Saturday 18th March 2017

Petrol: NNPC Invites DSS, EFCC to Recover N11bn from Capital Oil Ifeanyi Uba: National oil coy also owes my firm Chineme Okafor in Abuja The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) yesterday, stated that it would take full measures, including inviting

the Department of State Security (DSS) and Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC) to recover about N11 billion worth of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) which it stored in the facilities

of Capital Oil and Gas Limited, under a throughput arrangement, but which was allegedly sold without its permission by the firm.

But in a swift reaction, the

Group Managing Director of Capital Oil and Gas Limited, Ifeanyi Uba told THISDAY last night that the NNPC allegation was misleading and mischievous and that the firm failed to tell the

public that it also owed Capital Oil billions of Naira from their mutual business transactions.

The corporation stated in a statement from its Group General Manager, Public Affairs Division,

Mr. Ndu Ughamadu, in Abuja, that several committees, including an investigative committee had been set up to amongst other Continued on page 8

Makarfi Wants to Kill PDP, Says Governor Dickson ... Page 54 Saturday 18 March, 2017 Vol 22. No 8003. Price: N250

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Federal Ministry of Health Certifies Fanta, Sprite Safe for Consumption The Federal Ministry of Health yesterday clarified the position of Fanta and Sprite, certifying both drinks as safe for consumers.

This development arises from

the recent court judgement on a case filed by Fijabi Holdings versus Nigeria Bottling Company (NBC) and National Agency for Food and Drug Administration

and Control (NAFDAC), both joined as a nominal party.

The court had ordered NAFDAC to order NBC to issue a mandatory warning on

its Fanta and Sprite products, stating that the contents should not be taken with Vitamin C in order to avoid poisoning According to the statement

signed by Akinola Boade, Director of Media and Public Relations, Federal Ministry of Health, the findings of the Ministry’s investigation revealed

that both Benzoic acid and Ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) are ingredients approved Continued on page 8

OPL245:ShellWins,CourtVacates Forfeiture Order Granted EFCC Abacha family, Fasawe, Amasaga drag FG, 6 others to court over re-allocation of oil block

Alex Enumah in Abuja The Abuja division of the Federal High Court yesterday vacated an interim order of forfeiture granted the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in respect of the Oil Prospecting License (OPL) 245 otherwise known as Malabu Oil. Also yesterday, three claimnants of stake in Malabu Oil and Gas – Otunba Oyewole Fasawe, Mohammed Sani Abacha and Kweku Amasaga – dragged the federal government and six others before the Abuja division of the Federal High Court over the re-allocation of OPL 245.

Justice John Tsoho of the Federal High Court vacated the order in a ruling he delivered on an application by Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company Limited and Nigerian Agip Exploration.

Tsoho in his ruling held that conditions precedents before such order could be issued were not met by the Chairman of the EFCC. Continued on page 8

ADIEU OGBEMUDIA...

L-R: Daughter of the deceased, Mrs. Amen Ogbemudia Uhunmwangho; Rev. Mrs Dele Goerge; Edo Deputy-Governor, Philip Shuaibu; former Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon; Governor Godwin Obaseki; son of the deceased, Sam Ogbemudia Jnr, and former Edo State Governor, Adams Oshiomhole, at late Samuel Ogbemudia's final burial ceremony in Benin City, yesterday ... DAN UKANA

Naira Extends Gain on Parallel Market, Now N449/$1... Page 15

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Tears, Tributes as Ogbemudia Goes Home Adibe Emenyonu in Benin City There was free flow of tears as family members, friends and associates of the late Dr. Samuel Ogbemudia, former governor of the defunct Mid-West and Bendel states, gathered to witness his committal to mother earth yesterday at his country home on Iheya Street, off New Lagos Road, Benin City.

Before his burial, there was inter-denominational service, held in his honour at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium,

former Ogbe Stadium, which was named after him.

In his tribute, General Gowon, described the late Ogbemudia as a brave and bold soldier who bore the imprint of service during his tenure as two-time governor.

According to Gen. Gowon, “Ogbemudia was so many things to me; fellow strong believer in one Nigeria; a good administrator and a brother. As a soldier, he played well his part before, during and after the Nigerian Civil War. Even before the war, he saw action in the Congo, as

well as in Tanzania. He was a bold soldier."

Gowon continued: "Between 1967 when he was appointed as Governor of then Mid-West Region by my government and 1975 when we were both sent out of office alongside our other colleagues, Sam exhibited good leadership qualities.

"He did well in office and his legacies still speak well for him today in whatever area of life that he touched: sports, agriculture, transportation, industry, just name it. The old Mid-West and old

Bendel state bore his imprint of service; little wonder several major landmarks bear his name.

He was also one of the most vilified."

The former Head of State while recalling the contribution of late Ogbemudia to his settlement process in UK after his overthrow, further noted that though Ogbemudia was no longer alive, he still lived on because “old soldier never die.”

Also in his tribute, Governor Okowa of Delta state, who was represented by his deputy, King-

sley Utuaro, described the late Ogbemudia as a political icon, statesman, charismatic leader and exemplary patriot both as a military officer and in the sphere of politics and good governance.

He said Ogbemudia was an epitome of vision, dedication, courage, discipline, hard work and selflessness who carved a niche for himself as a quintessential public servant dedicated to the common good of all and to the glory of God. He said history would remember the courageous part

Ogbemudia played as an officer in the Army to preserve the unity of the country during the political crisis of 1966, adding that as a military governor, he shot into national acclaim with his towering achievements in the areas of public infrastructure, urban renewal, public transportation, sports, housing and commerce.

In his accolades, Governor Obaseki of Edo state enjoined all and sundry to keep the memories of Ogbemudia alive, promising that the state government would always be with the children.

a declaration that the allocation of OPL 245 by the 1st and 2nd defendants to the 4th and 5th defendant's via the 2nd defendant's letter on May 11, 2011 titled, "Re: OPL 245 Resolution Agreement/Letter of Award" while the plaintiff's rights and the interests to OPL 245 was subsisting is in violation of the plaintiff's exclusive right under paragraph 5 of the 1st schedule to the Petroleum Act to explore and prospect for petroleum within the area covered by OPL 245 and is therefore invalid, wrongful, null and void and of no effect whatsoever.

The plaintiff also wants the court to give a declaration that the grant of OPL 245 by the 2nd defendant to the plaintiff in the exercise of the 2nd defendants powers under Section 2 of the Petroleum Act Cap. P.10 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 does not constitute an offence under any penal law in Nigeria and OPL 245 is not the proceeds of any offence or crime under EFCC (Establishment) Act Cap. E1 Laws of the Federation 2004 or any other law in force in Nigeria.

Based on the above, the plaintiff therefore wants the court to make an order compelling the defendants to restore to it its right to the exclusive possession of OPL 245.

In addition, the plaintiff is also praying the court for an order of perpetual injunction restraining the defendants and in particular the 6th defendant from treating and or dealing with OPL 245 as a proceed of an offence and from interfering in any manner whatsoever and howsoever with the plaintiff's

exclusive right to explore and prospect for petroleum in the area of OPL 245.

The plaintiff also wants an order of perpetual injunction restraining the defendants from

carrying out any exploration or prospecting activities in connection with or in relation to the area covered by OPL 245.

The matter is yet to be assigned for hearing.

OPL 245: COURT VACATES FORFEITURE ORDER GRANTED EFCC According to the judge, the order of forfeiture ought not to have been granted the EFCC boss in the first instance because he did not meet the required conditions to enjoy such forfeiture order.

He aligned with the submission of the two oil companies that there was no case of tracing of assets or attachment before the EFCC boss rushed to the court to apply and secured the order for forfeiture as part of the condition precedent.

Justice Tsoho also held that the EFCC Chairman was not the proper person that can invoke court jurisdiction for temporary order of forfeiture and that the subject matter, OPL 245 being an oil block is a tangible property not movable.

“I have taken a critical look into the processes filed and submissions by counsel to parties in the matter and I have come to the conclusion that the Chairman of EFCC failed to meet conditions that can enable him enjoy order of temporary forfeiture.

“In effect, the order of temporary forfeiture of January 26, 2017 granted on the application of the EFCC Chairman is hereby set aside and vacated.

With the setting aside of the order of the temporary forfeiture, proceedings in respect of this matter here come to an end,” the Judge said.

Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company Limited and Nigeria Agip Exploration Ltd and other individuals had last month in Abuja asked the Federal High Court to discharge the order of forfeiture which it granted the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission

(EFCC).

Justice Tsoho had on Thursday, January 26, 2017 granted an order of interim forfeiture of Oil Prospecting License (OPL 245) to the Federal Government pending investigation and prosecution of suspects in the $1.1bn Malabu Oil deal.

It would be recalled that Justice Tsoho granted the order following an ex-parte motion filed by the EFCC through its counsel, Mr Johnson Ojogbane.

The judge had also held that the property should be managed by the Department of Petroleum Resources on behalf of the federal government, pending the conclusion of investigation and prosecution of all those involved.

Recall that the EFCC had on December 20, 2016, charged nine suspects, including Adoke, with respect to the $1.1bn scam.

Other accused persons named in the charges filed by the EFCC before a Federal High Court in Abuja, were Etete, Aliyu Abubakar, Malabu Oil & Gas Ltd, Rocky Top Resource Ltd, Imperial Union Ltd, Novel Properties & Dev. Co. Ltd, Group Construction Ltd, Megatech Engineering Ltd. The anti-graft agency, in the charges with suit number, HC/ ABJ/CR/268/2016, accused Adoke of illegally transferring over $800m purportedly meant for the purchase of the OPL 245 to Etete, Malabu Oil & Gas Limited from a Federal Government account.

Abacha family, Fasawe, Amasaga drag FG, 6 others to court over re-allocation of of OPL 245 Meanwhile, some stakeholders of Malabu Oil and Gas yesterday

dragged the federal government and six others before the Abuja division of the Federal High Court over re-allocation of OPL 245.

The stakeholders include Otunba Oyewole Fasawe, Mohammed Sani Abacha and Kweku Amasaga.

Others sued with the Federal Government as defendants are, Minister of Petroleum, Shell Nigeria Ultra Deep Limited, Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company Ltd, Nigerian Agip Exploration Company Ltd, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and Dan Etete.

The plaintiff through its lawyer, J. A. Achimugu in a writ of summons marked FHC/ ABJ/CS/201/2017 is praying the court for a declaration that its rights and interest in OPL 245 granted or re-allocated to it is still valid and subsisting.

The plaintiff also wants the court to declare that since it was not a party to the block 245 resolution agreement dated April 29, 2011 it cannot be bound by the terms of the said agreement as it relates to or concerns OPL 245.

Furthermore, the plaintiff is seeking a declaration that since it was not a party to the block 245 resolution agreement dated April 29, 2011, any payment purportedly made by the defendants into any bank account purporting to be the plaintiff's bank account and or made to the 9th defendant purportedly in the name of the plaintiff was not payment made in pursuance of the said block 245 resolution agreement.

Also, the plaintiff is seeking

PETROL: NNPC INVITES DSS, EFCC TO RECOVER N11BN FROM CAPITAL OIL issues, identify external and internal parties to the illegal deal, as well as another to review its policy and guidelines for engaging in products through-put arrangements with third parties.

The review committee, it added would also establish control measures that could help avert similar incident in the future.

The statement explained that Mr. Henry Ikem-Obih, who is NNPC's Chief Operating Officer, Downstream, gave details of how the infraction was discovered by it earlier in the year when NNPC had need to access the over 100 million litres of petrol stored at the facility of Capital Oil and Gas for NNPC Retail.

Ikem-Obih, according to the statement said: "We instructed the Nigerian Products Marketing Company (NPMC) a subsidiary of NNPC, to send additional trucks to those locations to move products for distribution aimed at meeting a supply shortfall

we discovered in the market, but after days of not being able to access the terminals, we had to take a decision as NNPC management to invite auditors and inspectors to go and do a physical check on the inventories."

He noted that the auditor's visit revealed that there was no molecule of product for the NNPC to evacuate, noting that the infraction by Capital Oil was a clear violation of existing through-put contract which prohibits the owners of the facilities from tampering with the volumes in their custody without express permission of NNPC. Ikem-Obih further explained that the NNPC was mute over the infraction until the Senate uncovered it, but that it had informed relevant agencies of the government about the development.

He said so far, not much progress had been achieved

with Capital Oil Gas which was yet to return 82 million litres of petrol, valued at N11 billion, out of over 100 million litres which it took.

He said the two committees set up would evaluate the roles played by some of its staff in the illegal product evacuation and review its entire through-put policy in order to align it with global best practices.

As part of efforts to forestall a repeat of similar occurrence in the future, Ikem-Obih stated that a disciplinary committee was already investigating the level of involvement of its staff with a view to applying appropriate sanctions as a deterrence measure.

On possible punitive measures to be meted out to culpable staff and erring firms, he also said it would be better to allow the committees decide that in line with existing laws and regulations.

He also added that the product diversion would not

affect the corporation petrol supply schedule, adding that the Group Managing Director of NNPC, Dr Maikanti Baru, had approved an increase in importation of petrol to make up for the shortfall.

But the GMD of Capital Oil insisted that it is normal for parties in businesses to owe each other in business relationship and that if reconciliation is carried out with NNPC, the firm will find out that there may be very little or nothing for Capital Oil to pay them.

Uba buttressed his point by alleging that in the last four months, the NNPC had borrowed products running into millions of litres from Capital Oil. “Ask the NNPC if they do not also owe Capital Oil. They should stop trying to use the media to kill me. We have an ongoing relationship and we need to sit down and reconcile our accounts,” remarked the Capital Oil boss.

FEDERAL MINISTRY OF HEALTH CERTIFIES FANTA, SPRITE SAFE FOR CONSUMPTION

by International Food Safety regulators and used in many food and beverage products around the world.

On whether the levels of additives introduced as preservatives are within specification or not, the statement revealed: “Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC) is the organ established by Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) and World Health Organization (WHO) to set internationally recognised standards, codes of practice, guidelines relating to foods, food production, and food safety.

“In the case of Benzoic acid, the standard set by Codex was 600mg/kg until recently reviewed to 250mg/kg and adopted in 2016 (CODEX STAN 192–1995 revised 2015 and 2016); with reference to the Codex standard and other relevant documents, Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) as the standard setting body in Nigeria in consultation with technical experts and relevant stakeholders elaborated the standard of benzoic acid in soft drinks to be at 250mg/kg based on the national climatic and storage conditions - this standard has been in existence since 1997 and revised in 2008 (NIS 217:2008) “The levels of benzoic acid in Fanta (1 batch) and Sprite (2 batches) presented by the claimant in the court are 188.64mg/ kg, 201.06mg/kg and 161.5mg/ kg respectively; these levels are in compliance with both the Codex and Nigeria Industrial Standards.”

The statement also clarifies that the Coca-Cola products manufactured in Nigeria are safe for consumption in view of the following reasons: “Risk assessment was conducted to ascertain maximum limits of food additives acceptable in foods; this takes into consideration the environmental, storage and distribution conditions as well as the shelf life of food products; NAFDAC and SON regularly monitor the manufacturing practices of food industries and conduct laboratory analysis to ascertain continuous compliance with required national standards; there was a routine inspection conducted at Nigeria Bottling Company by NAFDAC officers in December 2016 which was

satisfactory.”

There has been widespread public fear that Fanta and Sprite produced by NBC Nigeria failed the UK benzoic test and therefore harmful to consumers. But the statement from the health ministry also clarified the difference between the standard of Fanta and Sprite in Nigeria and United Kingdom.

According to the statement, “with reference to the Codex standards, each country or region is permitted to adapt a standard/limit based on countryspecific scientific evidence such as environmental, storage and distribution conditions; benzoic acid as a preservative prevents the growth of microorganisms which thrive more at higher climatic temperatures like in Nigeria “Due to the different environmental conditions obtainable in the UK, the standard for benzoic acid was set at a lower limit of 150mg/kg while in Nigeria it was set at 250mg/kg even below that of Codex (as at time of production of that batch; Codex limit was 600mgkg); and Food products being imported into a country must comply with the relevant standards of the destination country.”

The statement also revealed that NAFDAC has processes in place to ensure products imported into the country are evaluated to ascertain compliance with required Nigeria Industrial Standards. “The claimant did not obtain NAFDAC certification before export, otherwise, he would have been advised on the required standard of the destination country,” said the ministry in the statement.

“In view of the above, we would like to advise all Nigerians to take medicines with potable water. This would help to prevent unexpected drug-food interactions. For the benefit of the health of all Nigerians, all bottling companies are encouraged to insert advisory warnings on all products as necessary,” the Federal Ministry of Health advised.

The Honourable Minister of Health had summoned a meeting of the Department of Food and Drug Services, Federal Ministry of Health, NAFDAC, and Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) to address the issues raised by the judgement.

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MARCH 18, 2017 • THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

RingTrue

Yemi

Adebowale It’s in Buhari’s Interest to Tame Hammed Ali 07013940521 yemi.adebowale@thisdaylive.com

H

ammed Ali, the Comptroller General of Customs is one man that has persistently brought opprobrium to the Buhari administration. His anti-people actions and inactions portray a man that is power-drunk. Ali must have been emboldened by the silence of the Presidency. Otherwise, I can’t understand why a mere political appointee has obstinately insulted elected representatives of the people.

The Customs boss was summoned by the Senate to explain some of his inexplicable actions, but decided to denigrate that institution and the senators. Ali was so pompous, initially stating that he would not appear on the given day because the date “coincided with the routine management meeting” of the NCS. He asked the upper chamber of the National Assembly to fix another date for his appearance. I wonder how a routine management meeting of the Customs became more important than the subpoena by elected representatives of Nigerians. I concur with Senate Leader, Ahmed Lawan that Ali’s reason was not tenable. Perhaps, this Comptroller General does not understand the meaning of “summon”. By the time Ali turned up on Thursday, he failed to wear his official uniform as directed by the lawmakers.

This is preposterous. It clearly shows that Ali wanted to confront the lawmakers that clearly told him to appear in the appropriate Customs uniform. He had hit back, asking the lawmakers to show interest in his work not his dress. I have heard some Nigerians supporting

Ali

Ali’s position. Haba! The uniform is the symbol of any military or paramilitary agency. This Customs boss has to lead by example, by wearing Customs uniform and showing respect for the institution.

He did so when he was in the Army. It is not just about doing his job, but showing respect for our institutions. If this man feels that he is too big for the Customs uniform, the most honourable thing to do is resign from the position. We must build strong institutions and not strong people.

Though, Ali’s dubious revenue drive was suspended on Wednesday, it is still pertinent to take a critical look at the nonsensical plan. Ali wants duty to be paid on vehicles already in use. These are mainly vehicles that did not come in

Magu Should Be Substituted Immediately I have spent quality time reading the security report written by the Department of State Security on Ibrahim Magu, the acting chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission. Magu clearly has a very bad case. There was no point re-nominating him after he had been disqualified by the Senate. I am convinced that President Buhari did not read this report and that the cabal running this country manipulated the President to re-present Magu. It was absolutely unnecessary.

I find four of the 14-paragraph report indicting Magu instructive. The DSS states: “Following a search at his (Magu) residence during the tenure of Farida Waziri (AIG/rtd) as the commission’s chairman, some sensitive EFCC documents which were not supposed to be at his disposal were discovered. He was subsequently redeployed to the police after days of detention and later suspended from the Force. In December 2010, the Police Service Commission found Magu guilty of action prejudicial to state security, withholding of EFCC files, sabotage, unauthorised removal of EFCC files and acts unbecoming of a Police officer, and awarded him severe reprimand as punishment.

“Magu is currently occupying a residence rented for N40 million, at N20 million per annum. This accommodation was not paid for from the commission’s finances but by one Umar Mohammed (Air Commodore/rtd), a questionable businessman and ally of the subject who has subsequently been arrested by this service.

“The EFCC boss has so far maintained a high-profile lifestyle. This is exemplified by his preference for first-class air travels.

On 24th June, 2016, he flew Emirate Airlines’ first class to Saudi Arabia to perform the Lesser Hajj at the cost of N2,990,196.

This is in spite of Mr. President’s directive to all public servants to fly economy class.

through the sea ports. The Customs boss gave a grace period of one month and had planned to start impounding defaulting vehicles from next month.

Motor dealers and private owners of such vehicles were directed to visit Customs zonal offices to pay the appropriate duty on them. Ali said that there would be an aggressive anti-smuggling operation to seize, as well as prosecute owners of such smuggled vehicles after the deadline of Wednesday 12th April, 2017. He was subsequently subpoenaed over the ludicrous plan. The big question here is: Where was Ali and his boys when these vehicles came into the country? By this aborted plan, he has simply told us that his men have failed to perform their duties of protecting our borders and collecting duties.

Ali wanted to create check points, just like police, VIO and FRSC to extort money from vehicle owners in the name of checking for Customs clearance papers. This would have certainly created enormous crisis on our roads and encourage more corruption in the Customs. This aborted plan would have placed severe hardship on already distressed Nigerians, and provided a platform for bullying and harassment by Ali’s boys. Nigerians must not be made to suffer for the failure of the Customs. What Ali is telling Nigerians now is that they must demand for Customs clearance papers before buying vehicles. This is ludicrous. This Customs boss should be thinking and working on how to tighten our borders to reduce smuggling of vehicles and other banned goods. He must also come up with better ways of monitoring vehicles imported through the ports to ensure payment of duties. All these require wisdom and inventiveness, and not use of force.

I am not sorry to say that Ali and his men at the numerous ports have spent the last 18 months harassing and extorting money from hapless Nigerians in the name of collecting revenue for the federal government.

Some of them are even acting like armed robbers. They attack and break into people’s shops in the night, claiming to be searching for smuggled goods. Rice traders in Ogun and Oyo States can attest to

this madness. Ali’s men positioned at the land borders have obviously showed a high level of corruption and ineptitude.

They leave our flanks open, only to turn around, and start chasing the smugglers in the streets. The Customs boss should deal with this, instead of encouraging his men to run after rice and second-hand vehicle traders in the streets of Nigeria. Ali has to cleanse his agency by genuinely fighting corruption. The Customs’ anti-smuggling squad must be restricted to our borders.

Again, Ali must be told in clear terms by the Presidency that his men must go about their duties in a very professional manner and stop breaking into the shops of traders.

This government must not be seen encouraging impunity.

Most Nigerians find it very painful that Ali has failed in his core mandate of tackling corruption in the Customs; yet, he goes about creating the impression that he is working. Expectations were high that the supposedly no-nonsense Ali would kill corruption in the Customs. Back then, he declared with enthusiasm: “The mandate he (Buhari) has given me are three basic things: go to Customs, reform Customs, restructure Customs and increase the revenue generation, simple. I don’t think that is ambiguous, I don’t think that is cumbersome.” He was just grandstanding.

18 months down the line, the service is evidently still deep in corruption. Try clearing a car and you will understand what I am saying. Also visit the land borders and experience Customs-sanctioned smuggling. I thought that the Customs boss was going to challenge the Chairman of the Presidential Advisory Committee against Corruption, PACAC, Itse Sagay who declared that the Customs was still drenched in corruption even under the Buhari administration. “There is no difference in Customs since May 29, 2015. If you go to Tin Can Island, it is business as usual,” declared Sagay. Ali simply kept quiet. He should be bold enough to admit that he has failed in this mission. It has been all motion and no movement. There are no signs that things will improve in the future. Fighting corruption in the Customs requires more than grandstanding. Just as I said last week, this country needs a brilliant and tactical person to head our Customs. This is obviously beyond Ali. This morning, I am urging him to step aside. Again, this government should start thinking about privatising the collection of Customs and Excise duties. This is another way of reducing the sleaze in this agency.

Senate, Please Reject Sylvanus Nsofor Magu

“To cover his tracks, Magu uses only his police cronies to execute operations.

This, coupled with discoveries that such police cronies have acquired a lot of landed property, lends credence to the questions about his integrity.”

I agree that Magu has evidently failed the integrity test. The Senate was right in rejecting him. He should be replaced immediately. Any further delay will negatively affect the anti-corruption war. Former Minister of Education and Co-Convener of the Bring Back Our Girls, Obi Ezekwesili was apt when she accused the Buhari administration of putting the credibility of the anti-corruption war in doubt by re-nominating Magu, despite being privy to the report of the DSS. Her call on the Presidency to provide an explanation for the action to Nigerians was also apropos.

Buhari should save Nigeria from further embarrassment by swiftly nominating a new chairman for the EFCC.

About two weeks ago, I religiously followed the screening of 82-year-old non-career ambassadorial nominee, retired Justice Sylvanus Nsofor by the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs.

He is one of the 46 on the “reviewed list” and Buhari is seeking legislative approval for their appointments. I showed keen interest because of Nsofor’s age. I couldn’t fathom why this country wants to send out an 82-year-old as ambassador.

Nsofor’s refusal to recite the National Anthem when he was asked to do so also

enraged me. Members of the committee were also shocked by his action. After engaging the lawmakers in arguments, he was eventually asked to take a bow and leave the venue. I hope it is not a sign that he would be cleared? Aside from his age issue, Nsofor has shown that he lacks the politeness required of an ambassador. He should be allowed to enjoy his retirement quietly in his village in Oguta where he would be more useful to the masses.

Nsofor is one name the Senate must reject.

That Boko Haram Attack in Magumeri When Boko Haram terrorists attacked Magumeri town in Borno State on Wednesday, the military outpost in the town was sacked. An armoured vehicle, a block of office and the communication room of the military were also set ablaze. A member of the vigilante group in the town said about 300 terrorists were involved in the attack, using six Toyota Hilux van, 10 motorcycles and some on foot. They

overpowered the soldiers, with most of them fleeing. The police station in the town was also attacked and the vehicle of the Divisional Police Officer was riddled with bullets. Casualty figure on the part of the military is still sketchy. My take away is the large number of terrorists (about 300) involved in the attack. This is food for thought for all of us in relation to stories that the terrorists have been decimated.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • MARCH 18, 2017

SUPER SATURDAY

CLEMS OHANEZE I Love Being Around ‘Babes’

Clems Ohaneze

One of Nigeria’s versatile actors, Clems Ohaneze, a native of Oguta in Imo State, is a delight to watch in movies; methodical and consistent, he has continued to bring delight to the country’s movie lovers. Born and raised in Port Harcourt, the veteran actor feels acting cannot put food on his table. So, how does he survive and maintain his stardom? He reveals that and many more in this interview with Oge Ezeliora, as he talks about his wife, daughters and what keeps him going

W

hat is the secret behind your successful career in Nollywood?

I give thanks to God for the journey so far. God has made everything so easy for me. From grace to grace I have been highly favoured; sincerely, not by my power or might, but by the spirit. I appreciate God for life; it is not as if I am the best, but it is God’s favour upon my life and he is the only one I can attribute it to.

When you started acting, how much where you paid?

I don’t discuss my fee publicly. It is personal not for the world to know.

Just between me and my producer.

Sincerely, nothing can make me to disclose my acting fee. It is against my

profession. I am sorry.

What is your most annoying experience as a Nollywood Star?

As a Nollywood star, growing up in the industry, we are used to seeing all kinds of things. There is nothing that is new in Nollywood. Sometimes you watch people act foolishly all in the name of interpreting a particular role.

All I do is to correct them. Sometimes, in the cause of acting, a director or producer may get you annoyed; all I do is move on to the next level and continue with my work. Even if I am embarrassed, by some of my fans I still don’t get annoyed. I just see it as an interesting thing which can happen to anybody. I have never been embarrassed in the cause of shooting or acting a movie. It is what makes me a good actor.

Tell us about your family.

Let me first of all talk about my daughters: they are the reason behind my existence. They have been my pillar and strength; being a father is not easy; it is a lifetime project which sometimes, gets one confused – wondering whether one is doing the right thing or not. I took good care of my children so they are always there for me, especially during the rough times.

The reason I am standing here today is because I have lovely children who believe in what I do and love me so dearly.

lywood?

My talent; God has created me as a good actor and my way of doing things sets me apart.

What’s your greatest fear in life?

I don’t think I have any fear. But of course, we have many types of fear but my fear is always new opportunities and more blessings.

Do you have any word for your fans?

I’m very grateful. After God, they are the reason my name, Clems Ohaneze, is alive and I have a word of encouragement for them all: ‘by perseverance the snail reached the

What stands you out in Nol-

Could you define your dress sense?

I dress to look good and comfortable. I don’t follow trends but as long as the attire looks perfect on me. Nobody should expect Clems to follow trends anytime or any day because I’m the wrong person to expect such from although I can wear anything but I can never go naked.

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • MARCH 18, 2017

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SATURDAY I LOVE BEING AROUND ‘BABES’ CLEMS OHANEZE…

I am an extrovert. I am peoples’ person – always open. Though it is what people say you are, that is what you are. I may be quiet to you but at home I am lively with my daughters. That is the reality, but I am an extrovert. I love seeing people. I love being with people all the time, especially babes

ark.’ They should never give up or sit down and grieve; they should press in, on and press through. We should also continue to pray to God for the economic situation of the country to improve.

How have you remained relevant in the film industry?

I read a lot. I take courses online. I go to workshops; attend various film academies; both local and international film academies. I’m sure a lot of people don’t know this about me because I don’t say it out. I love reading; I am searching; I am trying to get knowledge. I am trying to know more because that’s my passion.

Nollywood is developing and younger actors and actresses are in competition because of their partnership with Hollywood and Bollywood actors. What’s your view about the industry?

Nollywood is still a baby industry compared to Hollywood or Bollywood. It gives me great concern when people make comparison. The question is: when did we start? It is true that we are developing everyday but we are still in the starting stage.

There is no avenue for comparison.

Nollywood is still a baby. Hollywood has its own strengths though; same to Bollywood but Nollywood is still a toddler compared to others. If at this stage, it has come this far, then we should appreciate our industry. There have been quite a lot of innovations.

What it was few years ago is no longer what it is today. It is no longer what it used to be; we are growing every day. But then, there is absolute need for us to move with time because we have an advantage right now which Hollywood and Bollywood don’t even have. Hollywood and Bollywood do not have the advantage we have now. There is still need to create more avenues of generating funds through film-making while we are already doing that here in Nigeria. Nollywood is revolving and I am happy about that. It will structure itself in no time.

Ohaneze But if you force the industry to grow by force it will collapse.

Can you talk about your personality?

I am an extrovert. I am peoples’ person – always open. Though it is what people say you are, that is what you are. I may be quiet to you but at home I am lively with my daughters. That is the reality, but I am an extrovert. I love seeing people. I love being with people all the time, especially babes.

What is the most challenging role you have ever played in movies?

Every role comes with its own challenge. And I take them as they come; I take them one after the other.

I cannot say this is more challenging because there is no role that is small.

No role is (too) big. As long as there is interpretation, I am equal to the

task. Yes, the interpretation itself is a challenge. So, I cannot say this role is more difficult to play than the other one. I take them just as they come just with their challenges.

Any plan for retirement soon?

Well, not now. My face is still relevant in the industry. Because this is not the only thing I do. I have some other things I do for a living. I am into different businesses. For me, you can’t make a living out of acting. It is not possible. Acting cannot put food on my table. How much do they pay to depend on acting for a living? I am still hanging in the industry for now because I want to maintain this face.

This is the face I use to knock on big doors and they open for me. That is the essence of me still maintaining my face in the industry.

Let’s talk about your family. Do you still spend quality time with you wife and children?

Oh yes. I just finished speaking with two of my daughters not long ago. No matter what I am I always there for them. We are even planning to go on vacation soonest and they will join me in my new house. We are very close and they love their daddy so much.

How many are they?

I have three pretty daughters. They are the most beautiful girls I have ever seen. We are so close. My daughters are beauty queens. You need to see them.

What about their mother?

Their mother is fine. She is doing well. I thank God for her life and I pray that she continues to progress in all she does.

My Three Pretty Daughters Are Behind My Existence

12

march 18, 2017• THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

COMMENTARY

THE PRESIDENT’S HANDLERS AND THE PRESIDENT’S HEALTH

T

Buhari’s medical leave in the UK is a vote of no confidence on our health sector, writes Ikeogu Oke

his piece was triggered by a tweet I stumbled on recently.

Emanating from the tweeter handle of one George Okusanya, it read, ‘Femi Adesina: “The president is not sick”. Lai Mohammed: “The president is hale and hearty”. GMB: “I couldn’t recall ever being so sick”.’

Clearly, the tweet juxtaposes the words of Femi Adesina, the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to President Muhammadu Buhari, and Lai Mohammed, the President’s Minister of Information and Culture, on the one hand, and those of the president on the other hand. By this contrasting placement, the tweet seems to provide proof of the allegation that the president’s handlers had misinformed Nigerians about the state of his health while he was in the UK on medical leave, in consequence of which they have drawn flak from a legion of critics.

I, for one, had been taken aback by the morbid interest shown by some Nigerians in knowing the exact state of the president’s health while he was receiving medical treatment abroad. And this is why: I had thought such people would be more concerned about the resultant indignity for our country that, 56 years after Independence, our president, the president of the country that prides itself as the “Giant of Africa” and “the most populous black nation in the world”, still travels to a foreign country, the country of our colonial masters, to receive medical treatment for a protracted period, during which he might be splayed repeatedly on an operating table, anaesthetised, and carved open by foreign scalpels.

This image and its situation should make any Nigerian patriot shudder with disgust. And, with the image on our minds, I’m sure we can understand why no self-respecting leader of any self-respecting nation goes to a foreign country for medical treatment. It is about national pride and unrelated to the size or population of the country. Therefore big, small and medium-sized countries like the United States, Russia, China, Cuba, North Korea and South Africa have so developed their health sectors that their citizens can hardly imagine their leaders going to another country for medical treatment, considering the national risk – need I specify such? – and humiliation involved.

But not us Nigerians: an assortment of largely unreflective citizens with practically no sense of nationalism or national pride, who emphasise their disunity as though it were an asset. We would rather concern ourselves with unnecessary inquiries about the actual state of the president’s health as if a negative prognosis would alleviate our suffering under the current harsh economy. And did we really expect to receive such report from the president’s handlers rather than his doctors who are ethically forbidden from making such disclosures?

I say the enquiries were unnecessary not only because of the ethical barrier of confidentiality against divulging the medical records of their patients which doctors must observe, but also because the president already said he was going on medical leave, with the implication that he needed to look after his health. Perhaps anyone who in spite of that chose to indulge in the folly of inquiring about the state of his health deserves the answer that he was “not sick” or “hale and hearty”, as given by his handlers.

Besides, those who accuse the president’s handlers of lying about the state of his health show lack of understanding that in certain

WE SHOULD ALL FEEL DISTRESSED BY THE MORAL DISEASE OF BEING CITIZENS OF A COUNTRY THAT ALLOCATES BILLIONS YEARLY TO ITS HEALTH SECTOR AND YET ITS LEADER CANNOT FIND A RELIABLE HOSPITAL WITHIN ITS BORDERS TO ATTEND TO HIS MEDICAL NEEDS AT CRITICAL TIMES

circumstances it is wiser to speak with discretion than tell the literal truth. Abraham demonstrated this in the Bible when, driven by the instinct for self-preservation, he told King Abimelech that Sarah was not his wife but his sister, with Sarah concurring. Jesus did a similar thing by giving that rather evasive, famous answer – “Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s…” – to the scribes and chief priests who sought to entrap him with the question: “Is it lawful for us to pay taxes to Caesar or not?” Those who condemn the president’s handlers having literarily given him a clean bill of health in contrast with the president’s words may also not be familiar with what Plato calls “the noble lie”, which the great Greek philosopher approves. Wikipedia defines this, in relation to politics, as “a myth or untruth …knowingly propagated by an elite to maintain social harmony….”

And, indeed, negative information about a president’s health can upset social harmony – and even the economy – in a state. This explains why negative information about the health of leaders of nations is managed with utmost care, with the tendency not to divulge such except when it becomes unavoidable, though such leaders may choose to do so themselves as in Buhari’s case.

The potential harm such a revelation can cause becomes easier to appreciate for a country currently marked by social, religious, ethnic and economic volatility like ours. And if President Buhari’s handlers had this in mind while maintaining that he was “not sick” or was “hale and hearty” though he was receiving medical attention, then they acted patriotically.

Rather than criticise them, I think we should concern ourselves with stopping our country from offshoring presidential sickness – both the pathological and the moral. For we should all feel distressed by the moral disease of being citizens of a country that allocates billions yearly to its health sector and yet its leader cannot find a reliable hospital within its borders to attend to his medical needs at critical times.

Actually, Buhari’s trip to the UK on medical leave implied his having passed a vote of no confidence on our health sector. Former “military President” Ibrahim Babangida did the same thing by travelling to France in 1985 to treat his radiculopathy, spawning an absurd media circus while abroad. The late President Umaru Yar’Adua repeated it by travelling to Saudi Arabia to treat the sickness from which, unfortunately, he didn’t recover. In fact, our leaders discourage us from believing in our country by acting in ways that suggest their lack of faith in it, like not trusting its medical facilities.

Now, President Buhari repeating the practice 32 years after Babangida’s case also implies his admission that our health sector has not improved for presidential reliance for that long. And that we have not learnt from Yar’Adua’s case that travelling abroad for medical treatment may not guarantee a cure for a leader who is in a position to develop his country’s health sector but fails to do so.

But, more importantly, I believe he would agree that a leader in his position, a symbol of change, having to travel abroad for medical treatment may be expedient but not right. And if, considering this, he sees to the improvement of our health sector to stop our embarrassing offshoring of presidential sickness, then the current negative experience would have been somewhat beneficial and not lacking the proverbial silver lining.

DRINKING FANTA AND SPRITE

S

o, here we are, the Nigerian Bottling Company finally responds to the decision by the court that the National Agency For Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) orders that it should put a written warning on Fanta and Sprite bottles stating that both soft drinks are poisonous when consumed along with Vitamin C. There are many troubling dimensions to the matter at hand. But first, we must dispense with some preliminary matters. Though one is not fully privy to the particulars of this case, yet one must wonder why the court is ordering NAFDAC to order NBC to take action having found in favour of the objection raised by the UK authorities. Why can the court simply not order the Nigerian Bottling Company Plc, which is a party to the suit, to take action?

Even when one might understand why a window of 90 days is given to the company to put “a written warning that the content of the said bottles of Fanta and Sprite soft drinks cannot be taken with Vitamin C as same becomes poisonous if taken with Vitamin C”, one still wonders why the court did not deem it necessary to also order for a recall of the bottles already in the market to make them judgment-compliant. If a matter this sensitive has been caught up in the slow-grinding wheel of the court system since 2008, are we saying that even when judgment is finally delivered in 2017, it still did not call for an emergency action and order for the company to take immediate steps to prevent further risk of a possibly poisonous combination for Nigerians?

Also, still without the benefit of having read the judgment in full, it is curious to find out from the excerpts available that even though the court “is in absolute agreement with the learned counsel for the claimants that soft drinks manufactured by

Simbo Olorunfemi raises a pertinent question: Are there more things to worry about?

