so willing and ready to pay for foreigners’ services that are not half as good as you are. In fact, they will attest to your work in astonishment. But their charges are in some cases five times higher than yours

understand the principles of the company and the need to execute the business to please God. We are happy and content with what we are doing and that is why it’s a ministry.

What’s the trend for 2017?

We don’t follow trends. We design timeless interiors. And if you are a spiritual person you don’t follow trends. Every client that we have is not one in a million but one in creation. Allowing the Lord to be the master designer, we are able to please our clients all the time at the end of each project.

What does it cost on the average to furnish a luxury room or apartment like the one you have in your sevenroomed boutique hotel?

We cannot give a price; as each space, style or products determine what goes into each costing. We are known for fine bespoke furniture. We produce furniture to meet requirements of individual space we design. A lot goes in before we can determine costs. We follow the design process. No compromises.

What is your definition of luxury?

Luxury is not about what you do, it’s about how you feel.

Can you tell us some of your strengths that really helped you on the interior in the business?

I believe I have eye for details, given to processes, pursuit of excellence and daring with experimentation.

What do you think is the best service an interior designer can provide to a customer?

It’s customer satisfaction.

What was your memorable mistake and what lesson did you learn from it?

Thinking I could allow artisans to work without much supervision or fail to oversee instructions carried out by superintendents simply because we have spent time to train, correcting over and over again. It is presumptive working that way in Nigeria of today. Even our college graduates do not prove their mettle these days. Some years ago, I went to inspect a site in Abuja where our interior architect

Daniel

was supervising. When I got there, the quality of the work was so bad I didn’t know when I started weeping on site.

I called my husband while weeping miserably. We lost a lot of money. I cannot stand mediocrity. Another lesson I learnt was coming to terms with the fact that the male members of our team are better off as architects than interior designers. They simply do not have eyes for details. They do not have the ability to supervise and coordinate interior projects properly.

What is your most outstanding achievement so far?

It is the House of Splendor Boutique Hotel and Spa. Who has impacted you most in interior designing and how?

My dad; he loved interiors. I remember when I was growing up, people used to come to his house in the village for sight-seeing. It was very beautiful. Each space was distinct. It was simply amazing.

Though he had a legal background, (just like me), interior designs were his passion.

What is your greatest achievement outside of interior designing?

Standing by my husband through his years of adjusting to a new way of living after an accident that left him paralysed.

What do you do in your spare time?

I enjoy reading, listening to music, and watching good, meaningful films.

What has been the most challenging moment in your job so far?

It is trying to educate our people on the interior designers’ services. It was most challenging when I started. The profession was largely unknown in this part of the world then. It was very challenging getting clients to pay for our services; again primarily because we are a people who do not understand the need to pay for such services. Another challenging moment for me had been seeing our people claiming that a job that was clearly done by us was done by foreigners. I just couldn’t understand it at first. But sadly, through the years, I came to realise that we are a people that prefer the white skin to

ours – colonial mentality – even when we are clearly doing better. I mean ‘oyinbos’ see my work and cringe. It is the same with my colleagues outside the country.. I remember designing a window treatment for a client’s residence (who today is my very good friend). He took the design to Harrods in London for execution. It was their reaction to my work that validated me in his estimation, so much so that he invited and gave me freer hand in his new office complex. Well, I guess this saying is right; that a prophet has no honour in his own place. But I must also admit, we are evolving as a nation and a people. We are better appreciated and recognised today than 20 years ago. But largely I guess we, as a company, (SD Interiors Ltd) have proved who we are.

Can you name some of your favourite interior designers and explain why they are?

I love quite a number of designers’ works both at home and abroad, irrespective of their style because of their distinctive tastes and excellence in executions.

I wouldn’t want to mention any specific names.

What do you find the most frustrating aspect of interior designing?

At the beginning, these were my frustrations: clients thinking that you shouldn’t charge for your services or that you are too expensive. Meanwhile, ever so willing and ready to pay for foreigners’ services that are not half as good as you are. In fact, they will attest to your work in astonishment. But their charges are in some cases five times higher than yours. Secondly, our people are not given to processes; so there are cases some clients think your attention to procedures are too much. Increasingly, our clients appreciate our processes and are willing to pay for our services.

What would you say to a young person who wants to go into interior designing profession?

Having a talent for it is a good start.

Just ensure that you have passion for it because it is painstaking. Training is key and exposure is a big deal. I mean travel around the world; it’s an advantage. Seek to improve yourself all the time. Go for

as many interior design fairs as you can afford. Fairs expose you to what is going on worldwide in the industry.

You have a penchant for fashion.

Who would you say is your number one fashion inspiration?

Fashion? I like to dress comfortably.

The older I have got, the less focus and time I give to fashion. I don’t have any fashion inspiration. I dress to please myself and I don’t care about what is in vogue.

What five things would you not be caught without?

My Bible – I have it on all my gadgets; my lip-gloss. Also, I need my glasses because I must see. My phone and iPad – that’s all.

Which foot wear do you like – heels or flats?

Flats now, especially after a fall I had two years ago when I fractured my ankle and had to go for surgery. I haven’t yet fully healed.

What is your favourite TV show?

Hush.

What is your favourite quote?

‘Do unto others what you will like others to do unto you.’

What five books have you read that have transformed you?

There are many books that have impacted on me. Let me mention a few not in any particular order: ‘Love Not The World’ by Watchman Nee; ‘Marketplace Christianity’ by Bob Fraser; ‘From Third World to First’ by Lee Kuan Yew; ‘Beauty for Ashes’ by Zack Poonen; and ‘In His Steps’ by Charles M Sheldon.

What is one thing readers would be surprised to hear?

Maybe they would be surprised to hear that I don’t know anything about Instagram and most of the social media. I am learning deliberately now those I believe will make my life and work easier. But then again, most people of my age aren’t social media savvy so they shouldn’t be surprised (laughter).

I Handle Interior Design Not As a Business But Ministry...

10

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • DECEMBER 17, 2016

NEWS

News Editor Ahamefula Ogbu 08116759810 (sms only) Email ahamefula.ogbu@thisdaylive.com

FG Releases N471m to Falcons, Super Eagles Duro Ikhazuagbe in Lagos and Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja The Super Falcons bonus faceoff was resolved yesterday after the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation mandated the Central Bank of Nigeria to authorise the payment of naira equivalent of US$1,173,820.00 at N305/$ to the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to cover the outstanding winning bonuses for the Super Falcons’ participation at the Africa Women’s Nations Cup in Cameroon earlier this month.

The Super Eagles will also benefit from the windfall as their bonuses for the 2018 World Cup qualifier against Algeria in Uyo were redeemed.

A statement Friday by Director of Information in the office, Kenechukwu Offie, said the development was in furtherance of the approval from Minister of Finance for the said amount to be paid.

“The mandate which is a sum of Three hundred and Fifty-Eight Million, fifteen thousand, One Hundred naira only has been paid by Central bank of Nigeria as at yesterday 15th December, 2016.

“Similarly, another mandate for the sum of One hundred and Thirteen million, Eight Hundred and Twenty thousand, Six Hundred and Two naira only has also been released by Office of Accountant General of the

Federation for the payment of wining bonus for Super Eagles in the 2018 World Cup Qualifying matches; and for the Super Falcons participation in the 10th Women’s Africa Nation’s Cup. “This amount has also been paid to Nigeria Football Federation and is equally sequel to the approval of the Honourable minister of Finance.”

Miss Ruth David, the Head of Women’s Football at NFF told thenff.com last night that federation had received the money from government and would reimburse the players and officials their entitlements.

“The bank accounts of the players and officials are being credited as we speak.

They will all receive credit alerts of the monies due to them, as released by the Government, before the end of the day,” David, said.

The unpaid bonuses and allowances degenerated to a messy point that the Super Falcons on Wednesday embarked on a street protest in Abuja and were only palliated by the Chief of Staff to the President Abba Kyari, who assured that the money would be paid today.

In the heat of the moment, the players declined to vacate the Agura Hotel, where they were lodged since they returned from Cameroon and had defiantly declined to hand over the Nations Cup trophy to NFF. A statement issued by

Azikiwe, Babangida, Ojukwus, Ekwueme, Others Honoured as Anambra Marks 25th Anniversary David-Chyddy Eleke in Awka Anambra State government yesterday honoured several notable Nigerians including former first Civilian President, Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, military president, Gen Ibrahim Babangida, late Igbo icon, Dim Chukwuemeka Odimegwu Ojukwu and his father Louis and former Vice President, Alex Ekwueme among others as part of the activities marking the 25th anniversary of the creation of the state.

Babangida was honoured under the category of lifetime achievement award. THISDAY gathered that the former military president was honoured for creating the state in 1991.

Anambra Governor, Chief Willie Obiano who announced the award said the anniversary award was put together to recognise sons and daughters who had excelled in various endeavours, adding that the state had men of means in all spheres of life.

The state also honoured past military and elected governors of the state under the lifetime achievement awards as General Babangida.

Under the pillar of our heri-

tage award, the state honoured Sir Louis Odumegwu Ojukwu, father of former Biafra leader, Chief Chukwuemeka.

Dr. Azikiwe, literary giant, Prof Chinua Achebe, Olaudah Equiano and Francis Cardinal Arinze were also honoured under the Pillar of our heritage award.

Ekwueme, Emeka Anyaoku, Chuba Okadigbo, Nwafor Orizu, Louis Mbanefo, Arch Bishop Jude Okolo the papal nuncio to Dominican Republic and others, were hounoured under the light bearer award.

Business moguls, entrepreneurs and philanthropists such as Prince Arthur Eze; Chairman Orient Oil, Dr. Innocent Chukwuma of Innoson Motors, Dr. Ifeanyi Uba of Capital Oil and Gas among numerous others were also honoured under the category; philanthropist extraordinaire and business titans award.

Traditional rulers who had served over 30 years on the throne were also honoured under the icon of tradition awards, while senators and members of the House of Representatives from the state were honoured under the distinguished public service award.

GLOBAL RECOGNITION...

Central Bank Governor, Godwin Emefiele, with fellow board members after being elected chairman of the International Islamic Liquidity Management Corporation (IILM) in Kuala Lumpur...yesterday

NFF Spokesman Ademola Olajire gave a breakdown of the amount received by each member of the Super Falcons and their officials.

It showed that each player got the sum of N5,494,500, less the sum of N600,000 that

was earlier paid to each of the players at various times by the NFF. The amount is at the rate of $17,900 (converted to naira at the official rate of N305 to $1), plus the sum of N15,000 camp allowance and N20,000 transport allowance.

All the monies were converted at the official rate of N305 to $1.

Head Coach Florence Omagbemi got a total of N11,014,000 (less the sum of N800,000 paid to her earlier), while assistant coaches Ann Chiejine, Perpetua Nkwocha

and Bala Mohammed, as well as the backroom staff were N8,274,250 richer, less the N500,000 earlier paid to each of them.

The equipment manager got a total of N4,114,625, less the N500,000 earlier paid to her.

WAEC Records Improved Lagos Launches Website Performance on 2016 to AuthenticateVehicle Nov/Dec WASSCE Number Plates Uchechukwu Nnaike

The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has released the results of the 2016 Nov/ Dec West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) for Private Candidates with a total of 66,497 (38.50 per cent) of the 172,699 candidates that sat for the examination obtaining credits in five subjects and above, including English Language and Mathematics.

Announcing the results in Lagos yesterday, the Head of the Nigeria National Office (HNO) of the council, Mr. Olu Adenipekun said it was an improvement from the 29.37 per cent and 20.59 per cent that was recorded in 2014 and 2015.

According to him, 175,699 (99.31 per cent) of the 176,621 registered candidates had their results fully processed and released, while 1,210 candidates (0.69 per cent) have a few of their subjects still being processed due to some errors mainly traceable to the candidates in the course of registration or writing the examination.

"Such errors are being corrected by the council to enable the affected candidates get their results fully processed and released subsequently",

he explained.

Further analysis showed that 149,651 candidates representing 86.65 per cent obtained credits and above in two subjects; 134,152 candidates (77.67 per cent) obtained credits and above in three subjects; 116,133 candidates (67.25 per cent) obtained credits and above in four subjects; 95,294 candidates (55.18 per cent) obtained credits and above in five subjects; while 72,229 (41.82 per cent) obtained credits and above in six subjects.

The HNO however announced that the results of 13,488 candidates (7.81 per cent) of the total candidature for the examination were being withheld in connection with various cases of examination malpractice.

"The cases are being investigated and reports of the investigations will be presented to the appropriate committee of the council in due course for consideration. The committee's decisions will be communicated to the affected candidates thereafter."

He said a total of 19 visually challenged candidates registered and sat for the examination in Nigeria, out of which four candidates (21.05 per cent) obtained credit in five subjects, including English Language and Mathematics.

Ugo Aliogo

Lagos State Government through the State Motor Vehicle Administration Agency (MVAA), has announced the creation of a website - www.lsmvaapvs.org -through which motorists and law enforcement agencies can confirm the authenticity of number plates issued by the Agency.

This is as Ahead of the Christmas Celebration, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Ikeja RS 2.18 has called on motorists to apply caution in their use of the vehicles especially ensuring by the safety of their tyres.

The General Manager of MVAA, Lagos, Mr. Lateef Lawal, who disclosed this in his office at the Secretariat, Alausa, said the platform also became necessary in order to eradicate the unnecessary harassment of licensees by officials of the Nigerian Police, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and other Security Agencies.

He emphasised that the situation became worrisome and embarrassing to the state government and its clients when incessant reports, calls, SMS, e-mails and visits from licensees became rampant that vehicles duly registered with Lagos State number plates were being impounded by FRSC and other security officials.

The General Manager therefore enjoined the general public,

particularly car owners, FRSC and Security Agencies to visit the MVAA’s website to verify the authenticity of number plates issued by the MVAA, noting that, “The site is easy to navigate, once logged in, type in the number plate and wait for the confirmation of the details of the vehicle.”

While wishing Lagosians a joyful yuletide and prosperous 2017, Lawal enjoined motorists to comply with driving rules and make sure that their vehicle particulars are up-to- date in order to avoid being penalized by the authorities concerned during the period. " Speaking at the FRSC public enlightenment campaign with the theme; crash the crash: Speed Kills’ at Archbishop Vining Memorial Church Cathedral (AVMCC) in Lagos recently, the Ikeja Unit Commander, Commander Wale Odekunle, urged drivers to consult the vehicle manufacturer’s specification sticker, adding that there is need for drivers to carry out routine inspection of their tyre inspection.

He stated that the event was part of the festive period enlightenment campaign efforts been organised by the corps, while calling on motorists to avoid over speeding and consider the lives of others on the road, by ensuring that they don’t buy fairly used tyres.

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DECEMBER 17, 2016 • THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

RingTrue

Yemi

Adebowale Madagali Attack: The Truth that Must Be Told 07013940521 yemi.adebowale@thisdaylive.com

T

he biggest hitch to the ongoing war against Boko Haram is the persistent lies by the government that all communities occupied by the terrorists had been recovered by the military. As a result, unsuspecting residents return to these communities, only to be slaughtered. That was precisely what happened in Madagali, Adamawa State last week when suicide bombers killed 56 persons and injured 77 in a market in this hapless town. Instead of facing the challenges at hand squarely, the government is placing emphasis on propaganda.

This deceit must not continue. No doubt, our gallant soldiers have been doing their best in this war against terror, but a lot still needs to be done. Madagali was an accident waiting to happen. The terrorists have remained in and around this town for so long, abducting, raping and brutalising residents of Madagali and of neighbouring communities, almost on a daily basis. Yet, there was no proactive action by the military. The plea by the community for a military base to be stationed in Madagali did not get the desired attention. The attack last week drew wide attention because of the high casualty figure.

I was impressed when the member representing Michika/Madagali in the House of Representatives, Adamu Kamale picked up the courage to debunk claims by the federal government that all communities hitherto occupied by Boko Haram had been completely liberated.

He said on Tuesday that contrary to the claims of the authorities, particularly the Nigerian military, not much had changed in many territories occupied by Boko Haram.

Kamale remarked: “Many villages in my constituency share common boundaries with the dreaded Sambisa Forest, the main base of the Boko Haram insurgents.

These insurgents have persistently infiltrated the communities, occupied the villages for as long as it pleased them, kidnapping and killing defenseless villagers in the process. Madagali still has

Instead of facing the challenges at hand squarely, the government is placing emphasis on propaganda. This deceit must not continue.

No doubt, our gallant soldiers have been doing their best in this war against terror, but a lot still needs to be done. Madagali was an accident waiting to happen challenges. I am the representative of this area and I know what I am saying. Many of our territories are still under the control of the insurgents.

“They kidnap and slaughter our people at will. Before last week’s attacks in Madagali market, three people were kidnapped and killed a day earlier in the same place. Some of these incidents are actually unreported and because they are not documented, the impression is created that all is well. The claims by the authorities that only pockets of insurgents are still operating are not true. The insurgents are still very much in control of many of our villages close to the Sambisa Forest. They still occupy these territories. Though, the insurgents retreat whenever they sensed the presence of the military, they always return to terrorise the villages and occupy them as soon as the soldiers move to other locations.

The Wisdom in Ekweremadu’s Single Term Proposal The proposal for a single term of six years for president and governors by Deputy President of Senate, Ike Ekweremadu is one that should be supported by genuine patriots. The Jonathan administration tried amending the constitution to accommodate a similar proposal in 2014, but it was killed by enemies of Nigeria. A single term will go a long way in reducing the desperation of incumbents, who often defile the electoral course and imperils our democracy in order to remain in office for another term. The Constitution and Electoral Reform Committee of the National Assembly must work very hard to ensure we get this amendment through. For me, six years are enough for

any sane public office holder to make an impact.

Ekweremadu was apt when he stated: “A single term of office would reduce desperation and impunity by politicians, as well as the conduct of party primaries. It will reduce the life and death struggle by politicians for control of party machinery. Much of the impunity, violence, and malpractice that defile our electoral system are caused by desperation for a second term of office; a single term of six years for incumbent executives to conclude all their ‘good work’, will certainly reduce the weight and influence they bring to bear on elections remotely or directly affecting them.”

Is Chris Ngige Representing the S’East?

Each time the issue of marginalization of Igbo crops up, the Minister of Labour and Employment, Chris Ngige waves it aside.

Just last week, the apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohaneze Ndigbo reiterated that President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration was anti-Igbo. Ngige quickly jumped up to dismiss the assertion, insisting that the president was not promoting politics of exclusionism against Ndigbo.

Ngige, who spoke in Enugu, said contrary to the Ohanaeze’s statement, “President Buhari’s antecedents show that he loves Ndigbo.” Haba! Which love, when people

from the South East are evidently being excluded from key appointments in federal departments and agencies? Herdsmen have been running riot in this region in the last 18 months, killing and maiming Igbo without appropriate response from the Buhari administration. I wonder if Ngige is truly representing this badlymarginalized region in the Buhari cabinet.

Judgement day is around the corner. Very soon, the people of the South East will ask this former governor to come forward and account for his stewardship.

“The solution is for the government to provide adequate security for these communities in Madagali by ensuring that the military has a permanent operational base there. We need the federal government to come to the aid of these vulnerable villagers. I am always embittered each time the government asked displaced villagers to return home on the excuse that their communities had been fully liberated.

Let the people have adequate security; the psychological loss to our people is devastating. Their problem is beyond sharing food items to them or merely asking them to return to homes that are not secured.”

The situation in Madagali is replicated in many towns and villages in Borno State and some parts of Yobe State. It is very painful that attacks by the terrorists in several Borno communities are also unreported. As at press time, two local government areas in Borno State are still dominated

by Boko Haram. They are Abadam and Mobba. Towns like Malam Fatori, Damasak, Gashighar and the outskirts of Chibok are no go areas. The Senator representing Borno Central, Baba Kaka Garbai, remarked recently: “We should not live under the illusion that Boko Haram are decimated or weaken; these are not reality and neither a true reflection of the reality. The reality is that most of the local government areas in Borno are partially occupied by Boko Haram. If the people are moved back

to their homelands, you are making them vulnerable to attack. Unless you provide maximum security and return of law and order in these areas, relocating these people would be endangering their lives.”

Clearly, many people in Borno State have abandoned their towns and villages to Boko Haram. I challenge Information Minister, Lai Mohammed to relocate his office to Malam Fatori or Gashighar if he is confident that no Nigerian territory is under the control of Boko Haram.

I am similarly worried that the war against Boko Haram is assuming a frightening dimension in spite of funny stories that we are winning the battle. We are now at a level where military commanders are being killed by the terrorists. Four Lieutenant Colonels have been killed in the last two months. Just on Monday, Lieutenant Colonel O. Umusu, the Commanding Officer, 118 Task Force Battalion in Borno State was killed, alongside his security details, by an Improvised Explosive Device in an ambush. The other three officers killed in the last two months are Lt. Colonel K Yusuf (October 16, 2016); Lt. Colonel Abu Ali (November 4, 2016) and Lt. Colonel B. U. Umar (November 15, 2016).

The military had to abandon Malam Fatori following the attacks on soldiers there.

These are clear signs that this war is far from over. This is the reality our gallant soldiers and their commanders should face and plan appropriately. Our brave troops have clearly made progress against Boko Haram, but the battle ahead is still enormous. One thing is certain: Allah will give us victory over these terrorists very soon.

Babachir Lawal, Please Step Aside I am shocked that Babachir Lawal is still holding on as Secretary to the Government of the Federation, in spite of damaging report about his role in the looting of the funds of the Presidential Initiative on North East (PINE). I am also appalled that President Buhari has not fired Lawal in line with the so-called war against corruption. PINE is domiciled in the office of this SGF. From the interim report of the forensic audit of the activities of PINE by the Senate, the case against the SGF is weighty. He has evidently allowed his personal interest to override his official duties. This is against the rules in the public service. The forensic report showed that some of PINE’s contracts were awarded to companies belonging to top government officials, their cronies and family members. It showed further that Rholavision Engineering Limited, a company, with the SGF as Director was awarded consultancy contract by PINE. I have a copy of the search report from the Corporate Affairs Commission on my table as I write this piece. It clearly shows that Lawal only resigned as a Director of Rholavision on September 16, this year.

Senator Shehu Sani, chairman of the probe panel remarked: “Although, Lawal resigned the directorship of the said company in September 2016, it is on record that he is a signatory to the accounts of the company.

Aside Lawal’s complicity, PINE, which carried out the entire procurement activities, contravened laid down rules. Those that awarded PINE contracts took undue advantage of the provision of ‘emergency situation contract award’ in the procurement act to inflate figures. Also, most of the contracts had no direct bearing or impact on the IDPs, who were living in deplorable conditions.”

In the course of the public hearing on PINE activities, its key offices could not convincingly account for the N2.5 billion released to them to tackle the crisis in the camps of the IDPs. The Secretary of PINE, Umar Gulani, claimed that the body spent N203 million to clear grass somewhere in Yobe State, but Yobe State Commissioner for Information, Mohammed Lamin, disputed the claim.

“No taipa grass was cleared in the state by any Federal Government agency,” declared Lamin. Gulani’s claim that PINE cleared invasive plants species around river banks in

Lawal

the state at the cost of N253 million was also disputed by Yobe State officials. They also disputed the N422 million PINE claimed was spent on the provision of tents for displaced families in the state. Claims of renovating 18 schools destroyed by the Boko Haram in Yobe also turned out to dubious. According to Yobe State Government’s record, only three schools were renovated by PINE. It is also sad to note that PINE confirmed donating N50 million to a questionable organisation while our unfortunate IDPs wallow in poverty.

The call for the resignation and prosecution of the SGF by the Senate is a fair and just one.

Report of his complicity in the diversion of Northeast humanitarian funds is apparent.

The contravention of the provisions of Public Procurement Act and the Federal Government Financial Rules and Regulations pertaining to award of contracts is also obvious here. Lawal’s defence has been unimpressive. Bath Nnaji, power minister under the Jonathan administration was forced to resign in similar circumstances few years back. This SGF should not be an exception. My dear Lawal, please follow the path of honour by resigning.

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december 17, 2016• THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

COMMENTARY

RABID, AGGRESSIVE OBASANJOISM

Even with all his brashness, the former president is merely a product of circumstances, argues Tony Eluemunor

T

here is this malaise that former President Mathew Okikiola Olusegun Obasanjo has refused to extirpate from his character, so, it looms large in the despicable footprints he has left on Nigeria’s unfortunate history.

And if we could look earnestly at this man, whom chance and bad judgment of otherwise well-meaning persons have thrown up at various times in Nigeria’s history instead of gawking, we would easily notice the terrible streak I’m addressing.

No, there is no need to blame Gen. Alani Akinrinade and Brig-General Alaba-Isama, erstwhile able assistants to late Brigadier “Black Scorpion” Benjamin Adekunle, for recommending Obasanjo to be the new General Officer Commanding (GOC) for the Third Marine Commando, in late 1969. Yet, when the Nigerian Civil War ended months later in January 1970 when a hunger-flagellated, arms and ammunition-forsaken and totally fatigued Biafra welcomed peace and gave up the struggle, Obasanjo alone claimed all the credit. And he wrote a brash book to celebrate it and mislead those who would have the misfortune of thinking that a book written by an officer about the war he fought in should have a modicum of truth.

Then, on Nigeria’s tragic day of February 13, 1976, Lt. Col. Buka Suka Dimka and his collaborators assassinated Gen. Murtala Muhammed, who had been in power for all of 200 glorious days. The officers who rallied together to stop the coup attempt did the supposedly right thing by insisting that Murtala’s second in command should assume office. Thus, Obasanjo, who was hiding under the bed of the late business mogul, Chief S.B. Bakare, while other officers risked their lives to rout Dimka and his fellow malcontents, was pushed onto Nigeria’s centre-stage. Some 20 years after he left office, lightning struck at the same spot a second time; the same Obasanjo, a Yoruba, was invited to come and lead Nigeria, in recompense to the Yoruba, for the presidency denied the late Chief Moshood K. O. Abiola, though he had cleanly and clearly won the June 12, 1993 election. Actually, this was another attack on Abiola, for by then Obasanjo was already a known enemy of Abiola as Abiola, Obasanjo’s school mate, had become far richer than Obasanjo; and Obasanjo brooks no competition. Former Vice-President Alex Ekwueme and other members of the G48 who stormed late Gen. Sani

PLEASE NOTE THAT, HERE, WE ARE DEALING WITH AN OBASANJO WHOSE EGO IS SO OUTLANDISH THAT HE COULD OFTENTIMES EQUATE HIMSELF WITH GOD

Abacha’s Aso Rock lion’s den and asked him to “halt and desist” from mutating into a civilian president, were almost all hounded and humiliated by the ingrate who reaped where others had sowed.

Now, Obasanjo has left office; no, he was forced out, in 2007. He had his eyes fixed on a life presidency. The rest of us had actually thought the man was bent on just having a Third Term of four years. But his then Vice-President, Atiku Abubakar, has let the world in on the great secret that Obasanjo was embarked on a life-presidency gambit.

And because Atiku had the gumption to stoutly oppose that inglorious life-presidency bid, Obasanjo declared war against him. Atiku led the fight against that life-presidency bid. He found like-minds in Gen. T.Y. Danjuma who said Obasanjo wanted a Fourth Term and told his former friend: “we did not fight the Civil War for you alone”. Sens. Suru Yari Gandi, Uche Chukwumerije, Idris Kuta, B.M. Maccido, Ben Obi, etc., and a gallant Senate President Ken Nnamani ensured that the obnoxious bill to benefit an obnoxious man died an obnoxious death.

Please note that, here, we are dealing with an Obasanjo whose ego is so outlandish that he could oftentimes equate himself with God. In fact, he has even insulted God Almighty, claiming that God is at his beck and call. Or what would any right-thinking person make of Obasanjo’s saying: “If I had asked God for Third Term, He would have given it to me”. So, to this Mathew, God’s will is always trumped

by Obasanjo’s whims. Perhaps, never before has a so-called Christian so dastardly insulted God. So, having situated Obasanjo’s rabid aggression against Atiku, an aggression worsened by a hidden and defiant loneliness because he has few genuine friends, coupled with his rampant egotism, which does not admit of the fact that Nigeria could do without him; an egotism rendered more toxic by tonnes of guilt he needs to hide, the next stage is to show that his administration was not the Nigerian version of the Belle Époque (“Beautiful Age”) in France and Europe.

That will be the part two of this series.

Eluemunor, former Aso Rock Correspondent, adapted this from his unpublished book: “The Audacity of Hypocrisy”

OBIANO AND THE INTRIGUES OF SPOILERS Chuks Iloegbunam writes that the Anambra State Governor deserves a second term

T

ake this to the bank: in the run-up to next year’s gubernatorial election in Anambra State, Governor Willie Obiano is countless strides ahead of the most determined of his opponents.

Many reasons account for this. Foremost is that he firmly has the advantage of incumbency on his side. But this needs spelling out. The incumbency factor at play here is not merely the occupation of the seat of power; it is that the Anambra State Governor has more than delivered. He has surpassed the records of his predecessors.

Since empiricism is in accent, readers are called to take notice of the following facts. Governor Chris Ngige was in office for about three years, when the courts gave him the matching orders. Governor Peter Obi was through with the third year of his first term when he published a magazine entitled Three Years of Solid Accomplishments. Whoever reads the publication and also reviews Dr. Ngige’s achievements, will come to an inevitable conclusion – if they compared them to the astounding performance of Governor Willie Obiano.

Such a reviewer would acknowledge that, in terms of achievements, Governor Obiano stands head and shoulders above his predecessors. But, there is need for clarity here. Many politicians and soldiers have governed Anambra State since its creation 25 years ago. Some lasted a few months and got redeployed, or sacked by military putsch. But political stability of sorts became apparent from the inception of the Fourth Republic. Dr. Chinwoke

Mbadinuju served a single, four-year term.

Dr. Ngige’s tenure lasted three years. Peter Obi spent eight years, minus the three months that the distinguished Dame Virgy Etiaba ably governed, following Mr. Obi’s unjust and ultimately reversed impeachment by legislative hirelings intoxicated by intrigue.

Obiano is close to completing his third year. The trio of Ngige, Obi and Obiano has imbued Anambra with a legacy of performance to be proud of. It was Ngige who first demonstrated to Ndi Anambra that human beings drove on tarred roads instead of through ponds and potholes.

Peter Obi continued the road construction legacy, topping it with the Odo Bridge in Awgbu, which, in 2010, was the longest bridge in Anambra State.

Well, Governor Obiano since upped the ante. In less than two years his government constructed the new, longest bridge in the state, the Anambra River Bridge, with a span of 280 metres. Besides, Governor Obiano has changed Awka’s skyline with three magnificent flyovers on the Onitsha-Enugu expressway that splits the state capital in two. Apart from the aesthetic value of the flyovers, they have removed the tedium of travelling through Awka. Obiano has transformed Awka from a provincial enclave to a state capital worth the name.

In a dozen years, therefore, Anambra State has gone through the positive, comparative and superlative stages of good, better, best. Governor Obiano’s administration is the superlative bit. This

calls for people to remember the saying that, You can’t change a winning team.

Americans have a different way of putting it: “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” It elicits joy that, in less than three years, Governor Obiano has amply demonstrated that he empathises with the people fate dealt him the card to govern.

He is paying salaries and pensions promptly. And these are salaries and pensions that he raised across the board by 15 percentage points! From having the lowest paid civil servants and political appointees, Anambra State under Obiano now boasts a pay structure that compares favourably with the best in Nigeria, notwithstanding that 5000 employees were introduced into the state’s workforce on the eve of his inauguration, and not minding the financial adversity occasioned by the current recession. Governor Obiano has opened up the state’s agricultural sector to a spectacular explosion. Those who previously pooh-poohed the idea of Anambra Rice have lost their power of speech and insolent dismissiveness, seeing that Anambra Rice is a reality. Governor Obiano has caused Anambra State to be the safest in the country.

If not in promotion of intrigue, why should anyone suddenly take on the absurd assignment of patching up plumbing that is not leaking? An answer should come from those blabbing that the Anambra North Senatorial district does not deserve the state’s governorship for two terms. Peter Obi served two terms.

Peter Obi was instrumental to Chief

Willie Obiano’s emergence as governor.

Who builds to demolish? Are they not rationalising his humanity who hope or pray that Peter Obi will pull the rug from under Obiano’s feet?

Other questions begging for answers.

Where lies the integrity of Anambra politicians currently switching political parties as a ploy for wearing the governorship mantle? To see professional loud speakers changing parties with the frequency a fop sheds apparels speaks to a new low in political partisanship. Even if it is assumed that Nigerian politics is ideologically ambivalent, should it also mean that it is bereft of principles? How could people who claim affinity with equity question the wisdom of APGA, the political party that decided on slotting the governorship to Anambra North Senatorial zone? Where is the fairness in claiming that Anambra people should be denied excellent leadership because it issues from a place hitherto consigned to perpetual followership?

Waiting for convincing answers may amount to waiting for Godot! Meanwhile, common sense dictates that the good people of Anambra North should bond together and thwart those intent on introducing the monkey’s hand in the people’s dish. They should join in ensuring that bashers of Anambra heads are not handed the bludgeon of political office that could be handy for pounding the state’s collective head into a bloody pulp.

Iloegbunam is Governor Obiano’s Director of Media Relations

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december 17, 2016 • THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

INSIGHT

When will they be paid?

I

The Army and Killing of Indigenous Peoples

t was the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) that first raised the alarm over the breach of the fundamental rights of its members who were killed in large numbers in Aba at a prayer ground. It alleged that over 250 unarmed members of the group were killed by the Nigerian Army. The Nigerian Army denied this allegation and when the Amnesty International released its report on this, it called the Amnesty International a biased institution and accused it of deliberately trying to tarnish the image of the army. Like a reputable institution, the Amnesty International released a video to the horror of many Nigerians and the international observers. In this video, we saw Nigerian soldiers swooped into this field where these persons gathered to pray and started shooting live bullets, killing so many in the process. Since the release of the video, the Nigerian Army has been singing a new song.

The Nigerian Army is not challenging the authenticity of the video, but only trying to justify its action. From the video released by the Amnesty International, one cannot see any justification for the action of the Nigerian Army. These fellows were not armed. They did not challenge the army in any way.

This massacre is the worst form of human rights violation I have seen in recent time. Government both at the federal and state levels have remained mute possibly because of the weight of the evidence. Till today, victims are still telling the gory tales of havoc and dehumanisation visited on them. One may wonder why Nigeria is retrogressing and going back to mother nature. Shooting and killing unarmed civilians even in a war situation is a crime against humanity.

