Saturday 18th February 2017

CBN Pegs Dollar Rate for School Fees, PTA at N375/$ Moves to tighten noose against FX round tripping Obinna Chima In line with its determination to boost dollar supply in the economy as well as to bridge the wide gap between the interbank foreign exchange (FX) market and

the parallel market, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) yesterday pegged the Naira exchange rate for payment of school fees (strictly universities) abroad and Personal Travel Allowance (PTA) at N375 to the dollar.

The central bank disclosed this in a closed-door meeting it held with all chief executive officers of commercial banks as well as other authorised FX dealers in attendance. The meeting took place in Lagos.

A source who was at the meeting said the new rate for school fees and PTA would become effective from Monday.

According to the source, the CBN Governor, Mr. Godwin Emefiele who chaired the meet-

ing, assured that the central bank would provide enough dollars to meet all FX demands for these invisible items.

“For tuition fees, the CBN said it would only cater for those in the universities and

the persons involved can only get $15,000 per term and the FX would be wired directly to the school abroad. We (the banks) were all told to ensure Continued on page 6

NSCDC: Over 7000 Illegal Refineries Operating in the Niger Delta ... Page 10 Saturday 18 February, 2017 Vol 21. No 7978. Price: N250

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Scores Killed as Military Foils Attempt by Boko Haram to Invade Maiduguri Michael Olugbode Scores of people were killed in Maiduguri on Thursday night as Boko Haram unleashed eight suicide bombers on the troubled town.

Apart from the suicide

bombers, the terrorist group attempted to invade the town with a small group of fighters that attempted driving in on motorcycles.

Eyewitnesses said many of the terrorists and civilians lost their lives in the attack by

heavily armed Boko Haram fighters at about 11:20pm on Thursday as they attempted to storm Maiduguri through its border with Mafa.

They said some of the terrorists tried to gain access into the town after infiltrating

a newly constructed Customs House where IDPs from Mafa are camped.

It was learnt that they were repelled by troops and members of the youth vigilante group, after a long drawn battle.

The district head of Anadua

in Mafa Local Government Area, Zanna Lawan told journalists that scores of civilians, including all the Boko Haram fighters that carried out the attack were killed in the encounter.

He said: "Boko Haram fighters tried to storm into

Maiduguri but were defeated by our gallant troops. They tried to storm into Yerwa, Maiduguri metropolis, through the newly constructed Customs House where IDPs from Ajiri Continued on page 6

Appeal Court Shocks Makarfi, Affirms Sheriff PDP Chairman Rejects judgement, heads to Supreme Court Ekweremadu: No cause for alarm

Ernest Chinwo in Port Harcourt, John Shiklam in Kaduna, Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja and Segun James in Lagos Hope of an end to the crisis rocking the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) may have been dashed as the Court of Appeal sitting in Port Harcourt yesterday declared the May 21, 2016 National Convention of the party illegal and affirmed Senator Ali Modu Sheriff as National Chairman of the party.

In a swift reaction, the National Publicity Secretary of the Caretaker Committee of the PDP, Dayo Adeyeye, said the judgment was not only a disservice to the PDP but also to democracy in Nigeria, while the Deputy Senate President, Senator Ike Ekweremadu said there was no cause for alarm, adding: “Those dreaming about the death of the opposition in Nigeria will have to sleep much longer.”

In a split judgment, the Appeal Court held as illegal, null and void the setting up of the Caretaker Committee by the May 21, 2016 Port Harcourt convention of the party.

The embattled erstwhile PDP caretaker Chairman, Ali Modu Sheriff, had appealed the earlier judgment of July 4, 2016

by Justice Mohammed Liman, which upheld the outcome of the convention.

Liman had in the judgment declared the Port Harcourt convention as valid and legal and that Makarfi was the authentic chairman of the caretaker committee set by the convention.

But in yesterday’s judgment that lasted about four hours, two out of the three judges held that the removal of the National Working Committee and setting up of a caretaker Committee by the national convention of May 21, 2016, was illegal, ab initio.

Continued on page 6

Judiciary has murdered democracy, says Bode George

POWERS BEHIND THE THRONES...

L-R: Wife of Enugu State Governor, Monica Ugwuanyi; wife of Lagos State Governor, Bolanle Ambode; wife of Osun State Governor, Sherifat Aregbesola; and their Ogun State counterpart, Olufunso Amosun during the quarterly meeting of the Southern Governors' Wives' Forum (SGWF) in Umuahia, Abia State ...recently

Osinbajo's Visit to Delta: Tompolo Monarch Warns Subject against Bombing National Assets... Page 15

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London Police Launches Criminal Investigation into Kingsway Church’s £5m Ponzi Investment Ashimolowo Knows about Deal, Alleges Key Official Yemi Adebowale with agency report The City of London police has opened a criminal investigation into the disastrous Ponzi investment made by Matthew Ashimolowo’s Kingsway International Christian Centre (KICC) with Richard Rufus, a member of the church, which led to the loss of £3.9 million

by KICC. According to The Guardian newspaper of London, the

criminal investigation of KICC’s Ponzi investment follows a Charity Commission report into “mismanagement” at KICC, which invested £5 million with Rufus, a former Charlton Athletic player.

The newspaper also reported that the church’s Chief Operating Officer, James McGlashan alleged that the founder and senior pastor of the church, Ashimolowo knew about the disastrous investment.

McGlashan made the allegation in an interview with the

Guardian.

“Detectives from City of London police’s fraud teams are investigating. There have been no arrests,” a London police spokesman confirmed to The Guardian.

Rufus was found by a civil court judge in 2015 to have operated a Ponzi-style scheme between 2007 and 2011, losing or spending £8 million from several investors.

The former professional footballer was a leading member

of the KICC whose founder, Ashimolowo, preaches a “health and wealth” gospel to a congregation of thousands at his “Prayer Palace” in Kent.

The largely African and Caribbean churchgoers are urged to give regular tithes and the church collected £5.8 million from them in 2015, according to the latest accounts.

In 2009 and 2010, the trustees agreed to give Rufus £5 million to invest after he promised them returns of 55 per cent a year

at a time when interest rates were less than 1 per cent; as well as millions in donations from churchgoers – which were boosted by gift aid tax relief.

It had recently received £10 million from the London Development Agency, a public body that needed to demolish the church’s then home in east London to build the Olympic Park.

The regulator said they failed to check if Rufus had any investment qualifications

or experience and gave little thought to the extraordinarily high rate of return Rufus was promising.

The church’s senior management team concluded his “personal guarantee makes this as safe an investment as any” and produced a report on the investment that included no checks on Rufus’s past investment performance or any references from clients.

Court over alleged bias in the reinstatement of Eyitayo Jegede as the PDP candidate in the November 2016 Ondo State governorship election.

In a letter dated January 31, 2017 addressed to the acting Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Walter Onnoghen, Sheriff faction said: “We humbly apply to withdraw the said petition against the justices and regret any inconvenience same may have occasioned on all affected parties.”

The letter was signed by Prof.

Wale Oladipo and Bashir Maidugu as PDP factional National Secretary and National Legal Adviser respectively.

Makarfi Faction Meets Monday Addressing journalists at his residence in Kaduna yesterday, Ahmed Makarfi described the court judgment as a temporary setback and appealed to party members to remain calm and urged party members not to be disillusioned.

"We have utmost respect for the judiciary. So we are not going to take the laws into our hands.

We might not agree with the judgment but there is a process and procedure if you did not agree with something," he said.

According to him, the party will meet on Monday to take a decision on the judgment, adding that every person concerned had been notified for the meeting.

"We are going to recover from this very stronger. I call on party men and women to remain calm; we will get out of this sooner than later.

"A short while ago, the chairman of the governors (PDP) forum spoke on behalf of governors in Abuja and announced that they are heading to Supreme Court, they are entitled to say so.

"As chairman of caretaker committee, I will not take a unilateral decision. A meeting

has been called and when we go for that meeting, whatever is the decision of the meeting, will be the decision of the party.

"What my personal opinion may be, I don't want to say that; we will rather take it through the democratic process of discussing the issue at hand.

"We are not going to have one way of looking at this issue. The invincible and visible ways of approaching it will be looked into. But what I can assure PDP men and women and Nigerians is that no stone will be left unturned to make sure that vibrant opposition grows in Nigeria so that we enhance the development of democracy," he said.

Judgment Has Murdered Democracy, Says Bode George The Southwest national leader and former national deputy chairman of the party, Chief Olabode George yesterday said that with the judgment, the judiciary had finally sounded the death knee on democracy in the country.

George said that the chicken has finally come home to roost as the reality must have finally dawned on the members of the party who gave the leadership of the party to an unknown quantity because of their unbridled ambition.

He made it clear that while he was not going to leave the party for another as a lot of others are doing, instead he would simply take a back seat and watch from the sidelines as events unfold in the move towards 2019.

“I will take a back seat for now,” he insisted, even as he said that with the turn of events, the

party needed prayers to survive.

George wondered how Sheriff, whom he said had refused to have a parley with other leaders of the party, would now lead the party.

“Let’s see how he is going to lead a fragmented party,” he opines.

George insisted that the judgment had made a mess of the constitution of the party which held that the national convention is supreme and its decision can only be reviewed by another convention.

“The decision of today (yesterday) will ricochet across the length and breadth of the country. The implication will only be realised many months from now.”

George who fell short of calling Sheriff a mole in the party who was out to destroy the PDP, cried that “we need prayers for PDP to survive.”

He stressed that a Sheriff leadership of the party was an aberration and an illegality, adding that: “I will never be part of anything that is illegal” Ekweremadu: No Cause for Alarm In his own reaction, the Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu, enjoined PDP faithfuls not to be anxious over the judgement, saying that there was no cause for alarm.

“I enjoin party faithfuls to remain steadfast as we will surely emerge stronger from the present challenges. Those dreaming about the death of the opposition in Nigeria will have to sleep much longer, and still wake up to meet us much stronger because a vibrant opposition is the beauty of democracy”.

Continued on page 15

APPEAL COURT AFFIRMS SHERIFF NATIONAL CHAIRMAN OF PDP Delivering the lead Judgement, Justice Bitrus Sanga, submitted that the PDP did not follow the provisions of Article 47(3) of its Constitution in the removal of the Sherrif-led working committee.

According to the judge, no vote of confidence was passed as provided by the said article, and the national working committee was not put on notice before their removal.

He stated that the lower court was in error when he said the appellant committed abuse of court process by postponing the PDP convention and awarded N100,000 cost in favour of the appellant.

Supporting the lead judgment, Justice Abubakar Gumel, who is also the presiding Justice, stated that the preliminary objection filed by the PDP was incompetent.

He further held that Sheriff and his executive cannot be removed until August 2017 except the party holds an election.

Gumel described the Originating Summons in the suit at the Federal high Court as overreaching, and ordered the parties to maintain status quo.

But in a dissenting judgement, Justice Theresa Orji-Abadua held that Sheriff was only appointed in acting capacity, pending election.

Justice Abadua, who is the only female Justice in the panel, said going by Article 33(3) of the PDP constitution, Sheriff does not possess overriding powers over the PDP National Executive Council and therefore, had no right to unilaterally cancel the May 21 convention.

She averred that the constitution of the PDP vested the power to convene the national convention on the National Executive of the party and not on the national chairman.

She therefore said Sheriff had

no powers to “cancel, suspend or postpone” the national convention of the party.

She also said Sheriff erroneously and unwittingly absented himself from the May 21 National Convention after being screened, which prompted the party to invoke Article 31(1) of its constitution and set up a Caretaker committee.

“The fact that Sheriff took part in the screening exercise of the national convention means he took part in the process. He therefore cannot probate and reprobate at the same time,” she said.

She also held that Article 47 did not make it mandatory for the PDP to pass a vote of confidence before removing its officers and therefore upheld the outcome of the convention and the caretaker Committee.

Abadua, also went further to award N100,000 cost in favour of the PDP. The Publicity Secretary of the Caretaker Committee of the PDP said the judgment was not only a disservice to the PDP but also to democracy in Nigeria.

“We will definitely be in the Supreme Court on Tuesday to challenge this judgment and we are sure that we will get judgment and put to rest this whole drama. This was the same judge that gave judgment against Governor Nyesom Wike. He later got judgment at the Supreme Court. We are not surprised but justice will ultimately prevail,” Adeyeye said.

He accused the APC of working to destabilise the PDP, pointing out that they will remain the CTC until the Supreme Court decides otherwise.

Adeyeye added: "The judgement is a big disappointment.

It is a travesty of justice. A miscarriage of justice and an attempt to destroy the PDP. The minority judgement is very

sound in law, logic and fact. It gives us hope that we will have our day in the Supreme Court.

“Whereas the lead judgement left out the main issues and laboured unconvincingly to work to a preconceived answer, the minority judgement thrashed all the issues and upheld the judgement of the Federal High Court, Port Harcourt delivered

by Liman J on July 4, 2016.

"We will certainly appeal to the Supreme Court. No reconciliatory effort will stop it. We need the Supreme Court to make a pronouncement on the issue once and for all.

"We maintain that this is a continuation of the attempt to kill the PDP and thereby destroy all opposition in Nigeria. The rebels in the Party who were favoured by the two justices of the Appeal Court today are snakes within the house working for the ruling party.

The great conspiracy to silence the PDP is an assault on the Nigerian democracy. We are however determined to resist this onslaught to the very last.

The struggle continues.”

Similarly, the chairman of the PDP's Governors Forum and Ekiti Governor, Ayodele Fayose said that the party would challenge the Appeal Court ruling which he described as “nothing but a rape of our democracy.”

On his part, Deputy National Chairman of the Sheriff faction, Kairo Ojugbo described the judgment as “no victor, no vanquished” and called for a true reconciliation within the PDP in order to move the party forward.

He said his faction won 2-1 at the Court of Appeal and “it would form the basis of reconciliation in the party.”

Curious and apparently to pave the way for yesterday’s judgment, the Sheriff faction had last January withdrawn its petition against Appeal

SCORES KILLED AS MILITARY FOILS ATTEMPT BY BOKO HARAM TO INVADE MAIDUGURI and Anadua in Mafa Local government area are accommodated.

"All the dreaded Boko Haram boys were killed by our gallant soldiers, including many suicide bombers that accompanied them."

Lawan, who spoke to journalists yesterday morning, said: "However, many civilians lost their lives as many also got serious injuries. As I am talking to you, security agencies and ambulances can be seen conveying those affected from Muna- customs camp to hospital.

Confirming the attack, the

Borno state Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Victor Isuku said the incident occurred around 2318hrs on Thursday.

He said: "The resulting explosions razed over 13 pick-up trucks loaded with goods along Mafa-Maiduguri road awaiting departure to Gamboru Ngala yesterday (Thursday). Police have been deployed to return safety and normalcy there."

The National Emergency Management Authority (NEMA), confirming the attack in a statement issued by its spokesman, Sani Datti said: "Boko Haram members attempted to attack Maiduguri.

They came through Mafa-Dikwa road along Muna community.

"The driver attempted to overrun the security post where the security personnel were stationed, but few of the personnel sustained minor injuries, while the remaining bombers detonated their IED in some of the communities in Muna Dalti settlement.

"Seven Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) sustained minor injuries and were taken to University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH).

"Some of the suicide bombers found their way to a place where people gathered with

their trucks loaded with goods for onward movement to Mafa, Dikwa and Ngala local government areas.

"Over 14 loaded trucks were burnt by the suicide bombers, though no casualty was recorded. The seven corpses of the suicide bombers were evacuated to the State Specialist Hospital by NEMA and Borno SEMA team."

On Wednesday, an Mi-17 helicopter carrying medical personnel from Maiduguri city to treat refugees in the Gwoza area came under fire of Boko Haram extremists, wounding an airman.

CBN PEGS DOLLAR RATE FOR SCHOOL FEES, PTA AT N375/$ compliance and that heavy sanction awaits any authorised FX dealer that flouts this rule,” the source added.

THISDAY also gathered that applicants for FX for tuition fees must have tax clearance certificates and Bank Verification Number.

The move, according to another source is to drastically reduce FX round-tripping which appears to be one of the factors responsible to the wide gap between the interbank FX market and the parallel market.

On the other hand, for PTA, the source said: “People are entitled to PTA only if their flight(s) is not less than five hours and they are only entitled to $4,000 per quarter.

“The CBN has also undertaken to provide enough dollar liquidity to see these through.”

Emefiele had while making a presentation to members of the National Executive Council (NEC) on Thursday appealed for patience, saying that the CBN was working on halting the widening gap between the interbank FX market and the parallel market.

The NEC members had generally expressed concern over the current situation of the exchange rate and called for an urgent review of the current forex policy, especially the gap between interbank and the parallel market rates.

But Emefiele sued for patience and understanding, assuring that the situation was being closely managed.

Meanwhile, the Naira maintained its value of N516 to the dollar on the parallel market yesterday.

T H I S D AY SATURDAY FEBRUARY 18, 2017

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FEBRUARY 18, 2017 ˾ THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

RingTrue

Yemi

Adebowale When will Recovered Loot Impact on Our Lives?

07013940521 yemi.adebowale@thisdaylive.com

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igerians are persistently regaled with stories of massive loot recoveries by agents of the Buhari administration. The latest was last Sunday by the Information and Culture Minister, Lai Mohammaed who said that the government’s whistle-blower policy had yielded $151 million and N8 billion within two months. Of course, the recovered Andrew Yakubu’s $9.7m ‘gift’ is also still fresh in our memory.

The former NNPC GMD does not look like one who would challenge the seizure. The burden of proof has shifted to this joker. Millions of USD has also been recovered from erstwhile defence chiefs, former oil minister, Diezani Alison-Madueke and other politicians.

By my estimation, about $300 million must have been recovered in the last 21 months. In terms of Naira and property confiscations, perhaps, another N200 billion should be in FG’s kitty. Ordinarily, these massive cash seizures should be pleasant news to Nigerians. This is why many celebrate whenever agents of this government display huge cash seized. For me, making a show of seized cash in newspapers and on television is unnecessary grandstanding. This is an issue for another day.

As for the recovered loot, many celebrate without asking how these have impacted on the lives of traumatised Nigerians in the last 21 months.

Has this been able to put food on our table? In practical terms, our dilapidated hospitals, schools, roads and other infrastructure have not benefited from these huge recoveries. Of what use are stories of recoveries that are not impacting on our lives? At times, I wonder if those celebrating think deeply before doing so. For example, I can’t remember the last time I enjoyed just one hour of public electricity supply in my house but daily, they splash stories of millions of USD retrieved. This government that is splashing these stories owes electricity generation and distribution companies billions of Naira, which is hindering their activities. So, why can’t the government pay this debt with part of the retrieved loot so that we can have

improved electricity supply?

The story this administration told us last year was that the federal government couldn’t spend the retrieved money because courts had not convicted the accused, with forfeiture of the money legalised. Haba! This is preposterous. The bulk of these retrievals won’t be challenged in court.

Some good examples here include the $153 NNPC fund recovered from some banks. Diezani has told the world that the money is not her own. The N111 million recovered from INEC officials in Rivers State and the$1.30 million recovered from the Abuja home of Air Commodore Umar Mohammed (rtd), a member of the Presidential arms probe panel, are clear cases that will not be challenged by anybody. Again, most of the cases presented to us by the government do not look like ones that they will ultimately lose in court except there are things they are not telling Nigerians. It is a fact that the cases will take years in the court because of the Nigerian factor.

This is the more reason the recovered loot should be spent on specific things now. Let’s even assume that the government ultimately loses all the cases in court and it is ordered to make refunds, I don’t think this would be a problem.

Why? Because this country takes foreign loans running into billions of USD and we still manage to make repayments.

This talk about the recovered money being used to partly fund the 2017 budget should be jettisoned. For me, the money should be set aside as a special intervention fund to be managed by a committee of eminent Nigerians and used to tackle infrastructural challenges in school, hospitals and roads. It is a shame that the capital budget of our 16 federal teaching hospitals for 2017 is just about N4 billion, while we have over N1 trillion recovered loot locked up somewhere. Hospitals, schools and roads across the nation are also in tatters. Such schools and hospitals can draw from the special fund.

Suddenly, they are telling us that a number of key road projects like the Lagos-Ibadan road repairs can only be completed when the proposed dodgy $30 billion foreign loan is secured.

A Word for FRSC Corps Marshal, Boboye Oyeyemi My dear Boboye Oyeyemi, the decision of the Kaduna State Government to bar FRSC check points in Kaduna metropolis and inner streets did not come as a surprise to many. I won’t be surprised if other state governments take similar action. Your men have joined our notorious police in inflicting pain on Nigerians at check points. It is not just traffic jams that they cause at these ignoble check points. They also use it to extort money from hapless Nigerians. I am sure that you know what I am talking about. Just send special squads round and you will catch these Corps from hell in the act. Boboye, your beloved FRSC is dominated by corrupt elements. Their nefarious acts have been on for years.

You must crack down on these elements; else, the FRSC will become as hopeless as the police. Those who have turned these check points to toll gates must be fished out and dismissed. Your check points must also be limited to highways.

The situation where we now have FRSC check points virtually everywhere, including inner streets, must come to an

Oyeyemi

end. If you fail to swiftly reform the FRSC and act decisively, the repercussion will be disastrous for you and your men.

Mohammed

This government must regard the retrieved money as a loan and start spending it now. Nigerians are desperate to feel the impact of the repossessed loot. Many have sent a clear message to the Buhari administration with the recent gale of protests against economic hardship. As we

can see now, propaganda has its limits. The hunger in the land is becoming unbearable and the Buhari administration must respond appropriately. Showboating about repossessed loot is clearly not an appropriate way to respond to this.

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, was apt when he remarked that the worsening economic indices are indicative of the anguish which Nigerians are dealing with. “The double quarters of negative growth, high levels of inflation, worsening purchasing power of the naira and the increasing levels of unemployment are all strong indicators that all is not well. Today, some of our people can no longer afford to feed. Some school children are dropping out of school due to inability of parents to pay school fees. Transportation, power and health care are difficult for the ordinary citizen. There is general anguish on the faces of Nigerians due to poverty and hunger,” remarked Dogara.

These negative economic indices pop up daily. Just on Tuesday, the National Bureau of Statistics revealed that the Consumer Price Index, which measures inflation, increased by 18.72 per cent (year-on-year) in January from 18.55 per cent recorded in December, 2016. The CPI, which measures the average change over time in prices of goods and services consumed by people, for day-to-day living, is 0.17 per cent points higher from the points recorded in December. Only righteousness can exalt Nigeria. We must all insist that the right things be done at all times by the Buhari administration. Spending recovered loot on infrastructure and social security is one of such steps.

Musings on Buhari’s Medical Trip I am horrified by President Buhari’s persistent medical trip abroad but unfortunately, there is no law stopping him from doing this. The burden on him is more of a moral one, considering that he had doggedly preached that we should look inwards for our needs to strengthen the Naira and save our limited forex earnings. Buhari has disappointed many by running abroad for holiday and medicals. My foremost issue with our dear president is that he is spending public money abroad for his medicals. Our lawmakers must rise and put in place laws to stop this kind of profligacy, more so in a recessed economy. This must not be allowed to continue in a country where millions of Nigerians are wallowing in abject poverty. The other day, our President spent about $50,000 treating ear infection. Only God knows how much of public fund had gone down for his ongoing medicals. Since Buhari himself had clearly stated that taxpayers’ money would not be used to pay for foreign medicals of public servants, I demand that he should make refunds as soon as he returns to the country. As a reminder, Buhari announced in April 2016 that his administration would no longer provide allowances for medical trips by government officials, unless the case can’t be handled in Nigeria. He stated this at the opening ceremony of the 56th Annual General Conference and delegate meeting of the Nigeria Medical Association in Sokoto. The President, who was represented by the Minister of Health, Prof. Isaac Adewole said: “The government would not encourage medical tourism with the nation’s resources.

While this administration will not deny anyone of his or her fundamental human rights, we will certainly not encourage expending Nigerian hard-earned resources on any government official

seeking medical care abroad, when such can be handled in Nigeria.” We have not been told what Buhari’s current health challenge is, but with focused investment in equipment and manpower by a forward-looking government, I doubt if there is any health challenge that can’t be handled in this country.

On the flip side, Buhari’s media team has been a big disaster in the management of the crisis arising from this medical trip. The team failed to manage the message from the outset, by being economical with the truth.

This is responsible for the stream of wild speculations we are experiencing.

There has been so much confusion in the information flow, with the media aides contradicting each other. Of course, too many cooks will always spoil the soup.

This is exactly what we are getting in this case. Buhari has a retinue of media aides, resulting in confusion. The long list includes Femi Adesina, Garba Shehu, Tolu Ogunlesi, Lauretta Onochie, Bashir Ahmad, Sha’aban Sharada and Naziru Mohammed. They all have all sorts of funny titles. I still can’t fathom how our limited public fund is being used to pay a retinue of media aides amid recession.

We should be cutting the cost of governance as being preached by Buhari.

The reverse has been the case. Then, there is also the Buhari Media Centre (BMC), which has been creating all sorts of confusion too. The BMC with headquarters in Abuja has a large number of journalists, bloggers, media analysts and all sorts of “experts” contributing to the confusion in the information flow concerning Buhari’s medical trip. The BMC gulps millions of Naira monthly.

Where is the money coming from?

This is a story for another day. I hope to “deal” with this extensively very soon.

Many will be shocked.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ FEBRUARY 18, 2017

SUPER SATURDAY Adele: Someone Like I Do!

Adele Capped off an Astonishing Evening with an Emotional Speech As Adele lets slip she’s married during a sensational night at the Grammys, we take a look at other highlights at this year’s bash...ALLY FARRELL

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WESOME Adele sealed a sensational night at the Grammys, by letting slip she is married.

The Brit singer, 28, is thought to have secretly got hitched to her partner Simon Konecki, 42, over the Christmas period.

And she referred to the charity boss — father of their four-year-old son Angelo — as her husband for the first time as she won all five gongs she was nominated for in Los Angeles on Sunday night.

Adele also snapped one award in half to share with US star Beyonce.

During an emotional speech after winning Album of the Year for 25 she gushed: “Grammys, I appreciate it, the Academy, I love you, my manager, my husband and my son — you’re the only reason I do it.”

Adele displaying her awards at the 2017 Grammy

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ EBRUARY 18, 2017

SATURDAY “I’M VERY HUMBLE AND I’M GRATEFUL AND GRACIOUS BUT MY ARTIST OF MY LIFE IS BEYONCE AND THE LEMONADE ALBUM WAS JUST SO MONUMENTAL.” ––ADELE Adele, who was photographed wearing a wedding band late last year, has always previously referred to Simon as her boyfriend.

Last night a friend insisted: “It just shows again how private she is. She hasn’t even told many of those closest to her that she’s married. It’s typical Adele.”

Adele’s hit album 25 also won Best Pop Vocal Album, while her single Hello won Record of the Year, Song of the Year and Best Pop Solo Performance.

Pregnant Beyonce, 35, won only Best Music Video and Best Urban Contemporary Album awards, despite nine nominations.

But she was in tears as Adele insisted she should share Album of the Year for her record Lemonade.

Tearing a piece off her trophy Adele declared: “I can’t possibly accept this award.

“I’m very humble and I’m grateful and gracious but my artist of my life is Beyonce and the Lemonade album was just so monumental.”

She added backstage: “She is my icon of my whole life. I don’t take any f****** s*** when it comes to anyone not liking Beyonce. You can’t be in my life. You simply can’t.

“I also feel like it was her time to win. What the f*** does she have to do to win Album of the Year?”

Beyonce bared her bump in a gold chain costume as she performed for the first time since revealing she is expecting twins with hubby Jay Z. In an earlier acceptance speech Adele hit out at alcoholic dad Mark Evans, who walked out when she was aged three.

Praising manager Jonathan Dickins, she said: “I owe you everything and I love you like you’re my dad.”

She added: “I love you so, so much. I don’t love my dad, that’s the thing.”

The star also got a standing ovation for her performance of George Michael’s Fastlove in tribute to the tragic star, despite having to restart after hitting a bum note.

Adele, who also suffered technical hitches last year, fought back tears on stage as she admitted: “I f***** up, I can’t do it again like last year.“I’m sorry for swearing and I’m sorry for starting again. I can’t mess this up for him.”

She later confessed to being devastated as she had been working every day to perfect the cover.

HOST JAMES IS FALL GUY HOST James Corden pretended to take a tumble as he poked fun at last year’s technical issues.

As he appeared for the start of the ceremony James, 38, fell down a hole before rolling down stairs.

The Late Late Show presenter went on to make a dig at President Donald Trump.

He also performed a Carpool Karaoke skit with stars including Jennifer Lopez, Neil Diamond and Beyonce’s daughter Blue Ivy, five.

TRAVOLTA GOES GAGA JOHN Travolta let his jive do the talking at a Grammys after-party.

The Saturday Night Fever star, 62, took to the dance floor with Lady Gaga at the Interscope Records bash.

Gaga, 30, was at West Hollywood’s Peppermint Club with her agent Christian Carino, a week after it was reported they are dating.

Earlier Travolta struggled with the autocue to introduce country stars Keith Urban and Carrie Underwood. culled from The Sun of London

Behold Beyonce the Goddess with the baby bump

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͹΀˜ ͺ͸͹Ϳ˾ THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

COMMENTARY

AN EPITOME OF HUMANITY

Femi Odere pays tribute to Afe Babalola, lawyer, educationist and a philanthropist “Human life has meaning only to that degree, and as long as it is lived in the service of humanity…. For me, humanity is infinite.” - Adolfe Joffe

“

I am sobbing because of how bad the lives of the people Baba has helped would have been if God has not sent him to Ekiti. My sobbing is also about what will become of other people that still need mercy from Baba Afe but won’t get it when Baba may have left us.” - A loose interpretation of the Ekiti dialect from Mrs. Aderemi Ajileye, recipient of N10,000 given out by the AB Foundation.

The two epigraphs above may be contradistinctive, yet they both point in the same direction in capturing the true essence of Aare Afe Babalola. The first provides a sort of definitive paradigm by which Joffe believed (before his death by suicide) must be the fulcrum around which human life must necessarily revolve for it to be said to be truly meaningful, while the other is a graphic attestation to a particular life (that of Aare, as he’s fondly called) and how it’s already being adjudged with no less philosophical undertone by Mrs. Ajileye, a barely literate trader. The kernels of these two epigraphs have not only metastasised in forming his total being, but Aare Afe Babalola has fulfilled, if not surpassed Adolfe Joffe’s demand from earthly beings.

Perhaps more importantly is how hundreds of thousands of people around the world whose paths have crossed that of Aare (including yours truly) may have cringed, recoiled or cried inside at one time or another when it suddenly would have hit them that this great philanthropist will not be around forever as Mrs. Ajileye said.

As a foremost personality who has transmuted into a colossus in Nigeria’s socio-economic and judicio-political landscape, it’s expected that Aare Babalola will mean different things to different people.

But the one unassailable fact that defines Aare is a very essence that encapsulates humanity at its finest. Baba Afe’s unquenchable thirst to leave the Nigerian society, most particularly his beloved Ekiti State and its people better than he met them came once again in vivid colour on Tuesday, January 3, 2017 at the AB Foundation, Ado-Ekiti. Dubbed “AB Foundation Poverty Alleviation Package,” it was at the event hall of the Foundation that some of Nigeria’s prominent dignitaries including the Ewi of Ado-Ekiti, Oba Rufus Adeyemo Adejugbe; the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland, Alhaji Ado Ibrahim; Chief Deji Fasuan, the octogenarian writer and public analyst; Prof. Tunde Adeniran, a former Nigerian ambassador, were gathered as living witnesses to the joy and excitement of 1000 needy indigenes of the state. On this day, all 1000 people in the hall received envelopes stuffed with the minimum N5,000 prize to the grand largesse of N100,000. Although the recipients knew intrinsically that they were lucky to have made it into the foundation hall as they were sure to go home with probably their first financial gift of the year, but what they did not know was where they would fall under between the N5,000, N10,000, N50,000 and the N100,000.00 categories of recipients. As a result, the apprehension on the faces of some of them was palpable. To others, these categories didn’t matter as they were already rocking excitedly on their seats because they

AARE’S ONLY COMMANDMENT, WHICH IS ETCHED PERMANENTLY IN HIS CONSCIOUSNESS, IS THAT QUALITY EDUCATION MUST BE THE SINGLE MOST IMPORTANT ENDEAVOUR FOR ANY LIVING BEING TO POSSESS

knew that their financial stations would most definitely be enhanced by the time they left. As if Baba himself knew that people would be curious as to how the foundation arrived at the 1000 threshold and the yardstick that was utilised in determining the eligibility of the would-be recipients, he explained in his opening remarks that the foundation’s initial decision was to extend the financial gesture to no more than 200 people. “But when reports came to me that the people that filled the forms had swollen despite being told that the foundation had reached its limit of 200 people, tears ran down my face. I told them to increase the number of recipients to 1000 people,” Aare said.

