Saturday 15th April 2017

Tribunal Upholds Obaseki’s Election as Edo Governor Says Ize-Iyamu’s petition lacks merit Obaseki: Victory will propel me to work harder

Adibe Emenyonu in Benin City The Election Petitions Tribunal in Benin City, Edo State yesterday dismissed the petition of Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party

(PDP) in the September 28, 2016 Edo governorship election and upheld the decision of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), declaring Godwin Obaseki of the All Progressives Congress (APC)

winner.

Ize-Iyamu and his party, PDP on October 16, dragged INEC, Obaseki and APC respectively, before the tribunal and sought the following reliefs: “That IzeIyamu be declared winner of

the election having scored the highest lawful votes; or nullify the election because INEC failed to substantially comply with the electoral act as amended; that Obaseki was not duly elected by lawful votes cast.”

PDP to appeal judgement

But delivering judgment, the three-man tribunal, presided over

by Justice Ahmed Badamasi made reference to issues for determination before arriving at their verdict.

In his judgment, Justice

Badamasi listed the issues for determination to include: Whether the Ize-Iyamu is the same as Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu Andrew, who contested the Continued on page 8

Makarfi: Gusua, Mark Convinced Jonathan to Hold PDP Peace Meeting ... Page 8 Saturday 15 April, 2017 Vol 22. No 8031. Price: N250

www.thisdaylive.com TR

UT H

& RE A S O

N

My Relationship with Buhari not Strained by Memo, Says El-Rufai

Nobody can stop me from visiting the State House; I can drive in anytime unhindered Letter leaked to media by faces who don’t like me in Villa

Damilola Oyedele in Abuja For the first time since the return of President Muhammadu Buhari to the country from medical vacation in London, Kaduna State Governor, Nasiru el-Rufai

yesterday joined him for Jumat prayers at the State House, Abuja, and said that he had no regret writing his controversial memo which strongly criticised the Buhari administration, saying his intentions were right.

El-Rufai who made this declaration while answering questions from journalists, after attending the Jumat prayers, said his motivation for writing the memo was not driven by ill-motive but the desire to draw

the president's attention to ills in the society and to offer him suggestions on how to address them.

He said he had earlier met Buhari on Thursday night and that the memo and its

leakage had not by any means strained his relationship with the President, pointing out that his relationship with Buhari is like that of a father and son.

He added that when he visited him on Thursday night,

the president received him with warmth and grace.

The governor, who had been accused in some quarters of leaking the memo he had Continued on page 8

Ikoyi $43m Haul: Rivers State Government Claims Ownership

Gives FG 7-day ultimatum to return money allegedly diverted by ex-governor Amaechi: Wike is a child, he talks without evidence

Yemi Adebowale and Ernest Chinwe in Port Harcourt

Governor, Nyesom Wike yesterday said that the $43 million found in a luxury apartment in Ikoyi, Lagos belongs to the Rivers State Government and gave the federal government a 7-day ultimatum to return it, “failing which Rivers State Government will take legal measures to ensure that it gets back her stolen resources.”

Addressing journalists at the Government House, Port Harcourt last night, he said that investigations by his administration revealed that the money was proceed from the sale of gas turbines by the immediate past governor of the state, Rotimi Amaechi.

But Amaechi told THISDAY last night that Wike’s allegations were frivolous and lacked any evidence.

Wike said: "The money in question belongs to the former

Rivers State Governor, Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi. We want to confirm that the house in Ikoyi also belongs to Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi.

"If you recollect in 2015, we said that gas turbines built by former Governor Peter Odili were sold to Sahara Energy, business partners of Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi at $319 million.

"That money was used to sponsor the All Progressives Congress (APC) at the 2015 general election. From the date of sale of the gas turbines to May 29, 2015, the money depleted from $319 million to $204,000.

What was stashed at the Ikoyi residence was part of that fund.

"We have facts to prove that the said money belongs to the Rivers State Government. The Federal Government must return our money."

Wike said all the stories being peddled about the money Continued on page 8

GOOD TO SEE YOU ...

L-R: Ogun State Governor, Ibikunle Amosun; Kaduna State Governor, Nasir el-Rufai and President Muhammadu Buhari, at the GODWIN OMOIGUI Juma'at service held at the Presidential Villa, Abuja ...yesterday

At Easter, Saraki, Dogara Call for Religious Tolerance ...Page 55

T H I S D AY SATURDAY APRIL 15, 2017

3

2

T H I S D AY SATURDAY APRIL 15, 2017

4

T H I S D AY SATURDAY APRIL 15, 2017

50

5

A .

B

Ed. . 9 A + 9 E

%

7 2 3$ 5

7 % ( Å&#x203A; 1 8/' *(6 2 + 6 * /(1 / 1 , $ . + % $ 1 $ , /< & < $ 5 < ' < 2 8 5 ' (9(

:LWK $FFHVV %DQN DOWHUQDWLYH FKDQQHOV WUDQVIHUV SD\PHQWV DQG EDODQFH HQTXLULHV EHFRPH HDVLHU *HW RQ $FFHVV ( FKDQQHO 3ODWIRUPV $YRLG7KH4XHXHV

02%,/( %$1.,1* 21/,1( %$1.,1* &$5'6 3$<:,7+&$3785( $&&(66 021(< 3$<0(

)

T H I S D AY SATURDAY APRIL 15, 2017

5

6

T H I S D AY SATURDAY APRIL 15, 2017

T H I S D AY SATURDAY APRIL 15, 2017

7

8

SATURDAY, ͹ͽ˜ ͺ͸͹Ϳ ˾ T H I S D AY

PAGE EIGHT

Makarfi: Gusua, Mark Convinced Jonathan to Hold PDP Peace Meeting Wike, Fayose did not sponsor parley

Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja The Ahmed Makarfi-led National Caretaker Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) yesterday said that the former National Security Adviser, Gen. Aliyu Gusau and former Senate President, David Mark convinced ex-President Goodluck Jonathan to convene the last botched peace meeting of the party, and not Governors Nyesom Wike and Ayodele Fayose, as alleged by the Sheriff faction.

Reacting to allegations by Sheriff's deputy, Cairo Ojougboh, that the ex-president was drafted into the peace initiative by Wike and Fayose, the Makarfi faction explained that the decision to mandate the two top party members to go and persuade Jonathan was reached at a meeting attended by Sheriff, Professor Wale Oladipo, Senator David Mark, Ahmed Makarfi, Ben Ndi Obi and General Gusau.

The Spokesman of the Caretaker Committee, Dayo Adeyeye said that it was agreed

Warns against Sheriff's convention

at the meeting that both Gusau and Mark should approach the former President to convene an all-inclusive meeting of stakeholders in order to chart a way forward for a lasting peace in the party.

"For the record, the last Stakeholders Meeting convened and chaired by the former President, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan was not sponsored or organised

by Wike or Fayose as alleged

by Mr. Cairo Ojugboh.”

The spokesman described as uncharitable, the allegation

TRIBUNAL UPHOLDS OBASEKI’S ELECTION AS EDO GOVERNOR election; whether the election of Obaseki was invalid, as a result of election malpractice; whether the court should declare the election in favour of Ize-Iyamu; whether by reasons of evidence, the petitioner has established reasons for non-compliance with the Electoral Act. Against this backdrop, therefore, he said Ize-Iyamu’s petition could only succeed on the strength of his case and not out of the weaknesses of the respondents’ defense.

On whether Ize-Iyamu is different from Ize-Iyamu Andrew who contested the election on the platform of PDP, Justice Badamasi asserted that it was not in contest that the two names are the same since the respondents in their various depositions, have alluded to the fact that the two names are one and the same.

On corrupt practices, he said the petitioners made allegations of corrupt practices in many

paragraphs of their petition, bordering several units in Owan East Local Government Area, but refused to call a single witness to prove their allegations, adding that this was an indication that they had abandoned the case.

“They chose to define their petition to non-compliance.

We so hold that they have abandoned their pleadings,” Justice Badamasi declared, adding, “evidence without witness goes to no issue because petitioners do not have proof of their allegations of corrupt practices beyond reasonable doubt.”

He further said that the absence of a separate relief for now dealt a fatal blow to the petitioners’ request.

On the issue of none or improper accreditation, the tribunal averred that the petitioners failed to show where there was over accreditation of voters in the entire petition because there was argument

on the ticking to the right or left, saying that “evidence that leads to no specific issues, goes to no issue.”

Besides, the tribunal observed that the petitioner did not challenge 15 units where he won with ticking once, but did so for other units, adding that “this, in our view, does not show good faith.”

Making reference to Election Manual Register 2016, the tribunal said manual provided for continuous registration and voting, therefore the process of accreditation and voting separately was abolished.

Accordingly, the tribunal noted that the petitioner’s heavy reliance on the Electoral Manual for non-accreditation was misplaced.

“For the petitioner to prove over-voting, he has to tender voters register-ballot papers not tendered. Evidence of witnesses from that regard, the petitioner’s failure to tender voters register,

by Ojougboh that ex-President Jonathan was dragged into the last peace meeting by Wike and Fayose.

"It is uncharitable for Ojugboh to allege that the Stakeholders’ Meeting was organised and sponsored by Wike and Fayose.

Indeed it is the height of lunacy for Sheriff and Cairo to allege that a person of President Goodluck Jonathan’s standing could be induced by anyone, not the least a governor, to organise the meeting. These people are pigs in the mud and they have

no qualms in dragging decent people into the pit," he fumed.

On the threat by the Sheriffled leadership to go ahead and convene the National Executive (NEC) meeting and subsequently the convention, Adeyeye advised state chapters of the party to ignore any purported directive from the “renegades.”

He said no elective national convention of the party would hold until the Appeal before the Supreme Court was decided.

"There will be no elective National Convention of the PDP

as postulated by Sheriff until the Appeal before the Supreme Court is decided. All our state chapters are advised to ignore any purported directive from any quarters.

"For the umpteenth time, we wish to re-iterate that Senator Sheriff and Co. are in defiance of the Court of Appeal Order of status quo ante made on May 21, 2016 with self-appointed officers like Cairo Ojugboh.

Only three officers are with him and therefore, such NWC is non-existent.

ballot papers and result has failed to prove over-voting.

“What probative value will the court attach to a report that was not subject to evaluation?

The Makers of the report were not called to give evidence.

Most of the evidence produced

by INEC subpoenaed was tendered. In the petitioner’s attempt to prove their case of non-compliance, they called witnesses without evidence.

None of the witnesses showed where there was misapplication of scores.

“The petitioners have not by credible evidence showed that they are entitled to their reliefs. We therefore dismiss the petition. Accordingly, the election Obaseki is hereby upheld. We thank all the senior counsels and their colleagues for all your cooperation,” the tribunal declared.

Reacting to the judgment, K.K. Eleja, Counsel to the petitioners thanked the tribunal judges for

the wonderful judgment they delivered, asking that the Certified True Copies of the judgment be made available to them as soon as possible.

Governor Godwin Obaseki said the victory was for Edo people, adding that it would propel him to work for the good of the entire state.

Outside the court premises, supporters of the All Progressives Congress went into wild jubilation, singing victory songs as they danced through major streets of Benin.

Ize-Iyamu has described as porous the judgment of the Edo Elections Tribunal dismissing his petition.

Addressing PDP elders, leaders and supporters at his campaign office, he described the judgment as unacceptable and one that could not stand at the higher courts.