Even if they were armed, security agents are not allowed to shoot unless where their lives are threatened. I remember governor Nasir el- Rufai and some Northern leaders threatening to take former Chief of Army Staff, General Ihejirika to the ICC because according to them he was violating the rights of the Northerners in the name of fighting Boko Haram. Till date, no evidence has surfaced to prove this allegation. Now that there is uncontroverted evidence that about 150 unarmed civilians made up of indigenous peoples were brutally massacred, do we then pretend as if the ICC does not exist? Government should understand we are now living in a civilised world and basic human rights should be respected even in a crisis situation. While the security forces will at the snap of the finger arrest, shoot and kill innocent citizens, the real enemies of the Nigerian state are allowed to walk free with the protection of these security forces. This brings us to the just concluded Senatorial and House of Assembly re-run election in Rivers State. We saw some

Antidote to Electoral Fraud in Nigeria

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rior to the introduction of card reader machine (CRM) by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) under the leadership of Professor Attahiru Jega during the 2015 general election, most elections conducted in the country were won by aspirants or parties that could out-do others through manipulative actions such as ballot snatching, substitution of results at various collation centres, etc.

Apparently, the use of CRM in 2015 helped a great deal to entrench some level of fairness and true reflection of the election outcome in most parts of the country. The election rigging approach of writing result or allocating votes using total number of registered voters in a particular area was checkmated to an extent during the 2015 general elections and some subsequent elections. In T H E S AT U R DAY N E W S PA P E R the past, elecEDITOR SHAKA MOMODU DEPUTY EDITOR YEMI ADEBOWALE tion results in MANAGING DIRECTOR ENIOLA BELLO a state or a DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR KAYODE KOMOLAFE ward usually CHAIRMAN EDITORIAL BOARD OLUSEGUN ADENIYI indicated that EDITOR NATION’S CAPITAL IYOBOSA UWUGIAREN over 90 per cent of registered voters participated in most elections, T H I S DAY N E W S PA P E R S L I M I T E D which is not EDITOR-IN-CHIEF/CHAIRMAN NDUKA OBAIGBENA GROUP EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS ENIOLA BELLO, KAYODE KOMOLAFE, the case since ISRAEL IWEGBU, EMMANUEL EFENI, IJEOMA NWOGWUGWU the advent of GROUP FINANCE DIRECTOR OLUFEMI ABOROWA the CRM. DIVISIONAL DIRECTORS PETER IWEGBU, FIDELIS ELEMA, UnforMBAYILAN ANDOAKA, ANTHONY OGEDENGBE tunately, it DEPUTY DIVISIONAL DIRECTOR OJOGUN VICTOR DANBOYI appears there SNR. ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR ERIC OJEH ASSOCIATE DIRECTORS HENRY NWACHOKOR, SAHEED ADEYEMO are political CONTROLLERS ABIMBOLA TAIWO, UCHENNA DIBIAGWU, NDUKA MOSERI elements in GENERAL MANAGER PATRICK EIMIUHI power today GROUP HEAD FEMI TOLUFASHE in conjunction ART DIRECTOR OCHI OGBUAKU II with some DIRECTOR, PRINTING PRODUCTION CHUKS ONWUDINJO bad eggs in TO SEND EMAIL: first name.surname@thisdaylive.com INEC that are bent on

persons in police uniform (SARS uniform in particular) carting away ballot boxes after shooting sporadically and subduing everybody in the vicinity. Some have suggested that these are not policemen but thugs who were provided with police uniform to operate. Anything is possible in Rivers State where a former governor and governor-elect came before the re-run election to fan the ember of violence. The APC threatened that it came to Rivers State prepared for war and by the time the re-run election was over, lives have been lost in the war.

Must election in Nigeria be war? Before the election, the police hierarchy announced with much enthusiasm that it had deployed 25 gun boats, three helicopters and about 28,000 policemen to Rivers State forcing stakeholders like myself to ask whether the police was coming for war. Any observer outside Nigeria would imagine that there was a war. There was none except election! Some African countries like Ghana and others are showing us the way to go and the supposed giant of Africa is indeed crawling. While is Nigeria lagging behind in everything except the looting of national treasury?

While many families will not afford Christmas and New Year rice, politicians are pumping looted funds into election while government is cap-in- hand begging for loan from the international community. What a country!

Chimezie Elemuo, Oginigba, Port Harcourt

reversing the progress recorded in our electoral process in 2015 general elections and a few other elections after the last elections. If the reports coming out from Rivers State concerning the legislative rerun elections which held in some parts of the state on December 10, 2016 is anything to go by, one can only conclude that the security was deliberately compromised for a purpose. Also, if it takes INEC more than two days to announce results at different collation centres for an election conducted only in some parts of the state, we can only imagine how many weeks or months it will take them to announce results for next general election.

However, this madness of election rigging can be curbed by the National Assembly (NASS) taking urgent steps to amend our Electoral Act and the 1999 Constitution as amended, to include mandatory video coverage of voting processes from accreditation of voters up to the announcement of results both at the pooling units and collation centres. Election results from any pooling unit without a video coverage to show what transpired during the voting process should be nullified. This is what will enthrone transparency in our voting process, and repose confidence in the electorate that their votes will count in choosing their leaders.

As a matter of urgency, NASS should ensure that this is done (electoral video coverage law) before the 2019 general election so as to save our nascent democracy from imminent collapse, in view of the do-or die attitude of current crop of political leaders towards elections.

Roland Nwachukwu, rolandnwachukwu@yahoo.com

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DECEMBER 17, 2016 • THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

POLSCOPE

with Eddy Odivwri eddy.odivwri@thisdaylive.com 08053069356

Rivers, Blood and Elections

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ast Saturday, the legislative rerun polls, took place in Rivers State. The election took place in all the local government councils of the state. It involved electing the three persons into the senatorial seats, five House of Representatives seats and 10 state House of Assembly seats.

Just for that election alone, the Police deployed 28,000 men. It was not for nothing. The drumbeats of war that preceded the election were akin to the coming of Armageddon. Tension was high.

Two main political parties (the All Progressives Congress and the Peoples Democratic Party) represented by the rancorous duo of Rotimi Amaechi and Nyesom wike, the former and sitting governor of the state, respectively, were once more ready to test their strength in the state.

It had long become an ego contest between the two ex-allies. The political atmosphere in the state was maximally charged. The state had had the unenviable notoriety of conducting very violent and bloody elections.

The 2015 election was epic in its bloody discharge. People were slaughtered and even beheaded with reckless abandon. Homes were broken into and the men decapitated in the presence of family members. Omokwu in ONELGA and Akoku-Toru Local Governments were the fiercest grounds of holocaust. The amount and sophistication of weaponry in the hands of the thugs in Rivers is simply befuddling.

No doubt, the desperation of the politicians as well as the sub-career in illegal bunkering has made Rivers a major domain of illegal weapons.

These weapons are maximally deployed during elections.

Wike And last Saturday was not different. It was anything but election. All the rules and codes of peaceful conduct of an election were broken mindlessly. Yet, in the last four months many cult groups claimed to have renounced their membership of such groups and surrendered huge armoury in what appears like a staged repentance.

I often wonder why the police cannot raid the hideout of these criminals and recover the tons of arms in their possession.

The political contest in Rivers is seen as a big war. War between two Ikwerre brothers. Human lives and materials are wasted with valueless spirit. And despite the presence of 28,000 armed men, a senior police officer along with few other

EFCC, Leave Ibori Alone

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arring any other eventuality, Chief James Onanefe Ibori, former governor of Delta State should be released from the British prison in three days’ time. He was jailed in England following his admittance of guilt on money laundering charges filed against him.

Before he fell into the British noose, he had been tried on about the same charges in Nigeria by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), which filed a 170-count charge against him. But the EFCC, at the time could not prove its case against Ibori, or so it seemed, warranting (now retired) Justice Marcelleus Awokulehin of the Federal High Court to throw out the case and set Ibori free on all counts on December 17,2009.

But the fact that Ibori’s travails were a mix of legal and political issues was manifest when the Nigerian authorities laid siege on Ibori in a manner that seemed to suggest that if Ibori escaped the judicial hangman, he cannot escape the political landmines laced around him. That way, even when the courts had discharged him, the political Pharisees who were in charge at the time, ensured that he did not escape punish-

ment altogether. The ensuing strategy to undo Ibori, perceived to be a threat to some people’s political career, led to the trial and conviction at the Southwark Crown Court 9 in London. They succeeded as Ibori was sent in for a 13-year jail term.

But next Tuesday, he should have done his time in the British prison. However, indications are rife that the EFCC is yet warming up to resume another round of trial for Ibori.

This is the same Ibori whose case was thrown out by the court at the time.

But even if Ibori yet has some questions to answer, is he not deemed to have paid enough price by serving the jail term in Britain? Would it not amount to double jeopardy for him to be punished twice for the same crime, whether in the same country or not? Has he not suffered enough global embarrassment given the media celebrations of the trial and his prison ordeals?

To insist to yet arraign Ibori after his release from prison, would amount to a judicial overkill. If the EFCC is bursting with prosecutorial energy, let it channel it against the many other former governors who are still roaming the society unchallenged. How come since 2007, the EFCC has not been able to secure any conviction against any of the rougish governors,

persons, were yet killed. The last time the rerun was held, an NYSC member was killed. How much blood does the god of democracy need in Rivers State for us to have peaceful and orderly elections? Even if the Arch Bishop of Canterbury is sent to preach to the Rivers electorate, it would hardly lead to a peaceful poll. To them, election collocates with war, arson, blood and killings.

Yet, nobody in Nigeria has ever been jailed for electoral violence despite the number of people that are frequently maimed or killed during elections. The pattern has always been a few arrests here and there and shortly after the elections, the politicians weigh in and get the arrested released. Last Wednesday, the police paraded four persons suspected to have been the killers of the Niger State-born senior police officer.

If the past tradition serves as a guide, that will be the last we will hear of the matter.

It was such an advertised shame, coming after the well-organised national/presidential election in Ghana.

Media reports had indicated that at the Ghanaian poll, everything, almost, went quite orderly. From card readers which did not fail, to the electoral commission which deployed its men and materials promptly, to the police and security agencies which made no interference in the election, down to the sitting government which allowed the election to run without bias, through to the electorate which participated not only actively in the polls, but with evident sportsmanly spirit. There, roads were neither blocked, nor holiday declared because of the election. Society’s activities ran simultaneously with the election.

People dashed off from work to cast their ballots and quickly returned to work, like in the US.

What is more, the loser of the election, a sitting president, not only quickly conceded, he read and presented a great speech that has since been trending in the social media, as an unusual specie of an African leader and model of a perfect democrat. The security operatives were not stretched. They hung around the precinct of polling booths with a leisurely candour.

It contrasts sharply with our Rivers State. Days before the election, the Mosaic injunction of a tooth-for-a-tooth, had been pronounced by the APC leadership which had come to campaign in the state.” If they slap you, slap them back, if they push you, push them back, and if they shoot you, take cover and shoot them back…” The APC has been condemned for this unstatesmanly injunction. But would you blame them? They have been serial victims of electoral violence in the past. And the state had hardly punished anyone for it. Thus in an attempt to rise up from the status of the intimidated weakling, the APC had resolved to match the PDP, slap-for-slap and all that. Last year, Gov Wike had warned INEC officials who were coming to conduct election in Rivers State to write their wills before coming, if they plan to rig the outcome of the polls. Such mindless naked threat from a sitting governor!

Wike, sadly, has never pretended about being an apostle of electoral violence.

In all, something must be done to rein in those perpetually poised for war during elections in the state. The huge caché of arms literally floating in the state must be recovered, just as those found wanting in perpetrating electoral violence should be heavily punished, otherwise, as the garrulous Gov Wike has threatened, there will be no election in the state in 2019.

except the whimperish plea bargain negotiated for Lucky Igbenedion and the late Diepreye Alamieyeseigha.

The Saminu Turakis, the Chimaroke Nnamanis, the Orji Kalus, the Peter Odilis {whose perpetual judicial immunity has recently been vacated), the Achike Udenwas, the Attahiru Bafarawas, the Joshua Dariyes, the Jolly Nyames, the Boni Harunas etc etc, were all accused suspects at the time. But not anymore.

Today, they are not only free, they have become critical stakeholders and eminent political gladiators in the Nigerian project. In the face of the institutional neglect of this set of people, it will be a godless activism for the EFCC to vent all its spleen on one already over-tolled for his sins.

About 19 governors were accused of various degrees and levels of corruption in 2007. Even in 2011, some of the governors were accused of robbing their state tills blind. Not a single governor is in jail on account of his misdeeds while in office. Why has the EFCC not gone after such class of former governors? Why come to prey on the sufficiently-punished Ibori as a way of proving that it is a diligent anti-corruption czar?

On the other hand however, Ibori may not be heading into Nigeria soon because of the asset

forfeiture suit which is yet running in the UK. The case comes up next month, but it is instructive to note that the hue and cry of the metropolitan police about some humongous wealth and assets attributed to Ibori is daily proving very difficult to be identified and proved.

In all, the EFCC is urged to exert its fist on the many accused PEPs Politically Exposed Persons) -accused, and not kit up to undo the already politically-pummelled Ibori.

Ibori

Monumental National Fraud; Where are the Auditors?

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very other day, we are buffeted with fresh stories of new discoveries of fraud in government offices. And I keep wondering how we, as a nation, are expected to be great and measure up with global expectations of a blessed nation, when the people charged with manning our resources turn around to rob us blind. Bad as all these may seem, my other worry is the whereabouts of the nation’s Auditor General in the face of these mindless robberies.

Pray, are auditors not meant to trace and track fraud? How come the Nigerian Auditor General hardly achieves this or at best raises the alarm long after the rogues have completed their operations or have even died spending their endless loot?

Just where are the auditors?

Last month, it was reported that 33 federal agencies failed to remit N450 Billion between 2010 and 2015. Last Wednesday, the papers reported the probe of NNPC and NPDC over unremitted $4.5bn to the federation account.

Is audit not an annual exercise? Indeed, there are internal and external auditors in ministries and establishments. How come they hardly find anything promptly? Or is it that they are compromised?

The temptation to believe that auditors, even at the state levels are often accomplices in matters of fraud and financial underhand dealings is strong.

Presently, for instance, the EFCC is re-arraigning the former Oyo State governor, Rasheed Ladoja for N4.7 Billion fraud. The EFCC, not

the state auditor general, discovered this alleged stealing.

So where was the auditor?

It is not unlikely that those with the intent to commit fraud will ensure that the auditors are compromised so they (auditors) either turn their eye away from the anomalies or indeed, write compromised reports that will exonerate the misdeeds of offending persons or agencies. No auditor worth his career should be found in such a mess. But there are, sadly.

Virtually everyday, we hear of billions and billions of our stolen commonwealth. The state in turn, expends billions trying to prosecute these crooks who seem to have taken up every space in the public service, sometimes to no avail; no thanks to crooked lawyers who, out of crass greed

for lucre, undermine national interest, to not only defend the crooks but also throw spanner into the wheel of prosecution.

How can we grow with the swathe of rougish mass milling around everywhere? Just imagine, for a minute, the trillions of Naira that have either been stolen or mismanaged by public servants in the last ten or so years. It will be mind-blowing!

The unremitted N450billion from those 33 agencies, for instance, is enough to build standard hundreds of schools for our children or equip some hospitals with modern and effective medical equipment or even tar hundreds of kilometers of road.

Like lawyers and bankers, I dare say that auditors (that is, the bad ones) are part of our problems as a nation.

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T H I S D AY, T H E S AT U R D AY N E W S PA P E R • DECEMBER 17, 2016

BUHARI’S DAUGHTER WEDDING

L-R: Indimi, President Buhari , Vice-President Osinbajo and Senate President Saraki

L-R: Bola Tinubu; Bisi Akande; Akinwunmi Ambode; Kashim Imam and Nuhu Ribadu

Chief Imam of Abuja blessing the union

The couple Zahra and Ahmed Indimi

Buhari in handshake with General Abdulsalami and others friends

L-R: Saraki, Osinbajo and Dogara

R-L: Chief of Staff to President Buhari, Abba Kyari, Femi Otedola and Mamman Daura

L-R: Buhari and Bello

R-L: Aliko Dangote and Atiku Abubakar

16

THISDAY, THe SATurDAY NewSpAper • DECEMBER 17, 2016

MILESTONE

PMB at 74: Peace Shuttle in Birthday Week Some people say they used to give them some injections in the military that make them go on and on.True?

False? I don’t know. We saw the same of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, also a retired General, who worked endless hours. Could the injection theory be true?

Somebody, please confirm.

The man the people call Mai Gaskiya (honest man) turns 74 today. I wish him longer life, in good health.

The sailing may be rough and tempestuous on the economy front now, and some people are shouting; carest thou not that we perish?We are hungry and dying. But Nigeria will get to halcyon shores.This land will prosper again. Our captain is at the helm. He is tested and trusted. We can then sleep through the storm.

W Femi Adesina

hat a helluva week for a man who turns 74 today. In one day, in his birthday week, he flew from Abuja to Monrovia, from there to Freetown, and then to Banjul, in The Gambia. He held meetings lasting many hours, then flew to Freetown, again to Monrovia, and then returned to Abuja by 3.20 a.m. In the afternoon of that same day, when most of those who travelled with him would have given anything to be in slumberland, he presented the 2017 budget proposals to the National Assembly. If I am lucky to live to that age, I don’t wish to run such punishing schedule.

But for that reason was Muhammadu Buhari born on December 17, 1942, in Daura, present day Katsina State. For that reason he came to the world. To serve humanity, serve his country, and make a huge difference.

He was sent here to show that it is possible to be squeaky clean, play according to the rules, and live for others, not for primitive accumulation.

The word came out on Monday, a public holiday. We were headed for Gambia the next morning, and we must set forth at dawn. For we were returning to Abuja the same day.

By 6 a.m, we were on the way to the airport. A few minutes past 7 a.m, the great bird lifted into the sky. The peace shuttle had begun.

What took President Buhari out at short notice was the developing situation in The Gambia. President, Professor, Dr, Alhaji Yahya Jammeh, who had taken power from Sir Dauda Jawara 22 years earlier in a military coup, and who had transmuted to a civilian ruler along the way, had suddenly recanted on an election he lost, and over which he had congratulated the winner. Jammeh said the scales had fallen from his eyes, he had seen the light, and the defeat he had conceded was no longer so. The election was flawed, and there must be a new exercise under a “God-fearing electoral commission.”

This was deja vu. Another Gbagbo scenario, as we had seen in Cote D’Ivoire? A playback of 1998 Sierra Leone, in which ECOMOG troops, led by Nigeria under Sani Abacha, had flushed out the military junta led

by Johnny Paul Koroma, which had ousted President Ahmad Tejan Kabbah from power? Will the President, Professor, Dr, and Alhaji be given the Gbagbo and Koroma treatment? It seemed inevitable. But blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God. Buhari of Nigeria, Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf of Liberia, Ernest Bai Koroma of Sierra Leone, and John Mahama of Ghana, decided to wave the olive branch. It was time to try and talk some sense into Jammeh’s head. The presence of Mahama in the team was significant, as he had also conceded defeat in the presidential election held in Ghana only a few days earlier.

After a flight of two hours and forty minutes, we landed in Monrovia.

We took aboard Johnson-Sirleaf, and some of her aides. A few days earlier, in her capacity as chair of ECOWAS, she had headed for The Gambia.

Jammeh did not give her plane permission to land. She had to return home.

Liberia. Land of blood, caused by greed for power. Samuel Doe. Yormie Johnson. Charles Taylor. Many others. They wanted power, and did not mind turning their country to a killing field. Very sad.

Buhari

After 47 minutes, we landed in Freetown. Some years back, the town had not been free. The same lust for power.

Foday Sankoh led what he called the Revolutionary United Front (RUF), and his type of revolution was to chop off the hands of innocent people. If he cut it at the wrist, he called it long sleeve. If he butchered at the elbow, he called it short sleeve. Sierra Leone was filled with thousands and thousands of amputees. Sheer madness!

But the day of reckoning came, as it always does. Sankoh was arrested, and put on trial. He fell ill, was wheelchair bound, and eventually died. He escaped the justice of man, but not of God. I was editor of Daily Sun when he died. I remember my headline: ‘Foday Sankoh goes to hell.’ The Mirror of London went the same way. NEXT STOP:HELL. That was the paper’s headline. You can accuse us of being judgmental, playing God. But as far as human beings knew, Foday Sankoh had no other destination. Only hell, to keep a date with his master, Satan.

But I digress too much. We are talking of a peace shuttle in a birthday week.

Yes, we took on board President Bai Koroma and his aides, and we were on the way. An hour later, we were overflying Banjul. Would we be permitted to land, or given the Johnson-Sirleaf treatment? Happily, the big bird swooped down, and we landed. I was back in Banjul, 12 years after my last visit. Everything seemed the way I had left it. Only Jammeh had changed. From conceding defeat, to calling for another election.

The three presidents joined John Mahama of Ghana at the Coco Ocean Hotel, a lovely resort by the sea.

Would the waters be turned crimson red soon? God forbid. That was why the peacemakers were around. For

the next seven hours, they met with Adama Barrow, the victor in the election, the leadership of the electoral commission, a delegation of the coalition that gave Barrow victory, Security Chiefs, and many others. Twice, they met with Jammeh at the State House.

Before proceedings began, and after.

What were they asking for? Simple.

Respect the Constitution of your country. Honour your word, and uphold the results of the election.

Vacate power next January, as decency requires.

There was no positive commitment from Jammeh, and the parley continues, as ECOWAS meets in Abuja today. On his 74th birthday, President Buhari, instead of wining and dining, would be hosting leaders of the West African sub-region. For that reason was he born. For that purpose was he sent to Nigeria. To serve the country, serve humanity, and show that things could be done differently.

By 10 p.m Nigerian time (9 p.m Gambian time) we boarded the presidential jet. I remembered a primary school song:”Oh Nigeria, oh my native land, Never again may I roam. I’ve been to Ghana, I’ve been to Sierra Leone, I’ve been to Gambia, I’m going back to my native land, never again may I roam.”

It was a day of roaming, but for a good cause. We dropped off the Sierra Leonean contingent first. Freetown, the land of my father. In 1955, my father had sailed from Nigeria to Sierra Leone, in search of the Golden Fleece.

He had gone to study at Fourah Bay College, from where he took a degree in Economics, and returned home in 1959. He took to teaching, and retired as a school principal in 1971. He had good stories to tell us about Sierra Leone. That was before the country lost its innocence, erupting in an orgy

of killings.

We dropped off the Liberian contingent, and headed for Abuja. If we had gone straight, we needed only two hours and forty minutes. We spent five hours and five minutes. Double that, and we had spent more than 10 hours in the air, all in West Africa. Blessed are the peacemakers...

Yesterday, President Buhari gave out one of his daughters, Zahra, in marriage.

Today, he would be with ECOWAS leaders for most of the day. How do you remind him it’s his birthday? On Wednesday morning, we had got back to Aso Villa at 4 a.m. By 2 p.m, the President was presenting Budget 2017 to a joint session of the National Assembly. On Thursday, he was in Lagos to commission a ship at the Naval Dockyard. What a helluva birthday week! I repeat. If I am lucky to live till 74, I don’t want to run such punishing schedule.

Some people say they used to give them some injections in the military that make them go on and on. True? False? I don’t know. We saw the same of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, also a retired General, who worked endless hours. Could the injection theory be true?

Somebody, please confirm.

The man the people call Mai Gaskiya (honest man) turns 74 today. I wish him longer life, in good health. The sailing may be rough and tempestuous on the economy front now, and some people are shouting; carest thou not that we perish?

We are hungry and dying. But Nigeria will get to halcyon shores. This land will prosper again. Our captain is at the helm.

He is tested and trusted. We can then sleep through the storm.

––Adesina is Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to President Muhammadu Buhari

Plus

LOUD WHISPERS AUTO WRITERS’ WOLRD FAIRGROUND FASHION FILE INTERVIEW

pg. 20 pg. 26 pg. 35 pg. 36 pg. 41 pg. 44

Akeem Aponmade

I Wish I Am More Patient in Handling Matters

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER DECEMBER 17, 2016

18

PLUS

I Grew Up to Believe My Family was Rich and Royal His parents didn’t know they could have more children when he was born. At birth, he was given 20 names. He grew up under the tutelage of a dogged fighter with an unfathomable passion for justice; a very litigious father. His father’s fight for people’s rights led him to a career in assisting the powerless, poor, and disenfranchised to obtain justice. Akeem Aponmade tells Adedayo Adejobi how he met his wife 29 years ago, values that shaped his life, and the intrigues of his birth

W

hat’s your name, where do you work, and what kind of law do you practice?

I am Akeem Aponmade. I work at A. O. Aponmade and Co., a law firm, as the Principal Counsel. I was called to the Nigerian bar as both an Advocate and a Solicitor of the Supreme Court of Nigeria and that defines my practice to date.

study to become a lawyer only if you have a strong interest in the legal profession or you will end up as a lawyerhairdresser, lawyer-banker, lawyer-this or that. If you knew you were good in entrepreneurship or performing arts, why didn’t you study courses that align with your major interest in life? Having more than a passing interest in law as a profession will serve as an anchor when the vicissitudes of life come and you feel like bolting away.

How long have you been practising and what are your areas of specilisation?

I set up my private practice in 2005.

Given my background in intellectual property rights protection, enforcement and administration, it is natural for me to choose Intellectual Property Law as my area of specialisation. That notwithstanding, I take up quite a lot of constitutional law cases, especially those where indigent people have been oppressed by powerful people or officials of the state. I can’t stand oppression.

Most of those cases are done pro bono but they bring me the most satisfaction.

What are your strengths?

First, my absolute and unshakable trust in the Almighty God. Secondly, God gave me sufficient wisdom to recognise the fact that through teamwork one can achieve effectiveness efficiently. Thirdly, I like to think and plan ahead. Possibly because I hate surprises, I like considering all possible scenarios ahead of time.

What do you like best about your job?

The immeasurable confidence it gives me that I am a lawyer and I can stand before anyone to express myself.

What do you like least about your job?

Some people assume that once you are a lawyer, you must be a liar. That stigma is sometimes discomfiting.

What do you wish you had known about the legal profession before becoming a lawyer?

Absolutely nothing! I didn’t stumble on the legal profession.

I didn’t become a lawyer by accident and neither am I one of those ‘Daddy said I should study law’ guys. I was determined to become a lawyer at a very early age of my life, yet I did it after I had had a degree in Political Science. So, you will be amazed at the sheer volume of information I gathered about my profession before and in the course of my legal education.

Do you have any advice for youths who want to join the legal profession?

The advice is simple:

What are your weaknesses?

They are legion. I am impatient. I am not wise enough, so sometimes I do foolish things but suffice to say I continue to work on all of them.

What are your greatest achievements?

In my former life, I was the CEO of an international organisation in Nigeria, IFPI. This is the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry. It is the body that represents record companies globally. Its head office is in London while I headed the Nigerian office. The organisation is involved in copyright advocacy, protection and enforcement.

In order to curb the menace constituted by unregulated proliferation of optical disc replicating plants all over the world, IFPI drafted a piece of legislation that would enable law enforcement agencies trace each and every optical disc, of whatever format, to the very machine that produced it. This was essentially employing modern technology with forensic science backed by law to fight IPR theft. IFPI then lobbied several countries in the world to enact that draft legislation into law. I am proud to have successfully led IFPI’s efforts in lobbying the Federal Government for the IFPI’s draft’s enactment as a subsidiary legislation to the Copyright Act. It is known as the Copyright (Optical Disc) Regulation 2006.

Between 2009 and 2011, I had the opportunity of serving this nation as the head of enforcement of the Nigerian Copyright Commission. My official title was Technical Assistant, Enforcement.

They called me TA, you know civil servants like abbreviations a lot. I was in charge of the Commission’s enforcement department and its activities all over the country. I was reporting to the Director-General. During my tenure, the Commission recorded a sharp drop in the level of piracy in every subsector the agency superintended over, be it the music industry, film industry, book industry, software industry and broadcast industry. That, I consider as a major achievement.

In private legal practice, each time I succeeded in successfully fighting injustice on behalf of any of my clients,

19

DECEMBER 17, 2016 • THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

PLUS My Father was Litigious though He was Uneducated that is a major achievement for me.

What was it like in public service?

It was the most rewarding experience for me in terms of learning first-hand how the Nigerian public administration machines work. Indeed, public servants can save Nigeria if only they will perform their statutory responsibilities diligently and efficiently. I would always say to my officers my secondary school motto ‘Act well your part’. And they did. So my department became a model in the commission. There was a rights owner whose petition we investigated after which the matter was transferred to the legal department for mediation. The man ran back and demanded that his matter be returned to our department.

What happened was that when he called the officer of the other department in charge of his matter at about 5.30 p.m. the officer scolded him for calling her after office hours. He realised he had been taking things for granted as he could call the Investigating Officer in our department anytime and he would receive polite answers even if it was a No. I felt my tasks in the commission were done one day in 2011 when a petitioner sent me a text message from Enugu in which she wrote that she had never seen a public servant work the way I attended to her complaint and got my staff to arrest those pirating her works.

She herself retired from the Ministry of Defence as a Chief Education Officer. In retirement, she made video recordings of answers to WAEC questions and put them in VCDs for sale. Then some unscrupulous people started to pirate these VCDs in Port Harcourt. The prompt and decisive manner with which the Commission handled the matter all the way from Abuja impressed her greatly. She ended her long text message with these words: “Blessed is the womb that carried you; blessed is the woman that brought you to this world.” I was very moved. Those words are forever burnished in my brain. I ran straight to my Director-General and showed him the message. He was moved too.

My experience made me realise that purposeful, honest, kind, selfless and yet firm leadership is what is needed in public service. You will be stunned by the sheer capability that our public servants possess. It cannot be matched even by the private sector.

Which subjects have you enjoyed the most?

Constitutional Law. For me, it is a subject that tells the people the limits of governmental authority and power in a well ordered society.

Why did you choose to study law?

Growing up, I knew that my father as a very litigious person and he would speak of lawyers with something close to awe. And this was not an illiterate man.

He was always fighting for people’s rights and to him, lawyers were the tools that he was using to engage the powerful and public officials in legal duels. From a very early stage of my life, I wanted to become that instrument that would assist the powerless, the poor and the disenfranchised people to obtain justice.

Did your father support you?

Oh yes! My father supported my ambition to be a lawyer since I was little.

He wondered why I chose to study political science before law at first. When I said there were too many lawyers and I wanted to stand out by having some prior knowledge in another discipline before studying law, he agreed with me.

Law was my second choice in JAMB and Political Science my first. I had the highest JAMB score of 273 in the then University of Ife. But Ife would not accept me for political science because I had a pass in Mathematics and a credit in that subject was required. So, I was advised to approach the Law Faculty.

That I met cut off point to study law.

I flatly refused and sought for another university. That was how I found myself in the then Obafemi Awolowo University, later Ondo State University, Ado-Ekiti.

After graduation, I told my father I had been offered admission to study law, he was ecstatic. He wanted one of

his children to become a lawyer because that’s his ambition before his father’s death which forced him to drop out of school to take care of his eight siblings.

What was it like growing up?

I grew up in Kaduna and Ibadan.

I started nursery school in Kaduna. I was very young and with my eldest brother and his wife. I became very homesick and insisted on going back to my parents. And from the age of about five, I grew up in Ibadan until I finished my secondary education at 17. I left home before I realised that we were not actually rich. Reason is that papa made all of us, not just his children, but all the Aponmades to believe that we had what others did not have – a good name and a good heritage. He made us proud, not arrogant. One attribute of an average Aponmade child is a good dose of self-esteem. There were rich people in our community, but I grew up to see them looking up to our family. Oral history had it that our ancestor, Aponmade, came from the Orangun of Ila royal dynasty. So our ancestry contains references to crown and Orangun of Ila. We carried ourselves around as royalties. The Aponmades would choose who would marry their daughters.

Meanwhile, we did not have items of luxury. My father never owned a car. So, I was never chauffeur driven to school.

Our house was a plastered mud house.

This house, father called his palace. I was taught to value our name more than material things. When I clocked 50, the CSOs I belonged to organised a birthday bash to mark the day. The topic of the lecture was chosen by me. It was ‘In the Fight Against Corruption: What is the Value of a Good Name’?.

What are your lifelong dreams?

My basic dream is just to become a conduit pipe of blessings to others. And I’m happy my wife shares this with me. And to become this, it is left to the Almighty God to fashion out my life in such a manner that will make this dream realisable. I must admit that I’ve begun to realise this dream gradually. Through a foundation that I founded with my siblings in memory of our late father, lives are being touched.

What is your biggest regret to date and why?

That my mother died so soon after I started finding my feet. Her death made me lose an opportunity of reciprocating her selfless and boundless love to me.

Is there a story to her death at a time you were finding your feet?

Not particularly. I just believe that parents deserve to enjoy the fruits of their labour on their children.

I envy my friends who have parents and

you will always see me showing deep affection to their parents.

What’s been your biggest failure?

I did an LL.M some eight years ago.

I was one of the best students in class yet I didn’t complete it. Reason: I didn’t write my thesis because I moved to Abuja to serve the nation. The failure to complete the programme haunts me. Certainly, I will still earn not just a Master degree but even a Ph.D. What’s been your biggest success?

Knowing Jesus is to me the biggest success. Knowing Him is actually the fountain of every other single achievement I have made.

What are three positive characteristics you wish you had?

Patience, More wisdom and more wisdom.

If someone had to say something negative to you, what would they

My basic dream is just to become a conduit pipe of blessings to others. And I’m happy my wife shares this with me. And to become this, it is left to the Almighty God to fashion out my life in such a manner that will make this dream realisable. I must admit that I’ve begun to realise this dream gradually.

Through a Foundation that I founded with my siblings in memory of our late father, lives are being touched

say?

I wouldn’t know. It is in the nature of people to say negative things about others, whether justified or not.

What types of situations do you consider ‘unfixable’?

None. Absolutely none.

What is your perception of taking on risk?

For there to be progress in a society, its people must be encouraged and ready to take risks because without taking risks, it will be impossible to achieve anything.

It doesn’t mean that all risks will lead to improvement in status. Far from it.

This is where wisdom comes in. For anyone, especially when we are taking risks on a matter that has to with human dynamics, the result cannot always be ascertained with mathematical precision.

A wise person will then assess the risks as much as possible before plunging in.

This I call calculated risk taking. The internet has made risk taking in any area of life much safer unless a person is lazy to find information for himself.

Describe a time where you’ve failed and bounced back.

In IFPI Nigeria, at my earliest stage of work in that organisation, I was given an assignment I was not employed for and for which I did not receive any prior training. Of course, I failed woefully and the chairman of the board turned to another officer and said ‘I don’t think he can do it’. I was mortified that anyone would say there is something I could not do when I was not equipped to do it. I also felt insulted simultaneously. I then made a case for myself as to why it happened and said that my experience had prepared me to handle the situation better next time and I should be given another opportunity. I went back to start reading files to learn how to do it.