That announcement did not only touch some raw nerves of some of the audience as some shook their heads in sympathy and appreciation, it also underscored the heart-wrenching poverty that the Nigerian masses continue to face constantly in which Aare has played, and continues to play his role without let or hindrance in alleviating.

The Ohinoyi of Ebiraland, Alhaji Ado Ibrahim who was the special guest of honour delivered his speech by attesting to the fact that he had never met a Nigerian personality so unique and has such outstanding spirit of giving like Afe Babalola, among other things.

His Royal Majesty enjoined the lucky congregants to judiciously use whatever amount they’re lucky to be given so that “a year from now you would give testimony as to how you’ve been able to multiply this money which would be to the greatest delight of the giver.” The Ewi of Ado-Ekiti, Oba Adejugbe also extended his profound gratitude to Aare Babalola for his many socio-economic exploits which had radically transformed his domain in particular. His Royal Highness thanked Aare very profusely for the Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD), a world class higher institution of learning. Oba Adejugbe advised the would-be recipients to look seriously into agriculture with this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity of being given the cash they did not work for. Chief Fasuan and Prof. Adeniran were not left out in heaping praises on Babalola.

Perhaps what Prof. Adeniran may have inadvertently left out in his speech was the life-changing role Aare played in the life of this great intellectual Ekiti son and former ambassador. His education probably would have been truncated. This is because at some point he could not pay his tuition and the young Adeniran was shown the door. But he ran to Aare for help and he quickly obliged without any strings attached. Aside his own rough and unconventional road through which he attained education, Aare’s only commandment, which is etched permanently in his consciousness, is that quality education must be the single most important endeavour for any living being to possess. He has thrown his all into this time-honoured value as he had demonstrated in the life of Prof. Adeniran and so many others.

Baba continues to throw everything he has as exemplified by ABUAD. Making a difference in the education sector is his driving force.

While I have made my peace with the fact that Aare can never be eternal, his contributions to humanity on a grander scale will remain indelible and eternal, which is just as good for me to hold on to.

Odere wrote from Ado Ekiti

UNDERSTANDING THE IBORI MYTH (2)

James Ibori, former Delta State Governor, was a prisoner of conscience, argues Magnus Onyibe

T

he article revealed that “Clearly, neither the Nigerian nor the British public knew that in the V-Mobile shares sale issue and the Ibori case, DfID acted as aid partner, governance monitor, investigator in Nigeria through its funding of the EFCC, UK investigator, UK prosecutor, and had a senior employee as the jury foreman. Not even the Nigerian government exercised such powers in its own land. DfID was at the same time funding NGOs that it could use as pressure points to affect any government policy or election, even as it was also funding on-line publications to further those ends.”

He concluded by pointing out that “DFID, through its commercial arm, CDC Plc, was actively and discreetly using tax havens and acquiring substantial assets linked to Ibori and in particular acquired V-Mobile, through Celtel BV.” The bad news for DFID is that the last time lbori’s confiscation trial got on the way in 2013, a valuation of not more than £300,000 was made.

Compared to the $250m that the DFID bandied around initially, the purveyors of the false Ibori money laundering allegation may literarily be in hot water by the time lbori appeal against his conviction commences.

This is so because the DFID has a lot of explanations to give to British tax payers on why they lied that lbori had $250m laundered in the UK to justify all the funds (£16m) that was being wasted on a wild goose chase just to nail the irrepressible lbori as if they were on personal vendetta.

The wisecrack, time will tell, rings true in the current instance because the truth is indeed in the belly of time which is currently being unveiled, no matter how long it takes.

To some naive Nigerians who were fed with tissues of lies about lbori making away with Delta State Government money when he was governor, it is now clear that there is no evidence to prove such

crime.

On the contrary, lbori is a hero to the long suffering people in the Niger Delta for the two following reasons: One, he along with other warriors carried on with the environmental and human rights agitation started by the likes of late Major Adaka Boroh who declared Niger Delta an independent country back in the days to assert the rights of the long suffering Niger Deltans to control how the hydro carbon resources under their earth crust is explored sustainably. The poet/playwright, Ken Saro-Wiwa continued with resource control struggle through intellectual efforts after Boroh tried through the famous Kaiyama Declaration and James lbori and others have continued to pursue the Niger Delta cause through party politics.

That Ibori is today regarded in the Niger Delta as modern day Adaka Boroh and Ken Saro-Wiwa wrapped together, is not debatable.

Two, Ibori is the one that constructed the first bridge into Ijaw land enabling the first car to ply the roads in Izon domain via the Bomadi bridge into the creeks.

Same Ibori built the Omadina bridge into Itsekiri land and he is responsible for establishing a state university in Abraka with a campus in Anwai and three polytechnics and three colleges of education in each of the three senatorial zones in Delta State.

Apart from the specialist hospital in Oghara, lbori upgraded general hospitals in the major towns and established health centres in all the 25 local government areas of the state.

The foregoing are just his signature projects executed between 1999-2007 and they are some of the reasons that Delta State stands still for Ibori and his followers share the pains whenever he is pieced for their sake, as evidenced by the overwhelming crowd that welcomed him home and the steady stream of visitors pouring into Oghara since his

home coming.

In conclusion, lbori weighed against OBJ’s re-election bid and a cloak of ex-convict was put on him to scuttle his re-election as governor, but he survived the onslaught by defeating his traducers in court and serving a second term.

Unfortunately, in Nigeria, once a negative toga is put on somebody, it’s difficult, if not impossible to erase the impression which becomes a stigma hence some naive Nigerians still perceive lbori as an ex-convict, without evidence to back up such claim and worst still when the courts of the land had long ago cleared him of the allegation.

Amazingly, today, lbori has survived the vicious plots against him from two Nigerian presidents and powerful UK business interest as highlighted below: One, at the end of eight years, to the chagrin of most Nigerians, the 1999 Constitution was almost altered to accommodate the third term bid of OBJ. lbori was vindicated for not initially supporting OBJ’s re-election until then Vice- President Atiku Abubakar deferred to his boss.

Two, following the death of Umaru Yar’Adua, Ibori opposed the return of power to the south instead of respecting the PDP rotation principle of eight years per region, and got hounded out of Nigeria by those who were controlling the levers of power and apparatus of coercion at that time.

Six years after, the mistake that lbori stood against manifested, as a sitting president was ignominiously shooed out of Aso Rock Villa, ostensibly for incompetence and corruption that was stinking to high heavens.

For over 10 years, the DFID working with CDC with business interests that were competing against Delta State Government’s business interests such as the stake in Econet wireless- now Airtel worked surreptitiously towards clamping Ibori in jail in the UK under the guise that he was involved in money

laundering, whereas they were pursuing their business interests.

At the end of the trial, both the police prosecutor, and the crown prosecution service, CPS personnel who handled Ibori’s case, for their ignoble roles have received reprimands instead of medals.

With no hard or fast link to alleged laundered funds in UK banks, the DFID is about to confront its greatest nightmare when its conflicting interests as the complainant and the judge would be laid bare in the course of Ibori’s appeal against his conviction.

Obviously, the last has not been heard of the Ibori debacle.

Meanwhile, the crowd of well wishers who stormed Oghara to welcome their hero despite all the decoy strategies adopted so that he could go home without much ado, was simply anxious to see Ibori to confirm that indeed their hero is truly back home.

Today, Ibori is laughing last because instead of his profile diminishing, it has been magnified to the extent that his supporters now ascribe metaphysical prowess to him.

This is attested to by the fact that most of the massive crowd of supporters surging towards him were principally struggling to touch him and confirm if he is a phantom or indeed human for having survived the ordeal that has killed many.

In the final analysis, one inalienable fact about Ibori is that his supporters are attracted to him because they believe that he is a fighter for the course of the common man and the victim rather than the villain of the powerful figures and organisations whose raw nerves he literarily touched resulting in his ordeal and for that reason Niger Deltans adjudge him a prisoner of conscience who has just returned home after going through the school of life.

Onyibe, a development strategist and futurologist, is a former commissioner in Delta State

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͹΀˜ ͺ͸͹Ϳ ˾ THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

INSIGHT

Waiting for the President

Come Back Home, Mr. President

M

r. President, your health and wellbeing are important to us.

Nigerians want to see and feel you. We are like a family whose breadwinner has been away for sometime. We know that you feel nostalgic. But do not be in a hurry if something is yet to be finalised on your health. We are patiently waiting, praying and working for our nation in your absence.

The Presidency told Nigerians the possibility of your return because you are no longer “enjoying your stay’’ outside our beloved country.

Your Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Malam Garba Shehu told us: “As a matter of fact, we should be getting ready to see the president in fresh and that will be soon as possible. The president himself is looking to being home to be with his people. I don’t think he is enjoying any longer with an extended vacation outside the country.’’

We are happy that your vacation was utilised for many things. One thing is clear. You have shown your sincerity by granting unhindered control of the government to your vice, the vibrant and erudite compatriot, Professor Yemi Osinbajo. He has performed wonderfully in your absence. Secondly, your vacation has revealed that Nigerians are massively behind you despite the few discordant voices from some quarters. Nigerians love you and they want you to come back and look after them. Thirdly, it has shown that what unites Nigerians is stronger than what divides us because even the opposition is heaving sighs of relief that you are great and God-sent. They also feel your absence and want to see you physically at home.

We are happy that you spoke with the American President. America knows the importance of Nigeria for their economic wellbeing. Mr. Trump, like his predecessor, Barack Obama, recognises your sincerity of purpose and leadership style. Nothing is more heartwarming than this international recognition. It is the beginning of a friendship that will see Nigeria progress amidst earlier uncertainty that the new American government will antagonise your government.

Many prominent Nigerians were received by you in London. Surely, it is not easy to differentiate the purposes for their visits. The heart is a sealed bag; only God knows its content(s). But be assured that millions of Nigerians who can never afford to travel are with you in prayers. By God, it is their sincere prayers that are really working for you and the nation. Many of us want nothing than good health and success for you and the nation. And so it shall be.

Your wife, Aisha recently returned from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia where she performed Umrah. She must have cried out her eyes to God for you in the Grand Mosque of Makkah. As she arrived the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, she asked Nigerians to pray harder and do good deeds for Nigeria and expressed gratitude to all Nigerians for their support for you.

Your ministers have been up and doing. The leadership of your party APC and its members are loyal and doing their best. The National Assembly has been working on the 2017 Budget which you presented to them in December. You said it is going to be free from padding and we believed you. But there are reports that some things have been observed in it by the assemblymen. One of your ministers, Babatunde Raji Fashola shocked the Senate when he disclaimed the sum of N2 billion voted for regional housing scheme by the Ministry of Finance out of the N64.99 billion budgetary proposal for the housing sector for 2017.

The lawmakers in their various standing committees are carrying out wide scrutiny of at least 590 suspicious line items in the budget by government ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs). Senate President Bukola Saraki was reported to have given all Senate committee chairmen a working document and directed them to thoroughly examine all allocations in the budget.

The document, titled “2017 Budget: Frivolous & Suspicious Items”, was prepared and presented to the National Assembly by a leading government transparency organisation – BudgiT, led by Seun Onigbinde which outlined the questionable 590 items in the 2017 budget from 32 MDAs. Reports say that there are about six outrageous and suspicious items that raised various questions in the ministry of Power, Works and Housing apart from other items on other ministries and parastatals of government.

Muhammad Ajah, Abuja

T H E SAT U R DAY N E W S PA P E R EDITOR SHAKA MOMODU DEPUTY EDITOR YEMI ADEBOWALE MANAGING DIRECTOR ENIOLA BELLO DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR KAYODE KOMOLAFE CHAIRMAN EDITORIAL BOARD OLUSEGUN ADENIYI EDITOR NATION’S CAPITAL IYOBOSA UWUGIAREN

T H I S DAY N E W S PA P E R S L I M I T E D EDITOR-IN-CHIEF/CHAIRMAN NDUKA OBAIGBENA GROUP EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS ENIOLA BELLO, KAYODE KOMOLAFE, ISRAEL IWEGBU, IJEOMA NWOGWUGWU GROUP FINANCE DIRECTOR OLUFEMI ABOROWA DIVISIONAL DIRECTORS PETER IWEGBU, FIDELIS ELEMA, ANTHONY OGEDENGBE DEPUTY DIVISIONAL DIRECTOR OJOGUN VICTOR DANBOYI SNR. ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR ERIC OJEH ASSOCIATE DIRECTORS HENRY NWACHOKOR, SAHEED ADEYEMO CONTROLLERS ABIMBOLA TAIWO, UCHENNA DIBIAGWU, NDUKA MOSERI GENERAL MANAGER PATRICK EIMIUHI GROUP HEAD FEMI TOLUFASHE DIRECTOR, PRINTING PRODUCTION CHUKS ONWUDINJO TO SEND EMAIL: first name.surname@thisdaylive.com

Tackling the Fulani Question

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he Fulani Question is simply the demonisation of the roving Fulbe tribesmen as “blood-thirsty terrorists.”This label does them no good in the near term and the label has put a bull’s eye on their children’s children. There is a straightforward solution to the Fulani Question. One, all roving cattlemen should be quartered in ranch homesteads. Because of environmental concerns, the practice of free-ranging for millions cattle should be discouraged. It is especially bad because there aren’t really “free” ranges out there for the Fulani to roam. Nearly every patch of pasture-friendly land is tied in deed to one active rural community or the other. Two, the federal government should inaugurate a “ranch-homestead” policy whereby these roaming pastoralists would be settled for good as ranch owners in the vast expanse of land in the sparsely-populated states of northern Nigeria. Ranch-raised cattle is healthier and better fattened, and this means improved income for the Fulani. A big drawback with free-ranging is that all the accumulated calories that should help a herd of cattle get fattened are burned up as these moos move from place to place. In essence, they become good examples of moos with much sinews and musculature not especially suited for consumption. The “ranch-homestead” policy would result in a win-win economic situation because fodder for cattle could be easily and cheaply grown by the long-established inhabitants in the very areas where the Fulani are presently involved in ethnic cleansing, and the ensuing hay trade would benefit all. The worry here is that, if this “ranch-homestead” policy is not adopted soon, the Fulani would sooner or later lose out because the realities of the 21st century heavily discourage ethnic cleansing in whatever guise it is perpetrated.

The present composition of the Nigerian state is so complex that it is inconceivable that a particular tribal group would just run wild, sack and occupy communities in the manner of the Amalekites and Amorites. There are useful lessons to learn from the partitioning of Sudan.

The geological province called “Sokoto Basin” provides the natural choice for the localisations of cattle ranches because, by virtue of its sedimentary character, boreholes sunk there for groundwater exploitation should be comparatively shallow-depth and high-yielding.

What is desired now more than ever before is a National Ranch Homestead Commission not a National Grazing Reserve Commission.

It takes about 3.5kg of silage a day to fatten a cow kept in a ranch. Considering that each ranch would be provided with a borehole, producing this amount of silage is no challenge at all. Really, this task would be a great opportunity for agricultural engineers and animal production scientists in my school, the Federal University of Technology, Minna, and all other federal universities of technology and agricultural research institutes across Nigeria. Opportunities would abound for the dairy industry to blossom around cattle ranches. Opportunities would also abound for veterinary doctors to practice out there “in the field.” The haymaking industries would take a lot of almajiri off the streets.

Sunday Adole Jonah, Federal University of Technology, Minna

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T H I S D AY SATURDAY FEBRUARY 18, 2017

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ ͯͶ˜ Ͱͮͯ͵

NEWS

News Editor ÒË×ÏÐßÖË ÑÌß ͸΀͹͹;Ϳͽ΁΀͹͸ ̙sms only) Email ËÒË×ÏÐßÖ˲ÙÑÌß̶ÞÒÓÝÎËãÖÓàÏ˛ÍÙ×

NSCDC: Over 7000 Illegal Refineries Operating in the Niger Delta Alex Enumah ÓØ ÌßÔË

The Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has disclosed that there are over 7,000 illegal refineries operating across states of the Niger Delta, to the detriment of the nation’s economy as well as the environment.

According to the NSCDC, a wider section of the community, rangingfromthepoliticalclassto communityleadersandyouthsas well as contractors and workers of oil companies were neck deep in this criminal activity.

This disclosure was made by AssistantCommandant-General of the NSCDC, Helen Amakire while featuring as a guest of the Arise Television yesterday.

Amakire, who stated that the activities of the illegal refiners coupled with that of pipeline vandals had devastating effect on the region however assured of government’s determination and that of her agency to rid the region of criminal elements.

“Therearealotofstakeholders that are involved in this criminal act. We have those that are in the politicalclass,wehavecommunity leaders, youths, we even have contractors who work for the oil companies and even some oil company workers who are out to sabotage the efforts.

“According to statistics, there are about 6,000 illegal refineries in the creeks and about 1,000 in the land”, she said.

The Assistant CommandantGeneral speaking on efforts by the agency to clamp-down on thisnefariousactivityrevealedthat theNSCDChadsofardestroyed over3,000oftheseillegalrefineries.

She said with support from the governmenttheagencywoulddo

FOR BETTER ROAD INFRASTRUCTURE...

L-R: Lagos State Governor and representative of South West Zone on National Road Safety Advisory Council (NARSAC), Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode; his Gombe and Delta States counterpart, Governor Ibrahim Dankwambo; Governor Ifeanyi Okowa; FCT Minister, Mohammed Bello and Minister of Transportation, Mr. Rotimi Amaechi during the inauguration of NARSAC at the Council Chamber, State House, Abuja...recently

more than what it was currently doing.

“My team has destroyed over 1500illegalrefineriesinthelasttwo years.Justtwodaysago,theperson whotookoverfrommedestroyed about10andarrestedtwosuspects at the scene of crime, this shows that there is an agency that is all out to stop this illegal activities.

“That is for Rivers, my counterpart in Bayelsa has destroyed more,about2,000ormoreandthat inDeltaStateshastriedherownbit.

AsanagencytheNSCDChastried

London Police Launches Criminal Investigation into Kingsway Church’s £5m Ponzi Investment Cont’d from Pg. 6 It was the second time the Charity Commission has had to investigate the church.

In 2005, when it was known as the King’s Ministries Trust, the regulator ordered Ashimolowo to repay £200,000 after it emerged he used church assets to buy a £13,000 Floridatimeshareandspent£120,000 onhisbirthdaycelebrations,including £80,000 on a car. New trustees were subsequently appointed and Ashimolowowasremovedfromhis role as chief executive.

Noneofthecurrenttrusteeswere involved at the time of the Ponzi investment.

Meanwhile, McGlashan’s allegation that Ashimolowo is in the know about the Ponzi investment is contrary to earlier denials by the KICC Senior Pastor that he was not part of the decision to invest the money as he was not a trustee of the KICC. “Thetrusteesactionsweretotally independentandwerenotinfluenced inanywaybypastorAshimolowo,” said Dipo Oluyomi, KICC chief executive in a recent statement in Lagos.

ButMcGlashanrubbishedthisin the Guardian of London interview.

He(Ashimolowo)sometimesjets into London on Sunday morning,

delivers back to back services and thenfliesoutofthecountrylaterthat day, said McGlashan.

BeforetheproblemwiththeBritish Charity, Ashimolowo delivers sermons to his congregations at branches of the church in the UK, Ireland, Nigeria, Ghana, South Africa,MalawiandtheDemocratic RepublicofCongothatteacheshow Godwantsthemtoberich,including lessons on the “irrevocable laws of wealth creation”.

OneregularpreacherattheKICC isthemulti-millionaireUnitedStates TV evangelist Creflo Dollar who teaches “biblical money management” and tells worshipers that “honouringthelordmeanstrusting himenoughtoreleaseourtightgrip on our wallet, and giving generously”. The US TV evangelist once asked followers of his own church to pitch in $300 each to buy him a new Gulfstream private jet.

In 2015, the bankruptcy registrar CliveJonessaidRufushadaccepted morethan£16millionfrominvestors between 2007 and 2011 – without authorisation and in breach of financial regulations.

He had lost more than £5 million throughcurrency-exchangetrading and used more than £3 million for his “own purposes”.

toseethatthisillegalityisstopped to a large extent”, she stated.

Outside destruction of the illegal refineries, the agency claimed to have effected some arrest as well as prosecution of alleged offenders with most of them currently serving various jailterms.“Sometimes,whenwe gettotheseillegalrefineries,when they sight us they run away but, sometimes we are able to make some arrest.

“LikewhenIwastherewewere abletoarrestabout80atthescene

of crime and we took them and we charged them to court and the number of conviction we have had in the last two years because our agency is charged withtheresponsibilityofmaking arrestandprosecutingtheminthe name of theAttorney-General of the Federation.

“In Rivers State in the last two years we have secured 48 convictions with over 200 convicts servingvariousjailterms.InAkwa Ibomthereare28convictionswith about82convictsservingvarious

jail terms”, she clarified.

She agreed that what they had done was not enough but noted that the agency was trying and could still do more inspite of the enormouschallengesconfronting it. She said if the NSCDC was further empowered with the right equipment like flying boats andgun-boatssoastooperateeffectivelyinthehighsea,thecorps couldeffectivelycheckmatecrimes relating to vandalism and other crimes in the oil and gas sector.

Shealsoappealedtothecourts

tobecooperativeinthebattle,noting that the courts had a way of impacting on their activities.

“Thenthecourtoflawneedsto assistusbecausetheysometimes slow down the process of prosecution”, she said. Responding to a question on whether Nigeria was losing the war against illegal refineriesandmilitancy,Amakire answeredtothenegative,revealing that with the collaboration of ex-militantsthegovernmentand the security agencies were now recording great success.

Osinbajo’s Visit to N’Delta: Biafra: Court Summons Rivers Tompolo’s Monarch Warns Subjects AG, CP over IPOB Suspects' Bail Ernest Chinwo ÓØ ÙÜÞ ËÜÍÙßÜÞ justice for the court to grant the against Bombing National Assets suspects bail.

Sylvester Idowu ÓØ ËÜÜÓ

The recent shuttle to the Niger Delta region by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo appears to be yielding fruit as the traditional ruler of Gbaramatu kingdom in Warri South West Local Government area of Delta State, His Majesty, Pere Williams Naira Seigha Ogoba, Oboro Gbaraun 11, Aketekpe (Agadagba) has warned youths of the area to desist from bombings of national assets and other vices that would ridicule the kingdom.

The Monarch handed down the warning during his visit to Kokodiagbenecommunityaspart ofhistourofcommunitiesunder his kingdom since his ascension to the throne last year.

He reminded the youths and people of the kingdom that vices such as bombing of pipelines, illegalrefineries,piracyandothers werenot only affecting resources of the country and that of Delta State but also polluting the environment which in turn affect the economic activities of the law abiding people of the kingdom.

Pere Ogoba however commendedthepeopleofKokodiagbenefortheirpeacefuldisposition towards other communities in

the kingdom and protection of nationalassetsinthecommunity.

The people of Kokodiagbene Communityhadappealedtothe traditional ruler to use his throne tofacilitatethecommencementof academicactivitiesintheNigerian MaritimeUniversityOkerenkoko.

Chairman of the community, Comrade Sheriff Mulade who made the appeal during the visit bythekingnotedthattheissueof theUniversityhadlingeredfortoo long and implored the Monarch to do something about it.

"Your Majesty, the good and peace loving people of Kokodiagbenetownwishtousethisvisit to vehemently appeal to you to use your good offices to please facilitate the commencement of academic activities in the next academicsessionoftheNigerian MaritimeUniversity,Okerenkoko.

“Kokodiagbene Town is strategic to the University and the people of Kokodiagbene believe strongly that when the permanent site is completed, economic and other sustainable developmentactivitieswillspring up in Kokodiagbene as well", he said.

The people also appealed to

A Port Harcourt Chief Magistrate Court has ordered the Rivers State Attorney General or the State Commissioner of Police to appear before it show reasons why detained 45 suspected members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) should not be granted bail.

The court however granted one of the suspects, Emmanuel Nnamani, bail in the sum of N50,000 on health grounds after noticingthathewasalmostlosing one of his eyes.

Nnamani was said to have been hit on his right eye by a security agent during his arrest.

At the resumed hearing on the bail application yesterday, counsel for the accused persons, Mr. AdogaInalegwu,prayedthe courttogranttheaccusedpersons bail since their case file had not been sent to the Department of Public Prosecution (DPP).

The suspects were arrested by the police on January 20 for protestingthecontinueddetentionof IPOBleader,NnamdiKanu,and celebrating the inauguration of President Donald Trump of the United States of America.

Inalegwu explained that it would be in the interest of

However, the trial Chief Magistrate,Andrew Jaja, insisted that itwasnecessarytogiveanother10 daysfortheRiversStateAttorney General or the Commissioner of Police to appear in court to explain why the accused should not be granted bail.

“Hearing notice would be served the Attorney General or the commissioner of police to come and show cause why the accused persons should not be releasedunconditionallypending theadviceoftheDPP(Directorof PublicProsecution),”Jajaordered.

He maintained that the attorney general or the commissioner of police would be given 10 days to appear before the court.

The accused persons were remanded in prison custody while the matter was adjourned till March 3, 2017.

Speaking after the court session, Inalegwu called for the releaseofNnamdiKanu,adding that such a step would douse the tension among his followers.

He recalled that the issue of Biafra began 51 years ago and said he had written to the Federal Government with a view to resolving the matter.

16

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ EBRUARY 18, 2017

THE ALTERNATIVE with Reno Omokri Yemi Osinbajo: When an Acting President Acts Well

I

am loving the vice president, Professor Yemi Osinbajo right now and for good reasons too. In the absence of President Muhammadu Buhari, Pastor Osinbajo-led the Executive Council of the Federation’s meeting and ministers were forced to deliberate for seven hours!

It is the longest meeting ever under this administration and my reaction to it was WOW! This is my kind of man!

I have previously said that Nigeria actually attains more progress when President Muhammadu Buhari travels out of the country and Vice President Osinbajo has again vindicated my judgment.

Only on Monday the 13th of February, 2017, while in Rivers State, Vice President Osinbajo declared that the federal government would work with illegal refineries and help convert them to modular refineries.

Such forward thinking! Professor Osinbajo represents the Progressives in the name, All Progressives Congress. I applaud and celebrate him today.

His approach to the Niger Delta challenge is an approach of intelligence and diplomacy and will achieve far more than President Buhari’s shock and awe approach!

The man approached the region with compassion and understanding, not with threats and bluster as his boss did when he had the chance. He physically visited and toured the region whereas his principal made promises to visit but chickened out when the time came to implement his promises.

Professor Osinbajo spoke kindly and respectfully to the governors of the region and praised them for their efforts, even giving one of them the pet name, ‘Mr. Projects’.

Is it any surprise then that oil production has continued to rise and militancy has waned in the period that Vice President Osinbajo has been acting?

The man speaks to Nigerians as a leader should. He does not talk at us like the President. He talks to us.

I may have issues with what he said to the protesting labour leaders but I am still impressed that he met them, listened to them and was courteous to them.

And look at his Kennedyesque response to the #IStandWithNigeria protesters: ‘To those who are protesting, WE HEAR YOU loud and clear.’ He sounded like JFK in Berlin on June 26, 1963 saying to the oppressed people of that iron-curtain enclave, “Ich bin ein Berliner”!

You see, he is a remarkably poised Acting President! Even if you do not like him, you must respect Vice President Osinbajo.

President Buhari can stay back in London or any foreign city that catches his fancy, all he wants - waiting for tests and taking phone calls. With Osinbajo acting for him, Nigerians do not miss him!

In fact, he can turn his vacation into a sabbatical if he so pleases. We have tasted civility and are in no hurry to return to the barbarity meted out to the Shiites, IPOB protesters, Rann Internally Displaced Persons and sundry other protesters in the recent past.

From his actions since President Muhammadu Buhari travelled to London this January, there is no doubt in my mind that Vice President Osinbajo knows the whereabouts of all his academic certificates!

Even when President Muhammadu Buhari returns, I would advise him to make Vice President Osinbajo the face of his government in just the way that the late Major General (rtd) Tunde Idiagbon was the face of his first incarnation.

Recall that Nigerians so loved Idiagbon and that it was when Idiagbon travelled that that regime collapsed, proving the point that he was the legs that held up that table!

With Vice President Osinbajo, President Buhari does not need his disastrous and fallacious minister of information who has caused credibility issues for his government.

Lai Mohammed acts as if his job description is to make enemies for this administration rather than to attract friends for the government in which he serves.

The same Lai Mohammed, who once claimed that thousands of jobs could be

Osinbajo

created by masquerade dressing, was only able to generate a paltry 620,000 from the culture and tourism arm of his ministry in 2016! Obviously, Lai Mohammed did not find enough Masquerades to dress!

This brings me to the issue of the Trump/ Buhari call. Immediately that call was announced, I knew it was genuine and I said so on my social media profiles. I was the first person other than the President’s aides to do that.

I did not bargain for the intense vitriol that was thrown at me by the President’s haters who had weaved all manner of conspiracy theories and felt that their web of conjecture had been punctured by my validation of the call.

Thankfully, a day after I publicly affirmed that the call was genuine, White House spokesman, Sean Spicer, confirmed the Donald Trump/Muhammadu Buhari call.

Will all those who insulted and denigrated me over my assertions that the call was genuine now be honourable enough to apologise to me? I hope this will put an end to all the conspiracy theories.

I DO NOT believe in the Buhari administration for even one minute. In my opinion, former President Goodluck Jonathan is a much better leader than Buhari BY FAR. However, I will never lie against or support those who lie against Buhari for political purposes.

Do not allow your hatred for President Muhammadu Buhari affect your love for Nigeria. The Donald Trump/Buhari call indeed took place and is good for Nigeria!

Give the man his due. When opposition becomes hatred or leads to a death wish, it stops being Godly and starts being satanic. I am an opponent not a hater!

And talking about haters, presidential spokesman, Femi Adesina, was on television this week and called the President’s critics ‘haters’. Apparently, he has not got the memo. The President’s greatest hater is within.

Nobody can hate President Muhammadu

Buhari more than his Secretary to the Government of the Federation because if the SGF really loved his boss, he would have seen how much of a liability he has become to the President’s famed integrity and resigned.

As long as Babachir Lawal sits on that exalted chair, nobody in his right mind will believe in the anti-corruption war anymore even if they once foolishly believed in it before. Not Nigerians, not the international community and not even the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission itself!

Babachir Lawal is an unabashed, brazen and in-your-face proof that what we have is an anti-opposition war not an anticorruption war!

On Valentine’s Day, we read the comments of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation as he spoke to an obviously sponsored motley crowd of pro-Buhari protesters.

The SGF said, ‘When President Buhari finishes ruling, Nigeria will never return to the Jonathan era.’ Babachir Lawal should know that Jonathan’s era is gone. But we beg him to please ask his boss to return our economy to how he met it. At this stage we are not even asking for improvements!

The Jonathan administration left $2.07 billion in the Excess Crude Account when it handed over to the Buhari administration on May 29, 2015 as well as foreign reserves of $29. 6 billion. Slightly over $5 billion was left for the Buhari administration by way of dividend payments from the Nigerian Liquefied Natural Gas Company.

At the time of the handover, Nigeria’s GDP growth rate was 6.1% (for the last full year before the handover), inflation rate was in the single digits and stood at 9.5%, the Naira to Dollar exchange rate stood at $1 to NGN199 and on the parallel market, it was $1 to NGN216.

The price of premium motor Spirit (also known as petrol) stood at NGN87, the price of a 25kg bag of rice (a staple food in Nigeria) was N8,000. We were also generating 4000 MWs of electricity at the handover (still not

enough) and were projected by CNN Money as the world’s third-fastest growing economy even as we were very comfortably the largest economy in Africa.