He said: "From the snippets I heard of the tribunal judgement, it cannot stand in the higher courts. This case must be pursued up to the Supreme Court."

The PDP candidate, however, expressed gratitude to all, who in the last six months thronged the tribunal venue without any form of compensation, assuring them that the journey ahead would be shorter.

"I want to thank God that we have all been able to reach this part of the journey. What gladdens my heart is that God will vindicate us in the long run.

"Don't be dismayed. We are still hoping for your support.

I urge you all to be calm and

refrain from being provoked into violence. Even if they push you laugh."

On his part, the state chairman of the PDP, Chief Dan Orbih confirmed the position of the party to appeal the tribunal’s ruling, saying, "definitely, we are going to appeal against the judgement; it is not acceptable to us.

"We have told our lawyers to appeal the judgement. The issues we raised in the petition were not addressed by the tribunal.

"I appeal to Edo people to remain calm but be resolute in our bid to reclaim the mandate given to Pastor Osagie IzeIyamu."

He added "I want to tell you that we have just started the journey as a party. I have no doubt that we are fighting a just cause."

Orbih said there was no need dwelling on details of what happened at the tribunal because “as soon as the party's lawyers obtain a copy of the ruling on Tuesday, the ruling will be appealed.”

Commending elders, leaders and supporters of the party across the state for their show of solidarity, he said: "We have a duty to retrieve the mandate that was freely given to us by Edo people. The party will go on appeal."

He then commended all Edo people for their support, even as he described Ize-Iyamu as a very good candidate who would definitely become the governor of Edo state in the long run.

EL-RUFAI: MY RELATIONSHIP WITH BUHARI NOT STRAINED BY MEMO privately sent to the President, said contrary to that belief, the memo was actually leaked by some individuals in the Villa.

Disclosing that there were some faces who did not like him in the Villa, el-Rufai said he was disappointed by the leakage of the memo, revealing that those who published it had told him that it was leaked to them by the Villa.

"I'm disappointed that a private communication to the highest office in the land can be leaked. It was leaked by the Villa. I was told by those who published it. But it's part of life.

This happens. We live in an age when everything you write or say can be leaked. My intentions were clear.

"I had no ill motive. But l wanted to communicate to the president what many Nigerians are talking about and what steps can be taken to improve the governance of the country and move the country forward.

That is my motive and even till tomorrow as l said, if l see anything that the President needs to know, l will discuss with him and l will articulate and write it and put it on record for him to have a reminder document to work on. I have no regret.

He added: "It's a private memo to the president. It's not a public letter and if you want to ask a question, ask about those who leaked the memo because l wrote it about seven months ago and l had written similar memos to the president in the past, none of which ever leaked."

He said even though there were faces in the Villa that did not like him, such faces could not stop him from visiting the State

House, adding that he could drive into the Villa anytime unhindered.

He further pointed out that he had only stayed away from the Villa since the President returned from his medical vacation in London on March 10 because he believed that he needed time to rest.

He appealed to Nigerians to spare the President “many visits,” observing that leaders are easily worn out by visits.

El-Rufai, however, disclosed that he no longer held the opinion he expressed in his letter to the president in September last year because some of the issues he raised had been addressed.

He also said the president knew that he wished him well and could always depend on his views and advice on the state of the nation, assuring that he would stand by Buhari to the very end.

"He knows that he can count on me to give him my views and sound advice on what's out there that he may not hear and to give him sound advice about my party. If you saw the memo, you would see that there is nothing in that memo that has anything to do with anything other than the success of the president and the progress of the country. That is my goal. That is my motive and I'm driven by that and l will stand behind the President to the very end.

"I believe that since September last year when l wrote the letter, there has been a significant improvement in the delivery of services at the federal level. As l said, some of our programmes have started in earnest. Social intervention programme for

instance, power and budget releases have been accelerated.

"In an unprecedented manner, the Minister of Finance has released up to N1 trillion for capital budget. In September last year, little or nothing had been released and that was part of my concern. Since then, the economic growth and recovery plan had been published. At the time, there was no economic plan for the country. Since then, the government has moved ahead to change some of the appointees of President Jonathan.

"This was something that we were worried about and many of in All Progressives Congress (APC) felt that we were in office but not in power because people that Jonathan appointed were still right there at the agencies. But since September till date, even up till yesterday, there have been significant changes. So, that is improvement and l believe that parts of what l recommended to the president are being implemented; whether it is as a result of my memo or not, the country is moving forward and I'm grateful for it," he stated.

On his current face-off with the National Assembly, elRufai said he had no personal issues with members of the National Assembly but was only exercising his right as a citizen of Nigeria to demand for transparency and accountability in its operations.

El-Rufai who also said his drive was to challenge the leadership of the National Assembly to fulfill its earlier promise to Nigerians that they would make public details of the income and expenditure of the federal legislature, added that it was in

National Assembly interest to make its budget public.

"So, there is no problem.

What l did last Friday was to ask the leadership of the National Assembly to fulfill a promise that they made themselves to publish the details of their budget and asking for that is my duty as a citizen and every Nigerian is entitled to ask that question. It is in the National Assembly's interest to publish it because there are rumours about how humongous amount of money they are getting which l don't believe it's true.

"I think the best way to kill that rumour is to publish the details of their budget. But some people took exception. By calling for transparency, l have no apology because as citizens, we have the right to demand for transparency about how our resources are being spent because this N100 billion or so budget of the National Assembly is money belonging to the people of Nigeria.

"Any Nigerian can ask. I'm exercising that right. So, there is no strain relationship with the National Assembly. I have no problem with the speaker. He is my key brother. He respects me and I respect him. I have no problem with the Senate president. We worked together in the past. I have confidence that we will come together in future in the interest of Nigeria.

There is no problem but the demand for accountability is not a problem. It should not be construed to be undermining something. It is when somebody has something to hide that he should feel that way," he said.

IKOYI $43M HAUL: RIVERS STATE GOVERNMENT CLAIMS OWNERSHIP belonging to the National Intelligence Agency were false and mere face-saving measures by the embattled APC federal government.

He said: "As I speak to you, the federal government is so embarrassed that this has happened. All the stories that the money belongs to the NIA are fake".

Wike challenged the federal government to set up a panel of inquiry, which will sit publicly to investigate the money, if it doubted the claim of the Rivers State Government.

He stated that the Rivers State Government needed the money to complete an array of projects, insisting that on no account would this “criminal activity be swept under the carpet.”

The governor said as long as the federal government continued to disturb the progress of Rivers State, “so long will God throw the federal government into confusion.”

"We are giving them seven days to return our money.

Otherwise, we would take legal action to recover our money. $43 million will help us complete several projects," he said.

But Amaechi scoffed at Wike’s Allegation. He said: “I don’t know who owns the money or the building. This Wike is a child. He just talks without any evidence. All he has been doing in the last two years is repairing roads. He can’t even construct roads. Journalist should try and find out who the owner of the Ikoyi building is from the Lagos State Government, before we start talking about the owner of the money. The building must have been registered. The documents must be in somebody’s name.

“I know Wike very well. He worked with me and stole so much when he was in government. He also stole when he was working for Jonathan. All his previous attempts to rubbish me failed. He will also fail in this one. At the Appeal Court, he could not provide documents to nail me over his shabby panel of inquiry. He will fail again.”

9

APRIL 15, 2017 ˾ THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

RingTrue

07013940521 yemi.adebowale@thisdaylive.com

Yemi

Adebowale

Why the 8th Senate is Able to Assert Itself

T

his is the first time in the history of this country that we are having a truly independent National Assembly; a strong and vibrant Legislature, working as an independent arm of government in conformity with the constitution of our land. Many Nigerians are used to seeing the Legislature working as an appendage of the Executive; we are used to seeing lawmakers operating as errand boys of the Executive and taking everything thrown at them by the President. Back then, the Executive changes the leadership of lawmakers at will, whether at state or federal level.

As a result, some Nigerians think this current independent Legislature at the federal level is an aberration. I am shocked that some think it is wrong for the Senate to truly scrutinize, and if unconvinced, reject nominees of the President for appointments. This ill-informed people also think it is wrong for the Legislature that owns the power of appropriation to take charge of our annual budgets. For the record again, let it be known that the Legislature has exclusive authority to amend budgets.

It is appalling seeing many, unnecessarily, excoriating the Legislature for asserting itself this time around and playing its constitutional role.

Yes, this is the most powerful Senate in the history of Nigeria and it is good for our democracy. Way back, senators were mainly nominated by their godfathers.

This 8th Senate is dominated by people (some are former governors) who are still very much in control of their states. These are truly independent-minded men of means and power who can’t be pushed around by the Executive. This is why the Senate in particularly has been operating as an independent arm of government as prescribed by our laws.

Let’s take a look at the caliber of people I am talking about and you will understand the source of the strength of the 8th Senate.

Bukola Saraki, Aliyu Wamakko, Bukar

Saraki

Baba Ibrahim, Adamu Aliero, Theodore Orji, Godswill Akpabio, Sani Ahmed Yerima, Sam Egwu, Ike Ekweremadu, James Manager, Jeremiah Useni, Jang Jonah, Barnabas Gemade, Akume George, David Mark and Goje Danjuma. As the late K.O Mbadiwe used to say in those days, these are men of “timber and caliber.” This is why the 8th Senate in operating in line with global standards.

Another interesting thing about the 8th Senate is that it also has another group of people, who may not be stupendously rich or control states, but are focused on the independence of the Senate. These people are ready to lay down their lives for an independent Legislature. In this group are people like Baba Kaka Garbai, Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi and Shehu Sani.

Because this strong Senate has refused to work as an appendage of the Executive, all sorts of steps are being taken to rubbish the red chamber in particular, and make the lawmakers look like criminals before Ni-

Ikorodu Attack: The Shame of a Nation A gallant army Captain (Mohammed), four policemen and two residents are the latest victims of the persistent attacks by criminal gangs in Ikorodu West and Ikorodu North areas of Lagos State. This latest bloody attack last Sunday took place in Isawo area of this troubled town.

The slain captain and the policemen, who laid down their lives, are heroes.

I am shocked that military and police chiefs are yet to visit the families of these gallant security agents. These men fought and died for us to live. Report said that a point, late Captain Mohammed mounted the Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC) and battled the criminals, forcing them to retreat. He was shot when he came out of the APC. In this same Isawo, ten young Department of State Security officers were killed last year. Over one year after, their killers are yet to be apprehended. Scores of residents have been killed by rampaging militants. The crisis in Ikorodu has persisted for long, simply because of the failure of governments at all levels. The insecurity in Ikorodu in particular and Lagos State in general is unprecedented in the history of the state. This is a big shame. The federal government is the biggest culprit here. The military Joint Task Force in Ikorodu is ill-equipped. The solution to the problem is not in bombing the creeks of Ikorodu. Of course, the criminal gangs will not wait for them to be bombed. These murderous militants

must be killed. They must be physically taken out. To actualize this, the military JTF requires armoured attack helicopters, gun boats and well-trained manpower.

Intelligence and technology are also vital here. So, the JTF also require geo-position interceptor and GSM UMTS System to intercept/locate kidnappers’ GSM calls.

They also need drones/unmanned aerial vehicles to identify locations of criminal gangs. The gallant soldiers on ground in Ikorodu lack all these.

The carnage in Ikorodu assumed a frightening dimension over a year ago and must not be allowed to linger. It is a shame that many homeowners in Ikorodu have become refugees in Lagos.