Fortunately, another situation arose again and there was no one else to do it so they called on me. My performance was so extraordinary that my work schedule was changed for me to be responsible for that type of work and I was made to leave the duties I was employed originally to perform.

Tell us about your marriage.

I am married to my best friend, Folasade. We met in the University in 1986. I was two years ahead of her. We got married in 1993. She has graduated from being my friend to being my confidant, mother, organiser and adviser.

She is a special gift from God in my life.

What key lessons has marriage taught you?

I have had the honour of serving as chairman at four wedding receptions.

My first was when I was just 10 years old in marriage. My admonition to new couples was borne out of the lessons I learnt myself. Storms, hurricanes and the likes are most likely going to assail every marriage.

To prepare for them ahead of time, both husband and wife must first settle in their respective minds what they will want to become of their marriage, whether for the marriage to live or die. This is because every couple holds the fate of their marriage in their hands. This determination for my marriage to succeed and be enjoyed and not managed has now in turn produced some other virtues in me like patience, being considerate and so on.

But you stated earlier that patience is one characteristic you wish you had. Or, is your definition of patience exclusive to marriage?

Patience was not natural with me.

I’ve had to learn it. I am certain I don’t have enough of it yet. To some people and these include my senior brother and oga, Chief Adeniyi Akintola, SAN, I am even a very patient person but I am not satisfied with the level I am. I can do with more patience in handling many things, including marital affairs.

Our people have a saying which goes thus: ‘an elder who has patience has everything’.

20

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • DECEMBER 17, 2016 with JOSEPH EDGAR (09095325791)

LOUD WHISPERS

Jammeh, Gambia President

The Gambian Comedy of Errors I watched the video of this person, Jammeh conceding defeat. His praise for his opponent was effusive and self-serving.

Midway into the video, I began to feel uncomfortable as I could see through the hypocrisy. I knew something would go wrong. This near-literate person would not rule for 22 years and then hand over power just like that. No be so we dey do am for Africa. Jonathan was an aberration.

So I was not surprised when some few days later, he recanted and claimed the electoral process was flawed, seeking a new one to be supervised by those ‘who fear God’, whatever that means, thereby setting the stage for a disruption of peace in that tiny country. Well, he should be immediately flushed out and thrown into the sea. I particularly do not have patience for these kind people. I give Buhari and his team exactly 48 hours, else, I will move in and do the needful.

Edgar Joseph: Kidnap Attempt Foiled Last Saturday some people had the guts to try to kidnap me. Me, a whole Duke of Shomolu – Shomolu of all places. It was like a scene from a badly directed movie script. I had gone to buy fuel at a filling station near my house. As I filled the tank and attempted to drive off, one ugly person, dressed in the long robes of Muslim clerics and wearing a blue cap complete with a gold tooth accosted me. He violently waved me down and when I stopped, banged at my windows asking me to wind down. I stupidly stopped and wound down. He barked at me aggressively in Yoruba language that why didn’t I stop on time. I looked at him believing that he was mentally unstable, but he continued asking if I did not know him, and that why was I pretending not to know him. I told him I did not know him and that he should leave the side of my car otherwise I would hit him. He then screamed,’ take me to Ikorodu’.

How na, what juju was he using that I would now just take him to Ikorodu? So I screamed back at him to get off and drove off. My people the drama just began o.

He jumped on a bike and gave me a hot chase. He chased me for over 500 meters, swerving in and out of traffic in a bid to catch me. By this time, I knew I was in trouble. Who would want to kidnap or even kill me? Is it because I had just announced my intention of joining politics or was it my landlord trying to steal my wife? As I drove I looked at my rear view mirror and saw the determination this son of satan was using to chase me and fear gripped me. I started sweating and praying to the God of Silas and Abraham to save me o. I cannot be kidnapped, it will be too humiliating; what will I tell my mother that I was doing that I was kidnapped? As I was driving the drive of my life, I saw myself naked in a shrine in deep Ikorodu bush with calabash on my head and fire inside the calabash spewing out dollars from my mouth. Not that they will even give me a share of the money sef. Kai, this goon must not catch me o. So I drove very fast into an Army barracks.

To my chagrin my pursuer packed his bike across the street and waited for me to come out. I now mobilised the soldiers who accosted him. They dragged him from the bike and started querying him.

He claimed to know me in Ikorodu and

Lalong, Sports Minister

Nnamdi Kanu

MUDI and the King of Morocco You see how my own luck works.

I was hanging out with my friend MUDI, the diminutive designer when I suddenly jumped up and wanted to go. He begged me to stay awhile so that he could finish what he was doing and then take me out for lunch.

I insisted on leaving, claiming to be running late for a meeting. On my way home, he started calling and because of the fear of LASTMA or is it Police, one does not kuku know which one is more terrible these days to drivers, I refused to pick the calls, promising to call back immediately I got home. Got home and promptly slept off. When I woke up, I had missed Mudi’s call a zillion times.

What exactly was wrong with this Delta man? Why was he calling me?

Last I remembered I did not owe him o. So I decided to call him back and in his usual manner of speech blurted out that as I was driving off, the KING of MOROCCO was just arriving his shop. Now, I live somewhere in Shomolu where they call Morocco and we have an Oba who is my direct Neighbour. I see him everyday and did not see any reason for this frenzied reaction to his coming to Mudi’s shop. I responded by telling him that as we spoke, I was looking at the King of Morocco trying to pee in the gutter opposite me. He screamed that it was not that King o, that this was the real king of the North African Country, Morocco that he was about sending me CCTV footage of the visit.

That was all he had as evidence since he too was taken by surprise. I asked him to send it as they say in Uyo, seeing is believing. When the footage came, I was shocked and immediately fell down in tears. Which kind luck follow me like this? King of Morocco appeared and I walked away? During this recession and freeze of MMM? Kai. According to MUDI, the King on his recent visit to the country was staying at the Intercontinental Hotel in Victoria Island. He suddenly had the urge to sample some of our

local but very rich cultural offerings and one of his aides who has been following Mudi’s career mentioned his name. A call was placed and pronto, the king arrived with a 50-man entourage made up of his security details and aides plus some of his Nigerian hosts. In the footage, you will see MUDI taking him round his expansive studios, you will see the King sitting where I sat and you will see MUDI with trembling hands taking his measurements. Also you will see the King walking round the studio and choosing his designs. At some point, since na CCTV, you will see MUDI in the toilet with calculator, calculating his money, kneeling down and singing in Urhobo dialect, giving praises to God and jumping up and down and shaking his head. At the end, the king was so impressed with what he saw that he invited the Urhobo man to his hotel for a private dinner. I hear he ordered over 15 pieces and gave him three days to deliver which he promptly did working overnight all of those days. Well I am now a mixed bag of emotions. I remain extremely excited at this international recognition for my highly talented friend and brother.

This is another affirmation that his talent remains ubiquitous and farreaching, sealing for him an apogee of excellence while standing him out from a motley crowd of talents that pervade the African Continent. For me, I remain in mourning for you can imagine what would have become of me, if I had waited just for five minutes, I would have been the one carrying those items on my head as we went to deliver, thereby putting me in a strong position to earn some brilliant dollars. And I trust myself I would have ended up a butler now in the Palace of the king in Morroco, earning good dollars. Well this story is about MUDI. Well done my brother, more power to your elbow. Meanwhile na who hear dey share, I am sending my account number.

that I was his prayer partner at the prayer ground there and he did not understand why I was pretending not to know him.

When he was asked, he did not know my name or where I lived. He could also not explain why he chased me on a bike for over 500 meters and why he was waiting outside the barracks for me. He was handed over to the police who dragged him to the station as he begged for his life. I also went and gave my statement. It was at this point that his motive became clear. He confessed. They are a group who specialise in hypnotising people with the word of mouth. The plan was to hypnotise me and get me to drive him to his shrine in Ikorodu where I would have been used for rituals. He was shocked that the ‘thing’did not catch me hence his pursuit because he was cocksure that at some point the thing will catch me. My people I was amazed and began to thank Holy Father for such a miracle. Kai, the funny thing is that my wife would not have even believed sef. She would have thought that I had gone to shack somewhere this Christmas period not knowing that I was in the belly of satan. Well, I am reconsidering my political career if these are the type of things that come with it. I no go even cross carpet, I go just run. I no get power.

Lalong : The Joke is on You Our sports minister is a maverick. We should not really be too hard on him.

He has been the butt of so many jokes especially on the social media since it was claimed that he made the unfortunate statement that they did not know the Falcons would win the tournament hence their lack of preparation for the winning bonus. You see, my take is that since his cousin Fidel Castro died ( una no see the red beret he dey always wear?) he has been in mourning and as such not in a good frame of mind. So I will let this pass.

I will not yab him. But be careful sir, you won’t be this lucky next time. Go and sin no more.

Nnamdi Kanu : Calm Down Did you guys see the footage of my brother sparking in court after it was decided that he would have a secret trial.

The sparking no get pair as we say in Shomolu. The guy was not even afraid that he might come down with high blood pressure. I was shocked and amazed at that level of anger o. Kai, he abused everybody plus our dear President and stated clearly that if he could intimidate judges, he would not be intimidated. Where this man get this kind lion heart, I no understand o. But my take is that he should be allowed to watch the Mandela movies.

You cannot win this fight with this kind of uproar; you would have to be more tactical and strategic. Fight with style and you will see how you will frustrate your enemies. Mandela in his trial was very systematic. He did not abuse anybody’s father but realised that he had to politicise the trial and appeal to the masses and the international community to live to fight another day. So my brother if you ask me, I think you should emulate Mandela and go the peaceful route. You just may win this battle. Meanwhile, I like that cloth you wore, who sewed it? Can you somehow send me his number make I get one for Christmas? God will protect us all.

21

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • DECEMBER 17, 2016

SPY GLASS

with Bayo Adeoye ....08054680651 Raji Fashola, SAN, appointed him as a member of the Lagos State Executive Council and Special Adviser on Central Business Districts.

Folly Coker, owns La Casa and Roberts Cafe in Victoria Island, Lagos

Florence Ita-Giwa’s New Baby

Sally Mbanefo’s Travails

Sally Mbanefo, a former Director General of Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC), no doubt, stands out among her peers for her distinguished features.

Apart from her physical attributes, she is also brainy.

The stunning lady is not unaware of her potential, charm and gait.

Mbanefo, a 1986 Law graduate from the University of Lagos, Akoka, was appointed by former President Goodluck Jonathan as Director General of Nigeria’s apex tourism agency in 2013 for her contributions to the Peoples Democratic Party.

However, her tenure couldn’t have been described as so eventful as she faced a lot of challenges. It was, according to a source, a most trying period of her life.

Consequently, after Jonathan lost the 2015 presidential election, she reportedly maintained a low profile. Besides, her posturing in the past months had been a subject of discussion by many who for obvious reasons, had foreseen her removal.

But strangely, Spy Glass gathered that her removal came as a rude shock to her.

Folly Coker Goes Back To Business

Since October this year when Folorunsho Folarin Coker was dropped as Lagos State Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, his whereabouts have remained unknown.

This is not unexpected given his status as a man of many parts, a high-flying socialite, businessman as well as philanthropist of great repute.

But Spy Glass can authoritatively reveal that the former commissioner, who is currently in the United Kingdom where he plans to spend the Yuletide with his family, has gone back to his vast business.

Folarin-Coker was part of the Lagos State executive until recently. He served as the Personal Assistant to former Governor, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, from 1999 to 2003, when he was officially appointed to the cabinet to serve as the Deputy Chief of Staff. He was later appointed the Managing Director of Lagos State Number Plates Production Agency. Apparently, he is still a favourite of the former governor who sponsored a full- page newspaper advert to wish him a happy birthday on July 27, 2015.

It will be recalled that in 2014, the former governor of Lagos, Babatunde

Senator Florence Ita- Giwa, a former Special Adviser to former President Olusegun Obasanjo, last Sunday, proved to all that she is still in tune with the realities of her environment.

In other words, this politician of repute has once again shown the world that one does not necessarily have to hold a public office to positively impact his or her society.

In line with this, Ita-Giwa, who is famously called Mama Bakassi, last weekend, opened a multimillion-naira restaurant and lounge in Calabar, Cross River State.

The upscale restaurant, named Calabar Fusion located in a highbrow area is set up to serve assorted local foods made under hygienic conditions.

The launch of the eye-popping Calabar Fusion, which is designed to be a meeting point for the high and mighty in the town, was graced by top dignitaries from all walks of life, including the Governor of Cross River State, Prof.

Ben Ayade, Sen. Rabiu Kwankwaso, Sen. Dino Melaye, former Governor of Cross River State, Donald Duke, former Minister of Tourism and Culture, Edem Duke and Mrs. Abbah Folawiyo? among others.

Ita-Giwa is widely acknowledged as a philanthropist.

Her position as one of the most powerful women in Nigeria’s social and political circle is not in doubt.

This brave woman has remained relevant even after leaving government.

She has continued to command respect not only among women but also men owing to her good deeds.

Little wonder her influence continues to soar.

Fola Adeola’s Uncommon Gift

If you come in contact with handsome Fola Adeola, the co-founder of Guaranty Trust Bank Plc, you will agree that he is blessed with persuasive language.

Though he seldom gives public speech, it can be taken for granted that he won’t talk balderdash on any issue whenever he chooses to talk. He talks very intelligently and challenges his listeners.

Though the foregoing may not be news to many who have been following his story with interest, the fair skinned financial guru recently shocked many with his proficiency in his mother tongue. He was said to have mesmerised his audience with his deep knowl-

edge of Yoruba language at an event held at the Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos. While he rendered some poetry in flawless Yoruba, his audience was simply astounded.

Adeola, a man with cosmopolitan outlook, was given a standing ovation at the well-attended event.

Obafemi Bamidele’s Bold Step

Today, Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose’s grassroots politics has made him a success story He is loved by many and feared by some.

But even in the face of the overwhelming power of the governor, Spyglass gathered that one man who is presently showcasing his political prowess in the state is the former Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Obafemi Bamisile.

Bamisile took a bold step penultimate week when he made his formal declaration at the state secretariat of All Progressives Congress, APC, after he had toured all the wards in the state.

He is said to be gathering momentum and enjoying good followership, while also laying a stronger foundation for his political empire in the state.

It was gathered that before his new moves, he had been involved in some empowerment programmes.

Interestingly, since he kick-started his mobilisation programmes, he has been attracting endorsements from home and abroad.

Political pundits say that his experience as a former students union leader at the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State, has been helping him among the APC supporters in the state.

Shina Peller’s Magical touch

How time flies! Just like yesterday, it is three years since Shina Abiola Peller opened the soar-away Quilox Club in Lagos.

At that time, the entry of the renowned business tycoon, entrepreneur, industrialist and philanthropist was greeted with mixed feelings.

Some of the established operators in the sector had anticipated that the Oyo State- born businessman would radically change the face of the business, given his acclaimed Midas touch.

Today, Quilox has been a meeting point for the high and mighty in the society. Besides, it is one of the most lively outfits in Africa. He has once again displayed his magical prowess and dexterity.

Consequently, handsome Peller is celebrating the third anniversary of the outfit in a grand style . It was gathered that the celebration kicked off yesterday with the arrival of Miami- based DJ Steve J who dazzled the patrons and fun lovers almost endlessly.

The grand finale, it was also gathered, holds next Tuesday, with a series

of activities that will prove Peller as the master in the game.

At the moment , Peller has enlarged his line of businesses to also cover Aquila Oil and Gas, Aquila Building and Projects Limited , Aquila Smart Homes Limited and Aquila Global Resources Limited.

In March last year, he represented Nigeria at the Night club and bar convention in Las Vegas Nevada, USA.

Oba Akinruntan’s drumbeat of War

The Olugbo of Ugbo Kingdom, Oba Frederick Obateru Akinruntan, is in the news again! He loves to be in the news.

He is controversial and he loves it like that.

Curiously, he is not fighting to retain his royal stool this time around, but he is allegedly stoking the ember of royal war, given some statements credited to him in recent time.

The wealthy monarch and Chairman of Obat Petroleum is reportedly courting controversy again, following his reported battle with the new Ooni of Ife, His Imperial Majesty, Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi.

A few days ago, he was reported to have described himself not only as the Oba of Ife but also the authentic leader of Yoruba Kingdom But those loyal to the Ooni of Ife has described Olugbo’s outburst as “royal rascality.”

Spyglass gathered that some respected Yoruba elders have condemned him saying that Olugbo , as a Yoruba king, should be part of the call for peace being spare-headed by the Ooni in the Yoruba kingdom rather than the incessant retrogressive royal discord that had affected the unity of the nation.

Another source described Olugbo’s outburst as uncouth, wondering why he was bent on taking on the Ooni over some supremacy tussle.

“I wonder why he is coming out now to be involved in this kind of battle.

Why did he not act the same way during the tenure of the late Oba Sijuwade Okunade?, a source asked.

But it will be recalled that the Olugbo also took on the late monarch, claiming to be the richest King in Nigeria and the 5th richest in Africa.

22

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • DECEMBER 17, 2016

VINTAGE RACHEL OGBONNA

TalkStuff Offers Multiple Social Features

In this chat with Stanley Nkwazema, the founder and CEO of TalkStuff, Rachel Ogbonna talks about this new web portal wholly developed by Nigerians in Nigeria.

Ogbonna, who says she is an innovative thinker working to make her dreams a reality, shares her dream about the portal, vision and the journey so far We have developed and created a single website that offers multiple social features

T

his is 2016; a time when the world has become a global village and the social media ecosystem is building bridges, ensuring enhanced communication. In recent times, every social, political and economic development campaign begins from social media.

So, any forward thinking individual will want to invest in the sector as a way of contributing to information and communication growth in Africa.

I believe Nigeria has the market. We have the numbers, in terms of population, and then we have the interest because Nigerians love to interact on social media. Put those factors together and you have a viable market.

We have succeeded in developing and creating a single website that offers multiple social features in one space unlike other platforms, making “users experience” our goal.

TalkStuff is an online website and mobile application platform where people of all ages, status and demographics would converge on a regular basis to discuss any topical issue of interest. The content will be primarily user-generated and will serve as the main form of engagement for current and prospective users.

Staying afloat in the social media market..

This platform was not set up primarily to make money. I have the capacity and intelligent people around me to make this happen and I did. I believe a convenient social platform will give us a distinct voice, we can be heard by the rest of the world on our own space and terms.

It will make people from other parts of the world to understand us better than the way we are perceived now.

We are convinced that this platform would appeal to the Nigerian business owner, provide value for its users as well contribute to the economic growth of the country by empowering every individual on the platform. It will also ensure that businesses reach their target market without frills and at a minimal cost acceptable to Nigerians in general, business and otherwise.

Our unique platform

I would advise everyone to visit the site and discover for themselves

the features that are unique to them.

Ogbonna I will say this though; our platform offers users the opportunity to assess their other social media accounts from talkstuff.com. It is an interesting development how we conceived the idea for the web platform and where we are now. This is actually the formal outing but we have gone far.

We have developed several items that go with the platform to excite readers.

It depicts an innovative community with multi-dimensional features to enrich the social experience of all its users. www.talkstuff.com is truly a Nigerian platform that reflects our culture, ethics, and values, with a combination of all the amazing features of several social networks in one.

Going further with TalkStuff

We will not only be getting Nigerians talking, but like our vision goes; …To get Africa talking! We have not started if you ask me. But this formal outing is just the beginning of better things to come because the team is dedicated and eminently qualified to carve the niche and become established as one of the leading firms in this field.

We will constantly update and churn out innovative features …

Like I said earlier, we had convenience in mind when we were working on developing the platform.

From the comfort of your home, on the go, in your offices, relaxation spots, we will get you talking and enjoying social media. We will be on top of our platform attending to your needs. As a matter of fact, we are not going to be static. Technology keeps changing on a daily basis and we are ready for it. With what we have been working on, we cannot be left lagging behind. Our innovative staff are being trained and retrained and we are ready for the market. We will constantly update and churn out innovative features to keep in touch with user’s demands and needs.

Investments and Government’s Protection…

For the investment figure; that is for me to know and for you to wonder.

As for the Government, I pray for regulations that will protect us and the users of the platform. The regulatory bodies are doing a lot in this sector. But as a developing economy and a country constantly battling to

Ogbonna with her team

meet up, we are faring in technology and the sector. As for companies, they owe us, as this platform is actually designed to segment users into different categories, making it so much easier for companies and businesses to reach their target market without frills and at an affordable rate.

Securing the platform against Hackers and online pirates

I can honestly say with all confidence that our users can go to sleep as security is paramount and our engineers are top notch. In fact, the platform will speak for itself. There is so much more to come and expect from Talkstuff, you can’t even imagine the half of it. I pray for life to see our vision unravel and set a standard for the future generation.

One thing you may have to understand is that Nigerians are very innovative. They create unique things not only in Nigeria but wherever they may be. You should also understand that they have positively impacted on the lives of people in several walks of life. All over the World, the fear in ICT is hacking and online piracy. But here we are also not going to be left behind.

Cyber security is paramount.

Nobody wants to be messed up. So we are thinking ahead to ensure that we deploy the best and most sophisticated equipment that can check

I can honestly say with all confidence that our users can go to sleep as security is paramount and our engineers are top notch. In fact, the platform will speak for itself. There is so much more to come and expect from Talkstuff, you can’t even imagine the half of it. I pray for life to see our vision unravel and set a standard for the future generation.

One thing you may have to understand is that Nigerians are very innovative. They create unique things not only in Nigeria but wherever they may be hacking and online piracy. What we have so far done is unveiling what we need to unveil to the public, but within our network we have put in place those necessary measures to reduce it to the barest minimum.

23

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • DECEMBER 17, 2016

VINTAGE/ PERSPECTIVE

Zenith ChristmasYouth Parade Retains Charm Olaoluwakitan Babatunde

H

undreds of school children and youth from orphanages in Lagos turned out last week for the annual Zenith Bank Christmas Youth Parade.

They were joined by the management and staff of the bank for a day of fun.

This annual Christmas Youth Parade, a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative aimed at supporting the development and education of the Nigerian child, lived up to its billings, as the youth danced and celebrated the

joy of Christmas.

The youth were entertaioned by 2016: Yemi Alade and Tekno.

Such was the power of the platform and the impact that Zenith Bank, which has built a reputation for Youth Development and remains committed to continue to champion the course of the development of youth who will be administering our great country tomorrow.

The road carnival, held on Ajose Adeogun Street, Victoria Island, is designed to occupy youth meaningfully during the yuletide season through funfair and youth development activities. It is also a forum established to create partnership

that will engender a common course and vision.

Over the years, the parade has succeeded in creating a platform for children from diverse cultural, religious and ethnic backgrounds to meet, interact and have fun. This platform has over the years impacted the self-belief of participants, who represent hope for a brighter tomorrow. Through the various entertainments, the children are exposed to various cultural norms of the country.

Now in its 10th year, the annual parade has featured some of Nigeria’s top music stars including Wizkid (2012); Olamide (2013); multiple-award winning

music star, Davido (2014); Kiss Daniel and Korede Bello (2015).

The youth who had great fun are already looking forward to the 2017 edition.

A statement from the bank at the end of the highly successful road show reads: “At Zenith Bank, partnership with the youths in the areas of empowerment and development is a culture. This culture has over the years impacted the self-belief of participants and the hope for a brighter tomorrow.

Zenith Bank will continue to champion the course of the development of our youth who will be administering our great country tomorrow.”

Zenith Bank officials celebrating with the youth

Time for cake cutting with the youth

Buhari, Tinubu and Mega Party Brouhaha Ibidapo Balogun

F

ormer Lagos State governor and All Progressives Congress (APC) stalwart, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, has suddenly become the main issue in Nigeria’s politics. No issue seems complete until his name and stance, real or imagined, have been dropped into the mix. He has become the Obafemi Awolowo of our time, apologies to former military president, General Ibrahim Babangida, who once described the late sage as the main issue in Nigerian politics. To be sure, the late Chief Awolowo and Asiwaju Tinubu share many things in common. Like Awolowo, Tinubu subscribes to those noble ideals of progressive politics, such as entrenchment of rule of law in the land, representative democracy, fiscal federalism, social welfare policies and perhaps proper restructuring of the country.

Like Awolowo who believed in the cause of the Yoruba and fought for the emancipation of that race in national politics, Tinubu is also no less a believer in Yoruba nationalism.

Along with some of his associates, the late sage formed political parties to advance the fortunes of the Yoruba in national politics. He did not stop there. Whether in the First or Second Republics, the late Awo also moved to replicate the widely-applauded cardinal programmes of his political parties in the West at the national level by seeking to be Nigeria’s president.

Believe it or not, Asiwaju Tinubu is a progressive politician to the core. He ranks among the leading lights in the tribe of progressive-minded politicians in the country at present.

Whether in the defunct Social Democratic Party from 1991 to around 1993, in the Alliance for Democracy from 1999 till around 2006, the two political parties he belonged to then; or in the Action Congress of Nigeria, which he formed along with his associates around 2007 or the All Progressives Congress of Nigeria, whose formation he spearheaded in 2015, truth

is Tinubu’s political parties have always been progressive at heart. Awolowo was betrayed and denied by some of his associates, but he triumphed over them in life and in death.

Tinubu is also being pilloried and betrayed by some of his associates. He will also triumph.

Perhaps, that’s where the similarities between Awolowo and Tinubu end. It is common knowledge that Awolowo struggled to be president, but that ambition was beyond his reach. Tinubu is yet to indicate any interest in Nigeria’s presidency. It would seem that he loves to operate in the background, to play the kingmaker of sort. And when you are ordained to play that kind of role, it is bound to elicit all kinds of attacks and envy from many quarters - friends and foes alike - some of whom would want to be like him. Some would deliberately stoke the political fire to draw out the kingmaker, unearth his next political move and gauge his stand on issues or development perhaps to get their bearing or direction or to plan further hatchet work.

This leads me to recent reports, which tended to make wide assumptions and speculations on the relationship among President Muhammadu Buhari, Tinubu and APC. Two of these reports are particularly instructive here.

The first one, published by a national newspaper on December 3, 2016, with a sprinkling of the report in some online platforms, gave the impression that some APC leaders were yet to agree on how to handle Asiwaju Tinubu’s “alleged role” in the just-ended Ondo State election. The other one published by one or two newspapers also gave the impression that the former Lagos governor, along with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and a few PDP stalwarts were planning to form a new party to confront the governing APC in 2019. They insinuated that Tinubu was planning to exit the party and join the Senator Ahmed Makarfi-led faction of PDP to form a new mega party.

Taken together, the two reports are mutually contradictory. This is how. Tinubu, as alleged in one report, was going to be sanctioned by APC for his alleged role, whatever that is, in

the Ondo election. In another report, the same Tinubu is considered a strong factor enough to be allegedly planning to exit APC and form a new party they described as a Third Force.

One presented Tinubu as a political actor to be disciplined, sanctioned or dispensed with as it were for an alleged infraction. The other presented him as formidable enough to want to form a party to confront the same APC he helped to found.

But the good thing is the reports have been put down for what they are: mere speculations and rumours. Indeed, those who should know have already spoken out. President Buhari dismissed reports that he and the APC leadership were in dispute with Tinubu, describing them as unfounded and mischievous. He described the APC national leader as a priceless asset to APC. Speaking through his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity Garba Shehu, President Buhari said he was highly embarrassed by such suggestions, explaining that he was in regular contact with Tinubu (who was abroad then) before, during and after the Ondo gubernatorial election. According to the statement, “Any suggestions that the president and the party machinery were working to destroy Tinubu have no foundation in truth or any credibility… the president was impressed

by Tinubu’s assurance not to work against the party in Ondo and he honoured his words.

“President Buhari regards Tinubu as a priceless political asset to the party whose immeasurable contributions to the development and progress of the ruling party are known to all. Rumor mongers should stop spreading the seeds of discord and animosity between the president and Tinubu or the party. The president is proud of Jagaban and his pivotal role in the party and the movement. President Buhari commended Tinubu’s spirit of comradeship in promptly congratulating Rotimi Akeredolu who was elected governor. The president also noted that at a time his administration is preoccupied with governance issues, rumours of divisions and alleged scheming within the party are counterpro-

ductive to internal unity and cohesion in APC.” Meanwhile, Asiwaju Tinubu himself had also laid to rest speculations that he was leaving the APC to form a so-called mega party. He said in a series of coordinated tweets that he would not engage in “destructive pettiness”. He said: “In our journey to national betterment, plans and policies will be made, then amended. Mistakes will occur and corrected. Through it all, I, Asiwaju, will remain true to the progressive ideals that fuelled the creation of APC. I have devoted my political life to achieve what has been achieved. My heart is too much of the people, and my mind too fixed on establishing positive historic legacy...rather than engage in destructive pettiness. This government, APC, is for the betterment of the people and the national purpose is bigger and more important than any individual’s desires”.

Needless to add that the Chairman of PDP Board of Trustees, Senator Walid Jibrin, had also denied reports that the Ahmed Makarfi camp was in talks with Tinubu and Atiku to form a mega party. He said in a statement in Abuja that the party had never contemplated partnership with Tinubu and other APC chieftains with the purpose of forming another political party. Jibrin said: “I salute Tinubu’s courage for coming out to speak frankly about his position regarding this unfounded rumour and for setting the record straight. In Tinubu’s reaction denouncing the report, he criticised the PDP and I can’t understand why anybody would think that we are going to form a new party with somebody who is condemning us. The PDP is a golden name, a party formed by respectable and dignified Nigerians like Alex Ekwueme, Jerry Gana, Solomon Lar, Adamu Ciroma, Aminu Wali, Sule Lamido and many others.”

Is there any need to add any more to demonstrate that there is no iota of doubt in the fact that Asiwaju Tinubu remains committed to APC and the ideals that birthed the party?

• Balogun, a political activist and APC member, writes from Abuja.

24

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER •DECEMBER 17, 2016

TRAVEL&LEISURE

by OMOLOLA ITAYEMI omolola.itayemi@thisdaylive.com 08054699602

10 Significant Changes that will Impact Tourism in 2017

The tourism industry will no doubt witness a lot of significant changes in 2017. Here are the ten significant changes that will impact on the industry next year. Omolola Itayemi writes

T

The next NTDC Director General

he gentleman or lady that emerges as the next Director General of the Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC) has a significant role to play in impacting tourism especially without a ministry of tourism. So he/she becomes the defacto minister with a lot of influence and power in the industry. But, unlike the previous years, stakeholders comprising private sector and media are very concerned about happenings in the industry and every action taken will be scrutinised by them.

Now that the ministry is gone, the federal government must build the capacity of the NTDC, increase funding, release allocation early and most importantly, it must be allowed to generate revenue because mere marketing and promotion responsibilities as it stands, cannot grow local or international patronage.

So, it is pertinent to have a wellrounded person who will foster a smooth relationship between the private sector and the government.

We need to let go of the subtle warfare involving both, which hasn’t achieved much in the past and won’t do now.

Getting the Tourism Master Plan right When the tourism master plan was inaugurated in 2008 by former minister of tourism, culture and national orientation, Prince Adetokunbo Kayode, the aim was to launch the sector as a viable economic alternative to oil as well as market Nigeria’s tourism assets both at the local and international level.

Ten years down the line, it appears that achieving this project had become a herculean, with scanty activities in the sector.

Hardly had the current minister, Lai Mohammed announced the revival of the tourism plan following the visit of members of the International Tourism Adviser of the United Nations World Tourism Organisation, Mr. Jim Flannery that criticisms started flying. According to Mohammed, Flannery’s visit has kick-started the process of actualizing the six-point agreement reached between Nigeria and the UNWTO during his visit to its headquarters in Madrid, Spain, in July.

The need to have a vibrant tourism ministry The minister of Information, Culture and Nationality Orientation says part of the drive of this administration is making tourism one of the pillars of the nation’s economy. So serious has the minister been; he has resuscitated the Presidential Council on Tourism (PCT) and has started in earnest a review of the Master Plan.

But even with the best intentions, an industry as important as tourism needs its own ministry. Tourism is huge and so are its benefits, serious governments don’t play with it. When you see big budgets accrued to tourism products, you’ll understand what tourism is all about. Ask the tourism-forward countries such as South Africa, Dubai, Kenya, Thailand, Rwanda; the figures are there for all to see. If other pillars of the economy like oil and gas, agriculture and transportation have their ministries, why is tourism not having his?

Tourism Arrivals must be recorded To grow the sector in Nigeria, our arrivals have to improve. In 2014, over 4 million people came into the country via our airports; regrettably, most of these visitors are Nigerians returning home that does not fit the description and definition of a tourist.

The National Bureau of Statistics with other related bodies will have to step up their game. Some of the practitioners have in the past accused NBS of undermining the contribution of the sector to the Gross Domestic Product, which is one of the reasons that ultimately led to the scrapping of the ministry. The Nigerian immigration service is also indicted here; we should be able to get figures from them.

NBS inability to use modern and internationally prescribed standards for measuring Nigeria’s travel and tourism contribution to GDP, has failed the sector over the years for limiting its tracking to mere accommodation and Food Services/ Arts, Entertainment and Recreation. The Bureau’s approach fails to capture International Conventions and Agreements of the United Nations Statistical Commission approved in 2000 neither has it used the Tourism Satellite Account (TSA) conceptual framework as a new international standard in measuring the sector’s contribution to the GDP. Better synergy between government and private sector stakeholders A better synergy between government and all facets of private sector stakeholders will augur well for the industry. The media too has its role to play in decisions that will move the industry forward. Maybe this could be the reason behind the recent outburst of the National President of Nigerian Association of Tour Operators (NATOP), Nkereuwem Onung, who is a member of the review committee. Ater the meeting last week, Onung said: “I have attended the meeting and is impressed with the documents presented but I feel we should involve our local experts and tourism media in this review. These experts criticized the Masterplan and they were proved right with the failure of the plan. So, putting together another

Sally Mbanefo

plan without them is a sure path to failure. I want to see our known experts getting involved. We should not be afraid to involve them.”

Our Front Desk Officers need orientation on tourism-related matters No one is more important in tourism than your front desk officers, the first point of contact on arrival in any country. From to immigration to Nigeria Custom s to Port Health, their comportment towards visitors and tourists can be better. Nigerians have constantly complained of not being treated right.

If we are serious about tourism, these officers need to be trained to be more tourism-savvy. Also, we need to think about introducing tourism police like in other climes.

Visa on Arrival Sometime in September, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo in an interview said government was seriously considering the option of issuing visa on arrival to foreign investors and other business men from outside the country. This, he said, was to help remove many perceived bureaucratic bottlenecks that had clogged the business climate in Nigeria.