Nigeria bottling company ought to be fit for human consumption irrespective of colour or creed...(and) that the knowledge of the Nigeria Bottling Company that the products were to be exported is immaterial to its being fit for human consumption,” there is no record of sanction on the company or order for it to pay damages to either the claimant or those who might have been victims of what it considers gross irresponsibility on the part of NAFDAC “in its regulatory duties to the consumers of Fanta and Sprite manufactured by Nigeria Bottling Company.”

But importantly, it is the silence in which this sensitive matter has been shrouded that is even more worrying. Judgment in this matter was delivered on February 15, 2017, yet it does appear it did not make into the news chain until more than three weeks after. Indicting as that seems to be of the Nigeria media that a matter this sensitive ran a course of nine years in court without any record of coverage in the news speaks in eloquence to the state and mind of journalism practice in the country. It is shocking, to say the least, that NAFDAC, having not deemed it necessary to take any action on receipt of the concern expressed by the UK laboratory nine years ago, will still fold its arms and not issue a statement alerting the public to the possibility of this danger, weeks after the court has entered judgment in this matter. All round, this speaks to the levity with which matters to do with the health and safety of Nigerians is treated by almost everyone charged with a mandate to stand in gap for the people.

Now, to the crux of the matter, which has to do with the level of benzoic acid, a preservative, in two of its products, which United Kingdom health authorities were uncomfortable with and on which basis the products were adjudged not fit for human consumption in that country, it is noteworthy that the defence by the NBC, from the excerpts of the

judgment available, is that its products are meant for local distribution and consumption, as it does not produce for export, a position rightly not considered tenable by the learned Justice Oyebanji.

In a statement issued to the public, NBC has now gone further to shed more light on the matter.

According to it, whereas, “the UK standards limit benzoic acid in soft drinks to a maximum of 150 mg/kg, both Fanta and Sprite have benzoic levels of 200 mg/kg which is lower than the Nigerian regulatory limit of 250 mg/kg when combined with ascorbic acid and 300 mg/kg without ascorbic acid and also lower than the 600 mg/kg international limit set by CODEX.” In other words, it is well within prescribed limits set nationally and globally and does not see the rationale why its products meant for the local market have to be assessed on the basis of the UK Standard. NBC argues that “the permissible ingredient levels set by countries for their food and beverage products are influenced by a number of factors such as climate, an example being the UK, a temperate region, requiring lower preservative levels unlike tropical countries.”

But then we must questions. Can we have a comparative analysis of the preservative levels of other tropical countries? What happens in countries that swing from one weather type to another, depending on the part of the country? Do they operate a uniform level or are products made region-specific within the country? In fact, what do we have to lose by aligning ourselves with the standard set by the United Kingdom, for instance? What have they found in UK that other countries might not have found? Or is still simply a factor of the nature of the climate there, as NBC has submitted? These are the questions both the manufacture and regulatory authorities need to immediately provide reassuring

answers to. That NAFDAC can be this quiet in the face of what one considers an emergency, both for the company and consumers, is troubling.

Whatever the case might be, I am concerned about the link between the premise and conclusion in Paragraph six of the statement by NBC in which it submits that “given the fact that the benzoic and ascorbic acid levels in Fanta as well as the benzoic acid level in Sprite produced and sold by NBC in Nigeria are in compliance with the levels approved by all relevant national regulators and the international level set by CODEX, there is no truth in the report that these products would become poisonous if consumed alongside Vitamin C.” I do not think it is sufficient or right to summarily conclude that on account of the fact that the benzoic level is within accepted standards, it then automatically means it cannot become poisonous if consumed alongside Vitamin C. I find it difficult to see how that premise justifies the conclusion arrived at there and will rather advise that we tread with more caution on this combination until, or unless the claim here, is that there is sufficient scientific backing that as long as the benzoic level is within that set standard, there is no risk that it becomes poisonous if consumed alongside Vitamin C. But then, this is even beyond Fanta and Sprite.

The more pertinent questions brought to the fore by this are – Are there more things we need to be worried about? Can we be sure there is someone out there really looking out for the safety and best interest of Nigerians? To lose faith in an agency such as NAFDAC with charge over food and drugs is no good for the system. It has a lot of work to do redeeming itself.

Olorunfemi works for Hoofbeatdotcom, a Nigerian Communications Consultancy and publisher of Africa Enterprise

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march 18, 2017 • THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

INSIGHT

Are we safe?

While You Were Away, Mr President

M

onday, February 6, marked another watershed in protests against any government of the day in Nigeria. It wasn’t a massive demonstration that could drown similar ones in the past. The significance rather rests in its coming at a time of biting recession, and in the absence of the leader of the nation, who was on medical leave abroad.

Even when the Police were able to persuade popular musician and initiator of the anti-government (termed, anti-Buhari) protest, Mr. Innocent Idibia (aka 2Face) to cancel the march on security grounds, the ordinary citizens, goaded by civil society organisations and student bodies, went ahead with the civil disobedience. That, in itself, sent a disturbing message: the people can take their destiny in their hands.

Taking our bearing from the Unity Fountain in Abuja, where protesters in the capital city gathered, the anti-government group’s leader, Mr. Ezenwa Nwagwu, actually put the government on notice against future eventuality. According to him, the era of waiting for labour unions and other civil society groups to fight for the people was over.

“Our government needs to hear directly from us, not through NLC or TUC, those things we say in our offices, markets, schools, churches, mosques and cabs about how bad things are,” Mr. Nwagwu said, adding, “Nigerians would no longer fold their arms and watch government” not meeting its obligations to the people.

The protesters were saying, unequivocally, that the honeymoon, which they indulged President Muhammadu Buhari with since May 29, 2015, was over and, therefore, wanted solutions to their problems, and not excuses or blame game of the past.

Their request, as reported in the media, was simple: improved quality of life for Nigerians.

This they couched in a theme, “#I stand with Nigeria,” and displayed placards, some of which read: “We demand the change you (Buhari) promised,” “Where are the recovered monies?” “Exchange rate madness,” and “Emiefele must go.”

Of course, there was a counter-protest by those who used a hashtag, “#I stand with Buhari,” with similar placards along that line: “Nigerians are fully with you,” “We are happy with your policies, especially the anti-graft war,” “We believe in President Muhammadu Buhari making Nigeria great again.”

A spokesperson for the pro-government group, Mr. Amos Adaka, while commending

Buhari’s achievements, especially in the areas of security and anti-corruption, nonetheless, noted that “the president cannot reverse within two years of his administration what past administrations destroyed,” and asked Nigerians to “give the government more time to correct the anomalies.”

What’s apparent in these protests, though, was that the anti-government group seemed to drown the voices of professed admirers, sympathisers and supporters of the president and his government. This indicates that while majority of Nigerians support the president, the past week equally shows that a greater majority might be against him, and ready to stamp their feet no matter his current indisposition.

So, it’s time to get real with governance, which the then Acting President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, promised the protesters in his message, “We hear you loud and clear.” On his return to the country, President Buhari should take off from there, to assuage the feelings and anger in the land.

For a start, the president and his team must tackle headlong the multifaceted problem of unemployment, hunger, high cost of goods and fall in the people’s purchasing power.

Ehichioya Ezomon, Lagos

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Halima Alfa: Kogi’s Political Amazon

reatness is eventually judged not on the length of days, but how one has impacted on life and the life of individuals around you. Halima Alfa sees life as a space for contributing positively on the life of her fellow Kogities.

For Halima, life started in the same tortuous and unsure way as it did for many. If she is regarded as the Amazon of Kogi State today, why is it so? What did she do that was different? Or what were others doing that she has done differently to create a niche for herself?

Driven by compassion for the difficult life lived by her fellow Kogites, especially those in the rural areas, she used her knowledge of justice and equality to fight for a good life for the downtrodden.

This is a project which she has committed her life and resources to. She poured all her passion into making the project a life time success. The success of her emancipation project which was instantaneous was not because there were enough resources thrown into it, but because the vision was clear, the need was obvious, the reason was cogent and the hour was ripe. She recognises that Kogites in the rural areas were and are still suffering. The reasons for this based on her researches are multifaceted.

She rallied the people for self-survival through

T H E S AT 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

training, education, creativity and inspirations so that they could change their lives and the lives of their families.

She is now regarded as an Amazon in the state because at no time in the history of the state was a lady so confidently involved in a project that its main objectives is the emancipation of the people.

The street, the villages, the hamlets and whatever kind of settlements scattered across the state felt the presence of this social consciousness project. She sees the Igala nation as not where it is destined to be and that gave her the impetus to see it as her areas of primary responsibility.

The record she has achieved in Igala land and the state in general was all too obvious and remarkable.

Her politics is played based on the direction of her people. She believed that when freedom is offered to a people on a golden platter as it is often done in the state, the value of this platter often overshadowed the offerings. This becomes the reasons why she believes she can make a difference and that difference became her story.

Her story inspires passion, love and compassion for her people. It is a story that is neatly woven with quintessence and class. Halima defined her engagements of nature and carved a route less travelled by indulging in experiments that now took her from the sublime personality to a celebrity status which everybody agrees she deserves. The experiments which were earlier defined by cynics as lacking originality eventually worked magic and today, with the benefit of hindsight, Halima Alfa, truly deserves a place in the Kogi political sphere.

The story of Igala women and Kogi State women liberation politically is a torturous one as a consequence of men domination and as a factor of internal political domination and exclusion. She is a good fighter as she offered a new dimension and thought-process for women struggle in Kogi State.

She is an advocate for women to rise up to the challenge of state and nation- building by breaking the shackles of male domination and exploiting their potential as women as an integral part of the society.

Politically, she believes that politics should always be used as vehicle to achieve an end. She believes that politics can never be used to create a utopian society in Kogi but can be used to solve the verisimilitudes and frailties of the society. She reasoned always that given the abundant resources in the country and Kogi State in particular, she could create a platform politically to address some of these vicissitudes and make life wholesome for the ordinary man and women in Kogi State and the Igala nation in general.

Comrade Musa Wada, Abuja

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MARCH 18, 2017 • THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

POLSCOPE

with Eddy Odivwri eddy.odivwri@thisdaylive.com 08053069356

Why Corruption will Remain Canticles...

Magu in the Court of with Us for a Long Time Pontius Pilate

W

e are in a different world and age. It is the age of brazenness and huge courage in doing even the wrong things.

The initial title of this piece was “how we all encourage corruption”, but I feared I could be accused of being too

that the fund released for the construction of a concrete bridge to replace the (tolled) wooden bridge linking two communities within the constituency is what has been stolen to buy the SUV by their Okada rider of yesterday. To boot, the new fellow comes home with some largess: while the women are given bags of salt and packets of maggi, the young lads are treated to good sessions at Mama Ebuka’s Beer parlour. Nobody absolute. bothers about how he gets such money he lavishes In Year 2001, my “Bros”, and then rep in the House each time he comes home. Not even in the churches of Representatives, Hon (now Senator) Emmanuel or mosques do the clerics bother about the outlandish Aguariavwodo had complained strongly about the tithe or thanksgiving offering brought by their pressure he faces each time he went home to his congregants. It hardly matters. The fellow, no matter constituents. The complaint was essentially how he was how dubious, receives deep and lengthy prayers of often besieged with tons of requests from his constitublessings. He/she is highly rated within the church ents whenever he went home. He lamented that in circle. those days, he would wake up in his country home to In times past, there was the malaise of 10 per cent find that his entire family lounge had been taken up by kickback among top government officials for contracts people who were either looking for financial support to they awarded. Today, it is wholesome robbery. Projects bury their mothers or fathers or late uncles or aunts, or are budgeted for, funded, but never get executed. And in-laws, or people looking for how to renew their rents next year, the same project resurfaces in the budget or even pay their children’s school fees or just money again and again. And the beat goes on. to feed their usually very large families. Sometimes, the The commonwealth of the people are cornered demands are made with obvious unsolicitous spirit, as by certain individuals who in turn chip in droplets if to say, give us our share of the loot. of favour on the laps of their many hangers-on.

In a way therefore, the pressure piled on politicians The public office holder is thus compelled to keep induces many of them to go into crooked deals and circumventing the system to mass up illicit wealth with outright fraud so they can have money enough to meet which he/she will seek to continually be relevant and the many needs of their constituents. Those are the influential in determining how and where the political same constituents who will carry placards and match pendulum swings. and call for their release when they (the politicians or Even those outside government but considered public office holders) are eventually nabbed in their close to those in government are not spared the public nefarious acts. pressure. And in order to remain at the commanding Were it not so, where do people expect the normal heights of the political game, they seek untoward politician to get the money with which the insatiable ways of cornering public wealth and dispense same needs of the constituents will be met? They suddenly according to their whims and caprices. equate a politician or any government personnel as No influential politician considered generous government in itself; one who should bear the burden and popular does not cut corners with the people’s of the people, a kind of political rein deer. resources so he can be seen as the sole dispenser of Politicians who try to live modest and disciplined favour. The late Lamidi Adedibu, the famed stronglives are tagged as stingy and greedy. They are man of Ibadan politics was noted for such generosity unpopular and get described derisively as “chop-alone” in attending to the legion of needs of his supporters politicians. Their punishment usually is that they will including even daily feeding them with amala and not be supported for re-election next time. gbegiri. How was he getting the money to oil the No doubt, government remains the biggest spender machine of this generosity? in the economy. And that is why anybody who gets Or how does Bola Ahmed Tinubu continue to have into government, by political appointment or election is money enough to service the interest of the minions of usually followed with a rousing thanksgiving service, Lagosians who daily flock to him for one help or the not necessarily for having been rescued from the labour other? market, but more for the belief that such a person In a way, the more people tug at a politician for has been issued the licence to wealth. Sudden wealth. favour, the more the politician is considered relevant.

That explains why a neighbourhood Okada rider of And the corollary to that is that the more such a yesterday who gets elected as a Councillor, few months politician will explore more ignoble ways and means after, returns home with a Chauffeur-driven SUV, to the of cornering public wealth. That way, corruption applause of the homeboys. Nobody will ask how, so becomes an incurable malaise, no matter how loud the soon, his life has been transformed? They will not know anti-corruption slogans echo across the landscape.

GenAdeyinkaAdebayo:Truly,GoodNameisBetterThanGold

I

have heard the social cliché, “money is not everything”. It made more profound sense to me the day I went visiting Otunba Niyi Adebayo, the first executive governor of Ekiti State and his delectable wife, Erelu Angela Adebayo, over the death of their patriarch, Gen. Robert Adeyinka Adebayo. It was last Sunday.

The respected General had passed on few days earlier at the ripe age of 89. His Ikeja GRA home was, on that evening, packed full with guests. The entire street, almost, was taken over by the cars of those who had come to pay

Pa Adebayo

condolence visit.

The modest home of the former President of the Yoruba Council of Elders (YCE) was in a festive, not pensive, mood. There was eating and drinking of all sorts. The very high-profile Lagosians among whom politicians, technocrats, captains of Industry and socialites were on parade. Many were hugging and backslapping, having not seen one another for some time.

The conversations were generally in praise of the good, noble and respectful life Baba Adebayo lived. His son, Niyi, the supposed chief mourner, looked jolly. He enthused to me: “can’t you see we are celebrating?’ He and his siblings were in a rather jocund mood, welcoming and chatting visitors up. The pervading warmth was infectious. Papa lived a good and great life, proving emphatically that good name is indeed better than gold.

It was like a party before the main party.

Guests all seated in the neatly arranged seats under the many trees all over the compound had a good treat. The general ambience bore no signature of mournful people.

General Adebayo despite his age and experience, being the oldest living General (with the much –talked about service number NA 007) held his space firmly and dutifully till he got the last call.

Although he headed the other pan-Yoruba group (YCE), the body remained non-partisan, even though his son, Niyi, is a prominent member of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

D

id you hear that the Senate, for the second time, rejected the nomination of Ibrahim Magu as Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC)?

Yes, I heard. Were you surprised?

Why won’t I? Don’t forget that Magu came for the clearance, 24 hours after the leaders of the National Assembly—Saraki and Dogara met with President Muhammadu Buhari behind closed doors for almost an hour.

One had thought they would have resolved to clear every hurdle standing between Magu and his nomination as well, since it was clear that Mr President has a special interest in Magu, having nominated him twice.

These things don’t work like that. I do not expect that Mr President will specially beg the National Assembly leaders to either bend the rules to clear his nominee or be seen to be lobbying for anybody.

But lobbying is a legitimate ingredient in politics. And couldn’t the president seek inner clearance from the DSS before re-nominating him Magu?

But you and I know that Mr President is not such a typical politician in the real sense.And that is why some people see the rejection of Magu as an affront and a danger to Buhari’s anti-graft war.

So what will happen to Magu now?

What kind of question is that? He drops off, of course. Since the Senate does not trust him or want him, let him go back to his police job.

Oh, Poor Magu?

Don’t pity him. Pity us. We are all casualties. Pitying him is like pitying Jesus standing trial in the court of Pilate.All right-thinking people (including even the judge) knew that Jesus was innocent of the charges filed against Him, yet the presiding judge, Pontius Pilate, motivated by other considerations other than justice, had to condemn Jesus, all the same, so the Jewish mafia can be happy. With that single act of Pontius Pilate, see where humanity is today. So my brother, we are the losers, not Magu.

Hmmmm, what a quaint analogy! But they said Magu failed the integrity test.They said a notorious crook paid for the accommodation he lives in right now.They said he is high-handed.

They said he could not declare how much his EFCC has recovered from crooks.They said his EFCC does not obey court orders.They said high-profile cases run for endless years in court.

They said he does not observe the rule of law.

They said he is prosecuting corrupt judges.They said...

Enough! They said this…, they said that....

Nobody would ever expect fish to be declared innocent in the court presided over by rat. You don’t understand the intrigues my brother. It runs deeper than you know. Take it that the mafia knocked out Magu, for obvious reasons.

Have you wondered why somebody suddenly abandoned N49 million at the Kaduna airport barely 24 hours before Magu’s Magu appearance for the confirmation clearing at the Senate?

No matter how he presented himself or answered the questions fired at him, it will be to his traducers, a bulk of balderdash.

Do you know that Magu’s EFCC is prosecuting even the Senate President’s wife,Toyin Saraki? Do you know the EFCC is investigating the Senate’s minority leader, Senator Godswill Akpabio?

Do you know that Magu’s EFCC is prosecuting Senator Joshua Dariye? Do you know the EFCC is avowed to reopen the case of a certain former governor, who is the godfather of some powerful senators?

Do you know many senators have cases to answer with the EFCC?And that Magu is determined to chase them to the last bus stop of the prosecution? Do you expect them (senators) to clear such an avowed prosecutor and “persecutor”? They will be, of all men, most naïve, to allow Magu a free reign. It was their best chance to mollify Magu, and they did.

But not all the senators are crooks or accused.

Yes, that was why their voices were in the minority. Did you notice the speed with which the Senate President slammed the gavel declaring almost simultaneously that the “Nays have it?”

Are you implying that the report from the Department of State Security (DSS) which indicted Magu again was induced?

My brother, believe me when I say the mafia was at work. Have you asked yourself why the said DSS report was rushed to the Senate at 5p.m. (after official work hours) on the eve of Magu’s appearance at the Senate? Do you know there were two contrary reports on the same Magu on the same date from the same DSS office? Why didn’t anybody make reference to the DSS report that favoured Magu?

Why didn’t they even query the fact that one national institution will send contra-reports on the same subject on the same date? Why did they gloss over such anomaly?

Do you remember that anybody who was likely to defend Magu was hardly allowed to speak at the clearing session? Do you remember that the former Senate majority leader, SenatorAlli Ndume was axed because he tried to protect Magu? Can’t you smell the rat?

Look, the same cabal that rules and ruins Nigeria is behind all these.

So what is the way forward now?

I don’t know. But President Buhari will have to nominate someone else.And if care is not taken, the cabal may succeed in fitting in another Farida Mzamber Waziri, one who will do their bidding and which will certainly take us back to point origin.

I don’t believe Magu is the only man in the system who understands and knows the deep curves in the anti-corruption fight.

Hmmmmm, I can assure you that with Magu out, one leg of the anti-corruption war is fatally broken.

Perhaps, it can be fixed.

15

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER •MARCH 18, 2017

NEWS

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

Xenophobia: Mbeki Meets Nigerian Lawmakers James Emejo in Abuja In landmark peace efforts, former President of South Africa, Thabo Mbeki has met with Nigeria's House of Representatives delegation over Xenophobic attacks on Nigerians and looting of their properties.

The delegation led by the Leader of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila was received by the former South African leader at his private residence in Johannesburg. The meeting which was held behind closed door lasted for two hours with both parties addressing the media after their meeting where they expressed their commitments to strengthen the relationship between two leading countries in Africa.

Mbeki said: “I had a meeting with the delegation of members of parliament from Nigeria and that is very pleasing indeed when I heard the news that delegation was coming. It was important that they should come to interact with all these layers of South African society to address these particular matter which have been raised that what are the South Africans doing killing and beating up other Africans.

"I am happy to hear that they had interactions with parliament (South Africa's) and know that we are a civil society I also hope that they will interact with the government so that we can cripple this matter to end it."

Meanwhile, the House Leader, Femi Gbajabiamila after the closed door meeting also broached on the adoption of legislative diplomacy by both parliaments which he believed would eventually rub-off on the citizens of the two countries.

FOR PEACEFUL NIGER DELTA...

L-R; Minister Niger Delta Affairs, Mr. Usani Uguru;Minister of State for Petroleum Dr. Emmanuel Ibe Kachikwu and Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo during Niger Delta Meeting at the Presidential Villa in Abuja ...yesterday GODWIN OMOIGUI

According to him: “As you are aware, we felt it was time that the parliament got in touch as you are aware we have been playing a less than proactive role in foreign relations over the years as parliamentarians so we just thought we should try something different in terms of a diplomatic approach.

“We adopted what is known, around the world, as legislative or parliamentary diplomacy.

By engaging the South African parliament, engaging the stakeholders, and now we just engaged with the former president Thabo Mbeki, whose voice is still very loud here.

In addition, we decided to do some kind of fact finding to see what can be done to arrest the situation and a reoccurrence of it."

The House of Representatives delegation consisted of the

Chairman House Committee on Foreign Affairs, Nnena Ukeje-Elendu; Chairman House Committee on Special Duties, Nasir Zangon-Daura; Deputy Chairman House Committee on Diaspora , Shehu Musa; Hon. Sadiq Ibrahim, Hon. Henry Nwawuba as members.

The delegation which already met with members of South African parliament will meet with the Nigeria-South

African business community and Nigerians living in South Africa today according to a statement by Media Aide to Leader of the House of Representatives, Olanrewaju Smart.

Gbajabiamila added: “Therefore, we are having a meeting with the Nigerian Community tomorrow (today) and we are meeting with some members of the South African business

community tomorrow (today) as well.

"I hope that we will be able to aggregate all we’ve heard from parliament, what we’ve heard from the former president and what we will hear from the South African businesses as well as the Nigerian community and aggregate all those positions and look for possible legislative solutions and diplomatic solutions."

Security: Wike initiates Fresh Amnesty Naira Extends Gain on Parallel Programme for Ogoniland Market, Now $449/$1 Ernest Chinwo in Port Harcourt Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, has directed Security Agencies to liaise with the State Government to package a special amnesty programme for cultists and militants in the Ogoni speaking local government areas of the state.

Speaking after the commencement of the destruction of arms and ammunition recovered during the 60-day disarmament event of the Rivers State Amnesty Programme at the Igwurata Shooting Range in Ikwerre Local Government Area yesterday, Wike said his administration would work with stakeholders to ensure calm was restored across the troubled Ogoni communities.

He said other parts of the state could not be enjoying peace, while cultists continue to disturb the peace of Ogoniland.

He said: "I direct the security agencies to work with the Special Adviser on Amnesty to work out a special amnesty programme for Ogoniland. We will ensure that

Ogoniland is crime free.

"We must ensure that calm returns to Ogoniland just as we have in Port Harcourt and its environs ".

It will be recalled that the last Amnesty Programme was not successful in Ogoniland as cultists and militants in the area refused to key into the programme.

The governor said the Amnesty Programme partnership was initiated by the State Security Council, but regretted that a particular security agency attempted to sabotage the programme.

While thanking the Nigerian Army, the Nigerian Navy and the Nigerian Air Force for their contributions to the success of the Rivers State Amnesty Programme, the governor noted that crime had been drastically reduced in the state due to the successful completion of the exercise.

The governor stressed that the programme was strictly for security reasons. He said those who attempted to politicise the programme were enemies of

Rivers State.

He said: "Good governance is when you give your people peace. It is when you create the right atmosphere for them to move around and engage in their legal endeavours ".

He commended the security agencies and assured them that his administration would continue to fund their operations to consolidate the peace in the state.

In his remarks, Special Adviser on Amnesty to the Rivers State Governor, Mr. Ken Chinda, said the weapons slated for destruction were those recovered during the 60-day amnesty programme between September 16 and November 15, 2016.

He said the public destruction exercise was done in line with approved international standards.

Also speaking, Officer-in-Charge of Disposal of the 6 Division of the Nigerian Army, Lt Colonel Mohammed Bremam explained that all the weapons were shredded while the explosives and ammunitions were destroyed.

Obinna Chima

The naira appreciated further on the parallel market yesterday to close at $449 to the dollar, stronger than the N453 to a dollar it closed the previous day.

But the buy rate of the greenback appreciated to $445 to the dollar yesterday.

This is just as the country's external reserves defied flunctuations in prices of crude oil in the international market and continued on the path of growth. The latest figures from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) showed that the country's external reserve was at $30.304 billion as at Thursday. At its current value, the external reserve has grown by $4.461 billion year-to-date.

The CBN had on Thursday said it had offered and received bids for $100 million from authorised dealers in the interbank market to meet the requests of genuine customers. The CBN spokesman who disclosed this had explained that the sales would be settled yesterday (Friday). He, however,

disclosed that no intervention was made by the Bank to meet requests for invisibles on Thursday.

Okorafor reiterated that the CBN would continue to make necessary interventions in the interbank market to meet all legitimate transactionbased foreign exchange demands by customers.

The CBN had on Wednesday sold of a total of $150 million through foreign exchange (FX) forwards. During that auction, the highest bid rate was N335/$1 and the marginal rate was N320/$1.

Okorafor had also said the highest rate of N335 was the same as the last auction rate of March 8, 2017.

He, however, added that there was a change in the marginal rate from N315/$1 during the last auction to Wednesday’s marginal rate of N320.

Speaking further, Okorafor expressed confidence that the pressure hitherto faced by both small and big-end users will be totally overcome soon.

It will be recalled that the CBN, in the past few weeks, has been making offers and releases to the

inter-bank foreign exchange market in its bid to sustain forex supply to different categories of users. The latest FX offer by the CBN took the total intervention since the changes to its FX policy was announced last month to $1.715 billion.

Also, Travelex with the approval of the central bank on Thursday sold a total of $25 million to 3,124 Bureau De Change (BDC) operators.

The development also helped to improve the volume available to sell to retail customers. The President of the Association of Bureau De Change of Nigeria (ABCON), Alhaji Aminu Gwadabe, said Travelex sold the dollars to his members at N381 per dollar.

Oil prices finished with a modest loss on Thursday, a day after a big rally, as rising output from the U.S. remained a threat to efforts by other major producers to rebalance the market.

West Texas Intermediate crude oil edged down by 11 cents to settle at $48.75 a barrel after rallying by 2.4% on Wednesday. Also, Brent crude shed seven cents to $51.74 a barrel.

16

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • MARCH 18, 2017

THE ALTERNATIVE with Reno Omokri Between Apostle Suleiman and Nasir El Rufai: Too Many Coincidences

I

am sure you have all heard about the accusations against a man of God, Apostle Suleman, by a Canada-based stripper who says she feels short-changed because Pastor Suleman reneged on his promise to marry her.

You may also have read the response of the Omega Fire Ministries ofApostle Suleman to these allegations.

Not that I agree or disagree with Omega Fire Ministries allegation that the Kaduna State governor, Malam Nasir Elrufai is behindApostle Suleman’s accuser, but there are many coincidences and it begs questions.

Before I go into these coincidences, let me say that I know Malam Nasir Elrufai and he is one of the most intelligent persons you will have ever met but unlike, Nuhu Ribadu, another equally intelligent person, Elrufai’s intelligence is governed by ego rather than conscience.

I have never met a man as Machiavellian as Malam Nasir El-Rufai. In fact being Machiavellian is like a religion for him. If you want to know what this man is capable of, then read former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s book to learn how he allegedly savaged his own foster father. Former President Obasanjo wrote that he ‘shudders’ when he casts his mind back to what El-Rufai did to his own flesh and blood including his own blood brother and uncle!

It is not an easy thing to make a man like Obasanjo, who witnessed the Nigerian Civil War, with all its bestial brutality, to shudder.

This is how President Olusegun Obasanjo, El rufai’s boss of eight years described him in his book - My Watch Volume 2: “Nasir’s penchant for reputation savaging is almost pathological.

Why does he do it? He is brilliant and smart. I grant him that also.

Very early in my interaction with him, I appreciated his talent and brilliance.At the same time, I recognised his weaknesses; the worst being his inability to be loyal to anybody or any issue consistently for long, but only to Nasir el-Rufai. He barefacedly lied which he did to me against his colleagues and so-called friends. I have heard of how he ruthlessly savaged the reputation of his uncle, a man who was like, in theAfrican setting, his foster father. I shuddered when I heard the story of what he did to his half-brother in theAir Force who is senior to him in age.”

So, without further ado, let us consider the coincidences in the matter betweenApostle Johnson Suleman and Malam Nasir El-Rufai and see if there are any merits in Omega Fire Ministries’ allegations.

On March 29, 2016,Apostle Johnson Suleman challenged Malam Nasir El rufai over his Preaching Licence Bill which he promoted in Kaduna State. OnApril 3, 2016, El rufai responded.

Shortly thereafter,Apostle Suleman revealed that he had got a security report that someone had arranged for Fulani herdsmen to kill him and make it seem like an accident. We know for a fact that killer Fulani herdsmen have killed the king of Ubulu Uku in Delta State, HRMAkaeze Edward Ofulue III. We also know that they had kidnapped the leader ofAfenifere, Olu Falae. So no one can blame Apostle Suleman for taking the Security report seriously.

Around that time, in a Freudian slip (the work of God?) Malam Nasir Elrufai revealed to selected newsmen that he had traced Fulani herdsmen to a number ofAfrican nations and told them that “there is a new governor who is Fulani like them and has no problem paying compensations for lives lost and he is begging them to stop killing.” Please note that this is an exact quote from the mouth of Malam Nasir Elrufai.

What isApostle Suleman being accused of? Sleeping with a known stripper. Okay, Malam Nasir El-Rufai tweeted on January 28, 2013 these exact words: “If Jesus criticises Jonathan’s government, Maku,Abati or Okupe will say that he slept with Mary Magdalene.”

That tweet betrays a mindset. If a man can say this about Jesus who is our Lord and Saviour, one wonders what will happen to a mere mortal. Do not forget that Mary Magdalene herself had a past. In Apocryphal history she is recorded as a former prostitute.

So on January 28, 2013, El rufai tweeted that government critics can be accused of sleeping with prostitutes so as to discredit them and four years later, when he himself has returned to government, his own critic is now being accused of sleeping with a stripper. Can this be a coincidence?

Also, of all the states in Nigeria, why did the second faceless accuser, who spoke exclusively to Premium Times, ask for the protection of the Kaduna State government? Does Kaduna State have a reputation for peace or security? If you reading this want a secure and safe haven, would you choose Kaduna State? Why have foreign airlines refused to fly into Kaduna airport which is the designated alternative toAbuja’s temporarily closed Nnamdi Azikiwe InternationalAirport?

And then why would a government confirm such a thing to Premium Times?

Now Premium Times is the only news outlet that carried the story of the second anonymous accuser. Why is that? Premium Times is known to have a very strong link to Malam Nasir El-Rufai.

Musikilu Mojeed, the Managing Editor of Premium Times was until 2011 the Investigative Editor at Nigeria’s NEXT newspaper, a paper in which El-Rufai had very major interests in. Elrufai’s favourite news medium, Sahara Reporters cites him as an investor in NEXT. The publisher and editor-in-chief of Premium Times, Dapo Olorunyomi, was also an editor at the now defunct NEXT. Now, Premium Times, the successor newspaper to Next Newspaper, just happens to be the one and only paper that was able to make contact with this new faceless accuser who, like the Canada-based stripper, did not present a shred of evidence.

Premium Times was also able to get a ‘top official’ from the Kaduna State government to talk about the matter anonymously.

Another coincidence, onAugust 13, 2013, Festus Keyamo joined theAll Progressives Congress. He immediately moved to contest the

El-rufai

Apostle Suleiman

Delta Central senatorial by-election following the mysterious death of the lawmaker representing that Senatorial zone at the National Assembly, Senator Pius Ehwerido, but lost at the primary level to his opponent, Olorogun O’tega Emerhor.

Already, this indicates that Keyamo harbours a political ambition and sees theAPC as the vehicle for which that ambition can be fulfilled. Within theAPC, Malam Nasir Elrufai is seen as the Khalifa (successor to President Muhammadu Buhari) and the nation’s unofficial Vice President. His nick name in Kaduna is Magajin Buhari. For those who do not speak Hausa it means he is Buhari’s heir apparent.

Beginning from 2013 just before Keyamo declared for theAPC, Elrufai began promoting Festus Keyamo on Social Media (check his Twitter TL).

Who is the lawyer forApostle Suleman’s Canada-based stripper accuser? You guessed right - Festus Keyamo!

On March 10, 2017, Festus Keyamo’s law chambers released a statement stating that other “unfortunate victims” of his (Apostle Suleman) have come forward and are also itching to tell their story, with proofs.”

The next day, on March 11, 2017, the faceless accuser using the pseudonym ‘Queen Esther’ gave an interview to Premium Times alleging thatApostle Suleman had slept with her, but that just like the Canada-based stripper, she had lost all her evidence of the relationship after her phone was mysteriously wiped clean of its data! She thereafter sought the protection of El-Rufai’s Kaduna State Government!

She then gave another interview yesterday (Friday the 17th of March, 2017) with a slightly different story: she has evidence but the phone with the evidence is with a phone repairer.

So Keyamo’s chambers revealed that there were new accusers one day and the very next day, one of the new accusers just happens to connect with a paper with whom Elrufai is known to have very strong links!

Albert Einstein said that a “coincidence is God’s way of remaining anonymous”. Ian Fleming, that great writer and creator of the James Bond character said, “Once is happenstance. Twice is coincidence.

Three times is enemy action.”

There are too many coincidences in this whole orchestrated tale that only the most gullible person will believe that there is no Machiavellian puppet master in the background manipulating events.

Look closely at the Canada-based stripper. This is a girl who gave an interview on March 10, 2017 threatening to expose all her evidence againstApostle Suleman only to give another interview on March 15, 2017, where she said ‘God will expose’Apostle Suleman.

Can you imagine!!Astripper who is very good at exposing her body and who promised Nigerians she would exposeApostle Suleman now calls on God to do the exposition for her in her interview with Continental TV!And there will be gullible Nigerians who will still take this manipulator serious.

In 2003, Malam Nasir El-Rufai was nominated as a minister by then President Olusegun Obasanjo. He went for Senate screening and alleged that two Senators, Senators Ibrahim Nasir Mantu and Jonathan Silas Zwingina, had requested for a bribe before they would clear him.

Like the Canada-based stripper, El-Rufai promised to release evidence of his claims to an astounded nation.After Nigerians waited with bated breath for two weeks, El-Rufai gave another interview saying he had no evidence but that God was his witness!

Sound familiar?

Last year, in the middle of one of the most divisive elections the world has ever seen, a girl accused then Candidate Donald Trump of rape but because she had no proof,Americans dismissed her. If Donald Trump had been a Nigerian, we would have celebrated

such a girl!

Anyone who wants to speak up in defense of the Body of Christ and particularly against the killings of Christians by Fulani herdsmen, asApostle Johnson Suleiman and I have done, must prepare for blackmail or leave the struggle!

Why? Because Christians, especially Southern Nigerian Christians, are so superficial in their Christianity that, with their own hands, they will pull down one of theirs on allegations without a shred of proof!

I admire the Muslim Ummah in Nigeria. Look at how Muslims behaved when their spiritual leaders were accused in the Ese Oruru saga or when the Emir of Katsina (unbeknownst to many in the South, Emirs are spiritual not traditional rulers) was accused of abducting a Christian girl who was underage. With Muslims, even with proof, they stick to their leaders. With Christians, even without proof, they destroy their leaders! Have we forgotten what this same El-rufai said when the NigerianArmy conducted an operation to flush out killer Fulani herdsmen from Plateau State in 2012?

These were his exact words on July 15, 2012 in response to the NigerianArmy: “We will write this for all to read.Anyone, soldier or not that kills the Fulani takes a loan repayable one day no matter how long it takes.”

If a man is willing to threaten an armed group like the Nigerian Army for going after killer Fulani herdsmen, then ask yourself what he would be willing to do to an unarmed clergyman likeApostle Suleman who speaks against Fulani herdsmen!

Connect the dots people, connect the dots!

During Jesus’s time on earth, He was falsely accused, without proof, of performing miracles by the power of beelzebub (satan). If some Nigerian Christians had been there when the Pharisees made that accusation, I am willing to stake my life that they would have believed the allegation against our Lord and Saviour!

In The Bible, Potiphar’s wife even had proof about her lies that Joseph tried to rape her, so Potiphar can be forgiven for believing her, but what proof does this stripper and self-confessed harlot have in relations to her allegations againstApostle Suleman? None.

Absolutely nothing.

The only circumstantial evidence that could have corroborated her claims was the allegation thatApostle Johnson Suleman had gone to her parents for her introduction, yet when her father swiftly denied it, she changed her story and claimed that the introduction was done in theApostle’s office.

Who does a marriage introduction with a married preacher in the married preacher’s office in a mega church where he is known as the sin-fighting founder?

If you believe that woman’s story and you are my friend in real life or social media, kindly delete yourself from my life because it means that if I am falsely accused in future, you WILLbelieve my accusers!

For some time now, we had stopped hearing about killings by Fulani herdsmen. In fact, we were seeing, for the first time, seemingly genuine and concrete action by the erstwhileActing President, Pastor Yemi Osinbajo, to stem the tide of killings. But all of a sudden, the killings have started again after a brief hiatus. What recent event has emboldened these killer Fulani herdsmen?Are there no Nigerian elders that are bold enough to say the obvious?

WasApostle Johnson Suleiman sleeping with NollywoodActor, Leo Mezie, when he paid his entire medical bill of £60,000 for kidney transplant in the U.K.? This is what Sahara Reporters and Premium Times would not tell you!

Continued online www.thisdaylive.com

Plus Joy Ogbego

LOUD WHISPERS BUSINESS PEOPLE TRAVEL AUTO GLOBAL SOCCER FASHION FILE

A life in the Air

pg. 20 pg. 22 pg. 24 pg. 26 pg. 29 pg. 41

18

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER MARCH 18, 2017

PLUS

My 25-year Experience in the Air is Blissful Call Joy Ogbego at 12 pm and she replies in a sleepy voice; flying the international circuit, she gets in late. When she calls you back, it’s 5pm and she’s ready with her lipstick in place to fly the domestic circuit. After 25 years of a life in the air, Ogbego runs the popular travel and aviation lifestyle ‘Mama J’ blog and is preparing to host the first-ever Cabin Crew Fair. Omolola Itayemi spent an afternoon with her finding out what life is really like behind the bright smiles, perfect uniforms and five-star hotel stays of jetsetting flight attendants

S

Ogbego

he’s kind. She’s generous. She always has a sense of gratitude towards life, which is a wonderful quality.’