Many families have lost their bread winners. Many have been orphaned. In some cases, entire families have been wiped out. For how long must this killing field continue spilling blood in a country with a government? This is the shame of our nation.

This morning, I am challenging the Chief of Defence Staff, Gabriel Olonisakina and Army Chief, Tukur Buratai to provide the JTF in Ikorodu all the equipment I have listed. The Lagos State Government should also assist the military with some of these apparatus.

The soldiers on the frontline in Ikorudu must also be placed on special generous allowance. I expect Governor Akinwunmi Ambode to start this swiftly with his security vote.

gerians. One of the cheap blackmail the Executive has been peddling for almost two years now is saying that corruption in the Legislature is fighting back. Haba!

I am not saying all federal lawmakers are saints, but to cast aspersion on the entire Legislature is most uncharitable.

The Executive also uses the so called “huge” budget of the Legislature to paint them black before Nigerians. For example, an impression is created that the N115 billion budgeted for the federal Legislature in 2016 was used entirely for the lawmakers. This is not true. The Executive will not tell Nigerians that salaries of over 2000 civil servants working in the National Assembly are also paid from the budget of the Legislature.

Capital and recurrent expenditures of the National Legislative Institute of Nigeria, The Public Complaint Commission and the National Assembly Service Commission are also covered by this budget.

The Executive will also not tell Nigerians that the budgets of so many federal agencies surpass that of the National Assembly. The Central bank has budgeted N421 billion for its activities in 2017. The Nigerian Ports Authority’s budget for 2017 is N250 billion. That of the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation should be close to N1 trillion.

Now to the big question: Do we really

need a very strong, vibrant and independent Legislature? The answer is an emphatic yes.

A Legislature operating according to its constitutional role as an independent arm of government is “win win” for democracy and the people of the country. It is imperative for the success of any democracy, because democracy thrives on checks and balances.

A strong Legislature is necessary to check the excesses, lawlessness and over-bearing influence of the Executive in this part of the world.

For me, the Buhari-led Executive must learn to work with the Saraki-Senate in the interest of our nation, instead of resorting to blackmail. Lobbying tools must be effectively used here. This is the standard in developed democracies in the world. In fact, in the United States, the Executive engages professional lobbyist to smoothen relationship with the Legislature. In this part of the world, many think more of bribery when they hear somebody recommend “lobbying.” This is a misleading perception. Lobbying is not about giving bribe. It can be done without bribery. It is more about goodwill and making concessions. For example, offering a new health centre to a Legislator in his constituency may see him contributing to a swift passage of a particular Executive Bill. So, the Buhari-led Executive should move quickly and engage professional lobbyists. They should be people capable of abiding by the ethics of lobbying.

This is the way forward for our nation.

JAMB, Ishaq Oloyede and the Height of Ineptitude The level of ineptitude displayed by the Ishaq Oloyede-led Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) in the ongoing registration for the 2017 Unified Tertiary Institution Matriculation Examination is unprecedented in the history of the body. JAMB has never been associated with this kind of confusion, which is being compounded by grossly inadequate registration centres. For example, the entire Uyo in Akwa Ibom State has only two registration centres. It is also sickening that appropriate rehearsal and test-running of the new registration system introduced by the body was not carried out. As a result, majority of prospective candidates are struggling to register for the examination. Just monitor the branches of the banks involved in the process and you will find thousands

of prospective candidates around, trying to make payment without success. Oloyede and his men could not respond fittingly to the challenges of the ongoing registration, necessitating a shift of registration deadline.

So, how would they tackle the challenges that will certainly arise from the main examination? I can see a bigger problem ahead. The truth is that facilities at most of the test centres are not ready. JAMB has never witnessed this kind of clumsiness. It is a big shame. Oloyede and his men are putting our children under absolutely unnecessary stress. Lest I forget, the nonsensical UTME mock examination was also cancelled just few hours to D-Day, with a deceitful excuse. I am surprised that this inept JAMB boss has not been fired by the Education Minister, Mallam Adamu Adamu. Oloyede should save us from all these embarrassment by resigning.

Reflections on Osun State Helicopter A couple of years back, Governor Rauf Aregbesola bought an helicopter which he said would be used for surveillance in Osun State. I doubt if it was ever used for that purpose for a day. At a point, the chopper was leased to Lagos-based Odengene Air Shuttle Services, OAS, because the state government could not maintain it. The Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria has since taken over the management of OAS. The story in town now is that the helicopter is missing. A pressure group in the state known as “Nigeria Awake” is asking Aregbesola for the whereabouts of the helicopter. The National Coordinator of the group, Diran Odeyemi said there had been several incoherent claims from Aregbesola and people working with him about the helicopter. In the first place, the decision to buy the helicopter was a misplaced one. I can’t understand why a state that is persistently struggling with paying salaries, should buy helicopter. Aregbesola should retrieve this Osun asset, and sell it to offset some of its backlog of salaries.

Aregbesola

10

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ APRIL 15, 2017

SUPER SATURDAY

BUSOLA TIMI-DAKOLO

I Gave Timi-Dakolo Wrong Number to Get Him Off My Back

Busola

With three kids in the kitty, beautiful Busola – Timi Dakolo’s better half – is finally stepping out of her shadows. With a passion for celebrity photography, Mrs. Dakolo is adding to the fame and perhaps, fortune of her family through her Bubuphoto Signature, Funke Olaode writes.

S

he is Busola. What comes to mind when her name is mentioned? Perhaps, the name requires a suffix to ring a bell.

An encounter with Busola Timi-Dakolo (nee Bernice), an indigene of Kogi State.

Looking smart in a short, sky blue dress and red sneakers, she makes things happen in cozy Bubuphoto studio, on the popular Adeola Odeku Street, Victoria Island. It is almost five years since she married Timi Dakolo.

Apart from occasional appearances with her husband in the newspapers, Busola has been operating in the background as an entrepreneur dealing in hair care products and at the same time tending to her three

delightful children.

She grew up in Ilorin and had her secondary education at Gifted Academy in Suleja, Niger state. Her initial ambition was to be a medical scientist. But a visit to the laboratory where she saw dead bodies made her opt for another course.

“Really, I didn’t want to study Geology and Mineral Resources. I wanted medical science. But the sight of dead bodies made me run away from that. I had to change my course to Geology and Mineral Resources which I studied at the University of Ilorin. I felt I should do something that is more challenging. As an adventurous person I love field trips and I felt Geology would give me the opportunity. Again, it is about

discovery. After my youth service in Balyesa State I never practised in the offshore but worked in an oil servicing firm where I was able to do something in the field,” Mrs. Timi-Dakolo recalled.

Though she never had the chance to go to the rig, her intellectual acumen in the field of science found its way to the information technology department of Zenith Bank headquarters on Victoria Island as a solution provider, helping companies on business development and providing IT solution. She was with the bank for four years and quit when she got pregnant with her first child.

Busola has been quiet for sometime now. She is, however, gradually coming out of her shell. And contrary

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ PRIL 15, 2017

11

SATURDAY NO LONGER LIVING IN HER HUSBAND’S SHADOW… to public opinion that she may want publicity stunt or ride on her husband’s popularity, she said, “I didn’t want to come out to the public initially because I am restricted in terms of timing. It is not easy to work fully as a photographer and be a mother. In every step of the way I always love to be me. I want people to see me for who I am. I am coming out and believe me, if it is something that is not a solution provider I wouldn’t come out.

I love my privacy a lot and in terms of photography I have to come out. I know I am bringing new things to the table.

My passion for photography has always been there right from childhood. I had cameras and if we went out I was always concerned about taking photographs. If we went on family vacation I would be the one in charge of photography and hardly had pictures of myself. So, I am always excited about taking pictures whenever we travelled.

“My husband just pointed it out one day that I love taking photographs and why don’t I get someone to tutor me in-house. I enrolled with a photographer here in Lagos who tutored me for three months. After that I continued with my passion of taking photographs. I finally decided in the middle of summer of 2015 to go for a course in photography in New York Film Academy for eight weeks. After I got back I turned the passion into what everybody will benefit.”

It is over 12 months since she launched out and the experience has been awesome.

According to her, photography is an eye-opener in terms of reading meaning into photography. It is not about clicking; there is the portrait, the abstract, the documentary and the storytelling.

While her inspiration comes in many dimensions, including gazing at a moving car, or watching a movie, or just gazing into the sky, Busola is concentrating more on celebrity photography, portraits, storytelling photography – because her passion is about making a larger statement.

“You know a picture can cover up three pages of a book. Before I take any picture I will make a sketch of what I am going to do and for me it is like fashion designing. Before I do any shot I make a sketch of it out of my mind to enable me achieve my desired result. I want to do different aspects; and there is likelihood that I will stage an exhibition later. My work will definitely be exhibited for people to understand how I see things.

Pictures of every photographer show the person.”

There is no doubt that being married to a famous husband can open many closed doors in her new vocation. With that reality in mind, Busola insisted that her works also speak for her.

“When I started the studio, I told my husband that I wanted my work to speak for itself and let people know that I have something to offer. When anyone sees a picture of a celebrity they are able to connect with that aspect of a person, not the glamorous aspect of it.”

So far, Mrs. Timi-Dakolo has done some jobs for individuals, portfolio work for a few corporate organisations and some shots for the Genevieve Magazine.

With constant training and mentoring at the feet of veterans sometimes is an antidote to career success, Busola is willing to toe the line. But her number one role model in photography is Steven Meisel, a fashion commercial photographer based in New York, who has taken many royalty photographs for Vanity Fair and Vogue Italian cover for over 20 years.

“I love his work and the way he is able to connect with every celebrity and bring out their personalities and his ability to connect with the models. In Nigeria, I love Obi Somto and TY Bello because for

Busola, Timi and his children

Ididn’twanttocomeoutto thepublicinitiallybecauseIam restrictedintermsoftiming.

Itisnoteasytoworkfullyasa photographerandbeamother.

IneverystepofthewayIalways lovetobeme.Iwantpeople toseemeforwhoIam.Iam comingoutandbelieveme,ifitis somethingthatisnotasolution providerIwouldn’tcomeout.I lovemyprivacyalotandinterms ofphotographyIhavetocome out.IknowIambringingnew thingstothetable.Mypassion forphotographyhasalwaysbeen thererightfromchildhood.Ihad camerasandifwewentoutIwas alwaysconcernedabouttaking photographs.Ifwewenton familyvacationIwouldbetheone inchargeofphotographyand hardlyhadpicturesofmyself.So, Iamalwaysexcitedabouttaking pictureswheneverwetravelled.

a female to embark on a photography job it takes a lot of a concentration.”

Getting personal with Busola is like touching a soft spot as she laughs shyly, reminiscing on how her path crossed that of the Balyesa soul singer.

“We met in the Household of God Church in 2008 shortly after winning the West African Idol. I wasn’t even ready for marriage or a relationship when I met him. Honestly, I was quite nasty to him because I didn’t want to entertain anybody around me. He was very persistent and kept pressing that he just wanted to be a friend. I just said that I was not keen in dating him. I even gave him a wrong number.

“But the following week after church service, this guy trailed me with his car just to know where I was staying. And some weeks later, I saw him around my premises pretending as if he was coming to look for my flatmate. That was how he kept coming, telling me to give him my ears. That was how we started and we got married five years ago.