Where is team work? If we are really serious about making tourism an economic driver, then visa on arrival must extend to tourists as it’s being done in countries like Kenya. More so, all over the world, Nigerian visas are perceived as difficult to obtain and expensive, Visa on Arrival can help allay these fears and bring in more tourists.

Aviation Industry must get it right Major destinations around the world have their national airlines that help facilitate easy international movement, affordable air travel and convenience for both their nationals and foreign travellers alike. Right now, the aviation industry is beleaguered with a lot from collapse of local airlines to the deteriorating state of our international airports but it’s a major component of tourism so we must get it right.

Local travels in Nigeria are still much unaffordable, much less international trip, a situation that has made Nigeria one of the most expensive routes in the world. Reviving the travel and tourism industry must take a holistic approach with government addressing our bad roads; as well as establishing a befitting national carrier.

Private stakeholders’ role in the growth of the industry Never has it been most pertinent for the various associations in the industry to play a strong role in growing the industry. NATOP and NANTA have witnessed a surge in agitation for a better industry with their respective heads of recent. Asides these agitations, the role of these associations in growing the industry are huge especially in a country where government pays lip service to tourism. They can function better; we need to address the cause of their non-functionality in the past.

NURTW with its huge impact on tourism, being one of the main means of movement, especially with domestic tourism is nonexistent in tourism industry circles. Very sad because it’s role here is also as important as NANTA. Infrastructure must improve greatly Much more than choosing the next DG of NTDC, can we prevail on the government to facilitate better infrastructure. What is tourism without good infrastructure? Regrettably, transportation that is a major element of travel was not connected to tourism under the NBS data collection or collation. That’s how lopsided we do things. Our roads are bad and security in some parts of the country is not desirable.

It should be remembered that in order for individuals to take tourism trips to a given country or location, an infrastructure of services must be in place to respond to their specific needs: basically this means that modes of transport and transportation facilities, different types of accommodation, food serving services, recreation facilities, as well as other services.

25

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • DECEMBER 17, 2016

EXPRESSION

MEDIAGAFFES BY

For Diamond Bank

D

ATELINE: December 12, 2016: Diamond Bank PLC leads the infamous way today with this banking hall roll-up banner blunder at its Tejuosho, Yaba, Lagos, branch and other branches nationwide most likely: “A world of stress free (stress-free) transactions” “A delegate of the PDP in Ogun State… slumped and died in the early hours of Thursday in an hotel in Abeokuta, the state capital.” This is certainly the old school genre. New class: a hotel.

“Police absolves security agencies of electoral fraud” It would be astounding for the Nigeria Police to indict fellow state gangsters! And, of course: police absolve (not absolves). “…even if it means going extra miles….” I will go the extra mile (note the fixed expression) to ensure that this column appears unfailingly every week.

“And like (as) someone said recently….” “…in the evacuation of dead bodies to mortuary.” On a clinical note: corpses instead of ‘dead bodies’ and a mortuary or mortuaries, depending on the fact of the matter. “…as well as condoning the place and evacuating the dead and survivors to nearest health facilities.” Bomb blasts and conflicting figures: cordoning off (take note of the spelling and correct entry) the place.

“There seems (seem) to be stiff competitions among the foreign media and local press as well as….”

“…politicians are also culprits in overheating the system with provocative statements in blaming their opponents over (for) every misdeed.” “…the likely antics of masquerades (masqueraders) behind some of those disasters when one juxtaposes the scenario to the forthcoming general elections.” Additionally: juxtaposes the scenario and/with (not to) the forthcoming general elections.

As voter registration begins, let us carry out our civic duty by participating and being our brother’s keeper (not brothers’ keepers, irrespective of the number)!

Let us welcome last week’s edition of this medium which contained a few errors and thereafter a cocktail of nondescript infelicities from the mass media: “Baring few skirmishes which regrettably led to the death of four persons….” An anatomy of the season of linguistic violence: there is a world of distinction between ‘a few’ (which correctly applies here) and ‘few’, which connotatively suggests an expectation of more skirmishes—except if the writer has a weird denotative inclination towards potentialities for more skirmishes! Otherwise, the extract is lexically absurd because of his regret.

“Just imagine a young man that rounded up his apprenticeship as a welder.” This is an indication of the current malaise in scholarship: a situation where a lecturer cannot distinguish between phrasal verbs, ‘round up’ and ‘round off’ (which applies here).

“Will anybody please let us know which country became a super-power by allowing its best brains to roam about the world?”

‘Roam’ encompasses ‘about’.

“News from the universities are no longer about innovation.…” News is news (uncountable).

“The condition, which is said to be due to an abnormality in either the number or structure of the chromosomes, cuts across every races.” Get it right: every race or all races.

“Janet, a twelve-year-old and the third child of her parents’ four offsprings and the only one with the problem…” ‘Offspring’ is non-count.

“Since 1993, funding of oil exploration have (has) been beset by different levels of problems.”

“In answering this question we classify the outcomes into long term and short term implications.” The greatest problem of journalists: unnecessary embellishment (outcome) of words.

“This is clearly a danger signal as the time between discovering an oil field and commercially putting it on stream could be between four to five years.” No analysis: between four and five or from four to five years.

“THISDAY checks reveal that every termination penalties goes from 500,000 US dollars to 2 million US dollars”. Check the discord as already discussed above.

“Lack of funds cripple waste management activities” Another error of attraction: Lack of funds cripples.

“Nevertheless, the donor country is also interested in this decision to ensure that the loan is repaid as at when due with its accrued interest.” Without any periscope: the loan is repaid when due (not as at when due which is pleonastic).

EBERE WABARA

ewabara@yahoo.com, 08055001948

“Government should consider the destructive effect that further delay in the sale of rescued banks would mete out on the banking system”. Stock phrase: mete out to (not on) the banking system.

“If the family cannot truely relish at least a decent meat….” Spelling counts: truly.

“A man does not have to be a money bag (sic) before he can dress well and look charming in his own little way.” Brighten up your English usage: A man does not have to be moneybags…. Moneybag is a sac! “…in addition, (sic) to dispensing drugs for immediate relief and giving counsel on the steps necessary to prevent a reoccurrence.” Good grammar: recurrence.

“The arsonists usually escape with their loot as the embattled market lays in ashes, leaving many traders terminally ruined financially.” There should be no dilemma: ‘lays’ for ‘lies’?

“If somebody had told me when I met with late Dr. Ernest Ogunade shortly before his death that it was going to be the last encounter with him.…” The first and only time when I met (not with) the (vital article) late Dr. Ogunade of the Mass Communications Department of the University of Lagos until his death he commended this column as published in the heyday of Daily Times profusely. May his cerebral soul continue to rest in peace (not ‘perfect peace’ as abused by some users of the English language!

“I still remember vividly that when it was my turn to speak at the occasion….”

I thought we had gone past this stage: on (never at) the occasion.

El-Rufai and the Killing Fields of Southern Kaduna

T

he Governor of Kaduna State, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai is a man of strong convictions. He is also a man of tough guts notwithstanding his diminutive frame. He is not known to shy away from battles whether accidental or contrived. There is almost always one controversy or the other stamped on the episodes of his chequered public life. But as one adept at swimming in shark-infested waters, he manages to navigate safely ashore each time the waves buffet strongest. For a man as adroitly courageous and shrewd as he is, there must be a lesson or two to learn from El-Rufai.

His admirers and supporters will also tell you there is a lesson or two as well to learn from his governance and political style in Kaduna State. But on this there is a sharp disagreement from the camp of his traducers. Whether the demurring is based on objective or subjective criteria is something that should be left to the verdict of an electoral jury in just over two years’ time. Until then however, politicians will not be prevented from politicking just as Governor El-Rufai should not be impeded from the onerous task of governance. But that is if he is not the one constituting the impediment knowingly or accidentally.

The governor’s handling or mishandling of the killings in Southern Kaduna is a ready reference in this wise. And this is where his traducers seem to have received the sympathy and support of those sitting on the fence of Kaduna’s politics if not even some in El-Rufai’s camp. This is because the recurring mayhem that has been perpetuated by mindless marauders masquerading as Fulani herdsmen in several communities of Southern Kaduna has become an issue of national if not global opprobrium. And from information emerging on the matter so far, El-Rufai may have provided his enemies ready weapons to do battle with him successfully on this matter. Incidentally, not everyone who disagrees with his approach to the mayhem can rightly be regarded as an enemy of the governor. Suffice to say that the killings in Southern Kaduna did not just start yesterday. In fact, it actually predated his governorship but has got escalated under his stewardship. But his handling of the situation so far does not seem to offer much lessons in leadership. The people of the affected areas appear to be losing confidence on the governor’s ability or sincerity or both to subdue if not totally abate the ugly situation.

This much is conveyed in the widely circulated press statement of Sen. Danjuma Laah, member of the Senate representing Southern Kaduna senatorial district in the National Assembly.

Senator Laah almost practically accused the governor of conniving and supporting the killers of his constituents instead of protecting them against the killers. He based his allegations “on some very vexing and serious utterances made by Governor Nasir el-Rufai of Kaduna State as it concerns the survival and wellbeing of Southern Kaduna,” saying: “Newspapers and online captions quoted Governor Nasir el-Rufai as saying that he has had to trace some of the murderous Fulani herdsmen that have been killing defenceless, innocent Southern Kaduna natives and destroying their villages. The news sources said that after tracing them, he told them that he was also a Fulani man and paid them sums of money to stop the massacre, burning and tearing down of scores of communities in Southern Kaduna. That not done with, the governor also uttered a very bizarre threat that he has compiled for arrest and prosecution, names of persons asking the people of Southern Kaduna to defend themselves against the obvious inability of the Chief Security Officer of the

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El-Rufai

state- Governor Nasir El-Rufai - to secure their life and property and save them the trauma of being under perpetual fear of further unprovoked violence.” The senator continued his detailed narration: “Knowing how swiftly he (El-Rufai) reacts to any untoward issue unfairly thrown at him in the media, I have waited for days to hear or read a rebuttal from him but to no avail. This therefore confirms these unfortunate utterances as truly that of the governor of Kaduna State, Mallam Nasir el-Rufai. I wish to state that these statements are not only unfortunate, callous, insensitive, crude and demeaning of his office and intelligence, it throws him up as a bigot and hater of Southern Kaduna and we are holding him as an accomplice in the ongoing genocide in Southern Kaduna.

According to the Leadership Newspaper of 4th December, 2016 under the headline: “Foreigners Behind Southern Kaduna Massacre – El-Rufai, he was quoted as saying about what happened during the 2011 post presidential election violence: “Some of them (Killer Fulani) were from Niger, Cameroon, Chad, Mali and Senegal. That there was never in a time in 2011 that Fulani from Mali, Niger, Chad, Cameroon, Mali and Senegal were killed in Southern Kaduna with their cattle. This is a silly and an absurd lie. Southern Kaduna is not a junction of these countries. So how could they have all converged on Southern Kaduna on their usual migration back home? The governor just invented this lie to make excuse for his imported murderous Fulani kindred to continue their extermination of our people and the occupation of our lands.” The senator went on: “In the light of the above, the Federal

Government, especially the Nigeria Intelligence Agency (NIA), the Directorate of State Services (DSS), the Directorate of Military Intelligence (DMI) and sundry agencies should look no further for the solution to the relentless killings in Southern Kaduna. El-Rufai must be held to produce the killers of innocent Nigerians since he has been able to identify them and their locations. After Governor Nasir el-Rufai’s term in office, it should be possible to prosecute him for being an accessory to mass murder, since he has refused to reveal these findings to the rightful authority for actions to stop the evil that is spreading to many states today.” Rebuffing claims by the Kaduna State Deputy Governor, Mr. Bala-Bantex that the leaders of Southern Kaduna have refused to cooperate with the state governor in attempts to resolve the crisis, Laah said that “despite many overtures of trying to meet with the governor over the insecurity in my zone with no success, he has never deem it fit to inform me of these actions so as to seek my views and that of my constituency over the matter. This is a very curious development, especially as I was able to make the Senate to pass a resolution asking the Federal Government to declare a State of Emergency on Security in Southern Kaduna last month. I expected him to cash on that, using his connection with the President and Commanderin-Chief. But, he was obviously not concerned. I am constrain to add that Nasir el-Rufai with his lack of will to show commitment to the insecurity in Southern Kaduna, and his resolve to carry on with over six Cattle Grazing Reserves in Southern Kaduna, he is actually creating new, permanent “conquered” settlements. I said this because these herdsmen have killed people and chased them out from their communities and are now fully settled with their families and cattle in several villages in Kaura, Sanga and Jema’a Local Government Areas, while the governor turns his eyes the other way round. My conviction on this is based on the findings that the State government was able to wage a concerted war against cattle thieves and bandits in the expansive forests and hills of Birnin Gwari environs and easily succumbed the criminals, but has refused to extend even a fraction of that effort to save precious human lives and human communities in Southern Kaduna. The simple reason is that just as it is in the interest of law abiding Fulani to recover their cattle and goats in Birnin Gwari from same rogue herdsmen, it also may be in the interest of these herdsmen to leave our damaged and, yet to be ruined communities, weak and helpless for them to easily take over.” It is not only Sen. Laah who has taken El-Rufai to task on the killings. A socio-political group, Alaigbo Development Forum (ADF) called on the National Assembly to mandate a national commission of inquiry to investigate the governor over his disclosure that the “Fulani herdsmen who are killing Nigerians are from other West African States.” President of the group, Mr. Uzodinma Nwala in a statement during the week said: “The revelation by Governor El-Rufai that the Fulani from other West African States have been on the prowl in the territory of the Federal Republic of Nigeria is the most serious information on the dangers of the ongoing series of intimidation, annihilation, genocidal massacre, rape, targeted at other ethnic nationalities and the Christian communities, with Ndigbo as the prime target.”

According to him, “the public outcry of Senator Danjuma Tella Laah in a recent press conference with its chilling account of what the people of Southern Kaduna are going through is another cry unto the heavens.

––Epia, Publisher of OrderPaper.ng is onTwitter @resourceme.

Readers can continued online www.thisdaylive.com

26

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • DECEMBER 17, 2016

AUTO

KiaUnveilsSantaSurprisePromo,OffersSpecialDiscounts Stories by Bennett Oghifo

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n the spirit of the yuletide season, Kia Motors Nigeria has inaugurated a service promo to reward customers with cash discounts and surprise giveaways when they bring their cars for after-sales service to its centres across the country. The promo is to reaffirm the brand’s commitment to providing the best affordable and premium ser0vices to customers geared towards making their ownership experience more enjoyable in the phase of the recent economic recession.

In a statement issued by the company, the Chief Operation Officer, Gitesh Yagnik stated that it has become imperative for Kia to offer a highly competitive and discounted preferential service package for its customers to enable them enjoy the optimum service offering from the company following the current cash crunch in the country. He further stressed that the scheme is to celebrate the season with the customers by doling out surprise giveaways and offering a discounted service package.

The scheme is aimed at giving Kia customers best-in-class service offering at a discounted price to help keep their cars in great shape without compromising exceptional service delivery for a guaranteed quality and ownership experience.

“We at Kia have always exceeded cus-

New state-of-the-art Kia Service Centre at Oshodi-Apapa Expressway, Isolo, Lagos.

tomer expectations by providing special offers throughout the year addressing their needs and aspirations to own Kia cars. The scheme is available in all our service centers across the country to enable all our customers avail this very special offer,” said Gitesh.

Recognised for its commitment and reliable service offering, Kia’s value

chain covers an end-to-end customer focused operations, for every customer purchasing a Kia vehicle, it is the beginning of a fulfilling experience as Kia’s top class after-sales service ensures that every customer is satisfied. The after-sales service prides itself on the advantage of its certified engineers’ expertise and genuine replacement

parts which help Kia cars retain its top-notch performance and reliability for years to come. The service scheme is valid the 25th of December.

Meanwhile, Kia Motors has won two 2016 Good Design awards, for the Telluride Concept and the production Cadenza sedan, in the program’s ‘Transportation’ category.

Winner Emerges at Coscharis BMW Golf Cup National Tournament

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oscharis Motors Limited has successfully completed this Year’s BMW Golf National championship, hosted at the Lakowe Lake Golf Club in Lagos, recently.

The championship was designed to reward the company’s golf playing customers and select the gross winner to represent BMW Nigeria at the BMW World Golf International in Dubai next year.

The overall gross winner and national representative, Tunji Adebayo actually finished 3rd place in the men’s category 1 but achieved gross 79 to emerge the overall winner. He will be representing BMW Nigeria next year in Dubai at the Emirate Golf club from March 5 – 10, 2017.

Other winners in the men’s category 1 are: Boniface Obieze – First Place with Nett 70 and Michael Ikpoki – Second Place with Nett 73. For Men’s Category 2 first place went to Tony Tan with Nett 73, Femi Monehin (Nett 74) second place and Paul Brisibe (Nett 77) with third place.

Winners in the women’s category are first place - Hon. Rev. Mrs Tshola Williams (Nett 79) while Toyin Martins was second (Nett 82) and Chinyelu Onochie came third with Nett 87.

According to the overall gross winner, Tunji Adebayo, he is thrilled to have achieved the status of the national representative and looks forward to ably representing the proudly Nigerian brand in Dubai next year. “It is a magic feeling, and I will not forget this winning for a long time”.

For the golfers, it is a dual fun to be rewarded for doing what they enjoy and that’s the beauty in any game. They complimented the BMW representative – Coscharis Motors, “for holding such a fantastic tournament and we are already looking forward to next

L-R: Group Executive Director, Operations, Coscharis Group, Mr Amobi Fred; BMW Golf Cup National Qualifier, Mr. Tunji Adebayo; and Deputy Group Managing Director, Coscharis Group, Okey Nwuke, during the BMW Golf Cup National award presentation ceremony in Lagos... recently

year’s competition”.

He said, “For Coscharis, as the exclusive representative of the globally respected iconic auto brand of BMW, it’s always a privileged opportunity to host our ever loyal BMW customers and hot prospects alike in a relax environment enjoying the beautiful sport of Golf.

You will all agree with me that this period of the year is just perfect to say thank you for your patronage through the year despite

all odds, says Dr Cosmas Maduka, President/CEO of Coscharis Motors, who was represented by Mr Fred Amobi, the Group Executive Director, Operations.

“Our expectation is that our top winner from this national qualifier will not only represent us at the BMW World Golf but will return as the first ever winner of the “Major” from Sub Sahara Africa. But all the same, we congratulate all our winners and players who have showed the sporting spirit

which is so much part of the game of golf.”

Each year BMW presents the opportunity for club golfers from around the world a chance to participate in amateur golf’s only “Major.” It’s called the BMW Golf Cup International and it’s entered by over 1000 golfers from 50 countries, culminating in a 54 hole competition on one of the most beautiful golf resorts on the planet. This year’s event culminates in Dubai at the Emirate Golf club from March 5 – 10, 2017.

Hyundai Elantra Wins Two AJAC Category Awards

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he all-new Hyundai Elantra was awarded the Best New Small Car title and the Hyundai Elantra Sport won the Best New Sports/Performance Car title by the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC).

First introduced in 1991, the Elantra compact sedan – now in its sixth generation – has sold over 500,000 units in Canada and more than

10 million units worldwide. Meanwhile, the Sport version is new to the Hyundai line-up and stands as the most powerful Elantra model ever produced.

The previous generation Elantra won both the Canadian Car of the Year and North American Car of the Year titles in 2012, and this new recognition continues Hyundai’s recent winning ways in the Canadian competition. Since 2011,

the Tucson, Accent, Veloster, Elantra GT, Santa Fe Sport, and Sonata have also received honours from AJAC. As category winners, Elantra and Elantra Sport are both now on the final list of contenders for the 2017 Canadian Car of the Year title announced February 16, 2017.

“We could not be more thrilled to receive these awards. It’s especially rewarding for the engineers and designers who worked tirelessly

to bring to market the best vehicle Hyundai could possibly develop,” said Don Romano, President and CEO of Hyundai Auto Canada Corp. “The Elantra is our highest volume car and one of the best-selling cars consumers have decided to park in their driveways. Winning an AJAC award for both the Elantra and Elantra Sport demonstrates that our customers made an exceptional choice.”

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • DECEMBER 17, 2016

AUTO SAFE DRIVING

JONAS AGWU

with

(Asst Corps Marshal) Zonal Commanding Officer Zone RS7 Abua phone 08077690700 FRSC TOLL FREE NO 122 Email:j.agwu@frsc.gov.ng

Checklist For Buying A NewTyre

A

A lineup of Range Rover Evoque, displaying on-road capabilities

Range Rover Evoque, Range Rover Sport Show on-Road, off-Road Character Stories by Bennett Oghifo

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hedrivetotheLandRover Experience Centre was enough stretch for the Range Rover Evoque and Land Rover Sport to prove their on-road capabilities and to display their beauty.

Heads turned and held, during The Art of Performance Tour, as journalists from some countries in sub-SaharanAfrica, where Jaguar Land Rover sell these cars, drove through the streets of Pretoria in South Africa on their way to the Land Rover Experience Centre.

Evoque Convertible...

Roofs down, the Range Rover Evoque powered on to the centre where its off-road journey began through uneven surfaces, stiff

climbs and effortlessly taking on sharp descend. The Evoque convertible proved it could thrive in rough terrain, with only three tyres on the rough road. It practically swims through flooded roads and other tough terrains.

Although the Evoque convertible is a driver’s car, but the passengers are guaranteed comfort, even in the back seat.

The Evoque’s interior is crafted for comfort, the auto maker insists. Twin-needle stitched leather and a choice of aluminium and wood veneers are offered to help create your ideal space. A massage function with heated and cooled seats are available as an option for the front seats and on a HSE Dynamic onwards and enhanced ConfigurableAmbient Interior Lighting sets the right

tone.

InControl Touch Pro is Land Rover’s next-generation infotainmentsystemthatadvancesRange Rover Evoque’s connectivity and entertainment to the very highest level. Find a parking space, stream your favourite music and even track a stolen vehicle - InControl can make your life easier.

The Convertible is available in HSEDynamicandHSEDynamic Lux models featuring an Ebony fabric Z-folding Convertible Roof System.

The Range Rover Evoque is available in Coupé, Five-door and Convertible body styles.

The Coupé and Five-door feature up to a six model lineup including SE, SE Tech, HSE Dynamic, HSE Dynamic Lux and

Autobiography.

Range Rover Sport...

The Range Rover Sport, understandably, did a better job of taking on the rough terrain at the Experience Centre. It did a graceful climb of the road and unassisted descend, gliding past the flooded patch and gravely uneven stretch.

Introduced in 2013, Range Rover Sport is a genuine Land Rover success story, according to the auto maker, delivering all the refinement and capability expected from a large SUV with the performance normally associated with a sports car. Land Rover’s latest InControlTouchProinfotainment system andAdvanced TowAssist technology were introduced to the nameplate in August.

CIG Motor Unveils GS 4 SUV

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IGMotorhasunveiledthe ChineseluxuryGS4SUV, at an impressive event in Lagos.

The new GS4 unveiling was graced by important persons, including Nobel Laureate, Prof.

Wole Soyinka and Minister of Information and Culture,Alhaji Lai Mohammed. Others are General Manager of GAC Motors. Yu Jun; ChairmanofCIGMotor,MsDiana Chen;theChineseConsulGeneral, Chao Xiaoliang; the Oludo of II’d Oba Adeen Adedapo Aderemi, among others.

Chairman of CIG Motor, Diana Chen was a delight of those who came to witness the special event, as he announced donations to players in the arts sector as well as a generous 25 percent discount for those who buy the vehicle immediately after the launch.

Diana Chen who happens to be thefirstChinesewomanconferred with a Nigerian chieftaincy title, told the guests that her company has been supporting the culture and arts of Nigeria since it started doing business in Nigeria some three years ago. In a similar vein, the Information and Culture Minister, reasonedthatthecreativeindustry is a major avenue for revenue

L-R: Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed; a special guest; the Oludo of Ido, Oba AdeenAdedapo Aderemi; Chinese Consul General in Nigeria, Chao Xiaoliang; Chairman of CIG Motor, Ms. Diana Chen; and General Manager of GAC Motors, YuJun, at the official launch of the GS4 SUV in Victoria Island, Lagos... recently

generation and commended CIG Motor (sole distributor of GAC vehicles in Nigeria) for its support to the sector.According to him, “I am very proud to be here today especially knowing the contribution of the GAC Motors in the area of culture, especially in the area of the creative industry, andIwishthemmanymoreyears of collaboration”.

Nike Davies-Okundaye of Nike Centre for Arts and Culture, was also full of commendation for the GAC brand, and recommended thebrandtoautopatrons,because, according to her, the two units she bought are giving her good value for money.

In his remarks, Chinese Consul General, Chao Xiaoliang, said Nigeria and China have a lot in

common, and have a lot to benefit, even as he observed that GAC has a very good pedigree in delivering quality vehicles to customers.

General Manager of GAC Motor, Yu Jun stated that his company has been known over the years for quality auto products accepted in Europe, the United States of America and other parts of the world.

Oversight Function, not witch-hunt, Says Committee

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he Chairmen, Joint Senate and House of Representatives committees on Land Transport, Senator Gbenga Ashafa and Hon.Aminu Isa, have stated that oversight functions being carried out by the Legislature should not be interpreted as witch hunt. The duo stated this

on Tuesday during a working visit of the joint committees to the headquarters of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) in Lagos.

According to Ashafa, “The joint Senate/House committee on Land Transport is conscious of its enormous responsibilities as provided for in the extant Senate/

House standing orders, which covers the ministry, departments, agencies including annual budgets and oversights of the MDAs. Ashafa who congratulated the MD of NRC on the recent confirmation of his appointment, said “The committee is aware of thee numerous challenges of the Nigerian Railway Corporation

and it is determined, with the support of the Senate/House leadership, to take necessary legislative actions to address the aspect of the challenges requiring our interventions.

MD of NRC, Engr. Fidet Okhiria said “as a corporation, our vision is to become a world class rail transport organisation.”

isha had just a month to round up her national youth service year, wed her love and live happily ever after. Tragedy struck when she died leaving her family broken.Nnamdi’s story was no different but unlikeAisha, he had rounded up service and was privileged to get a mouth watering job in a multinational company with a chauffeur driven car. Barely two months into the job, he had a head on collision and was burnt beyond recognition.

Both crashes were tyre related.

I am sure the crash that caused the death of a serving minister, his wife and son is still very fresh.

It was also caused by tyre burst.

With just a week to Christmas; I have chosen to treat tyre care which when ignored often results in tyre burst, another risk factor.

Buying a new tyre is my focus for this week Tyres are among the most important part of the vehicle but unfortunately the least understood. Without the tyres, your vehicle is useless. You need the tyres to start, move and stop the vehicle. So buying tyres is a task you need to undertake very carefully otherwise your safety and that of other could be put in great danger.before you buy any tyre, give serious consideration into the size of the tyre,the age of the tyre and the physical conditions of the tyre.

Tyre size:On the side wall of your tyres, you will see figures like 215/75/15r, 195/65/14r and so on. These are designations for your tyre sizes. Check your own tyre to know what is written on it. The first figure from the left is the width (from side wall to side wall) of the tyre in millimeters; the middle number is what is known as the aspect ratio used to calculate the height of the side wall of the tyre. The last number is the ream diameter. When you go to buy tyres you will mention all of those figure to the tyre seller so that he will give you exactly what you want, there are various sizes of tyres in the market that can fit your type of vehicle but that does not mean that those sizes are good/safe for your vehicle.

Every vehicle has tyre sizes specified by the vehicle manufacturer. If you check the tyre placard by the end of your driver’s door, hood or the vehicle’s manual, you will see the specification for your vehicles tyre sizes, please stick to these specification while buying replacement tyre. Don’t let the tyre seller give you something else. The manufacturer of your vehicle have taken a lot of factors into consideration before specifying your vehicle tyre sizes. If you change that, your vehicle may not handle well, may be risking a blowout and a crash. Changing to fatter tyres like some people do may look better but not safer.

In most cases, the manufacture provides alternative sizes should you not find the original sizes the vehicle came with. The tyre

placard will specify these alternative. However, there are some calculations you can make to get sizes apart from what the manufacturer specified that will give you the same result as the original specification, but you need to know how to do the calculations otherwise stick to the original specification.

Determinig the age of the tyre:Even more important that the size of the tyre is its age.

Unfortunately most motorists as well as tyre sellers themselves don’t know how to check for the tyre age they depends only on visual inspection of the physical conditions. Some will invite a vulcanizer who will do a press up (or is it press down) on the tyre to certify if it is okay what a wrong and dangerousthingto do.

Why the emphasis on the emphasis on age of a tyre? Just as age could disqualify and otherwise promising marriage mate, age will disqualify a tyre even if every other thing seems alright from a visual inspection. Do not be deceived by a tyre’s looks every tyre has an effective life span beyond which you will be entering the danger zone. As a general rule, any tyre more than 6 years old should be discarded. This rule, however, applies to quality tyres withbrandedknownnames.Less quality tyres of course, may not last that long.

So how do you determine the age of a tyre? On like humans who can hide their ages, every tyre provides information about its age but in a coded form.Look at the side walls of your tyre and check for the letters dot. Look around the dot (to the left or to the right) until you get to either a three digit or four digit number boldly imprinted on the tyre without any alphabet attached to it. Some tyres though, may not have the letters dot printed on them. Just look around the side wall you definitely will see a 3 or 4 digit number clearly imprinted on the tyre. The 3 or 4 digit number is the code designating the date of manufacture of the tyre. Since it is a code, you need to decode it to get the age of the tyre. So lets decode it. If it is a 3 digit number, check to see if it has a triangle sign attached to it. A 3 digit number without a triangle means the tyre was manufactured in the 80’s , the first two number from the left tells you the week in the year while the last number tells you the year in the 80’s. For example if you have the number 341 (without a triangle) it means 34 week of 1981 (34 is the first two numbers from the left indicating the week while 1 is the last number indicating the year in the 80’s) if the 3 digit number has a triangle it means the tyre was made in the 90’s. So 341 with a triangle means the tyre was made in the 34th week in 1991. If it is a 4 digit number, it means the tyre was made any year from year 2000. For example, a tyre with 2302 means the 23rd week of year 2002.

28

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • December 17, 2016

FAMILY HEALTH with

BOBO BODE -KAYODE

Mouth Hygiene

lifeissuesfromwithin@yahoo.com, .Cel,

W

08053372356

hen you open your mouth, what emanates from it tells a lot about you. Good oral health can have so many wonderful life-changing benefits. From greater selfconfidence to better luck in careers and relationships, a healthy smile can truly transform your visual appearance, the positivity of your mind-set, as well as improving the health of not only your mouth but your body too.

What is Good Oral Hygiene?

Good oral hygiene results in a mouth that looks and smells healthy. This means: Your teeth are clean and free of debris • Gums are pink and do not hurt or bleed • when you brush or floss Bad breath is not a constant problem • If your gums do hurt or bleed while • brushing or flossing, or you are experiencing persistent bad breath, see your dentist. Any of these conditions may indicate a problem.

Your dentist or hygienist can help you learn good oral hygiene techniques and can help point out areas of your mouth that may require extra attention during brushing and flossing.

Practice Good Oral Hygiene Maintaining good oral hygiene is one of the most important things you can do for your teeth and gums. Healthy teeth not only enable you to look and feel good, they make it possible to eat and speak properly. Good oral health is important to your overall well-being.

Daily preventive care, including proper brushing and flossing, will help stop problems before they develop and is much less painful, expensive, and worrisome than treating conditions that have been allowed to progress. In between regular visits to the dentist, there are simple steps that each of us can take to greatly decrease the risk of developing tooth decay, gum disease and other dental problems. These include: • Brushing thoroughly twice a day and flossing daily • Eating a balanced diet and limiting snacks between meals • Using dental products that contain fluoride, including toothpaste • Rinsing with a fluoride mouth rinse if your dentist tells you to.

• Brush your teeth last thing at night and at least one other time during the day with a fluoride toothpaste.

• Clean in between your teeth at least once a day using interdental brushes or floss.

• To check if you have bad breath lick your wrist, let it dry and give it a sniff, if it smells your breath probably does too.

• If you use mouthwash don’t use it directly after brushing as you rinse away the fluoride from your toothpaste.

• Quit smoking to help reduce the chances of tooth staining, gum disease, tooth loss, and in more severe cases mouth cancer. Make sure your toothpaste contains fluoride; it helps strengthen tooth enamel making it more resistant to decay.

• Change your toothbrush every two to three months or sooner if it becomes worn as it will not clean the teeth properly.

Visiting the dentist Visit your dentist regularly, as often as they recommend. Some dentists may offer home visits for people who are housebound or have difficulty visiting the surgery. If you are nervous about visiting the dentist, make sure they are aware of why so they can improve your treatment. Help to overcome dental anxiety by taking a friend with you for support or listen to music to help you relax and focus on something else.

Maintaining good oral hygiene is one of the most important things you can do for your teeth and gums. Healthy teeth not only enable you to look and feel good, they make it possible to eat and speak properly.

Good oral health is important to your overall well-being

Your dentist will carry out a visual mouth cancer check during your regular check-up.

Your diet is important • Chew sugar-free gum after eating or drinking, especially sugary foods, to help protect your teeth and gums in between meal.

• Wait an hour after eating or drinking anything before brushing as then enamel will be softened and you could be brushing away tiny particles.

• A varied diet that is rich in vitamins, minerals, and fresh fruit and vegetables can help to prevent gum disease. Finishing a meal with a cube of cheese is a great, and tasty, way to reduce the effect of acids from the foods damaging your teeth.

• Avoid snacking and try to only have sugary foods and drinks at mealtimes, reducing the time your teeth come under attack.

Carry your children along If you have a sweet tooth try to choose sugar free sweets and drinks which contain xylitol as it can actively contribute to your oral health. Weaning your baby off the bottle early can help them avoid developing dental problems. Parents should try and supervise your children’s tooth brushing until they are about 7 years olds. Take your child to the dentist early, as soon as their teeth start to appear, this will help them get used to the sights, sounds and smells of a dental practice. Use a timer or brush a long to a song to ensure your children are brushing for the correct amount of time.

Use a reward chart to track your children’s brushing habits and get them actively involved in brushing their teeth. Use disclosing tablets to show areas of your children’s mouth which may need better brushing.

It pays to pay attention 1. Use the right toothbrush and technique.

Brushing with fluoride toothpaste at least once every day is a must for removing plaque, a thin film of bacteria and food particles which is the main cause of dental disease. Your efforts are more effective if you use a soft-bristled, multitufted brush that’s replaced often, especially when bristles become splayed and worn. To remove the most plaque and avoid damaging your gums, brush with a gentle, circular motion for at least two minutes over all tooth surfaces.