So, it’s not surprising that she is very popular in the aviation sector.

Her moniker, ‘Mama J’ is what she’s known as but her real name is Joy Ogbego. Her blog started in 2015 has 100,000 plus members who actively contribute articles and information. She began blogging when the airline she was working with had its AOC suspended due to some operational issues. ‘So I was at home, not working and thinking of what to do next. One day I got talking with a colleague about what next. Later that night he called me back and said, “Joy you know I have been thinking about our discussion.

Why not start an Aviation blog? This is an area nobody has delved into in Nigeria. Since this is an industry you have been in all along, why not start something related? You have all it takes.” He paid for the domain name and hosting and the rest is history.’

To many, the perfectly coiffed and immaculate airline crew have it all – striding confidently and elegantly through international airports and being able to picnic at the Eiffel Tower one week and then be on safari in Kenya the next, all the while staying in five-star luxury hotels. It’s not all that it’s cracked up to be but comes with a lot of responsibilities, certifications and endless training in everything from etiquettes to safety assurance.

Joy is a thorough and principled person who has paid her dues in the sector with many pursers (senior cabin attendants) having trained with her. “It’s been a remarkable 25-year journey for me in the aviation industry in Nigeria. I started my flying career with defunct Okada Airlines in 1992. From Okada, I joined Associated Airlines in 2000. In April 2005 I joined Virgin Nigeria. When Virgin

Nigeria closed shop, I joined the startup team for Discovery Airlines in November 2012. I am a sum of many parts now. I would say I am a blogger, an aviation enthusiast, Cabin Crew member, Line Trainer, Cabin Crew Manager, Performance Manager, Line Manager, Customer Relationship Manager, Cabin Crew Recruiter, Script Writer, a coach and an actress.”

On Her Childhood and Early Influences Ogbebo was born in Edo State, the daughter of a teacher. “They were very young when I was born,” she says. ‘It was wonderful growing up with them. They were loving, communicative, warm – everything you would want in parents.” It was an idyllic childhood. I have a diploma in Social Work from the University of Benin and a degree in Mass Communication from Delta State University.

On Getting Started ‘’I used to act on radio|TV at the Edo Broadcasting Service and I did stage plays as well. I wrote songs and drama scripts, however, I had to discard those because my dad discouraged me.’ As a teacher, my dad preached education and saw others as distractions. It was a very aggressive thing to be telling your kid in the 1980’s – to go and find a career and be independent but Nigerian parents are wired that way. I didn’t get it first. Then I started travelling, and I understood. I got a job as an air hostess with the defunct Okada air in 1992 and I was bitten by the travelling bug. The world was my oyster as traveling opened me up to a world of unending opportunities, I met people, I saw and experienced cities first-hand, believe me, there was no dull moment. It was the perfect time to be there. Then I realised I wanted to be here and it became more than a career, it became a passion.”

19

MARCH 18, 2017 • THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

PLUS

…with colleages

My Son Started Flying in My Womb – Now He Wants to be a Pilot First-ever Cabin Crew Fair Presently, I’m preparing to host the first-ever Cabin Crew Fair. I have identified an information gap. Often times, I receive a lot of calls from aspiring cabin crews for information on how to join a cabin crew, where to get trained and series of request for assistance for the job of a crew.

Unfortunately, I’m unable to meet every request. However, based on my experience in the industry, I have decided to create a platform whereby these issues can be adequately addressed. Harnessing the different elements necessary to produce welltrained and licensed cabin crew is the aim of this fair. Participants will have the opportunity to meet with airline training organisations and recruiters on personal bases. They will also get the opportunity to learn tips on how to get cabin crew jobs from recruiters and expert advice from an Aviation HR personnel on how to prepare their CVs. Attendance certificate will also be awarded.

How well equipped is she for such a huge task? ‘I am bringing both experience and qualifications to the table. I don’t know who else can do it better than someone like me? I come from a rich background in communication. We all know communication is the bedrock of customer service which is basically our job. But much more than that, I have over the years acquired the necessary qualifications from diploma in Customer Service to IATA Certificate in SMS Implementation Control to Certificate in Leadership and Coaching to Certificate in Customer Relationship Management to Certificate in Customer Service Etiquette and others. In addition, I have had numerous Crew trainings in Nigeria, Germany and Egypt.”

On Motherhood When she talks about motherhood, it is full of pros and cons but something she’s extremely proud of.

‘Motherhood is quite interesting and

Aviation has its own risks with air crashes and near misses. The training I had undergone prepared me for emergencies. The preparation from home actually is that mindset.

Sadly, I experienced two near fatal plane crashes. To God be the glory, I survived them Ogbego

I am proud to be one. It has only made me stronger and more focused.

Motherhood brings out the best in me, it can be daunting though but with God’s grace it becomes easier.”

Motherhood, however, has given her an entirely different view of life. “It’s been really amazing and it gladdens my heart knowing that my son wants to be a pilot. He actually started flying in my womb.

I flew with him while I was a few months pregnant. Before I realised l was pregnant. I am not surprised he wants to become a pilot. I am giving him every support to achieve his dream.”

Experiencing Two Near Fatal Crashes Aviation has its own risks with air crashes and near misses. The training I had undergone prepared me for emergencies. The preparation from home actually is that mindset.

Sadly, I experienced two near fatal plane crashes. To God be the glory, I

survived them.”

Becoming ‘MamaJ’ Sometimes a moniker becomes more popular than real name, that’s Ogbebo’s fate. ‘Actually, the name was not given to me based on age.

While I was pregnant in 2002, my stomach was so big due to pregnancy. I remember one morning, on way to the office, when one of my crew, Stella, said “You are no more Sister Joy, you are now MamaJ!” From that day, the name stuck.

People started calling me ‘MamaJ’.

Even when I left Associated Airlines to Virgin Nigeria, people continued to call me ‘MamaJ’. Two significant moments made me realise that MamaJ had actually become a brand.

First, I was travelling to Benin on staff ticket and I dropped my ticket with the ticketing staff to go onboard and carryout checks on the crew with the promise to return to the gate and pick up my boarding pass.

Apparently, they had started boarding and were almost closing. As I was making my way back to the gate I heard them announcing, “Will passenger Joy Ogbebo, please go to gate 4”. I was shocked because they were announcing my name as one of the missing passengers. When I got to the gate. I was like, why are you announcing my name? You knew I was in the aircraft. The agent on duty said “MamaJ, I had forgotten it’s your name we were calling.

The second moment was when my former boss came to the MMA2 terminal and decided to check on me. Somebody knocked on the door and I asked him in. The moment he opened the door, he smiled and said “MamaJ! So that is what they call you here! He told me he had been around for a long time asking around for Joy Ogbebo and nobody seemed to know me until he met somebody, who told him after thinking through for a while, “E be like say na ‘MamaJ” and directed him to my office.”

20

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • MARCH 18, 2017 with JOSEPH EDGAR (09095325791)

LOUD WHISPERS

Hameed Ali

Hameed Ali: Com’on Wear that Uniform Before I embarked on this dangerous journey of writing this article, I inspected my cars to see if my duties were complete.

Well as far as the eye can see, I have paid my duties and if there is any problem, then they should hold Cosharis and Dana Motors. With immunity conferred on me by the papers I have seen in my cars, I now make bold to state very clearly that I support the senator who asked the lord almighty Col Ali to resign if he would not wear the uniform. I have tried to look at the whole scenario from all angles and cannot see where or how I can support the Customs chief on this matter. The Nigerian Customs Service, forget all that is being said about the members is a great Nigerian Institution that has over the years continued to play a major role in national development. Like most government establishments, it has its own wahala, but you cannot deny the fact that it represents a proud heritage and especially now that it is driving national revenues. So it beats my imagination that their oga would not be proud to wear the uniform if for nothing else, to inspire his officers and drive cohesion within the team. When as the oga, you refuse to wear the uniform, the message you are sending to your troops cannot be positive and can lead to loss of camaraderie and espirit de corp. So my lord, I beg you for whatever reasons you have, kindly if for nothing else at least to show your troops that you are with them, just manage the uniform, it will not scratch you or give you scabies.

You can even change the uniform to a colour and design of your making. Others have done it but you must wear it. Our Minister of Sport, Dalong, who is unfortunately in a ministry that has no uniform has been wearing all sorts of uniforms that he has sewn and I am sure will not hesitate if he is posted to the customs to wear the uniform. Let’s not get distracted with this ‘little’ matter of uniform when we have major issues facing your institution that need your immediate and urgent attention. Let me stop here for as I write, my driver is working towards me with a worried look. Kai, mogbe oooooooooo, he cannot find the duty papers of one car o. I have to rush now, oga please don’t vex, don’t wear the uniform, it does not really matter again. Sorry.

Adultery in Church Festus Keyamo that once fiery lawyer and his client, one sultry singer based in Canada have continued to entertain us with lurid stories about adultery in the church. All sorts of accusations and X- rated stories have been bandied around a very powerful man of God. The man under fire has responded and even got his wife to give a character assessment. The wife proudly proclaimed how loving and faithful her husband has been even as more stories of secret sexual dalliances keep coming out by the minute.

Pictures of exotic cars and buildings purportedly bought for these ladies by this great man of God who recently came into national limelight with his fight against herdsmen.

Well my position on this matter is clear: I think any so-called man of God who cannot measure up to the very high moral expectations of the job should kindly save us from all this rubbish and step down. You cannot continue to enjoy the privileges and power that come with the exalted position and not expect to be judged on the duties and obligations tied to the job. The argument that they are human does not hold water since they enjoy their deification by the people and their followers. See, they must follow my example. I used to be a strong member of the Fountain of Life Church in Ilupeju and one day they appointed me into a very strong

Kiyamo

Matthew Willsher, Etisalat CEO, Nigeria

That Etisalat May not Die You see, my anger is very bad.

Last year in the build-up to my play, Loudwhispers at the Muson, I had a meeting with some officials of Etisalat, their media team to be precise.

The meeting was fruitful and the lovely lady assured me of their support. I was to be given heavy media backing from their arsenal and all sorts of other support. I was so happy but this joy was short-lived. Some days after, I got a call from this once lovely lady, dark-skinned and angelic and with a jezebelic voice, announced gleefully that they were pulling their support because of an article I had written. Kai, I could not believe my ears and thought it was a bad joke.

The more I tried to reach across, the more the whole thing was unravelling and this lady became a witch. She stopped taking my calls and threatened to report me to their internal security as a stalker if I continued.

You know me na, I will not give up like that and got my in-law who was a top official of the beleaguered firm to intervene. He did and almost lost his job in the process. He warned me to stay clear of Etisalat that I should go somewhere else. I could not imagine the kind of power this ‘small girl’ wielded in Etisalat. Whatever was giving her this power must be very powerful , because the more I prayed the worse the thing became. I was reliably informed that if I tried to physically approach the firm, I would be arrested and bundled out of the premises. All because of one small article o. Etisalat blacklisted me, a whole me, Ajanaku and the Duke of Shomolu. So I drove to the office in disguise, their office at Oriental Hotel that is the one the dark and although still very beautiful Jezebel worked and stood by the main entrance and placed a curse on the firm. I held my ‘head’ and using my father’s grave swore at Etisalat and drove off.

But today I regret my actions because it is looking like it is that my curse that is putting them in this wahala. The news is out that they have incurred debts in excess of N300b and that the Central Bank and the Nigerian Communications Commis-

sion had to step in to stop creditor banks from taking over the business.

This is sad because apart from that Jezebel, the firm has impacted very positively on the economy. With over 20 million subscribers and thousands of Nigerians employed by the firm in the few years it has operated, it has continued to redefine the landscape, providing employment - both direct and indirect, supporting other industries and contributing to the general well-being of the nation.

The authorities are right and have my full support in mediating and not allowing it go under. This was not a case of recklessness on the part of the management or as a result of irresponsible management style but as a direct fallout, according to them of the recent plunge in the value of the Naira which negatively affected their capacity to meet their obligations. Despite my bitter experience, I love the firm and would be very sad if it is allowed to go under. So all hands must be on deck to make sure that we save this firm. I believe very strongly that they still have a lot to offer our people. Well done CBN and NCC and I also beg the banks including GTB and the rest to kindly calm down, solution is coming. I will be at the headquarters of Etisalat next Sunday at midnight and I ask the MD of the firm plus Mallam Dikko, the oga in charge of Regulatory Affairs plus that ‘small’ girl in Media who caused all this wahala to join me for a bout of serious sacrifices and prayers to ward off this evil. Please they should come with a crate of eggs, milk and beverages, all unpacked and kept near my car. Also they should come with candles, a bag of rice, gallon of vegetable oil and a carton of frozen chicken that I will have to use to make sacrifices to the gods of Shomolu. The Managing Director and Alhaji Dikko must be in – nothing is too much to do to save Etisalat and I assure them that once these sacrifices are fully made the problems will be over. So see you guys on Sunday, don’t worry, everything will be OK. It is well my people.

position in the men’s fellowship, I quickly refused. The brothers not understanding why, came to me to try to convince me. I cited health reasons for my refusal. The truth is that when I looked into my life carefully, I did not need to look far to see the skeletons already sticking out, so to avoid scandal and unnecessary wahala, I refused o. Even if you appoint me Pope today, I will still refuse because my own pass the Apostle, so I respect myself and sidon dey look. I support the continued exposure and disgrace of any erring man of God simply for the reasons stated above and more so because of the money and power they control. They should be held accountable and there should be no mercy once their misdeeds have been proven beyond every reasonable doubt. I have said my own. I await the attacks, I am not shaking. They are not a special breed; that is all.

Ayo Adedoyin : A Gubernatorial Call I saw this gentleman at Uwem’s party somewhere in Lekki. Uwem is my paddy who was celebrating his son’s birthday and as usual he pulled out all the strings to make the occasion an unforgettable experience. His lovely wife Clara, was the one who invited me o, left to that Uwem guy, I would not even have known when it happened. I will still deal with him one day. It is just Clara that I am looking because she is now a sister from another mother, but Uwem ........ I keep quiet. So that was how I saw Ayo looking very handsome and talking with some of his friends. Someone whispered his gubernatorial aspirations but I did not believe hence, not doing anything about it. As I moved around though, I kept watching him closely thinking of how to approach him to discuss business but never really got the opportunity to chat with him. I have met him many times

Ambode

with this same Uwem o and I have had some exciting discussions on everything from the economy to politics and his family business.

He has always come across as a very humble and clear-headed scion from a prestigious family. Always soft-spoken with a good head screwed on his shoulders, he has been able to manage the family business branching into areas that remain quite lucrative, which today remain a strategic part of the economy.

I throw my support behind him and I really do hope he goes far with this ambition. Well done bro. Meanwhile, Uwem is still not answering my calls.

GTB Plc: Well Done!!!!!!!!!!

I have just gleaned through the results recently announced by GTB and must tell you that I remain so happy for this bank. The figure I am seeing for their Profit Before Tax is a mind-numbing: N165bn. (I hope I am correct.) You see, this performance can only be achieved with the highest level of professionalism and clarity as to the business model and an all-inclusive team work which gives all staff a strong sense of belonging. With the crop of people running the place like the present Managing Director, Mr. Agbaje and my ex-neighbour, Catherine and the other one who is my close friend and ex-school mate, who hates publicity, you can only get this kind of performance. The one that abhors publicity is tall, not too light in complexion and a strong believer. He will kill me o if I mention his name, so I keep quiet. This kind of performance keeps our hopes as a people alive. We should all be proud as Nigerians that an institution like this and indeed others like Zenith, FCMB and Access, to mention a few, continue to lead especially in the area of internationally acceptable business practices.

It shows that sooner than we realise it, the rest of our economic players would join in the train and we would now have players who remain ethical and professionally strong with its attendant benefits accruing not only to them but also their shareholders. Let me close by sending a big holla to my other friends at Gtb, Ade Adebiyi, Isa Omagu, Bayode and that little girl at the cash point in your Ajose Adeogun Street branch. The girl fine, no be small. Well done guys.

Akinwunmi Ambode: Isale Eko Says Thank You Baba ese gan ni. The news of your support for Isale Eko reached me while I was begging one small corporate communications’ manager for N100,000 to support my play.

Your Excellency, if you see the shakara this small girl use my eye to see, you will pity me.

She first kept me waiting for two hours, after that, told me to read my proposal to her page by page since she was too busy to read. That was after she asked me why I was not putting on a tie, didn’t I know I was coming for a formal meeting and also wanted to see my father’s death certificate before she would consider recommending the proposal to her boss. As she continued talking her gibberish, my phone rang and it was Yemi Shodimu, the Executive Producer of Isale Eko who gleefully told me that you had approved and that I should rush to the Permanent Secretary of Tourism with my invoice. I jumped up for joy and looked at the girl with one kind bad eye and thanked her for nothing and rushed out of her office. Yeye dey smell. Abeg my governor, you are the best thing that has happened to Eko. You are the Jupiter and the Mesopotamia. I tell you, may your enemies never see your face, may the airport road be named after you and may you continue to outlive your enemies. Ese, I thank you, God bless you o. Kai, I’m in tears. Yes I’m crying o. When next you are in Shomolu, kindly branch so I can give you some Afang to eat.

Thank you sir.

21

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • MARCH 18, 2017

SPY GLASS

Tinubu’s Grouse

Last weekend, the ancient city of Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, came alive once again as Oba Saliu Adetunji, the Olubadan of Ibadan, celebrated his first anniversary on the throne with pomp.

It was a day of glory for the traditional ruler as several people from all walks of life joined him and his family in the celebration.

Interestingly, one of the highlights of the colourful event was the conferment of traditional titles on some eminent personalities, including Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, a former governor of Lagos State.

However, it was gathered that the All Progressives Congress, APC, stalwart was conspicuously absent at the event, a development that shocked many who had looked forward to witnessing his conferment as the Balogun of Ibadan, one of the highest titles in the land.

To the chagrin of the organisers, Tinubu instead attended the opening of the presidential library of former President Olusegun Obasanjo in Abeokuta, Ogun State.

Spy Glass gathered that he reportedly stayed away from the event because he was not favourably disposed to the calibre of some recipients of the traditional titles on that day.

A source, in a chat with Spy Glass, revealed that ‘’Asiwaju complained that most of the people who were honoured that day were strangers to him. So, he didn’t see himself sharing the stage with them that day, so to say. Besides, he loves to do his own thing his own way. ’’ The source further revealed that plans were underway to fix another date for his own installation when he would invite his friends and associates for the grand event.

No doubt, Tinubu is well-respected in the political circle in Nigeria. Not a few daily seek favours from him . He has been honoured with several traditional titles, including the Jagaban (leader of warriors) of Borgu, Asiwaju of Lagos and Aare Ago (Field marshal) of Egbaland, Abeokuta, among others.

Osita Chidoka’s Dream

In life, dreaming beautiful dreams is all that sustains some individuals. In fact, even when it looks like the dream is unattainable, they don’t waiver.

Perhaps, one of the stubborn hopefuls around is Osita Chidoka, a former Minister of Aviation.

The news making the rounds is that the former corps marshall of the Federal Road Safety Commission, FRSC, has joined the growing list of contenders for the

with Bayo Adeoye ....08054680651 number one job in Anambra State come November 18.

This development, no doubt, may have fuelled the rumours about his whereabouts and next move, following his short-lived period at the aviation ministry.

It will be recalled that he has celebrated to high heavens when appointed a minister in the twilight of the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan.

His friends had reportedly organised a surprise bash in his honour after the appointment.

However, that seeming giddiness did not last for too long, following the victory of President Muhammadu Buhari in the 2015 general election.

Consequently, his fame faded out and his number of powerful friends decreased, thereby forcing him to recoil into his cocoon.

He, however, staged a comeback to the social and political scenes in a bigger way.

This, Spyglass gathered, raised some suspicions in some quarters. Indeed, not many could rationalise his sudden re-appearance, as he seemed to keep it close to his chest then.

However, facts have now emerged that the former minster wants the number one job of his state, Anambra,.

In the views of many, how he will slug it out with other contenders in November remains in the womb of time.

Who is after Olusegun Aganga?

Lately, a number of former public office holders, including ex-Minister for Trade and Investment, Olusegun Aganga, under the former President, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, have come under attacks over alleged financial malfeasance.

But it appears fans and loyalists of Aganga are ready to defend him against what they described as character assassination.

According to them, Aganga, prior to his appointment as a minister in 2010, was a successful investment banker in Europe.

As gathered, he had risen through the ranks to become the managing director of the Hedge Funds Division in Goldman Sachs International after a successful career in Ernst and Young International in the UK. He was also said to have set up the Hedge Funds industry for the Canadian government several years ago.

A source disclosed to Spyglass that the former minister already had two houses in exclusive parts of London, which he acquired in the late ‘90s, using part of his employee stock options in Goldman Sachs.

It was also confirmed that his passion for good governance and structured leadership led him to set up the Nigerian Leadership Initiative (NLI), which is part of the Aspen Global Leadership Programme in Switzerland. The NLI brings together young Nigerians with leadership potentials, while teaching them to eschew greed and focus on the common good in their bid to offer service to humanity.

“It was a huge shock to hear rumours making the rounds that Aganga had bought a property in Banana Island, Ikoyi,

one of the most expensive pieces of real estate in Lagos with alleged proceeds from an imaginary oil deal. The man does not succumb to such ostentatious way of life. I am sure that many do not know he comes from a very comfortable background. His siblings are well-off individuals who own properties in choice areas of Lagos. It is, therefore, unclear where the vile rumours emanated from, as Aganga is not someone given to selfaggrandisement,’’ a source added.

Segun Adebutu’s Generosity

Segun Adebutu, Chairman, Petrolex Oil and Gas Limited, has done so well for himself and has a lot to show for his efforts.

Apart from his interest in business, he is also passionate about service to humanity. He can’t stand the sight of his fellow human beings in distress or want.

Consequently, Adebutu , one of the sons of the Chairman of Premiere Lotto, Adebutu Kessington, set up a non-profit organisation in Ogun State to cater to the needy.

Since he founded the NGO, Oladiran Olusegun Adebutu (OOA) Foundation last year October, he has splashed millions of Naira on several indigent people in the state.

As gathered, his NGO, OOA Foundation is poised to reshape and implement sustainable development activities to include poverty reduction, zero hunger, increased access to healthcare, quality education and create an enabling environment for gender equality, potable water and sanitation.

While its mission is to support orphans and vulnerable children with access to education, health and nutrition through sustainable development activities in Nigeria using a holistic approach.

It was also gathered that the Iperu, Ogun State- born businessman is planning big for his Alma-mater, the University of Ibadan, where he is putting up a building at the Faculty of Social Sciences. It will be opened on his birthday in May. It was gathered that several millions of naira has been put aside for this project that was described as ‘gigantic’ and architectural masterpiece which would also be the biggest and best in the university.

Though many have applauded his humanitarian services, his traducers still claim that such gestures are politically motivated and attributed his generosity to his future political ambition.

However, a source close to the CEO/ Managing Director of Blue Bridge Global Resource Limited and Oladiran Engineering and Trade Nigeria Limited denied the rumour, saying “ People are quick to attach kindness to political ambition. Adebutu is not nursing political ambition. He is a successful businessman and he is contended with that. “

Tongues Wag Over Omosede Igbinedo’s Status Omosede Igbinedion, the beautiful daughter of billionaire Gabriel Igbinedion, the Esama of Benin Kingdom, is one of the A-list socialites around.

For some inexplicable reasons, since her marriage to Prince Avan Akenzua crashed over irreconcilable differences, Igbinedion, a lawyer and member of the House of Representatives, has not been publicly identified with any man, thereby making many wonder if she has shut her heart against love.

Though there have been rumours of her alleged romance with some men, she does not seem to be in a hurry to give marriage a second chance.

It will be recalled that during her birthday party last year, many who had reportedly wanted to catch a glimpse of her new love on the occasion were utterly disappointed.

Consequently, while many maintain that the single mother of one is relishing her single status, some others claim that she might likely reveal her new love soon.

While their marriage lasted, Igbinedion and her former husband were an item on the social scene.

Trouble, however, started when Prince Akenzua complained about his exfather-in-law, Chief Igbinedion’s alleged meddlesomeness in their relationship.

Between Senator Omisore and Ooni of Ife

Shortly after Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, the Ooni of Ife, was installed, the rumour mill went to town about an alleged frosty relationship between him and a former deputy governor of Osun State, Senator Iyiola Omisore.

It was alleged that both were consciously avoiding each other. And that a delegation went to beg the Ooni on behalf of Omisore. But the Ife, Osun State-born politician was quick to deny the report, saying it was the imagination of his critics.

Perhaps, if you are one of those who believe that both the Ooni of Ife and the respected politician are still at daggers drawn, Spy Glass can confirm that the two prominent indigenes of Ife have reconciled their differences.

Some reliable sources told Spy glass that the issue between the Ooni and Omisore was exaggerated by some ‘‘unscrupulous elements’’ who never wanted any closeness between them. ‘‘There was no issue between Kabiyesi and Senator Omisore. It was just a lack of communication that has since been settled. In fact, they exchange text messages from time to time.

“Oba Ogunwusi consults him time to time for advice on serious issues and the PDP chieftain has proven himself as a wise, intelligent and loyal person, as he is always available whenever he is being needed, “ the source said.

22

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • March 18, 2017

BUSINESS PEOPLE

Editor: Vincent Obia email: vincent.obia@thisdaylive.com Tel: 08054681757

Ona Ekhomu

My Wife is the Balloon That Lifts Me Up

Dr. Ona Ekhomu is a household name in the world of corporate security. The chairman of Trans-World Security Systems Limited and president, Association of Industrial Security and Safety Operators of Nigeria, runs his business alongside his wife, Victoria, who is the managing director of the firm. Several years ago, Ekhomu discovered a three-word key to success for men: “Honour your wife.” And he has run with it ever since. He challenges men who desire success and greatness to test this key, to get the best out of their wives, and life generally. Vincent Obia writes

M

ale chauvinists who enter Dr. Ona Ekhomu’s office on Lagos Island can’t help feeling a pressure to re-examine their relations with women. In his expansive office, decked with security gadgets, souvenirs, and plaques, a caution boldly written in his own handwriting, stares directly at you as you go in through the door. It says, “Honour your wife.” These three words are imbued with significant details.

Ekhomu

‘Man Smart, Woman Smarter’ “If you are a smart man, honour your wife, and you will enjoy your life and everything,” Ekhomu says. “My wife is my second-in-command; she is the managing director of the company.

We have been doing it together since we met in 1980. We have been together in business and in love. She is an integral part of the business.”

Ekhomu’s ideas on women echoe the lyrics of a 1936 calypso written by Norman Span, also called King Radio, “Man Smart, Woman Smarter,” which has been variously recorded by artists, including the Jamaican reggae musician, King Yellowman, in his 1984 album, The King Yellowman.

Women are generally thought to be the weaker sex. But scratch past the macho ego, Ekhomu, 61, says, and you’ll discover that men are actually weaker. He believes, “Women are way, way, way smarter than men.

It’s just that men make more noise and men can just by brute force and bravado assert themselves. But women have better right brain and left brain wiring.

They can see the beauty of something and also see the practicality. They can see much quicker than men.

“I’m sure you know women mature more quickly than men. If you see a man and a woman, exactly the same age, the man would look

years ahead of the man. If you are a smart man, you tap into that. You let your wife do what she wants to do, what she can do. Let her self-actualise.

“If she self-actualises, you can also self-actualise, because she will now be the balloon that lifts you up.

“But because of ego, men would say, ‘no, what if the woman come sabi pass me, i go come dey give me order.’ Na lie. That’s why I say, honour her. If you honour her and let her know, ‘You’re the most important thing in my life, you’re great, you’re the mother of my children, etc,’ she would buy into the story. The thing about women, they like sweet nothings. If they buy your rap, using the American slang, they buy it all the way. If they buy your rap all the way, they will support you to the best of their ability, and that’s a lot. Remember I said they have good right side, left side connection. If you go to many schools, you would find that the most brilliant students are women.”

Anchor Ekhomu’s wife is one of his most prized possessions in business. She plays the role of a wise, courageous, and dependable ally as he navigates the tricky rapids of the security business.

“There are delicate parts of the business, and that is why I say, honour your wife. She is the one that would also guide you and give you the way out of things that can potentially harm you.”

Though women may not be as physically strong as the men, Ekhomu says, “They have an inbuilt advantage, which God gave them. What they lack in physical strength, they have in brain power.

They have the wisdom to see through things. When they see something, they would see the end of it.

“My take is that God played wayo in creation, He created a man, and created a better version of a man, who we call woman. The woman is a terrific feature.

“Of course, God placed the leadership mantle on men. But if you can guide that vessel, that missile (the woman) well, she will take you to the stratosphere. But if you don’t guide the missile well, you will nosedive and crash.

“You should handle your wife with proper respect and dignity, and with rules – we are human beings, any human being can go wrong. When you have rules, also abide by your own rules.

Don’t say because I’m a man I won’t obey this rule, only you should obey the rule. If she sees it’s unfair, she would think you are not even for real. But if you make rules and abide by them, and

23

MARCH 18, 2017 • THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

BUSINESS PEOPLE The Night of October 18, 2013 was the Happiest Moment of My Life she keys in, before you know it, you will have more success than you can even handle, and more happiness also.”

Professional Progress Ekhomu holds a Bachelor of Arts in History from the Voorhees College, Denmark, South Carolina; a Master of Arts in Political Science from the Iowa State University; and a Doctor of Philosophy in Public and International Affairs from the University of Pittsburgh, all in the United States. He wanted to be a lawyer, or work in the civil service, but he landed in the world of corporate security.

Ekhomu offers prime explanation of his career path. “In 1979, when I went to University of Pittsburgh to do my PhD, I met some former FBI officials who wanted business opportunities. They wanted to sell technology to Nigeria.

Security alarm systems, closed-circuit television, etc. That gave me an inroad into the technology side of the business.”

As a karate master and student in U.S., Ekhomu had a karate club, where officers from the local police department in Denmark, South Carolina, often came to train. He maintained contact with his ex-students after leaving South Carolina for Pittsburgh.

“In the process,” he says, “one of the police personnel learnt that a friend who had just retired from the FBI was looking for business opportunities in Africa.

He told the man to speak to me. That was how I got into the group of former intelligence officers. They were excited to meet me.

“That brought me into the technical end of the business, which I launched in Nigeria in 1980, offering services to government agencies and individuals to secure their facilities and homes with intrusion alarm, fire alarm, closed-circuit television, etc.”

Corporate Security Business Ekhome says, “We started with the technical side of the business. But we discovered that the other side of the business, which has more headache, the man-guard side of the business, had better income but lower profit. The

Ona and Victoria Ekhomu

out to be the journey that would redefine the “happiest moment” of his life.

He was attacked at Iruekpen, in Edo State, by a gang of kidnappers wielding AK-47 rifles. By God’s grace, Ekhomu, applying his over 40 years’ experience in security and the martial arts, was able to resist the attackers, disarm them, and escape. But his wife was abducted.

She was later rescued by men of the Joint Military Task Force in Delta State.

Unfortunately, his body guard and his friend, who was travelling with him, were killed in the attack.

“The happiest moment of my life, I would say, was the night of 18 October 2013, when I walked into my house at Irrua, got into my bedroom, and became convinced that I was a living being,” he says. “I was happy I was alive. But up to that point, I thought I was dead and was having an out of body experience. I’ve seen those things on TV, I don’t know if they are possible in real life. I kept hearing the gunshots that were rained at me.”

Ekhomu captures the awful events of that October 18, 2013 in his book, Kidnap: Face to Face with Death, published in 2014.

Victoria Ekhomu

technical side had fewer contracts but more profit. In the technical side, you can be lucky to hit a big contract, but in the man-guard aspect, profit just trickles in.

That has been the profile of the business right from 1980.”

Ekhome regrets that the federal government is not doing anything to curb the unwholesome practices of “some unusual actors” from India and China, who invaded the corporate security business about five years ago. He accuses the Indians and the Chinese of using cruel business strategies to take over the telecommunications sector, which has some of the biggest users of corporate security services.

“The Chinese and Indians would simply build the site, put one man there

and pay him N6, 000 monthly, and these were sites where we were paying people N25, N30, 000 per month. They got away with it, even though there is a regulator for this business. And there are Nigerians always collaborating with them. We are not ready for greatness yet, we are not even ready to be a sane society.”

He, however, lauds the effort of the Association of Licensed Private Guards Companies of Nigeria to redress the situation.

‘Happiest Moment of My Life’ On Friday, October 18, 2013, Ekhomu, an Esan from Irrua in Edo State, embarked on a trip to his state to attend a cultural event organised by the Association of Esan Professionals. But it turned

Passion The book on the kidnap experience was an addition to the robust collection of books authored by the ace security expert and first chartered security professional in West Africa. He is the author of Effective Personal and Corporate Security (2009), and co-author of the following books: National Security: Intelligence and Community Partnership (2013), The Professional Protection Officer: Practical Security Strategies and Emerging Trends (2010), and Crime and Policing in Nigeria: Challenges and Options (2004).

“My greatest passion is reading and writing,” Ekhomu says. “I have about a dozen book projects I’m working on, all at the same time.”

He says, “Occasionally, I do dining out. It is usually a very high honour for me to take the family out to somewhere exclusive to do some fine dining and wining.

“I still try to do some walkout in my house. I have a gym.”

24

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER •MARCH 18, 2017

TRAVEL&LEISURE

by OMOLOLA ITAYEMI omolola.itayemi@thisdaylive.com 08054699602

NTDC: Can Paul Adalikwu Deliver?

Paul Adalikwu is the third Acting Director General of Nigeria’s foremost tourism corporation (NTDC) in three months after Sally Uwechue-Mbanefo vacated the office, can he deliver?Omolola Itayemiexamineshappeningsintheindustry

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ven the most ardent supporter of our tourism industry was embarrassed and confused over the action of the ministry of Information, Culture and National Orientation when it chose to appoint, yet again, the third acting DG of Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation in four months, last weekend. Mum was the word from many stakeholders over the weekend as they couldn’t understand why the industry was in the news again for less than savoury news.

When countries serious about tourism are conquering new grounds, coming up with new marketing strategies, we are grappling with mundane issues. It is suffice to say nothing significant has happened in the corporation since the beginning of Alhaji Lai Mohammed’s tenure as minister, with the industry moving from one controversy to another. The tourism stakeholders’ forum which his administration embarked on was a colossal failure, from planning to execution. Tourism experts and stakeholders left there confused more than ever, calling it a charade.

There is no clear cut agenda for the industry even if the ministry keeps sending out press briefs on the minister’s proposed ideas. Never has the Tourism Value chain been in disparity like now. There is no sync between the key members of the chain except for some members like NANTA making moves to keep a connection with others in the chain. A stakeholder who pleaded for anonymity said: “The minister is so bereft of ideas and obviously a novice, he doesn’t even know he has to get the value chain in sync to move the industry forward.

He keeps disturbing us with the Presidential Council On Tourism (PCT), which he believes is the only remedy to the problem. Pray, how many countries serious about tourism have PCTs? How relevant can it be in 2017. Who even needs a PCT to have a functioning ministry of tourism? I believe, PCT is just to find something for the boys.”

“Much more than ever, we need people that understand how the system works.

Enough of the rhetoric; we talk too much. We need to get the industry moving. If he needs to ask South Africa, Dubai or Thailand, how they are doing it, please do.

Despite our natural resources and human capacity, we have become the butt of jokes within the committee of counties serious about tourism.

Enough of ‘tourism is the alternative to oil’ mumbo jumbo, work on it.

Let’s see some actions for once.”

Thanks to the runway repair at Abuja international airport, Kaduna is the new frontier in tourism. Apart from the hurried visit of the former DG, Rae-Omoh to Kaduna airport, what facilities are on ground to help tourism thrive there at this period? When was any verification of

TRAVEL NEWS Lai Mohammed, Ooni, Sirika to Grace 41st NANTA AGM

The National Association of Nigeria Travel Agencies (NANTA) has announced its 41st Annual General Meeting (AGM) at the Sheraton Hotel, Lagos, on Tuesday March 21, with eminent personalities set to grace the occasion. The 1st Deputy President of NANTA and Chairperson of the AGM organising committee, Mrs Susan Akporiaye disclosed that the occasion will be graced by former president Olusegun Obasanjo, Information and Culture minister, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, the minister of state for aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi Ojaja II, Ooni of Ife. The event will be a landmark platform for positioning and setting agenda that will address the current problems rocking the aviation, tourism and travel industry in Nigeria. NANTA president, Mr. Bankole Bernard said the event would hold at the Sheraton Hotel in Lagos on March 21, 2017.

Benard and Akporiaye

Gout De France is on 21 March

Adalikwu

tourism sites and products done last in Kaduna? How ready are the hotels for the influx of visitors to Kaduna? I could go on and on.

The onus falls on us all to do what is right and stop talking. We need to put our money where our mouth is, no pun intended. I want to believe, the minister, Lai Mohammed is not as incompetent in running this industry as some are saying now.

Paul Adalikwu in, Rae-Omoh out I don’t know what to make of this but I guess it’s only in Nigeria, such can happen. Adalikwu is the new Acting DG but no stranger to the corporation or ministry as a whole.

Asides the fact that it was the 3rd Act DG in 4 months, his choice has not been greeted with enthusiasm, rather stakeholders are apprehensive. Forget, all those praise singers singing his praises to high heavens.

I don’t believe the new Acting DG has the requisite experience to reposition the corporation but I am going to give him the benefit of doubt since we are saddled with him now.

His antecedent in the sector has not been brilliant or outstanding.

He was Director and Senior Special Assistant, Tourism in the defunct Federal Ministry of Tourism, Culture and National Orientation in Edem Duke’s tenure.

He was later moved to the Federal Ministry of Labour and Productivity where he also served as director, a position he held until his appointment as Director General, NTDC in acting capacity. I must say, with

his vast experience in Tourism and hospitality and one who also holds a PhD, that administration was the worst in tourism history.

Where do I start from, the marketing sham called ‘Fascinating Nigeria’ where so much was spent and nothing was realized to the scandal from Sure P funds given to the ministry of Tourism, Culture and National Orientation. Is this really what the corporation needs now? Why not a fresh blood that comes with wealth of experience and no history of wrong-doings in the industry? Can we afford distractions yet again, from the media and other stakeholders?

Adalikwu on resumption of office this Monday at an inaugural meeting with staff described Tourism as the alternative to oil.

He promised to work with the National Assembly, all other stakeholders to restore NTDC’s lost grounds, to enable the corporation move tourism in the country to the next level. He further emphasised the need to engage and partner with state governors who are serious about developing tourism in their states.

But he goofed by saying the Corporation should be renamed as the “Nigerian Tourism Authority (NTA).

Really, is that our problem now?