For the Dakolos, culture shock was not an issue. A kogite married to a halfGhanaian and half-Bayelsan.

“I didn’t know I would marry an Ijaw man. My mother was a bit apprehensive but my father was indifferent and even said I could marry a Jew or an Indian as long as I was cool with that. He gave me his support.

But my dad warned me never to come back to complain about my choice. In terms of their culture, I am already accustomed to it having served in his state.”

For Busola, her celebrity status hasn’t changed her approach to life though she admits that there are times she is restricted because of public perception.

And if there are things she has to cope with it is the ability to deal with her husband’s admirers. Is she constantly on

his trail?

“Not really. Initially, I used to follow him to the show but now that my hands are full I hardly have all the time. But there are times my husband would say, ‘Baby, you have to come for this one oh! And I will follow him. Even if he is not a celebrity he will still have female admirers. I feel they are only admiring him for his vocal talent but I know him personally. There are some things that don’t get to me because Timi Dakolo on stage is different from Timi Dakolo as a husband and father. If you want to know the real Timi Dakolo come to me. He is very quiet, cool and calm at home but not quiet outside. He is a bookworm also.”

Juggling motherhood and career may be a task for some, but she sees it as a commitment to motherhood.

“It is quite demanding because I am directly involved with my children.

If they are not seeing their father frequently due to the demand of his job I want to be there for them. I cook their meals. I try to plan my time but every day I wake up asking God for strength.”

For a young mother who is still in her thirties, relaxation doesn’t have a place in her dictionary. She wishes to traverse the Caribbean Islands of Barbados or the Bahamas because she loves to chill beside the ocean while she also loves to go on a camp out under the tent just for a night on a hilly side or by the sea.

She may be a new kid on the block but as 2017 progresses, Busola has a vision and mission; which is to see herself exhibiting her works in renowned places and galleries in Nigeria and across the world.

“I feel people connect more with images and you can touch lives more. I will be feel fulfilled if I am able to help humanity through pictures.”

I’ll be Fulfilled to Help Humanity Through Photography

12

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

COMMENTARY

BETWEEN NIGERIA’S ERGP AND CHINA’S VISION 2020

“

The ERGP opens a new window of opportunity forChina and Nigeria to progress together through cooperation for common development, writesZhou Pingjian

The Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP) articulates our vision for the country for the period 2017-2020, and lays the foundation for long-term growth,” writes President Muhammadu Buhari in his foreword to the ERGP.“Tough times require bold actions,” Minister of Budget and National Planning Senator Udoma Udo Udoma further explains in his preface to the ERGP.“It sets out the tough choices we have to make as a nation over the next four years (2017-2020) and provides a clear road map of strategic policy actions and enablers required to revive the economy and place it on a path of sustainable growth and development.”

According to the executive summary of the ERGP, “Focused implementation is at the core of the delivery strategy of the plan over the next four years. More than ever before, there is a strong political determination, commitment and will at the highest level.” And this crucial point was reaffirmed by President Buhari himself while formally launching the ERGP last week in the State House: “I want to assure all Nigerians that we are approaching the solution to our economic challenges with the same will and commitment, we have demonstrated in the fight against corruption and in the fight against terrorism and militancy.”

As a proved reliable development partner of this country, China will always stand shoulder to shoulder with Nigeria in its request to fulfil the aspirations of its people. We see more mutual opportunities and greater partnership for win-win cooperation as far as the implementation of the ERGP is concerned. We are optimistic that by 2020 Nigeria will have made significant progress towards achieving structural economic change and having a more diversified and inclusive economy.

Coincidentally, China also has its Vision 2020, the 13th Five-Year Plan (2016-2020). Five-Year Plans play a navigating role in ensuring the huge Chinese vessel sails to the expected destination. China’s first Five-Year Plan was implemented in 1953. With the plans, China’s economy has maintained an annual growth of over 9% on average for almost four decades since the start of China’s reform and opening-up policy in the late 1970s. China has set 2020 as the target year to realise the first “centenary goal” of building a moderately prosperous society in all respects, pledging efforts to double GDP and per capita personal income from the 2010 level before the Communist Party of China’s 100th anniversary of founding in 2021. To this end, the 13th Five-Year plan aims to keep medium-high growth in the targeted five years. By 2020, the size of China’s economy is expected to exceed 90 trillion yuan (13.8 trillion U.S. dollars), compared with 67.7 trillion yuan in 2015.

Embodying the ruling Communist Party of China’s (CPC) new concepts with innovation foremost in strategies for a balanced, coordinated and sustainable growth pattern, the 13th Five-Year Plan is the first Five-Year Plan drafted under the current Chinese leadership, and also the first since China’s economy entered what policymakers refer to as the “new normal,” a phase of moderating growth based more on consumption than the previous mainstay of exports. The road map outlines the policy framework, priorities and clear economic and social goals, serving as a fundamental guide to China’s development in the five years 2016-2020.

One key feature of China’s realisation of its 13th Five-Year Plan is that China firmly keeps its door wide open to the world. Since late 1970s, China has attracted over $1.7 trillion of foreign direct investment (FDI) and made over $1.2 trillion of outbound direct investment (ODI).

In 2016, China’s economy expanded at an annual rate of 6.7% and contributed 33.2% of global growth. China has not only benefited from economic globalisation but also contributed to it. China’s development is an opportunity for the world. Next month in Beijing, China will host the Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation, which aims to discuss ways to boost cooperation, build cooperation platforms and share cooperation outcomes. We open our arms to the people of

other countries and welcome them aboard the express train of China’s development.

For 2016 alone, China made $170.1 billion outbound direct investment ODI and Chinese tourists made over 120 million overseas visits. Africa is among the main destinations of China’s investment and tourists. In the next four years, China is expected to import $6.4 trillion of goods, attract $480 billion of foreign investment, make $600 billion of outbound investment, and Chinese tourists will make 560 million overseas visits. All these will create a bigger market, more capital, more products and more business opportunities for other countries including Nigeria.

AS THE WORLD’S LARGEST MANUFACTURING COUNTRY AND SECOND LARGEST ECONOMY, CHINA SINCERELY HOPES TO SHARE ITS EXPERIENCE WITH NIGERIA AND STANDS READY TO PROVIDE CAPITAL, TECHNOLOGY AND PERSONNEL IN SUPPORT OF NIGERIA’S INDUSTRIALISATION

Take industrialisation, which is one of the top five execution priorities of the ERGP. Overall, the ERGP estimates an average annual growth of 8.5% in manufacturing. As the world’s largest manufacturing country and second largest economy, China sincerely hopes to share its experience with Nigeria and stands ready to provide capital, technology and personnel in support of Nigeria’s industrialisation.

Since China is advancing its supply-side structural reform, there is a growing need for China to relocate its overcapacity externally, while Nigeria is endeavouring to build a productive economy. This is an unprecedented opportunity for China and Nigeria to synergise their development strategies and make Nigeria’s long-cherished diversification and industrialisation dream come true.

The “Made-in-Nigeria” project will go a long way for Nigeria and an initiative of “Made-in-Nigeria with China” might be of some help. China supports the relocation of labour-intensive industries to Nigeria on a priority basis and the localisation of Chinese companies to create more non-agricultural jobs, especially those suited to the young people. The cooperation based on such complementarity and mutual benefit will give an even stronger boost to the realisation of China’s 13th Five-Year Plan and Nigeria’s ERGP. As a matter of fact, during President Buhari’s highly successful state visit to China in April last year, China and Nigeria signed a MOU on industry, production capacity and investment cooperation and a forum for this purpose was held in Beijing. Last month, the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment and the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria co-hosted the NigeriaChina Forum on Production Capacity and Investment Cooperation in Lekki Free Zone Lagos. We Chinese often say to build the nest to attract phoenixes. One of the targets of ERGP is to achieve a top 100 ranking in the World Bank’s Ease of Doing Business Index by 2020 up from the current ranking of 169. China is willing to assist Nigeria in creating a more enabling business environment by strengthening policy coordination, technological standardisation cooperation and even wider participation in infrastructural development in Nigeria.

China highly values its relations with Nigeria. During his visit to Nigeria in January this year, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Nigerian Foreign Minister, Mr Geoffrey Onyeama signed the joint statement by The Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and The Government of the People’s Republic of China, in which the Nigerian government reaffirms that the one China policy is at the core of its strategic partnership with China and reiterates not to have any official relations or engage in any official contacts with Taiwan which is an inalienable part of China’s territory, the Chinese government appreciates the above position and the recent measures taken accordingly by the Nigeria government and reaffirms its commitment to actively developing China-Nigeria strategic partnership across the board.

With remarkably strengthened mutual trust, a solid political foundation has been laid for bilateral cooperation between China and Nigeria.

The ERGP undoubtedly opens a new window of opportunity for China and Nigeria to progress together through win-win cooperation for common development.

Dr. Pingjian is Ambassador of China to Nigeria

TURKEY’S REFERENDUM AND ERDOGAN’S POWERS

A

Ofem Uket argues that whatever the outcome of the referendum, Turkey will remain a divided country

head of the April 16 Turkey’s referendum which seeks a yes vote from citizens where ever they are resident across the globe, critics have condemned President Recep Erdogan’s plot to acquire unprecedented powers to further clamp down on the people.

Turks resident in Turkey and those in foreign land are expected to participate in today’s polls to endorse the position of parliament early this year, granting the president’s extension in office till 2029 and according him emergency powers under Turkey’s transition from parliamentary democracy to a full-fledged presidential system of government.

There are discordant tunes from across senior citizens and high-profile professionals of Turkish extraction on whether or not to give President Erdogan dictatorial powers as approved by parliament and effectively end parliamentary government.

The political situation in Turkey right now is prone to conspiracy theory and suspicion of foreign plots as some top government functionaries of some countries where Turkish citizens are resident are being consulted to create venues for political campaigns and support. Erdogan’s track record of imprisoning and silencing opposition makes a mockery of the electoral system, which may be about to give him unprecedented power.

A sign of this is the reception given to a tweet

that might have seemed to the sender to be exceptionally non-controversial. It was sent in Turkish and English by the British ambassador to Ankara, Richard Moore, and read: “Tulips in Istanbul heralding spring. Hooray!” Accompanying it was a picture of a bank of tulips blooming outside the Dolmabahce Palace in Istanbul.

The multi-party democracy that has existed in Turkey since 1946 is being gutted by a mix of imprisonment, intimidation and interference in party affairs. Turkey had military coups in the past, but the current restructuring and purge look far more radical. Even if the political parties were not being crippled by the assault, they would have difficulty in getting their message across. Their media outlets have been taken over or closed down and one television personality who said that he was voting “No” was immediately fired from his job.

The ruling political party is gradually consolidating power to undermine and possibly eliminate all forms of opposition through the instrumentality of government and state resources. However, the magnitude of opposition in Turkey is considered fearless outside of the Hizmet movement which is the only opposition and stumbling block Erdogan has.

His consistent clamp down on the Hizmet and its investment is making Turkish authorities less

popular and judgmental in the eyes of the international communities, and the Hizmet sympathisers gradually enjoys the support and sympathy of majority of the countries they reside in Africa and Europe.

No court of competent jurisdiction, security agencies and law enforcement officials have come out to declare that members of Hizmet are terrorists; this allegation only exists within the Turkish agencies under the hypothesis of ‘He who pays the piper detects the tune’.