2. Don’t forget to floss. Your toothbrush can get to most but not all the plaque on your teeth. Flossing — either with flossing string, pre-loaded flossers or a water irrigator — helps remove plaque from between teeth. Don’t rely on toothpicks either — they can’t do the job flossing can do to remove plaque.

3. Mind your habits. We all develop certain behavioral patterns — like snacking, for instance.

Constant snacking on foods with added sugar (a major food source for bacteria) increases your disease risk. Consider healthier snacks with fresh fruits or dairy, and restrict sugary foods to mealtimes (and the same for sports and energy drinks, which have high acid levels).

Stop habits like tobacco use, excessive alcohol consumption or chewing on hard objects, all of which can damage your teeth and gums and create a hostile environment in your mouth.

4. Watch for abnormalities. If you pay attention, you may be able to notice early signs of problems. Bleeding, inflamed or painful gums could indicate you’re brushing too hard — or, more likely, the early stages of periodontal (gum) disease. Tooth pain could signal decay. And sores, lumps or other spots on your lips, tongue or inside of your mouth and throat could be a sign of serious disease.

GLOBAL SOCCER

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • JUNE 16, 2011

A

WEEKLY PULL-OUT

17.12.2016

NIGERIA'S DUO FACE-OFF ATTHE ETIHAD PAGE. 29

Paul Okoku

Super Eagles Must Remain Focused for Russia 2018

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • DECEMBER 17, 2016

GLOBAL SOCCER

Okoku charges Super Eagles not to lose track of Russia 2018

Super Eagles Must Remain Focused for Russia 2018

Not many would have guessed that after just two World Cup qualifying matches in a “Group of Death” that Super Eagles next contender would be trailing by a distant four points. Ahead of Nigeria's match against Cameroun, former Nigerian international, Paul Okoku, thinks the group is for the national team to conquer Kunle Adewale reports

"N

o team emerges as champions without being prepared to beat the best. You look at the teams in your group and respect them, but that does not mean that they are not beatable. From my own perspective, I didn’t see any big deal in the teams we were going to play when the draws were made, and you can see, we are in the driver’s seat. As Nigerians, we always believe that when we put on the green-white-green jersey, nobody can beat us,” declared Paul Okoku, former Super eagles player.

Asked if he ever thought at the end of

two matches, Nigeria would be leading the group with four points ahead of the next opponent, he said: “In the game of football, anything is possible. Yes, I expected that. I’ve always known us to be a determined side when we have the right coaching crew. And this time around, the Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, made the right choice of manager and I hope the players maintain the consistency and ride on the moment. They are already taking us to the promised land.”

The defunct National Bank of Lagos FC player however admitted that he had no insight about the present Super Eagles Coach before he was employed.

“I don’t have an idea who the coach was before his appointment as the

Super Eagles coach but he has proven to have a very good understanding of African football. He is somebody that is familiar with the terrain,” he said.

With about eight months to the next qualifier game against Cameroun in Uyo, Okoku is charging the NFF to engage the players in quality friendly matches. “They should engage the players, those in Europe would naturally be involved in the European leagues, but the federation should look for a way to engage the homebased players when the Nigerian league is not in progress. They should also play more friendly matches so that the coaches could identify opportunities and correct errors before the match proper and that is the key.”

A number of Super Eagles have impressed Okoku. But Iheanacho would always come first. “I watched him grow under my very nose and he has impressed me the most. The way he is scoring goals at his age is phenomenon,” he noted.

One match Okoku would not forget in a hurry was the final of the Africa Cup of Nations in 1984 against Cameroun, which incidentally was his last game for the country before leaving for the United States to further his education.

“After beating Ghana in the group stage and coming from two goals down to beat Egypt in the semifinal, we felt no team can beat us, so we went into the final game against the Indomitable Lions full of confidence. We played our

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DECEMBER 17, 2016 • THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

GLOBAL SOCCER

Okoku supporting the Internally Displaced Persons, IDP, with his Greater Tomorrow Children Foundation

Okoku

hearts out during the game but we lost 3-1. The outcome of the game really devastated us and the excitement we had before the match diminished after

the game and it took a long time for us to recover. At that time, I just knew it was definitely was my last match for the country.

“However, we set a record with the game. Though, we had won the AFCON earlier in 1980 on home soil, but it was the first time the Green Eagles, as the national team was called then, would be winning the silver.

Before then, our best effort had been bronze medals on two occasions,” the St. Finnbar’s College, Lagos graduate noted.

Many football analysts had touted Okoku as the player that would take over the midfield position from the aging Muda Lawal in the national team and probably go on to captain the team.

He had other ideas as his education was more paramount to him.

“I was looking in that direction too, no doubt about that. As a young boy, your goal is to continue to grow, but at the same time, I was determine to do some different, academically. While I was playing for Nigeria, I was also thinking about my future too and when the opportunity came and was given a scholarship to further my education in the United States I didn’t have to wait. I realised that the future was more important than the present even though I was living in the present but I also understand I must have to do more academically to position myself to do better things in life better outside football,” he noted.

But when reminded that there were players that combined education with their football career, he said: “If I had made a decision to continue my education in Nigeria, maybe I would have done the same. Segun Odegbami and Adokie Ameseimeka did so, and they remain a real example of what a true footballer should be- combining education with football. I respect them a lot for this. But then, I felt going to study in America would better my life.”

On whether there was any time he was lured to play for America considering his enormous talent, he said, “the opportunities were there, but at that time, I was still very leering about becoming an American citizen, because I realise I had done so much for Nigeria, so the thought of switching nationality was not just there.”

Okoku is not somebody that regrets his decisions, so when asked whether

he regretted not playing for Nigeria at the World Cup, he didn’t see it as a big deal.

“I actually did appear at the U-21 World Cup in 1983 in Mexico. I will always equate the U-21 competition to the Mundial. It’s just the age that made the difference, so I don’t consider it as a setback. The likes of Dunga, Romario Farai, Marco van Basten and many great players that later dominated world football played at that 83 Junior World Cup. So, I had played at the world stage. I have no remorse at all, I don’t regret not playing at the senior World Cup and I don’t look back and say ‘I should have stayed longer in Nigeria to play at the World Cup. No.’ “As a matter of fact, during the 1994 World Cup in the United States whenever Nigeria was playing I was the host to my friends and always entertaining Nigerians. My house was the hub to most Nigerians but I never looked back, I never wish I was playing because I was happy with my life. You don’t live a life of regret. You should rather concentrate on your living today while you are planning for the future.

There are many people that played at the World Cup, but today, when they look back, they say ‘I wish I had done something different.’ They probably would have wished to position themselves and have something to fall back on after retirement. I have no regret whatsoever," remarked Okoku, who is a business analyst with Fortune 500 in the United States.

What however is painful to Okoku is the non-fulfillment of the scholarship promised the 1983 World Cup team.

"We, the 1983 set of Flying Eagles players have been calling on the federal government to honour the promised scholarship the then president of Nigeria, Alhaji Shehu Shagari’s government, made to us in 1983 after qualifying Nigeria for her first ever FIFA-organised tournament.

Many of our teammates are in despair, struggling to make ends meet financially. We have lost four of our teammates, Ali Jeje, Chris Anigala, Tarfa Kpako and Wilfred Agbonavbare.

Our two coaches are not left out too, as both Chris Udemezue and Isiaka Yakubu are of blessed memory. How many more will have to die from our set without enjoying the fruit of their labour?" Okoku asked.

I was looking in that direction too, no doubt about that. As a young boy, your goal is to continue to grow, but at the same time, I was determine to do some different, academically. While I was playing for Nigeria, I was also thinking about my future too and when the opportunity came and was given a scholarship to further my education in the United States I didn’t have to wait. I realised that the future was more important than the present even though I was living in the present but I also understand I must have to do more academically to position myself to do better things in life better outside football G LO B A L S O C C E R ASSISTANT EDITOR KUNLE ADEWALE LAYOUT DESIGNER WAHAB AKINTUNDE THISDAY ON SATURDAY EDITOR SHAKA MOMODU DEPUTY EDITOR YEMI ADEBOWALE THISDAY NEWSPAPERS EDITOR-IN-CHIEF/CHAIRMAN NDUKA OBAIGBENA MANAGING DIRECTOR ENIOLA BELLO DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR KAYODE KOMOLAFE

32

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • DECEMBER 17, 2016

GLOBAL SOCCER

Guardiola to Revive Title Ambition with Arsenal Visit

After back-to-back losses in his last two Premier League matches and seven points adrift of leaders-Chelsea, Pep Guardiola and his Manchester City side would want to revive his title ambition by going all out against Arsenal at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday, in what no doubt is the biggest clash of this weekend’s Premier League fixtures. To add spice to the encounter, at least to Nigerian fans, is the face-off between two Super Eagles players Kelechi Iheanacho and Alex Iwobi

A

fter an impressive coaching career in Spain and Germany, Pep Guardiola had never been on the receiving end like he is facing right now as Manchester City boss.

The Spaniard is fast losing track of the league title, having lost two matches in a row; at home to Chelsea and away to defending champion, Leicester. The Citizens recorded a home win on Wednesday against Watford but, still find themselves seven points adrift of the Blues.

Therefore, against Sunday’s visit of Arsenal, Guardiola and his side are wont to win to keep their title ambition intact.

However, Arsenal have been handed a huge advantage ahead of tomorrow’s game, as the duo of Manchester City’s Ser-

gio Agüero and Fernandinho had been ruled out as both were sent off in the 3-1 defeat to Chelsea.

Agüero was handed a four-match ban (taking into account his earlier ban for the incident against West Ham’s Winston Reid) whilst Fernandinho will miss the next three games, meaning both the Argentinian ace and Brazilian star will miss out, handing Arsene Wenger’s side an enormous advantage.

Of interest to Nigeria in the encounter is that Super Eagles duo of Kelechi Iheanacho and Alex Iwobi will go head to head at the Etihad Stadium.

Both players have been having a good run this season and Arsene Wenger has given Iwobi a respectable number of starts and the Nigerian had not disappoint, while Iheanacho had scored vital goals for the Citizens, and with Aguero’s absence, another starting shirt beckons for the former U-17 star.

“Arsenal are a clever, quick team and I think

this will be a very tough game for us, but one we have to win. I will be up against my brother, Alex Iwobi, who I know really well from the Nigerian national team – he’s a great player and he’s looking forward to playing against us too,” Iheanacho told the City website.

Meanwhile, ahead of the Merseyside derby against Liverpool, Ashley Williams is hoping Tuesday's morale-boosting 2-1 victory over Arsenal at Goodison Park will inspire Everton on Monday.

Williams's dramatic 86th minute winner gave Everton only a second victory in 12 matches and could not have been better timed ahead of the visit of their high-flying neighbours.

"There has been a bit of soul searching, we have spoken about it, we have all looked at ourselves in the mirror and asked what we could do different and better," Williams told

British media.

"We've been really trying to get back on it, not accepting things and raising the standards of our play and stuff. Hopefully now this gives us confidence. We have just beaten Arsenal and now got one of the biggest games of the season, if not the biggest coming up, and hopefully we can build on it."

Manager Ronald Koeman said before Tuesday's victory that his team had shown themselves to be "weak" and Williams felt the players had delivered the perfect riposte.

"I like to think we answered those questions but now we have to build on it and make sure it's not just one game," Williams added.

"The fight was there with a bit of quality too.

It's an Arsenal team which has been unbelievable this season and if we can perform like that against them, we should be able to do it every week."

33

DECEMBER 17, 2016 • THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

GLOBAL SOCCER Premier League Chelsea Liverpool Arsena Man City Tottenham Man Utd West Brom Everton Southampton Bournemouth Watford Stoke Burnley Leicester West Ham Crystal Palace Middlesbrough Swansea Hull Sunderland

16 16 16 16 16 16 16 16 16 16 16 16 16 16 16 16 16 16 16 16

23 20 20 15 16 5 4 1 -1 -3 -7 -5 -11 -6 -13 -3 -6 -14 -21 -14

40 34 34 33 30 27 23 23 21 21 21 20 17 16 16 15 15 12 12 11

Everton

v v v v v v

Chelsea Swansea Leicester Watford Hull City Man Utd

v v v

Southampton 13:30 Arsenal 16:00 Burnley 16:00

v

Seria A

History Favours Juventus against Roma

S

erie A leaders Juventus face a showdown with secondplaced AS Roma today, the sort of situation they revel in and where they are generally at their most dangerous.

Roma go into the game at the Juventus Stadium a tantalising four points behind the Turin side, knowing a win would open up the title race and give them real hope of ending the home team's run of five successive league crowns.

A Juve victory, though, would send them seven points clear and more than likely turn this year's championship into yet another one-horse race. "We will have the chance to play for the title and we'll do it knowing that we deserved this opportunity," said Roma coach Luciano Spalletti.

"We want to compete until the end but we face a very tough opponent. It's a unique opportunity to close the gap."

Juve are past masters at winning such games, as Roma are only too well aware.

Two seasons ago the teams met in early October after each won their first five matches.

An enthralling contest saw Juve convert two controversial penalties before Leon-

ardo Bonucci's late volley gave them an epic 3-2 triumph. That prompted Roma captain Francesco Totti to say Juve "always win by hook or by crook", a remark angrily rejected by his opponents.

When they met again in March, Juve were nine points clear and a 1-1 draw in another badtempered game, that saw nine players booked and one sent off, virtually sealed the crown.

The Turin club eventually finished 17 points clear of the field. The previous season saw Roma top after 12 games before Juve overtook them.

By the time the sides met in early January, Juve had gone five points clear and it was last-chance saloon for Roma.

Juve's 3-0 victory effectively ended the contest and they went on to win by 17 points with Roma again in second.

Last season's title race hinged on a match between Juve and Napoli in February.

Napoli, who started with a two-point lead, had the better of the encounter only to be sunk by an 86th-minute goal from substitute Simone Zaza who had barely featured all season.

Juve never looked back and won 11 of their final 13 matches to finish nine points clear.

Ominously, things appear to be clicking into place for the leaders with midfielder Claudio Marchisio, forward Paulo Dybala and defender Giorgio Chiellini back from injury and Roma missing forward Mohamed Salah.

Juventus Roma Milan Napoli Lazio Atalanta Fiorentina Torino Inter Chievo Sampdoria Udinese Genoa Cagliari Sassuolo Bologna Empoli Crotone Pescara Palermo

Madrid Barcelona Sevilla Villarreal Sociedad Atletico Bilbao Eibar Espanyol Las Palmas Malaga Celta Vigo Alavés Real Betis Leganés Deportivo Valencia Sporting Granada Osasuna

15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15

26 22 8 12 5 14 2 2 1 3 2 -5 -3 -10 -14 -7 -8 -14 -17 -19

37 31 30 26 26 25 23 22 22 21 21 21 18 18 15 13 12 12 9 7

Spanish La Liga Fixtures

Premiership TODAY Crystal Palace Middlesbrough Stoke Sunderland West Ham West Brom SUNDAY Bournemouth Man City Tottenham MONDAY

La Liga

12:30 15:00 15:00 15:00 15:00 17:30

Liverpool

16 16 16 16 16 16 15 16 16 16 16 16 15 16 16 16 16 16 16 16

20:00

21 20 7 17 12 5 7 10 3 0 -2 -2 0 -14 -7 -8 -17 -16 -16 -20

39 35 32 31 31 28 26 25 24 22 22 21 20 20 17 17 11 9 8 6

Serie A Fixtures

TODAY Sporting Atlético Granada Sevilla

v v v v

Villarreal Las Palmas Sociedad Malaga

12:00 15:15 17:30 19:45

SUNDAY Leganés Deportivo Barcelona

v v v

Eibar Osasuna Espanyol

15:15 17:30 19:45

MONDAY VBilbao

v

Celta Vigo

19:45

Bundesliga Bayern Leipzig Hertha Hoffenheim Frankfurt Dortmund Köln Leverkusen Freiburg Schalke Mainz M’gladbach Augsburg Bremen Wolfsburg Hamburger Ingolstadt Darmstadt

14 14 14 14 14 14 14 14 14 14 14 14 14 14 14 14 14 14

25 17 8 11 8 16 6 0 -7 2 -3 -8 -5 -14 -11 -16 -13 -16

33 33 27 26 26 25 23 20 19 17 17 16 14 14 10 10 9 8

Bundesliga Fixtures

TODAY Empoli Milan Juventus

v v v

Cagliari Atalanta Roma

14:00 17:00 19:45

SUNDAY Sassuolo Chievo Napoli Pescara Udinese Genoa Lazio

v v v v v v v

Inter Sampdoria Torino Bologna Crotone Palermo Fiorentina

11:30 14:00 14:00 14:00 14:00 19:45 19:45

SUNDAY

TODAY Mainz Augsburg Schalke Leipzig Bremen Wolfsburg

v v v v v v

Hamburger M’gladbach Freiburg Hertha Köln Frankfurt

14:30 14:30 14:30 14:30 14:30 17:30

SUNDAY Darmstadt Leverkusen

v v

Bayern Ingolstadt

14:30 16:30

Hot Shots

Head to Head 24/10/10

Man City

0-3

Arsenal

05/01/11

Arsenal

0-0

Man City

18/12/11

Man City

1-0

Arsenal

08/04/12

Arsenal

1-0

Man City

23/09/12

Man City

1-1

Arsenal

13/01/13

Arsenal

0-2

Man City

14/12/13

Man City

6-3

Arsenal

29/03/14

Arsenal

1-1

Man City

13/09/14

Arsenal

2-2

Man City

18/02/15

Man City

0-2

Arsenal

21/12/15

Arsenal

2-1

Man City

08/05/16

Man City

2-2

Arsenal

Diego Costa Alexis Sánchez Sergio Agüero Romelu Lukaku Christian Benteke

Chelsea Arsenal Man City Everton Palace

12 12 10 9 8

Eden Hazard Jermain Defoe Zlatan Ibrahimovic Sadio Mane Michail Antonio Harry Kane Theo Walcott Chalie Austin Leroy Fer

Chelsea Sunderland Man Utd Liverpool West Ham Tottenham Arsenal Southampton Swansea

8 8 8 7 7 7 7 6 6

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • DECEMBER 17, 2016

34

GLOBAL SOCCER\\OTHER SPORTS

Klitschko

Djokovic and Becker

Prince and Joe Boy

Joshua Dismisses Klitschko’s Comment Ahead World Title

Anthony Joshua has dismissed the suggestion that Wladimir Klitschko’s ‘little bro’ comments were intended to patronise him.

The IBF heavyweight champion (18-0) shared pleasantries with upcoming opponent Klitschko on Wednesday at Wembley, the scene of their collision on April 29.

Klitschko, 40, called Joshua a "friend" and, referring to time spent together in previous training camps, labelled the world champion his "little bro".

"He's called me that since the days when we were never going to fight," Joshua clarified afterwards. "So I let it go over my head. This is where the respect comes into it. It's fine.

It could get to you, but I let it go.

"I still have a lot to prove, and that's the right mentality for me. If I was talking like I'm the master that would be me believing my own hype.

"He can call me 'little bro' but, if I spank him out inside a round, it's irrelevant, isn't

it? You have to be true to yourself. I don't try to act in a certain way."

"If Wlad wins, he'll say to himself 'okay, I'm still the big bro'. But if he loses he'll realise the torch is changing hands, and it's a totally different era.

This is the start of a new legacy of an up-and-coming champion."

Meanwhile, Joshua believes beating Klitschko would turn him into 'an overnight legend'.

He made it clear that winning is all that matters but

with Klitschko sitting feet away, the 27-year-old showed his confidence ahead of the toughest test in his career.

"To knock him out would be the cherry on the cake, but to win whichever way, I think it's very possible," said Joshua.

"This is a fight that can change (me) from champion to legend overnight. It's the fight that will get the masses out and draw massive attention and they're the type of fights that can change the way that people view you in your industry.

GOtv Boxing Night 10

Baby Face Vows to Smash Shogbesan Joe Boy, Nurudeen clash on radio Fast rising light welterweight boxer, Rilwan “Baby Face” Babatunde, has declared that Sikiru Shogbesan, with whom he is billed to fight at GOtv Boxing Night 10, will not last the distance.

Speaking ahead of the event holding on December 26, at the Indoor Sports Hall of the National Stadium, Lagos, Baby Face said his opponent will endure a torrid time and throw

in the towel within a short time.

“By now, Omo Iya Eleja should know that I am on a higher level. My preparation for this fight has been intensive. I want to thank him in advance for adding to the number of victories in my professional career. There is no hiding place for him,” said the young boxer.

Near-mortal ring rivals, Oto “Joe Boy” Joseph and Nurudeen “Prince” Fatai,

had to be pulled apart, following a near-clash during an interview at the Metro FM studio in Lagos. Relationship between the two boxers has been combustible since Joe Boy defeated Prince via a knockout in a challenge contest at GOtv Boxing Night 4. It got worse after their second fight when Joe Boy dethroned Prince as the national lightweight champion at GOtv Boxing Night 7.

The duo is billed to clash again at GOtv Boxing Night 10.

Asked on Metro FM what fans should expect in their next clash, Joe Boy said his opponent, who goes by the ring name Prince, is his slave.

“I have beaten him before and will beat him again. He calls himself Prince, but he is my slave. I will send him on retirement. He is due for retirement,” said Joe Boy.

Small Doctor to Entertain Boxing Fans Boxing and music will converge on GOtv Boxing Night 10, where fans will have the opportunity to watch music rave, Small Doctor, perform live.

This was announced in a statement by Flykite Productions, organisers of the event.

According to the statement, Small Doctor was chosen to

provide more excitement for fans at GOtv Boxing Night 10, which is a commemorative edition and also falls within the festive season.

“Fans deserve the best possible during the festive season.

That is why we are marrying music and boxing to provide top class entertainment for fans.

GOtv Boxing Night is a family

event. We want families to come and enjoy themselves to the maximum. By popular consent, Small Doctor is a big name and has promised us a big performance at GOtv Boxing Night,” the statement said.

Small Doctor, a protégé of fuji bigwig, Wasiu Alabi Pasuma, hit the big time with hits like

Mosquito Killer, Gbagaun (featuring Pasuma), Olowo, Riches World and Oyinbo Arrest.

The self-styled street ambassador has worked with numerous artistes, including Oritsefemi, Terry G, Side One and Dre Sans. He was nominated in the Street Hip Hop Category at the 2015 Headies.

Lagos Claims Men's Glory at Governor's Badminton Championship The 1st Lagos Governor's South West Badminton Championship ended at the Mobolaji Johnson Sports Centre, Rowe Park, Yaba last weekend with a Lagos player taking the glory of men's singles category of the competition.

Olofua Godwin ensured that he didn't disappoint top officials of the Lagos State Sports Commission, which included the Special Adviser on Sports to the Governor, Mr. Deji Tinubu and the Director General of the Commission, Mr Adewunmi Ogunsanya as he ran over his tough opponent from Oyo State, Habeeb Bello 2-1 21-18,

11-21, 21-16 in the gruelling final of the tournament that featured all the states in the western region of Nigeria.

The women's singles was won by Team Oyo's Zainab Momoh, who beat her Team Ogun opponent, in 2-1 game (21-18, 17-21, 21-17). Both Tinubu and Ogunsanya applauded the standard of the competition and the high level of competition among the players.

"This is a developmental competition designed to know how our players are progressing. With what I saw here in the finals, I believe we

are on the right track as we take the game to the next level, "Tinubu said.

The Director General remarked that Badminton in Lagos had developed drastically and with the return next year of the annual International Classics, the game would bounce back, adding that effort is being geared towards producing young players who will take over from the ageing ones.

"There will be many tournaments coming up to fish out budding players.

We discovered many younger players, put them in sustain-

able development Program to bring the best out of them," Ogunsanya said.

Chairman of Lagos State Badminton Association, who also heads the association in the southwest, Mr. Francis Oribih commended Governor Akinwunmi Ambode for giving approval for the hosting of more than 120 players across the southwest and some national players who featured in the three days tournament.

He said the standard very high, while there were revelations noticed in the competition.

These, he said the association will build on.

Woods Signs Ball Deal with Bridgestone Golf Tiger Woods has announced he had signed a deal to use Bridgestone golf balls as he begins a series of equipment changes.

The likes of Woods and Rory McIlroy are currently in the process of altering their set-up following the decision of Nike to cease production of clubs and balls, although they will continue to supply clothing and footwear to many of the world's leading players.

Woods returned to competitive golf after an absence of almost 16 months at the Hero World Challenge earlier this month in the Bahamas, where he continued to use Nike irons but switched to a TaylorMade driver and fairway woods.

The 14-time major champion also put a Bridgestone ball into play for the first time and was clearly satisfied with the results as he signed a multi-year contract with the manufacturers.

"Finding the right golf ball is extremely important," Woods, who turns 41 at the end of the month. "It's an essential part of my equipment, and the Bridgestone B330-S ball is hands-down the best for my game.

"Controlling launch and trajectory is critical, and with this ball I feel I have total control to hit all shots accurately. I'm not just here to play - I'm here to win."

EL MarinoTeam Manager Emerges Vice Chairman NFSC The Team Manager of El Marino Sports Club, Seyi Adefarati, was last weekend elected the vice chairman of the Nigeria Football Supporters Club (NFSC) at the National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos.

Speaking after his victory, Adefarati stated that with his new position, he would ensure that the NFSC supports football at any national tournament, sponsor supporters to international tournaments, supports the national team, with members of his team, and also put the country on the world stage when it comes to football.

According to him, the government had a role to play in the development of the NFSC by providing funds when necessary, to enable it execute its programmes for the development of football in the country.

He also affirmed that the NFSC would work together with the technical committee as well as the coach of the Super Eagles to ensure effective performance in any tournament, whether locally or internationally, stating that programmes such as regular exercises, table tennis practices and football matches would be introduced into the activities of the NFSC, to create more sporting awareness and to ensure physical fitness.

Olukoya Wins Ikoyi Club End of Year Kitty

A special kitty put in place to mark the end of the year at the golf section of Ikoyi Club 1938, ended on Wednesday with Remi Olukoya emerging the winner .

To come tops in the competition, Olukoya netted a score of 69, leaving Jacob Erhabor with a net score of 70 in the second position.

Happy at his victory, Olukoya, who is also the Chief Executive Officer of Falcon Golf Development Company, said wining the special kitty is a good way to end the year.

“I am happy emerging the winner. I played really well and hope to take that consistency and victory to the New Year”, the elated Olukoya said.

His victory also bestowed on him and the runner up; Erhabor the task of organising the next edition of the end of the year kitty in 2017.

While Olukoya smiled away with his winning trophy, others who won also had trophies to show for their effort.

They include Barin Epega who came third in the net category for men, Abiodun Savage duck in the fourth position while a former captain at the section Ayinde Sanni finished in the fifth position.

Tim Ayomike with a gross score of 76 won in the gross category, while visiting Chris Obije came second. Dapo Akande came third in the gross category for men.

Other winners are Ifeayinwa Onukwuba, Kike Familoni and Edna Anukwuem who won in the ladies net category.

Rita Okafor won in the gross category for women.

Diana Osmond and Ogbemi Omatete are other winner in the 18-holescompetition.

35

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • DECEMBER 17, 2016

WRITERS’ WORLD

Writing Rules of Authors I don’t keep many rules in writing, perhaps because I have been writing for years.

In fact, until I engage my laptop, all I have is a general idea of what I want to write about. So all I worry about is how to get some quiet place to start work. It all comes together once I start. On Tuesday for example, I wrote for eight straight hours. Yes, I know associated risks. I did a long walk later. Interestingly I like to read about the writing rules of other authors, which are necessary for new writers. Below are writing rules from two authors, Helen Klein Ross, the author of the popular Making It, and Catherine Egan, author of Julia Vanishes

BISI DANIELS bisi.daniels@thisdaylive.com Blog: www.bisidaniels.com, 08050220700

M

Helen Klein Ross

ake the time: You say you want to write a book or screenplay or something else, and mean to do it as soon as decks are cleared, slate is cleaned or whatever other lame metaphor you settle for, even though you’re a writer.

(You mean to stop using lame metaphors as soon as you get your ducks in a row.) Guess what. Those decks, slate, ducks will never arrange themselves in a way conducive to your waking up one morning and discovering, hey! Your only demand that day is to follow your muse. You don’t get time to write. You make time to write.

Don’t wait for inspiration: You know how your friends outside the business think you get ideas in the shower or by meditating peacefully until a Muse grants enlightenment, depositing an awardwinning concept full-blown in your brain?

Writing a novel is more about perspiration than inspiration and usually involves as much discovery for the writer as it does for the reader. “I write to know what I think,” said Joan Didion. Writing longform is a journey, a process you can’t embark upon until you put your hands on the keyboard.

Tell the truth: I know, I know. You already do. We’ve come a long way from the days when writing ad copy involved outright lying. There are laws these days against loading soup bowls with marbles to make the minestrone appear thicker or doctors recommending brands of cigarettes, but that doesn’t mean when we copywriters sit down to write, our foremost intention is to tell the truth. We imply, we mislead, we employ sleights of hand to distract readers from the fact that products made by companies our paychecks depend on, don’t do what customers hope they will. We don’t say diet drinks cause weight loss, we say they “help to” reduce weight. We can’t claim that skin creams prevent aging but we can say they “reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.” Using word weasels is (debatably) fair game in selling products, but writing, real writing, isn’t about tricking someone into believing you, it’s about telling, to the best of your ability, what it is you believe yourself. To do that, you have to know what you believe.

Disconnect: Writing isn’t about forward motion, it’s about standing still. It’s about silencing the voices of others so you can suss out your own. It’s about shutting down, turning off, dropping out, closing down Facebook and Twitter and getting off email, for a short time, at least, on a regular basis to get rid of the noise and create the closest thing to silence we can achieve in this era of sharing. Freedom and SelfControl are two programs that will help. You can even program them like a set-ahead coffeemaker, to keep you off social media first thing in the morning when your mind is still in dreamstate and some think most fallow.

Read: If you’re a writer, chances are you were a reader as a kid. Rediscover the pleasure of reading for pleasure, not research. Load up your backpack or Kindle app with books you’ve been meaning to get to for years. Download a book on Audible to listen to while commuting or working out. Just like with advertising, in order to go someplace different with your writing, you have to know where others have been. The good news is that because you’re a writer,

reading is tax-deductible.

Listen: Aside from reading, observation is the most critical part of becoming a writer.

Don’t ignore the vast, captive population at your disposal. Every day you go to work, you’re entering a grand arena where our deepest hopes, fears and passions are played out. Watch how people walk into a conference room. How do they walk?

Who do they talk to, who do they ignore?

Each day in an office affords a thousand opportunities for observation necessary to write well. Take mental notes. And keep a notebook. This can be handheld or virtual, moleskin, word file or app. But make it a separate place from where you record client requests or grocery lists. John Updike kept two desks: one for writing fiction, one for reviews and answering mail. (Remember that kind of mail?) Different depositories encourage different trains of thought.

Write what interests you: Don’t try to second guess a market. Even agents and publishers don’t know what will sell, although it’s interesting to keep abreast of what they’re looking for. One way to do this is by following tweets aggregated under new hashtag #MSWL (Manuscripts Wish List) but if people in publishing really knew what would sell, the publishing business would be in better shape. Follow your gut. Write about what you find fascinating enough to sustain your own interest in it over the years it will take you to finish the book. Your own fascination in a subject is what will make others interested in it, too.

Don’t complain: No one is making you do this, so stop whining. Nobody cares that you’re tired because you got up at 4:30 to have a quiet house to yourself, to finish a chapter. The last thing the world thinks it needs is another novel, so don’t speak of yours as if it’s a sacrifice you’re making for the good of humankind. Just keep putting one word after another, as often as you can, until it is finished. Someday the Man Booker might come after you.

Catherine Egan

Write every day: Actually, I do write almost every day, because I like to and it works with my schedule. But you shouldn’t feel bad if you can’t or don’t want to. You do have to put in the hours to write a book, but those hours will still add up if they are all on Saturdays. Keep writing, and eventually you’ll finish something. Some writers need regularity to stay in a groove with a project.

Others find they are more productive if they step away from the work frequently. This is one of those rules that shouldn’t be taken seriously at all. Do what works for you.

Kill your darlings: This is basically smart advice that shouldn’t be adopted too sweepingly. It really depends on the darlings, doesn’t it? The phrase originates with Faulkner, but it is often attributed to Stephen King, who says in On Writing: “Kill your darlings, kill your darlings, even when it breaks your egocentric little scribbler’s heart, and kill your darlings.” The idea is that you need to cut all those phrases and scenes you’re so in love with that don’t serve a real purpose in your book. This is often true, but how do you know which darlings to kill? You have to listen to critiques, of course, and you have to learn to step back a little from your own work. Finally, you have to trust your judgment. You don’t want to go around slaughtering darlings willy-nilly or you might end up cutting the heart right out of your book.

Show, don’t tell: This is also good advice most of the time, but not all of the time. If you’re explaining things in big blocks of text that can be revealed more artfully with dialogue or an action scene, “show, don’t tell” is a good rule of thumb. However, sometimes a neat bit of telling gets the job done just fine.

Take out all the adverbs: What’s with this “all”? As with killing your darlings, cutting adverbs should be done with care, not bloodthirsty zeal. It’s tremendously satisfying to charge into a manuscript, and

delete, delete, delete. But you can end up doing damage if you go too far. Adverbs aren’t bad. Overusing adverbs is bad.

Don’t read reviews: This is something writers tell each other. And yes, if you get a sinking feeling in your stomach when somebody trashes your book, or worse, if the reviews make you start questioning yourself and overthinking your work-in-progress, then this is very good advice: don’t read reviews! But reviews can also be fascinating, entertaining, even useful. It’s interesting to see what has resonated (and what hasn’t) with readers. Just know thyself and proceed accordingly.

Write what you know: I’ve never been interested in writing about anything remotely familiar to me, which is probably how I wound up writing fantasy. Empathy and imagination can take us into wonderful unknowns. You don’t have to stick to your lived experiences, but “write what you know” is still worth thinking about. Your writing needs an authenticity that it can’t possibly have if you write carelessly about what you don’t know. If you are writing historical fiction, for example, do your research. If you are writing about characters from a marginalized group you don’t belong to, follow the #ownvoices hashtag on Twitter as a starting point, because writing what you don’t know can also be damaging.

Know your audience: Maybe that is good advice, but I have no idea how to follow it.

As a reader, I’m used to going out into the sea of books and finding the ones that are right for me. I’ve been doing it all my life.

Every now and then I catch a stinker, but in general, I am excellent at choosing books.

However, I don’t know how to think about an audience when I’m writing. Who wants to read this book? I don’t know! Maybe people who like fantasy and are over the age of twelve or thirteen? Maybe other people?

Maybe you? I write the book I want to write and then send it out into that sea of books hoping it will find its readers and that its readers will find it.