Also the International Food Policy Research Institute had listed Nigeria under President Jonathan as one of only a handful of nations to have reduced hunger levels (Nigeria’s hunger index dropped from 16.3 in 2005 to 15 in 2013).

Every economic indicator I have just cited above can be verified by a simple Google search and I urge my readers to perform one and not take my word for it.

If the Buhari administration can return Nigeria to the economy we had on May 29, 2015, we will all be pleased and start celebrating. But alas, the SGF is saying that those good old days will never return. Maybe for him and his family!

On that same Valentine’s Day, the papers had the ‘achievement’ that the Buhari administration has 5 trillion in the Treasury Single Account. If that is true, then why do we still have to borrow?

The next day’s headline had the presidency saying that the economy is recovering ‘fast’. If that is true why is the Naira’s value dropping fast? Or is a failing currency the new economic indicator of an improving economy? These are all efforts by loyalists of the President to divert our attention from pressing national issues.

On the February 12th, 2017, I tweeted as follows:Over the next few days, there’ll be desperate attempts to divert attention of Nigerians by announcing both real and imagined recovered Loot!

The very next morning an administration surrogate on Channels Television falsely accused Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor of returning $35 million to the Federal Government!

This is a lie. I have spoken to Pastor Ayo and he neither received nor refunded $35 million to anyone but most especially the President Muhammadu Buhari-led Federal Government or any of its agencies including the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission or the Central Bank of Nigeria.

He has also not been questioned by anybody or agency of this administration. Beware of more of such distractions in the coming days!

‘They nurse disputes amongst citizens, so that citizens, distracted by differences, should not unite against them’ - Machiavelli The Prince, Chapter 20. Does this sound familiar?

This is exactly what is happening in Nigeria today. When Nigerians start asking relevant questions about where we are as a nation today, they start regaling the nation with sensation from yesterday.

It is like this: Nigerians ask why the economy is collapsing and they respond by saying, ‘hey look, see $9.7 million loot!’ That distracts the public and gets them fighting each other while they prepare the next distraction for when the people’s suffering slaps them back to reality.

If you have not read Nicolo Machiavelli’s The Prince, do yourself a favour and read it. It will help you understand the new and improved Federal Republic of Nigeria under President Muhammadu Buhari!

And on the Andrew Yakubu loot. Do not be deceived. This is the truth of the matter which you can again verify via a cursory Google search.

Andrew Yakubu was found wanting and then President Goodluck Jonathan fired him while the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission investigated him. The Grass cutter, Babachir Lawal awarded a contract to himself and allegedly received kickbacks from the company and the APC controlled Senate published proof of this, yet President Muhammadu Buhari did not fire Mr. Lawal and instead wrote so long a letter to defend him! And you are here, a brainwashed APC loyalist, celebrating?

Do you know who criticised then President Goodluck Jonathan for firing Andrew Yakubu in 2014? It was the APC. It is because they believe you are mentally lazy that is why they expect you to blame Goodluck Jonathan today for the Andrew Yakubu they fought for and defended when he sacked him.

Plus

LOUD WHISPERS SPY GLASS AUTO TRAVEL FASHION FILE MARITIME BITS

pg. 20 pg. 21 pg. 26 pg. 35 pg. 41 pg. 49

Ramsey Nouah

At Home, My Wife’s Decision is Final

18

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER FEBERUARY 18, 2017

PEOPLE

Why Movie ’76 Took Four Years to Produce He’s arguably the most handsome actor Nollywood d has ever produced. He is perhaps the most versatile actor inn the country.

And perhaps, the biggest crush of most Nigerian female emale movie fans. His looks are luscious – from his scanty curlyy hairs to his perfectly placed chin and sideburns, he is a handful ul to feed the eye on. Always dressed to the nines, he cuts the figure of a glamorous glamoro ous personality; a ladies’ man. With an unmistakable mien of success and vigorous performance on the silver screen, creen, Ramsey Nouah may well live and die as Nollywood’s d’s most versatile and consistent poster boy. He proves es that again in the movie, ’76, released in Septemberr 2016 as he led other Nollywood heavyweights like e Rita Dominic and Ibinabo Fiberesima in an epic movie ovie about the coup that killed a promising head of state te inn Nigeria. In this interview with Oge Ezeliora, Ramsey ey Nouah talks about the rigours of the film, the lessons, onss, his love life and failed marriages in Nollywood

Y

ou acted in a new movie, ‘76’. Can you talk about it?

It is a highly celebrated movie. It is doing well in the cinemas. It’s gone to virtually all the films festivals you can think of around the world. It’s highly ranked when it comes to the cinema. The movie is a thriller that I encourage people to watch. Though very challenging, it came out great. It is a lot of work for me to act like a soldier in a movie which I acted so well. From two to three good months of rigorous military training, just to get into that military state of mind. It wasn’t easy at all to get into the military state of mind. The physical photography took us over six months or there about. There was a lot of workload that went down while shooting the movie.

During the training, did you ever feel like giving up at some point?

No. I did not give up but after serious military drilling from the sergeants that were training us at the camp ground, we got tired and we complained of stress. We actually shot the film in 2012; but it came out last year. At times, when the sergeants drilled us mercilessly, we screamed: ‘Please take it easy we are actors not soldiers’. Then, they would calm us down and continue with the training afterwards.

Why was it shot in 2012 and released 2016?

As a matter of fact, the movie took almost two years of pre-production. And for you to get the story right you have to grab the story from all angles. It took a while to get the support of the military.

It also took us some time for the military to join us because of the storyline, which was focused on late Gen. Murtala Mohammed. And we needed to consult his immediate family before shooting the film; considering the fact that they had their own perspective of the story which was different from that of the public and the military. You need the whole of those to come together for you to raise a reasonable conclusion on how to tell the story visually. All of that took us a long

process to push through. Based on n that, the first Chief of Army stafff refused to assist us. I think the second one was the one that gave ve e us approval before we proceeded d for pre-production of the story.

We had planning upon planning, g, g and it was shot at Mokola barracks ck ks ks in Ibadan, Oyo State. We worked d against so many factors. For instance, we are talking about 1976, 976, 6, which was a long time ago, when en there was no GSM to communicate cate to anybody. So we had so much to do. o.

Having to shoot the movie properly erly y without changing anything particularly icularly y the new for the old. Everything came out ut as old as the past and it was well ll done.

Did the military training in n anyway change your mindset about life? fe?

There is something about the military you must understand: they hey y are disciplined people. They are loyal al to the nation. They believe that discipline ine is the only way you can stand upright. t. Their pride is discipline; you don’t go against g your word. It’s a lifestyle that you ou don’t find virtually in everybody. When en y you call someone a military person, it is like a no-nonsense man; a man who goes g to work, get the job done and comes es back.

A man who obeys order and is not bent by corruption; he is not bent by anything. y A man who is focused and never er gives g up – that is the military outlook. Every man will like that part because of the regular training. You are fit and strong g at all times and physically alert too. As a military man, you have that loyalty oyalty y y to yourself, your family and to your ur nation.

Those are the things that can attract ract you y to military life. I wouldn’t mind being ga naval officer or joining the Nigerian rian Air Force because of their looks. I love ve the Navy because of the white outfit. t. It looks good on them.

What scene do you love most st in the movie?

I had a couple of scenes I love e so much in the movie but the one I hold so dear to me was the part that the producer/film actor who was a military y man came and caught us. His name ame was

FEBERUARY 18, 2017 ˾ THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

19

PEOPLE ‘Dangerous Twins’ and ‘Silent’ Night Made Me Famous Captain p Jaiye. y He made a statement I can never forget. g Immediately y he caught g us g You saw he said, ‘You heard something! g And you y said nothing!’ g It is something! one of those lines I found so interesting anytime I remember the movie. y think is special p about What do you y reac the movie, 76? What was your reac-y fi p tion when you first saw the script? y I saw the script p I grabbed g The first day p because the story y is it with all pleasure y And I love our Nigerian g based on history. y Nigeria g history. for some reasons does not y and it saddens my y heart. It have history y of who we are. Because is a sad reality y g if you y don’t have it is almost like saying p y know your y a past how will you future? p p we see everyday y y just j think Most people y want to about their future; what they y don’t achieve and the rest of that. They p think about what their past was? What to y is? Can I use my y past p y today to rectify t day so that I use to have a better to today tomo to m rrow? tomorrow? y y that the Would you say y knowllmovie made your knowle g ed ge off current affairs edge b tter? be better? y To be frank with you, I didn’t know much a out the story ab y until I about re the script. p I read j st had same ju just k owledge kn g that knowledge e ev er other every Ng Ni gerian Nigerian h d about ha had th the a sasas assasssinasi nati tion of

our past p head of state called Murtala Mohammed Moha in 1976 that was just it. But in the intriguing parts of the story, most peopl p p don’t know. I don’t even know people w the whole story until I got involved in the T movie also gave me an insight film. The w into what happed to our past president, co the coup and all the saddening part of de his death.

The film didn’t take me too o the assassination of Murtala well on Moha Mohammed but I had a bit of it. It was j fo just focused on the soldiers and how they suffer during the regime; the family of suffered so the soldiers, their wives, their children h and how they suffered; what happened to them and other issues. How they became victim of treason and other touching victims aspec of the story. aspects Are there aspects of the story that weren featured in 76 but can be weren’t explo p explored in another movie?

Yes we didn’t really shoot the whole Yes; y behind Murtala Mohammed in story Th rest of the story is still pending.

76. The any y If anyone wants to shoot the movie on Murta Mohammed the person can still Murtala g head he to shoot it. It is still there. It’s the go drive that affected the soldiers behind the movie We focused on the plotting of the movie. p within the low-ranking officers. We coup have not told the story from the point of view of Murtala Mohammed himself. I hope it was clear.

How did you see yourself when you were costumed with moustache to look exact like Murtala Mohammed? exactly We are actors; so we are used to all kinds of costumes to suit the character ar acting. For the moustache, it was we are p placed so well that I was looking truly a old man. But the wig that looks like an like the th Afro hairstyle refused to stay on my until after several attempts. It y head h didn’t look realistic to my director so he ordered ordere that the wig should be removed not to disturb production.

Aside Asi movie production, what have you been doing? b I have ha been spending more time with my m family; I have also been doing business and taking a lot of rest. Another busin thing g is getting involved in humanitarian stuff. Whenever the need arises to get h into humanitarian projects I don’t decline becau I want to give back to the society because what I have. i learnt you are picky about the It is films you act in? do just act any movie brought to I don’t me. I do a lot of random selection in terms of acting in a movie. I don’t want

Nouah with Majid at a location

to lose my integrity in the industry. I don’t want producers to take advantage of me because I am a strict person by nature. I take my time to act and any movie I act will be a highly celebrated movie. So I don’t accept all scripts.

riage is companionship and that is why my marriage is still intact. Of course, we still quarrel and scream at each other but we always make up. If you cannot find companionship in your partner from the beginning, the marriage will never work.

What is your view about young actors and actresses making bold statements in the industry?

They say the young shall grow. It is a good thing. Nollywood must grow; we must continue to train the younger actors so that they can be professionals. People want to see new faces in Nollywood. So, it is a good development and Nollywood must continue to expand.

What is your advice for those in Nollywood whose marriages have failed?

Don’t run after a man or woman because he is handsome or beautiful; someday the beauty will fade. You must run after the companionship that binds the two of you together for your marriage to work. For some reason you cannot do without her; for some reason, there is something about her that brings you back home. Her sense of humour, either the way she cares for you; her method of cooking or the love that binds the two of you together. There must be something that brings you back to your husband or wife. There must be something that compels you together or else your marriage will never work.

Women should be careful and prayerful before running into a man’s home. Don’t stay or marry just because you want to be married woman. Women need to start empowering themselves, holding good jobs, and show respect to their husbands.

Most women believe because they are financially independent, they cannot respect their husband. Being financially ready and secure does not mean you should neglect your husband or compete with him. Remember, the man is the head of the family so you must respect him and continue to work under him. Some women, because they are financially capable, do not want to be under a man.

Africa still has culture, and our culture sees the man as the overall breadwinner of the family and not the woman.

What do you think about failed marriages in Nollywood?

A whole lot of people cannot stand the heat in the kitchen anymore that is why marriages are crashing. Women can no longer endure because they believe they are making more money than the man.

Everybody wants easy life now. Nobody wants to endure. Today, most marriages are based on equality. The woman now believes she can compete with the man because she is getting the same 50 per cent with the man. That is happening everywhere not just in Nollywood. Back then our mother used to be the woman who ran the home and managed it. Our mothers were in charge of the home and they never complained rather they believed in working hard. They took charge of everything for us. Today’s women don’t want that kind of stress. Hence, it is affecting marriages. So, most of them believe that assisting their husband means slavery. They don’t respect their husbands and they prefer to be alone. Marriage is supposed to be beautiful, honourable and a weapon against the enemy and life’s challenges. But if we don’t get it right it will bring nothing but shame.

You have been married for years.

What has kept your marriage intact?

My wife is a unique woman. She is not just an ordinary woman. She is amazing, just like my mother. She takes care of everything and I am comfortable with that. I just give her the money while she manages the home. She believes in holding her marriage so dearly and respecting her man. She owns the home; I cannot even come up with any decision on how to take care of my children; her decision is final. However, she wants to run the home is her business. My own is to assist financially. And that is our little secret. A lot of women say, ‘oh, your wife is trying.’ I tell them, that’s why she’s better than me. What sustains my mar-

Which movie will you say made you famous?

I have two movies that brought me to limelight. I can never forget ‘Silent Night’.

It was my first in the industry and it made everybody to know me while the second one is ‘Dangerous Twins’.

Which one has sold more?

‘Dangerous Twins’, because I had to act Mr A and B at the same time; dressing up and coming back on stage to reply what I had earlier said was not easy at all but I enjoyed it. It sold more because it had parts one and two.

Relax?

I play golf, basketball, football, tennis; engage in martial arts, boxing, swimming, and cycling.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ FEBRUARY 18, 2017 with JOSEPH EDGAR (09095325791)

LOUD WHISPERS

Ibori

Mr. James Ibori: What Can I Say? I have refused to say anything on this matter simply because I could not be bothered. But I have this reader who is a lawyer based in Warri, Delta State, who keeps updating me via text messages and phone calls on the happenings in the state since Chief Ibori came back from his forced exile. Last night, he called me with an unknown number. I was initially afraid to pick it, thinking maybe it was my madam calling to ask for her valentine gift. So I gave the phone to my colleague, Victor, who gleefully announced to me that someone from Delta State House of Assembly was on the phone. Thinking that my own largesse had come, I quickly collected the phone and lo, it was my lawyer friend from Warri who was calling to brief me once again on how the whole of Delta has been shut down because of Ibori. He has in his own little way been fighting against the almost,’shameful way and manner’ Delta politicians have been falling all over themselves in adulation and worship of a man who ‘stole them dry’.

He would scream over the phone, ‘Edgar, it is $77milion this man took from us and see the way they are still worshiping him.’

Well, my brother, I really do not know how this whole thing concerns me. You see, I had once met Ibori at a wedding in Lagos and fell in love with him, this was just before his arrest. We shook hands and talked about prison reforms and corruption in high places. He came across as a very intelligent person who truly had not only the interest of Delta but the whole of Nigeria at heart.

There must be a reason why this entire very intelligent and highly placed people are falling all over themselves to ‘worship’ him’. So my friend, the Warri lawyer stop complaining and join the band wagon, I will send you my ‘Ibori for President, 2019’ T-shirts for onward sale throughout Delta.

Please do not loot the proceeds from the sale of these T-shirts as I need the funds for my house rent. Who cares. Don’t we deserve the leaders we get?

Mudi: A Cultural Icon I drove past his showroom recently and had to stop immediately to inspect it. He had just finished work on a mosaic painting emblazoned on a large space on the walls of the showroom. This work was that of a pretty damsel exquisitely etched on the surface of the building. This part of his studio used to have the portrait of the late Super Eagles Captain, Stephen Keshi, in his own tribute to the wonderful patriot. But today it celebrates the svelte beauty of the African damsel. After admiring the smooth curves of the princess, I ventured into the studio. I still remain enthralled each time I enter the place, it is a marvel to behold.

From the marble floors to the well-placed furniture pieces and his green baby grand piano all throwing a soothing effect on the persona. Mudi is fast becoming a cultural icon with his studio now being a mecca for personalities who understand the uniqueness of his craft. Today many international personalities flock the place to not only get some of his pieces but to also view the place. The studio was opened by the then Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Tunde Fashola and since then, it has hosted such diverse personalities like the Minister of information, Lai Mohammed, iconic footballer, Yahaya Toure and the King of Morocco, amongst others. It is no wonder that Mudi’s studio has been named amongst the cultural sites that would be part of the Isale Eko UK Media tour.

Mudi

Fashola

Andrew Yakubu: the Case of the Reluctant Philanthropist I have a particularly different view on all the recovered loot.

You see, this administration came to power on two platforms - fight against corruption and the repair of our ‘damaged economy’. So far, the economy is worse off but the fight against corruption seems to be getting very positive results especially with the recent announcement of the discovery of over $9.8m and another £750,000 from a safe in my very good friend’s house. You see, this was his retirement stash. Well, my talk for today is not about Andrew, ‘I go yab am another day.’ My talk today is on the disillusionment of Nigerians in the face of growing economic assault which is pushing millions into poverty almost on a daily basis. As the government continues to gloat about its efficiency in its fight against corruption, the people continue to show a remarkable nonchalance towards it. Why should we be happy when we no longer have jobs, our children can no longer go to school, and our families are being destroyed simply because we can no longer feed? Of what use is all these recoveries when they would not impact directly on the lives of the average Nigerian. You see, if the government continues like this,

Akintunde Ambode vs Babatunde Fashola : Parliament Falls Apart I have consistently refrained from joining this debate, simply because I hold these two as my dear friends. Ambode, because I had once had breakfast in his house when he was still living in Ikoyi and Fashola simply because he was an upstairs neighbour to my friend, Big J in Surulere in those days. When we visited Big J we would see Fashola who was then a private citizen and who had just been named the Chief of Staff to the then Lagos State Governor, Bola Tinubu, on his balcony reading newspapers with chewing stick. We would greet him and he would wave at us with a wide smile. So when at

come 2019, they will have only the war against corruption as their only achievement as they ask Nigerians for another mandate. And do you think they will get it with the economy flat on its back? I think not. So what is the urgent solution that I want to suggest? My humble suggestion is that all the recovered loot should be used to build free health care facilities or tuition-free schools in all the six geo-political zones and label the schools after the convicted looter.

Like in this case, once a competent court of law finds Mr. Yakubu guilty, we immediately start building free primary health care facility with the funds and call it, ‘Andrew Yakubu primary health care facility’ and with a small plaque by the side, we write, ‘this facility was funded from proceeds reluctantly donated by Mr. Andrew Yakubu, a former GMD of NNPC’. This would immortalise the looter, increase whistle-blowing and provide direct benefits to the people who will now be very happy with the government. Finally, it will curb corruption since nobody will want to be immortalised in that manner. This for me is the ultimate solution and I think the government should take this advice very seriously.

the Parliament, the issue of Ambode versus Fashola, who was a better performer came up, I would dodge not wanting to take sides so that I don’t offend my friends. It was always Friday, the pot-bellied ex-politician from kogi who used to bring up the matter in his bid to cause confusion and in the midst of the cacophony, run away without paying. The issue is very touchy and would elicit a raucous debate from all in attendance. Emeka was indifferent since he was still paying the same amount of levies on the parliament to both administrations and Igwe would rather enjoy the coldness of his beer while thinking of how to pay rather than engage in a debate that would

Ambode

not assist in solving his immediate problem of reducing his bills. But this time, when Friday brought forward the matter, I immediately jumped into it. I felt that I had to say something at this juncture. Fashola did well, In fact, he did too well, but from my immediate observation, I am seeing Ambode looking like eclipsing Fashola’s wonderful achievements in Lagos. This is my honest observation. The eagerness to complete development projects in the state has reached fever pitch. The brilliant construction works on the Lekki Epe express road, which have brought sanity to that road and also look like bringing me back to my dear Afusat who lives in that axis. The government’s contribution to sports and entertainment, it’s recent doling out of cheques to the first recipients of its Trust Fund which gives out soft loans to deserving beneficiaries irrespective of state of origin and the many reforms carried out across all aspects of governance continue to impress any keen observer. I recently sat with Professor Abass, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Special Duties and by the time I finished with him I had a clearer idea of where this administration is going in terms of infrastructure development and overseas investments. I was also in talks with another high-level official, Honourable Wale Oluwo, Commissioner for Energy, who further elucidated governments plans, leaving me with a sense of pride. By the time I had finished talking, the parliament was quiet and I ended the conversation by promising to bring Ambode to the parliament to come and sell himself to them.

They looked at me in astonishment as I brought out my phone to call a number of His Excellency I had when he was Treasurer at the Shomolu Local Government, I could see fear and huge respect on the faces of the parliament members. As I dialled the number and put it on speaker, the female voice came up and said, ‘the airtel number you are calling is switched off’. Kai, Ambode disgraced me. But not to worry, I sent him a text, asking him to confirm if he would be able to visit us at the parliament. You know text will deliver and the parliament people will not know if His Excellency got the message or not. Anyway, Chief Ambode carry go, we are all behind you.

Isale Eko - UK Producer Berths This wonderful play coming up in April and produced by my humble self and Olisa Adibua in conjunction with Nsebong Ekong, is gathering momentum. We had our first cast meeting last Sunday with the enigmatic Yemi Shodimu and Patrick Doyle in attendance. The highlight of the meeting however, was the visit by the producer of the UK version, the very beautiful Mrs. Tola Ogunbola. She had flown in to watch the commencement of rehearsals and to meet with the cast who would also be taking part in the UK version. Isale Eko is a wonderful phenomenon that has been carefully designed to celebrate Lagos at 50.

With songs and dance and a rich storyline, it will celebrate Lagos in a way that would make all thoroughbred Lagosians and indeed Nigerians swell with pride. Already some corporate organisations have started showing tremendous support by purchasing bulk tickets well in advance and Interest is growing by the day as the April date gets close. I will be on Yemi Shodimu’s Lagos State Television programme, ‘Gbarada’ come Sunday with the pretty Mrs. Ogunbola to plug the play and seek further support from corporate sponsors and lovers of Lagos.

21

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • FEBRUARY 18, 2017

SPY GLASS

Ex-Customs Big Gun Ibrahim Mera, Goes Underground Before his voluntary retirement from the Nigeria Customs Service, the name Ibrahim Mera meant many things to many people.

As proof of his popularity, he was at some point tipped as a likely successor to the former Comptroller-General, Alhaji Abdulahi Inde, whose appointment was terminated abruptly by President Muhammadu Buhari.

But that was not to be. The exdeputy comptroller left the service alongside some other top officers when the new ComptrollerGeneral of Customs, Col. Hameed Ali (retd.) was appointed.

Spyglass gathered that the Argungun, Kebbi State Prince despaired, thereby forcing him to leave the service.

Consequently, the wealthy officer has since gone underground.

While a source disclosed that he has relocated to London to live a quiet life, another source revealed that he now shuttles between Nigeria and England to manage his many businesses, especially his real estate and haulage business.

Mera is the Ciroman of Argungun while his elder brother, Samaila Mera, is the Emir of the town after the death of their father, Alhaji Mohammed Mera.

Sad End of a Socialite, Femi Lekuti Those who could say a little about the life and times of the late socialite, Abiodun Femi Lekuti, aka Danku Baba Imole, are quick to say that he, indeed, enjoyed life to the fullest.

In his heydays, he rocked the social scene and was praised by many top Fuji stars whom he

with Bayo Adeoye ....08054680651 lavished so much money on.

Sadly, he suddenly became broke after his unsuccessful bid in politics. He had contested for the position of House of Representatives, but lost at the primary.

This development, it was gathered, marked the beginning of many problems for him. He was said to have suffered from cerebrovascular accident, otherwise known as stroke.

Consequently, the ailment drained his purse, as he reportedly sold his only house in Lagos, to defray his medical bills. While he struggled to survive, he was said to have been deserted by his friends, a situation that forced him to relocate to Ibadan.

In Ibadan, the man who was a phenomenon in the social scene moved into a two-bedroomed flat in Apata, an obscure area, where he finally breathed his last on Friday (last week) at Teju Memorial Hospital.

Sally Mbanefo Still Unruffled after Exit from NTDC The whereabouts of Sally Mbanefo has continued to generate diverse comments in different quarters. Probably, the former Director General did not see her removal coming. Little wonder that she decided to withdraw into her cocoon to nurse her pain. Yet, her fans say she is unruffled.

Her tenure, to put it mildly, was enmeshed in controversies. But resilience was her staying power.

Spyglass gathered that when she was appointed Director General, NTDC, in 2013 by President Goodluck Jonathan, she literally hit the ground running because she considered it a call to service.

She stated in her vision, among other things, to focus on the development of local content of the tourism industry. This was not too difficult for her to accomplish, as she only needed to leverage on her experience from the private sector.

However, it is dangerous to take appearance for reality. Indeed, it is preposterous to take her simple and quiet mien for weakness or timidity. She is one woman blessed with strength.

Over the years, the graduate of

Law from the University of Lagos has stuck to her abiding philosophy: hard work plus prayers equals success. With that she has moved up the ladder of life to the envy of her critics.

Before her last appointment as DG, NTDC, she had excelled in other sectors, such as manufacturing, banking and oil and gas, among others.

Bukola Saraki’s Deft Move That Senate President Bukola Saraki, is one of the most influential politicians in Nigeria today is like stating the obvious. Or, how else does one describe Saraki whose political might ‘crashed’ the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, structure in Kwara State?

When he was quitting the PDP alongside other aggrieved party members, many of the PDP stalwarts reportedly pretended to be unperturbed, while some even sneered at him, saying his political career was going for a crash.

But Saraki’s influence has shot up astronomically and he has proved to the doubting Thomases that he is, in fact, a game changer.

Today, the medical doctor turned politician, apart from being the number three man in the country, has stepped into the big shoes of his late father, Dr. Olusola Saraki, who was the political godfather in the state.

Saraki’s power and influence can be attributed to hard work, grass roots politicking, compassion and a legacy of philanthropy.

Having undergone political tutelage under his father, he later served as presidential assistant to former President Olusegun Obasanjo. By that, he seemed to have put his political machinery in motion, as he eventually contested and won election as governor of the state twice.

As chairman, Northern States Governors’ Forum (NSGF) and Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF), his tenure was eventful and he was well-loved by his colleagues.

Ex- Ogun Speaker, Titi Oseni, Finds Love Again!

Former Ogun State House of

Assembly Speaker, Titi Oseni’s coming into politics seems to have a divine seal. This is because she shot into limelight not too long after she became a partisan politician.

The America-trained business administrator’s political path, was no doubt, laced with roses.

In fact, her meteoric rise was applauded particularly by the womenfolk.

Many had envied her and wished to be in her shoes, obviously because they did not know the pains in her heart. In other words, the flip side of her life was not actually fantastic, as it was certainly giving her friends and family members a great concern.

Many claimed she had not been lucky to taste the nectar of marital bliss since her marriage with her husband, Kunle Oseni, allegedly hit the rocks.

But Spyglass gathered that the beautiful woman has now found love, following her wedding to a popular and wealthy Lagos lawyer, Wale Gomez, recently.

It was gathered that the romance that eventually led to the marriage had been on for over three years. Our source confirmed that the lawyer was actually the one behind her 50th birthday party in 2014. It was a high-octane event that had the movers and shakers of the society in attendance.

Interestingly, the wealthy lawyer was said to have only participated in the background, thus he succeeded in not giving himself out to the prying eyes of paparazzi.

It was also gathered that it took a long time before the Ogun politician could fully give out her heart to the man. In fact, it took the intervention of her friends and families before she finally succumbed. But typical of a fullblooded woman, and someone who desires to be respected in the society, she couldn’t shut her heart against love for too long.

The couple was recently sighted together at some parties and they looked very much happy like young lovers who have just found love for the first time.

22

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ ͯͶ˜ Ͱͮͯ͵

EXPRESSION

MEDIAGAFFES BY

CBN’s Public Notice Flaw

EBERE WABARA

T

HISDAY Front Page of February 12 takes over from DAILY SUN of February 13: “…the Alamieyeseigha Memorial Banquet Hall, which was filled to capacity….” Please expunge ‘to capacity’ as the phrase is inherent in ‘filled’.

“Nigeria records 80,000 cancer related (cancer-related) deaths yearly” “Dearth of functional facilities hinder (hinders) NCS (NCS’) roles” “Also, VCs are traded in (on) exchange platforms that are mostly unregulated worldwide.” (Full-page Public Notice signed by the Central Bank of Nigeria Management, DAILY SUN, January 18) “FG seeks N921.4bn to complete 925 roads projects” All the Facts, All the Sides: 925 road projects.

“Even Dubai ran into trouble (troubled) waters in 2008-2009 when huge debt (a huge debt) forcibly…”, but trouble spots “The enforcement of that sentence against a teenage mother who had just delivered is certainly regretable.” On the move: regrettable. “…the average journalist usually burns this professional flag, forgets his own humble past once he or she crosses over to the corridor of power.” Saturday People: corridors of power and this: their humble past once they….

“The government wants to dump all the dead stadia or sell them off to those who can breathe the breath of life on (into) them.”

“However, it could be useful to indicate that our research shows that the fortunes of NEXIM moved comfortably between (from) 1990 to 1992 and….”

“These terminations were made after NEXIM had undertaken screening exercise (must you add ‘exercise’?) both

at home and abroad and conducted series (a series) of travels, trainings (training).…”

“Trainings were held yesterday at the sports academy.” Viewpoint: ‘training’ is uncountable.

“Commissioner wants more vigilante groups” Rutam, hello: vigilance groups.

“The article was an insult on the Federal Government, the National Assembly and an affront on the ICPC and its competent and hardworking staff.” Justice in service of community: an affront to (not on) the ICPC. And, of course, an insult to (not on) the FG “For quite sometime (some time) now, the poor and deteriorating condition of public infrastructure….”

“A few weeks ago, there was some news report (a news report) about the involvement of….” “…all the major roads in the Eastern part of the country have become pure death traps and for challenging his (President’s) non-challant attitude and doing anything positive in Igbo land.”

Get it right: nonchalant.

“Trump, North Korea Minister hold talks” Foreign Affairs: North Korean Minister. “…there have been series of polemical attacks of (on) the commission and its activities by an obscure and often fictitious section of the public.” This way: a (take note) series of polemical attacks.

“The president and commander-inchief of the armed forces also addressed the nation same evening.” Get it right: the same evening.

“INEC apologizes over aborted PDP convention” To live in truth is to serve: apologize for something or to somebody.

“The most impassible (impassable) roads accentuate the usual hectic traffic of motorists, making business transactions in Lagos a herculean task.”

“…robbers who held residents and commuters to ransome for hours….”

Spell-check: ransom.

“I doff my hat for…” The right mix: I take off or doff my hat to (not for).

“Out of a lawyers’ population estimated at about 20,000, only five females have been opportuned (opportune) to adorn the silk.”

“This is another scintillating edition for the matured (mature) mind.”

“Preponderant of the views aired by the people centre around issues like corruption, unemployment….” Running a true federation: Preponderance… centres….

“Benue assures on abandoned project” Just tell readers who the state assured.

“A recent report on food related (a hyphen) ailments show (shows) that in many parts of the world….”

“Unfortunately, however, I, and many other Nigerians have been infuriated by our servants….” In pursuit of linguistic orderliness: many other Nigerians and I. The concept of the cart and the horse applies to language usage, too.

“But all our future blessing would be achieved through waiting in the Lord.”

If you are after God’s heart, you wait on, not in, the Lord.

“Before embarking on the strike action….” You can as well embark on the ‘strike inaction’!

“It was as though both informants were mischievous people who had an affinity in (for) discrediting the preacher.”

“The vigilante group visited instant judgment on the thief and sent him to the great beyond.” In the name of excellence: vigilance group.

“Sixteen people were killed and two others seriously injured in a ghastly (fatal) accident which occurred along (on) the Bauch-Auchi road on Satur-

ewabara@yahoo.com, 08055001948

day.” If there were casualties, it follows that it was a fatal, not a ghastly, accident.

The mishap did not drag along the road, but occurred at a spot on the road.