Does he have an idea how much cost will be incurred in an unnecessary exercise like this and how many readings it will have to go through in the senate? Is this how he wants to revamp the sector? He should please come up with more robust ideas on how to move the sector going. We need it more than ever before.

Come 21 March, over 2,000 restaurants in 150 countries will participate in the Gout de/Good France event to celebrate French gastronomy. At the Moorehouse Ikoyi, Lagos during the week, Air France and French Embassy hosted the media to a conference announcing the Celebration of Gout de France/Good France, which will be celebrated across five Continents on that day and the highlights will include 2000 Chefs and 2000 menus. The event had the Consular General of the French Embassy, Mr Laurent Polonceaux; General Manager of Air France-KLM, Mr. JeanRaoul Tauzin; Chefs of participating restaurants. Mr. Aurelien Sennacherib, Attache for cooperation and cultural affairs, French Embassy and convener of the press conference enlightened journalists on the aim of this event, among which is promoting of France, its regional products and lifestyle. Four restaurants will be participating in Lagos and they include: The Sky, Eko Hotel; L’ Aquarelle (Moorhouse/Sofitel) Craft Gourmet; and Da Kitcheners. Tauzin and chefs on ground explained that this edition would also spotlight culinary training schools and hotel business schools.

A third of tourists have in fact said they visit France to enjoy its cuisine, including the ‘gastronomic meal of the French’ inscribed on UNESCO’s list of intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity,” he said.

Tauzin and Geenafoodiesandspices talk French gastronomy

Stakeholders Set for Badagry Economic Summit

The Badagry Convention and Visitors Agency (BCVAgency) had concluded plans to hold the maiden edition of Badagry Economic Summit on March 23rd and 24th in Lagos. In a chat with ThisDay, Dr Temidayo Hephzibah, the Director, Marketing and Administration of the Agency disclosed that the economic summit will boost investments opportunity in Badagry,therebyimprovingtheeconomyofthestate.TheSummitwiththetheme:Unleashing InvestmentOpportunitiesaroundHistoricandCoastalZonesofEpeandBadagrywillhost investorsandstakeholdersbothfromtheprivateandpublicsector,accordingtoTemidayo.

“The summit is to open to the world the investment opportunity abound in Badagry and for deliberations on how best to harness and explore the investment potential around Badagry economy,” he said. “Our focus is to market Badagry as a tourism destination to the rest of the world; to provide services that will enhance quality and interesting visitors’ experience;andalsotoprovideleadershipinexpandingtourismbusinessopportunitiesin Badagry.“Opportunitieswithinthecoastalarea,particularlyBadagrylayonthreeeconomic agenda.TheseincludeTourismandHospitality,SeaportDevelopmentandLogisticsandOil exploration,” Temidayo added. Mr Ashamu Sewanu Fadipe, the Bureau’s Chief Executive said that top tourism experts and investors have already indicated their readiness for the summittoexploreinvestmentopportunitiesinthearea.Badagryislockedintothreemajor sistereconomicprosperity;TourismandHospitality,PortDevelopmentandLogisticsand Oil Production. It is no gain saying that Badagry Economic Prosperity is extremely large.

We need players, who will explore this advantage to expand Lagos economy now, hence Badagry Economic Summit holding 23rd -24th March, 2017”, Fadipe added.

25

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • MARCH 18, 2017

EXPRESSION

MEDIAGAFFES BY

First Bank Fumbles

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HISDAY Front Page of March 11 welcomes us today with these infractions: “In line with the plan to phase out the yellow buses popularly known as ‘Danfo’ from Lagos roads, the state government said it is (was) working towards….”

“Buhari plans follow-up treatment in few weeks” (a few weeks) “That is why we are hosting (playing host to) an Agric Expo to enable businesses in the agricultural sector gain insights on (into) how our innovative solutions will support business development.” (Full-page advertisement by First Bank, THISDAY, March 11, Page 7) “…located within the precinct (precincts) of the Nigeria Railway Compound in Ebute Metta, Lagos” “Inside the place, few (a few) cars were parked on the outward space of its building.”

“In this piece…gives a picturesque narrative of his encounter with one of Nollywood’s finest and unforgettable actress (actresses).”

“Amidst (Amid) them is a man.”

“There are (were) occasions where (when) couples came from the US to Nigeria for a day just to attend our programme.”

“Celebrating a quitessential (quintessential) investor of our time” Wrong: mongul; right: mogul Wrong: Inspite: right: in spite “…you have proven (proved) your tenacity and uncommon confidence towards (in) the development of our great country….”

“No wonder, you have never relented in investing your time, energy and resources at (in) expanding the frontiers of commerce….”

“Keep the flag flying and more grease (power) to your winning (sic) elbow.”

“Important (Importance) of headaches in man”

“May your shining stars never grow dim.” A rewrite: May your stars never dim. “…your modest achievements in life so far will attract many more of such recognitions (recognition) and awards.” (Full-page advertorial signed by the Board, Management & Staff of Ocean Marine Solutions Ltd.) ‘Recognition’ is non-count.

“Buhari will clear Augean stable (stables), says NDDC chairman” “…but the judiciary stopped him and said this is (was) not the law of America and he made a U-turn.”

“Again, Saraki assures on state creation” Who did he assure? “…but fails woefully (abysmally) in giving concrete evidences of such claims.”

“NAHCO, last week, flagged off (began) the airlift of pilgrims….”

“It is an affront on (to) this nation for a foreigner to come out with….”

“Man charged to court for (with) rape” “Banks survive regulatory stress test amidst (amid) tense corporate governance challenges” “More than 4.3 million Nigerians ported to our network shortly after the flag off (sic) (inauguration) of the Mobile Number Portability….”

“The president should call the group to order for double standards (standard) and flouting our laws” “In times like this” Either in times like these or a time like this “Rangers’ boss picks holes on 3SC” I also pick my own holes in (not on) this headline.

“TIME Magazine commends Nigeria over (for/on) containment” “…was the outcome of the series of meeting (meetings)” “The source said further that…are (were) now firmly in control of the military.” “…the population of the estate has increased considerable (considerably)

“Heat free (Heat-free) curls” “Buhari’s administration is been (being) sabotaged, says cleric” “Irri community seeks for support” Yank off ‘for’ Wrong: electioneering campaign; Right: electioneering or campaign N“CNS indicts major oil companies in (for/ on) oil theft” “…that the police was (were) supporting the impeached speaker of the House….” “…at the expense of majority (the majority) of other members of the House” “He said the police cannot (could not) be dragged into the mess….”

“Underfunding, bane to (of) poly education” “…incessant strikes actions….” Education Today: incessant strikes “Truancy among professors and other senior academic staff often percolate (percolates) down the academic hierarchy….”

“Modibbo meets delegates, promises all inclusive (all-inclusive) government” “Obiazor relishes Super Eagles (Eagles’) call-up” “Group insists PDP, APC should pick Christian (Christians) as flag bearers” “We express these fears, knowing fully well the nature of ….” This amounts to ill-treatment of the English language. Right: knowing full well. “…believed to have the largest oil bloc (highest number of oil blocks) in Africa….”

“Rather, it rehashed old consciousness already canvassed….” You cannot rehash new consciousness Wrong: last minute change; Right: last-minute change “…is seeking to govern Kwara State under the PDP ticket” Politics: on the PDP ticket “The Nigerian bond market hitherto an exclusive preserve of blue-chip companies have (has)….”

EBERE WABARA

ewabara@yahoo.com, 08055001948

“Jitters in Nigeria as Italy (Italian) prosecutors open probe into Malabu Oil deal” “What is good for the goose can’t be bad for the gander. “ I do not understand the use of ‘good’ and ‘bad’ instead of ‘sauce’ in this instance.

FEEDBACK

Bag in the car BOOTH? THE seeming confusion arising from the wrong use of words with similar pronunciation but different meanings or spellings resurfaced in the SUNDAY Telegraph on page 26, March 12, 2017. In the article entitled “I’m going hubby hunting (31)”, the author wrote in paragraph 9: “Her already packed bag has been in her car BOOTH for close to a week now,” It is obvious the writer meant BOOT, which is British or TRUNK used in the U.S., and not BOOTH (a small, usually temporary, tent or building....)”

Also paragraph 4, second column: “The phone must have RANG more than eight times” needs some clinical surgery. The past participle of the verb RING is RUNG, not RANG (past tense) as in “the phone rang” or “he rang me.” (Contributed by KOLA DANISA/07068074257) THE following interventions are from Dr. STANLEY NDUAGU/08062925996, Aba: “Full-page advertorial error in THE NATION of March 8 signed by Senator Hadi Sirika, Minister of State (Aviation): “The six-week closure…is to guarantee the safety of passengers and aircrafts (aircraft).” ‘Aircraft’ has no plural form no matter the number.

From THISDAY of March 4 comes the next slip-up: “FG proposes new vision for oil producing (oil-producing) communities of Niger Delta” The absence of a hyphen in the above headline suggests that it is oil that is producing communities!

AIT news scroll error of February 21: “PDP stakeholders pass vote of no confidence on (in) Markafi-led executive”.

INTERVIEW

Femi Young: Operational Risks Management is Key to Business Continuity Femi Young is the Executive Director of Safety Consultants and Solution Providers Limited, a safety and operational risks management outfit in Lagos. Young, an American-trained safety expert, with about two decades in the industry, is deeply involved in this year’s National Fire Protection Association West Africa, NFPAWA, Life, Fire and Safety Conference 2017. In this chat with Samuel Ajayi, Young speaks of the benefits of the conference and why decision makers need to see operational risk management as integral part of business continuity.

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he 2017 NFPAWA conference is going to be markedly different from that of last year.What’s the rationale for this?

The strategic importance of Nigeria as the nerve of business in WestAfrica, with a very diverse and dense population, makes the mandate of all stakeholders involved in her macro-economic development commanding and important. The vision to become the hub in West Africa means Nigeria must aim at standardisation and compliance in operational risk management in life, Fire safety and Security. The Directors and Executive Management have the critical role of assuring that the Business Continuity Plan both in private enterprise and in the public sector is adequately underwritten based on tested benchmarks, standards and best practices. This is the key to sustainability. So what we are trying to do is to drive this so that business continuity is held paramount.

The only way we can do this is by setting standards and benchmarks and best practices and ensuring that all employees understand how their functions impact the company.

How important are these benchmarks and standards in the overall scheme of things?

They are extremely important.Asystem cannot be evaluated for performance if it is not measurable.

So, there must be set standards and benchmarks that are internationally accepted; that performance is measured against. For example, if a matter goes to litigation and forensic evidence is being presented.

How will the legal counsel defend his client if there are no standards to measure against? This could result in his client having to payout on a matter that perhaps he wasn’t really negligent in. Now, his client not only has to deal with the payout, but he also has to manage a reputational risk which may result in the closure of the business.

How will you convince a chief executive officer of a major company that the business continuity plan of the company depends on

the business continuity plan. That is the best way to ensure that everyone is driving towards the common goal.

Who are you partnering with in this year’s conference?

We are looking forward to a great conference.

Chief (Mrs) NikeAkande, a former minister, who is the President of the Lagos State Chamber of Commerce, will present the keynote address.

We are also in collaboration with our partners like Allianz, Lagos Safety Service Commission, LSSC, Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, LCCI, RIMAN, RIMSON,AERMP, among others in ensuring capacity development in this critical area.

In the case ofAllianz, they are actually bringing in five risk experts from overseas to share their experiences with us.

Young effective operational risk management? How will this conference help him do that?

The managing director and the other directors already have, as a major part of their mandate, business continuity. It is their core performance index.

Some people make the mistake of thinking that their job is to ensure the company makes money. Whilst that is true, it is only a part of their responsibility. If the company makes money in the first three years and then just because of a fire that started next door, they cannot produce their goods for the next six months, while they replace a machine that was damaged in the fire, the business comes to a halt.

By the time the machine is received and installed, a competitor has taken their market share. Poor management of this risk impacts the ability of that business continuing. So, the question is this: how do we make sure that all aspects of that business drive towards the same goal? You can have the head of your HSE, who is just following the rules to do the job. Does he fully appreciate how what he is doing enhances the continuity of the business? So, for the MDs and the directors, since business continuity is their core agenda, they must ensure that everyone in the corporation understands how his job impacts

How far have you gone in engaging the Lagos State government? I asked this question because this is where the bulk of businesses is.

As I mentioned, we have agencies within Lagos State we are working with. For example, LASEMA, LSSC, LASEPAand FFS. These agencies and some others are helping to drive this and have demonstrated their commitment in many ways. For the Lagos Chamber of Commerce, whenever any business is coming to the country, the Chamber of Commerce is often the first stop. So we are partnering with them to ensure that potential foreign investors in our economy will find our country a safer risk.

What does NFPAWA seek to attain with the conference?

Bridging the knowledge and skill gaps through training in corporate governance, capacity building, consultancy, standardisation, advocacy, and proffering of targeted solutions all geared towards public and private sector initiatives on life, fire and Safety Risk Management is a strategic decision particularly important for Compliance, Regulation and Continuity.

What prompted the idea of this conference?

At NFPAWA, we have identified gaps in skill and knowledge in life, fire safety and security risk management and mitigation as a critical challenge to development and sustainability in theAfrican Region. This weakness results in massive loss of life, environmental damage, economic hardship and financial losses. The effect of poor understanding and absence of set performance benchmarks for evaluating, assessing and investigating niche specific operational risks is now more glaring especially in today’s economy as Nigeria seeks a leadership position in theAfrican Region. Furthermore, the absence of controls that mitigate or reduce escalation via planned and organised emergency preparedness planning, response, control and abatement by qualified and trained personnel has aggravated the issues. This has not been good for our people and nation. It has had tremendous negative effects on the government’s strategic alliance with other nations seeking sustainable growth through partnership, investor confidence and an extensively disgruntled populace. We now feel the primary advocacy initiative, theAnnual Life and Fire Conference carries a three pronged agenda which includes, standardisation. We must have standards while evaluating our processes, environment and what we do. We must measure up to something. The other is awareness. There are certain things people are not aware of. They don’t even know the question to ask.

Who are you expecting at the conference?

We are expecting people from a cross section of the economy. To this end, we are expecting every operational Risk Stakeholder in power generation, construction and building industry, manufacturing, telecommunications, regulatory and compliance, finance, aviation, military and emergency response.

There is the chain from financiers to strategy and planning, design and construction, maintenance and operation and insurance; we expect them to be there as well.All these play a role to ensure business continuity along with the benchmarks, standards and codes.

26

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER •MARCH 18, 2017

Auto

2018 Alfa Romeo Stelvio

Official: Alfa Romeo Platform to be Used by Dodge, Jeep, Maserati Stories by Bennett Oghifo

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iat Chrysler Automobiles CEO, Sergio Marchionne has finally confirmed that Alfa Romeo’s brilliant Giorgio platform found in the Giulia and Stelvio will be used by fellow FCAbrands Dodge, Jeep and Maserati.

Marchionne made the confirmation during a conference call with analysts recently, Automotive News reports.

The move, which was planned all along, is to help spread the cost of developing the platform and vehicles based on it, whose bill already totals more than $2.7 billion.

“The investment in Alfa Romeo and certainly the technical investment in the architecture was something that was designed to benefit more than Alfa,” Marchionne said. “I’m happy that we have finally found clarity of thought in the extension of these architectures well beyond Alfa.”

Other than Alfa Romeo itself, the brand with the most to gain from the platform will be Maserati which will use it for its entire range of next-generation models, referred to by Marchionne as the “whole Maserati development beyond 2018.” The next Maserati due is a redesigned GranTurismo.

He was less clear on plans for the other brands. At Dodge, Marchionne said the platform will be used for rear-wheel-drive vehicles, i.e. the next-generation

Challenger and Charger.

And at Jeep, he said the platform would be used for large models. It’s previously been reported that FCA was investigating the use of the Giorgio platform for the next-generation Grand Cherokee.

Meanwhile, Marchionne has separately confirmed thatthenewWagoneerandGrandWagoneermodels will use a body-on-frame platform borrowed from the next-generation Ram pickup.

Noticeably absent in the call was mention of a nextgeneration Chrysler 300. Helping to explain this are comments made by Marchionne in early 2016 about the next Chrysler sedan possibly adopting the front-wheel-drive platform developed for the Chrysler Pacifica.

Toyota Records Its Strongest February Sales in 7 Years

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oyota recorded its strongest February sales in seven years with its upward momentum bucking the industry trend, according to the latest official figures.

The market leader’s growth came as its renowned Corolla and HiLux duo topped the industry as Australia’s best-selling vehicles in February.

Corolla and HiLux helped lift Toyota’s tally to 16,308 sales, which was almost 30 per cent higher than its January result and the company’s highest February total since 2010.

Toyota was the only brand among the top eight automotive companies to record an increase in sales compared with February last year.

Corolla led the field for individual models with almost 3,400 hatches and sedans delivered.

HiLux was just six sales away after posting its best February on record.

It is the 17th time these two pacesetters have scored the “quinella” for Toyota as the best-selling vehicles on Australia’s monthly sales chart.

Toyota’sCamry,LandCruiserPrado,LandCruiser wagon, HiAce van and HiAce bus also led their segments in February.

The other significant development was the arrival of the eye-catching C-HR, Toyota’s first entry in the small SUV segment, with 320 deliveries.

Toyota Australia’s executive director sales and marketing Tony Cramb said the launch month for C-HR was also the first time SUVs had outsold passenger cars in the Australian market - albeit by just 757 cars.

“This seismic shift in theAustralian new-vehicle market was inevitable with SUV sales doubling over just the past seven years to a record of 440,000 vehicles in 2016,” Cramb said.

“Last year, passenger cars prevailed by just over 45,000 sales; in January, the margin was down to fewer than 800 and now the historic tipping point has arrived - a little earlier than most people expected,” he said.

2017 Toyota Corolla

“The buyer trend favouring the ride height, interior space, comfort and style of SUVs at the expense of traditional passenger cars appears unstoppable and could accelerate with the arrival of dynamically competent SUVs such as C-HR.” Toyota is the leading brand in SUV sales and last year sold more than 60,000 SUVs for the first time. It remains the only brand to sell more than 50,000 SUVs in a year.

FCA Wins ‘The Most Improved Fleet Manufacturer’

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s the preparations gear for the arrival of the FIAT brand in Nigeria gradually moves to its peak, Weststar is excited to announce already that the ‘Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA)’ has been named Most Improved Fleet Manufacturer in the prestigious Fleet World Awards. The award recognizes the strides made by the company’s fleet and business department, which represents Fiat, Fiat Professional, Alfa Romeo and Jeep®. Judges were impressed not only by the strength and breadth of the vehicle line-up but also by the changes made in the last year to improve the fleet offering.

Steve Moody, Publisher at Fleet World, said: “With the ability to cross-sell between its different brands, FCA Group has a unique and compelling offer for fleets. Newcomers such as the Fiat Tipo, Alfa Romeo’s Giulia and Stelvio, and commercial vehicles including the Talento van and Fullback pickup mean it is becoming a complementary line-up suitable for the most diverse fleet needs. It’s also well supported, with a central fleet and business organisation and a growing network of specialist dealers.”

Receiving the award at a ceremony at the RAC Club in Pall Mall, Francis Bleasdale, Fleet and Remarketing Director at FCA, said, “We’re honoured to have won this category in these prestigious fleet awards and delighted that our work to improve the bespoke service we offer to business customers has been recognised.

In addition to building on our renowned low running costs and excellent service, we are continuing to expand the Alfa Romeo, Fiat and Jeep® model ranges including specially developed, business-focused editions that will thrill both head and heart.

For the Nigerian Market, the Fiat Tipo and Fullback are a part of the new products to be launched in this year. Weststar Associates Ltd (Authorized General Distributor of MercedesBenz, Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge and Ram in the Federal Republic of Nigeria) will be re-introducing the Fiat brand to the Nigerian market with the much anticipated product launch in the second quarter of the year.

“2017 is shaping up to be a fantastic year for FCA- we’ve just been named the Most Improved Fleet Manufacturer at The Fleet World Honors 2017! This award demonstrates our commitment and dedication to delivering a multi-brand fleet solution with up-to-the-minute after-sales service to our customers, bolstered by a range of exciting new model launches in 2017.” - Mr. Mirko Plath, CEO/MD Weststar Associates.

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER •MARCH 18, 2017

27

Auto Lagos Motor Fair, Autoparts to Focus on African Markets

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Mercedes Ener-G-Force concept

Mercedes to Debut Baby G-Class Compact Crossover By 2019

Stories by Bennett Oghifo

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ew details have surfaced on the rumured Mercedes-Benz GLB, which will slot below the GLC in the automaker’s crossover lineup and serve as a rival to the BMW X1 and Audi Q3.

The new compact crossover will draw

heavily from the Mercedes Ener-G-Force concept the automaker showed at the 2015 Los Angeles Auto Show, giving it the appearance of a baby G-Class. It’s also said to pull some of its more modern styling cues from the 2014 Mercedes Vision G-Code concept.

The GLB will ride on an updated version of Mercedes’ MFA platform currently

employed in the A-Class, B-Class, CLA and GLA. The new architecture will offer more flexibility in regards to vehicle production and will also be lighter than the version employed in the automaker’s current line of compacts. Similar to the Q3, the GLB will be offered in short- and long-wheelbase form, with the latter aimed at markets such as the U.S. and China.

his year’s Lagos Motor Fair and Autoparts Expo Africa will focus onAfrican markets, the organisers have said.

The motor fair, now in its 12th edition and the spareparts expo, in its sixth edition will take place at the Federal Palace Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos from April 24-29, 2017.

According to the Chairman of the Organising Committee of the event, Mr. Ifeanyichukwu Agwu, the scope of the event has been widened to cover the entire continent of Africa.

He said research shows that Nigerians are virtually visible in the auto spare parts sales across the continent and with most of them having their source of supply from the Nigerian market.

“Our target is to make them and other dealers in Africa get their supplies from Nigeria and thereby support the aim of making Nigeria the hub of autoparts production, distribution and sales in the continent, hence the theme “two events…continental spread.”

Agwu said contacts and serious promotions of the event are ongoing in the various countries and that the Nigerian Embassies in those countries and the Embassies of the countries in Nigeria were being sensitised on the importance of the expo.

“Strategically, we are laying a great emphasis on the Spare Parts sector in this edition as the current challenges confronting the automobile companies have seen a large number of them with little or no sales, with some closing down or downsising and the surviving ones relying on after sales.

F-150 Dependability Award Underscores Built Ford Tough

A

mericantruckownerswhovalueBuiltFord Tough pickups are taking in some more great news: Ford F-150 is J.D. Power’s 2017VehicleDependabilityStudyaward recipient for large light duty pickup.

“All customers demand quality vehicles, and truck customers depend on toughness and reliability most of all,” said Bennie Fowler, Ford group vice president for quality. “That’s why Built Ford Tough is much more than a slogan. It’s how we develop the F-150 and how we deliver on our promise to customers to continuously improve America’s favorite pickup truck.”

In January, Ford celebrated a major milestone as F-Series became the top-selling truck in the United

S

o Dr OnukabaAdinoyo-Ojo is dead? So the veteran pen pusher is gone forever.

He was a very senior colleague and an accomplished one too .Even though our paths never crossed, I was privileged in 2015torunintotheveteranjournalistand formerManagingDirectorofDailyTimesNigeriaPlc during a programme inAbuja. We exchanged cards andlikeeveryseniorcolleague,hecomplimentedme onmycolumnand,thenumerousradioprogrammes initiatedbymyhumbleselfbothinLagoswhereIwas Sector Commander andAbuja where I held forte as Corps Public Enlightenment Officer at the national headquarters of the Federal Road Safety Corps in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory.

The circumstance surrounding his death is still shocking, confusing and strange. First, it was said to was a result of a road traffic crash which occurred alongAkure-IleshaRoad,OndoState,onSunday. The incident, the sources further revealed occurred in Ero villageabout10minutesdrivefromAkure,intheIfedore council area of the state at about 6p.m. The deceased, ran into some robbers on his way back toAbuja from Abeokuta,OgunState,afterattendingthecommissioning of former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo’s Presidential Library. The sources further said that on seeingtherobberyoperationahead,thedeceasedfled intothebushtotakecover.Anothermotorist,whoalso wanted to avoid running into the robbery operation, swerved into the bush and reportedly ran over the

Statesforthe40thconsecutiveyearandthebest-selling vehiclefor35years.Fordhassoldmorethan26million F-Series trucks since January 1977.

Ford research shows F-150’s dependability – paired withitscapabilityandtoughness–isakeydifferentiator for the truck over the competition. Truck shoppers say they prioritize a pickup truck’s quality above all other attributes.

InadditiontoF-150rankinghighestamonglargelight dutypickupsand40consecutiveyearsofFordF-Series as top- selling truck inAmerica, Ford took home the Edmund Award for Most Wanted Full-Size Truck award, the 2017Autobytel Buyer’s Choice Full-Size TruckAwardandtheKelleyBlueBookBestBuyTruck Award for the third consecutive year in the USA.

Ford F-150

ADIEU Onukaba, Ejoyi SAFE DRIVING with

JONAS AGWU

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

deceased where he was hiding. He reportedly died on the spot while the driver of the vehicle that killed himfledthescenebeacaseofmurderalthoughsources later said that Dr Adinoyi-Ojo’s death.

For now, I will hold on to my thoughts but I must say that we will miss him dearly not just as a professional senior but as a Nigerian whose contributions are vital in moving the nation forward. While we mourn him, let me focus on other tragedies that occurred within the week. Hers was equally shocking as I stumbled on her death on face book on my way from Uyo, the AkwaIbomStatecapitalonFridaylastweek.Thedeath ofAgnes Ejoyi, a colleague is one I am still struggling to understand even though my understanding can never change what heaven has allowed. I wish I can recall the circumstance that led to Ejoyi’s death but since all I can do for now is to pay her the last respect. I will again let it be until I have the strength to recast the issues and lessons that I have learnt .Let me bore you

a bit on sad news involving another colleague who wasinvolvedinacarcrashthatinvolvednotonlyhim, but his son and daughter in addition to his brother.

The road traffic crash involving him I was told was as a result of a tyre burst or tyre blow out which has remainedoneofmyfavoritetopicsonthiscolumn.As I write today, my colleague is still in the hospital while his son who sustained a head cut or injury could not survive the surgery carried out to save him. He died last Monday afternoon So my Oga is dead!!! So too is Ejoyi. Not through the nozzle of an assassin’s gun or even that of a terrorist.

Not through natural death, but through a road crash.

Incidentally, the veterans’ death occurred along the same road where other Nigerians have died. Since January2017,therollcallspeaksvolumeofpeoplewho lost their lives not just because there was a crash but because post crash treatment came late. In one of the materials used on this column titled “Carmageddon: thehiddenwarbetweenmotorcarsandpeople;itwas statedthatdeathduetomotorvehiclesexceededthose due to armed conflict by several folds. Annual traffic death numbers more than 1.2million, those due to armed conflict around 310,000. In 2004, terrorist acts killed 1907 people around the world, a 3 fold increase over the years before. It was also stated that motoring journalistoftenrefertomotorcarsasweapons.Somesay BMW 5m is “More than just a cruise missile”, having theammototakeonthesuperchargedE55eventhough the Benz outguns it.

Inoneofmycolumns,titled“TheNightJourneySyndromeII”,Istatedthattheoutcomeofaroadcrashforthe victimintermsoftheirchancesofsurvivalisaffectedby theavailablemedicalcare.Thatforpeoplekilledoutright inroadcrash,promptandeffectivepostcrashmedical intervention can save lives and reduce the severity of injury, be that by the first aiders, medical staff trained in basic trauma care or more advanced paramedics or physicians. Furthermore, that because ambulance serviceisstillepilepticandaccesstoemergencyservice ispoor,deathbeforethearrivalatthehospitalisusually high.Thereforelackofearlymedicalinterventionand long difficult journey to hospital reduce the chances of survival.

Some of the lives lost daily could have been saved if adequate emergency structures were in place. Since thiscolumn’sdebut,IhavereliedheavilyontheWorld Reportontheroadtrafficinjurypreventionpublished byWHOandtheWorldBankin2004detailingthekey roadinjuryriskfactorsasthemajorcontributingfactors to road crashes and injury severity.Among these key riskfactors,areexcessivespeedandpoorinfrastructure design and management.

The same report draws concern on the need for post crash interventions. Taking a cue from Williams Haddani, who developed a matrix that identifies risk factors before the crash, during the crash and after the crash, it emphasizes that post crash phase involves all activitiesthatreducestheadverseoutcomeofthecrash after it has occurred.

28

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • March 18, 2017

FAMILY HEALTH

What Causes Itching in Your Genitals

T

he human body is made up of several folds and it is natural that bacteria and fungi dwell in our body parts .

This creates s natural balance , which can also be altered if there is s change in the environmental conditions . Either by increase in temperature or external infecting agent .

Genital itching , this is a very unpleasant condition, accompanied by a wide variety of emotional color from shades of minor irritation and discomfort, to severe depression.

• Itching genitals very common worldwide, but is more common in women than in men.

Genital itching can be a symptom of many conditions which may include vaginalinfections in females or jock itch in males. In either sex, itching may be caused by skin irritation, sexually transmitted diseases, and allergies. Other causes of itching may require more intensive treatment.

Genital itch with rash , is a skin symptom that can be caused by a number of health problems and can occur on any part of the male or female genital area.

Rashes are normally reddish in color, may be painful or itchy, and may include bumps or sores. If you experience any skin rash that you cannot explain, you should see your doctor for a diagnosis and treatment.

Genital itching can be a symptom of many conditions.

These may include vaginal infections in females or jock itch in males. In either sex, itching can be caused by skin irritation, sexually transmitted diseases and allergies.

In many cases, genital itching that is caused by irritation will clear up on its own if the irritants (lotions, soaps) are removed. Other causes of itching may require more intensive treatment. If you are concerned about genital itching that does not go away, talk to your doctor or another health care professional.

When a man feels itchy down there, the itch is commonly due to a rash caused by inflammatory skin diseases, fungi, lice, or a viral infection. While viral infection and lice infestation are usually sexually transmitted, the other skin conditions have non-sexual causes.

However, whatever the cause of this itch, it is always advisable to seek medical attention instead of trying to treat the problem with over-the-counter skin creams.

Common causes In males and females : Most often, genital pruritus in women occurs due to the following reasons: 1. Diseases of the female organs: irritation of the mucous membranes of the uterus or secretions from the vagina that has fallen urine during urination, etc.

2. Other diseases: endocrine disorders (diabetes, hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism), diseases of the blood.

3. Impact on the psyche: stress, fear and some other negative emotions.

4. External influences: hypothermia, or mechanical irritation of chemicals, contact with allergens, pollution of the genital area, the infection.

In young women the cause of the itch is most often candidiasis (thrush) and vulvovaginal. In women, after 40 years the cause of itching genitals must first seek internal organs and various chronic diseases in the pathology (eg, diabetes mellitus). For the period of menopause is most typical genital itching due to a sharp deficit of female sex hormones.

The nature of itching in women can be quite varied: periodic, constant, painful, intense, weak, etc. In general, characterized by a strengthening in the night time. Often accompanied by itching genital trauma to the mucosa (scratches, cracks), and the subsequent inflammation, which may itself exacerbate itch.

Itching of the genitals in men In men, genital itching occurs very rarely and may occur in the following cases: • allergy to contraceptive drugs and means of intimate hygiene, which are used by • the partner during sexual intimacy; • prostatitis; • candidiasis of the glans penis (thrush); • vesicles; • poor hygiene; Other reasons.

Itching genitals: a possible solution to the problem In case of itching of genitals should consult the following specialists: • The gynecologist (for women), a urologist or andrologist (for men) • Dermatologist; • If necessary, it will be to visit the profiles of other specialists (infectious disease specialist, endocrinologist, psychiatrist, etc.) for the final diagnosis of the cause of the itch is necessary.

• Treatment of genital itching itching genitals complex, aims to eliminate the cause of the itch (for

with

BOBO BODE -KAYODE

lifeissuesfromwithin@yahoo.com, .Cel, 08053372356

cause tiredness and lethargy along with the itching.

For stopping that intense itch at night, apply ice cubes directly or a cold compress in the vagina. This could turn out to be a burdensome job.

But when you consider the severe itch, doing a cold compress is a much better job any day. At least you can sleep well after the itch is put to rest.

Salt Bath: Salt can effectively remove itching and bacteria due to its antibacterial properties. Wash your vagina with concentrated salt water whenever you feel the itch. This will give you great relief instantly and prevent further multiplication of bacteria.

Apple cider vinegar has excellent antibacterial and antifungal properties. It will help remove the itching completely if it is a fungal or bacterial action that is causing the infection.

For enjoying the benefit of apple cider vinegar, take two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar and mix it with warm water.

Wash your vagina with this water twice a day for two to three days.

This should effectively take care of your problem. Apple cider vinegar makes the vagina acidic where the bacteria cannot thrive for long

example, the treatment of candidiasis, the removal of local inflammation). If the cause can not be eliminated, then the prescribed panacea to the general condition and relieve itching: drugs female hormones during menopause, pain killers and anti-inflammatory agents in diabetes, procaine blockade.

Local widely used bath with camomile broth, cream and ointment with anesthetic properties, as well as containing female or male sex hormones. Not the least role in the treatment of itching of genitals play a healthy lifestyle (avoiding the use of products that enhance mucosal irritation of the genitalia), thoroughly intimate hygiene.

Men struggle with itching genitals includes the treatment of prostatitis, with the removal of inflammation of the penis head mucous membranes, etc.

If allergies are assigned appropriate antihistamines.

HOW TO PREVENT GENITAL ITCHING Females should take the following steps to help avoid genital itching • After urination or bowel movements, wipe from front to back to prevent bacteria from the anus (rectum) entering the vagina.

• Avoid chemical products such as vaginal douches or feminine hygiene sprays, which can upset the acidic balance of the vagina.

• Avoid the use of excessive amounts of laundry detergent in the washing machine.

• Stay away from over-the-counter itch blockers, as these products can make the itching worse in the long term.

• If you suspect a lubricant might be worsening the itching, talk to your doctor about the best options.

• Avoid trauma to the area, such as excessive shaving and scratching.

• Eat a well-balanced diet to maintain healthy bacteria in the vagina.

Males should take the following steps to help avoid genital itching: • Wash the penis well, including the area under the foreskin in uncircumcised men.

• If you sweat throughout the day, consider changing underwear frequently.

Both males and females should take the following steps to help prevent genital itching: • Keep the genital area clean and dry. Use mild soap, or better yet, avoid soap completely, and rinse well with water. Avoid over-cleaning the vaginal area.

• Wear loose, natural-fiber underwear and clothing.

Change underwear at least every 24 hours.

• Dry off thoroughly after bathing and swimming.

Avoid staying in wet clothing for long periods of time.

• Avoid unprotected sex, especially if you are worried that you or your partner might have an infection.

• Home remedies can also be applied under caution . Talk to your doctor before using any other method.

Apple Cider Vinegar Apple cider vinegar has excellent antibacterial and antifungal properties. It will help remove the itching completely if it is a fungal or bacterial action that is causing the infection. For enjoying the benefit of apple cider vinegar, take two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar and mix it with warm water.

Wash your vagina with this water twice a day for two to three days. This should effectively take care of your problem. Apple cider vinegar makes the vagina acidic where the bacteria cannot thrive for long.

Cold Compress Vaginal itching can especially be very troublesome during nigh time. This could interrupt your sleep and

Alternately, you can fill half the tub with warm water and add half a cup of salt into it. Sit inside the tub in a squatting position. While sitting, open your vaginal walls using your finger so that saline water goes inside and kills the bacterial action effectively.

Garlic: Garlic too has strong antibacterial properties that can relieve your symptoms instantly, or it is probably the smell of garlic that does the trick! Whatever the reason maybe, there is no harm in trying this wonderful herb when you have intense itching that you cannot stop.

Chew 2-3 cloves of garlic down your throat. Make garlic into a paste and apply inside the vagina by tying it in a cheesecloth. The smell could be depressing, but the relief could come as a surprise!

Yoghurt The use of probiotics to overwhelm the bad bacteria in the body is not a new remedy whatsoever. Pure yoghurt has active cultures that can remove the bad bacteria by adding good bacteria in abundance. For treating vaginal itch, drink a cup of pure unsweetened curd every day. Yeast infections can be immediately taken care of with yoghurt. Yoghurt made of goat’s or sheep’s milk is a better remedy for treating vaginal itch.

Another way to use yogurt is to apply in the vaginal area directly which is a better way of dealing with vaginal itch. Direct application of yoghurt will immediately stop vaginal itch. Constant application will surely remove the problem forever. You can use a tampon for this purpose. Soak a tampon with yoghurt and leave it in the vagina for a few hours.

Frozen yoghurt can also be inserted inside the vagina for instant relief.

Basil Leaves Basil leaves have anti microbial, anti fungal and anti bacterial properties. Take basil leaves and boil it in two cups of water.

Steep for 20 minutes covered till the water becomes strong. Drink this water twice a day for removing the bacteria causing vaginal itching.

Anti Bacterial Talc: Antibacterial talcs are available in herbal as well as medicated varieties. A herbal or homeopathic talc will be mild on the body but requires time to heal. Over the counter medicated talcs are very effective if you are looking at a quick fix solution to your problem.

Apply the talc in the vagina to destroy the bacteria and also to remove any fungal action as a result of moist surroundings.

Rosemary Leaves Rosemary leaves can be steeped with water for 15 minutes and allowed to cool. Wash the vaginal area with this herbal solution and feel the difference in an instant.

Keeping The Vagina Dry Allowing the vaginal area to remain moist due to sweat and water is one reason for cultivation of bacteria and fungus allowing it to create infections and embarrassing problems.

Always ensure that you keep the vaginal area free from moisture to prevent infections. Apply a mild anti bacterial talc for this purpose which will offer its double action on your skin.

Wear Loose Clothing: Prevention is better than cure any day. If you have had vaginal itching any time in your life, you will know exactly why this advice is the best to keep away from trouble.

Allow cool air to keep your vagina dry. Wear cotton underwear or leave your private parts free of tight clothing whenever you can .

The bottom line is that stay clean and fresh at all times .

GLOBAL SOCCER

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • JUNE 16, 2011

A

WEEKLY PULL-OUT

18.03.2017

REVENGE IN MIND PAGE. 29

Anthony Joshua

The Fight to Become a Legend

30

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • MARCH 18, 2017

GLOBAL SOCCER

The Fight to Become a Legend One of the biggest names in boxing world today is Anthony Oluwafemi Joshua. Since winning gold medal in the boxing event of the 2012 Olympics in London, he has taken the boxing world by storm, winning the IBF heavyweight title after beating title holderCharles Martin, in April last year.The British-born Nigerian had gone on to defend his title twice against Dominic Breazeale and Eric Molina. His greatest test, however, would be next month when he takes on Wladimir Klitschko. Kunle Adewale writes about what it would have been had Joshua not been stopped from representing Nigeria at the Beijing Olympics and his future prospects

I

t should have been Nigeria and not the United Kingdom celebrating the IBF world title had it been the attempt by Anthony Oluwafemi Joshua to compete in Nigerian colours at the 2008 Beijing Olympics was not frustrated, 1984 Olympian, Jeremiah Okorodudu, lamented.