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2011 • THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER THISDAY,JUNE THE 16, SATURDAY NEWSPAPER •DECEMBER 17, 2016

FAIRGROUND

Mo Abudu’s ‘The Wedding Party’ Grand Premiere

with

AZUKA OGUJIUBA

azuka.ogujiuba@thisdaylive.com

T

he much talked about Dubai Tourism Grand Premiere of ‘The Wedding party’, held recently at the Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos. The highly anticipated and most sought-after invitation of 2016 had a ‘White and Chic’ dress code that saw cast and guest alike step out elegantly to the flashes and clicks of cameras.

The sold-out evening left guests reeling with excitement, starting from the Bridal Court where guests were welcomed with signature Baileys cocktails whilst posing for pictures on the red carpet. The train then moved to the Gourmet Board where a three- course dinner was served.

Hosted by Bovi and Mimi Onalaja, the dinner had lots of surprises in store for guests from live performances by Seyi Shay, Isaac Gerald, Ruby Gyang and Timi Dakolo to raffle draws anchored by Headline Sponsors, Dubai Tourism. Some of the night’s standout prizes included luxury accommodation, courtesy Arabian Falcon; theme park passes, courtesy IMG Worlds of Adventure; helicopter rides, courtesy Alpha Tours Helicopter Rides and other VVIP gifts.

After dinner, guests were moved into a custom-built theatre for the movie screening.

The full capacity audience laughed from start to finish, giving the screening a standing ovation. After the screening, Director Kemi Adetiba introduced her cast and crew lead by Executive Producers, Mo Abudu (EbonyLife TV), Kene Mkparu (FilmOne), Naz Onuzo (InkBlot) and Laura Jeyibo (Koga Studios).

The premiere also broke the record for the largest mannequin challenge in Nigeria with an entire theatre posing in tribute of the recent social media phenomenon.

The highlight of the evening was the Premiere After Party held in The Honeymoon Bay with DJ Obi on the decks. Guests savoured delicious treats and themed cocktails from the Baileys, Ciroc and Johnnie Walker Bars, not to mention Hans N Rene and Bollinger stands.

It was a befitting climax to what had been an eventful evening.

Guests at the premiere included Alhaji Lai Mohammed, Minister of Culture and Tourism; Phillip Oduoza; Tony Elumelu; Kennedy Uzoka; Ayodele Subair; Jimi Agbaje; Biodun Shobanjo; Ruth Osime; Nkiru Anumudu; Patrick Doyle; Joke Silva and Olu Jacobs.

Others include; the Deputy British High Commissioner; Osagie Okunbor; Nicolas Vervelde; John Obayawuna; Peter Obi and Wife Margaret; Debbie Ogene; Omobola Johnson; Mosun Ogunbanjo and Kaine Amacre.

The Wedding Party is poised to be the movie that keeps giving. In the unique “Win with The Wedding Party Promo” real life couplesto-be can win anything from Bridal Make-Up

by Zaron Cosmetics, Cakes by Tosan, KOTS Catering, complementary venue hire, courtesy of Dorchester Events Centre, Grooms’ Styling

by Mai Atafo to Invitation Design by The Wedding Store.

Other sponsors of the premiere were; Johnnie Walker Blue Label, Ciroc, Baileys, Airtel, Bank of Industry, Access Bank, Bollinger and Amstel Malta, among many others.

Adesua Etomi

Mo Abudu, Alhaji Lai Mohammed

Ebuka Obi-Uchenda, OC Ukeje

Banky W

Kemi Adetiba

Enyinna Nwigwe

When Mo Abudu is Talk of the Moment

W

hen your name is on everybody’s lip, whether it is a negative or a positive story, it is normal to take a look at the topic in order to get a better view. Mo Abudu has obviously dismantled all odds to stamp her name in Nigeria’s media and entertainment scene. Don’t know if l can say I am her fan or not or I am in awe of her personality. But one thing you cannot rule out is her drive to succeed or grind out results in any project she embarks on.

Her second movie, ‘The wedding party’ was quite interesting; all the cast did put in their best but the only character I saw there was Sola Shobowale. But then, it is my own opinion. It was such a big relief to see her in a big screen project again.

Once more, Abudu just displayed with this movie that she has come to stay as the

Ikechukwu

iyalode of the Nigerian movie industry.

Time will tell.

Genevieve Nnaji

Mr and Mrs Akporobomerere

Ikechukwu

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • DECEMBER 17, 2016

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FAIRGROUND

Ooni of Ife Endorses Akin Alabi’s ‘Three Books’

A

ward-winning Nigerian cinematographer, Akin Alabi, is set to add another feather to his cap as plans have been concluded for him to make his debut as an author. Akin, who is moved to play his part in preserving Nigerian languages and culture, as well as encouraging the use of Nigerian languages as a developmental and unifying tool in Nigeria, has published books of proverbs in the three major Nigerian languages - Igbo, Hausa and Yoruba. Tagged, my book of proverbs, they are being used as phase one of his drive to preserve the nation’s culture and languages.

According to the self-styled creative entrepreneur, the idea came after he discovered that “according to a friend, very soon, in fact, fifteen years at most; so many Nigerian languages will be extinct, and we will have a generation that will be paying to learn their own languages.

Stop for a second and ask yourself, if you are in deep thoughts, what language do you think in? Is it English or your native Language? The fact

remains, if you are not in tune with your mother tongues, you will find it difficult to reach your full potentials.”

On the issue of Nigeria’s unity, the ebony skinned dud argued that “efforts to keep Nigeria as a united entity will be greatly enhanced when we understand one another. A realisation of all these made me begin this project; first in Igbo, Hausa and Yoruba, and other languages will follow.”

The book that will be made public on the 12th of February, 2017 (Alabi’s birthday) will come in hard cover, as well as animated version to aid in educating children and young adults.

Meanwhile, information has it that the Ooni of Ife has already endorsed the project by writing the forward for the My Book of Proverbs Project (#mybookofproverbs), while other royal fathers, public office holder/politician, educationist , captains of industries, as well as lovers of Nigeria’s culture are all expected to be present at the event.

Away from the book, Alabi, who made a name as a music video director before breaking into music with his hit track “komole”, has been off music video for a while and has been involved with Nollywood movies.

Akin Alabi

How does he rate the talent level in Nollywood and does he still shoot music video? “I can never stop shooting music videos.

Watch out for my new job for Konga and a couple of other acts. For Nol-

lywood, I have worked with a lot of talents in the industry and the talent level is high. Both in front and behind the cameras, all we need is support from the government both in legislation and funding,” Alabi concluded.

Wizkid, Tiwa Savage, AY, Odunlade Adekola, Kunle Afolayan, Others Make 100 Most Influential Nigerians in 2016

T

he Editorial Board of Y!/YNaija.com, has announced the 2016 edition of its annual list of the 100 most influential Nigerians in the past year.

The carefully curated list is a perfect mix of individuals who have greatly impacted the Nigerian society in different fields of endeavour, including entertainment, religion, governance, media, technology and more.

“In our annual tradition, we take a look back at the 100 people who have defined, re-defined and moulded the days of our lives in 2016, as part of our mission to focus our largely youth audience on the issues and ideas that truly matter,” said Isime Esene, Managing Editor, YNaija. com. “Innovators, creators, political players, entertainers and activists of all ages - you won’t find a more definitive list anywhere else.”

See full list of the #Y100 Most influential Nigerians About Y!/YNaija.com Y!/YNaija.com is a network of premium media brands – Y! TV, Y! Magazine, YNaija.com, Teen Y!, TeenYNaija.com, Y! 2015, YNaija2015. com – committed to an evolving generation of Africans.

Established in 2011, with a vision to provoke thought, inspire action and stimulate growth; it has become the leading media platform for young Africans with reach across West, East and Southern Africa, influencing policy, opinion and leading on issues across sectors with a focus on governance, culture and technology.

About Red Media Africa Red Media Africa (www.redmediaafrica.com) is the PR & Empowerment Marketing division under the parent brand, RED. It focuses on using inspiration, empowerment and action to help brands and organisations connect

Kunle Afolayan

Tiwa Salvage

Wizkid

with their audiences, enhance their bottom-lines and lead in their industries. It has 6 major practice areas: Corporate Practice, Technology Practice, SME Practice, Governance

Practice, Faith Practice and the International Practice - with work for brands across Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya and South Africa. RED owns the continent’s largest portfolio of

youth media brands. Its Content Division holds brands across TV, radio, online and events including Y! Magazine, YNaija.com, Rubbin’ Minds, #YTech100 and the The RED Summit. It also anchors a development firm, The Future Project, which projects include Africa’s leading youth platform, The Future Awards Africa, HowCanIGetInvolved.com and Aiki.ng, which is run in conjunction with Microsoft.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • December 17, 2016

December 17, 2016 • THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • December 17, 2016

FITNESS FILE

Lifestyle Choices To Avoid Illness

I

The Edenlifestyle corner with

MAJE AYIDA

majeayida@edenlifenigeria.com www.edenlifenigeria.com, 07062614551

t’s very common to hear the phrase ‘I’m not feeling fine’, from friends and work colleagues. It’s so frequent with some people that I wonder if they can tell the difference between being ill and just tired. However, assuming the individual isn’t faking it, there are certain lifestyle choices that can help prevent the onset of the ‘sniffles’. A lot of people just don’t realise that poor habits can result in being stuck in bed battling a fever, which is no joke. Here are some suggestions: Sleep Not getting enough sleep has been linked to a laundry list of mental and physical health problems, including suppression of the immune system. Although scientists currently have no real explanation for how sleep is related to immune function, it’s clear that those who sleep less are more prone to infection. If you’re finding yourself getting inexplicably sick, you may want to re-evaluate your sleeping habits.

Hygiene Although cold and flu viruses are most commonly spread from person-to-person, indirect transmission can be responsible for spreading sickness as well. This is because cold and flu viruses can survive outside the body for several hours or even days. This makes commonly touched surfaces, such as counter tops, faucets, telephones, and doorknobs germ cesspools. To stop the spread, sanitise common surfaces thoroughly and often.

Alcohol Alcohol weakens your immune system; cigarettes weaken your immune system; illicit drugs weaken your immune system; and, we’ve already told you that a lack of sleep weakens your immune system.

We’re not out to judge, but if you’re partying hard, chances are that you’ll be indulging. If you choose to get funky on a Friday night, be aware that you’re doing so in an environment where anyone could be sick.

Sharing Is Not Always Caring As a child, you were probably taught the value of sharing and the happiness it brings. Now, as an adult, you’ll learn that the opposite holds true. Sharing food, drinks, cigarettes, toothbrushes or other oral items is a sure way to spread sickness, so ditch the playground mentality and be a little selfish sometimes. Your immune system will thank you.

Drink Water Although drinking plenty of fluids is a key strategy to fighting illness once you’re actually sick, staying hydrated may actually help you prevent illness as well. Our bodies are over 60% water. Water transports nutrients to cells and flushes out toxins, so do yourself a favour and

get hydrated.

Get Your Fruit And Veggies Each and every day your immune system silently fights off infection without you ever noticing. To keep your immune system primed to fight infection, you’ll need a healthy diet of vitamins and minerals. Because the jury is still out on exactly which nutrients help the most, it’s best to consume a variety of fruits and vegetables to ensure that you’re covered. As a general rule of thumb, stick to darker or more colourful fruits and veggies since these tend to be loaded with the most nutrients.

Get Moving Not only does exercise make you look and feel great, but a ton of recent research also suggests that frequent and regular exercise, at least aerobic exercise, helps boost the immune system. Although it’s not entirely clear how regular exercise helps, the preventative benefits of exercise may be due to its antiinflammatory effects. Exercise helps reduce inflammatory molecules that are known to impair the immune system.

Avoid Other Sick People This tip is so simple that it needs little explanation. If you’re invited to a house and half your friends are flu-stricken, take a rain check.

If you’re deafened by the sound of sniffling coworkers, stick to your own desk and sanitise your hands often. Almost all strains of cold and flu viruses spread from direct human contact, so avoiding those

who are sick will go a long way in keeping you healthy.

Stop Touching Your Face The face is where germs enter your body. Simple as that. But the number of ways the cold and flu virus can enter your body through your face may come as a surprise.

We’re all aware that we can get sick by breathing in airborne droplets of someone who sneezed (the joys of public transport, eh), but pesky cold and flu viruses can also invade through other secret entry ways, like your eyes. To ensure that all ports are closed: Don’t pick your nose, don’t lick your fingers and don’t rub your eyes. Don’t touch your face!

Wash Your Hands You’ve heard it time and time again, and now it’s time to hear it once more: If you want to prevent colds and the flu, just wash your hands. Unless you live in a wood hut somewhere in a remote village, chances are that you’re going to pick up some live virus on your hands at some point in your day, especially if cold and flu viruses are circulating.

So before you touch your face and let these viruses in to feast, just wash your hands. And don’t be a slouch about it. Use warm water and wash thoroughly, for at least 15 seconds.

Easy, right?

Of course we know this doesn’t apply to the dreaded Malaria which every doctor in Nigeria seems to attribute to everything, even a sprained ankle. The idea is just not to take any chances…be well.

Alcohol weakens your immune system; cigarettes weaken your immune system; illicit drugs weaken your immune system; and, we’ve already told you that a lack of sleep weakens your immune system. We’re not out to judge, but if you’re partying hard, chances are that you’ll be indulging.

If you choose to get funky on a Friday night, be aware that you’re doing so in an environment where anyone could be sick

DECEMBER 17, 2016 • THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

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FASHION FILE

‘BLOOM’

Collection from Zircons by Adebisi

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • DECEMBER 17, 2016

By Azuka Ogujiuba azuka.ogujiuba@thisdaylive.com

FASHION FILE ‘BLOOM’ Collection

T

his collection is inspired by a woman, her struggles and her journey towards finding herself.

There was a time, she was in her own shell, weighed down by worry, passing through crushing heartache and somewhere in all these she felt the desperate need to find her true self.

Then it all happened, and she found others like her and together they gradually realised they had a heart full of courage, passion and still so much love.

The Zircons by Adebisi woman is a lady of poise and strength, a woman who no matter her journey, knows herself and even if she might cry sometimes, she always steps out in her own light and whatever doubt or worry she has is a thing of the past.

She’s the woman who continues to BLOOM!!!

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • DECEMBER 17, 2016

WITH

MARKET PLACE

OMOLABAKE FASHOGBON 08033621009

L-R: Sales Director, Euro Global Foods and Distilleries Limited,Mr. Felix Aighobahi; Managing Director, Golden Pillars Store and Distributor of the Year, Mr. Jude Okolozo and Chairman, Sona Group of Companies,Mr. Arjan Mirchandani at the Euro Global Distilleries Distributors’ Forum in Ota, Ogun State

Brand Marketing Manager,Olx, Fife Aiyesimoju ;Secretary of the Women Voluntary Organisation and Founder of Modupe Cole, Rev Adebayo Adeyemi- Cole;Country Managers of OLX,Lola Masha and PR & Communications Lead of OLX , Uche Nwagboso ,during the courtesy visit of OLX Management and staff to the Modupe Cole Memorial Child Care where the company painted the vocational section of the school at Yaba,Lagos

MTN Defies Challenges, Emerge Most Valuable Brand MTN Telecommunications Company has weathered the gloom of 2016 to emerge market most valuable brand in Nigeria.

In a similar development, the company has also been adjudged South Africa’s most valuable brand of the year by Brand Finance South Africa Top 50 Most Valuable Brands, a valuation consultancy firm headquartered in the UK which specialises in brand value.

The Director of Brand Finance Africa Jeremy Sampson noted that despite difficulties in the last 12 months, particularly, the experience with Africa’s biggest economy, MTN had been able

Amazon Recasts Strategy with Physical Store American online retail giant, Amazon.com now has more up its sleeve as it explored the physical retail business with its first store recently unveiled and being tested in Seattle, USA. Report said that the e-commerce giant which had upgraded status from online only to composite retail market is also planning to build up to 2,000 grocery stores in another 10 years as it deploys advanced technology to run the new business such that would make it edge out competitors.

The physical store initiative called the ‘Amazon go’ would shade grocery products such as ready-made food, staples like bread and milk, and other grocery products where shoppers can easily pick items and walk out without visiting the cashier and checkout line.

On the workings of the physical store, customers are expected to open an Amazon account and download an application, ‘Amazon go’. The firm added that “through sensors, computer vision, and deep learning, it is able to track customers as they move about the store, and automatically register which items they pick. If customers change their mind about an item, they just have to put it back and it will be removed automatically from their bill”. Disclosing the uniqueness of the new business, Amazon explained that unlike other big stores as Walmart, “the stores are about 1,800 square feet, so they are relatively small compared with big supermarkets.

An expert and a professor of retail practice at Syracuse University’s Whitman School of Management, Amanda Nicholson, was quoted to have observed the rationale behind the firm’s new move to be an effort geared towards utilising its technological and data brilliance having built its brand on the premise of affordability and speed in terms of service delivery The company added that the service presently being tested by its employees would finally be opened to the public by early 2017.

to weather the storm to come out triumphant.

The Nigeria recognition which came on the platform of Top 50 Brands Nigeria, an initiative of annual selection of top companies in the country, had further upheld the telecommunication outfit ranking as the largest in Nigeria.

The telecoms brand came first with a rating of 90.1 to trump others like Coca-Cola Nigeria with a rating 84.7 and Guaranty Trust Bank with 81.8.

According to the Chief Executive Officer of Top 50 Brands Nigeria, Taiwo Oluboyede, the uniqueness in this year’s exercise was with the Brand Strength Measurement (BSM) indices, a

specially designed model that uses basic qualitative elements such as brand identity/retention, quality elements, market/category leadership, innovation, national spread and corporate social responsibility to test the strength or weakness of a brand.

The organisers of the award added that the year-long research was done with the top of the mind survey, where members of the public were engaged to list out brands they were familiar with.

“This enabled us to test people’s feelings, feedbacks, knowledge of brands and affinity.

Based on this mechanism, respondents listed

Academix Surpasses Growth Target

by Nearly 500% Nigeria’s first indigenous e-Library, Academix, has outperformed its growth target having hit 100,000 article milestone over the proposed 24,000 level for the year 2016.

The achievement was recorded shortly after the company clocked one year in business and according to the Founder / Chief Executive Officer of the platform, Mr. Iso Bassey, was a result of the company’s commitment to its goal of providing Africa focused research to the world.

Bassey noted further that the latest development would only fuel the platform to do better, adding that the company was aiming at 1 million milestone by 2017.

“Our portal has had more than 4 million hits from five major countries namely Nigeria, United States of America, United Kingdom, China and Russia within one year of our operation.

We remain committed to offering our subscribers a fast growing, diverse and rich platform for research in all fields of Africa focused research,” he said.

During the past year, Academix.ng has forged strong partnerships with universities, government research agencies, professional associations as well as local and international publishers which according to the founder, had helped the company to establish a pipeline for the delivery of high quality research material on it site, www.academix.ng.

The platform was launched in September 2015 to meet a growing demand for African focused knowledge.

It aggregates and hosts multidisciplinary and Africa focused research featuring journals, research papers, theses, dissertations and reports. The portal currently has over 108,000 research items and offers subscriptions to both individuals and organisations.

ExpoPlus Magazine Marks 10th Anniversary Celebrity and style magazine, ExpoPlus, has called for a sound relationship between government and the media as its marked 10th anniversary in grand style.

According to the Publisher of the magazine, Chief Edward Larunsi , who also pleaded with government to make foreign exchange accessible to Mass media entrepreneurs to be able to purchase necessary equipment and materials, strong and quality content had been sustainability factors on the platform in the past10 years.

As part of activities to mark the occasion, the organisation had in addition to social exercises arranged some charitable programmes for as a way to appreciate their support in a decade.

Some of the programmes set out to celebrate the event included free health medical service, a visit and donation of items to the orphanage home among others.

The concluding part of the ceremony which held in Abeokuta, Ogun State saw the company unveil the new face of the magazine, in person of prolific Nollywood actress, Sola Kosoko .The event also featured award presentation to dignitaries from various sectors.

Larunsi stated further that the publication which started as a political interest magazine and later extended its wings to capture celebrity and human angle content had over the years expanded its reach to the USA, London, Dublin, South Africa, Republic of Benin and Ghana.

brands that they can easily recall or they are familiar with and it was observed that people easily recall brands they recently engage with or they see often. It was following these methodic and meticulous processes that MTN Nigeria emerged as the Most Valuable Brand in Nigeria,” Oluboyede said.

Receiving the award, MTN Nigeria’s Chief Executive Officer, Ferdi Moolman, said: “We are pleased to have emerged the most valuable brand in Nigeria through this award. We are particularly glad that participants of the survey find us worthy to qualify for this category.”

Rullion to Empower 5000 Youths Vocational skills trainers, Rullion Capacity Builders has concluded plans to train no fewer than 5000 youths across the country in the first quarter of 2017.

The essence of the gesture, according to the Coordinator of the programme, Mrs. Oluwatoyin Egedi was to make up for the challenges of present economic situation in the country such that beneficiaries would be selfemployed and financially independent.

Egedi noted that the firm was ready to coach, tutor and empower youths in all classes to include the middle-aged and in-between school population in skills acquisition and entrepreneurship which will contribute in resuscitating the ailing economy.

“The private sector has a major role to play; which is where we belong. We are ready to give intensive, short training programmes in courses such as cake baking and decoration, confectionaries, events planning/management/ decoration, slippers, sandals and bag making including photography among others”, she explained.

She encouraged government to put more effort into skills acquisition and vocational training as this would lead to self-development rather than relying on white collar jobs.

“Entrepreneurship is the future of any developing economy such as Nigeria, the white collar jobs are not available anymore in Nigeria.

In civilised countries, you see such economies emerging because of skills acquisitions and vocational trainings.

“We have the manpower, we have all that are required to train Nigerian youths in a lot of areas, and the artisan training can create a lot of jobs for Nigerian youth. We are about to develop a model that has the capacity to take millions of Nigerian youths out of the job market”, the Coordinator assured.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • DECEMBER 17, 2016

INTERVIEW BABATUNDE IPAYE

IWanted to Be a Cobbler After Secondary Education

He had despaired he would not further his education, after the completion of his secondary school education at Beje High School, Ijebu-Igbo in Ogun State. But succour came his way, courtesy of Rotary Club and Premier Sisters Club. Now a medical doctor, his initial dream was to be a cobbler. Dr. Babatunde Ipaye is Ogun State Commissioner for Health. He tells Femi Ogbonnikan, about his poor family background, his survival and eventual success

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What is your background? y name is Dr Babatunde Ipaye. I am from Oke-Agbo, in Ijebu-Igbo, Ijebu North Local Government Area of Ogun state. I was born on May 15, 1970. I attended my primary and secondary schools in Ijebu-Igbo; first at St. John’s Primary School and Beje High School. I left the primary in 1981 and my secondary school in 1986. I left the secondary school, with the hope of learning how to make shoes, because my elder siblings in the nuclear family could not further their education, because nobody was going to pay their school fees. I finished my secondary school education with seven distinctions and everybody in Ijebu-Igbo town became attracted with that WAEC O/L result and I was able to further my education, with scholarship awards. As I have told people severally, I had been admitted to learn how to make shoes and my father had already registered me with a friend who was a shoe-maker. But, on a certain day when I was playing football in front of our house in Ijebu-Igbo, a Post master, in those days, brought a letter to me, and when I opened it late in the night I saw that it was an admission letter for me to study medicine and surgery. I didn’t know how I came by it; I only remembered then that my secondary school principal paid for my JAMB form, some few months before I wrote my WAEC, but I was not expecting anything out of it. When I had this admission letter, combined with the performance at my WAEC, the Rotary Club of Ijebu-Igbo was gracious to give me scholarship award. The Lion Club of Ijebu-Igbo also gave me a scholarship and of course, the PRESSI Sisters, an association of Ijebu-Igbo women, who were based in Lagos, called Premier Club of Ijebu-Igbo Ladies also awarded me scholarship for six years. So, that was how I reverted from learning shoe-making to study medicine at the Ogun State University (now, Olabisi Onabanjo University), AgoIwoye. I was at the Ogun State University for six years and I graduated as the best overall medical doctor in 1992, with five University awards, including the Vice Chancellor’s Prize and several other prizes. I went for the national youth service at Delta State University, Abraka and I came back and I started work at Victory Specialist Hospital, Ijebu-Igbo and established my own private practice, Idunnu Hospital, in Ijebu-Igbo in 1995. I ran it for several years before I went for my Postgraduate Study to study Public Health and I became a Fellow of the West African Public Health in 1996. I was a lecturer/consultant at the Ogun State University Teaching Hospital (OOUTH), Sagamu, before I joined International Development agencies. I worked for FHI. I worked for UK DFI and I worked for the World Bank, then.

Now, I was graciously appointed as Ogun State Commissioner for Health.

Did your father’s advice to learn shoemaking go down well with you?

I had no choice, because it was not a matter of going down well with me or not. I came from a fairly poor household, and you’re

someone who had never seen a university in your life, you had never been to one and you did not know how it looked like, then you could not miss what you didn’t know.

Besides, nobody had ever gone to a university in my household and it was just a norm or a tradition. My elder sister had learnt tailoring and my immediate elder brother had learnt plumbing. And within our viewpoint, it was just traditional for you to pick something you wanted to learn and make living out of it. So, it was not surprising; it was just an expectation.

Was your brilliance not enough reason for your father to change his mind?

It was not a matter of changing his mind, but a matter of affordability. Of course, there is no parent that would not wish his or her child should excel in life and go above his or her expectations. But the bottom-line there was that, it was assumed that university education was expensive and not affordable for the poor.

They didn’t have the privilege of the benefit of it. There was nothing else to miss. Yes, my father admitted that I was brilliant in secondary school and everybody in my school knew that and I also knew it. Though education is good, but the question was who was going to pay for it, even if he decided to push me forward. I assumed that if my performance was not that outstanding, it would also not have attracted the attention that it got. If it was just an average performance it would not have gone down history, but you know, it was a result everybody was seeking out; to know that boy, who was in a very rural school, Beje High School. So, it was a combination

Medicine was the preferred profession in our neighbourhood and it sounded good when we listen to people, calling them Doctor so, so and so. Besides that, there was a Catholic Hospital, St Joseph, not far away from our house and we used to go into the compound to pluck guava and we would see Doctors and nurses well dressed. So, that was an aspiration brought out by peer pressure

Ipaye of hardwork and people’s desire to be good and push forward what they had, as a sign of excellence.

Where did you get money to obtain the JAMB form?

I told you, my Principal, Mrs. Victoria Ogunyemi bought it, and she remains my adopted mother now. She saw the potential in me and I didn’t have to talk to my parents, but she just obtained the JAMB form for me and took me personally to Ijebu Ode to write the JAMB examination.

And for me, she remains the source of the success, because if I had not written the JAMB examination, then there wouldn’t be a letter of admission that was brought by the Post-Master thereafter.

Where did your interest in medicine come from?

The traditional thing in those days was study of medicine. In every school the conversation around brilliant and smart students was either you wanted to be a medical doctor or a lawyer. Medicine was the preferred profession in our neighbourhood and it sounded good when we listen to people, calling them Doctor so, so and so.

Besides that, there was a Catholic Hospital, St Joseph, not far away from our house and we used to go into the compound to pluck guava and we would see Doctors and nurses well dressed. So, that was an aspiration brought out by peer pressure and the respect for the profession at that time, nothing more.

Probably, if I was well counseled, maybe, with the benefit of hindsight, I would not have studied medicine, if you look at other opportunities in other professions in Nigeria.

How rough was your upbringing like while in primary and secondary schools?

Just situate the experience of a poor boy, with a poor background, poor parents and rural with limited opportunities in the environment. You would only make the best of waking up in the morning, and given amala or eba to eat. You would go to play and, of course, I was also helping my mother to hawk food items like cooked rice, cooked yam and other seasonal foods. So, I did that until I was going to Form 5 in this (Beje High) school. So, beginning from Primary Three, my mother would cook rice, put them inside leaves and I would sell them. I also used that opportunity to make little money to buy sweet and chewing gum. That was a life. You would go to school in the morning, thank goodness, courtesy of Awolowo era, primary education was free in school, and when we closed from school, if it was a season for yam, my mother would have cooked yam and I would hawk around the streets. I would come back home eat my food and sleep off. I did that for years. It was fun.

You established ‘Ajoke Ipaye Foundation’ in aid of brilliant but indigent students studying in Nigerian universities. What informed that?

I told you that when I was 16 years old and I had these remarkable and well-noticed results of my WAEC and JAMB, in 1986 members of the Rotary Club of Ijebu-Igbo invited me and graciously awarded me a

scholarship, without applying for it. They just felt, this very young man had played his part and they gave me a scholarship of N1, 000, per year for six years. Lion Club gave me a scholarship for the first year in 1986, just once and the Premier Club of Ijebu-Igbo, the PRESSI Sisters also gave me a scholarship of N1, 000, every year for six years. So, I was able to pay my school fees from the two scholarship awards for the period of six years; money from the Rotary Club and PRESSI Sisters. On that day, I had a covenant with God that if God answers my prayer and, as far as I could afford to, I would do the same. So, when I turned 40 years old, it was an opportunity for me to fulfill that commitment; to say that if the good people had not taken me out of povertyline at that time, then I would not have been what I am today. So, for me, it is an opportunity to give back to that Ijebu-Igbo community that made me, because all those who were members of the clubs that gave me scholarship awards were Indigenes of Ijebu-Igbo either as PRESSI Sisters or Rotary Club members. They gave me university scholarship awards every year, and mine was a way of looking back and say thank you God, and thank the good people for their good deeds.

Apart from tuitions, which was paid through scholarships, who was responsible for your upkeep?

A thousand Naira in 1986 was a lot of money. My tuition fees then was N276 per session. So, what I did was once I collected the first scholarship award from the Rotary Club and the second from the PRESSI Sisters, I saved the two at Savannah Bank, Ijebu-Igbo branch. I would pay my tuition fees of N276 and I would be left with about N1, 724. Out of that, I made sure I didn’t spend more than N150 to maintain myself, every month.

I would go to the bank at the beginning of every month, withdraw my allowance and go back to school, while I made sure I lived within my allowance. Of course, my mother was also very supportive; she would give me raw rice and other foodstuffs. Occasionally, my dad also, from his very poor pocket, would bring out something once in a while.

So far, how many undergraduates have benefitted from the scheme?

Well, about 25 people now have benefitted, and the good story about it is not about those who have benefitted but the successes we have recorded from it. We have produced about two or three first class graduates; we have produced several second class upper; and one of them is in the Law School now.

He had just paid his Law School fees. The first one that had first class from University of Ibadan (UI) in English and Linguistic has gone abroad for his Master’s degree programme. He even had a distinction in his Master’s degree programme and he will be going for his PhD soon. This was a boy that we picked up at a sawmill when he was also following his mother to sell planks.

For me, that is a story of from grass to grace; and very recently, the guy was invited by a German institution to make a presentation on behalf of the University of Ibadan. For me, this is a story in life-changing intervention, because some people touched my life and I am now opportune and privileged to touch the lives of others.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • DECEMBER 17, 2016

INTERVIEW IBRAHIM ODOFIN

My Ordeal in the Hands of Security Personnel

The name Eleshin (lover of horses) is a popular name in Lekki Peninsula, Victoria Island and Ajah area of Lagos. It is a name associated with royalty, tourism and security. Eleshin is the sobriquet of Ibrahim Odofin, son of the late Odofin of Ajiran Kingdom, Lekki in Eti-Osa. He is presently a private security practitioner with his outfit, Eleshin Security Services Limited.

His is a humble story of how good decision making, strong will and doggedness propelled him from very low and obscure beginnings to become one of the most efficient and thriving private security practitioners in Lagos State. The graduate of University of Lagos who is also the next-in-line to the Odofin chieftaincy title in Ajiran Kingdom in Eti-Osa Local Government Area talks to Olaoluwakitan Babatunde about issues and challenges of security business

Odofin and his security operatives

Odofin How did you come up with the nickname Eleshin? was the first person who began Tourism and Home Affairs in Lekki due to the fact that I love horses. Horse riding is one of my hobbies. During festive periods, I usually would bring horses to the beach for both adults and children to ride and have a feel of what most of them usually watch in movies.

The practice soon spread over the beaches and that led to us forming the Eko Tourism Horse riders Association.

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ground and has made a name for itself as a reliable security outfit, giving optimum performance in services. Eleshin Security Services is in most of the estates in Lekki. We are also in Victoria Island, serving several companies, churches, banks, individual homes, etc. We also cover parties and events. I have successfully covered at least 30 parties. I have a good track record here also because I usually train my guards for every event.

Tell us about your father and how best you remember him So your love for horses also informed your My father was the Odofin of Ajiran land in choice of Eleshin as your company name?

Eti-Osa. He was a philosopher; humble, kind Yes of course. I wanted the name to continue and always sharing with others. He died at living. the age of 100. That very day he was ill and I offered to take him to the hospital but he What were you engaged in before declined saying, that was the time, but I did setting up Eleshin Security Services Ltd? not understand. I left him about 2pm to go I have always been a strong member of the and buy my ticket as I was about travelling.

Odua People’s Congress, under Gani Adams, That very day, he had dressed up as if going leading one of the special squadrons of the somewhere and ate very well saying he was group. We were involved in a lot of fights; waiting for a vehicle that was going to pick fights of fundamental human rights and up somebody by 4pm. At the ticketing office, several others. At a point, I had to sit back and I got the call by 4pm that he had passed on. talk with myself because when the crises broke He just went straight to my bedroom and out, it involved always moving from one place breathed his last. His last child is 3 years now. to another in very risky circumstances and so I thought it was time for me to re-evaluate my Are you the next Odofin of Ajiran life. Coming from royal family meant there land? were inherent opportunities for me if I could I am entitled to it but I would leave articulate myself as to take good advantage of the kingmakers to decide. However, I am them. So, I decided that I would quit as I was eternally grateful to the king of Ojomuland, not ready to lose my life and begin a vigilante Alhaji YOB Bakare and one other person security outfit. whose name I would not reveal. After God, Thereafter, I went to one of my uncles who these three people, with my late father have was influential in the community as a high been instrumental to my success. Though, I chief and explained my decision to him. He have had to face many trials and persecutions was very pleased and acknowledged my because of the prospect of becoming the the decision as a wise one. He helped to arrange next Odofin of Ajiran which does not sit well security contracts for me with respect to lands with some people. Various petitions have in disputes and several others. been written against me that I am an armed robber, and a cultist all in a bid to tarnish Tell us how the company began my image and put the stool of the Odofin Assured with that promising prospect after beyond reach. having spoken with my uncle, I knew I had to equip myself further. So, I enrolled to study Any other obstacle?

