Saturday 18th March 2017 by THISDAY Newspapers Ltd

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

T H I S D AY SATURDAY MARCH 18, 2017

SATURDAY, MARCH 18, 2017 • T H I S D AY

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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.

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

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.

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

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

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

march 18, 2017• THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

COMMENTARY

THE PRESIDENT’S HANDLERS AND THE PRESIDENT’S HEALTH

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

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

march 18, 2017 • THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

INSIGHT

Are we safe?

While You Were Away, Mr President

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

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

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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

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

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

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).

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.

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.

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • MARCH 18, 2017

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

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

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

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.”

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.”

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.

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.

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

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

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.”

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

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.

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • MARCH 18, 2017

EXPRESSION

MEDIAGAFFES BY

First Bank Fumbles

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.

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.

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

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

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’

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

Auto Lagos Motor Fair, Autoparts to Focus on African Markets

Mercedes Ener-G-Force concept

Mercedes to Debut Baby G-Class Compact Crossover By 2019

Stories by Bennett Oghifo

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

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

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.

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • March 18, 2017

FAMILY HEALTH

What Causes Itching in Your Genitals

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 â&#x20AC;¢ JUNE 16, 2011

WEEKLY PULL-OUT

18.03.2017

REVENGE IN MIND PAGE. 29

Anthony Joshua

The Fight to Become a Legend

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

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".

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

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.

MARCH 18, 2017 • THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

GLOBAL SOCCER UEFA Champions League

Ancelotti Faces former Assistant as Madrid Draw Bayern Juve face Barca

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

v v v v v

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

Hertha

Augsburg

Freiburg

14:30 14:30

Bremen

Leipzig