“Some of the despotic regimes thrown up in (on) the continent did worse things than was experienced under colonialism.”

“A weekly magazine took a professional risk and charged the speaker for (with) forgery.” “...the same-day election is being proposed by the senate as part of the antidote for….” This way: antidote to….

FEEDBACK

THIS morning, I read a Christian devotional book which admonishes the faithful thus: “Don’t be a mentally lazy person because God does not reward MEDIOCRES.” This is an error most people make. The word MEDIOCRE, meaning “not very good; of fairly low quality”, is an adjective, NEVER a noun.

On the other hand, MEDIOCRITY is both a countable and uncountable noun. In the first instance, it means “the quality of being mediocre”. As a countable noun, it is defined as “a person who is mediocre in ability or personal qualities; for example, a government of mediocrities”. So, Jameston is a mediocre politician or a mediocrity in politics, but NOT a mediocre. (Contributed

by KOLA DANISA/08028233277) FROM THISDAY of Saturday, January 28, come these headline errors: Nigerian ship owners demands (demand) better deal.”

“Acquire disputed land, Ijaw leader advices (advises) Delta Govt.”

“Air France, KLM fete customers with Back in Time (Back-in-Time) party” (Sent in by STANLEY NDUAGU, Aba/08062925996).

PERSPECTIVE

Lalong’s Template for Peace in Plateau State Yakubu Dati

A

s he rose amidst thunderous applause to address the first combined convocation ceremony of the Plateau State University, Bokkos as Visitor and the Executive Governor of Plateau State, one could not but marvel at the twist of fate.

At the same venue 12 years ago, Lalong was on the same ground to witness the foundation-laying of the institution performed by Gen. Yakubu Gowon, former Head of State.

The question of whether individuals shape history or history shapes individuals has remained a recurring decimal in the life of Rt. Hon Simon Bako Lalong, Governor of Plateau State.

Lalong’s own life and the metamorphosis of the Plateau State University, Bokkos, have remained intertwined.

As the then Speaker of the Plateau State House of Assembly, he reengineered the legislative process that gave birth to the ivory tower under the Joshua Dariye administration. Having seen the institution at the prospects of its infancy, Lalong witnessed the painful trauma of its abandonment by his predecessor, Jonah Jang and is today central to its rebound as a fledging institution under the respected Prof Danjuma Sheni. The extent to which he embodies the history of the University can be gauged by the overwhelming support he received from Atahiru Jega, a Professor and former Chairman of INEC who accepted to be the Pro-chancellor of the institution.

Lalong has joined the ranks of great philosophers like Socrates, Plato and Aristotle who believe in the potency

of education as the most powerful instrument of social change. His deployment of massive resources to fast track it’s academic and structural development is yielding bountiful harvest. Youths have found conducive avenues to acquire the golden-fleece and become responsible members of the society, with little or no time to indulge in vices inimical to the society. No wonder peace has returned to Plateau.

Hear Lalong “Ours is a promise to create opportunities not just for those with the money and influence, but for every Plateau citizen who desires to have meaningful and productive life”.

The educational empowerment of the youths will no doubt further broaden viable choices and make them competitive in the direction of innovative creativity the world is heading towards.

Since assuming office, Governor Lalong has deployed a combination of strategies and activities that had great meaningful impact, fostering a culture of peaceful coexistence and, in turn, economic progress in a period of recession such as ours.

While efforts geared towards educating leaders of tomorrow has gained traction, the working class had their day in December 2016 when Governor Lalong injected over N4 billion into the economy when he paid up the backlog of salary arrears to civil servants. This gesture has endeared him to the Plateau people who fondly address him as Simon Bankalert Lalong.

While the search for peace has remained of great challenge to neighbouring states and indeed, the nation, the Lalong template is worthy of emulation.

The presence of the Gov Aminu

Lalong

Tambuwal of Sokoto State, Mallam Nasir Elrufai of Kaduna State, Bar. Mohammed Abubakar of Bauchi State and Gov Abubakar Bagudu of Kebbi State has sent a clear signal that

Plateau is back to its true identityHome of Peace and Tourism.

––Yakubu Dati is a former commissioner of Information, Plateau State.

23

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • FEBRUARY 18, 2017

EVENT Beyond Politics: The Beauty of the Visit of the Acting President to Rivers State Simeon Nwakaudu

T

he popular leadership of Rivers State always keys into opportunities to attract development to the state. On issues concerning development, politics is relegated and the interest of the Rivers State enthroned for the benefit of the people.

As the largest contributor to the nation’s oil wealth, Rivers State remains critical to the development and stability of the country.

The relevance of the state’s security efforts is situated in the fact that there are no damage to the petroleum infrastructure in the state; necessitating the seamless exploration and exploitation of petroleum resources in the state.

Furthermore, Governor Wike’s exemplary successful Amnesty Programme has enhanced security in the state and created the right atmosphere for the consolidation of the nation’s economy. No other state boasts of this pro-Nigeria arrangement.

Therefore, the visit of the Acting President of Nigeria, Prof Yemi Osinbajo to Rivers State between February 13 and February 14, 2017 presented a fresh opportunity for major Federal and State Stakeholders to advance the frontiers of development in Rivers State, build new alliances and place the interest of the people above all other considerations.

Governor Wike led leaders of Rivers State across political divide to the Port Harcourt International Airport to receive the Acting President , Yemi Osinbajo. The airport reception was a display of the unity, focus and commitment of Rivers people to the development of the state and Nigeria.

For the elected Government of Rivers State and the major stakeholders of the state, this opportunity was productively received, used and the interest of the state placed on the front burner of development.

Projects With bipartisan airport formalities dispensed with, the business of governance took centre-stage. The true colour of Governor Nyesom Ezenwo Wike as Nigeria’s Governor of the Year 2016 became evident to the highest level of political leadership in Nigeria.

From the airport, the Acting President and Governor Nyesom Ezenwo Wike riding in the same car crisscrossed several road projects, completed and ongoing. Right opposite the airport roundabout, the Obiri-Ikwerre Road nearing completion presented a driveby view, while the Sir Celestine Omehia road ( Former SARs Road) and the Greater Port Harcourt Development Authority Ultramodern Headquarters provided the visiting Acting President with the requisite drive-by pleasure.

With the crowd of Rivers Stakeholders, the Acting President’s entourage made a stop at the Port Harcourt Pleasure Park. The first of its kind in West Africa and Nigeria’s emerging tourist destination. The Acting President was visibly impressed as Governor Wike took him on a tour of the facility. He was particularly excited about the artificial lake and climbing tower that overlooks the Garden City.

From the Port Harcourt Pleasure Park, Acting President Yemi Osinbajo was guided through the expansion of the Rumuola stretch of the Aba Road into an eight superhighway, the revived traffic lights on the major streets of Port Harcourt through the reconstruction of several roads linking Aba Road which have eased traffic congestion in the Garden City.

When Acting President Yemi Osinbajo finally arrived the construction site of the State Ecumenical Centre, he saw for himself the wonders of technology as being laid out by construction giant, Julius Berger.

This project is key to the unity of Christian Denominations as Rivers State is a professed Christian State. It was a spectacle to behold for the Acting President and his entourage .

Right inside the Government House, Port Harcourt, Acting President Yemi Osinbajo inspected the remodelled and restored Brick House, the former seat of power in Rivers State. He also inspected the newly constructed Government House, Port Harcourt Christian Chapel.

It was not only a projects inspection

exercise. The Acting President had the honour of flagging off the construction of the Doctors Quarters of the Braithwaite Specialist Memorial Hospital in Port Harcourt.

Whilst laying the foundation stone for the Doctors Quarters of BSMH, the Acting President Yemi Osinbajo said that the doctors quarters would help in repositioning medicare in the state.

He said: “It is my special privilege to lay this foundation stone of this doctors quarters at the Braithwaite Specialist Memorial Hospital.

“It is very special because this is a special contribution to the creation of access to healthcare in the country. And especially the welfare of doctors who do the commendable work of ensuring the health of the people “ In his address, Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike declared his commitment to the provision of quality facilities in hospitals across the state.

He said: “For me, my engagement with the people is premised on the provision of projects across the state. In Rivers State, it is projects, projects and projects. We shall not deviate.”

Governor Wike said that the objective of the project is to restore the existing accommodation and expand it to accommodate more specialist doctors serving at the BMSH. He noted that the quarters has 22 units of three bedroom flats with a community canteen and dedicated water facility.

Town Hall Meeting With Rivers Stakeholders This was the reason for the visit in the first place. Over 1500 delegates from the 23 Local Government Areas of Rivers State gathered at the Government House, Port Harcourt to exchange views with the Acting President on how to resolve the challenges of oil exploration and exploitation, with a view to ensuring that oil bearing communities benefit from their God-given resources, while the nation’s economy is restored back to health and optimal performance.

The stakeholders were drawn from all political divides, ethnic groups, youth groups, ex-agitators, professionals and agents of the Federal Government.

Some of the prominent persons at the Stakeholders meeting were: Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, Minister of Niger Delta, Pastor Usani Usani, Minister of State for Petroleum, Dr Ibe Kachikwu, Managing Director of Niger Delta Development Commission, Nsima Ekere, Former NBA President, Chief Onueze Okocha, Former Minister Graham Douglas, Popular Niger Delta Activist, Madam Ankio Briggs, Chairman of the Rivers Council of Traditional Rulers, King Dandeson Douglas Jaja among other notable leaders. Also in attendance were all the members of the Rivers State House of Assembly elected on the platform of the All Progressives Congress.

The engagements at the town hall meeting were frank and premised on the need to urgently develop the Niger Delta, especially Rivers State .

Rivers State Government has been able to maintain the peace through constructive engagements with the youths and oil bearing communities. Therefore, the challenge in the state has been that of the failure of agencies of the Federal Government to deliver on their responsibilities to the people of Rivers State.

All through the town hall meeting, the Rivers people decried the politicisation of governance by agents of the Federal Government. They condemned the tendency to promote politics whenever Rivers State features on the development radar.

Former NBA President and Spokesman of the Rivers Elders Council, Chief Onueze Okocha ( SAN) called for synergy between the Federal Government and the Rivers State Government for development to take place.

He expressed dissatisfaction with the current situation where Federal agencies adopt unnecessary anti-Rivers posture to deliberately deny the people their due as the nation’s largest oil producing state.

Okocha said: “I conclude by stating that the peoples of Rivers State have enjoyed good governance from the present administration of the state, and that this can only be sustained in an atmosphere of peace, law and order. Peace, law and order, I dare say,

Chairman of the Rivers Council of Traditional Rulers, King Dandeson Douglas Jaja presenting the position of Traditional Rulers to Acting President Yemi Osinbajo

Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike (m) explaining the restoration of the Old Brick House to Acting President Yemi Osinbajo (r)

Acting President Yemi Osinbajo laying the foundation stone for the Doctors Quarters of the Braithwaite Specialist Memorial Hospital. With him is Governor Nyesom Ezenwo Wike.

can only be secured with the assistance and cooperation of agencies of the Federal Government of Nigeria. It is therefore my hope that the Federal Government will ensure that its concerned agencies are not found wanting in this regard.”

Civil Rights Activist and Women Representative, Ankio Briggs said: “The pipelines in Rivers State are intact. They are intact not because they cannot be bursted, but because Governor Nyesom Wike and some other critical stakeholders have made it possible so far for it not to be touched. I want to appeal sir that this should not be taken for granted because it would be very difficult for us to continue to curtail the level of frustration and anger that is brewing and continues to brew in the Niger Delta based on the neglect and disregard that we suffer in the Niger Delta.

“Now, Rivers State people have made their decision in 2015. This is politics, some people will lose and some people will win. I want to suggest that we regroup and start planning for 2019 and allow the will of Rivers people to stand. It is not acceptable in Nigeria today

that INEC will bring dirty looking ten thousand, hundred thousand pieces of naira, put in on a table and say that Governor Nyesom Wike gave it to them. Sir, we are a people that are diverse in the state and we love ourselves.

We may have our disagreements, but we love Rivers State more, and therefore, this continued onslaught on Rivers State seemingly from Abuja is creating some tension in this state that if the Federal Government is relying on a state like Rivers State for its resources, I would have thought sir that it will be in the interest of the Federal government to ensure that this particular state and the whole region of the Niger Delta is indeed at peace”.

She added: “As women, we must express our serious concern on the removal of the security details of our governor. If our governor is exposed to the risk of having inadequate security, this poses not only a threat to our state, but to our economy and to the Federal Republic of Nigeria. If this extreme danger continues, as mothers, we may have no other alternative, but to consider protecting our governor.”

24

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • FEBRUARY 18, 2017

TRIBUTE Oladipo Okpeseyi

A LegalTestament ofVision @ 60 Kemi Otegbade “The only person you’re destined to become, is the person you decide to be” - Ralph Waldo Emerson

F

ebruary 18, 1957. On that day six decades ago, it was all joy in the home of Edward Okpeseyi and Eunice, his wife, as they welcomed a bouncing baby boy. He was later christened Oladipo. Little did they know that he was going to someday stand as a titan in the temple of Justice.

Thus goes the story of a man who has become a symbol for what is possible when ambition, zeal, tenacity and courage align into one force.

Barrister Oladipo Okpeseyi, a solicitor who has been able to reach the peak of his profession, as a Senior Advocate Nigeria (SAN), has come a long way in his search for equity.

Title without an entitlement is paraded all over our society today. But that doesn’t happen to be the case with Barr. Okpeseyi.

William Fulbright once said and rightly so “critics are not enemies of the state; they only want their countries to be better governed”.

But no, he made the number among those bruised and bashed by those who trampled on the Nigerian electorate collective will and on her journey to greatness.

He has got the stripes of the political whipping of Nigeria’s nascent democracy to show for it. This was attested to, as lead Counsel to the underdog, Congress for Progressive Change, CPC, in the 2011 elections petition tribunal against the then National nemesis called, People’s Democratic Party. Just as many shortsighted fellows took on the popular side of a party that had mastered the art of foisting its will on the people because

Okpeseyi

of the economic and political influence it wielded, but a few like Okpeseyi stood tenaciously with the underdog, resolute in their conviction that it was the right way to go. Arguments would continue to be raised as to the validity of the claims of the CPC on its victory in the 2011 presidential election.

However some would say a subsequent demolition of that unpopular government puts that to naught. History has it that Barr.

Okpeseyi took on the narrow path of stand-

ing with the down casted and dejected, when many of his professional colleagues took the easy route.

And this is quintessentially Okpeseyi.

This played out as far back as 1986 when as a youth corps member, he was faced with a choice of choosing between a highly lucrative offer (of a possible monthly earning of N1, 200) with the then oil marketing giant, National Oil, or take on a placement with a law firm that could barely even get him to buy a bus ticket. Faced with a choice between immediate comfort and long-term diligent journey through the ladder to the very top, Okpeseyi chose the latter.

He preferred going on legal aids to the comfortable life of the upwardly mobile oil executive. Determined to make a mark in the arena of litigation, he mapped out a legal work plan that was to take him to the zenith of his calling years later For his radical approach you might want to forgive the leading barrister who got his earliest inspiration from his tutelage under an erudite law scholar, Prof. Itse Sagay (SAN) at the University of Benin, and later from legal authorities such as Chief G.O.K. Ajayi and the late Kehinde Sofola(SAN).

Joyfully, he has applied no brake on the pedals. He is still an active member of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), a fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators of United Kingdom, Chartered Institute of Arbitrators of Nigeria, Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria, International Trademark Association (U.S.A), Negotiation and Conflict Management Group (Nigeria), Asian Patent & Trade-mark Attorneys Association (Japan) Lagos Chamber of Commerce, International Bar Association (UK), Nigerian Institute of Management, to mention a few.

Also recently, he has been contracted to

counsel the Federal Government (the office of the Attorney General) in a legal tussle against the largest telecom giant in the country, MTN, in a case that boasts to boost the commonwealth by some millions of dollars in these times of recession. For a Solicitor who is always out on his wig and gown, blistering oral arguments and cooling off tempers with the swiftest of mediatory role, one might be quick to dismiss him as a geek confined to the four ivory walls of the library.

But Barr. Okpeseyi has got a good template for a balanced life. At 60, there are only a few lanes (if any) Mr. Okpeseyi hasn’t crossed.

That can be seen when he was elected Chairman of the premier social club, Island Club (1943). Known for its collection of a wide array of great minds from all walks of life, he has proved not just as a success at the toll gate of justice but even in the gathering of socialites.

Blinded to morality and nature is a disability many lawyers are stigmatized with, but not Barr. Okpeseyi. His devotion to God he raises with a high waving banner. He discharges this function as the Grand Patron of St. Patricks Anglican Church, Ijebu-Owo and also Deputy Chancellor of the Owo Diocese of the Anglican Communion.

He is also dedicated to battering the dreaded fibroid, a major health challenge to our womenfolk, through the Fibroid Resolution Foundation, where he chairs its Advisory Board.

At a time when many youths feel the route of short-cuts of militancy, internet fraud and the likes are sure paths to life’s success.

Barrister Oladipo Okpeseyi’s tenacity and focus towards winning while doing right is a testament that hard work and consistency are more rewarding than the short corners. At sixty, this eagle is still soaring.

Oparadike: A Colossus Gone too Soon Chukwudi Nweje

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illiam Shakespeare could not have had Innocent Oparadike in mind, when he wrote in one of his classics, Julius Caesar, that “death, a necessary end, will come when it will come”.

But for the accomplished journalist, fondly called “Mpidike” by friends and associates, that appointment with death, that necessary end, came on Monday, January 23, 2017 and he embraced it without fear. He died of cardiac arrest at a relatively young age of 65, but not without immense accomplishments.

By all accounts, Oparadike achieved things some men his age and even older only dreamt of. He was one of the earliest Mass Communication students to graduate with a First Class degree from the University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN). He also obtained an M.Sc. in Mass Communications from the University of Lagos (UNILAG). A journalist par excellence, Oparadike held a record as the first and only southerner and Christian to edit the Federal Government-owned New Nigerian newspaper based in Kaduna.

He wrote in one of his memoirs: “In 1985, Babangida broke a glass ceiling. He brushed apart threats, blackmail and highlevel conspiracy to make me the Editor of the federal authorities-owned New Nigerian newspaper. I thus turned out the primary and solely southerner and Christian to edit the New Nigerian.”

Also called “Harmless” in some quarters, Oparadike could pass among the most cerebral and brave journalists Nigeria ever produced. His transition has undoubtedly left a vacuum that will be hard to fill.

Born in Owerri, Imo State on November 22, 1950, Mpidike attended Ogwa Central School (1956-62) and Obazu Grammar School, Mbieri, Owerri (1963-71). He later went to the UNN (1972-1976) and UNILAG (1980-1981). He served on the Programmes and Information Division of Radio Nigeria throughout his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) from 1976-1977.

He served as an Administration Trainee, Centre for Management and development

(CMD), Lagos (1977-78) and Editor, Information Company of Nigeria (1978-1980); Columnist/Group Political Editor, Nationwide Harmony Newspapers (1980-1983).

He was also the Editor of The Democrat (1983-1984); Deputy Editor and later Editor, New Nigerian Newspapers (1984-1987). He was the National Director, Information and Publicity, Directorate for Social Mobilisation (1987-1990); Chief, Freedom Communications Limited (1990); and Group Managing Director, Daily Times Nigeria Plc (1995-1996).

He was Advisor, Technical Committee on Privatisation and Commercialisation; Council Member, Commonwealth Press Union, and Governing Council, Imo State Orientation Company.

Oparadike was additionally a member of Nigerian Institute of Worldwide Affairs; Nigerian Financial Society; Nigerian Union of Journalists and Nigerian Guild of Editors. He was a Knight of the Order of St. Christopher and is survived by his wife Esther and children.

The late Oparadike gave his very best to whatever assignment he was given. He was a role model and a mentor to many and no doubt his memory will live on. His colleagues in the pen profession, insist that the vacuum he left behind will be difficult to fill.

Tones of tributes have poured in from friends and colleagues since the news of Oparadike’s transition broke. Former Editor of the defunct Post Express Newspapers and currently a Canon in the Anglican Communion, Okey Ifionu, described the late writer as a “global brand and thorough bred journalist”, who served as a model to many in the industry. He added that by Oparadike’s exit, journalism profession has lost one of its finest practitioners.

Ken Ugbechie, former Infotech Editor and later Editor, The Daily Times, also had kind words for the late pen-pusher. Aside describing him as calm and considerate, he also saw him as one who inspired others.

“I met the late Innocent Oparadike when he was appointed the Managing Director of The Daily Times. He bucked a trend as the first

Igbo man to hold that position. He came into The Daily Times highly recommended and against odds, stacked on his path, distinguished himself.

“A cerebral mind with eyes for details, he brought a wide range of reforms, including birthing an era of editorial intellectualism, in the newspaper.

“A first-class brain, he never ceased to recognise and recommend fine writing and brilliant literary tenor as the foundation of good journalism. He was a damn good journalist, an outstanding editor and an uncommon exemplar of great administrative skill set,” Ugbechie told our correspondent.

He added that though Oparadike blazed into The Daily Times at the exalted position of Managing Director, he had no airs; made himself accessible and showed empathy for workers of all classes, stressing that he was not just MD in the puritan administrative context, but deployed emotional intelligence to achieve result.

“For some of us, he was also very jocular.

He shared jokes with one and all and this helped to ease tension in and out of the workplace. I will always cherish him for his professionalism and huge intellectual bandwidth,” Ugbechie stated.

For Achilleus-Chud Uchegbu, Editor, The Union Newspapers, Oparadike was, simply, a good man, who ran a good race and left Godly imprints.

In his words, “Oparadike was one of those who shaped the golden moments of journalism practice in Nigeria. He was a leader and an editor’s editor. He lived his life as a professional till the end. I am however sad that Nigeria does not recognise and reward the likes of Oparadike who indeed ought to have returned to his maker with some national honours.

He is deserving of a CON...much better than most of those who wear it today.

Igboland will certainly miss him. Journalism fraternity will miss him. Nigeria will feel the impact of his exit. But we are consoled that he lived a godly life, one not tainted by scandal of any sort, in and out of office.

“May God rest his soul and reward him

for his sacrifices for the peace and progress of Nigeria. May God also console all of us who are already missing him.”

Also commenting in mournful mood, National Secretary of Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Shuaibu Usman Leman, described Oparadike’s passage as a huge loss to the media industry.

Leman had argued that with his successful antecedents as a media professional, Okparadike was an intelligent, eloquent, persuasive and aggressive man in the pursuit of set goals, adding that he was a person of integrity who could not be compromised.

“He had envisaged an improved media industry for the country where professionalism would be accorded its rightful place. Indeed, he had worked relentlessly to improve the profession of journalism.

“The Nigeria Union of Journalists mourns one of its finest, Innocent Okparadike, a rare gem, an impeccable character and role model who stood and fought for the profession of journalism,” he said.

On his own, immediate past President of Igbo Think Tank group, Aka Ikenga, Goddy Uwazuruike, wrote: “Mpidike is gone!!!” addressing the departed veteran journalist with his favourite chieftaincy title.

Another mourner wrote on Oparadike’s Facebook wall: “I’m speechless and sad to learn of your demise, Chief. You were such a jovial, kind-hearted and intelligent man, encouraging and supporting my charity projects for the less privileged ones in the society.

“A rare gem is gone, a man of the people is gone, a great Iroko has fallen. I weep with a heavy heart, but God knows the best.”

For Bonnie Iwuoha, Abia State Commissioner for Information and former NUJ president, “Sir Innocent Oparadike was exemplary in several ways. He was an outstanding journalist who maintained high integrity in the discharge of his responsibilities. He promoted and sustained the ethics of the journalism profession. He was a good example for the younger generation. May God grant his soul eternal rest.”

– Ikechukwu Amaechi

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER •FEBRUARY 18, 2017

MEDIA & MARKETING

‘Creativity Week’ Breaks Campaign with Call to Change Stereotypes

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KASIE ABONE 08057511558 (sms only)

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iding on an ongoing conversation in the creative communications circles about the dearth of materials originating from sub-Saharan Africa (excluding South Africa) in the international awards and reputed international industry magazines, the organisers of the Creativity week holding in Lagos from 13–18 March 2017, have created an online campaign #AlternativeStories, to engage members of the industry and draw more awareness to the issue.

The campaign #AlternativeStories is undoubtedly a play on the phrase “Alternative Facts” used by President Donald Trump’s adviser, Kellyanne Conway,whooutragedtheworldwhensheclaimed that the administration’s version of the crowd size at Trump’s inauguration were alternative facts.

Nnamdi Ndu, Cannes Lions representative in Nigeria and Managing Director of CHINI Productions, organisers of the event said: “The absence of our work in the global space is largely responsible for the stereotype we see in stories about Africa.

No matter how truthful and well-meaning others try to be, no one else can tell your story like you because it’s the one that wears the shoe that knows where it pinches.

“We may think we have bigger issues of development, why should we bother with stories.

No, they’re linked. The more you accept these negative stereotypes, the more you become like that. That is why we must tell our own stories.

Stories that project our values, capture and frame our aspirations.”

As part of the campaign, the audience are requested to send in their stories using #AlternativeStoriesand #CreativityWkon Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. The stories will be displayed on the event website www.creativity-week.comand on the walls during the event at MUSON Centre.

Some of the Headlines in the materials already released are “Africa has no good stories” and “We’re dearth poor”. Each of the headlines is followed by an alternative positive contradiction. For instance, “Africa has no good stories” is followed by the

L-R: Nicolaas Vervelde, Managing Director, Nigerian Breweries; Kenneth Maduakor, MD/CEO Ken Maduakor Group Limited and winner of 2017 Nigerian Breweries National Champions Award; Wife of winner, Mrs. Kenneth Maduakor and Hubert Eze, Sales Director, Nigerian Breweries at the 2017 Nigerian Breweries Distributors Award in Lagos recently

contradiction “especially if you don’t know Wole, Nguigi and Chinua”. However, it was the line “Nigerian’s use black magic when stuck in traffic and need some good music to take the edge off” that quickly captured the excitement of the younger generation and university students as they were able association with the Hip hopand Afropop singer, Black Magic.

Creativity Week is the first event of its kind for

the West African Marketing Communications industry, bringing together all sectors of the industry including advertising - PR, digital, design andbrandmanagement.TheWeeks’seventsinclude academies, seminars, exhibitions, competitions and awards ceremony. The event as organised by CHINI Productions, official Cannes Lions Festival representative in Nigeria as a regional prelude to the main Cannes Lions Festival in June.

Several big players in the region are gearing up to make seminar presentations during the event. These include The Advertisers Association of Ghana, The African PR Association, Insight Communications, Noah’s Ark, Starcom Media, All Season’s Mediacom, Brandworld Television, TBWA\Concept, Brands TV Network, X3M Ideas and many more. Registration for participation is open at the website, www.creativity-week.com.

Cannes Lions Announces Global Creativity 2016 Results Setting the benchmark for creative excellence worldwide, the definitive rankings and analysis from the annual Cannes Lions Global Creativity Report have been announced.

The Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity 2016 received a record-breaking 43,101 award entries from 91 countries in 2016. The 24 Lions awards were judged by 387 jurors and 61 countries took home trophies.

“We’re delighted to announce the findings from this year’s report, which provides the definitive barometer for the most inspiring and creative work in the world. Together with the eight-day Festival in June, we’re pleased to deliver invaluable insights and thought-provoking content to drive business growth,” said Jose Papa, Managing Director

of Cannes Lions. The Global Creativity Report showcases the award-winning work, highlights the world’s most creative countries and cities, agencies and networks, and identifies the trends and themes at the heart of branded communications. Results from Cannes Lions, Lions Health, Lions Innovation and the new Lions Entertainment are incorporated.

Asia Pacific’s rise through the city ranks has seen Auckland secure a staggering fourth place, increasing from 19th position in 2015.

Tokyo takes sixth place, Melbourne 16th, Bangkok 17th and Mumbai 20th, while Sydney has seen a steady decline, dropping to 13th in 2016, from ninth in 2015 and eighth in 2014. New York has remained the top performing city, London in second place and

São Paulo held third position.

In the client listings, Samsung takes first place, rising from second in 2015. Burger King secures second place, rising from fifth in 2015, and Microsoft is in third place. 2016 was also a strong year for emerging markets, seeing first-time entries from Moldova; the first Lion for El Salvador, Bangladesh, Saudi Arabia and Croatia and a first Gold for Taiwan in the Entertainment Lions.

Four South American agencies topped the Innovation Agency of the Year list: Maruri Grey, Guayaquil, Ecuador takes second; J. Walter Thompson Costa Rica, San José, in fifth; Grey Brazil, São Paulo, in eighth; and McCann Lima; Peru, in 11th position. And three Brazilian agencies join the top rankings

for Health Agency of the Year: Havas Life, São Paulo, in sixth position; Triunfo Sudler Brasil, Campinas, in 12th; and McCann Health, São Paulo, in 17th position.

Top performing creatives are also ranked, including art directors, copywriters, creative directors and directors. Nicolas Hardy from Argentina becomes number one director, a first time for the country, and Atul Kattukaran is the first Indian director to rank in the top 10.

The Global Creativity Report also features full listings for special awards, including Agency of the Year, Network of the Year, Holding Company of the Year and Independent Agency of the Year, and is available on the Cannes Lions Archive, where the report can be viewed in full with an archive subscription.

NB Plc Rewards Customers for Outstanding Performance Radisson Blu Anchorage Wins TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice Awards

Ken Maduakor Group Limited from Nnewi in Onitsha marketing zone has been named the best distributor by the brewery giant; Nigeria Breweries Plc. The company beat two others to emerge national champion and the company’s best distributor for 2016. Maduakor broke his 2015 African of selling over five million cases of beer by topping last year’s performance with over a million cases in 2016.

Maduakor was honoured at an award ceremony held in Lagos to celebrate distributors and key transporters of the company pan Nigeria who excelled in the course of their business partnerships with Nigerian Breweries Plc last year.

For his efforts, he was rewarded

with a ten-pallet Isuzu truck and an award trophy.

The second position was won

by Nkpor, Anambra State based Nathan Ofoma and Sons who beat 2013, 2014 winner, Ifeoma Chukwuka Nigeria Limited to the third position. Nathan Ofoma and Ifeoma Chukwuka each got a six-pallet Isuzu NMR and an award trophy.

While thanking NB Plc for the gesture he advised that the momentum be sustained so that the company and its partners will remain market leaders.

Managing Director of Nigerian Breweries Plc, Mr. Nicolaas Vervelde thanked the distributors for the longstanding relationship and the value added to the busi-

ness last year. He restated the commitment and sustained support of the company in the years ahead despite the continuing challenges in the economy.

“As partners for greatness, we need you now more than ever before to win. The environment is more intense and the competitive landscape continues to change every day locally and globally, “he said.

Ancaps Global Investment Limited from Kaduna also won the National Key Transporter Award and got a plaque, an award trophy and a Mitsubishi L200 double cabin 4x4 DC Van while Pauline Chimex who won the raffle draw for the night got a Mitsubishi L200 Van.

Radisson Blu Anchorage Hotel has ushered in 2017 on a great note by winning the category of Top 25 Hotels for Service – Nigeria in the TripAdvisor 2017 Travelers’ Choice Awards.

This is the highest honour TripAdvisor can bestow on any hotel brand.

This is because such award is based on reviews and opinions from travelers around the world. They reflect “the best of the best” for service, quality, and customer satisfaction.

The award has shot the leading

5-star establishment, Radisson Blu Anchorage Hotel, Lagos into the league of the premium top hotel brands worldwide.

Commenting on this award, the hotels’ General Manager, Kevin Kamau said: “It’s great to see that the hard work, Yes I Can attitude and the ethics of the team isbeing noticed on a global scale.

We appreciate every client that has taken the time to send in a review of the hotels services and commit to maintaining the awarded standard.”

26

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER •FEBRUARY 18, 2017

AUTO

2017 Nissan Pathfinder

SAComponentManufacturersSeek OpportunitiesinNigeria’sAutomotive Stories by Bennett Oghifo

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omponent manufacturers from the National Association of Automotive Components and Allied Manufacturers of South Africa (NAACAM) last week reaffirmed their determination to support automotive manufacturing in Africa with initial focus on Nigeria, Kenya, Algeria and Ethiopia.