Security services at the Institute of Security Just two months ago, I was doing a small in the University of Lagos. I went further to party in remembrance of my father and I acquire the Advanced Diploma. This exposed sent my driver to buy me some food at Mega me to the various technicalities in the security Chicken eatery. After waiting for about two business. After that, I registered my company hours, I began to wonder what the matter with the Civil Defense Corps in Abuja. was that he stayed so long. I began to call I began the business with 15 gallant men his number. Unknown to me, he had been as vigilante guards but today, ten years after, apprehended by some policemen from Panti Eleshin Security Services Limited is firmly on

and the vehicle seized. One of the policemen who picked my call later said my driver was with them and that I should meet them at Shoprite. They said I should bring along N1 million when coming but I bluntly refused. In the evening, they released my driver. They then wrote to the Civil Defense Corps to withhold my license. I thereafter petitioned the AIG Zone 2 as well as the CP. My lawyer and I went to court. When they noticed the way the case was going, my moves and strings I was pulling, they slacked and tried to negotiate a settlement and said I should come and pick up my car.

I refused and insisted they return it.

They later released my vehicle and we talked. Since I believe in forgiveness, I asked my lawyer to withdraw the case. They then wrote to the Civil Defense Corps to release my license, which also proved a very difficult task as they deliberately refused to release it.

I sent my staff on three different occasions to pick it up unsuccessfully they would not release it saying, I should ‘shake body’.

My reply was that, I would not give them 10 kobo because it was called corruption.

Just recently, I sent one of my staff again to Abuja through one of my directors; Col. Shomu retired as well as an SSS officer, Mr. Tobi, now retired also. They were the ones who pressurized the Civil Defense Corps to release my license without my bribing them.

You see the country we are in?

What are your hobbies?

I love reading. Anytime I travel out of the country, I take along my novel and other books on security which I spend time reading to continually keep abreast with the dynamics of the profession. At such times, I also look out for other opportunities in enterprise.

Any special thing in your life.

Horses. I love horses more than many things. In fact, if I was sick and you could only let me touch my horse, believe me I would get well. I have four horses in my estate.

Your favorite food.

I am a village boy and a local man. Eba and Tilapia fish it is.

How do you cope with that when you travel out of the country?

I have always been a strong member of the Odua People’s Congress, under Gani Adams, leading one of the special squadrons of the group. We were involved in a lot of fights; fights of fundamental human rights and several others. At a point, I had to sit back and talk with myself because when the crises broke out, it involved always moving from one place to another in very risky circumstances and so I thought it was time for me to re-evaluate my life My brother, I always carry my garri with me when I travel out because their garri overseas is so light with very little starch; it is not as heavy as ours. I also take a bit of Agbo jedi because their soup is full of maggi and sauces.

In ten years, where do you situate Eleshin Security Services Limited?

Remarkable heights, I believe with our focus and determination, we would have spread to other parts of the country and even beyond.

Over the course of the years, do you have regrets?

Yes, I have. Like the saying goes, no one is perfect. But I am grateful to God for helping me through all the challenges to get to where I am today. One of my regret was losing my father, if he was alive; it would have been much easier overcoming all challenges as his help would have come in handy.

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • DECEMBER 17, 2016

PERSPECTIVE

ExposeYouth Corpers,Tertiary Institutions to Incubation Centres for Enterpreneurial Growth – IOE Boss Nduka Uzuakpundu

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here is a pressing need as Nigeria, under the Buhari administration, grapples with the ugly effects of a rather deep recession and attempts to diversity the country’s economic base, to link the incubation centres in the country with her tertiary institutions – including polytechnics and Colleges of Education. The intent of what is potentially an effective network and bridge of information on the latest research findings is to encourage the rise of a new crop of enterpreneurs, who, armed with such findings would become new drivers or skippers of industries and employers of labour. They are expected to be an army of new and enterprising investors in the Nigerian economy, whose views on policies – especially financial and monetary policies, as they affect their access to bank loans, interest rates and repayment terms and conditions, such that, with friendly economic policies, they would be empowered as active and quite visible partners with government in sculpting a new, progressive economic climate, where growth at, say, five per cent per annum, is sustained for a minimum of two decades. Within that distance, it’s almost certain that the new crop of entrepreneurs, who are most likely products or beneficiaries of the spirit of enterprise being preached, somewhat stubbornly and aggressively, by the skippers of the Institute of Entrepreneurs (IOE), Ogba-Lagos, would have eaten, appreciably, into the fortunes of employment, attained the status of regular and reliable tax-source for the government and regular players in the activities of the Nigerian InterBank Settlement System (NIBSS), with special reference to curbing financial fraud, sinking the roots of government policy on a cashless economy and, so, the emergence of a new banking, business culture and entrepreneurial behaviour.

The starting point, said the Executive Secretary of IOE, Dr. Rotimi Oladele, is to expose, henceforward, members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) and third and final year students in tertiary institutions to the activities and findings of well over thirty incubation centres in the country, especially their findings that could be helpful to them in founding a new generation of enterprises: agriculture and cluster or allied services; catering; information and communication technology (ICT); leather and foot-wear outfits; estate development and management – alongside allied enterprises; interior and design ventures; senior citizens’ care services; beauty and fashion design ventures; cabinetmaking; distributive trade and logistics; down-streamcluster ventures or enterpreises affiliated to the crude oil industry; this time with an conscious effort to act in manner that is appreciably friendly to the environment; security agency; civil aviation and adjunct services, say.

The liaison between incubation centres and tertiary institutions had become quite pressing, in that during a recent outing at the Enugu State University of Technology (ESUT), it was discovered – much to the surprise of an Oladele-led team – that, almost as an approximation of much of may well pas for a national index, the skippers of ESUT knew less of the findings of core, east-based incubation centres. And their numerous findings could be of use to students taking courses in entrepreneurship programme in universities or those of them who have graduated. Such a link and exposure are sure to arm the students and NYSC operatives with skills and behaviour for self-employment. It’s also quite likely that for the ambition amongst third and final year students in tertiary institution, that having such entrepreneurial skills and information from any of the incubations centres, they could start running their own enterprises,

Oladele well before they graduated and leave for the NYSC orientation camp in readiness for national service.

The narrative of such budding entrepreneurs, who have come to realise that there are no more white-collar jobs, could be more readable than that of a third-year student, who some years back, in a university in Lagos, bought a Passat car from a mini-enterprise of designing and printing Valentine Day cards, greeting and ecclesiastical cards, and taking them to as far as Okigwe, deep inside the east of the country, for sale each time there were church programmes.

It’s quite obvious that the Nigerian economy of today is more forward-looking, than it was in the ’90s, and because of the imperatives of diversification, there’s now what Oladele referred as a culture aimed at “changing the mind-set of our youths to build sustainable oasis of entrepreneurial growth and development”, in a manner that aided the astronomical growth, in the late ’80s of the Asian Tigers – South Korea, Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, Taiwan, etc.

Oladele figured that in sculpting new entrepreneurs from NYSC operatives, the Federal Ministry of Education, National University Commission (NUC) and the Federal Ministry of Science and Technology should direct incubation centres – the likes of Federal Institute for Industrial Research, Oshodi (FIIRO), Lagos, Nigerian Stored Products Research Institute (NSPRI), Lagos, Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria (CRIN), Ibadan, Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria (FRIN), Ibadan, Nigerian Institute for Oil Palm Research (NIFOR), Benin, Project Development Agency (PRODA), Enugu, National Cereals Research Institute, Badeggi, Niger State, National Crops Research Institute (NCRI), Bida, Niger State, National Animal Production Research Institute (NAPRI), Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Kaduna State, National Centre for Agricultural Mechanization (NCAM), Idofia, Kwara State, National Institute for Fresh water Fisheries Research (NIFFR), New Bussa, Niger State, etc. – to make their findings known to tertiary institutions.

The experience, so far is that less than 45 per cent of the activities and findings of the incubations centres – nationwide – are available to the institutions where entrepreneurial programmes or courses, skills and behaviour are being taught. What that translates to is that research and incubations centres need to be carry out some aggressiveness marketing and advertisement of their entrepreneurshiprelated activities and products to big industries, small- and medium- scale enterprises, budding entrepreneurs in NYSC camps.

It’s an entrepreneurial exercise from which the incubation centres could broaden their clientele base and establish what promises to be a sustainable and thriving incubation centre-industry- entrepreneur-consumer relationship; a much-desired chain of goodsand-services-delivery culture as a top player in ongoing effort to diversity of the Nigerian economic base.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • DECEMBER 17, 2016

WITH

MARITIME BITS

JOHN IWORI 08057763164

Port Manager, Onne Port Complex, Alhaji Alhassan Ismaila Abubakar at his conferment of fellowship by the Charted Institute of Logistics (CILT) in Lagos… recently

L-R: Customs Area Controller (CAC), Eastern Marine Command (EMC), Comptroller Usman Kankara Bello presenting a gift to one of the retiring officers of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) at a ceremony in honour of the new Comptroller of NIS, Rivers State Command, Comptroller A. B. Yarima in Port Harcourt …recently

Back and Front with Cabotage Fund There seems to be no end to the woes bedevilling the implementation of the Cabotage Vessel Finance Fund (CVFF). The establishment of the fund was sequel to the enactment of the Coastal and Inland Trade Act 2003. Styled after the Jones Act in the United States of America (USA), the Act otherwise called the Caboatge Act has provisions that make Nigeria, nay Nigerians the fulcrum of its implementation. For instance, it makes it mandatory for vessels meant for Cabotage to be owned by Nigerians, crew by Nigerians

and should be built in Nigeria. Going by the realities of things in the Nigeria maritime industry, it is clear that it is not possible to strictly execute it as it is. It is therefore not surprising that the Act made provisions for the granting of waiver.

However, rather than been an exception it is now the rule for successive Ministers of Transportation to grant waiver to foreign ship owners.

This is one of the reasons why foreign ships have continued to dominate the Cabotage trade

NCS Intercepts Truck Laden with Adulterated Petroleum Products The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted a truck laden with petroleum products said to be adulterated.

The truck with registration number GBB 85 XA was said to be carrying adulterated diesel at the time it was intercepted by men of the NCS, Federal Operations Unit (FOU), Zone ‘C’, Owerri, Imo State.

At the time it was intercepted, the truck according to a statement signed by the Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the unit, Mrs. Ifeoma Onuigbo, was plying along the Aba-Owerri Road.

Onuigbo quoted the Customs Area Controller in charge of the unit, Comptroller Mohammed Uba Garba, saying that the exhibit was discovered to have been hidden in a specially constructed tank for illegal bunkering.

In order to evade the prying eyes of security operatives and arrest, the CAC revealed that the petroleum product was concealed with 256 sacks of expired animal feeds.

According to Garba said the seized adulterated petroleum product causes blockages of heavy duty machines and generators, which equally emit hazardous carbon monoxide, that are detrimental to the health.

The CAC who disclosed that the suspects arrested in connection with the seizure, Mr. Chibuzor Njoku would be handed over to the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps for prosecution.

He also disclosed that a 1 X 40” container with numbers MRKU 254564 loaded with 1,017 sacks of 50kg cannabis (Indian hemp) estimated at over #16,000 was intercepted along the Benin-Shagamu Road by his men.

According to him, the only suspect, Mr. James idoko who claimed to be a student upon interrogation attempted to deceive men and officers of NCS by fraudulently presenting copies of suspected fake customs processed document on importation which was contrary to what was contained in the container. The suspect offered a bribe of N350, 000 in an attempt to avoid arrest. He is currently in custody with the bribe money which now serves as an exhibit along with the container load of cannabis awaiting the estimated value from the relevant agency.

The Customs Chief noted that the increasing tempo of criminality, violence and juvenile delinquency among the youth is traceable to the rampant consumption of hard drugs such as marijuana hence the clamp down on those involved in the illicit business.

“Consumption of cannabis also affects family relationship and we must fight it to the last so as to have a better society,” he stated.

The seized items and the suspects were subsequently to the Principal Staff Officer (Operation and Intelligence) of the NDLEA Edo State Command Timothy Adewole for further investigations.

in the country as their Nigerian counterparts continue to hold the short end of the stick.

Over the years, the implementation of CVFF has suffered several setbacks. Top government officials from the Minister of Transportation to the Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) have continued to speak from both sides of their mouths.

The inconsistencies in policies statements and implementation are not unknown to stakeholders in the maritime industry. For

Ship Broker Hails Monarch on Local Content A United Kingdom base ship broker and lawyer, Mr. Adekanmi Abayomi has expressed delight over the use of local content in the erection of the new Moremi statue of liberty in the ancient city of Ile Ife, Osun State.

The statue which was unveiled recently in the ancient city with fun fare remains the tallest statue in the country.

The ship broker stated that he was pleased that the erection of the magnificent statue was in compliance with the provisions of the Local Content Act which was enacted during the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan.

Abayomi who spoke as one of the leaders of a group of IIe-Ife Indigenes (Egbe of Omo Ile-Ife) in Belfast, United Kingdom acknowledged the Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi’s cultural vision to redefine Yoruba cultural institution and sense of tradition behind the new statue of liberty.

According to the ship broker who stated this on behalf of the group, this

is not the first time Moremi statue would be erected in Ile-Ife but this particular statue is astounding and noble in its whole conceptualisation.

We are strongly in tune with our Baba – Ooni Ogunwusi’s vision to immortalise Moremi Ajasoro with such a monumental statue. No doubt, this will greatly boost tourism and commerce in Ile-Ife and its environs.

Continuing, he said: “This epoch stride will not only trigger the world to appreciate this Yoruba heroine – Moremi Ajasoro but it will also remind the world of a woman who used her native intelligence to liberate her people at the expense of her life. Moremi remains our heroine. Ile-Ife was able to repel its invaders due to Moremi’s courage, bravery and intelligence. We will continue to support our Baba – Ooni Ogunwusi in exalting Moremi Ajasoro who allowed herself to be captured by external invaders of Ile-Ife so that she could get the secret behind the power of the invaders”.

Haastrup Bemoans Hike in Imported Vehicles Tariff The Executive Chairman, ENL Consortium Limited, Mrs. Victoria Haastrup has bemoaned over the high tariff place on some imported items in the country.

Haastrup whose firm is the concessionaire of Terminal C in the Lagos Port Complex (LPC), Apapa stated that the hike in the tariff of these imported items rather than benefitting Nigeria and Nigerians is an enormous gain to other countries.

Haastrup who is also the Chairman, Seaport Terminal Operators of Nigeria (STOAN), the umbrella body of concessionaires in the nation’s seaports stated this in Lagos in the wake of the Federal Government ban on the importation of vehicles by land into the country with effect from January 1, 2017.

She revealed that since 2014 when the 70 per cent hike in the tariff of imported vehicles came into effect, Nigeria had lost not less than 80 per cent of its vehicle cargo traffic to the seaports situated in neighbouring countries.

The terminal operator maintained

that the loss Nigeria, nay Nigerians are incurring for the high tariff in certain items imported into the country are too numerous to count.

Her words: “Since the high tariff was introduced, importers have resorted to landing their vehicles at the ports of neighbouring countries and smuggling them into Nigeria without paying appropriate duties to the government. This amounted to huge revenue loss to the Nigeria Customs Service and the Federal government.

The policy also led to loss of more 5,000 direct and indirect jobs at the affected ports”.

Though some stakeholders in the maritime industry have expressed misgivings over the recent policy of the Federal Government, Haastrup commended President Muhammadu Buhari for banning the importation of vehicles through the land borders into the country. According to her, the ban will benefit Nigeria and Nigerians in the New Year through increase revenue into the coffers of the Federal Government as well as direct and indirect employment opportunities.

instance, shortly after the appointment of Right Hon. Rotimi Amaechi as the Minister of Transportation, he announced that the over N40 billion that have accrued into CVFF would be used to fund the proposed national shipping carrier.

At a public forum for stakeholders which took place at Sheraton Hotels, Lagos, a few weeks after, he stated this shall no longer be case as the Federal Government would no longer use the proceeds from the CVFF to resuscitate the national shipping carrier.

“We Will Ensure Trade Facilitation and Revenue Increase” Trade facilitation and increase in revenue profile from all the Customs formations across the country has been enhanced since the establishment of the Comptroller General’s Compliance Team in the past six months, the Team Coordinator, Assistant Comptroller Jalo has said.

According to him, the seizure profile of contraband goods has also moved up as imports worth more than half a billion naira have been intercepted by the team.

At the moment, uncustomed cargoes which were hitherto released from the seaports as well as the border stations have been nipped in the bud, while accurate duties are now paid on goods being cleared at the various entry points, leading to a peak in the revenue of the commands.

It was gathered that enforcement stations like Seme/Badagry as well as Idiroko borders have experienced sharp increase in their monthly revenue to an average of N1 billion, as against N500 million previously recorded.

The team spoke of its determination to encourage importers and ensuring that the country is not made a dumping ground for fake products or contrabands. It has mopped up some of the smugglers’ warehouses in Lagos where smuggled rice were deposited in large quantity after they were repacked with sacks which they do not have legal authority to produce.

The new operation accounts for the less inflow of imported rice which normally flooded the Western borders of the country during the Christmas period and other festivals.

It was learnt that till date, foreign parboiled rice intercepted by the officers totalled 21,314 bags with duty paid value (DPV) hitting N138, 541, 000. It was gathered that about N40 million worth of poultry products were seized.

The Comptroller General’s Compliance Team also made a seizure of three bullet proof vehicles worth N120 million whose owners outrightly evaded the payment of duties.

The vehicles include Mercedes G. Wagon (2015 model), Lexus 750 (2015 model), and Escalade 2015 model as well.

Other cargoes seized include, second hand clothing totalling 1,387 bales; 7,344 pieces of used tyres as well as large quantity of vegetable oil. Lagos Zonal Commander of the team, Mr. Bello said the team is well prepared with all the logistics and human resources to prosecute the functions assigned to it by the ComptrollerGeneral and will leave no stone unturned in that regard.

“Importers who play according to the rules should have no fear as the team is on ground to stamp out products that are either prohibited or injurious to the health of the citizens as well as Nigeria’s economy”, he said.

51

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • DECEMBER 17, 2016

ENCOUNTER Buhari, APC Killing Democracy, Says SDP’’s Spokesman The National Publicity Secretary of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Alhaji Alfa Mohamed, said the All Progressive Congress (APC) and President Muhammadu Buhari are gradually institutionalising electoral violence and corruption in the country. He spoke with our correspondent, Ogheneuvede Ohwovoriole Before the governorship elections in Ondo State you said that your party, the Social Democratic Party, was on ground; how come your party lost the election of November 26, 2016? efore the governorship elections in Ondo State you said that your party, the Social Democratic Party, was on ground; how come your party lost the election of November 26, 2016?

I thank God that many people were aware that we were on ground in Ondo State despite the conspiracy of the media against us. Prior to the elections we were under reported by major media outfits. Prior to the elections most of the initial newspapers rating on the Ondo Governorship elections did not properly place us as strong contenders, not until Abuja Express conducted an opinion polls----two weeks to the election---rating SDP high that other media started taking us serious. Channels Television was in Ondo to see things for itself after they discovered that we were among the contenders, they invited us for a debate with other contenders. But to our surprise, the result of the election was the opposite of our expectations. We were banking on the integrity and experience of our candidate Dr. Olu Agunoloye, who is also very popular with the people at the grassroot; his nick-named is Omoluabi(Man of integrity); he is the pioneer chief executive of the Federal Road Safety Corp(FRSC) and two-time Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

He has never been invited by any anticorruption agency; he also has a platform known as omoluabi that is present in all the local government areas of the State. We also carried out massive campaigns in all the nooks and crannies of the state, and for the first time in the history of Ondo State, young girls---graduates and undergraduates aged, between 18 and 25, who were known as Agunloye girls were actively involved in election campaigns. As the National Publicity Secretary, I was directly in charge of this group and within the short time I was in Ondo and led the girls to the nooks and crannies of the State. SDP and Dr. Agunloye became household names in the State.

This was how we were able to draw the attention of the media. But on the election day when we got to the field everything changed as we started getting calls from our polling unit agents, and some were crying, saying APC were buying votes at the polling units. The three leading political parties in the election----including the one that won never campaigned seriously; all they did was to prepare their war chest (money) for the election, so that they can buy votes.

When party A was offering N1000 to voters, party B was offering N2000; while the party that carried the day offered N5000. And in some places it was as high as N10000 per vote. It was as a result of the Chieftains of the ruling party who wanted to make sure they deliver their constituencies but were out-bided by the party that won (APC). The danger of what happened in Ondo elections is that in subsequent elections people may not even need to print posters and campaign but just have a very huge budget and wait for Election Day and negotiate money for votes at the poling units.

this corruption at the polling units now, with what we now have, it means that in future elections any person with questionable character, any criminal or drug baron can get his money and wait for the electorate at the polling booths. This will create a wide gap between the electorate and elected officials---since they bought their way into office, they will not be accountable to the people. This portends great danger for our democracy and society----if that is the legacy APC will leave for Nigerians.

B

Do you have evidence in your allegations?

It is an open secret----since it was widely

Mohamed

When party A was offering N1000 to voters, party B was offering N2000; while the party that carried the day offered N5000. And in some places it was as high as N10000 per vote. It was as a result of the Chieftains of the ruling party who wanted to make sure they deliver their constituencies but were out-bided by the party that won (APC). The danger of what happened in Ondo elections is that in subsequent elections people may not even need to print posters and campaign but just have a very huge budget and wait for Election Day and negotiate money for votes at the poling units reported by your colleagues in the media, and there was nothing the media could do since the security agents were looking the other way. Up till date none of these three political parties has come out to say that they never bought votes at the polling units.

This APC government that prides itself as an anti-corruption government is the one encouraging and leading this form of corruption (electoral corruption) Does your party intend to challenge

the election results at the tribunal?

No, we do not intend to challenge it; because doing that will amount to wasting of time and resources. We took this decision based on what happened on the Election Day. To be fair, the Independent Electoral Commission (INEC) performed far above average with very minimal cases of malfunctioned card readers, and no case of ballot box snatching was reported by our agents, who were on the field.

I only read of a single case of ballot box snatching in the newspapers. It is highly regrettable that about six governors and a serving Minister were in Ondo and were involved in this electoral fraud. I saw the Kano State Governor, His Excellency Ganduje in the Mosque and his counterpart from Kogi State Yaya Bello, who happens to have the highest number of none indigene in Ondo State, gathered all the Kogi State leaders in the state and gave them money to mobilise all Kogi indigenes to vote for APC. Ganduje did same; likewise Okorocha of Imo; Dr. Kayode Fayemi, former Governor of Ekiti and present Minister of Mines and Steel, did same for Ekiti indigenes and the Plateau State Governor, His Excellency Lalong, was here too. The PDP was prepared to buy votes but never knew that the APC was better prepared.

Even the AD candidate who campaigned in urban centres could not match them for money.

We that went to the nooks and crannies of the state were prepared for money free elections---since the people---civil servant, students, traders, artisans and the villagers were with us. The question was: vote for Dr. Olu Agunloye, go home, drink garri and wait for his inauguration or vote APC, collect some money, then go home and cook. This is a predominantly civil service state---were civil servants’ salaries had not been paid for nine months before the elections. President Buhari must fight the corruption at the polling booths or forget fight against corruption, because the corruption at the polling booths is the worst form of corruption.

If he does not fight and win corruption at the polling booths, it will be the worst legacy that Buhari and the APC will bequest to Nigerians. If they do not put an end to

What are your party’s plans for future elections since you said they now buy votes at the polling units?

We are going to launch a nationwide campaign against voters’ inducement. We want to champion the fight against monetization of votes. Second, we will sensitize Nigerians on the dangers of money for votes. Third, we are planning to reenergize the party by looking for soul mates who share our views and principles of corruption free Nigeria and food for all. We also intend to discuss with other political parties on the possibilities of having a working relationship and since some political parties have approached us on same issues. Very soon we will be having a NEC meeting where we will constitute a contact and mobilisation committees with view of having a working relationship or a possible merger---forming a mega political party. As this will ensure the enthronement of a credible leadership come 2019.

There is a rumor making the round that some top politicians who are not happy with their political parties; the PDP and the APC are planning to float a mega party and plans to fuse into an already existing political party, sensing the possibility of not being registered. If they come to you with good and convincing reasons will you welcome them?

Our door is open to all credible Nigeria politicians, who want to join us. Like I already told you some of them are already talking to us. These include serving legislators at the national and state levels. We have been in talks for the past six months and very soon, we should have a roundtable discussion on everything. Our party is the only credible party that people are now looking up to.

We have a very credible leadership in the person Dr. Olu Falae, who is our National Chairman whom they made an attempt to rubbish his image in the past for this purpose but they failed. Also the SDP is a very good brand with good philosophy, since it was the same platform that Abiola/Kingibe used for the 1993 Presidential elections.

Lastly, there seems to be a new political movement in the South West as the Yorubas are believed not to be happy with the APC. Have they approached your party for a possible platform?

Yes, even last week there was a meeting in Akure to that effect. The Awolowo group, which formed the Action Group later metamorphosed from Action Group to UPN, from there to SDP and then to AD and to SDPM and now back to SDP. The SDP from inception has been a South-West party with Awolowo’s philosophy. There is a high wired discussion going on in the South-west; don’t forget that we won council election in Adamawa State, which is still in court and in Suleja---Niger State, we won three Councillor-seat. SDP is the party for tomorrow, the party for 2019 by the grace of God.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • DECEMBER 17, 2016

POLITY

FIRS Shuts More Tax-Defaulting Companies

T

he Federal Inland Service (FIRS), yesterday continued its crackdown on tax-defaulting companies in Abuja.

FIRS enforcement team leader, Ruth Mandeun, lead the team to seal the offices of Group Properties Limited, located at 132 Mediterranean Street, Maitama, Abuja. The company has a tax liability of N52,808,953.48. But the management of the company produced an undertaken with the FIRS that it will pay on or before 23 December. The company was subsequently unsealed.

Salem Quest Limited, which has its office at Block C8 Flat 3, Games Village, was not so lucky. The company, which has a tax liability of N273,536, made up of Company Income Tax and Education Tax, was sealed Also sealed in Abuja on Friday was LifeWay Medi-

cal Centre at 60 Harper Street Wuse Zone 7.

The company is owing N106, 234.

Earlier in the week, FIRS enforcement teams in Lagos, Abuja and Port Harcourt had sealed defaulting companies.

In Lagos, the team led by Mr. Umar Bukar Gana sealed off Mayssa International Limited, situated at 202 Etim Inyang Crescent, Victoria Island, Lagos, over a tax debt of N133.8 million. The managing director, who identified himself as Mr. Robert, told the team that while the company owes, the debt is not on the scale the FIRS claimed. He added that the organisation is making efforts to pay what it owes, an assurance that did not impress the team, which shut down its premises. The team also shut Modesty Properties Limited, situated at 255 Muri Okunola Street, for a tax liability of N30.7 million. The exercise also affected Joza Global Logistics Limited, situated at 8 Ribadu Road Ikoyi, which was shut for owing

UPU Crisis: Dont Parade Yourself as Urhobo Union President-General,Taiga Warns Omene Sylvester Idowu in Warri

A

frontline Presidential candidate into the foremost Urhobo sociocultural group, Urhobo Progress Union (UPU), Olorogun Moses Taiga yesterday warned Chief Joe Omene not to parade himself as the President General of the body or face the consequences.

Olorogun Taiga’s warning came as controversy trail the conduct of the election into the Union at Mosorga residence of Chief omene, allegedly contrary to the constitution of UPU which stipulates designated places where elections into the executive of the union must hold as against private residence of any member.

Also in the constitution, there are criteria stated as to how delegates that will participate in the elections would emerge which Olorogun Taiga alleged was not followed by Chief Omene to emerge as President General of the

Urhobo body for a second term in office.

Urhobo Progress Union (UPU) is the equivalent of Arewa, Ohanaeze and Afenifere. The tension that followed the emergence of Chief Omene has attracted the attention of the state government and security agencies, fearing a possible backlash in the eight Local Governments and others where Urhobos are domiciled in the state.

Addressing Journalists yesterday at his Okpare-Olomu country home in Ughelli South Local Government area of Delta State, Olorogun Moses Taiga maintained that the election held in the private home of Chief Joe Omene was illegal and an act of disrespect to the Urhobo people.

Urging Chief Omene to refrain from parading himself as the President General of the UPU, he described the purported election as a ruse and unacceptable to the Urhobo people noting that he was waging a war against Urhobo Kings and their Kingdoms.

PHOTO NEWS

L-R: Senator, Georgia General Assembly, Mrs. Gloria Butler; State Representative and Founder/President One Georgia, Mrs. Dee Dawkins-Haigler and Managing Director, Airtel Nigeria, Mr. Segun Ogunsanya, during the conferment of Honourary Citizenship of the State of Georgia on Ogunsanya, in Atlanta Georgia...recently

R-L: President, Fashion Designers Association of Nigeria (FADAN), Mrs.Funmi Ajila Ladipo; CEO, Tiskies, Mrs. Abiola Aluko; her husband, Kayode Alouko; and representative of the DG, Textile Manufacturing Association of Nigeria (TMAN), Mrs. Ayodele Oke, at the launch of Tiskies showroom/logo unveiling in Lagos...recently

N62.4million.

In Abuja, the FIRS team leader, Mrs. Ruth Mandeun ordered the sealing of the premises of Hakimco Automobiles Limited at the city’s Central Business District. The company is indebted to the tune of N335,902. The manager claimed to have paid the debt, but when given 30 minutes to produce evidence of payment, he disappeared and the company was shut.

On Wednesday in Lagos the premises of Ace Products and Services, situated at 20, Sanni Ashmiu Close, Awoyaya, Lagos, was shut over a tax debt of N157.3 million.

However, staff of the company refused to open the gates for the officials despite properly identifying themselves as FIRS staff.

The refusal to open the gates lasted about 15 minutes, after which policemen attached to the team forced the gates open for Gana to order company staff out of the premises for the company to sealed.

The team also visited Globasure Technology Limited at 10, Ashabi Adewale Close, Lekki Phase 1, Lagos. The company is indebted to the tune of N36.5 million, accumulated between 2007 and 2014 assessment years.

The company’s managing director admitted that the organisation is owing, but an unspecified amount he claimed was below what the FIRS said it owes. He appealed to the team for more time, blaming the failure

to pay on the harsh economic situation in the country. His plea was, however, ignored and the company was shut.

On Tuesday, the FIRS sealed Diplomat Hotel located at 1 Shonnyway, Shonibare Estate, Maryland, Lagos, which is owing N35.1million, accumulated over the last four years. The hotel’s customer care manager said they were “concerned about the debt”.

The same day, the team closed the premises of Island Power Limited, a power generating firm owing N132.5million from 2012 to 2014.

The company’s administrative department was shut, leaving the power plant because of the essential service it provides. But at Conservative Estimate Limited, situated at 15 Fatai Irawo Way, Papa Ajao, Lagos, they met the premises under lock and key, as it allegedly relocated four months back. The warrant of distraint showed that the company is owing N15.8million.

In Port Harcourt, Rivers State, the FIRS team, led by Mrs. Anita Erinne, also on Tuesday, shut the premises of Universal Insurance, which has a tax debt of N82.1million.

Also shut were the premises of Groundscan Services Limited, which is indebted to the tune of N22.6million.

Similarly shut was Moonwalker Connect Limited, which has its office at the Palms Shopping Mall, Lekki. The company is owing N61.2 million.

L-R: Account Executive, Fuel Communication Limited, Michelle Onolapo; the Controller, Federal Ministry of Environment, Lagos, Mrs. Oluwatoyin Agbenla and Managing Director, Candel Company Limited, Mr. Emmanuel Kattie during the grand finale of Candel Clean Farm project and raffle draw in Lagos....recently

L-R: Editor Business Day, Anthony Osae-Brown; Music icon and award-winning entertainer, Dbanj; founder, The Cable, Simon Kolawole; and Publisher Encomium magazine, Kunle Bakare at the final draw of 2016 Cream Draw

L-R; Director General, National Orientation Agency (NOA), Dr. Garba Abari; General Manager, Contribution Manager Department, National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), Attahiru Ibrahim; and General Manager, Formal Sector Department (NHIC), Dr. Emma Chuakanwa, at a two-day retreat for NOA directors and NHIS in Lagos...recently PHOTO: SUNDAY ADIGUN

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER •DECEMBER 17, 2016

53

NEWSXTRA

In Brief Buhari Felicitates with Pope Francis at 80 President Muhammadu Buhari has congratulated Pope Francis as he turns 80 today. The president, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina, said he joined the Roman Catholic Church in particular, and Christendom in general, in celebrating this milestone in the life of the Pontiff, who has shown uncommon humility, generosity and love for humanity. Buhari said he "believes Pope Francis has lived, preached and demonstrated the tenets of the Christian faith like Saint Francis of Assisi, who influenced the world around him by caring for the weak, the poor and helpless."

The president said that the teachings of His Holiness on peace, love and tolerance in a world embroiled in conflicts would not be lost on leaders, and would continue to resonate through many generations.

Jonathan, Dogara Hail Buhari at 74

REWARDING LOYALTY...

L - R: Aishah Ahmad, Head, Consumer Banking Diamond Bank Plc; Kingsley Ezeji, Diamondxtra Star Prize Winner; and Rob Giles, Head Retail Banking Businesses, Diamond Bank Plc at the launch of DiamondXtra Season 9 and prize presentation ceremony of Lagos Regional Draw winners held in Lagos recently.

Knocks, Kudos Trail 2017 Budget Proposal NdubuisiFrancisinAbuja

Reactions have continued to trail the N7.298 trillion 2017 Appropriation Bill, which was submitted to the National Assembly on Wednesday by President Muhammadu Buhari.

While some of the reactions commended some aspects of the budget proposals, others picked holes in some provisions.

In its reaction, the Centre for Social Justice (CSJ), said it welcomed what it described as key positive points in the budget speech and the supporting budget policy statement.

According to CSJ, some positives in the budget proposals include the promise to fully align

fiscal, monetary and trade policies to promote import substitution, as well as the plan by the federal government to stop the payment of Joint Venture Cash Calls which will now be subject to a new funding mechanism that will allow for cost recovery.

On the flipside, CSJ raised concerns about the budget speech and the presentation, including the submission of the budget on December 14, which it described as "late in the year and a few days to the start of the legislative Christmas and new year break."

It also faulted the non-approval of the Medium Term Expenditure Framework 2017-2019.

The group noted that "strictly speaking in law, there cannot be

Emefiele Appointed Chairman Obinna Chima

The Governor, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr. Godwin Emefiele, has been elected as the chairman of the International Islamic Liquidity Management Corporation (IILM).

The appointment, according to a statement from the CBN’s Acting Director, Corporate Communications, Mr. Isaac Okorafor, yesterday was announced on Thursday, December 15, 2016 in Jakarta, Indonesia.