To date, Nigeria’s quest for an Olympic gold medal in boxing is still a mirage, but it would have been a forgone issue had Joshua been given the opportunity to represent the country as he went on to win gold in the heavyweight category of the 2012 Olympics in the colours of Great Britain.

“Joshua really wanted to represent Nigeria at the 2008 Olympics but Obisia Nwankpa and Samson Arashola deprived him of the opportunity. But now Britain is celebrating what should have been Nigeria’s pride,” Okorodudu said.

Since turning professional, AJ, as he is fondly called, had won the IBF heavyweight title and had defended it twice. However, Joshua said he values the Olympics medal more than the world title.

Okorodudu is not however surprised at Joshua’s preference for his Olympic medal to his IBF world title belt.

“Of course, he must appreciate the Olympic gold more than the world title belt considering the shabby way he was treated by Nigeria.

Moreover, it is the dream of every boxer to win an Olympic gold before forging ahead in his career,” Jerry Boy added.

Meanwhile, Nigeria Boxing Federation (NBF) Chief Coach and former Commonwealth Boxing Champion, Obisia Nwankpa, debunked Okorodudu’s claim that he frustrated Joshua in his attempt to represent Nigeria at the 2008 Olympics.

“His (Joshua) case is not the first. We’ve

had similar cases like that before. Most Nigerian athletes that live or were born abroad do not go about it in the right way anytime they want to represent Nigeria.

They believe by virtue of living abroad, they could just walk into the team without going through the trials. That is not acceptable,” Obisia said.

The man who was called golden gloves because of his finesse in the ring said it was impossible for Joshua to make the Nigerian 2008 Olympic team with the presence of Olarewaju Durodola in the team.

“As of 2008, we had a boxer that was very strong called Durodola and at that time Joshua was not better than him.

Even the fact that he won a world title does not translate to his being better than Durodola. He just happened to have a faster shot at the title by virtue of living in the United Kingdom, where there are opportunities. Durodola only moved to America recently and he is now the World Boxing Association, WBA number two contender,” the former Commonwealth champion said.

Obisia however agreed that Joshua would have added value to Nigeria’s boxing had he competed in the colours of Nigeria.

Okorodudu is insisting that Obisia and his cohorts in the boxing federation should be blamed for denying Nigeria a great asset in Joshua.

“He was not taken serious when he wanted to represent Nigeria. He would have added a great value to Nigeria boxing. At least he would have won for the country the elusive Olympic gold medal in boxing,” Okorodudu said.

Joshua was born in Watford to a Nigerian mother and a father of Nigerian and Irish descent. He grew up for much of his early years in Nigeria and returned to the UK to join Kings Langley Secondary School. Growing up on the Meriden Estate in Garston, Hertfordshire, Joshua was called 'Femi' by his friends and former teachers, due to his middle name 'Oluwafemi'. He excelled at football and athletics and broke the Year Nine 100m record with a time of 11.6 seconds.

Joshua’s first real test since becoming the IBF world heavyweight boxing champion would be on April 29, when he comes up against Klitschko and AJ had attested to the fact that a victory against the Ukrainian at Wembley Stadium would turn him to a legend.

"It's now about beating the right people to go down in history. This is the start of a legendary campaign. This is a fight that can change me from champion to legend overnight. Wladimir is a man I need to defeat to start building my reputation," Joshua said.

The Ukrainian, who turned 41 this month, was unbeaten for 11 years before Manchester's Tyson Fury upset him in Dusseldorf last year November. Two scheduled rematches fell through, before Fury relinquished the WBA and WBO titles after allegedly failing a drugs test and revealing he was struggling with mental illness.

"I've had a year-and-a-half break and I feel that's good. My motivation is as high as the sky. I had to wake up - it was the wake-up call before the big event. This is definitely a signature fight for Anthony and me. It's amazing that two fighters

aren't throwing tables or punching each other or saying what they're going to do. It's a different fight. It's a very special event in a very special arena against a very special opponent," said Klitschko, who will hopefully be fighting for the IBF, WBA and Ring Magazine belt at Wembley.

He added: "We're so evenly matched, it's a 50-50 fight. We're both Olympic champions, the same size, have the same strength - it could go any direction. I don't know the next time such a fight could happen in the heavyweight division. I'm super excited, on fire, happy to have this chance. You should be excited too."

The Wembley Stadium showdown is expected to attract the biggest post-war British boxing crowd. A deal has been struck to ensure 90,000 can attend the fight for Joshua's IBF title and the vacant WBA Super and IBO heavyweight crowns.

The Wembley bout will match the British record set by Len Harvey and Jock McAvoy at White City Stadium in 1939.

Crowds are usually capped at 80,000 for transport network capacity reasons.

However, London Mayor Sadiq Khan facilitated an agreement between Network Rail and Transport for London to ensure more services.

"Sadiq urged me to bring the biggest fights to the city and I'm delighted to have the biggest fight in British boxing history at Wembley," said promoter Eddie Hearn.

Joshua has 18 knockouts from as many fights since turning pro in 2013, while Klitschko turned pro in 1996 and has 64 wins (53 KOs) and four defeats.

Klitschko was at ringside for Joshua's threeround demolition of Molina at Manchester Arena in December and predicted his Wembley date will be his "signature fight".

31

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • MARCH 18, 2017

GLOBAL SOCCER

Aguero tries to waltze through Liverpool players

Man City, Liverpool Battle for Top-four Place After disappointingly crashing out of the UEFA Champions League-no thanks to the away-goal rule, Pep Guardiola and his Manchester City side would be turning their attention to the Premier League against a Liverpool side that are always at their best when playing against any of the top six teams.With Chelsea one foot away from the league title, a top four finish for a place in next season’s Champions League is the extra spice to Sunday’s showdown between the two teams

I

f the Premier League were to be competed for between the current top six teams only, then Liverpool and not Chelsea would be heading for the title.

In nine games against those teams this season Liverpool are unbeaten and have taken an impressive 19 points which is why they will travel to third-placed Manchester City on Sunday brimming with confidence.

Victory over City, which would be their sixth in seven against the Sky Blues in the league, would propel Liverpool above Guardiola's side in what has become a five-club battle for second, third and fourth spots behind leaders Chelsea.

The higher calibre the opposition, the

better Liverpool have played this season with notable victories over Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur, a double over Arsenal and a narrow home win over City who will also be deflated by their Champions League loss to Monaco.

Jurgen Klopp's side laboured to a 2-1 win over woeful travellers Burnley last weekend, when all the sides around them were in FA Cup action, but former Liverpool striker John Aldridge said points not style are now the priority.

"It was a crucial three points in terms of pushing for a Champions League spot," Aldridge, who won the title with Liverpool in 1987-88, told the club's website.

"Mentally, it was a big step forward for this Liverpool side. I know we've played two games more than both Arsenal and Manchester United

but I'd rather have the points on the board than fixture congestion."

Liverpool, who were neck-and-neck with City at the top of the table after 10 games of the season, are fourth with 55 points from 28 games, one less than City and second-placed Tottenham Hotspur, both of whom have played a game fewer.

Significantly, they have a five-point cushion on Arsenal and six over United.

What is more, Liverpool can concentrate on their final 10 games without the distractions their top-four rivals must contend with.

While bookmakers have not stopped taking bets on Chelsea winning the title yet, a 10-point lead with 11 games to go makes them overwhelming favourites.

Chelsea turn their attentions back to the

Premier League today, five days after knocking holders Manchester United out of the FA Cup, with a trip to Stoke City.

N'Golo Kante's second-half strike was enough to settle a tense, and entertaining, game at Stamford Bridge. With a semi-final date with Tottenham now set for five weeks' time, the title tilt is again the sole focus.

The Premier League pacesetters, who ran out 4-2 winners over the Potters on New Year's Eve, are playing before the remaining top four - Tottenham, Manchester City and Liverpool - with Arsenal taking the Saturday's lunchtime kick-off.

A win will move them 13 points ahead of their rivals, with 10 games left to play, while Stoke will hope to build on a well-deserved 0-0 draw with City in their previous outing.

32

MARCH 18, 2017 • THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

GLOBAL SOCCER UEFA Champions League

Ancelotti Faces former Assistant as Madrid Draw Bayern Juve face Barca

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itleholders Real Madrid must face their former coach in the Champions League quarterfinals after they were drawn against Carlo Ancelotti's Bayern Munich yesterday.

Ancelotti led Real to the 10th of their 11 European Cups in 2014, inflicting Bayern's heaviest European home defeat on the way with a 4-0 win at the Allianz Arena in the second leg of the semifinal.

Barcelona were pitted against Italian champions Juventus in a repeat of the 2015 final which the Spanish side won 3-1.

Rank outsiders Leicester City will take on Diego Simeone's Atletico Madrid, runners-up in two of the last three seasons, with the first leg at the Vicente Calderon where no English side have won.

Borussia Dortmund face AS Monaco who upset Manchester City in the previous round.

Bayern will host the first leg against Real as the two sides renew one of European soccer's oldest and most bitter rivalries.

"The match against Real Madrid will be special for me. It is going to be exciting to play against them," Ancelotti said.

"We have a lot of confidence and want to win the Champions League this season.

I think we have the ability to beat Real Madrid. But they have a fantastic team with a fantastic coach."

Juventus will host the first leg against Barcelona and the second will see their full back Dani Alves return to the Nou Camp where the Brazilian made 247 appearances in eight years.

Dortmund chairman Hans-Joachim Watzke was relieved not to draw Bundesliga rivals Bayern.

"We wanted to avoid Bayern, and I think they wanted to avoid us. From that perspective, it is a good draw," he said.

"I saw Monaco's match against Manchester City and I am aware that they have a goal difference of +58 in the league. It's a difficult match. At this level, it doesn't really matter if you play at home first."

Fixtures: Atletico Madrid Borussia Dortmund Bayern Munich Juventus

v v v v

Leicester City Monaco Real Madrid Barcelona

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

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

27 27 27 28 26 26 28 28 28 26 28 28 27 28 27 28 27 28 27 27

37 33 24 25 24 17 17 -1 -8 -2 -11 -11 -14 -14 -15 -25 -11 -28 -11 -26

66 56 56 55 50 49 47 40 36 33 33 31 31 30 27 27 25 24 22 19

28 28 28 28 28 28 28 28 28 28 28 28 28 28 28 28 28 28 28 28

39 36 35 20 24 10 9 8 2 6 -4 -5 -8 -16 -22 -12 -28 -33 -27 -34

70 62 60 56 54 52 50 45 41 39 38 33 31 31 31 29 22 15 14 12

Head to Head

17.10.16 13.01.16 12.09.15 22.03.15 14.12.14 16.03.14 01.09.13 13.01.13 23.09.12 11.02.12 15.10.11 06.03.11 19.09.10 21.03.10

Real Madrid players celebrating their Champions League victory

Liverpool Liverpool Man Utd Liverpool Man Utd Man Utd Liverpool Man Utd Liverpool Man Utd Liverpool Liverpool Man Utd Man Utd

Hot Shots Victor Moses is Antonio Conte's only injury concern ahead of the game. The wing-back was withdrawn in the final minutes of Monday's win over United and has reportedly picked up a calf strain.

His absence could see Pedro move to wing-back, after dropping to the bench for the FA Cup tie, and Willian retaining his place in attack.

Mark Hughes will be hoping to call upon Xherdan Shaqiri (calf), though today's game may come too soon, while Glen Johnson (shoulder) is also in contention.Mame Biram Diouf (knee) was withdrawn in the 0-0 draw with City but is only considered a slight doubt for the game.

One thing is certain, though, two of Manchester City, Liverpool, Tottenham, Arsenal and Manchester United would be shut out of the top-four this season.

Tottenham can increase the pressure on City and Liverpool when they host Southampton earlier on Sunday chasing a 10th consecutive home victory in the Premier League, although they will be without injured top scorer Harry Kane.

Manchester United, for whom the top four has remained just out of reach since very early in the season, are away at relegation-threatened Middlesbrough on Sunday in their third game in six days.

Fifth-placed Arsenal begin the weekend schedule at West Bromwich

Albion - a side they have never failed to score against in 21 previous Premier League clashes.

Three defeats in their last four league games, however, mean Arsene Wenger's side have precious little margin for error in their quest for a 21st consecutive top-four finish.

ASSISTANT EDITOR KUNLE ADEWALE

Harry Kane Romelu Lukaku Alexis Sánchez Diego Costa Zlatan Ibrahimovic Jermain Defoe Dele Alli Sergio Agüero Sadio Mane Eden Hazard Fernando Llorente Christian Benteke Roberto Firmino

0-0 0-1 3-1 1-2 3-0 0-3 1-0 2-1 1-2 2-1 1-1 3-1 3-2 2-1

Man Utd Man Utd Liverpool Man Utd Liverpool Liverpool Man Utd Liverpool Man Utd Liverpool Man Utd Man Utd Liverpool Liverpool

Tottenham Everton Arsenal Chelsea Man Utd Sunderland Tottenham Man City Liverpool Chelsea Swansea Palace Liverpool

19 19 17 17 15 14 13 12 12 11 11 9 9

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

26 27 27 27 27 27 27 27 27 27 26 27 27 27 27 27 27 27 27 27

42 54 20 27 20 4 4 5 1 -5 -6 -2 -11 -15 -11 -12 -19 -31 -28 -37

62 60 57 52 48 48 44 40 39 37 35 32 30 28 27 26 25 19 18 11

Spanish La Liga Fixtures TODAY Eibar Bilbao Alavés Betis

v v v v

Espanyol Madrid Real Sociedad Osasuna

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

SUNDAY Leganés Atlético Deportivo Sporting Barcelona

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Malaga Sevilla Celta Vigo Granada Valencia

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

Bundesliga Bayern Leipzig Dortmund 2 Hoffenheim Hertha Frankfurt Köln Freiburg Gladbach Leverkusen Schalke Mainz Augsburg Wolfsburg Bremen Hamburger Ingolstadt Darmstadt

24 24 4 24 24 24 24 24 24 24 24 24 24 24 24 24 24 24

47 18 26 20 6 -1 6 -10 -3 -2 4 -7 -10 -12 -13 -22 -18 -29

59 49 43 42 40 35 34 34 32 31 30 29 28 26 26 26 19 15

Bundesliga Fixtures TODAY Köln

v

Hertha

Augsburg

v

Freiburg

14:30 14:30

Bremen

v

Leipzig

14:30

Hoffenheim

v

Leverkusen

14:30

Wolfsburg

v

Darmstadt

14:30

Frankfurt

v

Hamburger

17:30

Mainz

v

Schalke 04

14:30

M’gladbach

v

Bayern

16:30

SUNDAY

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

Premier League TODAY West Brom Crystal Palace Everton Stoke City Sunderland West Ham Bournemouth

SUNDAY Middlesbrough Tottenham Man City

v v v v v v v v v v

Serie A Fixtures

Arsenal Watford Hull City Chelsea Burnley Leicester Swansea

12:30 15:00 15:00 15:00 15:00 15:00 17:30

Man Utd Southampton Liverpool

12:00 14:15 16:30

TODAY Torino Milan SUNDAY Empoli Atalanta Bologna Cagliari Crotone Sampdoria Udinese Roma

v v

Inter Genoa

17:00 19:45

v v v v v v v v

Napoli Pescara Chievo Lazio Fiorentina Juventus Palermo Sassuolo

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

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • MARCH 18, 2017

33

GLOBAL SOCCERR\\OTHER SPORTS

L-R: Marketing Manager, GOtv; Johnson Ivase, Public Relations Executive, MultiChoice Nigeria, Jennifer Ukoh, and Chief Operating Officer, FlyKite Production, Bamidele Johnson, during the GOtv Boxing Night 11 Press Conference held at the Old Skool restaurant, National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos

MD Landscape Communications, Tony Obot, presents trophy to Muibi Barakat, winner of the girls singles with her coaches

Fukushima to Host 2020 Olympic Baseball and Softball Olympic baseball matches will be held in Japan's Fukushima prefecture, an area devastated by the 2011 earthquake, tsunami and nuclear disaster.

The Azuma Baseball Stadium in Fukushima city will host at least one baseball and one softball match, Tokyo 2020 president Yoshiro Mori said on Friday.

The city is about 100km (62 miles) from the nuclear plant hit by the tsunami, that caused a triple meltdown.

It was the worst nuclear accident since the Chernobyl disaster in 1986.

Fukushima has suffered lasting stigma since the disaster, with many shunning

produce from the region over fears of nuclear contamination The move to hold matches in the prefecture will help boost the region, Mr Mori said.

"Tokyo 2020 is a showcase for the recovery and reconstruction of Japan from the disaster of March 2011, so in many ways we would like to give encouragement to the people, especially in the affected area."

He added that the baseball match was likely to be the first of the 2020 Games, hosting the sport for the first time since 2008. Baseball is Japan's most popular sport.

The former prime minister was speaking on the sidelines of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Executive Board meeting in Pyeongchang, South Korea, which is the host of the 2018 Winter Games.

The decision was welcomed by the World Baseball Softball Confederation, which called it a "tremendous honour and a duty" in a statement distributed

by Tokyo 2020 officials.

Despite extensive decontamination work, a few areas of Fukushima prefecture are still off-limits to the public.

Mobility Arts Hosts Clash of Gladiators As part of its Corporate Social Responsibility, CSR, upcoming telecommunication outfit, Mobility Arts Nigeria Limited is organising a martial arts competition, tagged-Clash of Gladiators, slated for Suki, FESTAC Town in Lagos.

In a chat with the CEO of Mobility Arts, George Ager, he said he was involved in martial arts as a kid and understands its benefits to mankind, which was one of the reasons for today’s event.

“Growing up, I was very much involved in martial arts and it has in no small measure helped in shaping my life to be able to do things that ordinarily I would not have be able to do. My only regret was not continuing with it when I got to the university,” Ager said.

Continuing he said, “aside from the fact that the sport makes one look younger even at old age, those involved in martial arts are always very focused and go for their target no matter the obstacle before them.”

84 kids within the ages of five and 12 years within Amuwo Odofin and its environs are expected to participate in the Clash of Gladiators, which is being powered by Jodan Prolific Martial Arts Academy.

Various prizes have been lined up for winners in different categories. The first prize would attract a trophy and N30,000 while the second and third place winners would cart away N15,000 and N10,000 worth of airtime respectively.

According to the founder of Mobility Arts, after today’s event, the company would be looking in the direction of some dying and relegated sports like volleyball, which has been relegated to secondary schools.

Mobility Arts which was established in 2013 is a mobile internet company offering a wide range of entertainment Value Added Service (VAS) cutting across Mobile Applications, IVR subscription services, Mobile Gaming applications, m-Health, m-Education and SMS subscription services Mobility Arts also develop, maintain and hosts services for delivery over mobile operator networks with a concentration on partnering strategically with mobile operators in building their mobile value added services business.

GOtv Boxing Night 11

Joe Boy Ready for Ghanaian Opponent Ghanaian boxer vows to avenge defeat of countrymen

National lightweight boxing champion, Oto “Joe Boy” Joseph, has declared himself ready to make Nigeria proud when he fights Ghana’s Anma Dotse for the West African Boxing Union title at GOtv Boxing Night 11, holding at the Obafemi Awolowo Stadium, Ibadan, on March 26.

Joe Boy, three-time winner of the GOtv Boxing Night best boxer award, said he is certain that he is top dog in his category in West Africa. He advised his opponent to consult his fellow Ghanaian, Richard Amefu, whom he defeated at GOtv Boxing 9.

“Dotse is in trouble. I am the best in

West Africa. He will regret ever coming to fight me. I have trained hard and I will explode like dynamite,” he said.

In the other fights, fast rising boxer, Rilwan Babatunde will exchange punches with Waliu Arogundade in the light welterweight category, while Adewale Masebinu will be in action against Kabiru Towolawi in a lightweight challenge duel.

The best boxer on the night will win N1million cash prize and the Mojisola Ogunsanya Memorial Trophy.

The event is sponsored by GOtv and supported by Federal Inland Revenue Service, MultiChoice, SuperSport, KSquare Security, Paragonis Multimedia Limited,

Complete Sports, Bond FM, Brila FM and Newsbreak.ng.

Meanwhile, Ghanaian boxer, Anma Dotse, has vowed to shorten the reign of West African lightweight boxing king, Joseph when they both clash on March 26. Dotse, highly rated in Ghana, said the title is not only for grab but would also avenge the defeat of numerous Ghanaian boxers in Nigeria.

According to Dotse, Ghana is still Africa’s boxing powerhouse. “I feel embarrassed that Nigerian boxers will wake up from nowhere and want to claim dominance.

Joe Boy’s time is up and I am coming to end his premature reign,” he boasts.

Chance to Fight in Ibadan Thrills Fijabi National and West African light welterweight champion, Olaide Fijabi, has expressed delight over the chance to fight in Ibadan, his hometown and host city to GOtv Boxing Night 11, scheduled to hold at the Indoor Sports Hall of Obafemi Awolowo Stadium on March 26.

Speaking in Lagos on Tuesday, Fijabi, who will be fighting Kazeem Ariyo, the replacement for Sadiq Ahmed, said he is happy at the opportunity to fight in

the place of his birth.

Ahmed, dethroned as national champion by Fijabi in 2015, pulled out of the fight for personal reasons.

“Whether it is Ahmed or Ariyo, I am just happy to have the chance to fight in my hometown. I am from Ibadan and I intend to make my kinsmen see the best of me. The opponent does not matter.

Sadiq is scared after what I did to him. Ariyo will be scared when I finish

with him because I’m really motivated by the venue of this fight,” Fijabi said.

Another Ibadan indigene on the card is Akeem Dodo, the lightweight king based in the Oyo State capital. Dodo, who enjoys a cult following in Ibadan, is thrilled about the bigger platform GOtv Boxing Night 11 is offering him for his clash with Kazeem Saka.

Yet another Ibadan-based boxer is Sadiq Adeleke, who will fight Taiwo Kareem in the bantamweight division.

Sharapova

How Nigeria Can Win 2018 World Cup- Kalu Former governor of Abia State, Dr Orji Uzor Kalu has advised Nigeria on how she can win the 2018 World Cup, advising the federal government to invest in Super Eagles.

He said that Enyimba winning the African Champions League back to back when he was in charge in Abia State was not magic but an outcome of good strategies.

He said the motivation of players and the entire team must be key, stressing that players would give the best if they are well handled.

Kalu said, "People don't know that the coach you see when you are watching football is not the same coach you will see after 90 minutes. When they are on the pitch, they are no longer human beings. They are thinking about consequences of losing, their salaries, benefits, where else to get a job and so forth".

Kalu indeed tipped the Super Eagles to lift the 2018 World Cup in Russia.

According to him football is a big business insisting that if the Super Eagles is in good shape, Nigeria can make history in 2018.

The former governor said "If we are given the opportunity we can bring the cup to Nigeria. We have the material; we have everything to do it. We have the people, we have the resources. It is just applying it at the right place.

"We can do it if President Muhammadu Buhari sets his mind on it.

Nigeria can come back with the World Cup, this is not the first time I am saying it, we can do anything in soccer. It might sound impossible but it is very possible. I am sure most Nigerians will be very happy to see Nigeria return with the World Cup".

Asked why Enyimba still lack structure and stadium of their own despite winning the Champions League back to back, he said "the issue of running football can be expensive. We ceded the stadia we built to Enyimba. I don't know why my successor reverted that decision. We were trying to set Enyimba back to stock market. We even called the BGL at that time to access how we can go to stock market. We were at the edge of sealing it before I left the government and I thought my successor would complete it but it was abandoned. But it is still possible.

"Now, Enyimba is playing away from home and I am advising Governor Okezie Ikpeazu to do everything possible to return Enyimba to their ground. They need to be in Aba. Aba is their base and I don't see reasons why they should not play from there".

Continuing, he said, "I built two stadia when I was governor, Aba was a playing ground and I converted it to be a stadium with a capacity to carry people . Also I built a new stadium in Umuahia.

It is important Enyimba is returned because it will have positive psychological effect on both the players and supporters.

Kalu also commended the Enugu Rangers International club for their strive so far, saying the club would go farther if the managers and players do their job with passion.

"Enugu Rangers can also perform magic, mind you, in the old Rangers have already done mehala - wahala.

"So Rangers can reinvent the mehala - wahala in Enugu again. I have a lot of respect for Enugu Rangers. It is one of the teams that I have always thought to be up there. But I believe with good pushing, they might be able to keep soaring. But the handlers and the leaders must be passionate, football is all about being passionate about it.

Kalu, who was once tipped for FIFA Presidency disagreed with those that holds coaches' decision as best.

He said coaches should never be left to make decisions alone because, according to him, when they make decisions, sometimes it is very wrong.

"Once they are on the line, it is a different ball game. This is why journalists were criticizing me that when I was governor, I use to be on the line. I use to do the coach's job. They don't know my state of mind is different. I think better than the coaches at that period.

This is why I was doing the changes in Enyimba. And also hiring and buying the players myself. So, it takes a lot to build a football club.

People must be honest both the holder and the beholder" he said He also denied wanting to contest for FIFA Presidency or CAF Presidency when asked about his future shots in football leadership.

He disclosed that it was people that were prevailing on him to contest.

"I met with Amaju pinnick many times. In fact, I was supposed to be chairman of NFF and pinnick my deputy. There is no job I cannot do in football whether it is at club level, regional or world level. My mind is always prepared to serve in any capacity because I love football like food. I love it like Dodo , moimoi, akpu or amala", he stated .

34

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • MARCH 18, 2017

MARITIME BITS

WITH

JOHN IWORI 08057763164

R-L: Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Air Sea Freighters Limited, Sir Enoch Iwueze, presenting a gift at a party organised in honour o f the Chairman, Board of Trustees (BOT), Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA), Chief Henry Njoku in Port Harcourt…recently

L-R: Abia State Governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu and the Executive Secretary, Nigeria Shippers Council (NSC), Mr. Hassan Bello when the latter paid the governor a courtesy visit shortly before the signing of the partnership agreement between Eastgate Container Terminal Limited, concessionaire of Isiala Ngwa Dry Port and the GRJ Group in Aba, Abia State…recently

Stakeholders Pick Holes in Senate Joint Technical Committee Stakeholders in the maritime industry have picked holes in the decision of the National Assembly to set up a joint technical committee to ensure that critical economic bills pending before it get necessary technical inputs from industry players.

The legislature hinged its decision on the need to make room for efficiency and effectiveness when the bills are passed into law.

The bills include transport reform bills: The Railway Bill – to reform the rail systems; the Ports and Harbour Bill – for the efficient running of the ports; and the National Transport Commission Bill – to serve as the sector’s regulatory body.

Others are the National Inland Waterways Bill – to develop the inland waterways transport system; the Federal Roads Fund Bill – to ensure efficient maintenance of the federal road network; and the Federal Roads Authority Bill – to manage the nation’s federal roads.

Senate President, Bukola Saraki while inaugurating the committee said the passage of the

various transport sector infrastructure bills was a critical aspect of its legislative agenda.

According to him, the raising of the committee of experts became necessary to use their technical knowledge to enrich and assist the work of the various Senate standing committees. It is also to ensure that there is regulatory alignment across the entire regulatory arrangements in the transport sector.

The committee, with Sam Amadi as chairman also has Nnanna Ude, Philip Asante, Olusegun Toluhi, Kingsley Amaku, Akin Ajibola, Kayode Khalidson, Tayo Aduloju, Joyce Wigwe, Rowland Ataguba, Sotonye Etomi and Sam Aiboni as members.

In his charge to members of the committee, Saraki said: “Your work therefore, is to ensure the integrity of the entire system, the efficiency and legal integrity of the various transport bills enumerated above to enable the Senate reduce areas of conflict, inefficiency, unnecessary regulatory burden and ensure the achievement

Ex-NLNG Chief to be Appointed SOAN Sec Gen In a bid to reposition the Ship Owners Association of Nigeria (SOAN) in the next two years, the erstwhile Managing Director of the NLNG Ship Manning Limited, Dr. Grant Akata is to be appointed its Secretary General, the President of SOAN, Mr. Greg Ogbeifun has said.

The move to appoint the former NLNG Chief is part of the imminent restructuring of the association to ensure greater achievements in the shipping sector of the economy.

Akata is expected to bring his wealth of his experience and exposure to bear in his new role as the scribe of the SOAN. Ogbeifun who disclosed this in Lagos on the heels of his re-election as the President of SOAN for a second term of office stated that the former Managing Director of the NLNG Manning Limited, one of the subsidiaries of NLNG Limited is expected to professionally run the activities of the SOAN secretariat.

Akata is also expected to drive policies and negotiations with government on the ways and means to actualise the SOAN set goals and objectives.

The election was sequel to the completion of SOAN executives two years tenure which ended last week.

Besides Ogbeifun, the election which was conducted by the Chairperson, Ship Owners Forum and a member of the Board of Trustee of SOAN, Mrs. Margret Orakwusi led to the emergence of Dr. Mkgeorge Onyung as First Vice President; Mr. Alfred Okoigun as Second Vice President; and Mr. Eno Williams as Financial Secretary/Treasurer.

Others elected are Mr. Sonny Eja, Chairman Ethics and Privileges Committee; Mr. Nnamdi Obiagwu, Chairman Finance and Membership; Mr. Lucky Akhiwu, Chairman Technical Committee; and Captain Joseph Awodeha, Chairman Training and Capacity Building.

Apparently pleased with his performance in his first term of office, Ogbeifun, a marine engineer and Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Starzs Investments Company Limited was unanimously returned unopposed.

The election was observed by invited journalists and officials of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA).

of the overarching objective of reducing cost of doing business and increasing the ease of doing business for our SMEs. “Your work today, is very critical and will help ensure that our decisions on these bills are grounded in knowledge and field experience vital for the success of the objectives of the laws as these bills will not only serve this generation effectively but many more generations to come.

Like you, we want to see the day when we shall no longer hear that our people spend endless man-hours stuck in traffic; weeks on end clearing simple goods from the port and the attendant rise in cost of doing business due to these challenges.

“While we are, indeed, in a hurry to ensure we deliver on our promise to our people to pass all our economic reform bills, this 8th Senate is determined to also ensure that they actually meet our needs not just for today but for generations yet unborn. We want to ensure that this exercise is able to cut by a half, our

CGC Uniform: Maritime Expert Calls for Caution As the Comptroller General of Customs (CGC), Colonel Ibrahim Hammed Ali (retired) and the National Assembly continue to bicker over the refusal of Ali to put on uniform since he was appointed as the helmsman of the money spinning para-military government agency, a maritime expert, Prince Olusegun Ologbese has called for caution.

Describing the controversy as normal in a democracy, Ologbese who is also the Managing Director and chief executive officer of Ogbese Marine Services Limited in a chat with journalists in Lagos at the weekend argued that the bickering does not worth anyone to lose sleep over.

According to the veteran licensed customs agent who is popularly known as ‘Alaye’, the issue at stake was enough to disrupt operations in the nation’s seaports, airports and international borders. The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has mandate as enshrined in the Customs and Excise Management Act (CEMA). The bickering should not be allowed to cause a hiccup in the cargo clearance chain.

Ologbese who is also the Life Patron of the Ondo/Ekiti Council of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) stated that the controversy should not be allowed to continue so that it will not eventually have any adverse effect on the operations of the NCS. The maritime expert however enjoined the retired military officer to obey the directive of the

upper chamber of the National Assembly so that the controversy does not lead to a rift between legislature and the executive.

His words: “This fight over uniform should not degenerate to the extent that it will overheat the polity. That is not what Nigeria, nay Nigerians need now. Nigerians need the dividends of democracy. There is hunger in the land. This fight will not put food on the table for the poor masses suffering from the downturn in the economy caused by the recession. We should always bear this in our minds in anything we are doing”.

He argued that if this happens, it will lead to unnecessary tension in the polity and distract President Mohammadu Buhari from fulfilling his campaign promises to the masses who voted massively for him in the 2015 presidential elections.

“That is why I am sounding a note of caution for the CGC to tread softly. This is because there are a lot of implications if he continues to be antagonistic to the Senate. The implications are too grave to contemplate.

Besides, this controversy has the tendency of diverting public attention from the statutory roles and responsibilities of the NCS. These include revenue generation, trade facilitation and anti-smuggling. The more this controversy continues, the more the management of Customs will be distract from achieving the goals it set for itself this year”, he added.

World Bank’s ease of doing business ranking.

In a nutshell, it is important to us that we get it right and your invaluable contributions will be most helpful.”

But in a chat with THISDAY, some stakeholders in the maritime industry flayed the legislature for applying the wrong approach in tackling the challenges facing the shipping sector of the economy over the years.

Apart from questioning the experience and exposure of some of the committee members, they wondered why Amadi who did not deliver on his mandate as the immediate past Chairman, Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) would be saddle with another critical assignment.

A Lagos base maritime expert, Mr. Moshood Adebayo stated that it was wrong to ask Amadi to head a committee he know little or nothing about when there are several knowledgeable maritime gurus in the maritime industry that can deliver on the subject matter.

NAGAFF Seeks End to Bad Trade Practices The leadership of the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF) has called for an end to bad trade practices in the maritime industry.

It noted that an end to bad trade practices will ensure the sustainable development of the nation’s seaports for the benefit of Nigerians.

The leadership of the association made the call when it paid a courtesy visit on the Director General of the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), Mr. Osita Aboloma, and his management team at his Lagos office.

Speaking on behalf of the association, its founder, Dr. Boniface Okechukwu Aniebonam urged Nigerians to key into the change philosophy of the current government by shunning those bad trade practices which have adverse effects on the health and economy of the country and its people. Aniebonam said the issue of fake and sub-standard goods inflow into Nigeria poses a major threat to the well-being of Nigerians and Nigeria.

The NAGAFF National Public Relations Officer (PRO) National PRO, Stanley Ezenga in a statement quoted Aniebonam observing that the scope of work of the SON is very wide and called for appropriate measures to block the administration of e-SONCAP lapses arising from wrong description of import.

According to Ezenga, Aniebonam pledged the continuous collaboration of NAGAFF with SON to ensure that the agency succeeds in its mandate.

The Acting President of NAGAFF Chief Increase Uche said the visit was part of efforts to cement the existing relationship between the two organisations, even as he informed the SON management team of the advocacy role of NAGAFF – which culminated in the establishment of the Council for the Regulation of Freight Forwarding in Nigeria (CRFFN) in 2007).

Uche drew the attention of the SON DG to some challenges confronting operators in the industry. These include, but not limited to, blocking of TDOs, high product registration fees and defaulting charges, overlapping of the function of SON and NAFDAC. He called for the setting up a joint committee between SON and NAGAFF to iron out areas of frictions to enable appropriate policy direction of the Director General in favour of trade.

35

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • MARCH 18, 2017

WRITERS’ WORLD

The Pastor Adeboye Story in His Words

BISI DANIELS bisi.daniels@thisdaylive.com Blog: www.bisidaniels.com, 08050220700

In a new book, General Overseer Worldwide of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, (RCCG), Pastor E. A. Adeboye, tells the story of his amazing transformation from debilitating poverty into a powerful man of God revered by millions of people across the world.

I

have written over 15 books, but sometimes I get the sense I was specifically prepared by circumstances of my life in the last few years to write this particular book that will bless millions of people around the world.

world are grateful to be alive to see at work for God.” He says working on the book has transformed him, gotten him closer to God, and equipped him with greater understanding of the spiritual realm.

In the foreword of the book he wrote just before he was sworn in as Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Professor Yemi Osinbajo (SAN) recommended the book highly.

He noted that, “The sharing of what he calls ‘stories’ is an integral part of the sermons of Pastor EnochAdejareAdeboye, General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, who is fondly called Daddy G.O. “Most of Daddy’s ‘stories’ are indeed miracles, used to illustrate his sermons and show the power of God, rather than his own achievements.

“Having been a member of the church for many years and now a pastor, I have seen the efficacy of this style of preaching.

“Testimonies not only enhance the faith of others but also honour God. This book of some of the testimonies of one of the greatest servants of God in this generation is worth reading and learning from.”

My testimony

I profoundly acknowledge Upfront The privilege And signal honour To toil on this tome On a rare pearl of God The pivotal soul of our times Who multitudes across the globe today Bear gratitude for being alive To see at work The plenitude of God In so great a man Being ever so humble Life thrives and throbs In complete holiness Aman noted for signs Wonders and miracles Of the dimensions Of the Biblical days Aman God calls His son And speaks with

A poverty story of Pastor Adeboye

Born to financially-challenged parents In the backwaters of Ifewara, Osun State He boasted of no shoes Whatsoever Even at age 18 He set forth Not as a Born-Again Christian Until he notched the job Of a mathematics teacher At the University of Lagos And history became writ large In the march of the Pentecost Becoming the hallowed leader Of an abounding church Transcending well over 192 countries With 32,000 parishes in Nigeria alone Indeed a miracle worth knowing.

For the singular man To remain infectiously humble Despite his enormous power Influence and popularity Is besides a miracle in itself Work on the book Transformed me Pulled me closer to God And equipped one With greater understanding Of the spiritual realm Particularly The less understood dark part Where mothers kill children They carried 9 months In their own womb And cried in the labour room to bear To drink their blood And eat their flesh Adark world indeed Where some mothers make Their daughters barren Or make it impossible For them to be married Where fathers curse and cause Their sons to lose jobs And where wives gleefully Ruin husbands Into destitution And husbands use

Their wives For rituals Miracles are difficult To explain By mere mortals But I now have Abetter appreciation Of the epochal miracle called Pastor Enoch, Elisha, Sunday,Adejare,Adetona, Olagundoye,Adeboye.

The book

Entitled “Stories of Pastor E.A.Adeboye,” the man fondly called Daddy G.O. tells the story in his own words in testimonies compiled to read like an autobiography by seasoned author and journalist, Bisi Daniels.

The 350-page book, which shows for the first time the house in which PastorAdeboye was born and the primary school he attended in Ifewara, Osun State, was released last week to mark his 75th birthday.

Aman revered by millions across the world as a true man of God, PastorAdeboye is a great believer in the power of testimony. He is himself a living testimony of the power of God. His sermons always contain stories about how people have experienced the power of Jesus Christ in their lives. This book is a collection of those testimonies, which reads like his biography right from his birth in Ifewara in strange circumstances to the present moment.

According to Daniels, the story of PastorAdeboye becomes a compelling read, when after breaking free from the vicious cycle of poverty in his family to become a lecturer at the university and living in a palatial home, he abandoned all that to live in a onebedroom apartment in Mushin, Lagos, as General Overseer of RCCG. Daddy G.O. confesses he was scared but God

assured him of His support. The church had only 39 parishes but now has over 32,000 parishes in Nigeria, over 700 parishes in the United Kingdom, and many more spread across over 196 countries including Samoa, Fiji, Serbia, Pakistan, Lebanon and the United Arab Emirates.