Turkey’s political and economic influence with other nations have been put in oblivion, considering the intolerance, absence of respect for the rule of law, failed liberties and the lack of enforcement of fundamental rights of citizens living in Turkey and in diaspora.

Turks are compelled to make a Yes vote to the referendum, though many are gunning for No vote at the expense of their jobs and lives if caught by the authorities as being in opposition to truncate the fraudulent process of elections conducted by Turkish electoral commission.

It takes a good deal of cheek to accuse European states of lack of respect for democracy, human rights and freedom when 134,000 people in Turkey have been sacked, including 7,300 academics and 4,300 judge and prosecutors in the nine months since the

failed coup in which there is little evidence that any of them knew anything about or were otherwise involved. Some 231 journalists are in jail and 149 media outlets have been shut down, while 95,500 people have been detained and 47,600 arrested under emergency laws.

Mr Erdogan says he would put “No” voters in a symbolic political museum, though many of them must fear a more traditional form of incarceration.

But just in case there should be too many potential residents of this museum, the police and local officials have been refusing the opposition permission for rallies and ripping down flags, banners and posters advocating a “No” vote.

Despite the enormous advantages enjoyed by the “Yes” campaign, opinion polls are showing that voters were evenly divided or even that the “Nos” were a little ahead. But opponents of Mr Erdogan and the “executive presidency” he intends to establish are not optimistic about their chances of winning, arguing that whatever voters may do in the polling booth the outcome is likely to be a convincing majority for establishing the new authoritarian system.

Turkey is undemocratic like other states in the Middle East such as Syria and Egypt where parliament and the judiciary are not more than closely monitored supporters’ clubs for the regimes.

13

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

INSIGHT

Where are the rest?

O

Aboru as Metaphor for Rural Lagos

State of IDP Camps in Nigeria

ften times, we hear of IDPs which stands for Internally Displaced Persons. But what more do we know? Or should I ask, what else should we know, about IDPs, particularly in Nigeria?

Typically, people forced to flee their native home/land to seek a sort of refuge elsewhere but within his or her country’s borders are regarded as Internally Displaced Persons. The cause for fleeing, in most cases, is closely tied to communal clashes, natural disasters and most prominent today, insurgency attacks by extremists.

According to Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre (IDMC)’s most recent publication on May 2016, 207 local government areas are of concern, covering 13 states of Northern Nigeria: Abuja (13,481 IDPs); Adamawa (136,010); Bauchi (70,078); Benue (85,393); Borno (1,434,149); Gombe (25,332); Kaduna (36,976); Kano (9,331); Nasarawa (37,553); Plateau (77,317); Taraba (50,227); Yobe (131,203); and Zamfara (44,929). Having over two million people in IDP Camps is saddening, and having an insight into what happens within the borders of such camps is horrible. On Saturday, March 25, 2017, I visited the internally displaced persons support booth at Area 1, Garki, Abuja where 2,539 people are trying to get back their life after the insurgency in Borno and Adamawa States.

Idris Ibrahim Aliyu, 63, popularly called, Baba IDP, the camp coordinator who also doubles as public affairs personnel for the camp, spent some time with me to reveal the state of the IDP since 2009, when Mohammed Yusuf was killed, what he thinks the way forward is and the role of individuals, NGOs and government agencies.

“I escaped Boko Haram attack on March 3, 2011 in Borno State after I was marked by the terrorists because I stood up against their philosophy and ideology. I fled to Kano and they came after me again. When it became apparent they were after me and would kill me, I had to seek refuge here and so I have been here since 2011.”

Baba Aliyu, continued, “I was a teacher, professionally trained and had my grade two in 1972 from Catholic Mission School, Maiduguri.

I taught in a primary school briefly, trained in office administration and procedure, worked with Ministry of Health in Maiduguri. In 1975, after completely my course in Mass Communication from the University of Mogadishu, Somalia, I worked with NTA for almost two decades as a producer, then went ahead to spend 17 years as a public relations consultant in Lagos before my return to my home town in Borno.”

When asked about his family, Baba Aliyu painfully explained, “I was married and had two children. I lost my wife to the insurgency; my first child was born June 22, 1969, and I lost him at the age of 27. I lost my second child in 1980. I have since refused to remarry. So I went to adopt two children, one is in Maiduguri, the other should be in Kaduna but I have lost touch with them.”

It looked quite evident that Mr. Aliyu is gradually getting over the painful past and channelling his strength to be a voice for IDPs in the camp. He said on December 23, 2015, he wrote the president to inform him of the state of IDPs. “We appreciate those who do not come here with a jeep or bags of rice, but those young people with human spirit, great talent and ideas that can transform the state of the IDPs. “It is good to donate rice, carton of noodles, blanket, mosquito nets, clothes, but there are other things that can transform lives of IDPs permanently.” He regretted that “it is so sad that the government has ignored us, the last donations from the government to the IDPs were packs of Mosquito coil in September 2016.

“Health parastatals are concerned about the outbreak of meningitis, they don’t know that if one of the IDPs get infected, because of the congestion here in the camp, the whole community and by extension, Abuja, is threatened. What has troubled us the most in recent time is that IDP patients are now being thrown out of the hospitals. Hospitals suddenly withdrew subsidy used to treat IDPs, they have refused to comply with the documented directive from the federal government to treat IDP in government hospitals. Next to that, we have lot of students, and some structures have been put in place from the children to learn but no materials, no teachers.”

Adebote Seyifunmi, Abuja

B

eing the commercial nerve centre of the West African sub-region, the metropolitan outlook of Lagos has often been mistaken to be devoid of rural/local settlements.

This notion of a no rural Lagos is a gross misconception as approximately 12 per cent of the people in Lagos State dwell and earn their living in non-urban neighbourhoods, country sides and remote villages!

Despite the fact that tourism, health, infrastructure, education, environment, transportation and security have consistently topped its priority list, the Akinwunmi Ambode administration in Lagos State is not resting on its oars in transforming local communities in Lagos.

One major index of social change and development today is indeed rural/community development. No nation can boast of having achieved development if a large percentage of her rural inhabitants are still wal-

T H E S AT U R DAY N E W S PA P E R

EDITOR SHAKA MOMODU DEPUTY EDITOR YEMI ADEBOWALE MANAGING DIRECTOR ENIOLA BELLO DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR KAYODE KOMOLAFE CHAIRMAN EDITORIAL BOARD OLUSEGUN ADENIYI EDITOR NATION’S CAPITAL IYOBOSA UWUGIAREN

T H I S DAY N E W S PA P E R S L I M I T E D

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

lowing in abject poverty, want and a depth in socio-economic penury.

It is, therefore, in an effort to ensure even and accelerated development in all parts of the state that the Ambode administration anchors its development drive in the state on what it terms ‘all inclusive governance’. According to the state governor, the administration’s idea of an all-inclusive government is one in which “no one or segment of the society, irrespective of colour, race, faith, status, ability or disability is left behind”. It is in furtherance of this philosophy that the state government has put in place a systematic strategy of accelerating development in rural Lagos. Aboru, a rustic community in the old Alimosho Local Government Area of the state, represents, perhaps, the most suitable example of ongoing efforts to improve infrastructure in local communities in the state. Recently, residents of the pastoral community understandably heaved a sigh of relief as the newly constructed Aboru Link Bridge, aimed at easing the perennial traffic gridlock along the ever busy Lagos-Abeokuta Road, was officially launched for public use.

Considering the importance being accorded rural development in the state, the bridge which could have taken about three or four years to complete was constructed within nine months. The 500 - metre bridge, which was designed to last for over 100 years, serves as a major link road to Iyana-Ipaja from Abule-Egba, Abesan Housing Estate, Ayobo-Ipaja, LASU-Iba and Okokomaiko. It will particularly have huge positive socio-economic effects on eight communities along the axis. These are Agbelekale, Aboru, Abesan, Iyana-Ipaja, Ayobo, Ipaja and the neighbouring Ogun State.

The coming of the link bridge also came with the construction of major roads along the axis such as Aboru road, Ogunfisayo Street as well as Kasumu Street. An icing on the cake was the construction of a Primary Tayo Ogunbiyi, Ministry of Information and Strategy, Alausa, Lagos

14

APRIL 15, 2017 ˾ THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

POLSCOPE

with Eddy Odivwri eddy.odivwri@thisdaylive.com 08053069356

NationalAssemblyBudgetandtheEl-RufaiChallenge

I

have followed with keen interest the running spat between Governor Nasir El-Rufai of Kaduna State and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mr Yakubu Dogara. Like El-Rufai, I have always wondered why the budget, salaries, allowances and emoluments of members of the National Assembly are often shrouded in secrecy, despite the transparency mantra which every reasonable politician mouths during campaigns.

I must however add that this secrecy is not an exclusive vice of the members of the National Assembly. It runs through the entire government system including the executive governors, local government chairmen and their officials, even judicial officers etc. We, the members of the masses do not know what they earn officially. Not even the provision of the Freedom of Information Act has been able to break the code of what our lawmakers take home as their pay.

Expectedly, this knowledge gap fuels rumours and sometimes exaggerations on what the actual figures are. As the younger generation will say, Gov El-Rufai was thus on point when he challenged the National Assembly leaders, represented by Dogara to unveil the secrecy surrounding their budget and salaries.

As a counterpoise, Dogara had challenged El-Rufai to publish both his salary and the security vote and what they (governors) do with Local Government funds.

It is noteworthy that the National Assembly leaders are often edgy and uneasy and sometimes unduly angry, whenever they are challenged to make known their pay packet. I don’t understand why it annoys them, even as they claim they derive their powers from the mandate we gave them.

Anything that seeks to expose the figures to public scrutiny is frowned upon seriously. That was why the House of Reps promptly suspended, for one year, Mr Jubrin Abdulmumuni who tried to blow the whistle on budget padding. The poor lad is still serving his suspension. If there is nothing to hide among the lawmakers, why do they get fussy any time the issue of their take home package comes up?

The Kaduna governor had in response, published, last Monday, not only his state budget, but also his monthly salary as approved by the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMFAC).

Boxed in, Dogara was thus forced to follow suit by publishing, last Wednesday, the details of his six-month pay slip.

Although only the naïve will believe that the published figures are all there are to their salaries and benefits, it, at least, offers a silhouette of what officially these leaders are entitled to.

Is it also not remarkable that of the published six-month pay slip of Dogara, the net figures changed four times? Certainly, there is more to the benefits of these lawmakers than has been made public.

Rightly, El-Rufai in his memo, had noted that, “The call to

Dogara #OpenNASS is not a personal one. It is one which the leadership of the National Assembly owes to all Nigerians. It is therefore disingenuous for the Speaker to use State Government budgets as the excuse for the opacity of the NASS budget.” He alleged further that “in 2016, the NASS budget for its 469 members was larger than the capital budget of Kaduna State, with close to 10 million inhabitants. It is also larger than the entire budget of several Nigerian states. Indeed, over the past ten years from 2008, the NASS as an institution has cost the country over a trillion naira without any detail on how this amount was allocated and spent”.

Can Dogara fault this?

I listened to the feeble and uneasy defence of the Chairman of the House of Reps committee on media and public affairs, Abdulrazak Namdas, who pointed out that what El-Rufai published was the security budget of his state and not the governor’s security vote as demanded by Dogara.