NAACAM envoys who were in Nigerian cities of Abuja and Lagos to discuss industry and trade matters with principal directors at the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC) and other stakeholders said component manufacturers in South Africa are eager to come and invest in Nigeria’s nascent automotive industry.

Shatterprufe Managing Director and President, NAACAM Dave Coffey who led the four-man delegation said: “We see a journey taking place in the country’s automotive programme and

we’ve got a number of component manufacturers working under the banner of African Association of Automotive Manufacturers (AAAM) willing to come to Nigeria to partner and invest.”

He described their visit as an extension of the August 2016 Jeff Nemeth-led AAAM appointment with President Muhammadu Buhari and top government functionaries and relevant agencies including representatives of the National Automotive Manufacturers Association (NAMA).

Outside South Africa, which has a well-developed world-class automotive industry, Nigeria is recognized as a strategic market over the long term due to its demographics even though certain indices haven’t yet been remedied.

Shaterprufe director who feels strongly about these indices said new vehicle volume can only grow if there is an affordable solution and this does not only repose in the manufacturing of reasonably priced vehicles but also in creating

access to attractive vehicle finance whilst managing and constraining the importation of secondhand vehicles in a balanced and appropriate manner.

“Our ultimate objective is to grow with the Nigerian market and essentially work out the right economies of scale and technology to get the industry where it deserves to be. We are not here just to trade but to explore other suppliers and partner with producers with current equipment.” Coffey said.

Also adding that component manufacturing is a fundamental subsidiary of automotive manufacturing, Mr. Coffey said: “As component manufacturers, we don’t have to wait for legislation to register our presence in a country with huge potential as Nigeria, hence the reason why we think the time to enter this market is now and we are here to partner local manufacturers, add value, supply the local aftermarket needs and position ourselves to support the growth of new vehicle production.”

Massilia Motors Ltd. Becomes Sole Distributor of Mitsubishi Motors in Nigeria

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assilia Motors Limited announced its position as the sole distributor of Mitsubishi Motors in Nigeria.

The company is a joint venture of CFAO and Kewalram Chanrai Group.

Massilia Motors Ltd. will provide customers with Mitsubishi Motors passenger cars, SUVs, pick-ups, spare parts and after-sales services across Nigeria. The head office located at 4A Ijora Causeway, Ijora Lagos is a major aftersales hub with a fully equipped workshop and qualified technicians.

The companies’ vision is to become Nigeria’s leading automotive distributor with delivery of world class customer service. In addition, Massilia Motors Ltd. is set to ensure effective talent management that will result in motivated and customer oriented employees.

The modern flagship showroom on Adeola Odeku Street (Victoria Island) and the new Mitsubishi Motors website are steps taken to show the company’s commitment to revitalise the brand’s image in Nigeria.

Speaking at the event, The Managing Director, Mr Thomas Pelletier said “The Massilia advantage is that we do not only sell cars, we consider our customers as stakeholders and provide solutions tailored to their needs. From

L-R: General Manager, Sales and Marketing, Massilia Motors Limited, Mr. Navin Chander; Deputy Managing Director of Kewalram Chanrai Group, Mr. Victor Eburajolo; Managing Director of Massilia Motors Limited, Mr. Thomas Pelletier; Deputy Managing Director of Massilia Motors Limited, Mr. Kunle Jaiyesimi; and Marketing Manager, Massilia Motors Limited, Miss Funmi Abiola, at a Press Conference on Massilia Motors Limited at Mitsubishi showroom, Victoria Island, Lagos… recently

counsel on the best product for each use to establishing a maintenance plan, we follow the customer through the product life cycle to ensure good value and a longer life span.”

A complete range of Mitsubishi Motors vehicles is now available with compact cars, sports utility vehicles and pick-up trucks with renowned models such as the Pajero or L200.

The Japanese car manufacturer Mitsubishi Motors is known for the reliability and ruggedness of its products. With Massilia Motors Ltd, the brand aims to exceed customers’ expectations thanks to skilled technicians trained according to the manufacturer’s requirements, the expansion of its authorized dealer network and provision of service centres nationwide.

Nigeria Motoring Journalists Annual Training Workshop Holds in June

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he Nigerian Auto Journalists Association (NAJA), an umbrella body of all journalists in Nigeria covering the automobile/automotive industry, has concluded plans to hold the second edition of its annual training workshop in collaboration with industry stakeholders.

The 2-day training edition is scheduled to hold between June 9 and 10, 2017 to enable the participating journalists’ garner more knowledge and depth in reporting the industry and also equip them with necessary intellectual tools with which to analyze critical issues as it affects the automobile and allied industries.

The maiden edition of the training workshop held in Lagos last year and it was in conjunction with Ford Motor Corporation’s Driving Skill For Life (DSFL).

This made Ford South Africa the major sponsor and facilitator with support from industry stakeholders in the country, while Boboye Oyeyemi, Corps Marshal of the Federal Roads Safety Corps (FRSC) was the special guest of honour.

According to the 2017 NAJA Training and Organising Committee headed by the Vice President of the Association, Mike Ochonma, the rationale for instituting the annual training is to encourage continuous learning among journalists to move them from the level of reporting to analysis and a career building platform for the journalists.

Resource persons are expected from top professionals within the automobile and allied industries both from within Nigeria and outside the country. Already, some auto companies and related government agencies have keyed into this year’s training.

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER •FEBRUARY 18, 2017

27

AUTO

Police Bust Counterfeit Ferrari Factory

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panish police have arrested three people for allegedly building and selling counterfeit Ferrari sports cars based on Toyota vehicles.

Essentially building them like kit cars, the secret shop would fabricate surprisingly convincing Ferrari bodies out of fiberglass. According to local media outlet La Voz de Galicia, police began investigating the shop after finding a fake Ferrari in Benidorm.

They were then able to track down who built the fake Ferrari and discovered the secret workshop. In total, 14 cars were found at the shop, four of which were already for sale while others were in the process of being built. It appears one car has a Peugeot engine lurking under the hood, so not all donor cars appear to be Toyota models. Carscoops reports the cars were being sold online for around $43,000.

(Source: Carscoops) 2018 Peugeot 508

Peugeot Models Poise for 2017 Stories by Bennett Oghifo

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eugeot vehicles have been known world-wide over the years for their resilience and durability and this is not any different in Nigeria as PAN Nigeria, Kaduna has stood the test of time.

The Kaduna based factory has passed through thick and thin and after witnessing different

phases, is currently poised for the market with different models in spite of the harsh economic terrain. Though the company looks forward to beef up its line-up, chief among its current models are the 301, which won Car of the Year last year, 508, 3008, 4008 and Partner Tepee.

Coming in three trims-Access, Active and Allure, the Peugeot 301 comes in two engine variants including 1.2 and 1.6 litre power plants. The 1.2 litre engine comes standard with manual transmission, while the 1.6 litre engine version

is equipped with automatic transmission. Its 15 inch alloy rim, and reinforced suspension, it fits perfectly on the Nigerian roads and delivers unbeatable ground clearance. Other outstanding features of the car include rear parking sensor, touches of chrome, electronic windows and dual air bags, ABS, radio/MP3/CD player/USB Bluetooth etc, Then comes the 508. It is probably one of the most powerful cars in its category, yet the engine capacity is 1.6 litres. It is fitted with a 1.6 litre turbo engine that delivers more power

than most 3.0 litre engines. Peugeot-508 The turbo engine in the 508 means that it delivers twice the power of a 1.6, making it more powerful than most cars in its segment.

And we have the Peugeot 3008, which was earlier launched as an MPV. It made its debut at the Paris motor show in October as a full blown Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV). By the first look, the car looks great with a raised ride height, long bonnet body cladding and roof bars. All these constitute that the car is more practical than before.

Jaguar Adds New EntryLevel Engine Option to Model

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hree of Jaguar’s models can now be had with a 247-horsepower, turbocharged four-cylinder engine.

The Jaguar XE, XF and F-Pace have all been updated for the 2018 model year with the addition of the new Ingenium 2.0-liter engine. The powerplant will be the entry-level motor for each of the 2018 models and marks the first time a four-cylinder engine is available on the F-Pace and the latest generation XF. That also means the 2018 Jaguar XF’s entry price has been lowered to $48,770 including destination.

Other enhancements to the models include the

addition of an optional Powered Gesture Trunk Lid for the XF and XE sedan models for the first time, Forward Traffic Detection, Forward Vehicle Guidance, and a virtual 12.3-inch TFT instrument cluster with full-screen 3D navigation.

Jaguar is also the first automaker in the U.K. to allow customers to pay for gas at a Shell station using the touchscreen of their car. Ford announced a similar feature earlier this year for the U.S. The automaker expects to roll out the feature globally later this year.

While the Jaguar XF gains a more affordable, entry-level model, the Jaguar XE has a new variant sitting at the top of its range.

Jaguar XE

Safety Rules For Children-A Parental Conclusion

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he Revised Highway Code recommends that children should not sit in the front seat. It says that Children less than 12 months old must ride in a rear facing car seat fixed at the back seat of the vehicle. Children from age 1 to 7 should sit facing the front of the car in a child’s seat, strapped properly to the back seat. It warns against carrying your child on your laps as he or she may be crushed between your body and the dash board if there is a crash. It equally says you should not allow children to play with the handle of the doors or locks. Use child lock where available, do not allow children to sit in the luggage area of hatch backs, station wagons or vans, do not leave the hatch back open when a child is sitting in the back seat and do not allow children to stick any part of their body out of the vehicle.

It is against the law to transport children under age 16 at the back of a pick-up van. Children above 7 years of age should sit at the back seat of a vehicle facing the front, but securely restrained with safety belts. Children under the age of 12 years should not sit in the front seat of a vehicle. This rehash is as a result of the pain I go through each time I see supposed parents secure themselves safely in vehicles but deliberately expose their love child to risk. Inappropriate and excessive speed which we worry over is identified as one of the risk factors influencing crash involvemet.The same inappro-

SAFE DRIVING with

JONAS AGWU

amnipr, mcipr,mprsa,arpa (Corps Commander) Corps Public Education Officer Federal Road Safety Corps. + 2348033026491

priate or excessive speed, non use of seat belt/child restraints and crash helmet not properly fitted are identified as risk factors influencing crash severity.

In fact, the lack or inappropriate use of seat belt and other safety restraints (child seats and booster seats) are risk factors for fatalities and injuries that result from road crashes. The most frequent and most serious injuries occurring in frontal impacts to occupants unrestrained by seatbelts are to the head.

In the case of children the survival rate is almost zero which is why child restraints is recommended because it can reduce infant deaths in car crashes by 71percent and toddler deaths by 54percent.

I told you of the absence of appropriate structures such as speed breakers and or stop signs. You must stick to the designated speed limit in a school zone as or better still adopt common sense speed limit.

Always park and turn legally around schools.

Avoid dangerous maneuvers and always give

way to pedestrians particularly when entering and leaving driveways. Drop your children off and pick them up on the school side of the road in your school’s designated drop off and pick up area.

It is wrong and risky for children out from across the road as they may run to you without checking for traffic. It is safer for them to get out of the car on the kerb side of the road to avoid moving traffic.

I know of parents who either because of the location of the school, the absence of appropriate parking lots or the absence of personal cars, daily walk their wards to and fro school. It is important for such parents to always walk together to and from school. Like vehicle owners, plan your trip to school and use pedestrian crossings where possible. Always hold your child’s hand. Children need your help to spot dangers such as vehicles coming out of driveways.

Teach your children to always stop, look, and listen every time they cross the road. They should always look for traffic to their right, left and right again and listen for the sounds of approaching traffic. As simple as this stop, look and listen principles sounds, I have seen uncountable number of parents and guardians who show gross ignorance or neglect for this rules.

You must never allow children to get out of the car on their own .It is recommended that children should remain in the car until an adult opens the

door as this promotes and ensure their safety.

Meanwhile, you should never leave a child of any age in a vehicle without supervision. Asmall child may rapidly suffer from dehydration, heat exhaustion and consequent organ failure. Older children could play games that may lead to danger. I told you of the risk of riding to school on a bike without a crash helmet. Helmet wearing is mandatory and as such your child must wear a helmet when riding a bike in any public place.

Your child’s helmet must comply with the standard as provided in the traffic laws and must be securely fitted and fastened on their head. Ensure your child wears a bicycle helmet whenever playing or riding on wheels. The helmet should be firmly buckled so it fits without wobbling or slipping to the sides.

The Highway Code recommends the following; Children under 12 and adult riders accompanying and supervising them may ride on the footpath, unless there are signs specifically prohibiting cycling. When riding on the footpath, they must keep to the left and give way to pedestrians. Children need to take special care at driveways where vehicles may be driving in or out.

They must avoid riding close to vehicles and at intersections, dismount and wheel the bicycle across the road as a pedestrian observing the ‘STOP! LOOK ! LISTEN which is a must for every pedesdrian.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž ͚΀˜ ͺ͸͚Ϳ

FAMILY HEALTH with

Woman Are You Trying to Get Pregnant?

A

woman has a very important part to play in conception. The great role cannot be over emphasized.

The emotions begin to run high even when there is nothing visibly wrong. The woman�s body is the ultimate destination, the incubator that eventually carriers the foetus, and carries to term , in readiness for birthing or delivery.

The composition of the womans body is a complicated as can be simple. The eggs you produce must be of good quality and quantity, your hormones must be at the correct level, your body should be ready to produce, and receive the resulting embryos from the fertilization, from the fusion of the eggs and sperms. The rest is history.

The most common causes of female infertility include problems with ovulation, damage to fallopian tubes or uterus, or problems with the cervix. Age can contribute to infertility because as a woman ages, her fertility naturally tends to decrease. Infertility is not hereditary.

However, there are medical conditions that are hereditary which may interfere with your ability to get pregnant. Such conditions are polycystic ovarian syndrome, endometriosis and thyroid/ hormone disorders.

The main symptom of infertility is the inability to get pregnant. A menstrual cycle that’s too long (35 days or more), too short (less than 21 days), irregular or absent can mean that you’re not ovulating. There may be no other outward signs or symptoms.

Possible causes r $POEJUJPOT BGGFDUJOH B XPNBO T GFSUJMJUZ DBO include: r EBNBHF UP UIF GBMMPQJBO UVCFT r PWVMBUPSZ QSPCMFNT r FOEPNFUSJPTJT r DPOEJUJPOT BGGFDUJOH UIF VUFSVT r B DPNCJOBUJPO PG GBDUPST r OP JEFOUJĂ BCMF SFBTPO r 0UIFS GBDUPST UIBU NBZ QMBZ B QBSU JODMVEF r BHF m GFNBMF GFSUJMJUZ EFDMJOFT TIBSQMZ BGUFS the age of 35 r 1PMZDZTUJD 0WBSZ 4ZOESPNF 1$04

r HZOBFDPMPHJDBM QSPCMFNT TVDI BT QSFWJPVT ectopic pregnancy or having had more than one miscarriage r NFEJDBM DPOEJUJPOT TVDI BT EJBCFUFT FQJMFQTZ and thyroid and bowel diseases r MJGFTUZMF GBDUPST TVDI BT TUSFTT CFJOH PWFSweight or underweight, and smoking. seek help sometimes depends on your age.

To get pregnant you need to r :PV OFFE UP PWVMBUF 5P HFU QSFHOBOU ZPVS ovaries must produce and release an egg, a process LOPXO BT PWVMBUJPO :PVS EPDUPS DBO IFMQ FWBMVBUF ZPVS NFOTUSVBM DZDMFT BOE DPOà SN PWVMBUJPO r :PVS QBSUOFS OFFET TQFSN 'PS NPTU DPVQMFT this isn’t a problem unless your partner has a IJTUPSZ PG JMMOFTT PS TVSHFSZ :PVS EPDUPS DBO SVO some simple tests to evaluate the health of your partner’s sperm. r :PV OFFE UP IBWF SFHVMBS JOUFSDPVSTF :PV need to have regular sexual intercourse during ZPVS GFSUJMF UJNF :PVS EPDUPS DBO IFMQ ZPV CFUUFS understand when you’re most fertile. r :PV OFFE UP IBWF PQFO GBMMPQJBO UVCFT BOE a normal uterus. The egg and sperm meet in the fallopian tubes, and the embryo needs a healthy uterus in which to grow. r 'PS QSFHOBODZ UP PDDVS FWFSZ TUFQ PG UIF human reproduction process has to happen correctly. The steps in this process are: r 0OF PG UIF UXP PWBSJFT SFMFBTFT B NBUVSF FHH r 5IF FHH JT QJDLFE VQ CZ UIF GBMMPQJBO UVCF r 4QFSN TXJN VQ UIF DFSWJY UISPVHI UIF VUFSVT and into the fallopian tube to reach the egg for fertilization. r 5IF GFSUJMJ[FE FHH USBWFMT EPXO UIF GBMMPQJBO tube to the uterus. r 5IF GFSUJMJ[FE FHH JNQMBOUT BOE HSPXT JO the uterus.

Seek help

BOBO BODE -KAYODE

lifeissuesfromwithin@yahoo.com, .Cel, ͸΀͸ͽ͝͝Ϳͺ͝ͽ͞

and problems with the ovaries and uterus.

Genetic testing. Genetic testing helps determine whether there’s a genetic defect causing infertility.

The specialist you are seeing would advise on best possible line of treatment.

Every one should have individualized treatment.

Tailored for you. Fertility stimulatory drugs may be used, and others treatment techniques that suits your own situation.

Always have an informed choice. Be bold to ask questions, after all it is your body

Up to age 35, most doctors recommend trying to get pregnant for at least a year before testing or treatment.

If you’re between 35 and 40, discuss your concerns with your doctor after six months of trying.

If you’re older than 40, your doctor may want to begin testing or treatment right away. :PVS EPDUPS NBZ BMTP XBOU UP CFHJO UFTUJOH or treatment right away if you or your partner has known fertility problems, or if you have a history of irregular or painful periods, pelvic inflammatory disease, repeated miscarriages, prior cancer treatment, or endometriosis.

Diagnosis Fertility tests may include: 0WVMBUJPO UFTUJOH "O BU IPNF PWFS UIF counter ovulation prediction kit detects the surge in luteinizing hormone (LH) that occurs before ovulation. A blood test for progesterone — a hormone produced after ovulation — can also EPDVNFOU UIBU ZPV SF PWVMBUJOH 0UIFS IPSNPOF levels, such as prolactin, also may be checked.

Hysterosalpingography {HSG}. During HSG. X-ray contrast is injected into your uterus and an X-ray is taken to detect abnormalities in the uterine cavity. The test also determines whether the fluid passes out of the uterus and spills out of your fallopian tubes. If abnormalities are found, you’ll likely need further evaluation. In a few women, the test itself can improve fertility, possibly by flushing out and opening the fallopian tubes.

0WBSJBO SFTFSWF UFTUJOH 5IJT UFTUJOH IFMQT determine the quality and quantity of eggs available for ovulation. Women at risk of a depleted egg supply — including women older than 35 — may have this series of blood and imaging tests.

0UIFS IPSNPOF UFTUJOH 0UIFS IPSNPOF UFTUT check levels of ovulatory hormones as well as thyroid and pituitary hormones that control reproductive processes.

Imaging tests. A pelvic ultrasound looks for uterine or fallopian tube disease. Sometimes a IZTUFSPTPOPHSBQIZ IJT UVS P TVI /0( SVI GFF

is used to see details inside the uterus that can’t be seen on a regular ultrasound.

0UIFS JNBHJOH UFTUT %FQFOEJOH PO ZPVS symptoms, your doctor may request a hysteroscopy to look for uterine or fallopian tube disease.

Laparoscopy. This minimally invasive surgery involves making a small incision beneath your navel and inserting a thin viewing device to examine your fallopian tubes, ovaries and uterus. A laparoscopy may identify endometriosis, scarring, blockages or irregularities of the fallopian tubes,

What you can do to increase your chances Both men and women can make lifestyle changes that may increase their chances of conceiving: r &BU IFBMUIJMZ r " IFBMUIZ MJGFTUZMF DBO JNQSPWF ZPVS GFSUJMJUZ successA balanced diet will help ensure your body is healthy enough to become pregnant and nourish a developing baby. r " IFBMUIZ EJFU DBO BMTP IFMQ UP LFFQ TQFSN production at optimum levels. Being under- or overweight can make you less likely to become pregnant, so making changes to your diet can help to improve your chances. r *U JT SFDPNNFOEFE UIBU BMM XPNFO USZJOH for a baby should take 400mcg of folic acid a day UP IFMQ QSFWFOU DPOEJUJPOT TVDI BT TQJOB CJĂ EB in your child. r &YFSDJTF SFHVMBSMZ r 3FHVMBS NPEFSBUF FYFSDJTF PG BSPVOE NJOVUFT B EBZ IFMQT UP NBYJNJTF ZPVS Ă UOFTT and keep your weight in check. r *U BMTP CPPTUT MFWFMT PG FOEPSQIJOT UIF CPEZ T own ‘happy hormones’, which may help to reduce TUSFTT 4PNF QFPQMF Ă OE SFMBYBUJPO UFDIOJRVFT PS complementary therapies also help them relax. r %SJOL XJTFMZ r 8PNFO XIP BSF USZJOH UP CFDPNF QSFHOBOU should drink no more than one or two units of alcohol once or twice per week. Men should stick within the Department of Health’s recommended daily limit of three to four units. Drinking too much can have a negative impact on semen quality and can harm a developing fetus. r .FEJDBUJPO BOE ESVHT r 4PNF QSFTDSJQUJPO NFEJDBUJPO DBO MFTTFO your changes of conceiving, so if you are taking regular medication and trying for a baby, talk to ZPVS (1 BCPVU BMUFSOBUJWFT UIBU NJHIU CF NPSF appropriate. r 4PNF QSFTDSJQUJPO ESVHT DBO SFEVDF ZPVS chances of conceiving, so if you are taking regular NFEJDBUJPO BTL ZPVS (1 BCPVU TVJUBCMF BMUFSOBtives. All recreational drugs should be completely avoided. r 4NPLJOH IBT CFFO MJOLFE UP JOGFSUJMJUZ 2VJU smoking, r 4NPLJOH IBT CFFO MJOLFE UP JOGFSUJMJUZ BOE FBSMZ menopause in women, and to sperm problems in men. It is also a factor in premature or low birth-weight babies. r 2VJUUJOH TNPLJOH NBZ IFMQ UP JNQSPWF ZPVS chances of conceiving and having a healthy baby.

Treatment The specialist you are seeing would advise on CFTU QPTTJCMF MJOF PG USFBUNFOU &WFSZ POF TIPVME have individualized treatment. Tailored for you.

'FSUJMJUZ TUJNVMBUPSZ ESVHT NBZ CF VTFE BOE others treatment techniques that suits your own situation. Always have an informed choice. Be bold to ask questions, after all it is your body.

Reproductive Intervention The most commonly used methods of reproductive assistance include: a. medical treatment for lack of regular ovulation C TVSHJDBM QSPDFEVSFT m TVDI BT USFBUNFOU GPS endometriosis D BTTJTUFE DPODFQUJPO m XIJDI NBZ CF JOUSBVUFSJOF JOTFNJOBUJPO *6* PS JO WJUSP GFSUJMJTBUJPO *7'

The treatment offered will depend on what is causing your fertility problems r *OUSBVUFSJOF JOTFNJOBUJPO *6* %VSJOH *6* millions of healthy sperm are placed inside the uterus close to the time of ovulation.

Assisted reproductive technology. This involves retrieving mature eggs from a woman, fertilizing them with a man’s sperm in a dish in a lab, then transferring the embryos into the uterus after GFSUJMJ[BUJPO *7' JT UIF NPTU FGGFDUJWF BTTJTUFE SFQSPEVDUJWF UFDIOPMPHZ "O *7' DZDMF UBLFT several weeks and requires frequent blood tests and daily hormone injections.

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • JUNE 16, 2011

GLOBAL SOCCER A

WEEKLY PULL-OUT

Taiwo Oloyede Football Runs in My Family

18.02.2017

SUCCOUR IN SUTTON? PAGE. 29

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • FEBRUARY 18, 2017

GLOBAL SOCCER

Football Runs in My Family For those that are conversant with the beautiful game in the country in the '80s and '90s, former Nigerian international, Taiwo Oloyede readily comes to mind. Oloyede tells Kunle Adewale how football stalled his dream of becoming a lawyer and his regrets of not being able to play professional football abroad.

H

is playing football was not by accident because, according to him, football runs in the family. His late father, apart from being a former team manager of Stationery Stores of Lagos was an ardent supporter of the Lagos darling club.

He was also a former secretary of the Ikeja Football Divisional Association. His elder brother, Jide, also played for the Flying Eagles in 1985.

So for Taiwo, football was inborn.

Oloyede started showing traces of his football talent while in primary school at Lagos Mainland Primary School, Fadeyi, and by the time he got admission into CMS Grammar School, Bariga, there was no doubt about what he wanted to do with his life – to become a professional footballer.

Losing in the finals of the Principals' Cup to St. Gregory's College in 1979 was something that really hurt Oloyede. It was something he could not easily shake off for a long time and even when CMS eventually won the trophy, the following year it was not enough consolation, until 1983 when he captained the Grammarians to win it in 1983.

Describing life while growing up, the former IBWA player recalled how he and his brother, Jide, who was a supporter of NEPA FC, while he (Taiwo) supported Stationery Stores placed bets with their meal each time NEPA was playing Stores and the winner will take the whole food.

“Anytime Stores lost to NEPA, it was always a tough time in the house because nobody went near my father who was an ardent Stores fan and the least mistake at home would attract his wrath," Oloyede recalled.

Aside from dreaming of playing professional football, the former Stationery Stores captain had the ambition of studying law but his unflinching passion for football stalled his ambition of becoming a lawyer.

"As soon as I finished my secondary school, I picked up a job with International Bank for West Africa, while I was also playing for the bank. I was with IBWA for eight years while I enrolled with the Lagos State University studying law

but because football was taking the better part of my life, I could not concentrate on my studies and I eventually traded my ambition of becoming a lawyer for football with the aim of becoming a professional footballer," the coach of Eko Akete FC said.

Oloyede however said he had no regret not becoming a lawyer.

"I have no regret at all because I have to choose between becoming a lawyer and a footballer and I chose the later," he said.

Reminded that it would have been an advantage to him if he had combined the two just like the former Green Eagles winger, Adokie Amesimeka, who rose to become a justice in Rivers State, he said the trend of playing professional football abroad overwhelmed him.

"Combining the two was never a priority because I felt playing football, working in the bank and combining it with my education would be a hard nut to crack. Playing football and banking job was already taking its toll on me, so I felt it would be too strenuous to start attending to class work again. So I decided to concentrate on my banking job and football," he noted.

After IBWA was disbanded in 1988, he joined Stationery Stores, a team he would have joined five years earlier when the club was actually scrambling for his signature but according to him, "I felt I was too young to play for a big club like Stores and thought I should cut my teeth with a smaller club like IBWA and the fact that I was working as a banker also informed my decision not to join Stores earlier.

I eventually played for Stores for five years and won all the trophies in Nigeria with them but lost in the semifinals of the CAF Champions League to Zamalek of Egypt in 1993" On why he did not play professional football abroad as he had wished, he said: “Twice I went for trials abroad but it didn't really work out. I had my first trial in Holland in 1997 but youthful exuberance cost me the deal that was brokered by Segun Odegbami. Two years later, I went to Dubai for another go at

Oloyede

playing professional football but the greed of my agent bungled the opportunity. I had already passed the trial; it was just for the agreement to be signed but my agent insisted on collecting 70 per cent while I will take 30 and that was why I rejected the Dubai offer. And the injury that I sustained while playing for the Super Eagles in 1991 finally ended my ambition of playing abroad because I was already at my peak then," he said.

Oloyede broke into national limelight in 1989 when while playing for Stationery Stores the

first 11 of the team was invited to the national team. Nine of them were invited to the Flying Eagles while the other two were invited to the senior national team and Oloyede was picked as the captain of the Flying Eagles.

Oloyede had so many memorable moments during his playing career but two of them will readily come to mind. The first was in 1988 when he helped Stores to escape relegation in a game against the defunct ACB of Lagos. It was a must-win game.

The other being when he won the FA Cup with Julius Berger against Katsina United, scoring the golden

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FEBRUARY 18, 2017 • THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

GLOBAL SOCCER

Oloyede

goal to lift the cup for Bridge Boys, which was the first time the FA Cup was decided on a golden goal rule.

There was always the other side of the coin. Oloyede will always rue the day he was dropped from the famous Flying Eagles Darman Miracle team to Saudi '89 World Youth Championship.

"I was on the brink of going with the team to Saudi Arabia when I sustained an injury that shattered the dream and the other one was when I lost a penalty that would have secured a FA Cup final ticket

for Stationery Stores against BCC Lions of Gboko at the Onikan Stadium, Lagos in 1989," the former junior international recalled.

At the replayed game in Bauchi, Oloyede scored two goals, which he claimed were 'good goals' but were disallowed because there was a conspiracy by the powers that be that the 1988 FA Cup should be won by a northern team, saying it was one moment that he would take to his grave.

In spite of the ups and downs of life, Oloyede believes he is comfortable with life. "Some of my

mates are late today; some are not up to what I am worth, so I give glory to God for who I am today, most especially for my fame.

Everywhere I go today people hail me, 'Up Super, Up Super'. I may not have all the money but I am very comfortable," he stressed.

The man who later played for BCC Lions among many other numerous clubs said his only son never showed interest in football.

“The boy did not really show interest in playing football rather it was the two of the girls that have shown interest in the round leather game and I am really encouraging them.”

If it were possible that the hands of the clock could be turned back Oloyede would have loved to play profession football abroad, even if it means playing for just six months.

"My three months stay in Dubai opened my eyes on how professional football was being run and what professional footballers enjoy and are exposed to. When we were in the national camp, my colleagues playing abroad do tell me their experiences and I could not stop wishing I was also playing abroad," he admitted.

Late Haruna Ilerika was noted for his dribbling skills and it was this great player that Oloyede idolised while growing up. "When I was young I was called Ilerika because of the way I waltzed through opponents which was synonymous with the late Stores idol. But later I adopted late Muda Lawal's style," he said.

TwiceIwentfortrialsabroad butitdidn'treallyworkout.I hadmyfirsttrialinHollandin 1997butyouthfulexuberance costmethedealthatwas brokeredbySegunOdegbami.

Twoyearslater,Iwentto Dubaiforanothergoatplaying professionalfootballbutthe greedofmyagentbungled theopportunity.Ihadalready passedthetrial;itwasjustfor theagreementtobesigned butmyagentinsistedon collecting70percentwhileI willtake30andthatwaswhyI rejectedtheDubaioffer G LO B A L S O C C E R ASSISTANT EDITOR KUNLE ADEWALE 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

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • FEBRUARY 18, 2017

GLOBAL SOCCER

Arsenal Set for the Crumbs with Sutton Trip

Liv

Having been eliminated from the EFL Cup, the dream of a Premier League title almost in ruin after trailing leaders-Chelsea by 10 points and another second round exit in the UEFA Champions League looming after losing scandalously to Bayern Munich at the Allianz Arena midweek, Arsenal would be hoping to pick up the pieces against Sutton City on Monday in the FA Cup-the only competition the Gunners stand a chance of winning a trophy

A

rsene Wenger would be turning his attention to non-league side, Sutton City for succor in the fifth round of the FA Cup after what seems to be another disappointing season for the Gunners fans.

Sutton United Manager, Paul Doswel, will however have no qualms about doing all he can to add to the burden of Wenger when their teams meet in the last 16 of the FA Cup. Arsenal will make the trip from north to southwest London, for a match on the artificial pitch at Sutton's Gander Green Lane ground, with Wenger under intense pressure following a humiliating 5-1 loss away to German giants Bayern Munich in the first leg of a last 16 Champions League tie.

That defeat came hot on the heels of a recent shock league loss to Watford and an ensuing, rather more predictable defeat

by Chelsea that between them appeared to have scupper he Gunners' hopes of a

first Premier League title since 2004.

Even those once loyal to the veteran manager, who has been in charge at Arsenal since 1996, have started to question whether the 67-year-old Frenchman will seek a renewal of his contract when it expires at the end of the season.

Doswell, whose side beat second-tier Leeds in the fourth round, was blunt when asked about Wenger's plight.