The subjects covered in the book dedicated to PastorAdeboye and his wife, Pastor FoluAdeboye, who stood by him during his most difficult times, include: The RCCG, and testimonies on Faith, Salvation, Miracles, Marriage, Fruit of the womb, Temptation, Unforgiveness, the dark world of Power and Principalities amongst many others. Mixed in with them is the fascinating story of PastorAdeboye himself and how, having been born again, he rose from debilitating depravation to become the famous and much-loved leader of the RCCG. In one of the many testimonies in the book, Pastor Adeboye revealed how he got his ever supportive wife, even when he was clearly the least qualified suitor: “There were many of us contesting for the hand of my wife. I wanted to marry a beautiful princess but I was the least qualified among the many suitors. Out of the number, three of us were in the forefront. But I was a student, while one of us was a lawyer who owned a car.All I had was a “foot wagon” (move around on foot). I decided to let her know my financial status I said to her, “Please listen. I have nothing, no money, no house, no influence, nothing.”

I told her that if I had anything at all, it was the little brain God gave to me. “I have nothing to offer you except myself. If you will marry me, you will have me to yourself completely,” I said.

Surprisingly, she replied, “Because you are so honest, I will marry you.”

Daniels feels privileged and honoured “to work on this great book of a very great man of God; a rare person of our times, who so many people around the

I walked bare-footed for the first eighteen years of my life - in rain and in sunshine. Now that I walk with shoes on my feet, I prefer shoes on my feet. What about you?

I can never forget my final year in the grammar school. I was eighteen years old. I was a fairly good student, and had won many prizes as a testimony to that. In those days at Ilesha Grammar School, they used to have what they called a Prize-Giving Day. That was a day before the school vacation; a day when all those who won prizes would come forward, shake hands with the principal and receive a prize for the subject they excelled in.

For those in the final year, there was a dress code – a white shirt over a pair of white trousers, and shoes to match. I had won a prize, but had no trousers – white, black or red. Shoes? I didn’t even know what that looked like! What was I going to do? They were going to call my name in front of everybody. It meant that I was going to go forward in the only a pair of shorts I owned, barefooted. I started lamenting, God you know I have no trousers, why did you allow me to win a prize?

It was at that stage that one of the boys in the hostel called me, “Ademaths.” (That was my nickname).

And I answered, “Yes.” He summoned me over and said, “I have six pairs of trousers, I don’t know which one to wear tomorrow. Can you help me choose?”

Now tell me, which is better? No trousers or six trousers?

I helped him choose one and then said to him, “Emmm, you know I don’t even have one to wear.”

“Pick one,” he said.

Although the boy was several feet taller than me, I didn’t care.As far as I was concerned, trousers were trousers. . Glory be to God! So I chose a pair. When I wore them, I had to pull the waistband up to my chest!

Now the problem of trousers was solved, next was the problem of shoes.

It was then I remembered that I had an uncle somewhere. He was as poor as a church rat but I remembered I had seen shoes on his feet before. So I went to see him and asked for the shoes. The decent pair I saw on him, he said he couldn’t let go, but that he had a pair of mended sandals to spare. Those of you who know what we used to call Odutola tyre sole (sole of sandals made from lorry tyres) in those days will understand.

Let somebody shout Hallelujah! None of you will die in poverty. I rebuke poverty in your life in Jesus’ name.Amen!

Finally, he gave me the sandals and because I had never worn sandals before, I had to practise how to walk in them.At last the Prize-Giving Day came and, glory be to God, I had trousers and a pair of sandals to wear to the occasion – a pair of borrowed trousers over Odutola tyre sole sandals. That didn’t matter to me as I walked up there and got my prize.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER •MARCH 18, 2017

FAIRGROUND

Chukwudozie: Celebrating Honour and Humility

with

AZUKA OGUJIUBA

azuka.ogujiuba@thisdaylive.com

T

he University of Calabar, UNICAL, is strategically positioned in the usually sleepy but alluring city of Calabar. Recently, the University kept the city awake and boisterous as dignitaries from all walks of life streamed into Calabar for the institution’s 30th convocation ceremony during which Chairman of Dozzy Group, Sir (Dr) Daniel Chukwudozie was conferred with honorary Doctor of Science degree.

The ambience of the university was grand.

The huge but orderly human and vehicular traffic within the university community gave clue to the nature of guests the institution was playing host to.

During the conferment ceremony Chukwudozie stood on the dais, tall and fulfilled to the admiration of a swarm of joyous friends as UNICAL was about to recognise his service to humanity and fatherland.

Heads nodded in agreement, some bowed in response to overpowering emotions, mouths murmured in utter awe and amazement and hands clapped in appreciation, as Dr. Genevieve Aglazor read Dr. Chukwudozie’s citation, recalling his humble beginning and reeling out strings of achievements and philanthropic gestures. It was Chukwudozie’s day.

Friends, well-wishers, business partners, political leaders and family members poured into the city to felicitate with, and celebrate a man who has made many lives meaningful.

His colleagues in the downstream oil sector were not missing. They came in their numbers to rejoice with one of their own in his finest hour. The boss of Mainland Oil, Charles Igwe put all his schedules on hold to storm Calabar for Chukwudozie. So were Gabriel Ogbechie of Rain oil; Dr. Chike Muoguilim of Alkanes Petroleum & Gas; Ben Chukwujama of Vine Oil; Anyaihe Mbosi, MD Nowas Petroleum, among others.

Also at the event were Ikem Obi of Petroleum Product Marketing Company, PPMC, as well as Stanley Uzochukwu and Barrister Kingston Chikwendu of the Department of Petroleum, DPR. The Managing Director of Speciality Oil and Gas, a subsidiary of Dozzy Group, Hon Uzama Okpaleke, was at the beck and call of all the guests.

Industrialist, and business mogul, Sir. Emma Bishop Okonkwo, OFR, also graced the conferment ceremony. Apart from Emma Bishop Okonkwo, other industrialists, who were in Calabar for the Dozzy Group boss are: Emma Eziokwu; Okwudili Umenyiora; Dilly Motors Boss; Ifeanyi Chukwuka of Topline Automobile; Sir Orji Okoye; FrankAnazodo of Franklin Marble; IkengaAlor; Zubby Okafor; and Dr. Chika Okafor of the Chikason Group among others.

On the political front, Abia State Governor flew in to celebrate Chukwudozie, whom he described as a rare gem, having put smiles on faces of Abians. Okwadike Igboukwu and first civilian governor of Anambra State, Dr. Chukwuemeka Ezeife was equally part of the eminent and enthusiastic friends of the Dozy Group boss who made it to Calabar.

Essentially, Anambra State, Chukwudozie’s home state was in Calabar in full force to celebrate one of its own.

The governor, Obiano, and government of Anambra were ably represented by a legion of government functionaries, including Commissioner for Land and Survey, Okey Morka, Commissioner for Transport, Barr. Mrs. Stella Onuorah; Hon Commissioner for Diaspora, culture and Tourism and former Speaker of Anambra State House of Assembly, Rt.Hon. Chinwe Nwebili; SpecialAssistant to the governor on Events, Chido Didiegwu; member of Anambra State House of Assembly, Hon. Nikky Ugochukwu; and Managing Director of ANSEPA, Chief Joe Billy.

Also at the event were Barrister Emily Enemuo; Mrs. Ify Izunaso, wife of National Organising Secretary of the APC, Senator Osita Izunaso; and four-time Federal Minister, Alabo Graham Douglas. A group of upscale, high society Igbo ladies under the aegis of Nlecha.com added feminine flavor to the conferment ceremony.

Prior to the conferment, there was a gala night in Chukwudozie’s honour. The Banquet Hall of Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Calabar, brimmed

L-R: Chief Alabo Tonye Graham-Douglas; Chiarman of Dozzy Group, Chief Sir (Dr.) Daniel Chukwudozie and Wife, Lady Ada Chukwudozie

Sir (Dr) Daniel Chukwu Dozie, wife, Lady Ada and family cutting the cake

Sir(Dr) Daniel Chukwudozie and Gov. Okezie Ikpeazu

Chief Ifeanyi Chukwuka, Chief Emma Bishop Okonkwo and Iju Tony Nwabunike

Kcee (middle), Lady Ada Chukwudozie and some guests at the event

with very important personalities on the night of Friday, March 10. The gathering afforded virtually everyone present an opportunity to speak elegantly of Dr. Chukwudozie. Governor Ikpeazu of Abia for example extolled the Dozzy Group Chairman’s sterling qualities and revealed that countless number of Abia citizens were now big players in the Downstream Oil and Gas sector courtesy Chukwudozie’s mentorship and assistance. The governor praised the Oil and Gas mogul’s doggedness, honesty and humility. Nigeria, he said, needs more enterprising businessmen like him.

At the reception after the conferment, more eminent Nigerians were on hand to again pour encomiums on Dr. Chukwudozie. Leading the pack was Ekulo Group boss, Emma Bishop

Okonkwo.

The seasoned industrialist eulogized the Dozzy Group Chairman and described him as an exceptionally humble man and a quiet philanthropist. He said it was high time government honoured Nigerians who have contributed to the economic growth of the country.

Okonkwo cited the example of retailers and departmental stores in London who do the business of buying and selling such as Harolds of Knight Bridge, Marks and Spencer, Hatchers and John Lewis. “These are the shops that put Britain on sound economic footing; funny enough, they are just into buying and selling,” Okonkwo said.

Dr. Ezeife, on his part, described Dr.Chukwudozie as a great achiever. According to him, what was playing out in UNICAL (the

conferment) was product of honesty and hard work. Chikason Group Chairman was equally full of effusive praises for Dr. Chukwudozie; so also was the Nigeria Society of Engineers, NSE, which described him as the highest employer of Engineers in Nigeria. Dr. Chukwudozie is a Fellow of NSE. The reception witnessed quality entertainment, A-list artists, choice foods and wine, all to the credit of Dr. Chukwudozie’s better half, Lady Adaora Chukwudozie, a Chemical Engineer, management Strategist and Publisher, anAmazon in her own right, who, like the dutiful, trusted, diligent and true friend and wife that she is, has weathered and waded through many storms with her hubby in the course of making the Dozzy conglomerate the success story it is today.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER •MARCH 18, 2017

FAIRGROUND

United We Stand Campaigns Against Piracy

R

ecently, the United We Stand Campaign Collective hosted a meeting of stakeholders to raise awareness about the rampant issue of counterfeiting, intellectual property theft and piracy in Nigeria.

The stakeholder-meeting brought together many who have dealt with and continue to deal with this issue that not only chips away at their revenue, but also at the purity and integrity of their hard work in creating their products; whether art, literature, music, film, clothing or other consumer goods.

The Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment, Hajiya Aisha Abubakar delivered the keynote address. She commended the organisers of the meeting saying, “it is a step in the right direction towards creating awareness among stakeholders, a platform for dialogue, for evolving effective IP framework, for the strengthening, protection and enforcement of intellectual property rights.”

She stressed on the importance of synergy among regulatory and enforcement agencies of government to curb the menace of intellectual property rights infringement and abuse.

The Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, she stressed, “shall continue to provide institutional support to strengthen the capacities of agencies and departments under the Ministry to deliver on their mandates, which includes the protection and enforcement of intellectual property rights in collaboration with all relevant stakeholders.”

The stakeholder-meeting also included two panel sessions with experts from various fields sharing insight on how to

Oke Maduewesi (CEO Zaron Cosmetics), Hajia Aisha Abubakar (Hon. Minister of State for Industry, Trade Tara International) and Obi Asika (CEO, Storm 360

and Investment), Tara Fela Durotoye (CEO, House of

Storm 360 and Co-founder of Social Media Week, Lagos; Oke Maduewesi, CEO, Zaron Cosmetics; and Okechuku Ofili, Founder, Okada Books, led the Creative and Economic Impact panel. Both panels were moderated by Ada Iwugo, Commercial Director, House of Tara International.

The United We Stand campaign collective

include, Tara Fela-Durotoye, CEO, House of Tara International; Oke Maduewesi, Zaron Cosmetics; Funke Akindele-Bello, Scene One TV; Temitayo Eyitayo, Founder, 24 Apparel; Uzo Uzeoke, Executive Director, Emzor Pharmaceuticals; and Chude Jideonwo, Managing Partner, RED Media Africa.

address issues of counterfeiting, intellectual property theft and piracy. The health and social impact panel speakers included Dr. Vivian Oputa, Medical Director, Derma Care; Mr. Obafemi Abaga, Partner and Head of Brand protection, Jackson, Etti & Edu; and Babatunde Adenaike, Product Manager, Flour Mills; Obi Asika, CEO,

Goldberg Excellency Tour: Ayan-Gbayi Clinches Ado Ekiti Grand Prize

A

yan-Gbayi Group has clinched the grand prize and emerged the overall best drum band at the Excellency Tour in Ado Ekiti, held at Prosperous Hotel and Bar on Friday, March 10, 2017. After two breathtaking performances by each band, Ayan-Gbayi emerged the best after a close contest with four other groups, and went home with N250,000. Ifesowapo Group emerged the second best band and carted away a prize of N150,000, while Itesiwaju Group emerged the third best band and went

home with N100,000. Masterpiece Theatre Troupe and Alayande Group emerged fourth and fifth and took home N50,000 each.

Kayode Rahman, leader of the best drum band said the Goldberg Excellency Tour has brought a season of excitement and reward for local talents in Ado Ekiti and expressed appreciation to the brand for supporting traditional acts around the South West with the Tour. According to him, “This is the most rewarding day for us as a band and we cannot hide our excitement for winning this grand prize.”

Other winning bands expressed their

appreciation and welcomed the tour with excitement and looked forward to subsequent editions being bigger and better. The city of Ado Ekiti was agog with the drummers’ procession which geared the interest of indigenes to the Excellent Nite, where all competing bands thrilled the audience.

Funso Ayeni, Senior Brand Manager, Regional Mainstream Brands, Nigerian Breweries Plc., explained that the Excellency Tour will deepen the brand’s identification with the cultural values of the South West people. He congratulated all contestants in Ado Ekiti and

O’jez Celebrity Dancing Restaurant Opens New Outlet

O

ne of Nigeria’s popular celebrity restaurant chains, O’jez has opened a new outlet in Lagos.

Now, residents of Ebute Metta in Lagos will have an opportunity to savor undiluted entertainment every weekend, alongside good foods and drinks at the Nigeria Railway Corporation premises, close to the popular Oyingbo Market.

O’jez, a celebrity dancing restaurant, has been in operation in Lagos for over 17 years with outlets at Opebi Link Road, Opebi-Lagos, Ikeja Club premises and the premier outlet inside the National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos. O’jez also has its branches in Ghana and Abuja.

With the opening of the new outlet inside the Railway Corporation premises, O’jez is now on the verge of fulfilling its goal of bringing entertainment mixed with good foods and drinks closer to the people wherever they are in Lagos and across the country.

Chief Executive Officer of O’jez Entertainment, Chief Joseph Odobeatu said, in a state-

ment earlier in the week that they will open “two more new outlets in Abuja and Ibadan, as well as one in Victoria Island in Lagos.”

He said the decision to open the Ebute Metta outlet was informed by the desire to cater for the entertainment needs of people living in the area and its neighbours such as Yaba. “We know that most of them had to drive all the way down to the National Stadium to eat good food and listen to rib cracking comedy, as well as music. So, we have decided to take it to them and to others who find it difficult to come down to Surulere yet desire these things. That has been our dream when we set up O’jez Entertainment Company more than 15 years ago-to bring entertainment and food closer to the people.”

The Nigerian Railway Corporation outlet will be having midweek shows on Wednesday, as well as the usual Friday, Saturday and Sunday music and comedy shows all O’jez outlets are known for. There will be an artiste/celebrity night every last Saturday of the month to compliment all the weekend shows just as “we have the O’jez Evergreen Elders Forum every last Sunday of the month at our National Stadium outlet. I

Odobeatu

assure Ebute Metta, Yaba and Jibowu residents that they need not seek entertainment farther from home anymore because we have brought it right to their doorsteps,” Odobeatu stated.

applauded the winners for their efforts in honing their talents and encouraged them to continue with developing their skills which will not only add value to their personal and professional lives, but also help in preserving the Yoruba culture.

He added that the Goldberg Excellency Tour is scheduled for two other cities: Ile Ife and Benin City. The Goldberg Excellency Tour is coming on the heels of the unveiling of Goldberg Lager Beer as ‘Your Excellency’ in 2016, and it is in line with showcasing the brand and the unique credentials that position it in a class of its own, away from its peers in the market.

R2TV Delivers Exciting Programme

R

2TV is a fresh entertainment channel that provides safe entertainment for the whole family. The station prides itself as the main hub of entertainment, providing not just entertainment but qualitative entertainment at its very best. With primary target audience-demography of sixteen to thirty five years, R2TV through its blend of rich programming not only entertains but also informs and educates.

Through her eclectic range of programming, the channel has positioned itself not just as the new kid on the block, but as the choice go-to entertainment channel.

Among its lineup of programmes are: the Breakfast Show, which is a two-hour package of solid entertainment programming to kick start your day. Described as the show that “starts your day the right way with a splash of sunshine in your face”, R2TV’s Breakfast Show is one of the channel’s flagship shows that provides rich entertainment, value packaged with deliberate dynamism to ensure that every minute spent glued to your screen is quality entertainment delivered.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER •March 18, 2017

March 18, 2017 • THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • March 18, 2017

FITNESS FILE

‘Not So’ Breaking News: Soft Drinks Are Poison

A

recent report has labeled certain soft drinks as extremely harmful to your health and to be fair, I believe a lot of people already knew the dangers. This doesn’t seem to affect the addiction people have, doesn’t stop the manufacturers flooding the market and certainly hasn’t stopped parents giving to their children.

There is currently an online debate about the chemicals used in two particular drinks. I could spend this article further warning you of the dangers, but I believe you’ll be better served learning the benefits of kicking this terrible habit. On average we can consume up to 23 teaspoons of sugar per day, some consume more. Make no mistake; reduction in consumption is a necessity, not punishment. Most people know the dangers of too much sugar; these same people don’t apply it to their lives.

Drinking soft drinks or sodas is an easy habit to fall back into, it’s everywhere, and it’s easy to consider diet versions to be a relatively harmless vice. A sip for nostalgia’s sake or a quick caffeine hit can lead back to a three-a-day habit. So here is what happens to your body once you finally give up the colorful carbonated menace for good. In my view, soft drinks aren’t just bad for you – they’re barely even liquid.

You Eat Less, Particularly Sweets Cutting the calories from sugarspiked soft drinks is a no-brainer: At 150 calories a can, those can add up to serious poundage. But diet soda packs

The Edenlifestyle corner with

MAJE AYIDA

majeayida@edenlifenigeria.com www.edenlifenigeria.com, 07062614551

on the pounds as well – it’s just more passive-aggressive about it.

Artificial sweeteners affect our sense of satiety. Our bodies have evolutionarily developed to expect a large amount of calories when we take in something exceedingly sweet, and those artificial sweeteners are from 400 times to 800 times sweeter than sugar.

It causes a couple things to happen: The muscles in your stomach relax so you can take in food, and hormones are released. With artificial sweeteners, your body says, ‘Wait a minute, you told me you were going to give me all this high-calorie food.’ It can actually send some people searching for more food, out of lack of satisfaction.

You Lose Weight Even though diet drinks are caloriefree, they cause insulin to be released in your gut because their artificial sweeteners are sweet like sugar, and that actually prevents weight loss.

Insulin is your body’s primary fatstorage hormone, so it will have the body hold on to any extra fat. Trying to lose weight by trading a Coke for a Diet Coke is doing the body just as much harm, if not more, because of all the chemicals in the calorie-free

version.

You Improve Your Immune System The acidity in a soft drink is bad news for your digestive system, eroding tooth enamel and worsening acid reflux. But diet sodas are especially treacherous for your gut, and the far-reaching bodily systems it affects. Researchers are finding that artificial sweeteners may affect your healthy gut bacteria, which can affect everything from blood-sugar control to weight management to disease – how our immune system works and how our body responds to infection.

You Stop Your Bones From Breaking Down The caramel color in soft drinks contains artificially created phosphorus that can be bad for long-term bone health. Phosphorous is a natural chemical found in foods like beans and grains, but the mutant variety found in dark soda is like a dinner guest who refuses to leave. Basically, you’re taking something that exists in nature but making this hyper-absorbable form of it. Your body doesn’t have the choice whether to absorb it or excrete it, so it can cause calcium to leach

out of bones. It’s particularly bad for anybody with kidney disease.

You Have More Energy No shocker here: The caffeine in soda is not your friend. Drinking too much caffeine can make you dehydrated, and it can over stimulate the nervous system, making you fatigued and exhausted. When people cut back on caffeine, they have more energy because the caffeine causes very big highs and lows.

There is way more energy for our bodies in real food than in processed foods. When people cut back on processed items, they often look for more fresh foods and make better choices.

By giving up soft drinks, it may seem like you’re making one change, but it can actually change a couple aspects of your diet for the better.

Now that you’ve learned a few facts behind soft drinks, reverse these harmful eating habits and start making smarter diet choices. You can lose weight fast without spending hours at the gym, but more importantly you will be healthier. There is a strong link between certain soft drinks and cancer and it is no mystery why there has been a push back in the first world.

What are we doing here in Nigeria to protect our people? Why are there no clear warning labels, why are children being used to advertise these products?

You still think you should be drinking soft drinks, then let me ask you a simple question, why is the life expectancy of the average Nigerian so low?

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MARCH 18, 2017 • THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

FASHION FILE

INKHA Debut Collection

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • MARCH 18, 2017

By Azuka Ogujiuba azuka.ogujiuba@thisdaylive.com

FASHION FILE

INKHA Debut Collection

I

NKHA presents its debut collection, showcasing closet staples and must – have pieces. Clean lines and modern silhouettes, combined with a youthful vibe and the latest trends, INKHA aims to cater to the needs of the modern, style-conscious woman.

Inspired by the need for functional, everyday pieces, INKHA is a ready-to-wear clothing line that provides fast fashion at affordable prices.

Instagram - @Shop_inkha Twitter - @Shop_inkha Credits Photography – @lalaalakija Model - @_ajoke Creative Direction – @d_lambs

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • MARCH 18, 2017

WITH

MARKET PLACE

OMOLABAKE FASHOGBON 08033621009

L-R: Official of Lagos State Ministry of Women Affairs, Olasumbo Awosika; Public Relations Manager, Power Oil, Omotayo Azeez; and Commissioner for Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Lagos State, Mrs Lola Akande, during the flag off ceremony of the partnership between Power Oil Health Camp and the Ministry at the 2017 International Women’s day in Lagos recently

L-R: Managing Director, Bureau Veritas Nigeria, Sebastiano Fruition; System Certification Manager, Adenike Akinbote; presenting the ISO 14001:2004 EMS Certificate to Chief Executive Officer, Etisalat Nigeria, Matthew Willsher; and Director of Security, Etisalat Nigeria, Muhammad Abubakar, during the presentation ceremony in Lagos recently

NFPAWA Hosts Risk Management Conference in Lagos A life, fire safety and security risk management organisation, National Fire Protection Association West Africa, NFPAWA holds its second annual life and fire conference as it has formed strategic alliance with stakeholders across private and public sectors in the risk management chain.

The conference planned for May at the Oriental Hotels, Lagos is themed ‘Sustainable Macro Economic Development: The Safety Perspectives’ and will span operational risks management with core in health, life and environmental safety while also addressing issues of professionalism across all business sectors and government institutions.

This is intended to stir growth and sustainability in the economy as well as cover the entire insurance spectrum from planning through design, implementation, maintenance and insurance.

The four-day event will draw eight leading

Jumia Travel Unveils New Destination Jumia Travels, an online travel agency that deals in online hotels reservation, has expanded its spread by covering new continental and international destinations.

The company said it had registered an inventory of more than 30,000 hotels in Africa and over 300,000 worldwide which included South Africa, Morocco, Egypt and Tunisia while it has also established presence in Dubai, London, New York, Paris Mecca and others outside the Africa region.

Speaking on the achievement, the Chief Executive Officer of the firm, Paul Midy, said it was basically to satisfy customers irrespective of their locations.

“We have the requisite capacity to offer our partners global visibility, and to our customers, solutions for all their travel needs anywhere in the world”, Midy said.

As part of the initiative, customers will have access to travel packages to the new destinations, with 24/7 local customer service and expertise as well as flexible payment options including Mpesa, payment on arrival, and credit cards. The packages will consist of hotel stays, return flight tickets, tours or excursions upon request and availability. They exclude Visa processing fees, travel insurance, among others not mentioned.

Commenting further, Jumia Travel Managing Director for Nigeria, Kushal Dutta stated that the expansion move was also in response to customers’ demand.

“Travelers are increasingly shifting focus from generic products to more customised and personalised experience. We are therefore working closely with our hotels and other OTA partners to provide our customers with tailor-made worldwide travel options”, he said.

risk consultants from the USA and South Africa who will network with and share knowledge while educating Nigerian professionals, including architects, construction engineers, emergency response personnel, accident investigators, mechanical and electrical engineers, risk insurance and underwriters on modern trends, standards and bench marks to assess, control and mitigate risks both at the home and workplace.

Speaking on the event, the Program Director, Anthonia Beri, stated that the organisation discovered that the wide gap in skills and knowledge in life, fire safety, security risk management and mitigation had been a critical challenge to development and sustainability in the African region.

“Furthermore, the effect of poor understanding and absence of set performance benchmarks for evaluating, assessing and investigating niche specific operational risks is now more

glaring especially in today’s economy as Nigeria seeks a leadership position in Africa. Even worst, the absence of mitigative controls to reduce escalation via planned and organised emergency preparedness planning, response, control and abatement by qualified and trained personnel has aggravated the issues.

“This is not good enough for the nation and the people as it has had tremendous negative effects on government’s strategic alliance with other nations seeking sustainable growth through partnership, investors’ confidence and an extensively disgruntled populace.

“Nigeria’s vision to become the business hub in West Africa means we must aim at standardisation and compliance in operational risk management in life, fire, safety and security.

The critical role of assurance that the business continuity plan both in private enterprise and public sector is adequately underwritten based

on tested benchmarks, standards and best practices is key to sustainability. These and many more are the concerns of the forthcoming programme”, she said.

The relevance of the conference has attracted key partners across the private and public sectors some of which are Lagos State Safety commission (LSSC), Commercial Risk Africa (CRA), Association of Enterprise Risk Management Professionals, Nigeria (AERMP), Lagos Chamber Of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), Risk Managers Association of Nigeria (RIMAN), The Guardian Newspaper, Cross, Allianz Global Corporate and Specialty, AGCS, among many others and facilitated by Mrs. Nike Akande, President of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

Beri stated that the conference has three main agenda including standardisation, awareness and capacity building was an opportunity for professionals and operators to develop the

IPI Solutions New Portal Provides Easy FG Deploys Mobile Technology to Improve Access to Microsoft Products Nutrition Information technology services and solutions provider, IPI solutions Nigeria Limited, has unveiled Cloud Solutions Provide (CSP) online ordering portal to ease customers and partners access to Microsoft products.

The company which remains the only Microsoft 1-Tier CSP gold Partner in Nigeria and Africa said that the portal was integrated with the existing IPI solutions cloud market while it permits customers to log in and make order on self-service basis.

Speaking at the unveiling of the portal, Chief Executive Officer of the firm, Mr. Adamu Garba , pointed out that the portal was fully operational and readily available for customers and resellers to use from any location , initiate purchase, make payment and get delivery support of any Microsoft solutions of interest.

“With the Microsoft CSP portal fully operational and integrated with our www.ipigroupng.com cloud marketplace, our customers can easily buy their Microsoft cloud products by logging in to the portal, select any product they wish to buy, make payment, get their request processed and delivered even within a day.

“This has effectively reduced procurement time, logistics costs and enhanced productivity as it has enabled our customers to quickly and conveniently deploy Microsoft Cloud Services such as Office 365, Azure, Enterprise Mobility, CRM Online, Intune, Windows 10

Enterprise and Microsoft Dynamics AX Cloud offering with full support from IPI. Countries covered in the online CSP procurement scheme include Nigeria, Ghana, Cote d’Ivoire, Senegal, Cameroun, Angola, Botswana, Cape Verde, Ethiopia, Kenya, Mauritius, Namibia, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia. All you need to do is to access the portal from any browser and follow the self-service procurement process” ,the IT expert explained “.

He added that resellers and individuals could become a CSP partner with IPI solutions by following the steps highlighted prompts.

Reiterating the advantages of the innovation, the CEO said that the latest, in addition to being faster, cheaper and effective also guaranteed users payment flexibility, price rebate , increase productivity as well as saves cost.

“As Microsoft CSP, we have been able to offer customers continuous monitoring and maintenance for both network and applications; we monitor and maintain your network proactively, thereby cutting down cost. We ensure that your system is always on, always connected and continuously available to service your requests. Our customers remain our first priority.

“With the commissioning of the online portal, customers can now procure their cloud licenses and subscriptions faster, cheaper and with full assurance of working with a trusted Microsoft CSP partner”, Garba concluded.

The federal government has launched ‘mNutrition’, a new technology which employs mobile phone to circulate nutrition information in the country, with a view to expanding access to health and nutrition services.

The Minister of Health, Prof. Isaac Adewole announced this recently as he explained that it was a step towards achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) as well as leverage on mobile technology to scale up health and nutrition outcomes in Nigeria.

He noted the danger in malnutrition which was confirmed to slow economic growth and perpetuate poverty by reducing child brain development, ability to learn and be productive citizens during their adult years, stressing that malnourished children learn less in school and were more likely to drop out of school and eventually earn less as adults.

He said that most malnutrition happened in the first 1000 days of a child’s life- from conception to child’s second birth day and the damage caused at that period was irreversible, adding that it impaired cognitive development, reduced learning ability and loss of productivity in adult years.

Meanwhile, Head of sub-Sahara Africa, GSMA, Mr. Akinwale Goodluck, said that Nigeria was one of the eight selected countries for mNutrition. Other countries include Kenya, Ghana, Malawi, Mozambique, Tanzania, Uganda and Zambia.

He observed that it was apparent that mobile phone had the capacity to change the way and manner people behave, as a result, it was imperative to use mobile technology to create more awareness on nutrition in Nigeria.

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER •MARCH 18, 2017

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SHOWBIZFLAIR

Tosin Clegg

07062816737 e-mail: tosinclegg@hotmail.com

MUYIDEEN OLADAPO

I Love Drumming, I Always Like to See Myself Doing Something Special

Muyideen Oladapo, fondly called Lala, is a Yoruba actor that has built a name for himself in his over two decades of acting. In this interview with Tosin Clegg, he talks about what makes him tick

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About Greg Odutayo ’m an indigene of Osun State, Osogbo to be precise.

I went to AUD Primary School, Isale Osun in Osogbo. Later, I left for Mosifa Community Grammar School, Mosifa, Osun State. I studied Drama and Theatre Arts at Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife. Started acting in 1992 It was at Lagos Island. Back then, I was under Dagunro Theatre Group, which was my kick-off point. Fasasi Olabankewin was my boss, who was popularly known as Dagunro and he was the one who trained me in all the basic aspects of acting. I was with him for good nine years and he later handed me over to the late Yomi Ogunmola, asking him to train me more. And I worked with Ogunmola until he died- may his soul rest in peace.

Working with Others It was very good experience for me at that time since it was the very beginning. Yomi Ogunmola continued where Dagunro stopped with me, and you know what that means. Ogunmola was one of best directors and also a very good actor when he was alive. So, I learnt a lot from him as well. But all the while, I had not gone to study Theatre Arts at the University. It was later when I felt I still needed to acquire more knowledge in this profession that I went to school to learn more.

When I was with Dagunro, we produced Omi Oku, Osa Eleye, Aguntanblojo, 100 years and more. I really can’t remember all the films we worked on when I was with him. Ogunmola was a director then, but I played an active role in managing most of the films he directed. He directed my personal movies also back then titled, Ika to Se, Ilu Agere, Ayeopare and more. If I’m to define Dagunro, I will say he is a kind hearted, selfless, caring, God fearing nice man and I like him so much. He also believes in me, trusts me and treats me like his son.

Being a Good Actor I listen more, I always take to corrections and I understand what is called theatre, both stage and screen. I’m not a dancer but I can dance very well, drum and sing.

As I said earlier, I can drum very well and I inherited that from my maternal side. So, I love drumming and I always like to see myself doing something special.

What I can say is that in whatever condition you find yourself, either good or bad, just have it at the back of your mind that no condition is permanent. Whatever happens, I always believe that is how God wants it to be.

Challenges in the Industry It has not been easy at all, but with God all things are possible. In the industry, one has to pay some dues.

Most senior colleagues always see upcoming artistes as nothing, but they don’t know the future. A lot of things

Oladapo

always happen, like seniority and all. In Yoruba film industry, we always follow Yoruba culture that you must respect your senior colleagues which is good but some people do take it beyond that level; especially our girls that like claiming seniority. So, there is a lot to face as an upcoming artiste. But in all, glory is to God. His Mentor I love the way he interprets any role he’s playing, more so, he has the spirit of nothing is impossible. If you really know him, or you have heard about his story before he became what he is today, you will agree with me that he is a mentor someone can look up to. Also, I wish to be like him. When I wanted to further my education, I went to meet him and I told him that I wish to go back to school.

He was happy and he asked if I was sure of what I was saying, and I said yes. Then he narrated his own story, of how he got a Doctorate in Theatre. His story inspired me more and made me to have strong belief in myself that I can also do it. Today, I’m a degree holder, thanks to Almighty Allah and Dr. Kola Oyewo for the words of encouragement he gave me.

Numbers of Movies I can’t mention all the films I have featured in so far, but I can mention a few, which are: Mr. Kola, Sister Wemmy, Tantala, Once debe, Jessica, Hajia Jemila, Confo, Oyawande, Ijoba Osekan, Ijoba Ominira, Imoran, Agbere Oju, Osoro Baba Ojo, Ekuro, Agidi, Kobamajewo, Adigun Okori Odo, and so on and so forth.

His Unique Selling Point I have worked with many actors. If I should start counting, I don’t think if I can finish in two to three hours, but just think of it from the A-list down to any grade of actors. I always follow the rules and I do listen to my director because once I’m on set as an actor, my director see more than I do and he has better understanding of the script than I do.

So, a good actor must be a listener and always get into the character he or she is playing.

That is the key!

He is the one that knows where he is taking me to and I believe in every second, minute, hour, day, week, year, my life can never remain the same.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • MARCH 18, 2017

PERSPECTIVE What’s Cooking in Ogun?

Despite recession, the Ogun State Government remains committed to the welfare of its citizens, writes Soyombo Opeyemi

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way from the Nigerian politics – often full of fuss and fury, signifying nothing… but sometimes it gets at you, especially when a man sees a spade and calls it a wheelbarrow. Isn’t this typical of our adversarial political atmosphere? A loan of N1 billion is suddenly made to become N10 billion while a debt of N5 billion develops three digits overnight to become N150 billion. Worse, if your income is N2 billion per month, they make it look like N2 million! This is the nature of our antagonistic politics.

It’s zero sum game; it’s either you win or everyone loses. The only way to discredit a performing government is to call black white, and white black; after all a lie repeated many times tends to have the toga of truth.

When a paper-weight party, which could not even field candidates in local council elections, talks about the people losing confidence in the government that has the mandate of the overwhelming majority of the same people, then you ask, “What manner of politics is this?” And when this same electorate have the opportunity to issue a yellow card, if that would please the opposition, it turned out to be a massive vote of confidence in the government they freely elected.

Yes, the recent local council polls were a referendum of some sort. But where were these opposition elements?

First, they didn’t even campaign in a few places they fielded candidates.

Even in the most electorally developed climes, parties don’t take the electorate for granted; but not the case here. You slept in your house while a governor, who works 24/7 in delivering dividends of democracy to the people, went across the state to canvass for votes only for you to blame everybody except your laziness for your electoral woes.

Are elections won through propaganda on the pages of newspapers? As you make your bed, so you must lie in it.

So much for the political detractors, destructive critics, who stand before a

Gov Amosun skyscraper of development under the Ibikunle Amosun administration yet declares to everyone they see only a speck or nothing at all!

Yes, there’s wisdom in not advancing the devil’s own game. The intention is to lure the governor into the arena through propaganda in the media.

Then the ongoing development strides do not get the deserved attention in the public space. Yes, we are in a recession, yet so much is going on “behind the scenes” that are not being talked about.

They ought to have dominated headAb lines and displaced the vacuous claims of the political traducers.

Just how many Nigerians know that as you read this, there are thousands of poor and vulnerable women and their children under the age of five receiving free medical services across the length and breadth of Ogun State? Just how many Nigerians are aware that Ogun, among the 36 states of the federation, is the most celebrated by the National Health Insurance Scheme, being the

only one that has state-wide social health insurance scheme? As a matter of fact, during any National Retreat of the NHIS, Ogun is usually the “Faculty or Resource State”, what others may understand as a case study for other states to learn from or emulate.

According to the Ogun State Commissioner for Health, Dr Babatunde Ipaye, “The new Executive Secretary of NHIS, Prof Usman Yusuf, often says that it is what Ogun State is doing now that NHIS ought to have been doing over the years.”

Some six months ago, I had said this on Ogun Free Health Access Card: “It looked like the ATM card at a distance.

I drew closer to some of the pregnant women and officials of the Ogun State Ministry of Health in order to assess it.

Indeed, it was like the ATM or National Identity Card. The biometrics of the beneficiaries were captured in the cards. The poor pregnant women at the event caressed them and offered gratitude to the governor of Ogun State, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, for a new lease of life. From that day, Monday, July 11, 2016, when the Araya Scale-up (Community Based Health Insurance Scheme) was launched at the June 12 Cultural Centre, Abeokuta, the card qualifies them to visit any of the designated Health Care Providers in their respective local councils and access free health care without paying a dime.

The free health treatment covers all manner of local endemic diseases that contend with the health of pregnant women, mothers and their children.

Ante natal and post-natal services are assured. They will equally not have to worry about payment for diagnostic tests as this is also covered by the scheme. This is the first of such scheme in the history of Ogun State. With the Ogun Araya Access Card, according to Dr ‘Tunde Ipaye, the pregnant women who belong to the lower 25 per cent of the population, living on less than two dollars a day and their children under the age of five, have access to free health services without any form

of payment.”

To underscore how passionate the government is about this scheme, two Non Governmental Organisations (NGOs) based in each Local Government Area have been engaged by the Ministry to ensure that only the vulnerable women and their children actually benefit. We must avoid a situation where those who have the resources to take care of themselves displace these poor women and their children. The NGOs also visit the homes of the beneficiaries to ensure they truly deserve free health. The state government has Health Service Providers in each Local Government Area. And to further ensure these vulnerable residents are not in any way shortchanged, the new Free Health Card has, engraved on its back, the phone number to call in case they are not well taken care of in line with the agreement these Service Providers (hospitals) signed with the state government.

There is also a plan to involve “Community Gate-keepers”, influencers within each local council such as Community Development Associations, retired scholars, etc. to further safeguard the sanctity of the free health scheme. What further evidence do we need to demonstrate the commitment of the Ogun State governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, to the welfare of his people?

It should be mentioned that this Community Based Health Insurance Scheme is a subset of the Ogun State Health Insurance Scheme, which will be for the entire residents of the state. Ordinarily, in any insurance scheme, participants ought to pay a premium. But for the peasant pregnant women and their U-5 children, the Amosun administration has offset the premium.