It noted that by this development, Emefiele was also the Head of the General Assembly of the financial body comprising of nine countries and Islamic Development Bank with headquarter in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

The International Islamic Liquidity Management Corporation is an international institution established by central banks, monetary authorities and multilateral organisations to create and issue short-term Shari’ah-compliant financial instruments to facilitate effective cross-border Islamic liquidity management.

By creating more liquid Shari’ah-compliant financial markets for institutions offer-

ing Islamic financial services (IIFS), the IILM aims to enhance cross-border investment flows, international linkages and financial stability.

The body’s major mandates include developing a robust Islamic liquidity management as a catalyst for cross-border financial linkages and facilitating effective cross-border liquidity management instruments for institutions that offers Islamic financial series.

The organisation is also charged with the responsibility of enabling a future global finance industry with greater connectivity, stability and sophistication. The body which was established in 2010, is open to central banks, monetary authorities, financial regulatory authorities or government ministries or agencies that have regulatory oversight of finance or trade and commerce, and multilateral organisations.

The current shareholders comprise of central banks and monetary authorities of Indonesia, Kuwait, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Mauritius, Nigeria, Qatar, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates and the Islamic Development Bank.

an executive budget submitted for legislative approval without the approval of the MTEF," adding that 'illegality may have occurred in the preparation and presentation of the budget."

CSJ also picked holes in the proposal to use executive orders to speed government procurement and approvals," adding: "This may lead to derogations in due process for public procurements thereby denying the country of the benefits of a well-planned procurement process."

Also reacting, a finance analyst, Odilim Enwegbara faulted government's proposed huge domestic borrowing.

During a television pro-

gramme, Enwegbara faulted the N1.66 trillion proposed for debt service, arguing that the amount was humongous.

According to him, rather than borrow domestically, government should have borrowed more from external sources due their concessionary windows.

The 2017 budget proposals are anchored on a fiscal deficit of N2.36 trillion, which is about 2.18 per cent of GDP. The deficit will be financed mainly by borrowing which is projected to be about N2.32 trillion. N1.067 trillion or about 46 per cent of the borrowing is from external sources while N1.254 trillion will be borrowed from the domestic market.

Police Intimidated, Kept me under House Arrest, LamentsYuguda Segun AwofadejiinBauchi The immediate past governor of Bauchi State, Malam Isa Yuguda has alleged that Police violated his fundamental human rights by putting him under house arrest, intimidation and harassment of his Bauchi residence during his last visit to the state.

Yuguda who made the allegations through his spokesman and former Commissioner of information in the state, Alhaji Salisu Ahmed Barau while talking to journalists in Bauchi yesterday, said ‘‘the state police command in collaboration with the Bauchi State government, in a calculated plot to embarrass and humiliate me before a multitude of my supporters in the state who trooped out to welcome me home after more than a year’s absence from the country during which I went to take care of my health and treat an undisclosed ailment’’.

"The police have violated my fundamental human rights and intimidated me. I was put under 12-hour house arrest on November 24 in Bauchi by the Bauchi State Police Command when I visited home. ‘‘Since I was not going for any public procession or political rally so had nothing to do with the order given by state government

and the police, so I left for Bauchi on November 24 accompanied by the 10 mobile policemen from the IGP. To my utter shock, neither the Bauchi CP nor his men were at the airport against the IGP’s directive “The crowd of supporters at the airport surged and became uncontrollable. I feared for the safety of the surging crowd and while another tumultuous crowd we learnt was eagerly waiting at home, so we drove straight to my house near the Government House where, after many hours the CP suddenly called and asked me to remain in the house.

“Then I asked the CP if I was under house arrest to which he replied in the affirmative. I accused the CP for putting me under illegal forceful imprisonment.

“The next thing we saw was that the CP sent his men to cordon off and barricade my house for many hours until the authorities in Abuja later ordered him to dislodge the barricade and ensure that he escorts me to any part of Bauchi ."As a former governor if I should be treated this way by the police what more of ordinary Nigerian citizens, is a pity the system is a mess, am not the only former governor who visits home, we have them many who always visit their home state, and why is my own exceptional.

Former President Goodluck Jonathan and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Yakubu Dogara have expressed congratulatory wishes to President Muhammadu Buhari, who clocks 74 today.

In statements issued by their spokesmen Ikechukwu Eze and Mr. Turaki Hassan, they described the President as one who should have more days in good health. Dogara added that Buhari returned to lead Nigeria at a critical time when the country needed purposeful, credible and dynamic leadership. "We remain eternally grateful to the almighty God for giving us, you at this critical period in our nation's history when the need for a dynamic and purposeful leadership is imperative. "Undoubtedly, you are here on a divine mission to rescue Nigeria from the brink of collapse and hopelessness."

ICPC Celebrates Anti-Corruption Day

The Lagos Zonal Office of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) marked the World AntiCorruption Day with a Road Rally in the Ikoyi axis of Lagos State. The 9th of every December has been set aside by the United Nations to draw attention to the epidemic effects of corruption the world over most especially in developing countries. The Secretary General of the United Nations, Ban Ki-Moon in his address gave the theme of this year’s celebration as “Corruption: An impediment to the Sustainable Development Goal” and charged all countries to reaffirm their commitment to ending the deceit and dishonesty that threaten the 2030 Agenda and efforts to achieve peace and prosperity for all on a healthy planet” On his part, the Chairman of the ICPC, Mr. Ekpo Nta, whose address was read by the Lagos Zonal Commissioner, Mr. Binga Shintema, said the Commission had developed strategies for proactive prevention and strict enforcement for sustained anti-corruption fight.

Glo Commiserates with Akwa Ibom

Telecommunications company, Globacom, has commiserated with the people of Akwa Ibom State on the loss of lives in the collapsed church building belonging to the Reigners Bible Church, Uyo. The message was conveyed through a letter to the Governor of the State, Mr. Emmanuel Udom signed by its Executive Director, Legal Services, Mrs. Gladys Talabi, Globacom expressed its deepest sympathies to the governor, families who lost loved ones and the entire people of the state for the December 10 tragedy. Globacom described the incident as “most unfortunate”, noting that it had thrown the state and the entire country into deep grief and mourning.“We commiserate with you and the entire state, especially with the families of those who lost their loved ones in the sad incident.

Nigeriatosave$25mfromChlorineProduction

Nigeria is expected to save over $25 million spent annually on importation the popular water treatment agent called chlorine when Wattccon Sodium Hypochlorite Chemical is commissioned in March 2017. Managing Director of the plant, Alhaji Aliyu Maigari Mamman disclosed this when took the American Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Stuart Syminton on an inspection tour of the plant in Kaduna. He said the plant was designed to replace importation of chlorine disinfectant chemical for treatment of water and waste water. Mamman said the plant, when completed, had the capacity for producing 40,000 litres of sodium hypochlorite per day which could be used to treat all the water to be consumed in three Nigerian cities such as Kaduna, Kano and Abuja in a day.

Glo Commiserates with Akwa Ibom

Telecommunications company, Globacom, has commiserated with the people of Akwa Ibom State on the loss of lives in the collapsed church building belonging to the Reigners Bible Church, Uyo. The message was conveyed through a letter to the Governor of the State, Mr. Emmanuel Udom signed by its Executive Director, Legal Services, Mrs. Gladys Talabi, Globacom expressed its deepest sympathies to the governor, families who lost loved ones and the entire people of the state for the December 10 tragedy. Globacom described the incident as “most unfortunate”, noting that it had thrown the state and the entire country into deep grief and mourning.“We commiserate with you and the entire state, especially with the families of those who lost their loved ones in the sad incident.

Niger State to Spend N108bn in 2017

Niger State Government is to spend over N108billion for both recurrent and capital expenditure in 2017. The amount is 21.27% above the amount budgeted for the outgoing fiscal year. Governor Abubakar Sani Bello presented the budget estimate to the state house of assembly in Minna on Friday. Tagged budget of consolidation, Governor Bello said Education would take the lion share of the budget. Giving the major highlights of the budget, the Governor said it comprised a recurrent expenditure of N48,047,960,278 which is 44.45% of the budget and Capital Expenditure of N60,026,337,973 which is 55.55% of the budget size.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER •December 17, 2016

newsXTrA CHI Limited Wins Trophies at 2016

Global Quality Excellence Awards Rebecca Ejiforma

HAND OF FELLOWSHIP...

L-R: The leader of the delegation of the United States Coast Guard (USCG) Mr. Edward Munoz; Director General, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) Dr. Dakuku Peterside and a member of the team Mr. Jacob Hopper during a pre-assessment visit of the team on port and terminal facilities in Nigeria

Norway Donates US$11.5m for Education in Northeast To support women, girls held by B/Haram Senator Iroegbu in Abuja The Government of Norway has donated $11.5 million, (approximately N3.6 billion) to improve basic education and support girls and women who had been victims of sexual violence by Boko Haram in the conflict-affected northeast Nigerian states of Borno, Yobe, Adamawa and Gombe.

The UNICEF in a statement yesterday, said the funding was part of the Safe Schools Initiative in northern Nigeria.

In 2013, Norway was a pioneer member of the Safe Schools Initiative committee established in response to Boko Haram attacks on schools in the northeast and the urgent need to provide a safe learning environment for children.

The Norwegian Ambassador to Nigeria, Jens-Petter Kjemprud, said with UNICEF support, about 100,000 children were currently accessing education through Temporary Learning Spaces and schools in northeast Nigeria.

Kjemprud said the fund would further boost access to education

for an additional half a million boys and girls in internally displaced persons’ camps, host communities and areas of Borno State that have recently become accessible areas to humanitarian assistance.

“We believe in the importance of doing what we can to break the cycle of violence in northeast Nigeria.

“This funding will provide more children complete basic education in a good learning environment and will provide much-needed counselling for girls who have suffered unimaginable trauma at the hands of Boko Haram”, he added.

Also, the Norwegian Foreign Minister Mr. Børge Brende, attended the signing ceremony to formalise the grant.

Brende said the funding from Norway would provide children, especially girls affected by the conflict, with uniforms to wear to school and will enable them to learn in secure, safe and protected environments.

According to him, teachers will be trained to improve their skills

so they can deliver quality teaching and improve learning results for children; school systems will be improved through training and mentoring of head-teachers on management knowledge and skills.

He said that school Based Management Committee (SBMCs) members will be trained in school planning, including disaster risk reduction to make schools a safer place for children.

Rest of the statement noted that "the funding will also support approximately 1,600 of the thousands of girls and women that UNICEF estimates have been raped, abducted and forcibly married as a result of the conflict.

Not only have these victims of violence suffered the trauma of their experiences when they were held by Boko Haram, but when they have managed to escape or have been liberated, they often face rejection by their communities and families.

"Instead of being welcomed back, they frequently face stigma, discrimination, and in some cases violence, especially when they

return pregnant or with children born out of that sexual violence.

In addition to traditional stigma associated with sexual violence, many communities are afraid that girls and women who have been held by Boko Haram may have been indoctrinated by their captors. Part of the Norwegian funds will be used in Borno State to help these women and girls to reintegrate with their families and communities and rebuild their lives. The funding will also help to empower these women and girls to engage in the community peacebuilding process."

“Tackling the crisis in northeast Nigeria requires a broad coalition of support from all”, said Mohamed Fall, UNICEF Nigeria Representative, “The Government of Norway was with us at the beginning of this crisis, providing support, and they are still here.

This latest funding will go a long way to get thousands of children back in school and will help to reintegrate girls and women who were victims of Boko Haram back into their communities”.

Chi Limited has received awards for two of its brands at the Global Quality Excellence Awards 2016 held in Lagos recently.

According to the company, this stemmed from years of consistent high quality, constant innovation and a commitment to keeping its brand promise by ensuring that consumers were offered quality, healthy refreshing fruit juices and dairy products.

Chivita 100%, the company’s flagship brand and market leader in the fruit juice category, was named as winner of the ‘Best Quality Fruit Juice Excellence Award 2016’ for the Juice category while Hollandia Yoghurt, also a market leader, won the ‘Best Quality Yoghurt Excellence Award 2016’ for the drinking yoghurt category.

Organised by the African Quality Institute as part of this year’s World Quality Day celebration and in line with the resolution of the United Nations, the Global Quality Excellence Awards 2016 has the objective of ensuring that quality remains an important tool for national growth and prosperity.

A member of the organising committee for the Awards Desmond Esorougwe said, “in a global economy where success depends on quality, innovativeness and sustainability, the award is our chance to reinforce these virtues as the foundation of organizations and brand’s requirement for achieving improved business performance. After a painstaking review of brands in the fruit juice and yoghurt categories, Chivita 100% fruit juice and Hollandia Yoghurt came tops in recognition of their capacity to deliver authentic consumer experiences.”

Speaking on the awards, Managing Director of Chi Limited, Mr. Roy Deepanjan said, “we are delighted with this honour from the organisers of the Global Quality Excellence Awards 2016. The award underscores our dedication to giving 100% to every stage in the production process of our brands from sourcing of raw materials to packaging and delivery. We constantly review our processes to ensure that only the best quality of our products in the Fruit juice and dairy category finds its way to shelf”.

EFCC Charges Shema with N11bn Embezzlement Ibrahim Shuaibu in Katsina

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and Katsina State Government have dragged former Governor of Katsina State, Barrister Ibrahim Shehu Shema and three others to the Katsina High Court where they were accused of embezzling N11 billion.

A press statement made available to THISDAY in Katsina on Friday signed by Senior Special Adviser to the Governor on Media, Malam Abdu Labaran Malumfashi stated that they were accused of embezzlement of funds belonging to the 34 local government councils in the state.

The statement revealed that, Joined in the 22 count charge suit were the erstwhile chairman of Kaita Local Government Council and Chairman of the Katsina

State chapter of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Alhaji Ibrahim Lawal Dankaba.

Others were the immediate past commissioner of the ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Alhaji Sani Hamisu Makana and the Permanent Secretary of the same ministry, Alhaji Lawal Rufa'i Safana.

In the charge, FRN vs Ibrahim Shehu Shema, Sani Hamisu Makana, Lawal Rufa'i and Ibrahim Lawal Dankaba, the four are facing 22 counts charge.

It said Count 1 conspiracy, counts 2 to 8, breach of trust and conversion of the sum of N11,255,043,920, counts 9 and 10 forgery of minutes of meetings, count 11 abatement of forgery and counts 12 to 22 using forged documents as genuine.

'December 31st Suspension of Semi-

Osun to Defray Salary Arrears on Receipt of N11.7bn Refunds

Kogi Governor Approves N31bn Processed Wood Export Stands' Muhammed stated that, "we say Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja for Road Construction suspension because we intend to

Yinka Kolawole in Osogbo

Yekini Jimoh in Lokoja

The Government of Osun has officially confirmed the receipt of a sum of N11,744,237,793.56 as part of the refunds from the Paris Club loans deductions through the Federal Government.

A statement by the government, through the Bureau of Communication and Strategy, Office of the Governor, said that based on the received fund, the Governor has approved an upward review of the existing salaries and pensions payment structure with the aim of further easing the financial strains foisted on the workers and pensioners as a result of the national economic challenge the country has faced in recent times.

After exhaustive deliberations by the Revenue Apportionment Committee which comprises representatives of workers and the government, under the leadership of Comrade Hassan Sumonu; a foremost labour leader, the following

decisions have been agreed upon as the reviewed payment structure: That workers from Level 1-7 continue to be paid their 100% salary That workers on Level 8-10 to now be paid 75% salary That workers on Level 12-Above to be paid 50 % salary In the same vein, passive workers (pensioners) on N1,000 -N20,000 to collect 100% pensions That pensioners on N20,001 -N80,000 to collect N75% pensions That pensioners on N80,001 to continue to collect 50% of pensions The government, on the basis of the newly reviewed payment structure, is to pay salaries and pensions of September, October and November as from Monday December 19th, 2016.

The Government also expressed appreciation for the high sense of responsibility, patriotism, and love for the development of the state as exemplified by their understanding and cooperation with the government.

Kogi State government has approved the sum of N31 billion for the construction and rehabilitation of roads in the eastern part of the state and Lokoja the state capital.

The state government also approved electrical improvement for Agassa community in Okene local government and Ogori/ Magongo council area of the state at a contract sum of N450, 275, 891: 00k Addressing newsmen shortly after the weekly State Executive Meeting in Lokoja yesterday, the Commissioner for Works and Housing , Engineer Abdulmumuni Sadiq revealed that the contract for rehabilitation / asphalt overlay and construction of Idah/Iyano road with spur from Odogwu to Unable has been awarded to Gilmore Engineering limited at the total sum of N5, 772, 560, 605 .

Sadiq added that the rehabilitation and construction of Ankpa / Abejikolo road was also awarded to Messr Mo. TeX Engineering Service limited at the cost of N7,

724, 790, 741 : 15k while that of Shintaku / Gboko/ Dekina road will be handled by Messr Amirco Universal Concept limited at the contract sum of N6, 596, 666, 858 : 25k.

The Commissioner who disclosed that the sum of N20, 085, 018, 204 :40k will be expended in roads construction in the eastern part of the state , also hinted that the state executive council has awarded the rehabilitation and construction of Lokoja township road lot 1 to Messrs Munir Industries and Trade Nigeria limited at the total cost of N4, 791, 842, 543 :24k.

He added that rehabilitation of Lokoja township road lot II was also approved for Messrs Recon & Co. Nigeria limited at the sum of N2, 987, 734, 922 :00k just as the Lokoja township toad lot III was awarded to Messrs Ceelux Engineering Services limited at the cost of N3, 432, 886 335 :47k The Commissioner who charged that contractors on quality jobs execution , stressed that government will not condone any shoddy deals.

The Minister of Environment, Amina Muhammed on Friday said there is no going back on the suspension of export of semiprocessed would in the country, saying there was no alternative to replenish what was going out.

The Minister who was recently appointed as the Deputy Secretary General of United Nations lamented that over one million trees are being cut down per day in Nigeria, stressing that the ministry has given enough notice concerning the suspension.

She added that a policy framework to put an end to deforestation in the country was being put in place.

According to her, "let me make it clear, first of all, it is a suspension on rose wood ,any semi processed rose wood that goes out and it goes out in thousands of containers . So, what we are saying is that we do not see any alternative to replenishing what is going out. It is not that this is the worst part of deforestation, the few wood is one, the logging is another which is illegal in most cases..."

continue to see better performance when we want to deal with the export of semi-processed wood, this involves factories , it involves young people, trade, revenues; we don't want to stop that, we don't want to stop at the cost of taking down all our forest cover in this country."

"So, 31st of December having had enough consultation, stands.

Earlier this year, we suspended, and it is as a result of the response that we got to many commitment, we withdrew that suspension but we have been talking with the association, we have been talking with the National Assembly, of course not everybody will be happy but I think we have given sufficient notice and it is in the interest of our environment which optimally will affect our people," she said.

The minister noted that the ministry was working in collaboration with Ministries of Trade and Investment and Petroleum Resources to reduce Sulphur content level in fuel imports including Diesels, petrol and kerosene from 3000ppm (parts per million) to 50ppm.

55

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • DECEMBER 17, 2016

NEWSXTRA Aviation Fuel Scarcity May Disrupt Flights During Yuletide Chinedu Eze

Nigerian airlines have alerted air travelers that the chronic aviation fuel scarcity experienced most part of the year has become worse and would disrupt flights during the Christmas holiday.

Despite the high prices of the product, known also as Jet A1, whichrangesfromN240perlitre in Lagos and higher elsewhere, the marketers said they couldn’t importaviationfuelbecausethey did not have access to foreign exchange.

Reacting to the paucity of the product, Nigeria’s major carrier, ArikAir has alerted passengers of worsening aviation fuel supply leading to flights delays and some cancellations at airports across the country.

The airline said the fuel scarcity, which has been on for several dayswasbecomingmoreintense with the inability of approved major fuel marketers to meet the demands of airline, especially at this time when maximum number of passengers were traveling for the Yuletide. “Arik Air, the largest airline operator hasbeenoperatingover100daily flights and therefore experiences a larger impact of this scarcity compared to other airlines. The airline requires a daily supply of approximately 500,000 liters

for its operations but it has been getting between 180,000 and 200,000 over the past 10 days, whichhasseverelyimpactedthe scheduledflightoperations,”the airline’s spokesman, Adebanji Ola said.

The airline also noted that despite the abrupt and random fuel price increase by some marketers, which the airline may be forced to pass on to its customers; the product supply still remained epileptic.

“The airline is appealing for the understanding of its passengers who have been booked to travel on its flights.

Passengers are also advised to always visit the airline’s website, www.arikair.com or contact the Call Center on 01 2799999 for information about their flights,” Arik Air said.

Dana Air official who also spoke to THISDAY said the scarcityoftheproductwasbiting and had caused delay of their flights and it if continued to be unavailable, the airline may be forced to cancel flights.

Before the Christmas season scarcity of Jet A1 has distorted flight schedules in domestic operationsandhascauseddelays and flight cancellations.

Theproblemisexacerbated,as morepeoplewouldbetravelling

TRADING IDEAS...

L-R CEO, Rack Centre, Tunde Coker; chief information security officer, Heritage Banking Company Ltd, John Molomo;Wole Oyeniran; Director, Deloitte Nigeria, John Molomo; and manager, cyber risk services, Deloitte,Nigeria, Omobolaji Vincent, at the 2016 Deloitte Chief infomation security officers roundtable session in Lagos recently

Manufacturer Wants FG to Create Local Content Ministry

Plateau Govt Partners GIZ, CABE in Nigeria, Taking European Union to Boost Africa to the World Business at Grassroots Adedayo Adejobi in such a timely manner to bring

Omolabake Fasogbon

Seriki Adinoyi in Jos

The federal government has been advised to boost the local content policy by setting up a separate ministry that would see to strict implementation of the policy. The Director of Sales, Euro Global Foods and Distilleries, Felix Aighobahi, gave this advice in a chat with THISDAY as he posited that a consideration of such would enhance other measures set aside to stabilise the economy.

Accordingto theentrepreneur who stressed the need for an urgent action on the recommended action affirmed that a look into the option would also help buttress government campaign on the appreciation of locally made goods and also bring Local Content Act policy which has been unduly abandoned, back on its feet.

"Nigerians have realised the present economic downturn would be reversed if it produce, sell and consume locally made goods but unfortunately most people have not embraced buying of made-in-Nigeria products and services with a national pride.

"This country boasts of competent manufacturers that producequalitygoodsinthelikes of Dangote Group, Eleganza, Innoson,SonaGroup,tomentiona few.However,TheLocalContent Act,whichwasexpectedtoboost the capacity of local producers, has been left to gather dust. Raw materials for which there are

local substitutes should also be banned”, he enthused".

Giving an insight to on how Euro Global Foods had been able to work through the present business realities, Aighobahi explained that although the company has had its fair share of recession, especially with the access to foreign exchange,it had been able to mitigate the effects by looking inward.

The foreign exchange crisis has made us realise that we have been proactive to look inwards for solutions to our raw material supply chain. Our business plan fromthebeginningwastherefore to run the in a manner that we would need to get our raw materials from Nigeria.As we speak, 90 per cent of our raw materials are from this country. However, there are still some difficulties in getting forex for the remaining 10 per cent of our raw materials.

Thesameobtainsformanyother companies too, who are groaning under the same difficulties of catching forex to import their raw materials abroad. This is where government intervention becomesnecessary.Government canmakethecompaniesitgrants concession over forex to account for it, so as to prevent them from engaging in sharp practices like round tripping "Also, we have steadily increased the local content of our products from 50 percent to 85 percent and we continue in this path",he added.

Plateau State Governor, Mr. Simon Lalong has said his administration was taking the advantage of the return of peace in the state to provide an enabling environment that would boost business activities, especially at the local government levels.

Lalong, who stated this during the official launch of the state's local government business environment scorecard, titled 'Deepening Economic Development for Peace and Stability in Plateau state', funded by the European Union (EU), and implemented

by Deutsche Gesellschaft fur Internationale (GIZ).

The Governor, who was represented by his Commissioner for Local government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon Dayyabu Garga, said the state government would continue to partner all professional bodies in the country and beyond to achieve sustainable development in the state.

He said, "We know that without peace, business would not grow, and that is why when we came on board last year we first worked towards tackling insecurity; we worked tirelessly to ensure that peace was restored to our state knowing that is only in such atmosphere of peace that business can thrive in any community.

"Our administration will continue to ensure that business in Plateau thrives, and that's why we also ensured that applicants in the state are no longer denied land titles for their properties like it used to be in the past; this is to encourage them to register their land titles."

Also speaking at the occasion, the lead consultant of the state’s local government Business Environment Scorecard, Nde Ezekiel Gomos, said the project was a novel one, which has been crafted along the World BankAnnual Doing Business reports aimed at examining the quality of business environment by measuring the ease of doing business in about 200 countries of the world.

Gomos said, "The goal is to enhance business enabling environment through selfawareness of local regulatory and economic governance", adding that "we were able to sensitise and create awareness among stakeholders in the LGA." He added that Plateau is the first state in the country to embark on the project, adding that of all the 17 local government areas in the states Shendam local government is rated the most business viable. Jos South was among the councils adjudged to be the least viable because of its vulnerability to crises.

UK based global education company, Centre for African Business Education (CABE) has been busy crossing international borders to provide practical business education, knowledge exchange and opportunity creation for individuals and businesses in Africa as well foreign businesses entering African markets.

Recently, the Deputy British HighCommissioner’sresidencein Ikoyi,LagosplayedhosttoCABE which officially launched the programmes and ‘creating opportunities’campaigninNigeria with the support of its Nigeria partners, Bromley Consultants Ltd, who have footprints across the Federation.

KevinKorgba,aDirectorandcofounderofCABEUKwhomade theintroductionsatthelaunchsaid, “Itisalwaysathingofpridewhen youreceivesuchpositivefeedback about your offerings from very knowledgeableprofessionalsand executives,particularlyinNigeria andwelookforwardtoengaging with as manyof themas possible going forward.”

The COO of Bromley Consultants thanked CABE for acting

their offerings to Nigeria given the current economic situation.

This was followed by the main presentation of the evening delivered by CABE Director & co-founder, Bolaji Sofoluwe.

CHANGE OF NAME

I formerly known and addressed as ASHIPA RAFIU, now wish to be known and addressed as OLAWALE RAFIU WALE. All former documents remain valid.

The general public should please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as MISS LOVE NKECHIYERE OGBORU, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. LOVE NKECHIYERE OKOCHA. All former documents remain. The general public should please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as EGUONOR LOVETH ABINOGUN, now wish to be known and addressed as EGUONOR BRUBAKER. All formal documents remain valid. The general public should take note.

I formerly known and addressed as ONWULIRI GLORY ODECHI, now wish to be known and addressed as MADU OGECHI GLORY. All formal documents remain valid. The general public should take note.

I formerly known and addressed as MISS ABIOLA OLUBUSOLA WILLIAMS, now wish to be known and addressed asMRS ABIOLA OLUBUSOLA ADENIYI. All formal documents remain valid. The general public should take note.

TR

Saturday, December 17, 2016

UT H

& RE A S O

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Price: N250

MISSILE Makarfi to Buhari

“Buhari should immediately call his minister, Amaechi, and some other top functionaries of his government to order, to desist from further actions capable of truncating democracy in Nigeria. No group of persons must be seen to be above the laws of this country. Men of the Nigerian Police Force, especially the SARs, who were used to rig the elections must be investigated, and possibly expelled from the Force.”– Chairman, National Caretaker Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party, Ahmed Makarfi calling on President Muhammadu Buhari to respond appropriately to the violence-ridden rerun election in Rivers State.

PENDULUM Dele Momodu

dele.momodu@thisdaylive.com

Time to Give and Rejoice

F

ellow Nigerians, it is that time of the year when we look back at the dying and remaining days and wonder when did the year begin. For me and my house, it has been a roller-coaster of sorts with everything moving at the dizzying speed of light. As always it has been a mixed grill of sadness and joy. Sad because the economy has taken its toll on most of us especially those who depend largely on foreign exchange for most of their business transactions. Joy because we survived the tribulations in good health and sound mind. Even if we did not achieve everything we planned to do, we still managed to stay on top of many things.

To God be the glory.

At Ovation International, we always give thanks for every mercy, no matter how big or small. This is the reason we came up with the idea of Ovation Red Carol in 2007. Our intention was to give hope, help and voice to those who need just that little push. Ours was not to concentrate on those who have already given up on life and have decided to do nothing about it. We were interested in those pushing on against the vicissitudes of life and knowing there may be light at the end of the tunnel.

We are happy to note and report that we’ve been doing our bits and pieces adding salt and sugar in our own humble way to the lives of mostly our youths, especially in Nigeria and Ghana. We chose the platform of entertainment to reach out to those who may be easily disillusioned about endless struggles leading to nowhere. As always, we must thank those who have supported and sustained our dream since then.

Our friend and brainbox, Leke Alder, a man I call Professor Socrates, a cerebral being likened to that great Greek Philosopher, designed what has become one of the best events during the Christmas Season. With his amazing team, we did not have to approach too many sponsors before Africa’s global bank, United Bank for Africa, UBA, agreed instantly to partner with us. We must salute the foresight of Dr Tony Elumelu who was then the Group Managing Director. The theme of Hope resonated with him and the UBA crew that worked on the special project with us.

We assembled some of the most gifted musicians available at the time. We were honoured to have two incredibly creative composers and producers, Tee Mac and OJB (now of blessed memories). Between both of them, we arranged a powerful choir, instrumentalists, singers, celebrities, and others to set the stage on fire. We had fun working with Sir Shina Peters, Kwam 1, Adewale Ayuba, Daddy Showkey, D’banj, Olu Maintain, Banky W (who was making his debut on a big platform in Nigeria, Sonnie Badu (the famous Ghanaian gospel singer), Blu 3 (the all-girls band from Uganda) and others.

The entire package was surreal. It was as if the angels descended from heaven to sing.

In 2008, we increased the tempo a bit and our show went viral. The attendance was powerful. We attracted The Lagos monarch, Oba Rilwan Akiolu; The Secretary to the State Government of Lagos, Princess Adenrele Adeniran-Ogunsanya, Lt. General T. Y. Danjuma and his wife, Senator Daisy Danjuma, Chief Olusegun Osoba (former Governor Alhaji Aliko Dangote, Mr Keem Bello Osagie, Mr Atedo Peterside, and others.

We produced a theme song for the first time in 2009. It was composed and produced

Cameo with Dele Momodu last night on arrival from the US by the prodigiously talented OJB. The video

by DJ Tee, featuring Wande Cole, Omawumi, Olu Maintain, Niyola, Koga, Jazzman and OJB and others was really mind-blowing.

The attendance this time was even more overwhelming. We jazzed up the charity aspect, making donations to a popular hospice, a clinic project, an E-library, a rural school for indigent students, all in Nigeria; a Poetry competition in Ghana, school uniform project in Ghana, and so on. We were grateful to God for making it possible for us to give something back to the society that made us who we are today. It has also been exhilarating touching lives and inspiring young talents.

Many African artists have been featured and/or popularised. They include Sonny Don Jazzy, Wiz Kid, Davido, Tiwa Savage, Waje, Yemi Alade, Eva Lordiah, Patoranking, D’Prince, Efya, Stonebwoy, 4x4, Praye, Wutah, Sammie Okposo, Abiodun Koya, Becca, Sarkodie, Okyeame Kwame, Mafikizolo, Irene Logan, Wiyaala, Gyedu Blay-Ambolley, Kwabena Kwabena, Mz Vee, Burna Boy, Ice Prince, YQ, Chidinma, Shane, Kefee (of blessed memories), MI, Ebenezer Obey, Femi Anikulapo-Kuti, Goldie (of blessed memories), Obesere, Seun Kuti, Segun Obey, Malaika, DIPP, and many others.

We entered a different level last year when the telecom giant Globacom took over the sole sponsorship. GLO has gone all out to make The Ovation Carol the most sort after invitation card at Christmas. In its well-known style, GLO leaves no stone unturned. Its attention to detail has helped us mature into a major event in Africa. We are immensely grateful to the Spirit of Africa, Dr Michael Adeniyi Agbolade Isola Adenuga, for endless support

for our dreams. He continues to inspire and empower new and older generations of Africans very quietly. He is happy transforming lives without effortlessly without making noise.

May God continue to bless him and his family.

Globacom has surpassed itself this year with the galaxy of stars engaged to perform tomorrow night at The Eko Hotel Convention Centre, the most prestigious venue in West Africa. The line-up is not easy to come by in any single event. Globacom has helped us bridge the gap between the young and the old. Those who love the Old school music would be thrilled by the famous American Band CAMEO. You may wish to get on your dancing shoes if you are able to get the princely invitation to our event.

The King of African beats, King Sunny Ade, finally takes the centre stage this year and we are already very excited. Coming so soon after the ageless artist turned 70, it promises to be a great show to watch. The current champion of Highlife, Flavour, is on board this year, courtesy of GLO. We tried several times in the past to get him but it was not possible. I’m sure, you can see that all GLO wants this year is make us dance so much and get everyone active and ready for the new year. Ghana’s biggest gospel singer, Sonnie Badu returns to our stage after his first appearance in 2007. Pastor Badu has grown so influential in the world of gospel music and his praise and worship keeps everyone standing.

The heavy line-up has a lot of young performers including Korede Bello, Reekado Banks, Iyo, Abiodun Koya, Eniola, L.A.X, SHiiKANE, Zeynab Abib from Benin Republic,Niniola, Ruby & Pearl, Olu Jazz,

Simi, Ranti, Dee Aja from Ghana. We are happy to feature so many new female talents this year. They have all promised to explode on to the world stage with this opportunity.

This development is long overdue.

The Ovation Carol 2016 theme song was produced by the great artist, Fliptyce. This is his second chance and he has done an excellent job. Many of those who have watched the work on YouTube expressed satisfaction. We are really impressed and hope to continue this beautiful relationship.

For those not able to get our invitation, never worry too much please. GLO has made unprecedented arrangement for viewers at home to be a part of this huge celebration of life and hope in a better future. We are going live in different parts of Africa and Europe via satellite. The youth channel on DSTV, HipTv is transmitting live from 9pm to 1am across Africa and deploying a total of eight cameras, thus capturing every moment of the ceremony. Live coverage in Nigeria would also extend to one of Africa’s biggest channels AIT. GHOne Tv will hook up from Ghana from 8pm to 12 midnight local time.

The best aspect is that viewers across Europe would be able to watch on BEN Tv, the most watched African channel. We are also streaming live to a global audience and you can watch on your laptops and smartphones.

As always, we shall be making financial contributions to a few charities in Ghana and Nigeria. Our choices this year would surprise so many people. Stay tuned and join us from wherever you are on Sunday, December 18, 2016.

Nothing could be sweeter, believe us.

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