He further added that the National Assembly budget covers the salaries and allowances of all the 469 lawmakers, the salaries and allowances of the about 3000 legislative aides, and the salaries

and allowances of about 5000 staff in the National Assembly Bureaucracy. He claimed that the National Assembly budget is just about two per cent of the total National budget, wondering why the attention is focused on just the two percent without minding what happens to the other 98 per cent. He claimed further that the challenge from El-Rufai amounts to undermining of the Buhari administration and a distraction of the National Assembly. Really? If it is not abuse or misuse of words, I do not see how the call for transparency in an institution’s budget amounts to distraction and undermining of an administration.

Mr Namdas, two per cent of a nation’s budget is not a joke. Do the members of the National Assembly make up to two per cent of the nation’s population, as to appropriate about N115 billion?

Why did Namdas not talk about the many contracts the lawmakers run after, sometimes at the expense of their duties?

Or why did he not talk about how they blackmail ministers, to corner juicy projects in the budget before passing the budgets?

Why did Dogara not talk about the N15 million each of them receives as running cost of their offices every month? Nobody talks about illegal oversight kickbacks they get from contractors.

Nobody reckons with the many under-the-table deals that go on within the National Assembly. To advertise a stripped pay slip in pretentious pursuit of transparency is thus specious and misleading.

Were it not so, how can a mere salary of N346,577.87, (for the Speaker) for instance, sustain the nearly wild and epicurean life style of many of the lawmakers, as we see them?

Are we not aware that many of the so-called constituency projects of the lawmakers merely end up in their pockets, without anything being done for the poor, and sometimes ignorant constituents?

Are we not aware that some crooked lawmakers even adopt/ appropriate state government projects as their own constituency projects, during those jamboree inspections called oversight functions?

If the lawmakers are diligent in checking and monitoring the budget implementation, Nigeria would probably record about 50 to 60 per cent budget implementation and the country would be a million times better for it. But they compromise, run a chopand-chop budget, look the other way even when they know the wrong things have been done, believing that next year, those same projects will feature again in the budget. And the beat goes on.

In all, I think the El-Rufai challenge is apt and a call to a new orientation among public servants. It is the failure to run transparent system that feeds the greed and corruption among many public servants. And that, in a way, explains why they have wealth they hide and cannot declare, because they know they did not acquire such wealth legitimately. Let the El Rufai fire catch on, even among those in the executive arm of government.

RIGHT OF REPLY

FGPL: PenCom’s Regulatory Strides and Odivwri’s Misadventure

T

Aliyu Dankade o discerning members of the public, the Saturday, April 1, 2017 column by Eddy Odivwri entitled “FGPL: Has PenCom not Worsened the Woes of Pensioners”, is not surprising, given the sustained campaign of misinformation and calumny against the National Pension Commission, PenCom, since its regulatory intervention in First Guarantee Pension Limited (FGPL), a Pension Fund Administrator (PFA), to save the company from predatory tendencies of some indicted Board Members.

In his earlier piece in the 11th February, 2017 edition of THISDAY titled “PENCOM: What is Going on with Chidi Duru”, Odivwri claimed that FGPL “was doing well” before PenCom forcefully took over its management and refused to obey purported court orders and the purported directive of the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) to dissolve PenCom’s Interim Management Committee (IMC) overseeing the FGPLand reinstate Duru and his cohorts.

SackofFGPLBoardandsettingupofanIMC Contrary to Odivwri’s claim that “theAnohuAmazu-led PenCom did not follow due process, but “rather peremptorily ordered the Board members to resign”, PenCom’s regulatory intervention in FGPL took place in 2011 during M.KAhmad’s tenure as the Commission’s Director-General and followed due process. ChineloAnohu-Amazu, (then the Legal Adviser to PenCom) was appointedActing DG in 2012, and DG in 2014, only inherited the matter.

Chinelo Anohu PenCom undertook various routine and special examinations on the FGPLfrom 2007 to 2011, in line with its regulatory mandate under the Pension ReformAct (PRA) 2004 (in force then). They all revealed persistent infractions and unsound corporate governance practices by the former Vice Chairman, Nze Chidi Duru; Chairman of FGPLChief Orlando Ojo, and Mr. Derrick Roper, an erstwhile director of the PFArepresenting the interest of Novare Holdings (Pty) Ltd of SouthAfrica. They violated the Code of Ethics and Business Practices, the Code of Corporate Governance for Licensed Operators issued by PenCom as well as the provisions of the said PRA2004 and other Nigerian laws.

There were alleged gross breaches of procurement laws, with Chidi Duru awarding contracts to companies he had direct interests in.

DelugeofLitigations,andStalemate Duru actually opened the floodgate of pending litigations before several Courts when he sued the Commission seeking to stop the implementation of the reports indicting him. He also sponsored cases, through Chief Ojo, at the Federal High Court (FHC) challenging their removal. Both suits, FHC/L/CS/1035/2011 in their personal names, and FHC/L/CS/1036/2011 in the name of FGPLwere struck out by both the FHC and the Court ofAppeal. Their appeal to the Supreme Court is pending, yet Duru will not let the court decide.

In another suit (FHC/ABJ/CS/784/2011) six Shareholders led byAlhaji Kashim Imam, sued PenCom, FGPL, Nze Chidi Duru, and nine others seeking to declare the Examination Report on FGPL valid and to enforce its implementation. It is currently before the Court ofAppeal in CA/A/31/2012.

Duru, and his companies (BP Outsourcing Limited

and Grand Towers Plc), andArthur Ogbulefu (representing Genou Concept) also sued FGPLand the CorporateAffairs Commission (CAC) seeking to challenge the implementation of the Commission’s share verification and audit review, which clearly showed how he allegedly cornered shares of the company.

AGM,AuditedAccount,andContinuedPresenceofthe IMC In suit FHC/L/CS/145/2012,Alhaji Kashim Ibrahim-Iman vs. FGPL, Kashim Imam applied and obtained an order from the FHC Lagos (Per. Justice Okechukwu Okeke) for FGPLto hold an EGM to appoint new directors and Management team, and request a handover of the PFAfrom PenCom. However, the order for the EGM was set aside upon the application of Chief Ojo and Nze Duru.

(See concluding part on www.thisdaylive.com)

Omoru Presents Whose Meal Ticket?

G

radually and steadily, Mrs Kehinde Omoru, journalist and educator, under the auspices of Roxanne Care Options Project, a NonGovernmental Organisation (NGO), is carving a niche in movie production. But hers is not the run-of-the-mill Nollywood movies. They are health-focused. While her first movie, Deeply Cut created huge awareness impact on the contact and treatment of

Hepatitis B, the latest movie, Whose Meal Ticket?, is aimed at creating all the awareness and consciousness in Diabetes, Skin Integrity and Conception. It seeks to provide education on how to do what when one contacts the sicknesses.

The movie which will be released today at The Genesis Deluxe Cinemas, Palms Mall, Lekki, Lagos promises to offer a working manual on tackling the health challenges of the mentioned ailments using thespian performance.

15

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ ͹ͽ˜ ͺ͸͹͵

NEWS BBOG to Buhari: You Have

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

Failed on Chibok Girls Says three years wait is too long

Kasim Sumaina in Abuja

The BringBackOurGirls Group #BBOG, has condemned President Muhammadu Buhari's inability to fulfill the promised he made during his inauguration address on May 29, 2015 where he said the country cannot claim to have defeated Boko Haram without rescuing the Chibok girls.

The Group, in its 3rd year anniversary statement made available to the press on Friday in Abuja, stated that, Buhari had not only so far failed the #ChibokGirks, but, failed to honour his word and commitment.

The statement signed by its leaders, Oby Ezekwesili and Aminat Yesufu, noted that, "He has also failed to honour the pledge he made to the parents, the Chibok community, and our movement when we met five weeks after his inauguration as president."

According to it, "Today marks three years, that is 1096 days since 276 schoolgirls were taken from their school, Government Secondary School, Chibok on the night of 14 April 2014; 57 escaped, 24 returned after 2 years. Today, 195 of our of Chibok girls are still captives of terrorists to the utter shame of our country. And under President Muhammadu Buhari's watch for 681 days of the 3 years.

"President Muhammadu

PASSION OF CHRIST...

The Young Christian Workers Movement of St Dominics Catholic Church staged station of the cross, during the good Friday procession to mark 2017 easter celebration held at the St Dominics Catholic Church Yaba, Lagos yesterday PHOTO: ETOP UKUUT

Buhari and the federal government have no choice but to bring back our 195 Chibok girls.

"Would our Chibok girls and their parents be treated with

such emotional detachment and lack of fierce urgency to end their tragedy if they were the daughters of the high and mighty?

"We cannot claim to have

defeated Boko Haram without rescuing the Chibok girls and all other innocent persons held hostage by insurgents.

"This government will do all it can to rescue them alive.'

Very sadly, 7 months after that meeting, the president and his administration changed the benchmark when they began to declare 'technical defeat' in December 2015 without our

Chibok girls."

However, the Group said, "on this tragic third commemoration of their abduction, we declare again: #3YearsTooLong. #NoMoreExcuses.

Midwestern Dismisses Allegations EFCC Plans to Invade My It Diverted $20m Investment Okenne Home, Adoke Cries Out Ejiofor Alike

More facts have emerged into the lawsuit instituted

by Salta Integrated Concept Limited, as the claimant, against the Chief Executive of Midwestern Oil & Gas Limited, Mr. Onajite Paul Okoloko, First City Monument Bank (FCMB), Midwestern, Eroton Exploration and Production Limited and Guaranty Trust Bank Plc (GTBank), as defendants, over allegations that Onajite Okoloko and his firm converted Salta’s investment in Midwestern in a non-related transaction.

Salta, in a writ of summons filed at the High Court, Lagos on March 17, 2017, claimed that it entered into an agreement worth $20 million to acquire 5,000,000 shares of Midwestern to partly finance the Reverse Takeover (RTO) of Mart Resources Inc., Canada.

Salta alleged that contrary to the executed agreement, only 4,702,970 units of the five million shares were issued to Salta by Okoloko.

Salta added that rather than use the $20 million

for the said purpose, RTO of Mart Resources, Midwestern diverted the funds paid into FCMB to a consortium that acquired Oil Mining Lease (OML) 18 from Shell Petroleum Development Company, through Eroton Investment.

However, investigations by THISDAY have shown that in December 2012, Salta indeed made an equity investment in Midwestern through the acquisition of shares in it.

According to a company official, who preferred not to be named, Salta effected its share acquisition through the use of a bilateral loan facility obtained from FCMB. The Midwestern official stated that its board and management were aware that Salta had taken a loan for the acquisition of Midwestern’s shares for the RTO transaction, adding that the said shares were used as security for the loan taken by Salta from FCMB. He revealed that Midwestern’s only connection in the transaction between the bank and Salta was a domiciliation agreement to pay Salta’s

dividends to FCMB, which was met.

“We were aware, as is normal practice in transactions of this nature that FCMB took security over the shares owned by Salta in Midwestern.

“Midwestern’s only connection with the aforementioned transaction is a domiciliation agreement for payment of Salta’s dividends to FCMB which Midwestern complied with,” he said.

The official wondered how the domiciliation agreement to pay Salta’s dividends to FCMB translated to the conversion or diversion of the investment made by Salta for the acquisition of Midwestern shares.

“For clarity sake, Midwestern never converted or diverted funds invested into it for any purposes unrelated to the purposes of the investment,” he said.

He added that his company will fully defend any court action filed against Midwestern in the suit filed by Salta and continues to reserve its legal rights.

Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja

Former Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Mohammed Bello Adoke (SAN), has claimed that he was reliably informed of a plan by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to raid his Okenne, Kogi country home as part of sustained onslaught against him.

Adoke alleged that the raid which would take place any moment from now was part EFCC's campaign to soil his good name.

The former AGF warned that he would no longer take the harassments of his family and serial invasions of his homes lying low and would now seek all legal means to enforce his rights, including asking for damages.

In a statement issued on Friday by his Special Assistant on Media, Victor Akhidenor, the former AGF accused the EFCC operatives of having carried out raid on his home in Kano without finding anything to substantiate their allegations.

"We gathered that the swoop on the country home of the

former Attorney General and Minister of Justice will happen any moment from now as part of EFCC’s sustained campaign to soil the good name of Mr. Adoke in the guise of seeking evidence to indict "It would be recalled that earlier this week, the EFCC invaded Adoke’s residence in Kano State, breaking doors, upturning chairs and tables, and generally disturbing the peace of the neighbourhood.

They claimed they were looking for documents with which to substantiate their wild allegations of corruption against Mr. Adoke.

"They did not find anything incriminating as there was no such document.

That action alone has established one fact; that the EFCC has no shred of evidence on which they had charged Mr. Adoke to court. It was after charging him that they now started hunting around for evidence. Is this justice?

"After turning up with nothing in Kano, now the EFCC want to conduct another dramatic campaign in Okenne for the cameras, and we are certain that like the previous raids

which turned up nothing, no incriminating document or item would be found in the premises in Okenne or anywhere else for that matter because no such document exist”, he insisted.

In the statement, the media aide explained Adoke's involvement in the Malabu oil bloc saga saying he only acted as directed by the former President, Goodluck Jonathan and in the best interest of the country.

He had also said the former AGF handed over all documents and items relating to the issue to his successor, Abubakar Malami (SAN) when he left government.

"He did not enrich himself or anyone through the course of the transaction, which had been concluded long before he assumed office. He completed his brief to the best of his abilities and knowledge, and has since moved on.

"However, for whatever reasons, the EFCC appear to have a different opinion on the Malabu issue and has made the harassment of Mr. Adoke, his family and associates their past time, without providing any proof of wrongdoing.

16

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ RIL 15, 2017

THE ALTERNATIVE with Reno Omokri How the Governor of Kano Exposed the Electoral Fraud of 2015

T

he Governor of Kano state has inadvertently exposed the smoking gun proving that contrary to the Electoral Act, No.6 of 2010 (as amended), foreigners were illegally used to win elections in Kano and other states.

In a post mortem of the 2015 elections it was established that the candidate of theAll Progressive Congress, Muhammadu Buhari, won the presidency on the strength of votes from Kano, Katsina and Kaduna which gave him the edge over the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan.

At the end of the day Buhari polled 15,424,921 to Dr. Jonathan’s 12,853,162 votes, defeating the incumbent by about 2,571,759 votes.

In Kano state, theAPC candidate polled a total of 1,903,999 votes to the PDPcandidates 215,779, a difference of 1,688,220.

In Katsina state, theAPC candidate polled a total of 1,345,441 votes to the PDPcandidates 98,937, a difference of 1,246,504.

In Kaduna state, theAPC candidate polled a total of 1,127,760 votes to the PDPcandidates 484,085, a difference of 643,675.

In Jigawa state, theAPC candidate polled a total of 885,988 votes to the PDPcandidates 142,904, a difference of 743,084.

These four states gave the candidate of theAPC a total advantage of 4,321,483 votes over the candidate of the PDP. Fast forward toApril 7 2017 and the current Governor of Kano, Abdullahi Ganduje, while speaking at the Kaduna Investment Summit said “In Kano, we undertook a survey and we found out that we have more than three million ‘almajiris’ and ‘almajiri’ syndrome is one of the serious problems that we have in the North West geopolitical zone.

What we discovered from our survey is that many of these ‘almajiris’ come from Niger Republic, some from Chad, northern Cameroon “.

If as the votes show, President Muhammadu Buhari won the election on the strength of votes from Kano, Katsina, Kaduna and Jigawa in the 2015 elections and if according to Ganduje, most of the almajiri in Nigeria’s Northwest are foreigners, it means non Nigerians decided the 2015 elections. This is particularly crucial considering that President Muhammadu Buhari got his highest votes from Kano, Katsina, Jigawa and Kaduna in that order and these are the four states also in that order with the highest number of almajiri!

This is not sour grapes. I am satisfied that the Jonathan era came to an end on May 29, 2015. I have moved on. I run my own business that provides me more income than the salaries of President Muhammadu Buhari’s aides. I cannot be more catholic than the pope who admitted his defeat. This is not about the past, but about the future.

Imagine the portends for Nigeria’s national security if foreign nationals determine our elections. What about our census figures? What about our National Identity Card Scheme? What about social security?

To put things in perspective, the biggest political issue in the United States today is Russia’s alleged influence in the 2016 US Presidential elections in favour of President Donald Trump. Though I do not believe the allegations, the mere suspicion that a foreign and hostile nation may have played a role in swaying the minds of the electorate has given rise to a congressional investigation and has dominated the mainstream media.

No nation can claim to be independent if foreigners can influence her choice of leaders which also influences her destiny.

By most reasonable estimates, including figures from the Federal Government itself, there are anywhere from 10 to 12 million almajiris in Northern Nigeria.

For those who do not know what an almajiri is, they are itinerant Islamic scholars under the care of a mallam who teaches them Islamic studies and in return they support the mallam by begging, foraging or by doing odd jobs. In essence, they are the Northern equivalent of the apprenticeship system widely practiced in Southern Nigeria with the one exception that upon finishing their servitude, the mallam does not set them up in business like the apprentice’s master is expected to do.

Almajiris are scattered all over Northern Nigeria and if you have not seen them, you need to take a trip up North. There are literally hordes of them in most major Northern cities. Children, youths and adolescents left to their own devices when they are not with their teacher/mallam.

They are vulnerable to the weather and to unscrupulous adults who have often times used them for their own devices. They are often hungry and of course that means that they are often angry. It is very hard to trace their origins because many a times they have lost contacts with their parents and extended families.

Indeed, it is easy to agree with GovernorAbdullahi Ganduje that many of them are foreigners because our borders are porous, the language spoken around the regions of Niger, Chad and Northern Cameroon is Hausa and the economy of Kano and other major Northern cities attracts immigrants from the poorer areas of those countries.

This is one of the reasons why Northern Nigeria is far more volatile than Southern Nigeria. Because as these almajiris grow up and are unable or unwilling to go back home and are unable or unwilling to find work to support themselves in Northern Nigeria, they will become idle and hungry, which is a perfect condition to ignite ethnic, religious and sectarian strife.

Before I go further, I urge my readers to take in the words of no less a person than the Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, coincidentally made a week after the comment by the Governor of Kano.

Emir Sanusi said: “The majority of technicians in Kano are from the South while untrained indigenes beg. How does that make sense?”

So now, we have foreigners, according to the statements made by the two Kano governors, living as almajiris in Nigeria, voting in Nigeria and quite possibly partaking in the many ethnic, religious and sectarian strife that have engulfed Northern Nigeria at various times.

That is the problem. The question is this: What is the Federal Government doing about this? From my investigation, nothing.

Ganduje

Kwankwaso

The last time the Federal Government of Nigeria intervened in the life of these almajiris was between 2010 and 2015 when the Jonathan administration set out to build 400 almajiri schools, complete with mallam’s quarters, laboratories and classrooms to enable Northern Nigeria’s almajiris get not just Islamic education, but also Western education and do so under conducive conditions. Eventually, that government succeeded in finishing 165 of such schools.

Ironically, it was the same administration that was trying to help them that they were used to vote out.

What efforts are being made to secure our borders? What efforts are being made to discourage trafficking of children without their parents by persons who want to profit from them through begging or other means?

That is not even the worst case scenario.

Imagine that some of these foreign almajiris join our military, police and paramilitary institutions. Who is to stop them? Nigeria does not rely on or have a reliable citizenship database.Anybody who can speak perfect Hausa can claim to be from most states in Northern Nigeria.

What is to prevent foreign-born almajiris of non-Nigerian parentage from running for office from the local government level to the highest levels in Nigeria?

In the light of this, it is not impossible and it is even likely that a foreigner could conceivably become the President of Nigeria. If a foreigner becomes the President of Nigeria, he is not likely to govern with love for Nigerians and may even govern in the lines of a conqueror.w In fact, looking back to some of our most brutal military dictators and their physical features and the strong similarities of their names with names from Niger Republic especially and also Chad and to a lesser extent Northern Cameroon, you and I cannot really swear that a foreigner has not ruled Nigeria in the past!

I will give you an example. Between 1996 and 1999, the President of Niger Republic was a man called Ibrahim Mainassara. That name is almost indistinguishable from a name many Nigerians bare. I have a friend from my youth named Mainassara.

Now it does not stop there.

Ibrahim Mainasara, the late President of Niger, was from Dogondoutchi. That word Dogondoutchi is the francophone version of the Hausa word Dogon dutse, meaning high hill (dogon means tall, big, long, or high) (dutse means rock, stone, hill).

You can imagine how easy it is for a Nigerien to pass for a Nigerian and vice verse. In fact, there was a very strong belief in Niger Republic during Mainasara’s regime that he was a Nigerian fromArgungu in Kebbi State.

Some of us may remember the Maitatsine disturbances that led to tens of thousands of deaths in Northern Nigeria from the late seventies to the mid-eighties. These disturbances also led to the destruction of much of the ancient city ofYola in present dayAdamawa state.

It may surprise many Nigerians that Mohammed Marwa, the founder of that sect which wreaked untold hardship and brought cataclysmic killings and destruction to Nigeria was not even from Nigeria. He was from Marwa, a town in Northern Cameroon.

He came to Nigeria as an itinerant Islamic scholar and gathered a very large following which he turned against the Nigerian state and almost succeeded in destabilising the Shehu Shagari and the first Muhammadu Buhari regimes.

So entrenched was Mohammad Marwa’s maitatsine movement that even after he was killed in 1980, his movement refused to die and his disciple, Musa Makaniki, continued to instigate trouble for Nigeria and

when his movement was smashed, he ran for cover in Cameroon until 2004 when he returned to Nigeria and was arrested and tried.

From the above incidences, it is clear that if we do not police our borders and we allow millions of almajiris into our country so they can help us win elections or perform other nefarious roles for us, what happens to national security when they turn on us just like Mohammed Marwa did?

That is a question I leave for the Federal Government that, according to Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, owes its ascendancy to almajiris, to answer.

Now on to other issues.

On Wednesday the 12th ofApril 2017, President Muhammadu Buhari did not show up for the regular weekly meetings of the Executive Council of the Federation.

According to Lai Mohammed, President Buhari did not attend the Executive Council of the Federation meeting because he was attending to “other issues”!

If that is Lai’s best excuse, then he must really be running out of lies (or lais). It is better for the spokesman to a government not to give any excuse than give such a lame one.

The most important meeting in Nigeria is the Executive Council of the Federation meeting. Leaving Executive Council of the Federation meeting to attend to other issues will be like a CEO leaving a board meeting to attend to visitors. Can such a business thrive? Of course not!

No wonder Nigeria is in the shape she is. “Where there is no vision, the people perish”-Proverbs 29:18.