"Do I feel sympathy for him? No. He is well schooled, and he has been in the job for 20 years," said Doswell, whose team are currently 17th in the National League, the fifth tier of English football.

Wenger accepted Arsenal had "collapsed mentally" against Bayern and Gunners defender Laurent Koscielny, who went off injured four minutes into the second half with the score at 1-1, could not explain why.

"I don't know either," he told Arsenal TV. "I think the first half was good – we were deep, like you need to be, and tried not to give them space or opportunities to score."

Lincoln City, the other non-league side to make it to the fifth round, will also face Premier League opposition when they travel to Burnley

today.

"We approach it the same way we do any team," said Burnley manager Sean Dyche.

"There's not a divine right to win football matches."

Meanwhile, Mauricio Pochettino is eager to bring a swift end to Tottenham Hotspur's "bad period" when they travel to second-tier side Fulham on Sunday as the Argentine rejected the notion his side are in the midst of a crisis.

Tottenham followed up a poor performance in last Saturday's Premier League defeat at Liverpool with a blunt display in Thursday's 1-0 Europa League round-of-32 first-leg loss at Belgian side Gent.

"That is the reality. It sometimes happens.

Good and bad things happen. We've started now a bad period. I hope, on Sunday, we break that negative run. It's not about confidence... We were wrong with our judgment if we think, because of Liverpool, it's only about confidence," Pochettino told British media.

Tottenham's woes were further compounded on Thursday when attacking spearhead Harry Kane sustained a knock to

his knee that will likely force him to miss the match at Craven Cottage.

Pochettino suggested he would rotate his squad for the fifth-round tie against Fulham.

"I think we need to assess some players.

Harry Kane got a knock on his knee, different players too. We need to refresh the team and we'll do that. We'll see, but we'll put out a team with aims to win and be ready again to compete," the Argentine manager added.

Chelsea will look to avoid an FA Cup upset at Wolverhampton Wanderers today with the mood still upbeat despite being held to a disappointing 1-1 draw at Burnley last Sunday.

The Londoners hold an eight-point lead over Manchester City in the Premier League but the Cup could give them a chance to rest some of their more established players even against a side that knocked out Liverpool last time.

Manager Antonio Conte was able to make nine changes from his regular side for the fourth round tie at home to Brentford yet still emerge comfortable 4-0 winners.

Wolves enter the game on the back of their

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FEBRUARY 18, 2017 • THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

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

La Liga

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v Lincoln City v Man City v Oxford Utd v Leicester v Chelsea v v

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MONDAY Sutton Utd

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Seria A Juventus Roma Napoli Inter Atalanta Lazio Milan Fiorentina Torino Sampdoria Chievo Udinese Sassuolo Bologna Cagliari Genoa Empoli Palermo Crotone Pescara

eighth home defeat of the Championship season after Wigan Athletic won 1-0 with a late goal on Tuesday.

Manager Paul Lambert claims a meeting with the Premier League leaders is the perfect game for his side and he is drawing on some advice from Ottmar Hitzfeld – his boss at Borussia Dortmund. "They won’t need picking up or motivating," said Lambert.

"I'm looking forward to it myself, the game and the atmosphere it's going to generate.

"One of the greatest bits of advice I ever had was from Ottmar Hitzfeld. He actually sent me a nice text when we beat Liverpool so we keep in touch. He and Martin O’Neill were the best managers I worked under.

Manchester City, away to Championship high-flyers Huddersfield, will be without Gabriel Jesus after the striker, who had scored three goals in as many league games since his January arrival, broke a metatarsal bone in a

league win at Bournemouth.

Pep Guardiola’s decision over a replacement is complicated by the looming Champions League last 16 first leg tie at home to French club Monaco, on Tuesday.

The City manager faces a choice between fans' favourite Sergio Aguero, who lost his starting place to Jesus, or Nigeria's Kelechi Iheanacho.

Today will also see third-tier Millwall try to inflict more misery on faltering Premier League champions Leicester, now just a point above the relegation zone, with top-flight Middlesbrough up against another League One side in Oxford.

Holders Manchester United are away to Championship strugglers Blackburn on Sunday fresh from Zlatan Ibrahimovic's hat-trick in a 3-0 win over St Etienne in the first leg of their last 32 Europa League tie on Thursday.

F

they chase Bayern with 15 points deficit.

Underperforming Wolfsburg hopes to keep the fight alive with Mario Gomez leading the onslaught for a possible catchup.

Table leaders and defending champions, Bayern hopes to hold on their grip on the league with four winnings in the last five games, scoring the highest numbers of goals and conceding the least, with stargladiator, Lewandoski in great from.

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Hot Shots Alexis Sánchez Romelu Lukaku Diego Costa Zlatan Ibrahimovic Harry Kane Jermain Defoe Sergio Agüero Dele Alli Sadio Mane Eden Hazard Christian Benteke Michail Antonio Theo Walcott Roberto Firmino

TODAY Sporting Madrid Deportivo Sevilla SUNDAY Sociedad Valencia Celta Vigo Barcelona MONDAY Malaga

v v v v

Atlético Espanyol Alavés Eibar

12:00 15:15 17:30 19:45

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Villarreal Bilbao Osasuna Leganés

11:00 15:15 17:30 19:45

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Las Palmas

19:45

Bundesliga 24 24 24 24 24 24 24 24 24 24 24 24 24 24 24 24 24 24 24 24

Arsenal Everton Chelsea Man Utd Tottenham Sunderland Man City Tottenham Liverpool Chelsea Palace West Ham Arsenal Liverpool

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Top Bundesliga, Serie A Clubs Clash on StarTimes ootball fans will enjoy another action-packed weekend with top stars in battle of rivalry as top Bundesliga and Serie-A clubs battle one another for the title.

Struggling Borussia Dortmund will tackle Wolfsburg while Bayern Munich will take on Hertha Berlin both today. Dortmund will be counting on star-striker, Pierre Aubameyang as

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Spanish La Liga Fixtures

FA Cup

TODAY Burnley Huddersfield Middlesbrough Millwall Wolverhampton SUNDAY Fulham Blackburn

Madrid Barcelona Sevilla Atletico Sociedad Villarreal Eibar Bilbao Espanyol Celta Vigo Las Palmas Alavés Betis Malaga Valencia Deportivo Leganés Sporting Granada Osasuna

In Italy, AC Milan will welcome Fiorentina on Sunday.

StarTimes subscribers can enjoy these and all other Live Bundesliga and Serie A football games dedicated sports channels, including ST World Football (channel 245 or 254), ST Sports Premium (channel 246 or 252), ST Sports Sports (channel 251 or 241), and ST Focus (channel 250 or 240).

Bayern Leipzig Frankfurt Dortmund 20 Hoffenheim Hertha Köln Freiburg Leverkusen B’gladbach Schalke Mainz Augsburg Wolfsburg Hamburger Bremen Ingolstadt Darmstadt

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Bundesliga Fixtures TODAY Mainz

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Bremen

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Wolfsburg

14:30

Frankfurt

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Ingolstadt

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Hertha

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Bayern

14:30

Hoffenheim

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Darmstadt

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Hamburger

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Freiburg

17:30

B’gladbach

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Leipzig

14:30

Köln

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Schalke

16:30

SUNDAY

Serie A Fixtures TODAY Atalanta Empoli

v v

Crotone Lazio

17:00 19:45

SUNDAY Bologna Chievo Pescara Sampdoria Udinese Roma Milan

v v v v v v v

Inter Napoli Genoa Cagliari Sassuolo Torino Fiorentina

11:30 14:00 14:00 14:00 14:00 17:00 19:45

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • FEBRUARY 18, 2017

34

GLOBAL SOCCERR\\OTHER SPORTS

Jubilation during one of the GTBank- Principals Cup matches in Lagos

Mayweather set for another showdown

GTBank- Principals Cup

2017 NPA Lagos International Polo Tournament

Sponsor Reinstates Commitment as Season 8 Kicks off

Lintex Overrides Caverton as Challenge, Agad, Redefini Reach Silver Cup semis

Sponsor of the Principals Cup, Guaranty Trust Bank plc, has promised continuous support for the competition as the bank announced the commencement of Season 8 of the tournament.

Speaking at a press conference to herald the beginning of Season 8 of the competition at the Molade Okoya Sports Complex, Teslim Balogun Stadium, the Senior Manager, Communications and External Affairs, GTBank, Oyinade Adegite said the bank is very passionate about the tournament.

“GTBank is very passionate about Principals Cup and it has become a core part of our Corporate Social Responsibility, CSR,” Adegite said.

She told the students to take the competition very seriously, just as she charged them to imbibe the slogan of the competition-playing by the rules.

Commenting on the tournament, the Managing Director, GTBank, Mr. Segun Agbaje, stated that over the years, this tournament has helped participating students work towards actualising their dream of becoming professional footballers and some of them are already making a career out of football.

He further stated that, “At GTBank, we will continue to invest massively in youth development through education and sport in order to help more

youths actualize their personal confidence and make them become better team players.”

Over the years, GTBank Principals Cup has launched the professional careers of several talented players.

In 2005, Yetunde Fajobi joined the Nigeria U17 Female Team having played in the 2014 edition, where she powered her school, Government Secondary School Agege to victory and emerged the most valuable player of the 2014 season.

2012 MVP, Steven Odey also joined MFM FC in the Nigerian Professional League in 2016, and now in his second season, he scored the first hat trick in the season and is currently the highest goal scorer.

McLaren: Alonso Primed for F1's 2017 Challenge Fernando Alonso is "ready and eager" for the increased challenge set to be posed by driving F1's 2017 cars, according to McLaren's Eric Boullier.

Alonso was a long-term critic of F1's regulations in recent years, expressing frustration that cars had become less demanding to drive since the start of his career in the early 2000s.

With increases in downforce set to lower lap times by at least three seconds in 2017, and Pirelli producing tyres which are no longer deliberately designed to lose performance, Boullier says McLaren's Spanish driver is looking forward to the challenge ahead.

"He's been working very, very hard this winter and he's really

ready and eager," McLaren's racing director told Sky Sports News HQ's Rachel Brookes.

"He drove this kind of car, or even faster car, in the past so he knows what to expect.

"He can't wait to drive the car. He drove it in the simulator but it's not the same. I'm sure he can't wait to drive it on the track and see if it's delivering what we expect."

Alonso is joined in McLaren's 2017 line-up by Stoffel Vandoorne, who at 24 years old is 11 years younger than his two-time world champion team-mate.

But asked if the 35-year-old Alonso might have to train harder as a result, Boullier replied: "Stoffel never drove

such a high-downforce car or high-energy car, so he may have a couple of days [needing] to suit his body just to make sure he's fit.

"But he also worked very hard over the winter, he's ready.

They're both ready."

Speaking at a Pirelli preseason launch event, Boullier said McLaren were hitting their in-house targets with the development of their new MCL32 car.

And asked if the structure of the team's management was clear after several months of upheaval, Boullier said: "It's clear for everybody and obviously we have a challenge now which is to still make the car winning as soon as possible."

Ex-Internationals Storm Akwa Ibom for SuperSport Let’s Play SuperSport’s Let’s Play ambassador, Victor Ikpeba, led a team of ex-Super Eagles players including Peter Rufai and Uche Okechukwu to Ikot Ekpene local government area of Akwa Ibom State to activate the Super Sport Let’s Play initiative.

The one-day event, which attracted over 500 students between the ages of 10 and 14, is a continuous initiative

by SuperSport aimed at enhancing and inspiring a better future among African children by imbibing the habit of a healthier living through the

power of sports while instilling an interest in various sporting activities.

“We believe in catching them young. The Let’s Play initiative has enabled students imbibe physical education such as football as part of their daily activities”, said Felix Awogu, General Manager, SuperSport West Africa.

Representative of the state government, Chairman, Board of Trustee, Ati Annang Foundation, Sir Emem Akpabio lauded the Let’s Play initiative of SuperSport and also gave kudos for bringing the

Ex-Super Eagles to the state for a one-on-one interaction with the students. He noted that this initiative would help build the morale of the students and develop more talent.

Ikpeba while speaking to the students advised them to focus on their education while also making active participation in sports. He applauded SuperSports on the initiative to expose the younger generation to the game early and equipping them with training kits, as he believes it will help grow their interest in the game.

Bello Buba was the star man as Lagos Lintex recorded a 12-6 ½ goal win over Lagos Riverlake Caverton in the Open Cup as the 2017 NPA Lagos Polo International Tournament majorly sponsored by GTBank hots ups.

Ibadan Jericho came off better 6-5 in their winner-takes-all encounter with Lagos Verdant to top League 2 of the Silver Cup. Kano Agad and Lagos Insight Redefini were the second placed teams in the Silver Cup which put them in the semifinal.

STL will face Agad while Redefini confront Ibadan Jericho.

Today’s fixtures will also see Riverlake Caverton battle Leighton Kings for the Oba of Lagos Cup, which will have Oba Rilwan Akiolu, the Oba of Lagos in attendance.

Buba, the highest handicapped Nigerian player puts up a great display highlighted by the four goals he recorded in the high-tempo match which produced the highest number of goals so far at the 11-day tournament.

Caverton which paraded Yemo Alakija (+1), Rotimi Makanjuola (+1), Tobi Edun (+2) and Diego White (+6) got the first field goal of the match having started the match on a half-goal handicap. The goal came off White, who robbed Buba off the ball in the middle of the field to finish with style.

Buba responded with a goal; tapping in from a 30 yard penalty to end the first chukka 1 ½ - 1.

Lintex, who also paraded Baba Dangote (+1), Bashir Dantata (+3) and Halifa Ibrahim (+3) took the lead through Ibrahim after he stole the ball from White rolling the ball to the goal with relative ease. Moments after, Argentine Diego surprisingly missed a 30 yards penalty as scores remain 2-1 ½ to Lintex’s advantage.

Ibrahim then showed some great dribbling skills which saw him through to the goal area only for him to lose balance but managed to hang on his pony to the delight of the thrilled crowd.

Bashir got on the scoresheet to open the lead for Lintex and Alakija was unlucky not to score as his shot hit the upright and the rebound came off his horse to roll off the goal. Ibrahim managed to force another goal in just before the end of the chukka for a 4-1 ½ Lintex lead.

Buba and Dangote stretched the lead with early goals in the third chukka but Diego scored three times in succession to keep the scores marginal at 6-4 ½ only for Buba again to score his side’s seventh goal.

Ibrahim and Dangote bagged a goal each in the fourth chukka and the catalogue of close misses continue for Caverton as Edun sent his shot well off target having set up himself nicely. Edun went through the same experience again by failing to finish off an individual move but luckily, White was on hand to finish off the move to make the score 6 ½ - 9.

The final say, however, belong to Lintex as Ibrahim, Buba and Dangote scored the final three goals of the match – the last two coming in the fifth chukka.

In the match that came before the Open Cup, Ibadan Jericho took their chance as they opened scoring through Saidu Umar who went on a solo run taking advantage of their opponent, who are still setting up for the match.

The Lagos side was still changing their jersey which clashed with that of their opponent but the referee rolled in the ball to signal play and Umar, the hit man for Challenge slotted the ball calmly despite a last-ditch attempt by Glory Ebano.

Redefini were the suspired semifinalists edging Manarat to second place in League 1as they defeated Kano Nakudu 7-3 ½ .

The tournament which splits into two weekends also has Bell Oil & Gas, Veuve Clicquot, Old Mutual, Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production, Southern Sun, Balmoral, Majekodunmi Family as co-sponsors while Wapic Insurance, Chapel Hill Denham, Metro Capital, Arbico, Elektrint Nigeria Limited and Elper Oilfield Engineering.

...GTBank Backs Tourney Guaranty Trust Bank has reinstated its commitment towards the sponsorship of the 2017 NPA Lagos International Polo Tournament which kicked off on Tuesday at the Lagos Polo Club.

GTBank Head of Corporate Affairs and External Communications, Oyinade Adegbite, pledges the financial institution’s support for the game, saying, “For GTBank, polo is a special game; a special sport. The uniqueness and the quality of the game endeared us to the sport. Aside, the passion and competitiveness of the game are part of the values that drives our commitment.”

Lagos Polo Club President, Ade Laoye, said that massive infrastructural upgrade has been carried out for proper and efficient polo with all the safety measures.

Also, Nigeria Polo Association Chairman, Dolapo Akerele, expressed confidence on the success of the tournament pointing that Lagos Polo Club had continued to excel and show examples to other clubs. Aside polo, a lot of social activities are on the card for the duration of the tournament.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER •FEBRUARY 18, 2017

by OMOLOLA ITAYEMI omolola.itayemi@thisdaylive.com 08054699602

TRAVEL&LEISURE

Airfrance: Charles de Gaulle Hub Clocks 20 Global connectivity, seamless travel, good-old retail therapy and French culture, are the attractions at Charles de Gaulle Hub in Paris, France. Running an effective airport hub that exceeds the expectations of even the most cynical travellers, with minimal waiting time, simplified and harmonised connections, lounges, offering unique and award-winning catering service, as well as other exclusive services adapted to all passengers is no walk-in-the-park. Little wonder, Aeroport De Paris (ADP), the airport managing company rolled out drums to celebrate 20 years of excellent service. Omolola Itayemi writes

T

he demand for airport hubs is increasing daily and serious cities around the world understand this, and are building effective airport hubs, which have the capacity to meet the pressing demand for international and domestic travel that characterises all growing economies. Charles De Gaulle airport is no exception with its Air France Hub which clocked 20 on 9th February.

A powerful and efficient Hub Recognised as the most powerful hub in Europe, it was inaugurated on March 31, 1996 with a flight to Geneva. The Air France Hub control center, at the heart of traffic management, ensures with absolute precision the 1,000 daily arrivals and departures of Air France flights at Paris-Charles de Gaulle. To cope with the growing number of customers, Air France has expanded from 1,886 connections in 1996 to 25,000 in 2016.

Almost 6,500 employees of the Air France Hub are represented in complementary sectors by adapting, innovating, and above all by engaging with customers.

Air France is constantly investing and leveraging its strengths to improve its operational performance. It’s no empty boast; the figures are there to see. Whether it’s a 2-hour connection or it’s a layover, there are over 100,000 passengers passing through the Hub daily and 25,000 weekly connecting opportunities. The Air France Hub has constantly reinvented itself to offer its customers the very best. This continuous search for performance for its customers has resulted in the implementation of new connecting banks in the first quarter of 2017. Organised into seven connecting banks throughout the day, this revision allows Air France to increase its traffic, while guaranteeing more fluid airport access, thanks to a better distribution of activity during the day. This remarkable organisation allows the company to operate 60 flights every hour.

Interestingly, all the activities of Air France and its SkyTeam partners are grouped in the eastern part of the airport. Terminals 2F and 2G are dedicated to European flights (Schengen). Flights for destinations other than Schengen Europe leave from terminal 2E. Channels adapted to connecting passengers reduce their transit time by 10 minutes.

Finding their service almost seamless is no magic with 24/7 self-service kiosks to save time by printing your boarding pass or baggage tag, 58 automatic baggage drop-off counters to drop off your baggage in 30 seconds, 100,000 bags handled daily, 56 selfboarding gates to board an A320 with 178 passengers in 12 minutes and 2,500 tablets used by Air France ground staff to provide customers with a quick and personalised response wherever they are at the airport.

Like most high-end airports, free WiFi is available throughout the airport, offered by Paris Aéroport and there is dedicated WiFi offered by Air France in all its lounges With its digital customer experience, the modernisation of its infrastructure and lounges, the evolution of its services, tailored for each passenger and the range of products and services offered by SkyTeam and Paris Aéroport, Air France’s Hub at Paris-Charles de Gaulle meets the company’s levels of excellence and its strategic ambitions.

The Air France Hub combines serenity and comfort in an airport to offer the best travel experience on arrival at the Paris-Charles de Gaulle Hub. The lounges, a Time to Unwind Before Boarding It’s no secret, the comfort that could be found in high-end airport lounges are pretty much the same all over the world and very minimal too. Of course, airlines are acting in their own self-interest by furnishing their customers with massage therapists, cigar lounges, and private concierges to arrange restaurant reservations and theater tickets.

After all, flights are fuller than ever, and delays are rampant—so to keep travelers

An oasis away from home...Air France Salon Lounge

satisfied, airlines need to keep raising the comfort bar and Air France is doing just that.

Lounges are no longer just a spot for travellers to wait in between connections; they’ve become an oasis away from the masses.

With a minimal waiting time, simplified and harmonised connections, lounges offering unique and award-winning catering service, as well as other exclusive services adapted to all passengers, the Air France Hub combines serenity and comfort in an airport to offer the best travel experience on arrival at the Paris-Charles de Gaulle Hub. Alongside the move upmarket of its products and services on board, Air France is continuing the transformation of its airport lounges for ever greater comfort.

At Paris-Charles de Gaulle airport, Air France has seven Business lounges and one La Première lounge. The Business lounges offer its 2,300,000 annual passengers: - Free Wi-Fi access; - Hot or cold snacks, as well as an assortment of self-service drinks; - Clarins offers customers free beauty treatments in the long-haul lounges.

The La Première lounge, a worldrenowned lounge: - Skytrax award for best First Class lounge in 2015; - Skytrax award for best catering in a First Class lounge in 2016; - Wines and dishes from a menu prepared by chef Alain Ducasse to discover the tastes of a renowned restaurant with table service; - an area dedicated to well-being run

by Biological Research, to enjoy a unique moment to unwind.

Air France is continuing to invest in its lounges and will open a brand new Business lounge in terminal 2G on March 1, 2017.

Customers at the heart of the Hub SkyPriority, Dedicated Services and Exclusive Benefits SkyPriority is a coordinated global ground service. Easily recognisable by its signage and dedicated counters, SkyPriority offers many advantages, including priority at check-in, boarding and at security checkpoints at Paris-Charles de Gaulle airport.

This attention is an illustration of the joint work of the 20 SkyTeam member airlines to improve the service offered to their customers. This service is available at more than

L-R Alain-Herve Bernard, Chief Operating Officer, Air France Frank Terner, CEO Air France Jean-Marc Janallac, Chairman and CEO Air France KLM & Chairman Air France Augustin De Romanet, Chairman and CEO of Group ADP Frank Goldnadel, Paris CDG Airport MD/Group ADP at a Press Conference to celebrate two decades of a sucessful partnership

1,000 airports worldwide.

Multicultural teams on ground With six teams of multilingual agents present every day speaking Mandarin Chinese, Cantonese, Japanese, Korean, Tamil, Hindi, Spanish, Portuguese and literary Arabic, language is definitely not a barrier. Their understanding of the language enables Air France to be closer to its customers from all over the world in Paris, by creating a more spontaneous and natural reception.

Kids solo, a warm welcome at any age Air France offers an assistance service dedicated to the 303,000 children traveling alone each year on the company’s routes. In 2016, 59,431 young travellers left from the Air France Hub at Paris-Charles de Gaulle. Since April 2016, a new Kids Solo connections area welcomes young travellers at Paris-Charles de Gaulle. More than 300 sqm with four rooms: a games room equipped with Sony Playstation and table football for the older ones, a reading room for 10/17 year-olds, an activities area for younger children and a rest area.

Saphir: dedicated assistance to people with disabilities In addition to the Paris Aéroport services, the Saphir service is designed to facilitate travel for Air France customers with handicaps or reduced mobility by providing them with seamless services.

Seamless Connections Air France also attracts connecting train/ air traffic thanks to the presence at the heart of its Hub of the Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport station served by the TGV, the Thalys to Brussels, and the regional express network (RER).

The Air France hub at Paris-Charles de Gaulle and the KLM hub at Amsterdam-Schiphol are linked by 12 regular daily flights. Flight schedules are adapted to increase connecting opportunities at both hubs. The networks of Air France and KLM therefore promote 320 destinations in 114 countries.

With 40 million passengers choosing to pass through Paris-Charles de Gaulle Hub every year, there is definitely a lot to cheer about.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER •FEBRUARY 18, 2017

FAIRGROUND

An Evening of Fun with Hajia Lami Tumaka

T

with

AZUKA OGUJIUBA

azuka.ogujiuba@thisdaylive.com

he stage was set at the Westwood Hotel, Ikoyi, Lagos and the few invited guests turned up glowing in style. The event was to celebrate a woman of many parts, Hajia Lami Tumaka, who has excelled in her craft. And the celebration was her promotion to the position of director in the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA).

After more than 12 years as a deputy director in the same agency she has served since 1998, the recent management in NIMASA headed

by Dr. Dakuku Peterside found her worthy of promotion.

It is in this spirit that Mr. Bolaji Akinola, Chief Executive Officer of Ships and Ports Communication Company, a leading maritime media organisation decided to host Hajia Tumaka to a dinner celebrate her elevation.

She was hosted alongside Deputy Comptroller, Wale Adeniyi of the Nigeria Customs Service, who had been the spokesman of the Service for nearly two decades until his redeployment in 2016.

In her new capacity, Hajia Tumaka has been deployed to the Office of the Director General as Director of Barr (Mrs) Margaret Orakwusi, Hajia Lami Tumaka, Wale Adeniyi, immediate past Spokesman of the Nigeria Customs Service, his wife Kikelomo and Bolaji Akinola Special Duties where she is in charge of External Relations and Technical Cooperation for NIMASA. An alumnus of the prestigious Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria where she earned a first degree in English Literature and an MBA, Hajia Tumaka also has a diploma in Public Relations from the Holborn College in London, as well as a certificate, with distinction in Basic Film Production from the TV College Jos. She has straddled the public relations beat of the maritime sector with excellence, winning laurels and accolades.

In the course of her illustrious career in NIMASA, which spans nearly two decades, she has been called upon on three different occasions to head the public relations unit and assist the agency get out of Barr. Temisan Omatseye, Hajia Lami Tumaka and Bolaji Akinola crises situations.

Renowned for her amiable perMrs. Jummai Tumaka-Ewaleifo sonality and excellent interpersonal relationships, Hajia Tumaka is a passionate PR personality whose professionalism has earned her the fellowship of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR).

Little wonder she had an impressive guest list which paraded two former Directors General of NIMASA, Dr. Ade Dosunmu and Barr. Temisan Omatseye, Professor Pat Utomi, Mrs Margaret Orakwusi, a former Managing Director of the National Inland Waterways Authority, Mrs. Chinwe Ezenwa, her elder brother and one time Nigerian Ambassador to Tanzania, Justice Garba Tumaka, serving Commissioner with the Police Service Commission, Hajia Aisha Tukur, friends and family members. Guests, family members and friends took turns to shower encomium on her.

The event which was a ‘dine, wine and network’ perfectly fitted its description and also had some dancMrs. Lade Offurum, Mrs. Maryam Orotope-Paul and Mrs. Halima Ahmed ing to complete the evening.

Mrs. Mary Hamman and Hajia Lami Tumaka

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER •FEBRUARY 18, 2017

FAIRGROUND

Global Communications Opens Lagos Office

G

lobal communications, events and talent agency, Celebrity Services Africa, has announced the opening of a new office in Lagos, adding to their network of offices in Cape Town, South Africa and Beverly Hills, USA. Heading the communications for the Nigeria office is Ijeoma Ndekwu, an award-winning lifestyle journalist and brand relationship builder who specialises in designing strategic integrated campaigns that support enterprises as well as start-ups to innovate, accelerate and grow.

“I’m excited about the new capabilities and capacity which CSA will offer Nigerian companies. At the same time we’ll be able to present local & multi-national companies with resources and a pool of talent from around the world working on a variety of projects,” said Ijeoma, who has executed various campaigns and strategic partnerships for a number

of SME’s, Government agencies and international corporations in Nigeria.

While CSA has had a strong presence in Africa–working on major strategies with such clients as Johnnie Walker (including the much talked about Lekki Bridge “Walking Man” New Year’s Eve social media stunt), Ciroc Vodka, the All African Business Awards, Carlson Rezidor hotels and Airlink airlines, amongst many others - the opening of the Lagos office will present Nigerian and pan-African companies access to the company’s high level capabilities and global experience.

“We are excited to have Ijeoma join the CSA family as we grow our global and African reach. She is uniquely positioned as a Nigerian media specialist who will be a key partner in Nigeria as we roll out new digital platforms and escalate our communications and talent divisions for work in, amongst others, the luxury brand and entertainment sectors on the continent,” said Davin Phillips, CSA communications Execu-

tive Director.

“We’re entering an exciting new chapter where borders are being overcome through digital media and a Millennial-driven culture with the result that consumer power is growing exponentially. Ijeoma joins a team with global expertise as part of our growth in West Africa and intention to create an African entertainment marketplace.”

A graduate of Global & Integrated Marketing Communications from the American University of Paris, France, Ijeoma began her career as a fashion and lifestyle journalist with BellaNaija.com, Africa’s leading entertainment, fashion and lifestyle website and subsequently became the Style Editor-at-Large at just 19.

Under her leadership, BellaNaija.com won the award for Outstanding Contribution to Fashion at the prestigious African Fashion Awards. Ijeoma also serves as a thought-leader in the lifestyle Industry and is an accomplished public speaker.

Ijeoma Ndekwu

New PMAN President, Keston Okoro Sues for Peace

A

fter a keenly contested presidential election at the Nanet Suite, Abuja, last month, which saw the emergence of former Delta State lawmaker, Keston Okoro, as President of the Performing Musicians Employers Association of Nigeria, PMAN, the new president has already hit the ground running.

And the good news is, he has the overwhelming support of all stakeholders in the industry, including that of former presidents of the body, as shown at the first meeting held at O’jez Restaurant in Lagos, recently.

Okoro defeated millionaire musician, Chief Fruitful Mekunye, after the two main contestants tied at 31 votes apiece.

Faced with a knotty situation, the delegates then agreed that another election be held and

Keston Okoro

the outcome was not different from the first.

So it was finally agreed that the winner be decided with a toss of the coin and that was

how Okoro emerged the new PMAN president. He was promptly congratulated by his opponent in a display of sportsmanship.

Okoro was immediately sworn in as the president according to the dictates of the PMAN constitution in the early hours of Wednesday.

In his acceptance speech, the former lawmaker called on all to work together to make PMAN great again as “we have no other association but PMAN.” He decried the years of disunity in the artistes’ body, assuring that his emergence has put an end to that. “This is the first time in many years that we have delegates from all state chapters present at a PMAN election and they all participated fully in the electoral process.

“I thank you all and I urge everyone to sheathe their swords and let us work together as one body, in unity and strength.

You all made it possible for me to become president, so this government is for everybody.

If I make any mistake, don’t

hesitate to call my attention to it as I am not a perfect person, none of us are.”

Meanwhile, at the stakeholders’ meeting in Lagos attended by former president, Tee Mac and all the newly elected executives, as well as veterans such as Orits Wiliki, among others, they all pledged their support for the new executive and promised to work with it.

Present at the election were, representative of the Minister of Labour and Productivity, Chief Ngige, Mr. Godson Ogbuji, an Assistant Director in the ministry, the Registrar of Trade Unions, Mrs. Mbaogu, Hon. Uchenna Ekwe, who represented the President of the Nigerian Labour Congress, NLC, Mrs. Julie Coker, veteran broadcaster, highlife maestro Chief Ozor Morocco NwaMaduka and Chief Dan Sach of the Oriental Brothers, among others.

93 Days Gets Inundated with Global Recognition

T

hese are interesting times in Nigeria’s movie industry.

Nigerian movies are breaking the glass ceiling with 93 days leading the pack with its acceptance at virtually every prestigious international festival.

“The story of 93 Days centres on the sacrifices made by men and women who risked their lives to make sure the Ebola virus was contained, before it becomes an epidemic, when it was imported into Nigeria by a Liberian American diplomat. 93Days is also dedicated to Ameyo Adadevoh, a Nigerian physician who played a key role in the containment of Ebola in Nigeria. The movie was directed

by Steve Gukas and was shot in several parts of Nigeria.”

In a country where history and heroic feats are not well documented, 93 Days saves the day with proper and accurate representation of the sad event in Nigeria. 93 Days have been able to document a segment in the history of this nation for future reference so accurately.

Shot at multiple locations in Nigeria, 93 Days movie has brought a new angle to filmmaking in Nigeria which is often

dominated by comedy and is the easy way out for some filmmakers The movie has premiered across the globe with loads of positive reviews from the audience.