In the final analysis, the masses know that the current government is their real and true friend. No amount of propaganda by the opposition can change the narrative.

–Soyombo sent this from Abeokuta via densityshow@yahoo.com

ECOWAS Partners With UN, Others to Improve Election Observation Mechanism Paul Ejime

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COWAS is collaborating with the United Nations (UN) and the League of Arab States (LAS) in the utilisation of Needs Assessment Missions and latest Information Technology (IT) tools to strengthen the integrity of election observation for the deepening of democratic practice.

Within this context, representatives of the UN, LAS, the African Union (AU), ECOWAS and partner organizations, including the Electoral Institute for Sustainable Democracy in Africa (EISA), participated in a two-day workshop, which ended in Cairo, Egypt on 8th March 2017.

ECOWAS was represented by Mr. Francis Oke, Head of its Electoral Assistance Division (EAD), whose presentation centred on the strides recorded by ECOWAS in poll observation through the deployment of Short- and Long-Term Election Observation Missions to member States.

On the use of IT, he explained that ECOWAS Long-term observers piloted the use of digital tablet device for their report-

ECOWAS in session ing system during Ghana’s December 2016 presidential elections with a measure of success. The Electoral Commission in Cabo Verde also used IT, especially in its data collection, which facilitated the election process during that country’s October 2016

presidential poll, Mr. Oke said.

Following his presentation, the LAS delegation, expressed the willingness of the League to cooperate with ECOWAS in setting up an Election Management Bodies (EMB) Network, and the exchange of

experiences and information between the two institutions.

The workshop participants underscored the importance of Needs Assessment Mission Reports to the improvement of electoral processes, adding that the Reports must be shared with all relevant stakeholders including governments, electoral management bodies and civil society organisations.

The participants also expressed concern about the introduction of technology to elections and election observation, stressing that necessary safeguards must be put in place to take into account the local conditions, including the culture of the people, to ensure that IT introduction did not become a source of conflict in an electoral process.

The workshop was organised by the UN Department of Political Affairs/Electoral Assistance Division, the UNDP and LAS in line with the electoral cooperation and partnership between the UN and ECOWAS. –Ejime works for ECOWAS

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • MARCH 18, 2017

PERSPECTIVE

2019: Who Can Stop Atiku?

Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has been a guest of many prominent political, traditional and religious leaders across the country in the past few weeks.Iyobosa Uwugiaren examines the strategic, political moves

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ven the ailing President Muhammadu Buhari knew long time ago that the former Vice-President and one of the founders of All Progressive Congress (APC), Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, is a man to watch out for in the emerging political calculations, for 2019 presidential election. And apparently aware of his intimidating political structures across the nation, those with similar tall ambition have consistently built wedges on his way.

But trust him: Atiku has continued to walk along the blustery, stormy political pathway.

A senior presidential aide recently told THISDAY how at the early days of the present administration----in 2015, the former Vice-President approached Buhari with ‘’a solid economic blueprint’’---detailing how the country could immediately absolved the shock of the fall of oil price in the global market---that has consistently threatened the economy of Nigeria in the last one year. Oil accounts for about 95 per cent of the nation’s foreign earnings, and by extension, the livewire of the nation’s economy.

Atiku was said to have comprehensively came up with a plan---how the administration could create a ‘’competitive market’’ that will attract the big foreign investment players into the country---assurances that their proposed billions of dollars investments in the country would be saved. ‘’Atiku’s economic blueprint, which contains detail policies and implementation strategies was handed over to the President.

And President Muhammadu Buhari was initially pleased with the suggestion’’, the presidency source added. ‘’But few weeks later, some political hawks around the president strongly advised him not to allow Atiku Abubakar to use his indirect means to bring into country his billions of dollars. The fear of these political hawks was that the former Vice-President will use the huge fund to fight him in the 2019 presidential election.’’

The result of that advice was what the former Vice-President (Africa) of The World Bank, Dr. Obey Ezekwesilse, described as ‘’opaque, archaic and ambiguous foreign

Atiku exchange rate policy’’ that have compounded the nation’s economic recession.

The assertion of the source is that it was the fear of Atiku that forced Buhari to adopt such very devastating economic policy.

In spite of the fear of Atiku, many political analysts said that the on-going political conversations and calculations are pointing to fact the Adamawa born politician will be part of the strong political choices Nigerians would have to make in 2019.

Like the governor of Kaduna State, Malam Nasir El-rufai noted recently---in his spiteful statement, the former Vice-President has long started his presidential campaign, ahead of the 2019.

To be sure, in the last few months, Atiku has been a special guest of many prominent politicians, traditional rulers, religious and influential groups across the nation, in what an insider described as ‘’strategic political moves’’ to reactivate his political structures across the country.

The insiders told THISDAY that already, some very powerful political forces and groups, including many loyalists of Senate President Bukola Saraki; former Head of States General Ibrahim Babangida; Asiwaju

Ahmed Tinubu, and groups of both former and serving governors are in different secret political conversations with Atiku, who is reputed to have sauntered into the fourth republic with huge measured quantity of democratic credentials.

THISDAY gathered that the calculation is based on the conspicuous signs that the ailing President Buhari will not re-contest and the need for the core north to present a formidable candidate who will be acceptable to the six geo-political zones, taking into consideration the burning ethno-religious and political question in the country.

For many of his followers, Atiku has established himself as a democrat immediately he left the public service and became a political devotee of late Gen. Shehu Musa Yar’Adua, an acclaimed great political tactician that flounced the country like a hurricane.

His political history is legendary: a politician, businessman and philanthropist, he was born on November 25, 1946, and in the beginning of his national political career, served as the second elected Vice-President from 1999 to 2007----under the umbrella of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), with President Olusegun Obasanjo.

Atiku worked in the Nigeria Customs Service for 24 years, rising to become the Deputy-Comptroller-General. He retired in 1989 and took up full-time business and politics. He ran for the office of Governor in the Gongola State (now Adamawa and Taraba States) in 1991; and for the presidency in 1993, coming third after MKO Abiola and Babagana Kingibe in the disbanded Social Democratic Party (SDP) primaries.

In 1998 he contested and won the Governor of Adamawa State. And while still governorelect he was picked by the PDP Presidential candidate Olusegun Obasanjo as his running mate. They went into the election and won in 1999.

As documented by historian, Atiku’s second term as Vice-President was characterised by a squally relationship with Obasanjo. His attempt to succeed Obasanjo did not receive the latter’s support, and it took the judgement of the Supreme Court to allow him to contest

in 2007----after he was initially disqualified by the Independent National Electoral Commission over an alleged financial misconduct by a ‘’discredited’’ investigating panel set up by Obasanjo.

The apex court later ordered the electoral commission to restore Atiku’s name onto the presidential ballot and he ran on the platform of the Action Congress, having quit the PDP on account of his issues with Obasanjo.

Expectedly, he lost the election, coming third after late Umaru Musa Yar’Adua and Muhammadu Buhari of the then All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP).

As a ‘’consummated’’ businessman, Atiku is a co-founder of Intels----an oil servicing business with wide-ranging operations across the country and outside the country. He is also the founder of Adama Beverages Limited, and the American University of Nigeria (AUN), both in Yola, the Adamawa state capital.

Born to an itinerant Fulani trader and farmer Garba Abubakar, the former Vice-President was said to have started out in the real estate business during his early days as a Customs Officer. History has it that in 1974 he applied for and received a N31,000 loan to build his first house in Yola, which he put up for rent.

From proceeds of the rent he was reportedly to have purchased another plot, and built a second house. He was said to have continued that way, building a considerable range of property in Yola.

Apparently very go-getting in investment, he was said to have later moved into agriculture, acquiring 2,500 hectares of land near Yola to start a maize and cotton farm. The business fell on hard times and closed in 1986. “My first foray into agriculture, in the 1980s, ended in failure,” he was quoted as saying.

Later venturing into trading, buying and selling truckloads of rice, flour and sugar, Atiku’s most important business move was to have come while he was a Customs Officer at the Apapa Ports. One Gabrielle Volpi, an Italian businessman in Nigeria, was said to have invited him to set up Nigeria Container Services (NICOTES), a logistics company operating within the Ports. Those who know him very well said that NICOTES provide immense wealth to Atiku.

NTDC:The Many Lies against Mariel Rae-Omoh Abu Tureta

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lot of falsehood is being propagated against the person and qualification of Mrs Mariel Rae-Omoh who acted creditably as acting Director General of the Nigeria Tourism Development Corporation, NTDC, for about three months. At a point, mischief makers said her academic qualification from an Italian institution of higher learning was not genuine. Haba! For someone who graduated from a tertiary institution outside the shores of this country 34 years ago, did National Youth Service Corps and went further to obtain both Post Graduate diploma in journalism and a master degree in Public Administration to be told she has a questionable certificate is uncalled for.

Rae-Omoh bagged a Federal Government scholarship with about 2,000 other Nigerians; from the Federal Ministry of Education to study in different countries in both the United States and Europe in 1980.

The records are still there.

She studied at the Instituto Professionale Alberghiero di Stato “A. Panzini,” (which is a subsidiary of P.I.S.I.E) Senigallia in Ancona Province, Italy and bagged a Higher National Diploma in Tourism and Hotel Administration. Concerned authorities can easily do some checks at the Italian embassy in Nigeria. The school still exists till today, though, the name has been changed to Instituto d’istruzione Superiore “A. Panzini”, Senigallia (AN) Italy. The Address is: via Capanna 56,60019, Senigallia (AN) Italy. Phone No. + 3907179111. Even though the Headquarter of the Federal

Mariel Rae-Omoh Ministry of Education has since moved to Abuja, the documents with which all the list of candidates given scholarships are still at the Federal Ministry of Education office in Race Course, Moloney Street, Lagos.

One cannot see why a certificate issued in Italian Language: certified, translated and signed by a Consular officer at the Nigerian Embassy, Rome Italy does not exist.

Are these mischief makers implying that the Federal Government of Nigeria sent so many of them to a school that does not exist? The Consular Officer of the Italian embassy confirmed the authenticity of the school and certificate issued; he added that he also graduated from the same school in 1985. Officials of the Federal Ministry of Information and Culture can easily visit the Italian Embassy in Abuja to cross check this

fact.

Rae-Omoh’s certificate blackmail commenced when she was an Assistant Director some years ago and another Director whom the former DG in NTDC termed “his favourite” had “Advance Diploma” as his highest qualification, yet was made a substantive director. Earlier, they were both on the same promotional level as Assistant Directors. He was not supposed to be promoted further than GL. 14. They felt threatened since she had a Master’s degree. The then NTDC DG said he was going to deal with her. This happened in 2007 Rae-Omoh is the last person anyone should level such mischievous allegation against because of her background. She attended one of the best catholic secondary school; run by Catholic Rev. Sisters in the then Bendel State. Talking about one coming to the Corporation on a higher level, the NTDC is a Public Enterprise; it is not a core civil service entity therefore several people have been appointed into the system on GL. 17, GL 16, etc without having to start on GL. 08, depending on year of graduation and experience.

The present person that has just been appointed on Acting capacity for the 3rd time now came into the main Ministry of Tourism, Culture and National Orientation at that time on GL. 16 (as a deputy Director).

So, for the Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed to now approve the demotion of about 15 senior officers is wrong; because there are hundreds of past Directors who have enjoyed this.

Another issue of Rae-Omoh coming into the system with an HND without obtaining a National Diploma does not arise. In the developed world, one could go straight to get an HND without a National Diploma.

You could even do a straight Master’s degree. This is why we are still backward in this part of the world.

If the Ministry starts with NTDC by demoting most people who are already directors, it means that the Hon. Minister should be ready to carry out this action in all the various Parastatals within his Ministry.

There are directors who came into the Parastatals of the Ministry from outside the Government. At the National Gallery of Arts (NGA) some years ago, Dr. Tando was employed on GL. 15 in NTDC and later moved to NGA on GL. 16 and some others who are still there at the moment. Witchhunting of persons with distinct characters should stop. Why witch-hunt people with wonderful and God fearing characters and celebrate those with questionable characters. This unnecessary castigation of this brilliant woman of substance with impeccable character should stop forthwith. Go through the C.V of Rae-Omoh and see what I am talking about!!!. I wonder who will lead NTDC Promised land; a place full of petition writers and mediocre.

It is high time we celebrate meritocracy and people with credible characters rather than those with questionable characters and mediocrity.

A former DG In NTDC felt threatened by Rae-Omoh’s achievements, qualification as a master degree holder and one who works with very little or no supervision; also churns out proposals at all times.

That DG’s highest qualification then was Advance Diploma and he preferred to work with people like himself who had lots of inadequacies and paid some journalists to sing his praise at all times and support his maladministration.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • MARCH 18, 2017

TRIBUTE First In His Class: Tribute to Bishop Hilary Okeke at 70 C. Don Adinuba

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ishop Hilary Odili Paul Okeke became my friend long before he got to know of my existence! I was deeply touched by an article he wrote in 1973 when he was features editor of Torch, the student magazine of Bigard Memorial Seminary. I was in a village primary school then, but already well known as a voracious reader who was once in a while flattered by teachers as a precocious child. The next year when the young seminarian who would become my bishop was appointed editor of the magazine, I went out of my way to devour not just every issue of the magazine but also all its contents, including the word puzzle page. The magazine helped deepen my understanding of the Catholic Church and helped to arm me with facts in what would be my perennial polemics with non-Catholics and failed Catholics.

I was so pleased when Okey Ndibe, now a novelist and professor of creative writing in the United States, rushed to my class at St Michael’s Secondary School in Nimo, Njikoka Local Government Area, and announced gleefully “C. Don, your friend, Hilary Okeke, made a first class in his degree examination”. Okey had seen the result, complete with photographs of the magazine editors, in Torch.

My interest in Father Hilary was deepened in 1975 when I realised from my first cousin, Peter Adinuba, that my priest friend who still had not known me had become his Bible Knowledge and English teacher at the newly opened Ogbaru Boys High School in Atani where he was also the parish priest of a community infested by mosquitoes and sand flies; it was without the basic facilities of modern living like tarred roads. I still remember the first lesson he taught the fresh year students of the school which I read from my cousin’s notebook. It was an introduction to the Gospel of St Mathew where the etymology of the word, “gospel”, was

Bishop Okeke explained and the difference between the three synoptic gospels and the gospel of St John explained. I learnt a lot from my cousin’s Bible Knowledge notes.

Bishop Okeke has enjoyed a rapid rise in his career, which was not expected of someone who, I am told, was not regarded as an exemplary seminarian because he was argumentative, like most brilliant people. He is the first in his 1974 set of priests to become a Vicar General.

He is the first in the class to be made a Papal Chamberlain, or a monsignor. He is the first to become a bishop. He is the first bishop of the Nnewi Diocese. The list goes on.

Despite his high office and numerous accomplishments, Bishop Okeke remains

very simple and, as I once remarked, quite informal. He treats everyone, however lowly the person may be placed in society, as if or she were an old friend, an equal. Before “servant leadership” became a common expression among the Nigerian political class, even though it is observed more in the breach, the bishop had demonstrated arresting modesty in his leadership style. The origin of the servant leadership concept is the New Testament where Jesus Christ counselled his apostles who were struggling for leadership that whoever was going to lead must be prepared to serve others.

Christ showed what Chinua Achebe would describe as leadership by personal example when he washed the feet of

his apostles, rather than allowing the apostles to wash his feet. Servant leadership is marked by modesty, humility and simplicity.

Bishop Okeke leads a very simple life as an individual. A cousin of mine once brought out choice drinks for him after he led a mass for the repose of his stepmother, only to learn that Bishop Okeke’s favourite drink is Sprite! He insists on eating always with his aides whom he treats as his peers. This is very important in Africa notorious for what the preeminent Dutch social scientist, Geert Hofstede, calls high power distance index. This is to say a society where there is a very huge gap between, on the one hand, people with power or authority or money and, on the other, those without power or authority or money; and those who don’t have do not see this situation as an abnormality. Those who do not have actually think that very soon it will be their turn to enjoy the perks of office and position in a very unequal society.

Our bishop may be sociable and friendly, as expected of any team player, but he will never allow any social issue to interfere with his ministry. His pastoral duties are regarded as truly sacred. I once brought a number of prominent political actors from Abuja and elsewhere to help raise funds for our church building in Ihiala and expected him to acknowledge their presence as they arrived one by one during mass. He ignored all of them completely and made no reference whatsoever to the fund raiser; he spoke only on spiritual issues. He welcomed them only after the mass was over and he had removed his vestments! To him, status is far a secondary issue.

As Bishop Okeke, philosopher, theologian, canon lawyer, educationist and scholar, attains the biblical age of three score and ten, I join millions of people across the world in wishing him a most rewarding birthday. Ad multus annos.

– C. Don Adinuba.

Rest On Iyalode, Lovable Woman of Candour villages.

A devout Catholic all her life, Chief (Mrs) Ojo was an active participant in church activities and oved by many, respected by a lot more, served as president of the Women’s League of the Chief (Mrs) Florence Bukunola Ojo (nee Perpetual Light Chapel, OAU, Ile-Ife in the early Adeyanju) who was a faithful wife, seventies. loving mother, protective grandmother, A relentless promoter of charity organisations, a successful businesswoman and a she supported causes that advanced the upliftcheerful giver, has been missed by a ment of motherless babies, the deformed and multitude in Ekiti through Ife to Lagos since she the deprived in the society. She was an active passed away on Tuesday, March 20, 2012, at the member of the Leaven Club International, a Lagoon Hospital, Victoria Island. non-governmental organisation that helps the Full of optimism and prayers till her last challenged and indigent in the society. moments, Mrs. Ojo, who spent the latter part of An advocate for the sanctity of the institution her illustrious life with her husband at her Ikeja of marriage and an activist for the advancement residence, was famous - not just for her striking of family values, she and her husband of 53 beauty and fair, glowing skin up till the age of years were recognised and celebrated by the St. 72 when she transited to glory, but also for her Leos Catholic Church, Ikeja, as being examples candour and her sincere smile. to coming generations of how a Christian couple Born in Ado-Ekiti on March 31, 1939, she should live.

Chief (Mrs.) Bukunola Ojo spent her early life in the town before she Chief (Mrs) Ojo has been greatly missed by attended St. Louis Girls School and Modern ing up six children and some of her grandchildren her husband, Prof Afolabi Ojo, her six children School both at Owo, and later, Mary Immaculate lovingly and firmly.

– Prof. Mojisiola Tiamiyu, a professor of Applied Teacher Training College, Ado-Ekiti.

Psychology in the United States; Anthony Ojo, a Her success was even more admirable, In 1959, she got married to Dr Afolabi Ojo, a Lagos-based lawyer; Olagoke Ojo, a Lagos-based considering the fact that she had to hold fort university lecturer, who later became the pioneer on the many occasions when her husband, an shipping entrepreneur; Olayemi Okikiolu, an Vice Chancellor of the National Open University academician in the field of geography, sojourned economist living in Canada; Olakunle Ojo, an oil of Nigeria. She was by his side through thick and around the world. and gas businessman in Port-Harcourt; and Dr. thin; from the rank of a lecturer at the Nigerian Modupeola Kuteyi, a demographer.

Chief (Mrs) Ojo’s influence went way beyond College of Arts and Technology, Enugu, through her inner family circle though. At around the time Some of her children have decided share some the University of Ife, Ibadan Branch, and then words. she started her supermarket (Nigeram) she also the University of Ife (now OAU). At Ibadan, she founded the Bomodeoku Investment Society, set M for Mommy! How time flies! Wow, it’s worked as a sales supervisor for the Leventis been five years since you passed on to the great up to provide financial assistance to members of group of companies, then later as the assistant the society aspiring to become businesspeople; and beyond! I miss you so dearly. Our Almighty bookshop manager of the University of Ife. served as life president. The society still flourishes, God continues to be good. Your great legacy is In 1972, Chief (Mrs) Ojo founded Nigeram serving as a springboard for aspiring businessmen expanding and will live forever.

Stores, a renowned and very successful superSun re O, my darling mother. and women. One of the instances when she market in Ile-Ife and its environs, where she Ever yours, Mojisola was recognised for her impact on the larger was managing director. She is still referred to by Five years on sweet mom, you remain fresh society was in 1989, when she was conferred the many as “Mama Nigeram.” Despite owning and honorary chieftaincy title of Iyalode of Imesi-Ekiti, and cherished in our hearts; your fair beauty, managing her own successful business, Mrs Ojo in recognition of her contribution to the economic warm embrace, enterprising trait, steadfast love made out time to be a fulltime housewife, bring- development of the town and neighbouring to humanity and unwavering love for God lives Demola Ojo

L

with us forever. We miss you but know you are resting with the Lord.

Fondest thots, Olayemi Mummy, You are forever in my heart as an elegant woman of candour and my thoughts these five years gone by is that I have become whoyou always wanted me to be. Olakunle Mum Mum, Deep in my heart a beautiful memory is preserved, of one so dearly loved.

Indeed, your life remains a heart-warming celebration of one so forthright yet so compassionate and loving.

In my heart you will always stay, loved and remembered every day.

Yes, in my heart you will always rest with love, never to be forgotten.

Though time may pass and fade away, fond memories of you will always remain.

Rest on Mum Mum till we meet to part no more.Love always, Modupeola.

Her 19 grandchildren too, who referred to her as “mummy” and “grandma” miss her so much; especially her voice, which radiated joy, even over the phone.

Chief (Mrs) Ojo is remembered for her honesty, her commitment to duty, as a loving wife, mother and grandmother, as one who cared for the welfare of all those working in the Lord’s Vineyard, and for a total dedication to fostering a happier world and a better society.

A Memorial Mass will be held at her residence, No 2, GRA Road, Opposite Ile-Abiye Hospital, Ilawe Road, Ado-Ekiti, today (Saturday March 18) at 4:30 pm.

Tomorrow (SUnday, March 19) there will be a Thanksgiving Service at St Michael’s Catholic Church, Opopogbooro, Iworoko Road, Ado-Ekiti, at 10 am.

Rest on, Iyalode.

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T H I S D AY, T H E S AT U R D AY N E W S PA P E R • MARCH 18, 2017

EVENTS

T

he funeral service for the late Madam Adetokunbo Olayinka Badejo, was held at the yard 153, Kudirat Abiola way, Oregun Ikeja, Lagos lastweek. Reception followed after the service at the same venue. Here are some of the personalities at the the event.

Photos: Dan Ukana

L-R: Mr. Kayode Badejo, Hon. Dimeji Bankole and Mr. Lekan Abdul

Mrs. Elizabeth Badejo, 3rd left, with her Family

L-R: Dr. Babatunde Ipaye and Mr. Bukola Olopade.

L-R: Sir. Gbenga Badejo and Sir. Bonajo Badejo

L-R: Otunba Sola Dawodu, Otunba Owolesi Awosanya, and Otunba Yemi Odusote.

L-R: Abosede Ozah-Osho, Yomi Akintemi, Segun Akintemi, Olamide Oyenuga, and Bunmi Aina.

L-R: Mrs. Uche Ugo Nwosu, Mrs. Kiki Akpieyo, Mrs. Ada Ajaegbu, Mrs. Bolape Oyefeso and Mrs. Mayowa Omagbemi

L-R: Bayo Amosu and Alhaji A. Amoda

L-R: Yetunde Adesigha and Laide Oyewo

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T H I S D AY, T H E S AT U R D AY N E W S PA P E R • MARCH 18, 2017

EVENTS

L-R; Mrs. Mosun Adenuga and Mrs. Oyenike Ayeni.

L-R: Halima Usman and Busola Soremekun

L-R: Odion Okpaize, Clara Onwade, Rose Otiede and Nora Ainyemi.

L-R: Bashorun Taofik Kassim and Mr. Idowu Olusoga.

Mr. and Mrs. Jide Fowode.

L-R: Mr. Tunde Dare, Lady Jeannette and Mr. Peter Folorunso.

L-R: Mr. Kayode Badejo, and Mr. Lekan Abdul.

A Cross Section of the Grand Children of late Madam Adetokunbo Olayinka Badejo

A Cross Section of the Members of Jagunmolu Fehintade Akile Ijebu with Mr. and Mrs. Kayode Badejo

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER •MARCH 18, 2017

MediA & MARketing

NIMN: The Audacity of a Democratic Mandate in Action

with

KASIE ABONE 08057511558 (sms only)

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ony Agemonmen, the newly inaugurated president of the ‘newlyborn’ National Institute of Marketing of Nigeria was able to hit the ground running from day one of his investiture. A rigorous electioneering process saw him transversing and engaging professionals in the length and breadth of the Nigeria, cutting across practitioners, academia, students and relevant government agencies.

Agemonmen, a director at Nigeria Breweries has done that kind of country-wide engagement twice, first at 2014 Kaduna annual general meeting. Though, he was a runner-up at the first try, he introduced an uncommon vibrancy to his campaign then, showing the stuff that made him grow to the eminent position of Senior Strategic Marketing Manager at Nigeria Breweries.

The impression he created at that 2014 annual general meeting engendered the soft-landing for him, thereby causing members of NIMN to rout for him at Enugu annual general meeting when he became the first vice-president. He was built up like an unassailable musical cadence starting in the north and strengthened in melody at the east with a cohesive melody in the west. At the Ibadan 2016 annual general meeting, Agemonmen had become unbeatable by any other candidates.

A lively campaign in the annals of professional institutions with pomp and pageantry, every opposition had to concede to him. It was not surprising to see him reach out to his promises from the onset. “True to our campaigns and the mandate we received. For us, the future of the Institute starts now. We will be bold.

We will be courageous. We will take some hard decisions. These will be necessary if we are to truly live the mandate given to us by our members.

This will not necessarily come without some discomfort for some.”

Cool headed, patient, resilient and highly focused, Agemonmen as a strategist was able to tap into the various stakeholders of the Nigeria marketing environment and very quickly, exploited results from them.

Dr. Okechukwu Enalemah, Honourable Minister of Industry, Trade and Investments said: “I believe the principles of marketing applies not just to marketing companies alone but also to all those who have a need to connect.”

L-R: Acting Managing Director of Bank of Industry (BOI),Mr. Waheed Olagunju, representing the Minister of Industry, Trade, and Investment, Dr. Okechukwu Enalemah, President and Chairman of Council, National Institute of Marketing of Nigeria, Mr. Tony Agenmonmen and one time Second Vice-President, National Institute of Marketing of Nigeria, Dr. Rotimi Oladele at the last NIMN AGM held at Ibadan recently

The man often referred to as the “Czar of Nigeria Marketing Communication”, Biodun Shobanjo, was on hand to deliver the investiture keynote. That singular achievement exemplifies the principle of “networking and connecting”.

Shobanjo did not disappoint with his compelling 45 minutes’ engagement of his audience.

He offered alternative part that Nigeria government, nay marketing, can explore for national development.

“Tourism is big business across the world, ranking fourth. Tourism is a window to overall destination engineering generating income and creating economic activities, by providing one out of 12 direct jobs in the world and 9.1 percent of the global GDP. There were one billion tourists globally in 2012, with over $1.03 trillion in international tourist receipts driving airlines, hotels, cruise liners, taxi cabs, shopping malls, music venues, and theatre business.

So, whether it is Dubai or Kenya,

the maker of the universe has left no country disadvantaged. This is why a country must start by unearthing its own truth and investing seriously in promoting its national asset.

“Hope that we can actually market this country only if we are diligent and apply the right discipline for arriving at a compelling brand idea” was actually prepared for by the well-grounded Agemonmomen. He didn’t hide the deficiencies that are in the Institute at the moment.

He spoke about his concern and commensurate solutions and corrective plans, like “the value of our certificates and the organization of the Institute.” He plans to restructure the Institute “to be fit for the future.”

The new NIMN helmsman assured: “We will provide our members the opportunities for continuous improvement of their marketing skills to enable them deliver outstanding results to their organisations. We will provide them networking opportunities that will promote and enrich their

Nigerian Breweries Commissions Upgraded Ota Plant

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igerian Breweries Plc recorded another milestone as it commissioned an ultramodern upgraded plant in Ota, Ogun State. The new addition to NB Plc factories scattered across Nigeria was part of the company’s strategic plan to consolidate its leadership position in the industry.

Part of the brewery infrastructure commissioned at the well-attended ceremony included a new PET line, a Water Treatment Plant and a Waste Water Treatment Plant, among twenty one others.

While welcoming guests who included the governor of Ogun State, Ibikunle Amosun, and former president, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo represented by Chief Abraham Idowu, Chairman, Nigerian Breweries Plc, Chief Kola Jamodu,

explained that the multi-billion Naira PET line which currently boasts the best technology in the Heineken world was installed to deepen availability of the non-alcoholic product portfolio of the company.

He added that the modern Water Treatment Plant was constructed to ensure the continued excellent quality of the company’s brands while the Waste Water Treatment Plant further contributes to the success of its sustainability agenda of ‘Brewing a Better World’.

“These investments, totaling over N11 billion, stands out as a testimony to our corporate philosophy of Winning with Nigeria and they reflect our company’s bold confidence in Ogun State and Nigeria as an investment destination.”

Amosun congratulated the com-

pany on the successful upgrade of the brewery which he described as an enviable step capable of facilitating a self-dependent economy.

He commended Nigerian Breweries for its backward integration and local sourcing of over 50% of its raw materials and 95% of its packaging material.

According to the governor, “It will be in our collective interest for companies in Ogun state and even the entire country to source their materials locally. Backward integration and import substitution is the master key to a self-sustaining economy”.

Nigerian Breweries Plc acquired Ota brewery in 2011 and since that time, the company has invested significantly to upgrade the facilities at the brewery to the world class standards befitting a brewery in the Heineken group.

professional and career advancement. We are ready to partner with government by availing them of our rich reservoir of marketing skills in tackling the developmental challenges of our nation.”

To aspiring marketers “Marketing is a serious profession. Once you practice marketing, by what name defined, it is mandatory by law to be registered with the Institute as a marketing professional. It is illegal to practice marketing without being a registered member of the National Institute of Marketing of Nigeria”.

Loeries Engages Nigerian Creative Professionals

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reparatory to the activities for the 2017 global creative ranking of agencies, the Chief Executive Officer of Loeries Award Company (LAC) Mr.Andrew Human has engaged creative directors of leading advertising shops in the country with a view to galvanising them into showcasing their creative works at the Loeries Festival.

Speaking at a workshop organised by Loeries for Nigerian Creative Directors, Human stated that the LoeriesAwards is a festival that celebrate creative works in the African and Middle-East region and the celebration would not complete without the participation of Nigerian creatives.

“Our judging criteria are regional creativity; how you are using Nigerians in Nigeria, for Nigerians. So we want to see Nigerian works and you have to enter. If you want to win a race, you have to run; if you stand and watch you can’t win. That’s the key thing. Our festival is second to Cannes in size; we have about 5000 delegates. We have all the big clients: MTN, DSTV, Vodacom, SouthAfrican Breweries, banks, media agencies, and many others. So more than the awards, it’s a networking festival,” he said.

Human said works that fly between June 1, 2016 and May 31, 2017 created for Africa or the Middle-east are qualified for entry, while works created by the region for western markets can also be entered.

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • MARCH 18, 2017

POLITY ‘Transcorp Hotel Occupancy Once Dropped to 22% on Airport Closure’ James Emejo in Abuja

T

he Managing Director/Chief Executive, Transcorp Hotels Plc, Mr. Valentine Ozigbo yesterday hinted that the recent closure of the Nnamdi Azikwe International Airport, Abuja initially took a huge toll on the company’s revenue as its occupancy dropped drastically to 22 per cent from 60 per cent.

Speaking on Arise Television, the sister broadcast arm of THISDAY Newspapers, he described the initial effect of the closure on the company within the first few days as a “nightmare”.

However, he noted that there has since been an uptick in occupancy rate, which peaked to about 55 percent as of Wednesday.

He said the airport was shut during one of the company’s busiest calendar periods.

According to him, flights were canceled while companies which normally hold their annual general

meetings at this time stayed away.

Nevertheless, Ozigbo said a few variables have helped to improve the situation, as people adjusted to the closure of the airport.

He said: “The past few days was almost like a nightmare. People just deserted Abuja. Hotel occupancy nosedived and none of the international airlines agreed to come to Kaduna.

“Events were canceled, shifted or even postponed. So it’s been a nightmare. But in the last few days, we’ve seen that you can’t really stay away for so long out of Abuja.

I mean that’s the heart of Nigeria and a lot of policies have impacted on the entire business climate.

“People looking to engage with politicians, the Senate is still in session, the National Assembly is still in session, the courts are sitting and thankfully, the president is back.

“So the buzz is beginning to come back and so people are bracing up. We’ve seen the occupancy trend up but things are never going to be the same.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • MARCH 18, 2017

TRIBUTE

Mich Merchandise: One Year After Sam Ekpe

H

ow time flies. It was exactly a year ago today 18th March, 2016 that the great man Chief Mich Nkwoji, Okpataozuora Enugwu Ukwu na Umunri, Okpata Global passed on. As a hero who left indelible foot prints on the sand of hs time he will always be remembered.

It was in the early 1970s. The Nigerian Civil War had just ended. The music group Peacocks International released one of their popular hits in which they praised among others John Anyaehie, Toyola Crown and Mike Merchandise Electronics dealer. That was the first time the name of this Aba based industrialist, the business entrepreneur, the philanthropist extraordinary, the socialite per excellence and the exemplary humanist came to public consciousness.

Chief Mike Nkwoji, the Okpataozuora I of Enugwu Ukwu na Umunri in Anambra State was a man among men. Young at heart, he was only 73 when he passed on, in a London Hospital on that fateful day. He found the company of much younger men more pleasurable. Christmas Eve party on December 24th every year in his residence was the venue where all home comers, both in and outside Nigeria, met, socialized and prepared for the New Year. After several years of his 24th night party, he moved the get together to 1st January every year - New Year buffet Lunch. The event was as usual celebrated on January 1st 2016. How could we have known that it would be the last with him.

Mike Nkwoji, was the Obu Uzo Ogu in name and indeed - One who is in the forefront in any fight. In many instances in the affairs of Enugwu Ukwu he would either conceive or pioneer a development

Mich Nkwoji

project in the town. Name them - the first privately tarred road in the town, from the Old Onitsha road to deep inside his village, the first privately dug borehole with taps in the village square, expansion project of Immanuel Anglican Church Enugwu Ukwu in which he spent millions of Naira, the donation of a fully air conditioned church – St. Monica’s Anglican Church Enugwu Ukwu, the establishment of Enugwu Ukwu Sports Club, motivator and highest donor and most recently the gigantic stadium shaped Umunri Palace Enugwu Ukwu of which again he was the motivator and highest donor, the donation, along with Igwe Ralph Ekpeh and Senator I. G. Abana of Enugwu Ukwu Hostel to Paul University Awka, a four storey, four hundred bed project which cost hundreds of millions of Naira, donation of ultra modern - ultra sound 3D machines

worth millions of naira to Anambra State University. Outside Anambra State he made landmark contributions. They include donation of similar equipment to the Abia State University Teaching Hospital Aba including dialysis machine for treatment of kidney disorder. He sponsored many Nigerians through Rotary Club of Nigeria for treatment abroad, and through his Mike Nkwoji Foundation awarded Scholarships to hundreds of secondary and university students. Poverty alleviation scheme were part of Mike’s way of life.

All these achievements and accomplishments were made without any publicity or fuss. I related move closely with him in the early 1990s, especially on the creation of New Anambra State in 1991. He immediately formed the Enugwu Ukwu Friendship Association (EFA) to which all known Enugwu Ukwu elite in various walks of life were invited. He was the Convener/Chairman and I served as General Secretary. Meetings were held on every last Saturday of the month and attendance was very heavy, from Lagos, Enugu, Aba, Port Harcourt and various far way places.

Mike would host every meeting lavishly and looked forward to the next meeting.

The Enugwu Ukwu Friendship Association immediately got the massive Civic Center ready for use as the temporary State House of Assembly for Anambra state. The Old Umunri Hall at Enugwu Ukwu was reconstructed and improvised as the Sport Club to which the members of the House of Assembly belonged, exercised themselves and socialized. Mike donated the billiard table to the Sports Club Soon after the demise of Igwe Osita Agwuna Eze Enugwu Ukwu na Igwe Umunri, about 8 years ago, it was difficult for different factions of the political divide in the town to agree on a mutually acceptable meeting venue. As soon as the name of Mike Nkwoji was mooted, all the factions

consented to his residence being the venue for meetings and as usual he hosted several peace meetings in his residence, resulting in the peaceful selection and election of the traditional ruler of the town Igwe Ralph Ekpeh. Such was the personality of the man whose remains we committed to mother earth on Thursday April 28 2016.

It was Williams Shakespeare who said in Julius Caesar that when beggers die no comets are seen but the heavens themselves blazé forth the death of princes.

As soon as the news of Okpata’s death filtered in, Enugwu Ukwu was thrown into a state of confusion and uncertainty.

It seemed as if a cloud of uncertainty had descended on the town. How can such a great Patriot whose love for the progress and development of the town was unprecedented die? But our great town has gone through this sad episode in her history in the past, One or two outstanding patriots had passed on, but after an apparent spell of doom the town marched on in unity and progress. So we all hope and pray it will continue to be with us without Okpata.

Mike Nkwoji, Okpataozuora Global is not dead. He cannot die. The great monuments he established bear eloquent testimony that he is not dead. He lives.

Rest in peace our epitome of handsomeness, humility, decency, goodwill and promoter of regular camaraderie spirit among hardworking people. It is well with Mike Nkwoji.

A statement signed by his son Chief Emeka Nkwoji on behalf indicates that a Memorial Service will be held in his honour today at St. Monica’s Anglican Church Enugwu Ukwu by 10:00am, followed by prayers at his grave side.

“To live daily in the consciousness of those we leave behind is not to die” –Sam Ekpe is an Abuja based Media and P.R Consultant.