Notable festivals amongst others where 93 Days was shown and sold out include Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), Chicago International Film Festival where it was the only Nigerian film shown and Los Angeles Pan African Film festival and the Johannesburg Rapid Lion Film Festival. It has just been selected to show at the prestigious American Film Institute .

This movie deserves all the accolades that it’s currently getting. One of such is the Africa Magic Viewer’s Choice Awards where it topped the list with 13 nominations.

Even though most of the categories are voting categories, the producers are counting on the goodwill they got from most Nigerians at the cinemas to work in their favour again this time.

A movie directed and co-produced by Steve Gukas. A production of three giant entertainment companies: Native FilmWorks, Michel Angelo Production and Bolanle Austen-Peters Production.

It stars Bimbo Akintola, Bimbo Manuel, Charles Okafor, Danny Glover, Gideon Okeke, Keppy Ekpeyong Bassey, Somkhele Idhalama, Tim Reid, Sola Oyebade, Charles Etubiebi, and Seun Kentebe.

Beyond the accolades from both the media and the cinema audience who have seen the movie, the image of Nigeria as a slow responder to disease outbreak has been chnaged.

In one of her interviews, Bolanle Austen-Peters said, “We did the Ebola movie because we wanted to add value. I didn’t want to do just any movie.”

“We told a story that needed to be told.

I felt that if we did not tell that story, foreigners, as usual, could come and tell of the brave and courageous people who fought against the Ebola virus to save all of us. For me it was very important that the story was documented for posterity.”

On why they took a risk on shooting a movie on Ebola when they could have made a strictly entertaining movie and make more money, she said “It is very important that we document things. 93 Days (the title of the movie on Ebola) is of educational and historical significance.

That is why I feel in some ways we have added a lot of value.”

Bolanle Austen-Peters

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ ͯͶ˜ ͺ͸͹Ϳ

ͯͶ˜ ͺ͸͹Ϳ ˾ THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

39

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ ͹΀˜ ͺ͸͹Ϳ

FITNESS FILE

African Excellence

I

f someone or something has the quality of excellence, they are extremely good in some way.

To me, striving for excellence in all we do requires focus, effort and passion. The urge and commitment to get things right and making an effort to make it great help create an environment of excellence I for one aspire to. Something that isn’t immediately associated with the continent of Africa. This is where we can individually make a difference.

There is an African proverb that says, “If you wish to move mountains tomorrow, you must start by lifting stones today”. Your daily habits, your day-to-day decision, are what shape who you are, and directly affect the people around you and committing yourself to being consistently mindful can change your life and positively affect the lives of people you interact with.

This is how excellence spreads and we are all ambassadors to this great continent. This goes beyond changing the perception the rest of the world has of Africa; it’s about changing our own internal culture. It gives me great joy to see truly African brands like Scent Of Africa, the first African luxury fragrance, gaining traction on the world stage. Such brands are a celebration of African excellence, but understand that we are all our own personal brands and as such we all represent Africa. So what can the individual do to change a continent?

Having an excellent life is nothing you ever thought it was before. You will be disappointed to find out that it is not the money, good looks, fortune, fame, or being a philanthropist. Now, although there is nothing wrong with having those things in your life, and

The Edenlifestyle corner with

MAJE AYIDA

majeayida@edenlifenigeria.com www.edenlifenigeria.com, 07062614551

sure it does make life pretty exciting and fruitful, having those things is simply what we see in the movies or TV shows. Real excellence can be found in far simpler qualities: The Here and Now It’s about being present and living in the moment. Too many times in life we let things get in the way of us truly enjoying each and every moment- being present in that moment.

It’s one of the biggest mistakes people make, and they do so unknowingly.

Being in the moment is what lets you enjoy life and be fully in tune with it, bringing happiness to your life. When you are not present in the moment, your body is present, but your mind is not. You are only thinking or worrying about other things instead. What you’re doing is wasting your time and the time of others. Snap out of it.

Be present in each and every moment that you are blessed with. Enjoy those around you and the experiences that you are currently having. This very moment will never happen again exactly the same way, so you might as well be present and enjoy it to it’s fullest potential as well as make it enjoyable to those around you, all by being present in the moment. You can have all those things I described above, from the fast cars to big boats, but if and only if you are present mentally; otherwise these moments

won’t stay with you long enough to matter.

Be Grateful Sometimes we get caught up in our 21st century problems and complain when our Internet isn’t working, if our phone dies too fast or if there’s too much traffic. Yes it is pretty evident that we as a generation and a population have become a bit spoiled on just about every aspect of life. We have lost the hustle and expect to be babied, having everything handed to us for the rest of our lives, expecting things to always fall into place for us. What we all need to do is stop being babies and appreciate what we have been blessed with in this world enough with the entitlement, it’s a slippery slope to corruption from there.

There are many out there that don’t even have half of what you have, and only dream of your life and the opportunities that you have in front of you. We as a generation have managed to take all of this for granted and have forgotten that it takes hard work to truly get what we want out of life. Before you try to get more out of life, try being grateful for what you already have. If you can’t be grateful now, what makes you think that you will appreciate anything else that you acquire along the way?

Respecting Yourself and Others Next comes love for yourself and the love for your purpose in life. Once you have those two things you will be able to propel your passion in life and allow yourself to wake up every morning and start the day running rather than being miserable, wanting to go back to sleep. Once you attain the love, that is when you attain the respect for others and receive their respect back. Passion is what drives us.

The way I see Africans treat each other is often heartbreaking, we rebuke our own and idolize all that is foreign. We can change this.

Be Healthy Some of us forget the folk tale saying that your wealth means nothing without your health. What are you going to do? Be the fattest and richest guy in the cemetery? No, to truly enjoy life you need to stay healthy and keep a balance in your mind and in your body. This life was made for your enjoyment not for you to just throw away and take your body for granted.

Eat healthy, exercise and be in shape because that is something that comes with success as well, and is apart of being excellent. No, being overweight is not a sign of affluence like some African mindsets would have you believe, start working out immediately!

Living an excellent life is a lot simpler than you have ever thought.

Stop complicating your life and begin changing it by starting with yourself, everything else will follow. Once you have created the perfect balance, created the perfect connection between your mind and your body, that is when you live an excellent life, a life full of true peace. That is when you can change nations.

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FEBRUARY 18, 2017 ˾ THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

FASHION FILE Love and the Nubian Queen Collection by Bellissima

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ FEBRUARY 18, 2017

By Azuka Ogujiuba azuka.ogujiuba@thisdaylive.com

FASHION FILE

Love and the Nubian Queen

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istorically, a Nubian queen is a female ruler of the kingdom of Nubia, located along the Nile in southern Egypt and northern Sudan. In recent times however, Nubian is used to describe a beautiful woman with African heritage.

However, to Bellissima, the idea of a Nubian Queen goes deeper than just surface beauty.

Bellissima’s Nubian queen is that woman whose beauty radiates from deep within making her world magical and mesmerising.

“Our queen is intelligent, confident and creative with the ability to shape, mould and recreate the world she finds herself in to fit the perspective she desires. She is strong; a fighter, a leader, a general and an entire army all by herself.

With so much love and empathy in her heart, her warmth can soothe a wounded soul and yet, her wrath will scorch a flowing river. She speaks her mind; says what she means and means what she says. But she isn’t above reason or compromise.

The Nubian queen is loyal. She will stand by her own through thick and thin. In victory her voice will keep you grounded and in defeat, her hands will lift you up. She is a sensual creature whose body holds many secrets and pleasures to be savoured by those she deems worthy.

Our Nubian queen is the colour of love; the feel of a warm hug; the aroma of good food; the sensation of a deep kiss; the sound of smooth music; the promise of a good story. She is the true spirit of Africa and for this reason we celebrate her in this season of love, with this collection.”

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • FEBRUARY 18, 2017

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MARITIME BITS

JOHN IWORI

08057763164

R-L: The Royal Norwegian Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Jens-Petter Kjemprud shaking the hands of a little girl shortly after receiving a bouquet of flowers from her on arrival as the special guest of honour at the formal unveiling of the first ever land ship in Nigeria, MV Rivers Pride and the foundation laying of 200 cadets accommodation block at Charkin Maritime and Offshore Safety Centre. Watching with keen interest is the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the centre, Sir Charles K. Wami and his wife, Lady Chisa Wami in Port Harcourt…recently

L-R: Chairman, Senate Committee on Industry, Trade and Investment, Senator Fatima Raji-Rasaki; Executive Secretary/ CEO of Nigerian Shippers’ Council, Mr. Hassan Bello who represented the Minister of Transportation, Mr. Rotimi Amaechi; Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment, Hajia Aisha Abubakar; representative of the Managing Director of Intels Nigeria Limited, Mr. Patrick Bird and the Managing Director, Oil and Gas Free Zones Authority (OGFZA), Mr. Umana Okon Umana, at the Oil and Gas Free Zones Stakeholders Forum organised by OGFZA at the Onne Oil and Gas Free Zone ...recently

Ripples over NCS Revocation of 1, 968 Licenses The freight forwarding business is in turmoil following the decision of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) to revoke not less than 1,968 licenses issued to freight forwarders or licensed customs agents continue to generate ripples in maritime industry.

The Customs High Command decision followed the allege use of the licenses to perpetrate various offenses. Some of the freight forwarders or licensed customs agents were also said to have handed over their licenses to importers who allegedly used it to import prohibited items into the country.

The violations reportedly perpetrated by the offenders include repeated false declaration of goods by shippers, importation of prohibited goods such as the case of the 661 pump action rifles manifested as steel doors but seized by the Customs recently.

Others are evasion of import duty payment on goods, repeated cases of wrong declarations, concealment, under invoicing and under valuation on imports.

As part of the measures aimed at bringing sanity to the system, NCS is expected to make public the list of the valid licenses

Concessionaire Lists What Investors Stand to Gain from Onne FTZ One of the concessionaires in the nation’s seaports, Intels Nigeria Limited has enumerated what investors stand to gain by investing in the Onne Oil and Gas Free Zone, Rivers State.

Speaking recently on the side-lines of the “Oil and Gas Free Zones Stakeholders Forum” organised by the Oil and Gas Free Zones Authority (OGFZA), the Chief Commercial Officer (CCO) of Intels Nigeria Limited, Mr. Patrick Bird says the free zone offers enormous advantages and incentives to foreign companies to invest in the country. According to Bird, the free zone creates the environment necessary to support Nigeria’s economic and industrial development.

The stakeholders’ forum was declared open by the Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment, Hajia Aisha Abubakar.

According to Bird, Intels along with the Government of Nigeria, developed the zone to provide an oil service centre for onshore and offshore operations while providing the West African and greater sub-Saharan oil and gas industry easy access and duty-free distribution facilities.

He enumerated some of the benefits of the free zone which houses not less than 170 companies.

They include 100 per cent repatriation of capital investment, full remittance of profits and dividends, zero Customs tariffs on exports and non-requirement of import or export licenses.

He also said that all goods manufactured in the free zone can be sold in the Nigerian market.

His words: “The Onne Oil and Gas Free Zone helps Nigeria maximize its natural resources to attract foreign investments and create employment, enhance the welfare of the people, aid technology transfer and the overall economic development of the country”.

Bird revealed that the success of the Onne Oil and Gas Free Zone has led to the creation of similar zones in Warri and Lagos just as he hailed OGFZA for hosting the stakeholders’ forum which he said will deepen investments in the free zone.

Managing Director of OGFZA, Mr. Umana Okon Umana said the stakeholders’ forum provides an opportunity to introduce the agency’s new leadership to stakeholders “and show them the way in which we intend to work together to recreate the OGFZA and rebuild prosperity for all in successful partnerships between government and private investors in the free zones”.

“The path of the new OGFZA is well laid out in our roadmap which we are unveiling today, along with our marketing brochure to guide existing and potential investors to the array of incentives available in our free zone. The Roadmap is a product of our vision to be the premier investment promotion agency of government by facilitating the establishment of businesses in the oil and gas free zones with the creation of an enabling environment for investment,” he said.

it has issued and are still operational and those suspended and revoked.

Though it is yet to do so as at press time, the move is already creating apprehension and anxiety in the hearts of freight forwarders and licensed customs agents who something to hide as a result of the nature of the business they do in the nation’s international land borders, airports and seaports.

According to the provisions of the Customs and Excise Management Act (CEMA) which is presently before the legislature for a review, NCS issues licenses to agents

otherwise called freight forwarders, clearing agents or customs brokers which act as intermediaries between it and importers and collect duty from the latter on goods for payment to it.

The issuance of the licenses is predicated on the fulfilment of specific conditions.

These include payment of a prescribed fee, proof of ownership of a well-established and well equipped office stock with the relevant research materials on Customs Tariff and Trade and located in an accessible area among others.

Peterside: NIMASA in Total Support of Nigeria Maritime University

Media Tasked on Balance Reporting

The Director General, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Dakuku Peterside has reiterated the support of the agency to the establishment of the Nigeria Maritime University (NMU), Okerenkoko, Warri South West Local Government Area, Delta State.

Peterside’s statement is coming on the heels of insinuations in some quarters that the agency is opposed to the establishment of the tertiary institution which has been has been enmeshed in controversy since the advent of the President Mohammdu Buhari’s administration.

In a recent statement, Ijaw youths under the auspices the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) specifically accused the agency of opposing the establishment of NMU. However, Peterside in a statement signed by NIMASA Head of Communication, Mr. Isichei Osamgbi said IYC assertion is far from the truth and it has become necessary to clarify the issue as the Federal Government is

The Chairman of CAN, South South zone and Chairman Niger Delta Bishops Forum has tasked the media on balance reporting of events in the country.

He expressed dismay over the way some journalists choose to report news event from the angle that suit them, a development the cleric noted does not promote balanced, quality and development journalism.

The cleric who expressed his concern over the way the sermon he preached during former Delta state governor, James Ibori’s special thanksgiving service said his message titled Knowing the gift of God has been watered down and given several interpretations by media practitioners and citizen journalists, some of whom did not even hear him preached It would be recalled that Archbishop Avwomakpa said “Ibori was the point of contact that unites government with the church and noted in the sermon that the country needs politicians who would go into politics for the betterment of the land.” Consequently, he noted that in the history of Urhobo land, two people have made great impacts. One of such personalities, he noted was the late Olorogun Michael Ibru and the next is James Ibori.

He noted that while in public office many politicians did not build a house for anyone even when they have the resources neither did they empower people especially the youth and upcoming politicians, but that Ibori built men and churches.

The clergy described Ibori as a gift of God and noted that just like people who God used to change the story of some generations, Ibori’s ordeal was like that of Samson, Paul, Joseph and so on in the bible who were enemies to the authorities yet they were loved by their people.

He gave example of Moses in the Bible who led his people out of Egypt despite the insistence of Pharaoh. He also compared Ibori to Samson who Israel did not know was their hero.

His words: “In the days of Samson people use his name to defeat their opponents just the same way many people have used Ibori’s name to make some inroads. Since God made man in his own image and likeness whatever man sees himself doing nobody should take away the fact that God has a purpose for allowing certain things to happen to any man. While describing Ibori as a gift of God, the clergy noted that all human beings are gifts of God but that those privileged to be endowed with the potentials to deliver their people or the masses are not only gift of God but should be modicum of change”.

The Special Adviser on Media to the ArchBishop, Mr. Ovie Edomi quoted the cleric saying that though Avwomakpa made reference to men of old in the bible there was no time he compared Ibori with Jesus Christ.

committed to the actualization of the project which the agency conceived.

“It is pertinent to note that NIMASA is supporting every aspect of the law in its determination to fulfil its obligations. In addition, the National Assembly recently held a public hearing on the matter and it is expected that the funding of the institution and other aspects of running it will be specified in the Act setting up the university. For the avoidance of doubt, at no time did the Director General, Dr. Dakuku Peterside say anything contrary to the Federal Government’s position on the issue and we solidly stand behind the Federal Government on its determination to actualize the project.

“The benefits derivable from the setting up of the institution will be quite numerous. Apart from becoming a citadel for knowledge and development of human capital, job opportunities will be created to the Nigerian people, particularly the community”, the statement added.

Expert Wants NCS to Co-operate with Ali Maritime expert and veteran in the cargo clearing business, Prince Olusegun Ologbose has enjoined officers and men of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) to co-operate with the Comptroller General of Customs (CGC), Colonel Hammed Ibrahim Ali (retired) so that he can deliver on the mandate given to him by President Mohammadu Buhari.

He maintained that it was only such co-operation and support that will do the service good on the long run for the benefits of all Nigerians.

Ologbose who is also the Managing Director of Ogbese International Limited argued that such co-operation with Ali will placed him in a vantage position to unravel the mystery behind the recent discovery of riffles in containers purportedly declared as steel at Nigeria’s premier and busiest port, Apapa, Lagos.

According to the veteran licensed customs agent fondly called “Alaye” by his admirers, officers and men of NCS should not leave any stone unturned so that the CGC can arrive at right and meaningful decisions as to reduce such occurrences in the future.

This is because with the arrangement of the riffles and parking, it is clear that the hands of a strong syndicate are at work in the entire operations.

In a chat with THISDAY in Lagos, he explained that men and officers of the Federal Operation Unit (FOU), Zone A, Ikeja, Lagos who went for the operation after a reliable source tipped them off were about to give up on the discovery after several examination without seeing anything unlawful until it was later suggested that the amour doors should be broken.

His words: “The guns were neatly parked behind the armoured door.

Ordinarily, no Customs examiner would have known or discovered that hidden place so it was God who on his own that catches those criminals.

I therefore called on the management of Customs to co-operate with Ali to arrive at a just cause because of the wild rumours that Ali promises to sweep away all the Customs officers presently serving at Apapa ports.

The Customs management should advise Ali that things are no longer done or handle in that manner.

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POLITY

Australian Envoy Seeks Closer Ties with Enugu As Ugwuanyi Lists State’s Economic Potential

T

he Australian High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mr. Paul Lehmann, has expressed the willingness of businesses in his country to explore commercial opportunities in Enugu State.

Speaking during a courtesy visit to Government House, Enugu, the envoy said that Nigeria and Australia both have a longstanding relationship which would be further strengthened through mutually-beneficial eco-

nomic cooperation, adding that a huge prospect for collaboration exists in the country’s extractive sector.

Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi in his response explained that Enugu State is endowed with natural resources such as coal, oil and gas, and several other investment opportunities, pointing out that his administration has taken steps to protect the interest of potential local and foreign investors.

Jubilation as Niger N-Power Beneficiaries Receive Salaries Laleye Dipo in Minna

T

here was jubilation across Minna the Niger state capital on Thursday as participants in the Federal government social intervention scheme N-Power received their first salaries.

The salaries were paid directly to the bank accounts of the nearly 5000 participants.

THISDAY observed in the Niger state capital that the joyous participants stormed the various banks to withdraw the money.

Under the arrangement each participant in the programme is to receive a monthly stipend of N30, 000.

One of the participants Abdullahi Nda expressed gratitude to the government “for lifting my economic life”.

“We have continued to invest in such areas as security, infrastructural development, environmental improvement, expansion and regularization of social services, intellectual development, skill acquisition, etc, all of which we believe will help to sustain the enabling environment for business to flourish in the state,” he said.

The governor noted that the siting of a free trade zone in Enugu, the presence of an international airport and his administration’s urbanization initiative are features that make the state an investor’s delight. He also informed the high commissioner that the state has listed over 17

government-owned companies and enterprises for privatization and commercialization which, he said, will boost the state’s economy once investors are found.

He urged the Australian government to assist the state to develop its agricultural potential, as well as with its bid to provide improved water supply and healthcare for the people.

Earlier, Mr. Lehmann and his team had visited a school for the visuallyimpaired where they donated some computers, adding that driving round the city gave him an ample opportunity to appreciate the alluring landscape and immense infrastructural development.

“I have not touched this type of money since I graduated four years ago, I thank the government, I thank President Buhari”.

Some of the beneficiaries also went to the Bosso low cost office of the NPower to express their appreciation to the managers of the scheme.

The state focal person Mrs. Affiniki Dauda while addressing some of the beneficiaries described the N-Power programme “as a reality” and urged them to justify their appointments by being dedicated to their job.

Mrs. Dauda said efforts were being made by the office to fill the vacuum created by some applicants who could not scale the screening hurdle.

According to her, those not cleared were either overaged or could not prove that they were in one form of employment or the other.

PHOTO NEWS

Pupils of Brickhall School, Abuja, display their trophy after they emerged winners at the presentations on “Economic Recession: Implications for Nigeria’s Survival” organised by Chrisland High School, Abuja, recently

L-R: Mr. Miyonse Amosu; Mr. Franco Maria Maggi; and Mr. Somadina Anyama, all of Big Brother housemates, during the hosting of the evicted Big Brother housemates at the Nigerian Breweries Headquarters in Lagos... recently

L-R: Head, Sustainability and Corporate Brand, Lafarge Africa Plc, Mrs. Temitope Oguntokun; Head of Delegation, International Committee of the Red Cross, Mr. Eloi Fillion; Legal Director Lafarge Africa Plc, Mrs. Edith Onwuchekwa; Member of the ICRC Assembly Council ,Mr, Rolf Soiron; and Coordinator Water Habitat ICRC, Mr. Guillaume Pierrehumbert ,during a visit of ICRC to Lafarge Africa in Abuja...recently

L-R: Vice Chairman, Association of Licensed Private Security Practitioners of Nigeria (ALPSPN), Mr. Ibe Nnah; Executive Secretary/ CEO, Lagos State Security Trust Fund (LSSTF), Dr. Razaq Balogun; Chairman, (ALPSPN), Barr. Willson Esangbedo; and Treasure, (ALPSPN), Babatunde Mumuni, during (ALPSPN) courtesy visit and presentation of recognition and support award towards equipping the security agencies in Lagos State to LSSTF at their head office in Lagos ...recently

L-R: The Regional Supply Chain Director, Nigerian Bottling Company Limited (NBC), Mr. Ademola Richards, the Legal, Public Affairs and Communications Director, NBC, Mrs Sade Morgan, one of the beneficiaries of the NBC Youth Empowerment Programme, Mr. Steven Amadi, the Paramount Ruler of Oginigba Community, His Royal Majesty, Dr. Genshom Odum, during the graduation ceremony of the Oginigba Youth Maritime Technical Skills Training in PortHarcourt ...recently

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Local Content Board Chair Decries Low Access to $600m Fund Emmanuel Addeh in Yenagoa

The Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board, (NCDMB), Mr. Simbi Wabote, yesterday decried the inability of Nigerian business firms in the oil and gas sector to access the $600 million Nigerian Content Fund (NCF) meant to address financial and liquidity challenges of companies operating within

the industry.

Wabote, who spoke in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, while marking the board’s first 100 days on the saddle, listed the inauguration of several projects, massive staff training, and the adherence to the act setting up the body as part of its achievements.

He told journalists during the event, that though the NCMDB had since its creation six years ago, increased local participation

in the oil and gas industry from three per cent to 28 per cent, his plan was to accelerate the pace during his tenure. “Like I mentioned in Lagos, only three organisations have accessed the fund. Not being able to put the funds to work is a failure. Secondly, we are trying to take stock with where we are today with the implementation of the act; we have not been able to implement in totality�, the

former Shell executive said.

On the tortuous contracting period, he said, “We will identity the gaps and areas we need to improve upon. Contracting cycle time has been reduced considerably where the industry was when this administration took over. “A lot of progress has been made. The minister has set a target for six months and all agencies concerned are work-

ing to meet the target. It will not happen overnight. “Most of the contracts in the industry going to foreign companies, now come to Nigerians.

We are compiling the amount of contracts we have been able to give to Nigerians in the past 100 days.�

According to him, one of the things the board set out to do was to bring staff competence at par with the oil and gas industry.

On the controversy surrounding the actual value of the NCDMB fund, he said: “In this country, people like to throw in numbers and assume the position of knowledge what they actually don’t know anything about. Believe in the direct source. “We have a fund of 600m dollars. We are also conducting an audit to know who and who is holding our money.�

US Ambassador Admonishes Nigerians to Bury Differences for Unity Ibrahim Shuaibu in Kano

TALKING SECURITY...

L-R: State Commander NDLEA Anambra State, Sule Momodu and Commissioner of Police, Anambra State, Sam Okaula during the commissioning of projects at the army cantonment Onitsha

United States Ambassador to Nigeria, Stuart Symington on Friday in Kano admonished Nigerians to bury their differences and unite for the stability and betterment of the country, Africa and the world.

According to him, ''I urge you every day to think about the unity of the whole country and in the way I have seen, you seek to advance this notion that if there is no justice for all, until there is no justice for everyone.''

Symington, who made the remark during his familiarisation visit to the Aminu Kano College of Islamic and Legal Studies, insisted that Nigeria remained a great country, adding that its survival was also the survival of America. ''The strength of every nation is not in just ideas or laws but in men and women, each of us are like vessels, with a change to take in all the lesson we can.

''I also want to suggest to you that by learning, you and your whole nation and our world can live better. I think about living in order to have the opportunity to learn. ''There is no fairness for all, until there is fairness for everyone. And it is how we treat each other that we can literally change the world.

"We are together to have the opportunity to live better forever.

The second point I made is this, the strength of every nation, especially every democracy is not just in its ideas, it is not even just in its laws. It is in the women, the men, the girls and the boys, who carry those ideas in them.''

Speaking also, the Provost of the institution, Professor Garba Shehu, said, the visit of the US Ambassador provided two excellent opportunities for the staff and students to interact on issues bordering on contemporary significance relating to development of higher education in the country.

AATF Spent $16m on Beans Optimisation University Planning Committee Miffed over Misuse of Funds for 8m African Farmers, Says Kyetere Dele Ogbodo in Abuja The Executive Director, African Agricultural Technology Foundation (AATF), Dr. Dennis Kyetere, on Friday, said the foundation had spent $16 million through research institutions, Universities and capacity development for farmers on pod-borer resistant beans/ cowpea for 8 million farmers in Nigeria, Malawi, Burkina Faso and Ghana.

Mr. Abu Umar, AATF's Projects Communications Officer, while speaking on phone on the on-ongoing annual review meeting of stakeholders on seeds

optimisation at the International Institute for Tropical Agriculture (IITA) in Ibadan, Oyo State, on the Confined Field Trials (CFTs) on behalf of Kyetere, said the project which started in 2008 with a budget of $20 million would begin the release of seeds to farmers in the region in 2018.

According to Kyetere, the podborer resistant cowpea project which was being coordinated by AATF was a public private partnership with funding support from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) to promote technological interventions and research for that cowpea productivity and

utilisation in Sub-Saharan Africa.

He said: "African farmers will soon have access to improved cowpea varieties that will lead to increase in yield with the development of Maruca resistant cowpea, thanks to a public-private partnership project.

"The pod-resistant cowpea project has identified elite varieties and speedily advancing towards de-regulation and commercial release to farmers.

"These varieties are expected to reduce grain yield losses caused by the pod borer, maruca vitrata, as well as reduce the need for insecticidal sprays."

According to him, control of pests through spraying with insecticide had not been widely adopted by farmers due its prohibitive costs. On the other hand, farmers who had adopted control through spraying had been exposed to serious health hazards, he said.

Kyetere said deployment of a cowpea product that was capable of protecting itself from attack by maruca would make it easier and cheaper for farmers to produce cowpeas in areas where the pest was a problem, adding, that very soon, Nigeria would stop importation of rice and beans into the country.

House to Conclude Legal Don't Spare Corrupt OfďŹ cials, Framework on Climate Change NUJ tells Niger Governor Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja The House of Representatives has revealed that it was presently concluding a legal framework on climate change action which would serve as guide as the country strives to reduce carbon emissions by 30% by 2030.

It however lamented that there were discordant tunes among the implementing agencies which it said might jeopardise the attainment of reducing greenhouse emissions by 2030.

The Chairman, House Committee on Climate Change, Hon. Sam Onuigbo disclosed this in Abuja at the Climate Change Knowledge Immersion and Workshop- Parliamentarians, organised by World Bank Group in collaboration with the Ministry

of Environment.

He said government was doing enough to tackle the issue of climate change according to the resources available to it but stressed that there was need for awareness, deepening and broadening of the knowledge and creating consciousness for people to know what the dangers were.

Onuigbo stated: "We are right now concluding work on a legal framework on climate change for Nigeria. As soon as that is done we will also like to share the content with our people during public hearing. In a few months we will be done with our own part of the business (bill) and we leave the rest to the executive. It is going to be introduced to the parliament in a month time.

Laleye Dipo in Minna The Nigeria Union of Journalists NUJ Niger State chapter on Thursday asked the All Progressives Congress government in the state not to spare any corrupt civil servant or politician saying corrupt practices had retarded the socio -economic growth of the state since its creation in 1976.

The Union said in a communique issued at the end of its general Congress held at the IBB pen house on Thursday that those found to have been involved in corrupt practices should not only be made public but should be made to face the full weight of the law.

Similarly the Union asked the government to block areas of leakages and put the necessary

machinery in motion for the immediate identification of corrupt government officials and political office holders.

The stand of the union may not be unconnected with the discovery of multi-million naira fraud in the state pension board for which 30 government officials were indicted and moves allegedly being made to pardon the principal figures in the crime.

The communique jointly signed

by Alhaji Mohammed Mohammed and Abu Nmadu chairman and secretary respectively also denounced the plan by the state government to amend the free education policy it inherited from the last administration especially the aspect affecting the payment of NECO and WAEC fees for students in public schools.

Segun Awofadeji in Gombe

Universities implementation planning committee has expressed dismay over the attitude of some universities, which access funds on time, and do not utilise it for the purpose meant for.

A member of the committee, Mrs. Ladi Iliya, stated this in Gombe yesterday during the opening ceremony of the Universities in the North East sub-region need assessment retreat at the Gombe State University (GSU). “Some universities access funds on time but kept it without utilising it some diverted training money to some projects. “Some cannot even present their project because it is poor, I must convey the disappointment of the Minister to some institutions which I will not mention their names. “Use the funds for what it was meant for because the money is not something that will come every day� she said.

She said this was the second need assessment retreat, the first one was conducted at the Ahmadu Bello University Zaria for the North central.

Iliya who was also the immediate past National President of Non Academic Staff Union (NASU) said, the aim and essence of the retreat was to exchange ideas. “For instance, what is happening in Gombe may not be what is happening at the Adamawa State University� she said.

According to her, need assessment was an initiative of the Academic Staff Union

(ASU) to check out the rot in the universities. “This comprises of the structures, staff development laboratories among others. “We want to know what the universities have done, what are the challenges they are facing so that it will be addressed, to have a world standards. “Addressing the ills, will discourage our children from going abroad to study, some of the foreign universities cannot even compete with Nigeria universities. “Our hope is that, at the end of this program, we will know our shortcomings, we will be able to learn from one another and then we will push our issues forward�, she said.

In his welcome remark, Professor Ibrahim Umar, Vice Chancellor Gombe State University (GSU) said Tetfund and need assessment was one of the best things that happened to universities in terms of provision of infrastructure and staff development. “Most of the structures you found around in the universities are Tet-fund, and the need assessment coming up as part of the agreement with unions in the universities, with ASU as vanguard, it will help in development of tertiary education. “We are all eager to make our presentation, and review the situation in such a way that we can move forward, so that we can have improved universities that can participate in t5he world ranking and other activities�, he said.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ ͯͶ˜ Ͱͮͯ͵

In Brief Osinbajo Reschedules Ondo Visit

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World Bank's Packages to IDPs

OPARADIKE SERVICE OF SONGS L-R: Wife of diseased, Mrs. Esther Oparadike; Daughters, Chioma; Nneka and Son Kelechi Oparadike, during the service of song for their late father, former Managing Director of Daily Times Newspaper of Nigeria Plc, at the All souls Church Lekki, Lagos…….yesterday ÒÙÞÙ˝

N8.5bn Fraud: Atewe Gave N35m to Winners Chapel, Says Witness Davidsdon Iriekpen

Aprosecutionwitness,Mr.Nkem Ahidjo, yesterday chronicled disbursement of funds at the resumed trial of Maj. Gen. Emmanuel Atewe, charged with N8.5 billion fraud.

Atewe,aformerMilitaryCommander of the Niger-Delta Joint TaskForceOperationPuloShield, was charged alongside Patrick Akpobolokemi,aformerDirector GeneraloftheNigerianMaritime AdministrationandSafetyAgency (NIMASA).

Alsochargedaretwootherstaffs oftheagency,KimeEngonzuand Josephine Otuaga.

They were charged by the Economic and Financial Crimes

Commission (EFCC) on an amended22-countchargebordering on fraud.

Yesterday, the witness told the court that N35 million out of the alleged N8.5 billion allegedly divertedbytheaccused,waspaidto theLivingFaithChurch,popularly known as Winners' Chapel.

Led in evidence by the EFCC prosecutor,Mr.RotimiOyedepo, Ahidjo introduced himself as an Abuja-based businessman, who dealt in stationery, printing and general contracts.

The witness said that he carried on his trade under his five companies based inAbuja.

Headdedthatheisaregistered contractor with the National Assembly, the National Population

CommissionandtheIndependent National Electoral Commission (INEC),towhichhemadesupplies.

He claimed to have known Atewe from Villa Church in Abuja, where he said they both worshipped, when the accused was still a Guard Commander.

The witness said he also attended Living Faith Church, whereAtewe also worshipped.

Ahidjonarratedtothecourthow AtewemovedtoBayelsabetween July and September, 2014 where he served as JTF Commander.

Hesaid:"HeinvitedmetoBayelsa and told me that the federal government gave JTF a grant for securityandbuildingofbarracks andifIhaveanycompanyaccount intowhichmoneycouldbepaid.

"Since I knew him very well, I providedthecompaniesaccount."

Thewitnesssaidonhissecond visit toAtewe in Bayelsa, he was told that three payments were abouttobemadeintohisaccounts andassoonastheyweremadehe shouldacknowledgethepayments and await further instructions.

"He said within two to three days of the meeting, he started to receive the payments and accordingly informedAtewe, who askedhimtoholdontillhe(Atewe) returned toAbuja.

The witness said that upon Atewe'sreturntoAbuja,heinvited him to his office, where he introduced,Engozu,(thirdaccused),as thepersonthatwouldtakedelivery of the money fromAhidjo.

Three Dead,23 Injured as GUO Bus Plunges into Lagos River Chiemelie Ezeobi

At least three persons lost their lives yesterday in a fatal accident that also left 23 others with varying degree of injuries when a luxurious bus they were traveling in plunged into the Majidun River.

Theincidentwhichhappened at the Owode Elede area of Ikorodu, Lagos, Involved the a luxury bus belonging to GUO Transport services Co. Ltd. with registration number Anambra GDD 386 YE. The bus was said to have been enroute Maza Maza, Lagos from Aba,Abia State, when it skidded off the road while on top speed and plunged into the Canal at

Owode Elede, before Mile 12, Ikorodu Road.

Ofthe59passengersonboard, 23 people sustained injuries and weretreatedonthespotbyajoint team of Lagos State Emergency ManagementAgency(LASEMA) and Lagos StateAmbulance Services(LASAMBUS)paramedics.

Confirming the incident, the South West Zonal Spokesperson of the National Emergency Management (NEMA), Ibrahim Farinloye said the incident happened around 3am in the morning.

He added that some people left the vehicle immediately after the incident before the arrival of emergency agency.

General Manager of the Lagos State Emergency Agency (LASEMA),Mr.AdesinaTiamiyu, saidtheagencyreceivedadistress callatabout3.23amviatheemergency toll free number 767/112 concerninganaccidentinvolving a luxurious bus.

"According to preliminary investigations conducted at the scene,itwasrevealedthatthebus skidded off the road as it was approaching the Majidun bridge.

"Nineoutofthetreatedvictims were taken to the Lagos State Trauma Centre at the Toll Gate for further treatment, while two adult male and one female whichincludethemotorboywere recovered dead from the canal.

"The three bodies, accidented bus and their belongings were handedovertomenoftheNigeria Police, Owode Division."

Mr. Tiamiyu affirmed that a proper investigation would be conducted on the incident.

He however advised motorist to be safety conscious and avoid excessivespeedingwhiledriving especially when embarking on night journeys.

The response and recovery operations was coordinated

by LASEMA in conjunction with LASTMA, LASAMBUS, Lagos State Fire Service, RRS, Task Force, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, FRSC, NEMA amongst others.

Eight Mourners Die in Benue Boat Mishap

Gunmen Abduct Delta N.U.T. Treasurer

George Okoh ÓØ ËÕßÜÎÓ

Omon-Julius Onabu ÓØ ÝËÌË

Eight persons yesterday in Gums Local Government Area of Benue State lost their lives after a boat they were traveling in capsized while returning from a burial. In protest, youths who suspected foul play protested the drowning and stoned three elders to death Sole administrator of the area Mr. Anthony Shawon who disclosed this in a chat with newsmen in Makurdi, said the boat whichwasconveyingmourners wasoverloadedwhenitcapsized near Kaambe crossing point at Gbajimba.

He attributed the cause of

the boat accident to heavy wind, adding that most of the mourners who were heavily drunk refused to heed to advice of the boat operatorsrs who had insisted they would ferry some number of persons across and return to cross others.

Angered by the incident, youths in the area held a protest making bonfire while alleging that the incident had a superstitious connotation. In the process, Shawon said three elders were stoned to death and their houses burnt while the district head of Gbajimba Gwatse Akaahena had the windscreen of his car smashed.

The worrisome spate of kidnapping in Delta State reared its ugly head yet again with the abduction of the Treasurer of the state chapter of the Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT), Mr. Titus Okotie.

OkotiewasonFridaymorning reportedlyabductedbyunknown gunmen while traveling on the Asaba-Ughelli expressway.

The victim, who is said to be aspiring for the chairmanship position of the state NUT in the union's election scheduled for July this year, was traveling from Asaba to Ughelli with his daughter when the kidnappers

struck at the Kwale/Ozoro axis of the road.

The gun-wielding assailants reportedlyforcedOkotieoutofhis vehicle into their waiting car and sped off, abandoning the NUT official's car with his shocked daughter on the roadside.

Although, the state police commandspokesmanconfirmed the incident to newsmen when contacted, the motive of the kidnappers was unknown at the time of filing this report.

Itcouldnotbeascertainedtooif Mr.Okotie'sabductorshadmade any demand as they had reportedly not established contact with their victim’s family.

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Kano Women Protest Abductions

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Hospital Offers Free Health Camp

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Rotary Club to Donate Books

ÒÏ ÙÞËÜã ÖßÌ ÙÐ ËÑÙÝ ÓØ ÚËÜÞØÏÜÝÒÓÚ áÓÞÒ ßÜË×Ù ßÌÖÓÝÒÓØÑ ÜÙßÚ áÓÖÖ ØÏâÞ áÏÏÕ ßÏÝÎË㘠ÎÓÝÞÜÓÌßÞÏ ÌÙÙÕÝ ÞÙ ÞÒÏ ÚßÚÓÖÝ ÙÐ ËØÎÖÏ àÏØßÏ ÜÓ×ËÜã ÍÒÙÙÖ˜ ßÜßÖÏÜϘ ÙØÏ ÙÐ ÞÒÏ ×ËØã ÌÏØÏÐÓÍÓËÜÓÏÝ ÙÐ ÞÒÏ ÙÞËÜã ÚÜÙÔÏÍÞ˛ ÒÏ ËÓ× ÙÐ ÞÒÏ ÙÞËÜã ÚÜÙÔÏÍÞ ÓÝ ÞÙ ÏØÍÙßÜËÑÏ ÍÒÓÖÎÜÏØ ÞÙ ÜÏËÎ ÐÙÜ ÚÖÏËÝßÜÏ ËÝ Ë ×ÏËØÝ ÞÙ ËÍÒÓÏàÓØÑ ÝßÍÍÏÝÝ ÓØ ÖÓÐÏ˛ ÍÍÙÜÎÓØÑ ÞÙ ÞÒÏ ËÞÓÙØËÖ ÓÞÏÜËÍã ÜßÝÞ˜ ˫ ÚÙÝÓÞÓàÏ ËÞÞÓÞßÎÏ ÞÙ ÜÏËÎÓØÑ ÒËÝ ÌÏÏØ ÚÜÙàÏØ ÞÙ ÒËàÏ ×ÙÜÏ Ó×ÚËÍÞ ÙØ ÐßÞßÜÏ ËÞÞËÓØ×ÏØÞ ˟ ØÍÙßÜËÑÓØÑ ÜÏËÎÓØÑ ÐÙÜ ÚÖÏËÝßÜÏ ÓÝ ÞÒÏÜÏÐÙÜÏ ÙØÏ ÙÐ ÞÒÏ áËãÝ ÞÙ ÝßÚÚÙÜÞ Ë ÍÒÓÖÎ˪Ý ÐßÞßÜÏ ÝßÍÍÏÝݲˬ ÒÏ ÌÙÙÕÝ ÞÒËÞ ËÜÏ ÑÙÓØÑ ÞÙ ÌÏ ÎÓÝÞÜÓÌßÞÏÎ ÞÙ ÚßÚÓÖÝ ÓØ ÞÒÏ ÝÍÒÙÙÖ ËÜÏ ×ËÓØÖã ÝÞÙÜã ÌÙÙÕݘ ÞÒÏ ÕÓØÎ ÙÐ ÌÙÙÕÝ ÞÒËÞ ÏâÚËØÎ ÞÒÏ ×ÓØÎ ËØÎ ÝÞÜÏÞÍÒ ÞÒÏ Ó×ËÑÓØËÞÓÙØ ÙÐ ÍÒÓÖÎÜÏØ ÞÙ ÌÏ ËÌÖÏ ÞÙ ÓØØÙàËÞϘ ×ËÕÏ ÎÓÝÍÙàÏÜÓÏݘ ËØÎ ÓØàÏØÞ ÞÒÓØÑÝ ÓØ ÞÒÏ ÐßÞßÜÏ˛ ÒÏ ÌÙÙÕÝ ËÜÏ ÞËÜÑÏÞÏÎ ËÞ ÍÒÓÖÎÜÏØ ËÑÏÝ ͵ ̎ ͷ˛ Ý ÚËÜÞ ÙÐ ÞÒÏ ÌÙÙÕ ÚÜÏÝÏØÞËÞÓÙØ ÍÏÜÏ×ÙØ㘠ÞáÙ ÍÏÖÏÌÜÓÞÓÏÝ ̎ ܲ ÏÔÓ ×ÙÞÙãÓØÌÙ˜ Ë ÝÏËÝÙØÏÎ ÝÚÙÜÞÝ ÌÜÙËÎÍËÝÞÏܘ ËØÎ Üݲ ××Ë ËÖÏÔËÓãϘ ËØ ÏÎßÍËÞÓÙØÓÝÞ˜ ÒËàÏ ÌÏÏØ ÓØàÓÞÏÎ ÞÙ ÜÏËÎ ÞÙ ÞÒÏ ÚßÚÓÖÝ ËØÎ ÓØÞÏÜËÍÞ áÓÞÒ ÞÒÏײ áÙ ÚßÚÓÖÝ ÝÒËÖÖ ËÖÝÙ ÜÏËÎ ÏâÍÏÜÚÞÝ ÐÜÙ× ÞÒÏ ÌÙÙÕݲ ÒÏ ÜÏÝÓÎÏØÞ ÙÐ ÞÒÏ Öß̘ Üݲ ÙÎßÚÏ ËÝÙÜϘ áÓÖÖ ÖÏËÎ ÞÒÏ ÎÏÖÏÑËÞÓÙØ ÙÐ ÙÞËÜÓËØÝ ÞÙ ÞÒÏ ÏàÏØÞ áÒÓÖÏ ÞÒÏ ÙÐ ßÜË×Ù ßÌÖÓÝÒÓØÑ ÜÙßÚ˜ ܲ ßÚÙ ËÝÙÜϘ ÓÝ ËÖÝÙ ÏâÚÏÍÞÏÎ ÞÙ ÌÏ ÚÜÏÝÏØÞ ËÞ ÞÒÏ ÏàÏØÞ˛

Ugwuanyi Assesses Fire Service

ÙàÏÜØÙÜ ÐÏËØãÓ ÑáßËØãÓ ÙÐ ØßÑß ÞËÞÏ ãÏÝÞÏÜÎËã ÚËÓÎ ËØ ßØÝÍÒÏÎßÖÏÎ àÓÝÓÞ ÞÙ ÞÒÏ ÞËÞÏ̳Ý ÓÜÏ ÏÜàÓÍÏ ËÞ ÞÓÑÌË ÔßØÍÞÓÙؘ ØßÑߘ ÞÙ ËÝÍÏÜÞËÓØ ÓÞÝ ÖÏàÏÖ ÙÐ ÚÜÏÚËÜÏÎØÏÝÝ ËØÎ ÏÐÐÓÍÓÏØÍã ÓØ ÞÒÏ ÏàÏØÞ ÙÐ ËØã ÓØÐÏÜØÙ ÓØ ÞÒÏ ÞËÞÏ˛ ÑáßËØãÓ ËÜÜÓàÏÎ ÞÒÏ ÞËÞÏ ÒÏËÎÛßËÜÞÏÜÝ ÙÐ ÞÒÏ ÝÏÜàÓÍÏ ËÞ ËÌÙßÞ ͯ​ͯË× ËØÎ áËÝ ÜÏÍÏÓàÏÎ Ìã ÞÒÏ ÝÞËÞÏ˪Ý ÓàÓÝÓÙØËÖ ÓÜÏ ÐÐÓÍÏܘ ܲ ×ÌÜÙÝÏ ÕáÙÜ áÒÙ ÞÙÙÕ ÒÓ× ÜÙßØÎ ÞÒÏ ÚÜÏ×ÓÝÏÝ ÐÙÜ ËØ ÙØ̋ÞÒÏ̋ÝÚÙÞ ËÝÝÏÝÝ×ÏØÞ ÙÐ ÞÒÏ ÐÓÜÏ̋ÐÓÑÒÞÓØÑ ÏÛßÓÚ×ÏØÞ ËØÎ ÙÞÒÏÜ ÐËÍÓÖÓÞÓÏݲ ÒÏ ÑÙàÏÜØÙÜ ØÙÞÏÎ ÞÒËÞ ÞÒÏ ßØÝÍÒÏÎßÖÏÎ àÓÝÓÞ ÌÏÍË×Ï Ó×ÚÏÜËÞÓàÏ ÓØ àÓÏá ÙÐ ÞÒÏ ØÏÏÎ ÞÙ ÏØÝßÜÏ ÞÒËÞ ÞÒÏ ÝÏÜàÓÍÏ áËÝ ÚÜÏÚËÜÏΘ ÏÐÐÓÍÓÏØÞ ËØÎ áÏÖÖ ÏÛßÓÚÚÏÎ ÐÙÜ ËØã ÕÓØÎ ÙÐ ÓØÞÏÜàÏØÞÓÙØ áÒÏØÏàÏÜ ÞÒÏ ØÏÏÎ ËÜÙÝÏ˛ ÐÞÏÜ Ë ÞÒÙÜÙßÑÒ ÓØÝÚÏÍÞÓÙؘ Ùà˛ ÑáßËØãÓ ×ËÎÏ ËàËÓÖËÌÖÏ ÝÙ×Ï ÐßØÎÝ ÞÙ ÞÒÏ ÝÏÜàÓÍÏ ÞÙ ÏØÝßÜÏ ÞÒËÞ ÞÒÏÜÏ ÓÝ ÝßÐÐÓÍÓÏØÞ áËÞÏÜ ÝßÚÚÖã ÓØ ËÖÖ ÞÒÏ ÞÜßÍÕÝ ÝÞËÞÓÙØÏÎ ËÞ ÞÒÏ ÚÜÏ×ÓÝÏݘ ÝËãÓØÑ ÞÒËÞ ˫áÏ ËÜÏ ÒÏÜÏ ÞÙ ×ËÕÏ ÝßÜÏ ÞÒËÞ ÏàÏÜãÞÒÓØÑ ÓÝ ÚÏÜÐÏÍÞÖã ÓØ ÙÜÎÏÜ ÓØ ÖÓØÏ áÓÞÒ ÙßÜ ÜÏÝÚÙØÝÓÌÓÖÓÞã ÞÙ ÚÜÙÞÏÍÞ ÞÒÏ ÖÓàÏÝ ËØÎ ÚÜÙÚÏÜÞã ÙÐ ÞÒÏ ÍÓÞÓäÏØÜãˬ˛

55

FEBRUARY 18, 2017 ˾ THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

NEWSXTRA

LASG Partners ARM to Train Lagosians on Computer Coding Eromosele Abiodun

WORKING FOR THE PEOPLE...

L-R: Former governor of Anambra State, Mr. Peter Obi with the Catholic Archbishop of Onitsha, Hus Grace, Dr. Valerie Okeke, at the Holy Rosary Hospital, Onitsha.

Ministerial Committee Assures of Security at Kaduna Airport John Shiklam in Kaduna Chairman of the ministerial subcommittee on the movement of airport operations from Abuja to Kaduna, Alhaji Alkali Baba Usman, an Assistant Inspector General (AIG), has disclosed that all aspects of security at the Kaduna airport had reached 90 per cent completion.

Speaking to members of the committee who visited the airport on Friday, Usman said the mandate of his committee was to ensure there was security on the road, the runway, terminal and entire airport.

"We are to ensure that passengers from Abuja to

Kaduna or Kaduna to Abuja are protected. So far so good from what we have seen from Abuja to Kaduna, all aspect of preparations in terms of security were 90 per cent ok.

"That is to say our level of deployment on the road has been assessed" Usman said in an interview with journalists during the visit.

As part of the security strategies, certain places have been earmarked to put static phones, while other places have been earmarked for patrol both in and out of Abuja to Kaduna.

"We have inspected the parameter fence in the airport, we have made arrangements

to protect the entire equipment and the building.

"So far so good, this is the first time we are coming and by the grace of God, by the time we come back again, everything must have been on the ground" he said.

He assured that everything regarding security would be in place before the March 8 daedline slated for the diversion of international flights from NnamdiAzikiwe International Airport to Kaduna Airport.

According to him, some of those handling things that were yet to be completed, had assured that they would be completed before the D-Day. He allayed fears about the security situation in Kaduna,

saying that adequate steps had been taken to ensure safety of travelers.

"We have met with the team of security officers in Kaduna and they have assured us that they have put strategies in place to ensure that all hotels and other places of interest are protected and guided.

"There is going to be increased patrol visibility of security agents to ensure that law and order succeeds.

I am satisfied with the security situation in Kaduna from the assurances we have received from security agencies.

"We want to assure that all hands are on deck to ensure the success of the relocation."

Diamond Bank Rewards Customers with N4m for using Mobile App Two lucky customers of Diamond Bank have been rewarded with N2 million each for emerging the two millionth customers to open a Diamond Y’ello account and download, register and carry out financial transaction with its digital financial platform, Diamond Mobile app.

A tailor, Tasiu Mansur, who emerged the two millionth Diamond Y’ello active account holder resides in Kano while a hairdresser, Chidiadi Aguwa, who was newly employed as security guard by a private security firm became the two millionth Diamond Mobile app customer. Chidiadi lives in Lagos.

According to the Bank,

celebrating the two millionth

customer exactly one year after the Mobile app users hit the one million mark was a reflection of the success of its digital led strategy in the delivery of world-class financial services; and the informed choices being made by customers on “better ways to do banking”.

Speaking during the presentation of cheques to the two customers, Uzoma Dozie, Chief Executive Officer, attributed the success of the Bank’s retail-focused digital strategy to unwavering commitment towards going beyond banking and giving customers the opportunity to enjoy convenient banking that suits their changing lifestyle.

“Customers can now access service at their own convenience and be able to do

what they want to do when they want to do it,” Dozie said.

Speaking to journalists in pidgin English, Chidiadi, the lucky two millionth subscriber on the Diamond Mobile App, narrated how she nearly missed out on the winnings because of the nature of her work.

She said: “Aunty Blessing (her account officer) bin dey call me, dey call me but I tell am say na night I dey work and I no get time to come the bank, but after, I con go”.

According to her, she had only N1, 000.00 in her account but had to use N200 from the amount to buy airtime to enable her account officer show her how to download and use the mobile app. Unknown to her, she was the two millionth

customer to download and register the app in her phone.

Tasiu who could only speak Hausa language had his brother with him to act as his interpreter. Overwhelmed with joy, he said his winning the N2 million Naira was pure providence as he was approached whilst walking on the street and convinced of the benefits of having the Diamond Y’ello Savings Account, which he then went ahead to open.

Specifically designed to make banking easier for more than 100 million Nigerians who do not yet have a bank account, the Diamond Y’ello account allows customers perform a wide range of banking transactions from their MTN phones without data or Wi-Fi connection.

In a bid to ensure that its CodeLagos project becomes a success, the Lagos State government has announced that it would partner with ARM Limited, a financial services provider, to create 500 coding centres in public and private schools across the state.

CodeLagos is an initiative of the state government targeted at equipping one million Lagosians with computer programming/ digital skills aimed at making the state the technology frontier in Africa.

The programme is to be launched in April this year with about 300 of whichARM providing and equipping 15 of the centres.

In a chat with newsmen to announce the initiative, the Special Adviser to the State Governor on Education, Obafela Bank-Olemoh said the target was to set up 500 centres before the end of 2017.

He said modalities would have been in place for 300 centres by April in partnership with the private sector, adding that an agreement had been concluded with ARM, one of the private sector players, for the programme.

Specifically, Bank-Olemoh

said, “ARM will be setting up 15 centres and these centres will be established in low Income schools in line with Governor Akinwumi Ambode’s commitment to promoting inclusive governance and qualitative education for all citizens”.

Chief Executive Officer of ARM Limited, Jumoke Ogundare, said her organisation was excited about the partnership with the state on the CodeLagos initiative, adding the project was in line with the commitment of the firm towards improving access to quality education for all.

Ogundare said over the years, ARM had demonstrated in clear terms its commitment to corporate social responsibility (CSR) and given its track record.

She said, “It becomes easier to partner the state on the CodeLagos, believing that it will lead to improved digital knowledge and impact positively on job and wealth creation.”

She added that the company would continue to do its best to ensure that it gives back as a measure of goodwill to the people.

The registration and screening of facilitators for CodeLagos started last week and is ongoing.

BPE, House of Reps to Assist JEDC Tackle Challenges Seriki Adinoyi in Jos House of Representatives Committee on Privatization and Commercialisation and Bureau for Public Enterprise (BPE) have empathised with the Jos Electricity Distribution Company (JEDC) over its many challenges, expressing readiness to assist the company to overcome them in any way possible.

The committee and BPE, which were at the headquarters JEDC in Jos, added, “We are on a fact-finding mission to listen to the company to know its gains and challenges, so that from the Legislative point we would know how to intervene.”

The Chairman of the House Committee, Hon Ahmed Yerima, who was represented by Hon

Babatunde Kolawole, said the committee was in Jos on its oversight function to JEDC, adding that “as a distribution company, we are aware of some of the challenges you are facing. We know that there are obligations enshrine in the Share Purchase Agreement between you and the Government.

Therefore we are here today to assess the extent of execution of the agreement, especially from your side as the purchaser.”

Earlier, the Chairman Board of Directors of JEDC, Alhaji Mahmud Ahmad Yayale, had lamented the myriad of social and political challenges the company was facing, ranging from the effects of the current economic recession in the country, which he said has affected the stability of power supply to consumers, to poor exchange rate.

CHANGE OF NAME

I formerly known and addressed as ADEOYE FATIMAT OLUWAKEMI, now wish to be known and addressed as ADEOYE KEMI DAMILOLA. All former documents remain valid. UNILAG and general public should take note.

I formerly known and addressed as ISHAKU DOGO, now wish to be known and addressed as ISHAKU DOGO BAHAGO. All former documents remain valid.

The general public should take note.

I formerly known and addressed as MISS JOYCE OGHENERUONA ONATERE, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS JOYCE OGHENERUONA ONATEREUBRURHE. All former documents

remain valid. The general public should take note.

I formerly known and addressed as MISS OKONKWO IFEOMA, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS CHUKWUKADIBIA IFEOMA. All former documents remain valid. The general public should take note.

I formerly known and addressed as BLESSING EBERE IGBOCHI, now wish to be known and addressed as BLESSING EBELE AKWURUOHA EJIKE. All former documents remain valid. The general public should take note.

I formerly known and addressed ADEBOLA as OGUNLABI ABAYOMI, now wish to be known and addressed as OGUNLABI ADEBOLA EMMANUEL. All former documents remain valid.

The general public should take note.

I formerly known and addressed as MR. EKWONYE MIRACLE CHUKWUMA, now wish to be known and addressed as MR. EKWONYE MIRACLE SUCCESS. All former documents remain valid.

The general public should take note.

I formerly known and addressed as MISS ADELAJA FOLAKEMI ADELAJA, now wish to be known and addressed as MISS ARIGBABUWO ADEOLA BLESSING. All former documents

remain valid. The general public should take note.

ADDITION OF NAME I formerly known and addressed as NDUBUISI AKWURUOHA, now wish to be known and addressed as PRINCE NDUBUISI KINGSLEY AKWURUOHA EJIKE. All former documents remain valid. The general public should take note.

TR

Saturday, February 18 2017

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Price: N250

MISSILE Senate to Lai Mohammed

“Budget is not just about expenditure. No one is talking about revenue. We need revenue profile. Each time you come, only expenditure is mentioned. How can you say N620,000 was all that was raised by your ministry from the culture sector? We seriously frown at this low and poor IGR. We query it. You must look inward because this is not acceptable.”

– Chairman of Senate Committee on Culture and Tourism, Matthew Urhoghide, expressing displeasure with Lai Mohammed’s inability to generate revenue from the Culture sector in his ministry.

PENDULUM Dele Momodu

dele.momodu@thisdaylive.com

President Buhari And His London Visitors

F

Fellow Nigerians, let me warn quickly that a new circus has come to town and there is a theatre of the absurd ongoing in the city of London. The patrons are very important personalities from Nigeria who have turned the supposed illness of our dear President Muhammadu Buhari into a stage play. At the rate these medical tourists are going, Nigeria may be empty of all its fat cats as they jostle to pay obeisance lest anyone accuses them of nonchalance and of plotting against the President or wishing him dead.

Yes, we can be that petty in this clime.

When President Buhari suddenly left our shores, several weeks ago, he did what our late President, Alhaji Umaru Musa Yar’Adua failed to do which was to send a simple letter to the National Assembly about his intention to go on vacation or for medical treatment, or whatever, and hand over authority to his Vice President, Dr Goodluck Ebele Jonathan. At least, it shows President Buhari had learnt a useful lesson from the experience of his brother and we must praise God for little mercies.

What else could he have done? I think he should have improved on this uncommon performance by telling Nigerians he’s been battling with some debilitating ailment for some time which necessitated his having to travel regularly and sometimes suddenly.

For God’s sake, it is not a crime to fall sick.

We all do, in various degrees, from time to time. At over 70 years on the surface of this earth, no one would expect President Buhari to be in the most perfect state of health. It is a miracle that he survived the harrowing vicissitudes of life after he was thrown into a dungeon in 1985 during the military coup that toppled his dictatorship. He also had to contest some bloody elections a record four times before fortune smiled at him. Naturally, all of these events would have combined to conspire against his health.

So why should he be ashamed of telling the world that his health is failing and that he would have to attend to it as frequently as possible? No one needs to consult a doctor or a prophet to know our President is not very well at this moment and that he deserves our understanding and prayers. Even if we thought otherwise, his London visitors have virtually confirmed our worst fears. Aso Rock media gurus who have been regaling us with tales of how well and fit the President is should have worked harder on their powerful friends to stay in Nigeria and wait to flood the airport whenever it pleases God to bring him back in one piece to Nigeria. Rushing to London to mark register is absolutely unnecessary and a total waste of scarce resources. The London visitors have wittingly or inadvertently attracted more attention to the President’s frailty.

I have taken time to study some of the pictures that have emerged from the President’s shrine in London and most of them did not do justice to whatever it is some people are trying to cover up by fire by force. The pictures have shown clearly why the President cannot just yank himself off from London and return home pronto as his tedious job demands. It is very obvious that the President is no longer in London of his own free volition, even if he ever was at some point. Someone should please beg the Good Samaritans to allow the President receive his medical treatment in peace and hopefully recuperate handsomely and adequately. Only his immediate family should be allowed access to him at this moment.

The visitors actually make it look like they are on an espionage mission to ascertain the

Former President John Mahama and Dele Momodu at home with Kenya’s Vice President, Hon. William Ruto in Nairobi true state of the President’s health in order to plot, position and manipulate what seems an impending power game, sooner or later. At the very best of intentions, the visits represent a free photo opportunity for the new and sudden emergency friends of Buhari.

Where’s the coterie of acolytes who fell over themselves to display unsolicited affection when the President was sick and flown to Saudi Arabia? If President Buhari is in perfect condition, as his ubiquitous media handlers want us to believe, they should allow him enjoy his vacation and return home when he pleases instead of fighting over the pages of newspapers and the airwaves singing discordant notes on how he may arrive today or tomorrow or claiming that his return is delayed by the uncompleted servicing of the Presidential jet when there is more than one such jet and, in any case, it is not a crime to charter a private jet on this one occasion, or beg one of his wealthy party members or friends to send a comfortable plane to pick him up and return him home in perfect comfort. I’m sure they would be too happy and proud to do him that favour. Also, I know it is easier for the NTA to do a regular live broadcast from London whenever our President misses home to assure us there is no cause for alarm. The President and his team seem to forget the importance and pre-eminence of the ordinary Nigerian citizen in all this debacle. They elected the President. He is

answerable to them. It is to them he needs to turn to in order to allay their fears about his health and rumoured death. He can do this by even a one minute video broadcast.

What we are witnessing right now is a negation of what Buhari ever stood for. Our President was known to be a man of very

Rushing to London to mark register is absolutely unnecessary and a total waste of scarce resources.

The London visitors have wittingly or inadvertently attracted more attention to the President’s frailty.

modest means and humble existence. His attraction during the campaigns and what made him readily sellable to majority of Nigerians was the abhorrence of ostentatious living as well as adherence to a disciplined and Spartan life. Many observers are wondering what has gone wrong that our President seems to have become totally oblivious to happenings around him. Nigerians trusted and still trust President Buhari. He should not let his supporters lead him astray and betray that trust. He must continue to show that he knows that he is accountable to the people first and foremost and the only way to do this is to come clean about his state of health and when his doctors say he can return, whether now or later.

This is certainly not the loud change we promised Nigerians two years ago. There is defalcation, decay and decadence everywhere.

Budgets are still being padded left right and centre. Atrocious sums are apparently being spent on frivolities while Nigerian workers are gnashing their teeth everywhere. Our airports remain as hopeless as ever, nearly two years into the life of this government. We are still dishing out endless excuses about why provision of adequate electricity supply has remained rocket science in Nigeria. Government officials continue to run abroad for medicals in flagrant disobedience of instructions to stay at home. The voodoo economists have not been able to arrest the freefall of the naira against the American dollar. The list of woes is ad infinitum. This is DEFINITELY not what we assured our people when we went on the blistering attacks against President Goodluck Jonathan and his carpetbaggers.

We knew the journey won’t be easy but didn’t expect it to be this bad. There are some basic things that should have been easily fixed in one year of active governance. We should have put elevators and escalators in our airports. The jetways at Murtala Muhammed International Airport Lagos should have been modernised and upgraded. The odoriferous washrooms and the stench that oozes and welcomes citizens and visitors to Nigeria should have been permanently sanitised and deodorised. There is no basis for arguing these facts. Some of those saddled with the task of helping Buhari achieve his lofty dreams have failed the man and their country, and even God. I picked on those simple and visible projects in order to show the hopelessness of our situation despite the loquacious change we bandied two years ago. If I were to embark on more important things, I would weep uncontrollably and probably not complete this piece, especially, as I crisscross many poorer and less endowed African countries and marvel at their inspiring productivity. It is that bad! Are we to blame Jonathan again for the miserable states of our airports and the pitiable conditions of our infrastructure?

The solution is not farfetched as I have preached for many years. A nation that sacrifices its best brains on the altar of ethnic balancing, religious sensitivity, greed and avarice, nepotism and jingoism can never prosper. What we need to do urgently is to reverse the dangerous drift towards perdition.

We all know the solution to our calamitous problems but are too timid and irrational to take on our challenges. We are surrounded by seat-warmers and unrepentant gamblers who treat our dear beloved country like one big casino.

Only God can rescue us, if it is not too late.

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