PHOTO NEWS

L-R: Chairman Brand Journalist Association of Nigeria (BJAN), Mr. Goddie Ofose; Registrar/CEO, Advertising Practitioners Council of Nigeria (APCON) , Alhaji Bello Garba Kankarofi; President/Founder Consumer Advocacy Foundation of Nigeria (CAFON), Mrs. Sola Salako; and Chief Marketing Officer Systemspecs/President, Advertisers Association of Nigeria (ADVAN), Mr. David Okeme, at the BJAN World Consumer Rights in the Digital Age in Lagos… recently PHOTO: SUNDAY ADIGUN

L-R: Director, Human Resources, Airtel Nigeria, Gbemiga Owolabi presenting the ASIS award of excellence to former Director of Security, Sub Sahara Africa, General Electric and CEO, Zoomlens, Dennis Amachree with ASIS Lagos Chapter Chairman and Head, Security Services, Airtel Nigeria, Oluwaseyi Adetayo at the ASIS Special Business Meeting in Lagos...recently

L-R: Ijeoma Onyeator of Channels TV; The Servant Leader, Rose of Sharon Glorious Ministry International (RoSMI), Mrs. Folorunso Alakija; and Head of Counseling,, RoSMI., Lady Yemisi Rufus Giwa, during RoSMI 2917 quarterly marriage counsellng conference with the topic “University of Marriage” in Lagos...recently

L-R: Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Information and Strategy, Mr. Fola Adeyemi; his counterpart in the Ministry of Justice, Mrs. Funmilola Odunlami and the Commissioner for Justice and Attorney General, Mr. Kazeem Adeniji, during the official commissioning of ultra modern office building for the state taskforce on land-grabbing in Lagos...recently PHOTO: KOLA OLASUPO

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER •MARCH 18, 2017

53

NEWS

In Brief

How to End DomesticViolence

ArenownedWomenRightsActivistandExecutiveDirectoroftheWomenAid Collective(WACOL),anEnugu-basedwomenrightsorganisationwithoffices spreadacrossthefivesoutheaststates,Prof.JoyNgoziEzeilohaslamentedthe increasingspateofgender-baseddomesticviolenceinthecountry,revealing thatherorganisationreceivedover1000inthelastoneyear. Shehoweversaid forthetrendtobecheckmated,inviewofthedamagedomesticviolencehas donetomarriages,victimsofsuchviolenceinthesoutheastgeo-politicalzone shouldalwaysspeakout rather thandieinsilencewhenevertheirrightswere violated.EzeilowhospokeduringtheWACOLandVoicesForChange(V4C)3rd bi-annualsessionoftheGenderEqualityMovement(GEM)ofEnuguStateand celebrationofthe2017InternationalWomens’DayheldattheRobanHotel,Enugu saidcriticalstakeholdersmustunitetofashionoutstrategiestoendviolence at homes. “Don’t die in silence; report to your relations. Come to WACOL and we will help you resolve the conflict free of charge. Our aim is to have a better society,abetterworldwhereconflict,frictionswillbeless.

Badagry Economic Summit

VISITING THE EXCHANGE...

L-R: Chairman Governnance Committee Compliance Intitute of Nigeria, Mr Ehwe Uyoyou; Chairman Membership Committee of the Institute, Mrs. Olukoya, Chairman of the Institute and President, Compliance Institute of Nigeria Pattison Boleigha, Mrs Tinuade Aweof the legal and regulation division, Nigeria Stock Exchange

Sultan Tasks Traditional Rulers on Insecurity

Wole Ayodele in Jalingo

The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammed Sa'ad Abubakar has charged traditional rulers in the country to find solution to various security challenges facing the country.

The Sultan, who gave the charge on Friday while speaking at the 40th coronation anniversary of the Aku Uka of Wukari, Dr. Shekarau Angyu Masa Ibi said the nation would not attain the expected level of development if a permanent solution was not found to the various forms of

insecurity plaguing the country.

Highlighting the strategic role and importance of the traditional institution to finding a lasting solution to the insecurity in the country, Alhaji Abubakar noted that the royal fathers were better placed to lead dialogue in all communities towards achieving peace.

According to him "God has created Nigeria with many ethnic groups for us to live in harmony with one another. We are aware of current security challenges Southern Kaduna, Benue, Nasarawa, Taraba and other parts of the country.

"This must not be allowed to continue, let's all preach and practice dialogue, let's work extra hard to achieve peace for genuine development".

The Sultan, who would be conferred with a honorary doctorate degree on Saturday by the Kwararafa University, Wukari commended the Aku Uka for providing quality leadership for his people for 40 years.

Congratulating the Aku Uka on the milestone, Alhaji Abubakar prayed God to give him the grace to serve his community and humanity for more years

to come.

Also speaking on the occasion, former Chief of Army Staff, Gen Theophilous Danjuma extolled the leadership qualities of the Aku Uka and described him as a wise leader who diligently provided efficient leadership for his people over the years.

The occasion was attended by dignitaries from all walks of life among whom are the governors of Benue, Plateau and Taraba states as well as the deputy governor of Kogi state, Chief Simon Achuba including traditional rulers from across the country.

3.7 Million Workers Lost Jobs Group Rates Buhari in 2016, Says NLC President Low on Press Freedom Okon Bassey in Uyo

Over 3.7 million workers across the country lost their jobs in 2016, the President of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Ayuba Wabba disclosed in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State Capital on Friday.

The NLC President who dropped the hint at the 4th Quadrennial national delegates’ conference of the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria linked the sad development to change in the economy and policy inconsistency.

“In Nigeria today, the inequality gap between the rich and the poor is widening with not less than 3.7 million workers losing their jobs in 2016”, he stated.

The situation, he said would not change if the citizens did not demand for transparency and accountability in governance which the NLC recently waged campaign.

He insisted that the challenge in the economy was man-made, not an act of God, stressing that it would take man also to correct it through good policies, righteousness, transparency and accountability.

Wabba posited that the fight against corruption in the country should not be limited to the government at the centre alone but should cut across the three tiers of Federal,

State and Local Governments.

He said it was a sad commentary that while some states used the recent Paris-club refund released by the Federal Government for payment of workers’ salaries and pensioners entitlements judiciously, others diverted same into their pockets.

The NLC boss argued that for the economy to pick up, citizens must have disposable income to spend, pointing out that today many families and working class could not afford decent food as bag of rice is even more than a minimum wage.

“We also demand that there must be process of accountability at all levels, they must account for the money they have received, because workers and pensioners are not paid at the state levels and the economy is not galvanised to move forward”, he said.

“Of recent we are aware that government receive some financial supports in form of bail out and Paris club refund to many states “it is very sad that few governors were able to use this funds very judiciously. It is also very clear that many of them have also pocketed this money. It is a contradiction that we are fighting corruption and it should not be limited to the centre

David-Chyddy Eleke in Awka

International Society for Civil Liberties and the Rule of Law(Intersociety), an Onitsha based rights group has said that Nigeria under President Muhammadu Buhari ranked very low in press freedom.

The group said the freedom of the press and democratic free speeches were also gravely endangered by the present civilian Government of Buhari in Nigeria.

It said that it was feared and credibly suspected that the infamous anti press freedom Decree No 4 of 1984 was being secretly operated presently in Nigeria.

The Chairman of the group's board, Comrade Emeka Umeagbalasi who briefed the press during the release of a 40-page report titled; welcome to bleeding Republic of Nigeria: a land flowing with blood and tears, which covered June1, 2015 and 31stJanuary, 2017 said the state of free speech in the country was nothing to write home about.

It said over 11,000 Nigerians have been killed in the 20 months of the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari.

The group said the data before it showed that an average of 550 persons was being killed every month since the present administration came

into power, while rating it very low in human rights matters.

The report harped on the alleged killing of members of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria; slain members of the Indigenous People of Biafra and other pro-Biafra agitators, the Kaduna killings and what the group called “custody killing” by the Nigerian security forces.

Presenting the reports at Ezinifite, Aguata Local Government of Anambra State, the group asked the Federal government to pay $5billion as compensations to victims, while also calling for the arrest and prosecution of the perpetrators of the crime.

The report read in part, “Our report empirically found that an average of 550 defenseless and unarmed citizens were slaughtered, butchered and shot dead in each of the 20 months of President Buhari’s civilian presidency covering June 2015 to January 31, 2017.

“A total of over 11,000 criminal or unlawful deaths were also recorded in the said past 20 months. This is the highest in the history of democratic Nigeria, particularly under a non-war situation.

The most shocking part is that agents of the central government are responsible for 52 percent of the killing,” the group said.

The Badagry Convention and Visitors Agency (BCV Agency) has concluded planstoholdthemaideneditionofBadagryEconomicSummitonMarch23rd and24thinLagos.InachatwithTHISDAY,Dr.TemidayoHephzibah,theDirector,MarketingandAdministrationoftheAgencydisclosedthattheeconomic summitwouldboostinvestmentsopportunityinBadagry,therebyimproving theeconomyofthestate.TheSummitwiththetheme:UnleashingInvestment OpportunitiesaroundHistoricandCoastalZonesofEpeandBadagrywillhost investorsandstakeholdersbothfromtheprivateandpublicsector,according toDrTemidayo."Thesummitistoopentotheworldtheinvestmentopportunity abound in Badagry and for deliberations on how best to harness and explore the investment potential around Badagry economy . Our focus is to market Badagryasatourismdestinationtotherestoftheworld;toprovideservices thatwillenhancequalityandinterestingvisitors’experience;andalsotoprovide leadershipinexpandingtourismbusinessopportunitiesinBadagry.Opportunities withinthecoastalarea,particularlyBadagrylayonthreeeconomicagenda.These includeTourism and Hospitality, Seaport Development and Logistics and Oil exploration,”DrTemidayoadded.

Omisore Lauds Ooni on Ife Crisis

FormerdeputygovernorofOsunState,SenatorIyiolaOmisorehasapplauded theOoniofIfe,ObaAdeyeyeOgunwusi1overhisfatherlyroleinresolvingthe recentclashbetweentheHausaandtheYorubapeopleinhisdomain.Omisore madethecommendationinastatementfromhismediaofficemadeavailable to journalists in Ile Ife on Saturday March 11, 2017 . The Apesin Oodua of the Source,emphasisedthatthetimelyinterventionofOoniOgunwusibyacting promptly towards ensuring that the clash did not go out of control should be laudedbyallandsundry.Hestressedthattherewastheneedforallindigenes and non-indigenes residing in Ife land and beyond to join hands with the Ooni, OsunStategovernmentandthesecurityagenciesinensuringthattotalpeace returnedtoIfeland.Forhistimelyintervention,andfororderingthereleaseof about300Northernerswhowereheldhostagebytheindigenes,insistingthat noneofthemmustbeharmed,theOoniwasspeciallypraisedbyOmisorewho himselfanindigeneofIfe.“TheSenatorfurtherappreciatestheroyalhighnessfor settlinguppeaceandreconciliationcommitteeandforseveralotherinitiatives atrestoringpeacetotheancienttown.”.

Compliance Institute of Nigeria

TheNigeriaStockExchangeyesterdayplayedhosttothesix-manboardmembers of the Compliance Institute of Nigeria, under the Chairmanship of Pattison Boleigha,aheadofitsAnnualcertification/examinationandInductionceremony whichholdstodayandnextweekSaturdaysimultaneouslyinLagos.Theboard pledgedtoattendthemeetingof broker/dealersinthenextquarter,andalso to support members of the Nigerian stock Exchange to take its forthcoming examination, while requesting that the body help it put in a word over its long awaitedsubmissiontotheCorporateAffairsCommision.Receivingtheteamon behalfofthe NigeriaStockexchange,Mrs.TinuadeAweandOlufemiShobanjo, Headlegalandregulationdivision,theduopledgedunflinchingsupporttothe Institute’sbidtohaveacharter,providemeetingofdealer/brokerscalendarfor theyear,hapofzerotoleranceonregulation,thuscomplimentingtheCompliance Institute’sdriveastheinstituteattheforeofmaintainingandpromotingforbest practice standards. A major highlight of the visit is the invitation of the board memberstoringthebellontheflooroftheNigeriaStockExchange

Rotary Club of Lagos Inaugurates Projects

TheRotaryClubofLagoswill,onWednesday22March,2017,inaugurateprojects it undertook at Ita Marun, a village overlooking the Atlantic beach front, near the Free Export Development Zone of Lagos. These projects include a mini waterworksscheme,solarpoweredstreetlightsandamicro-creditinterest loanschemeforwomenofthevillage.TheClubhadearlierprovidedapalmkernel cracking machine and a red brick incinerator for the people of the village. AccordingtoMrs.ModupeSasore,PresidentoftheRotaryClubofLagos,“aspart ofactivitiesmarkingthecommissioningoftheseprojects,theClubwillonthat dayleavethecomfortoftheLagosMotorBoatClubonAwolowoRoad,Ikoyi, Lagos,venueofitsweeklymeetings,forthevillagetoholditsmeetingforthat weekandfellowshipwiththevillagers”.Shesaidthiswouldbethebeginningof alife-longpartnershipbetweentheRotaryClubofLagosandthegoodpeople ofItaMarunforcontinuousruralempowerment.

Banjoko Plaza Appoints New Leader

The Banjoko Memorial Plaza Oshodi has appointed Prince Hyacinth Okolie as its new leader after the second tenure of the past leader Mr. Abel Ezema, endedasstipulatedbytheconstitution.Astatementissuedbythegroupand madeavailabletoTHISDAYsaidtheadministrationofEzemabroughtrelative peaceandstructuraldevelopmentinthehubofOshodibusinessaxis,addingthat thestreeturchinswerediplomaticallyshowntheirlimitationsandboundaries regarding business operations. In his acceptance speech, the new chairman promisedtomovetheassociationfromthecurrentpositiontoanenviableheight, addingthatthoughtheremightbechallenges,butthefocusshouldbehinged onachievingtheneededresults.Thegroupinthestatementalsoadjudgedthe election as peaceful and transparent noting that as the business melting pot in Oshodi, the plaza is positioned as a decision making unit to all business and ownersofbusinessintheenvironment.

54

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER •MARCH 18, 2017

NEWS

Makarfi Wants To Kill PDP, Alleges Governor Dickson I won't abandon PDP ship in troubled waters, Sheriff assures

Onyebuchi Ezigbo inAbujaand Omon-Julius Onabu inAsaba The leadership crisis rocking the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) may have taken a new dimension as the chairman of the party's Reconciliation committee and Bayelsa state governor, Hon. Seriake Dickson has taken on the chairman of the National ?Caretaker Committee, Senator Ahmed Makarfi, accusing of frustrating peace efforts.

This is as the National Chairman of the embattled Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Senator Ali Modu Sheriff, has assured that he was not prepared to abandon the ship presently passing through troubled waters.

Dickson said Senator Makarfi is trying to act as an undertaker working on how to decimate the opposition.

Senator Makarfi had earlier accused Dickson going against the resolution reached between ex-president Goodluck Jonathan and the PDP governors by joining Senator Ali Modu Sheriff to push for national convention in June.

The former Kaduna governor while stating his case against Governor Dickson said he had agreed with him that the report of the reconciliation committee be tabled before the

governor's and other organs of the party for consideration before making it public but that Dickson reneged and went ahead to proclaim the June date for convention.

However, while responding, Dickson who spoke on a national radio programme said what Senator Makarfi and others with him were trying to do was to ensure that the PDP was dismembered so that they take many of the membership to form a new party.

He advised that Makarfi should accept the verdict of the Appeal Court and work with the leaders of the party to bring about lasting peace.

A group in the party, the Northern Elders Forum had last Thursday canvassed for a genuine reconciliation process to be initiated, with appropriate representations from each of the recognised Organs and Forum in the Party".

The group said that those that are to be on the peace panel should include, the Forum of Founders/Elders, Board of Trustees, Current Governors Forum, National Assembly Caucus and Former Governors Forum Others are Former Ministers’ Forum, Former National Assembly Members Current State Chairman

Forum, Zonal Committees, Former Deputy Governors Forum, Former State Speakers / State Assembly Members, Women’s Wing, Youth Wing, Former National Officers Forum and Former Ambassadors / Board Chairmen.

Sheriff said Friday in Agbor, Delta State, when he made a brief stopover at the country home of the Acting National Deputy Chairman of the PDP, Dr. Cairo Ojougboh that he would not abandon the party in its trying times.

The party chairman said that he was on his way from Owerri, Imo State, to attend the funeral of the former governor of Midwest (later Bendel), Dr. Samuel Ogbemudia, and decided to stop over at Ojuogboh's residence to share a meal with him.

Fielding questions from newsmen, Sheriff dismissed any suggestion that he should resign or step aside as national chairman of the party in the interest of peace and reconciliation.

He likened such suggestion to asking a pilot of an aircraft to jump out of the airplane while there was trouble or asking a captain to come out of a ship wading through troubled wasters, saying that would be tantamount to calling for a definite

shipwreck.

On suggestion that he stepped down as party chairman, the two-term governor of Borno State said, "There is no aircraft without a captain; there is no ship without a party. Anybody that tells the captain of a ship to go down wants the ship to capsize. We don’t want PDP to capsize. PDP will always get their leaders through a democratic electioneering process.

"I want the PDP to be at peace, the very man who is talking of resignation today, even if I resign will not so that he can destroy the PDP. He noted that he was working in accordance with the wishes of the majority of the leaders of the party and in line with the dreams for the party of PDP founding fathers.

He however stressed that the process of reconciliation within the party was a collective one, noting that some destructive elements appeared to be fanning the embers of unity and undermining the entire process.

Sheriff said, "You know, even as we are standing here everybody has his own mind to do whatever he or she wishes. Political parties are voluntary. Majority of our party men around the country felt the need for us to come together to be reunited

SSS Report on Magu Ridicules Presidency, Says Falana Bennett Oghifo The refusal of the Senate to confirm the nomination of Mr. Ibrahim Magu as the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, based on a report by the State Security Service, SSS, mocks the presidency, social activist, Femi Falana, SAN, has said.

“The rejection of the nomination of Mr. Ibrahim Magu as the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) by the Senate on the basis of a security report compiled by the State Security Service is the height of official ridicule of the office of the President,” Falana said in a statement yesterday.

He alleged that the SSS was sabotaging the anti-corruption stance of the President Mohammed Buhari administration, saying “It is high time the State Security Service was restrained by President Buhari from sabotaging the fight against corruption by the federal government.

“Since the Presidency absolved Magu of the allegations of moral impropriety and sent back the nomination the action of the SSS leadership smacks of unprecedented insubordination.”

He said the confirmation hearing by the Senate was illegal because

NLNG Records 50 Vessel Charters in 17 Years John Iwori

TOUCHING THE GRASSROOTS ...

L-R: HRM Igwe Joel M Egwuonwu, Eze Udo 11, the Igwe of Umuawulu Town in Anambra State and the State Commander, NDLEA Anambra State, Sule Momodu during courtesy visit

EFCC Arraigns China-Bound Bizmen over $167, 900 Money Laundering Case ChristopherIsiguzoinEnugu

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Thursday arraigned two China-bound businessmen, Ojinnaka Emmanuel and Nwoke Juventus Uchenna at the Federal High Court, Enugu presided on a three-count charge of Conspiracy, Under-declaration of currency and Procurement.

They pleaded not guilty to charges preferred against them before the trial judge, Justice Dugbo Oghoghrie. The accused persons were arrested at Akanu Ibiam InternationalAirport Enugu during a routine check of outward passengers of Ethiopian Airline to China.

Ojinnaka, the first accused procured the second accused, Nwoke to transport

in cash to China, the sum of $167,900,000 ( One Hundred and Sixty Seven Thousand ,Nine Hundred US Dollars) which were allegedly undeclared before the Nigerian Customs Service operatives at the airport.

Nwoke had earlier declared the sum of $10,000 (Ten Thousand U.S Dollars) as the only amount in his possession before the undeclared sum was found on him. When the case was called up, the prosecution counsel, Mr. Mainforce Adaka informed the court that he was ready with his case and had his witness in court. However, the defence counsel Mr. I.U Chukwudebere opposed the commencement of trial when the case was slated for arraignment. He had argued that the business of the court for

the day was not hearing of the matter.

The court adjourned the case to 10th May 2017 for the hearing of bail application of the defendant.

One of the count reads: "That you Ojinnaka Emmanuel C. and Nwoke Juventus Uchenna on or about 12th day of December 2015, at Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu within the Jurisdiction of the Federal High Court of Nigeria conspired to do an illegal act; namely while transporting in cash the sum ($167,900) One Hundred and Sixty Seven Thousand, Nine Hundred United State Dollars only from Nigeria to China, falsely declared to the Nigeria Customs Service the sum of ($10,000) Ten Thousand United Stated dollars only, instead of ($167 ,900)."

many of the senators were either being investigated or were being prosecuted.

“With respect to the Senate, the confirmation hearing hurriedly conducted today is illegal in every material particular. The participation of many senators who are either under investigation or being prosecuted by the EFCC has vitiated the entire proceedings of the Senate on ground of conflict of interest. It is also a contravention of the Rules of the Senate which stipulates that matters which are sub judice shall not be discussed by the Senate.”

He said regardless of the nomination, the president still had options, which included the fact that “Mr. Magu's nomination may be re-presented to the Senate if and when the Federal Government decides to put its house in order “Alternatively, the President may allow Mr. Magu to remain the Acting Chairman of the EFCC since he was appointed in that capacity pursuant to section 171 of the Constitution.”

He, however, said “if the President is not satisfied with Mr. Magu's performance he is at liberty to appoint another person whose nomination will be forwarded to the Senate in accordance with section 2 (3) of the EFCC Act, 2004.”

The Nigeria LNG Limited (NLNG) has recorded no fewer than 45 vessels chartered-in and five chartered out since it started operations 17 years ago.

The chartered-in including liquefied natural gas (LNG), liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and condensate carriers for shipment of its products to buyers across the globe. The chartered-out of its own vessels is for other operators in the market.

Similarly, the company has positioned itself for the emerging marketing in the shipping sector of the economy just as it has revamped is chartering structure designed to optimise available shipping capacity in its operations.

NLNG is owned by the Federal Government of Nigeria represented by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) 49 per cent; Shell Gas BV, SGBV, 25.6 per cent; Total LNG Nigeria Limited 15 percent;, and Eni International (N.A,) N. V. S. a. r. l, 10.4 per cent.

These were disclosed by NLNG General Manager, Shipping, Captain

Temilola Okesanjo in his presentation titled: NLNG- Global player in the Chartering Market, at the Multimodal (Logistics) West Africa Conference in Lagos.

The three days conference which attracted many participants and manufacturers featured exhibition of products and equipment.

His words: “NLNG currently operates the largest fleet of LNG carriers in the country and has within its operations portfolio, a total of 23 vessels, three different ship owners and four fleet managers, making the company a formidable player in the chartering market, even as it continues to deploy skilled manpower and cutting edge technology for sustainable growth.”

“The evolving market conditions demand flexible shipping portfolios as conventional shipping structures are being challenged. With eleven buyers on 16 contracts to base destinations in Europe and North America, including Spain, France, Portugal, USA, the company has realized considerable revenue from opportunistic diversions and subcharters”.

Ex-Gov. Chime Dumps PDP Christopher Isiguzo in Enugu

Former governor of Enugu State, Sullivan Chime has concluded plans dumped the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) but denied moving over the All Progressives Congress (APC).

This is coming on the heels of another gubernatorial aspirant from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Gombe State in 2011 election, Alhaji Farouk Bamusa decamping at the weekend to the APC with thousands of his supporters.

However the Enugu State chapter of APC denied knowledge of plans by the former governor to join the party. The Publicity Secretary, Mrs. Kate Ofor said "I am not aware of the defection plans. I just heard it

the way you heard it".

Though it was reported in some online portals that he had defected, Chime who said he left PDP because there was nothing left of the party but denied joining another party.

The Zonal Publicity Secretary of the APC in the South-East, Mr. Hyacinth Ngwu had in a facebook post late Thursday claimed that the former governor had joined the ruling party.

However, latest developments indicate that the former governor has not given up on the Enugu West Senatorial seat.

Bamusa, a founding member of the PDP in the state, who led thousands of his supporters contested the PDP governorship primaries against incumbent Gover-

nor Ibrahim Hassan Dankwambo, in 2011, registered as APC member at his ward in Kwami town amid cheers from his supporters.

Shortly after registering as APC member in his home town, Kwami yesterday, Bamusa said he took the decision to answer the call of his people, who appealed to him to come and give them a purposeful leadership.

He said as a leader in his community, there was no justification for him to remain in PDP while majority of his people were in APC, lamenting that Gombe State, which is ruled by the PDP had been left far behind in the current trend of tremendous change going on in the country under the APC leadership of President Muhammadu Buhari.

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž ͚΀˜ ͺ͸͚;

55

NDLEA Arrests Heroin Importer at MMIA Chinedu Eze

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested a 43 year-old computer instructor, Anukaenyi Bob-Manuel Ogochukwu at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport (MMIA) Lagos for importing heroin from Nairobi, Kenya.

The arrest took place after he tested positive for narcotic ingestion.

The suspect explained that he got involved in drug trafficking because nobody except drug barons offered to help him out of his financial predicament as his sick son is currently on admission in Nairobi on a life threatening ailment.

NDLEA commander at the Lagos airport, Ahmadu Garba said that the suspect while under narcotic watch excreted 66 wraps of powdery substance that tested positive for heroin.

"During the inward screening of passengers on an Ethiopian Airline flight from Nairobi, Kenya, one Anukaenyi Bob-Manuel Ogochukwu was arrested for drug ingestion. He later excreted 66 wraps of heroin weighing 1.115kg" the commander stated.

Ogochukwu in his statement said that he smuggled drugs to save his four year old son who is sick.

"I teach in a computer school at Onitsha, Anambra State. This

is my very first time of having anything to do with drugs. I smuggled drugs to save my sick child. The doctor said that my child has a hole in the heart. I met many people for help but nobody was willing to help me except a drug baron. My son is currently struggling for survival at the hospital in Nairobi. The baron who is from Tanzania promised to pay me 2,000 dollars for my child's medical bill. I am very worried about the condition

of my son". Ogochukwu who is married to a Kenyan lady, hails from Anambra State.

The Chief Executive of the NDLEA, Col Muhammad Mustapha Abdallah (retd.) said that no excuse was tenable for crime.

"No explanation is tenable for committing crime. Drug trafficking is a criminal offence and the suspect will be charged accordingly. The suspect's action only complicated his condition because he is here facing a criminal charge while the responsibility of taking care of his sick son now rest solely on the wife" Abdallah stated.

NDLEA said the suspect would be charged for unlawful importation and possession of heroin and may get a minimum of fifteen years sentence.

HAPPY REUNION...

L≠R: Philanthropist and Industrialist, Sir Kessington Adebukunola Adebutu; Chief Toye Oyewoga and Lt Gen Oladipo Diya (Rtd) at the United African Methodist Evangelical Church, Abule Ijesha, Yaba, Lagos, during installation of Adebutu as Patron of the Church during its 10th Year Anniversary Conference, Thanksgiving Service

Electronic Payplus Bags ISO Certification Bennett Oghifo

Electronic Payplus Limited, a smart card and payment solution provider has completed its ISO 9001: 2015 Quality Management System Certification and has, recently, been awarded a completion certificate by

the United Kingdom Certification Agency (UKAS).

According to the Chief Executive Officer of the Company, Mr. Bayo Adeokun, “This Award is in continuation of our relentless pursuit of customer satisfaction. It is also our belief that the certification will

create a continual improvement culture within the organisation as we engage our employees and other stakeholders in a quality process that yields better product offerings for the consumers. “Now, we are looking at our overall systems interaction through

the process and risk- based approach thereby leading to better process integration,� Adeokun said. “All of these will further help us to strengthen our core values of TIIPS (Team Work, Integrity, Innovation, Professionalism and superior Service delivery).�

Onyeama Denies Taiwan Pepsodent, Nigerian Dental Still Operating in Abuja Association Walk for Oral Hygiene Alex Enumah in Abuja

The Minister of Foreign Affairs Geoffrey Onyeama has refuted claims that Taiwan was still operating an embassy in Abuja, months after the Federal Government decided to withdraw its diplomatic status and directed that Taiwan relocates to Lagos, where it would henceforth operate as Trade Mission.

Onyeama disclosed that request

by Taiwan for the Federal Government to rescind her decision was turned down, as well as another for time to wind up its operation in Abuja, before relocating to Lagos as a Trade Mission.

He was speaking in responds to questions from journalists that Taiwan was still carrying out diplomatic operations in Abuja despite the withdrawal of such status by the government and that the only thing Taiwan had done was the removal of its name from the building from which it operates from.

The minister however, promised to investigate the report and take decisive action against the Taiwanese if they were found to have disregarded the government’s directive by remaining in Abuja and carrying

out full diplomatic activities. “It is not true that they are still operating in Abuja, even when they came to us and asked for more time to enable them wind up there operations in Abuja, we refused to grant that extension. “Nevertheless, we will investigate the issue and if we found out that they are still operating in Abuja, then we will have to take necessary actions to evict them out of Abuja�, he said.

Following, the Federal Government support for the One-China Policy, the government early this year at a meeting between Nigeria’s Foreign Minister Geoffrey Onyeama and his Chinese counterpart, Wang Yi in Abuja, had announced that it would no longer recognise the diplomatic representation of Taiwan.

The FG also directed Taiwan to relocate to Lagos where it is expected to operate as Trade Mission with a skeletal staff.

But a visit recently by some journalist to the Taiwanese Embassy located at Kastinala Street in Maitama, Abuja confirmed the presence and operation of the Taiwanese Mission as a recognised accredited mission.

Mary Ekah

Members of the Nigeria Dental Association, employees of Unilever Nigeria Plc, dental practitioners, and stakeholders took to the street of Lagos for their annual Oral Health Walk yesterday. The walk is to sensitise Nigerians on the need to brush their teeth twice daily with a fluoride toothpaste like Pepsodent.

The Pepsodent Oral Health Walk which kicked-off from Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Idi Araba through to Ojuelegba is in line with the activities leading up to celebrate this year’s World Oral Health Day Celebration themed “Live Mouth Smart�.

"The oral health walk is part of Unilever’s vision to help millions of Nigerian families adopt the best oral health practices,� said Ibironke Ugbaja, Oral Care Category Lead, Unilever Nigeria. “Since the launch of the Pepsodent Oral Health Schools program in 2014, Unilever Nigeria has so far reached 2.5 million Nigerian children directly in over 3,500 public primary schools

with products (toothpaste and toothbrushes) educational materials and a 21-days oral hygiene program, teaching them to imbibe the culture of brushing twice-daily using a fluoride containing toothpaste such as Pepsodent.

Our goal is to reach 10 million children by 2020,� she concluded.

Sensitisation materials, Pepsodent toothpaste and toothbrushes were handed over to commuters and residents within the neighbourhood of the areas covered by the health walk.

Addressing journalists during the walk, the President, Nigerian Dental Association, Dr. Olabode Ijarogbe said: “The health work is part of efforts to prevent and check the spread of oral diseases.�

He further emphasized that “it is imperative that Nigerians brush twice a day and the annual health walk is one of the ways we create awareness about oral hygiene and its importance.�

The 2017 celebration of World Oral Health Day is set to take place on Monday March 20, 2017 at the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere, Lagos.

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Saturday, March 18, 2017

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Price: N400

MISSILE Senate to Presidency

“To re-nominate Magu for a third time would amount to undermining the DSS and portraying the agency as incompetent, incapable of doing its job, and rubbishing the institution. The rejection of his nomination was indicative that the president should nominate another candidate, while someone else should continue the job in the interim.”

– The Senate, after declining to confirm Ibrahim Magu for the second time as substantive chairman of the EFCC.

PENDULUM Dele Momodu

dele.momodu@thisdaylive.com

President Buhari and His Letter Writers

F

ellow Nigerians, let me begin by welcoming our dear leader, President Muhammadu Buhari, back home from his medical vacation in London. We have every cause to be thankful to Allah, the Merciful.

The Yoruba have a very apt adage for what happened to President Buhari: we should be grateful to the death that wanted to kill us but chose to blow off our cap only. President Buhari is a very lucky man. Indeed, he is a cat with nine lives. From the pictures, we saw of him while he attended to his ubiquitous visitors, it must have been a close shave. I’m happy Baba was given another chance by the Almighty. Not everyone gets that fortunate.

As I wrote before Baba came back, many Nigerians were beginning to give up on his government. They believe this ruling party, APC, has virtually derailed. That they have failed to deliver on the phantasmagorical promises made when we all conspired and collaborated to sack the government of President Goodluck Jonathan. But surprisingly, things began to look better during the short span the Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo acted as President. The synergy between him and the team appeared very cordial and proactive. His biggest achievement in Baba’s absence was the effort he put into uniting Nigeria and Nigerians. Everything he did looked too good to be true. Knowing a bit about how things work in the corridors of power, I was troubled about the possibility of a few powerful people misreading and misjudging Professor Osinbajo’s innocent moves and great intentions. It is to the Vice-President’s credit that he did not let those kinds of people detract from the good work he was doing probably because he knew he had the full backing of President for the steps he was taking. After all, as the Vice-President has pointedly remarked he was in constant consultation and dialogue with the President even though Baba had told him not to bother and carry on as he was doing.

I saw in Professor Osinbajo a man determined to rescue this government from the terrible jinx that befuddled its predecessors. I saw a perfect gentleman who wanted to hold fort for his boss by ensuring that things did not fall apart before his return. I did not see a man scheming to take the position of his boss for whatever reason.

It was apparent that Professor Osinbajo’s only desire was for the nation to progress and for his boss to meet a better country and continue from there upon his return. This is the type of deputy we all pray for in life. This is the kind of assistant every leader would wish for, and be proud of any day. Therefore a few of us wrote to support and encourage the Vice President but some persons misconstrued our motives.

That is no longer news. It was the same way we were pummelled in the past for speaking truth to power. But we must continue to do so because this is our government.

Baba needs to take his time to feel the pulse of the nation. I plead, in the name of Allah, that he listens carefully to the wailers, as his people have labelled those who have been advising government and grumbling aloud about the seeming inertia of this government. He can afford to ignore the messengers but should never discard the loud messages. They can’t all be wrong even if we read right or wrong motives to their action. The truth is that we all want Baba and his team to succeed because his success is the success of the nation. I find it difficult to understand why people cannot appreciate that simple fact. It is not everyone that would be forced out of power and can return triumphantly after 30 years. It is one of those miracles we only read or dream

When President Buhari reacted to Dele Momodu’s letter to him about but never witness. This more so, after four attempts of presidential campaigns.

I was particularly moved by the letter from the Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir El Rufai.

Here is a well-known protégé of President Buhari.

Here is a man projected as a possible successor in case President Buhari decides not to seek a second term. I shuddered as I read and raced through his 30-page missive to our President, I couldn’t believe anyone that close to Buhari could fire those salvos. In that massive letter, I read

the bitter truth even if many would read sinister undertones to it. Governor El Rufai really poured out his heart as candidly as decorum permits.

Baba should in fact thank him for this. It takes love to openly criticise, even chastise, what is yours. It was an admission of acute frustration in the system that has long experienced systemic failure. Baba should find time to read and digest that letter. I’m sure he would know how to sift the grain from the chaff. Undoubtedly, El Rufai is one of the brightest stars we have in Nigeria

despite the many controversies around him. When he speaks, we should not discountenance his wise counsel. I’m reasonably convinced that he means well for the President and our troublesome country.

Many things are being said behind Baba that he would never get to hear or read due to the hypocritical nature of human beings.

Only the bold ones would dare speak up and damn the consequence. But anyone who loves Nigeria and the President would stand up at this difficult time to be counted amongst the brave. Baba should maintain the tempo he met on ground when he landed last week. He should encourage Osinbajo to carry on with a system that was already bearing fruits, by delegating more tasks to him. His health challenges, for now, would not permit him to operate optimally and he should not even overstretch his luck.

It is too dangerous to overwork when one is just returning from such an intensive medical check-up. I pray Baba and his team, including the Vice President, are already working at that same speed and tempo that we have become accustomed to in his absence and that some of us are just paranoid for nothing.

Nigeria was in a big mess when President Buhari took over the reins of power and in nearly two years, we’ve not even scratched the surface of dealing with the sorry state of affairs that he inherited. Yet, the battle for 2019 elections has already started in earnest. This government has so much work to do in less than two years if the APC is to retain power at the Federal level and this can only be done if all hands are on deck.

Let us pray for President Buhari and praise the letter writers for their uncommon courage in this season of anomie.

A Toast to Governor Ambode I know this would come as a surprise to the Governor of Lagos State, Akinwunmi Ambode, but that is the whole idea. If a man is doing well, the least we can do is to support and encourage him.

I wish to confess today that Ambode has surpassed my expectations in under two years.

I remember getting an invitation to meet with him sometime in 2014. A call came through to me in Ghana from his close aide, Idowu Ajanaku. The caller was very confident that the next Governor of Lagos State would like to meet me at my earliest convenience to solicit my support. I had wondered what support ordinary me could render when the man was amply surrounded and motivated by political juggernauts, especially the irrepressible Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu. All the same, I accepted the invitation, if only out of curiosity and left everything to fly to Lagos.

I met Mr Ambode somewhere on Glover Road, Ikoyi. We had never met nor spoken before then. He came across to me like a very simple and humble personality. He divulged his plans and I felt honoured that he consulted me at all.

He spoke eloquently about his plans for Lagos.

I knew he was going to have to fight a major battle to become the Governor of Africa’s most powerful state government but he had God and the human backing of the former Governor of Lagos, Tinubu. I believe only God can bequeath or take power and so knew he had a good chance. Ambode radiated pure confidence and at the end of our meeting, he saw me off to my car and I wished him well.

He fought a gallant battle to get his party’s ticket. Between Senator Tokunbo Afikuyomi,

a political wizard, and I, we did everything we could to support him. I was particularly willing and ready to back him up heavily on social media. I couldn’t get over his simple mien and this made his matter compelling for me.

Besides, Asiwaju Tinubu, had mentored a few of us while we were in exile in London after the June 12 imbroglio and this was payback time.

The general elections came and Ambode won and we were all happy and jubilant.

Since then, I visited him once on a courtesy visit, in company of my best friend, Prince Adedamola Aderemi, and we met the same Ambode I had met before he became Governor, humble and simple. Like the first time, he saw us off to our car, and we chatted freely. On another occasion, I saw him on the Third Mainland Bridge and sent him a text and he called immediately to exchange greetings. But what has impressed me the most is not his interpersonal relationships but the manner he has simplified governance. In less than two years, he has improved drastically on the great Lagos the then Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola handed over to him. Fashola himself had laboured hard to emulate the giant strides of Tinubu in Lagos.

I’m very proud that the three Governors of Lagos since the return of democracy in 1999 have all done a lot to make Lagos such an enviable city and a success story. Governor Akinwunmi Ambode is obviously determined to surpass the humongous achievements of his predecessors, including the great veteran journalist, Papa Alhaji Lateef Jakande, and the legendary military Governor, Brigadier Mobolaji Johnson.

Prince Adedamola Aderemi and I were stunned when we drove recently through Epe,

from Ijebu-Ode, where we had gone for the 40-day funeral festivities of Bimbo Ashiru’s mum. The transformation we encountered was truly massive and impressive, more so, because we had passed that same route a few months earlier. Within the Lagos Metropolis itself one can see the stellar work that Ambode is doing but our experience in Epe made us realise that the Governor is touching all parts of the state and not just the showpiece capital.

Ambode’s operational smoothness, typified by the novel but simple way in which he has changed the traffic situation on the Lekki-Epe Expressway by removing roundabouts and replacing them with intersections and flyovers, shows the lack of clutter in his mind and a willingness to innovate and be creative.

Lagos used to be badly polluted but Ambode is working at the speed of light to clean up the environment urgently. Cleanliness is said to be next to Godliness. The Cleaner Lagos Initiative is a bold and ambitious project that seeks to rid Lagos forever of its traditional filth. The plan is to expand the scope of LAWMA and enforce the regulation of the waste management process to the highest international standards. This will also create jobs for thousands of residents.

The vision of Ambode is very impressive and he has started driving a social infrastructure revolution in Lagos. His style is recommended to his colleagues who must think outside the box to improve on their states. While I agree that Lagos is a rich state, Ambode must be commended for spending the resources of Lagos judiciously and positively.

He deserves our support and prayers.

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