The President must show consistency and stability by attending these meetings regularly. The only excuse that should allow for nonattendance of these meetings is when the President is out of the country or when he is ill. Other than that, he MUST attend these meetings.

This is why I have always maintained that stability of character is perhaps the most important trait in a leader.

That is why I believe that Politicians who have changed parties multiple times lack the moral authority to condemn prostitutes!

If women who sleep with many men for money are prostitutes why should men who join many political parties for power be called politicians?

That is why I admire Chief Olusegun Obasanjo and Dr. Goodluck Jonathan. Obasanjo is 80 and Jonathan is 59 and in all their time on earth, they have belonged to only one party. That is a character trait I admire.

Who in theAPC has such a character? Not one person. From the President to his cabinet, you can trace their history fromAPP, toANPP, to CPC and now toAPC.And these are the people that are pontificating today. No wonder Nigeria is so unstable today. How can you have stability with politicians who are not stable?

Reno’s Nuggets

Due to the popular demands of my readers, I have covenanted to end each of my writings with one of my Nuggets so here goes: Afew months ago, Efe was a nobody. Today, he is the most popular Nigerian. Believe in yourself even if nobody believes in you.And very importantly, don’t wait until you are successful before dressing for success. Don’t wait until you are broke before you start managing your money.And Efe, now that you are rich and famous, when the time comes, marry a prayerful wife because no matter how beautiful a wife is, her beauty can’t help you deal with tough times when they come, and believe me, they will come #RenosNuggets.

Plus

LOUD WHISPERS pg. 20 MEMOIRS pg. 22 INTERVIEW pg. 24 AUTO pg. 26 GLOBAL SOCCER pg. 29 FASHION FILE pg. 41

Adedapo Adelegan

At 11 Years Old, I Was My Motherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Business Partner

18

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER APRIL 15, 2017

PLUS

Becoming an Entrepreneur Was a Divine Reality Prince Adedapo Adelegan fits the image of an entrepreneur. He introduced Nigeria to many firsts: Lekki Sun Splash, electronic billboard company and entertainment branding. At the age of 11, he was already his motherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s business partner as he learnt the ropes of entrepreneurship from her. His recent decision to pursue economic activism by harnessing and globalising the South-West economy through a private-sector drive has elicited surprises, criticisms and support. In this interview with Eddy Odivwri and Omolola Itayemi, Adelegan who is also the current 14th President of Nigeria-British Chamber of Commerce, bares his mind on issues border on his humble beginning to a life of success and mentorship.

He has since become a go-to business icon and a mentor to the younger generation. Recently, he has become passionate about fundamentals of regional independence in the country, saying that it is a sure way of growing the economic and political frontiers of Nigeria

Y

ou have been in business for over 30 years.

What exactly has been your driving force?

Well, 30 years in business this year, with effectively 40 years in informal enterprise. I lost my daddy at the age of 11 and my mum being a caterer and employee of University of Lagos engaged me fully in her enterprise from that age.

I recall that when I was dropped in school, CMS Grammar School, a bucket of snacks will be dropped at the staff room and my business was to come during break time and sell to my teachers. By becoming my motherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s business partner at age 11 meant that by the time I got into university, I was already an entrepreneur. When I was serving in Lagos, at the prompting of friends who wanted me to organise beach parties for them, we discovered Lekki Maiyegun beach and within a year of that encounter, Lekki Sun splash was birthed in 1998 and the rest is history.

I have been wired to be a lawyer and for that my family ensured I read English for my first degree to be able to read Law after youth service but Lekki Sunsplash came in and truncated that dream. The success of the concert was massive and monumental to the extent that the Lagos State government dualised the road into the beach and gave me unfettered access to it includ-

ing a one-hectare land allocation of 99 years. It became irresponsible for me to abandon that vision to study Law. What were your major challenges at that time?

First, my entrance into formal business at that age was an accident of fortune. It was not planned, and I had always wanted to be a lawyer.

Now thankfully, I have a son who is a lawyer and a daughter who is reading Law. But the accident of fortune was a good one because it allowed me to put into use all I had learnt hustling with my mother, especially with regards to organisation. Two things are critical for success. One is organisational and crisis management abilities which are essential to manage a big concert. The way and manner in which the sponsorship came was divine. I had given up on going around Nigeriaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s corporate organisations to ask for sponsorships.

People were offering me jobs rather than sponsorship. I met a guy called Philip Duprez of Inca Partners who introduced me to Tom Sezzner, MD of Polygram Records who then said that was their 25th year of existence in Nigeria and they were thinking of how to celebrate and offered to put only Polygram artistes on the stage and he would sponsor it.

He not only did that, he took me to England and I signed a one-year record album contract with Polygram records

Adelegan

19

APRIL 15, 2017 ˾ THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

PLUS How to Globalise South-West Local Economy and he came back and mobilised the best of names in the industry from Geraldo Pino to CharlyBoy to Gbenga Adelaja, etc., to put together the first Lekki Sun splash. My partner and I, Olumide Esho, were the face of the concert – the real technical aspect of it was done by Polygram records. That was the first miracle and when I saw the crowd that turned up on the day of the concert, I was amazed. It was overwhelming. We wondered: where did they come from? Half a million people on the first day! Then, it was clear to me that this was the Lord’s doing and it was significant, I couldn’t go back to read Law. I couldn’t stop this. It was meant to be a one-off but became an annual event. It was the success and massive attendance that kept it going. Lagos State was also very supportive.

How did you get the huge crowd?

I would say it was an act of deferred gratification. It was free entry. I knew that if I charged even N5 at that time, that mammoth crowd would not have been significant but by making it free, the whole of Lagos came out and it became established as the main concert in Lagos. At that time, the music industry saw me as Bob Geldof and a lot of hopes and aspirations hung on me. I won the promoter of the year award from PMAN for seven consecutive years.

Why was such a big tourism project abandoned?

I didn’t abandon the dream. Five years into it, I told the Lagos State government in power then to adopt Lekki Sun splash as an annual tourism event, just like the Notting Hill carnival in London; more or less a partnership.

I didn’t plan for this, my aspiration in life is more and this is bigger than me.

So after the next two years, I moved on. Having not gone for Law, I was already admitted to Unilag for my MBA and I had other things I was doing on the side. I am the group CEO of Celtron Group of companies. Another issue was competition. Virtually everybody that worked with me were now doing the same thing but in other areas of Lagos. Mine was still formidable but it was clear that without the government entrenching it as an annual event, investing all the securities we needed, fencing the beach, providing all the parameters we needed, globalising it, it would not be successful.

I didn’t have the resources and was making a loss. Don’t forget, sponsorship continued but cost of operation kept increasing. I wanted a partnership, I would still be there but government would work with us on issues like providing permanent structures, grants and support. Today, there is regret because Lekki Sun splash would have become a major tourism drive for Lagos.

The Lagos State Government is keen on developing and promoting tourism.

Have you approached the government?

The government is very close to me and I have access to the governor and they know my pedigree. I sincerely believe that if they truly want me to assist, they will approach me. Like I said, if the governor asks me to assist in galvanising a tourism agenda, I will oblige but he will have to ask me.

You’ve made a lot of impact in the private sector, why didn’t you think of working for people or the government?

I did not choose that path. I think it was a divine path that I will be an entrepreneur and don’t forget I already had a foundation of entrepreneurship from my mother since the age of 11, so maybe that was a compensation for my diligence in supporting a widow.

But with the benefit of hindsight, looking back after 30 years, I thank

Adelegan receiving award fron Governor Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State

God for it. I couldn’t have chosen a better path. I know there are hazards of entrepreneurship that is not palatable but God has been able to groom me. In the fifth season of Lekki Sun splash, I also discovered and introduced the first electronic billboard company, Benjamin Black, into Nigeria with some friends at the age of 30. So within five years of 25 to 30, God had allowed me to impact on two critical industries, entertainment and advertising. Those two interventions were innovative and monumental and changed the structure of those two industries.

To that extent, I feel a sense of responsibility not to abandon those industries. Nigeria rewards diligence and when you are given such opportunities, hold on to them. Don’t forget that advantages and disadvantages come with pioneering.

It is impossible to have accepted a job, except a job like this, president of Nigeria-British Chamber of Commerce which is a non-fee paying job and I consider it an honour, this is the kind of job I can take.

How many youths have you mentored as an entrepreneur?

My passion in going forward is entrepreneurial mentoring and development. In the last 30 years, I have mentored 60 ex-employees that are doing well in their different fields. A lot of artistes used Lekki Sun Splash as a platform. Like KWAM I, Alex Zitto, Olisa Adibua and others that have become forces to be reckoned with in the industry. Within entertainment and advertising, I have protégées who have become very important in their various industries. On my 40th birthday, 15 years ago, I developed a lecture called ‘Life in the 21st century’. A book about that will be presented this year. I have given that lecture pro bono for the past 15 years; I give to churches and institutions. Its basic focus is on realities in this century, showing youths that times have changed, 20th century was for core competence but this century is for multiple competency. You need to activate your natural talents and make them money-making, so you

move from a life of mono-competency to multiple competency. Also, I have encouraged Nigerian youths to write their obituary which helps to set an agenda of the road map to success because that is how you would be described if you are dead. I have done a lot of speaking engagements to the youth.

You are currently on a mission to globalise the South-West economy.

Tell us about it.

How is it that we are so blessed and unblessed at the same time? How is it that each time we aspire to move forward, a set of leadership in politics connives to move us backwards? It is not the total fault of the politicians, leaders or the economy; it is the fact that in the 21st century, the size of Nigeria needs to be marketed regionally. Look at China and America, you don’t market these countries as one, they might market themselves politically as one country but when it comes to economy, every region of these countries have peculiar attributes and potential and each one is permitted to project itself globally, independently.

When a country like Nigeria practises federalism and in the spirit of our desire to move ahead and fill our infrastructural gap, find employment for our people, industrialise our society and provide basic infrastructure, it’s a shame we are still struggling to get our railway system working. Lagos for example, can only be compared to Singapore or Dubai.

But it’s competing with the likes of Kebbi or Osun States. Lagos is more like a country in itself and the economy is huge. So, we found out that Lagos joining the Oodua Group has made the South-West the fourth largest economy in Africa. There is a need for every region in this country to project itself economically to the global stage.

Nigeria is founded on a principle of federalism that allows the centre to get its legitimacy from the constituent parts. If every region is independent, it can push its own agenda but we have reversed it; military regime has brought centralisation that has killed

our ability to develop, when the regions were marketing themselves globally as independents, the country benefitted better. In line with that, there is a groundswell of agreement amongst private sector operators within the South-West because of its peculiarity, 60 per cent of business is done in the region and it is home to every ethnic group in this country.

If Nigeria is challenged currently by all the issues that will take a couple of decades to mitigate, then maybe we should look at the South-West as an example of what Nigeria can be. It is the only place in the whole country that has given economic aspiration to every Nigerian and they have succeeded. Our aspiration is to globalise the region’s economy; this momentum is being driven by the private sector as an example of a success story within a failed state called Nigeria and to project it for international investments. One of the efforts is to launch a one-billion dollar fund in London for development of infrastructure in the south-west.

What is the governance structure that will administer the fund?

This is a private sector-led fund. It is a private equity fund; it comes in to develop roads, industrial base, and transportation but overall comes with management and competence, an economic revival strategy for the region through mopping of private capital from Nigerians in Diaspora as well as international investors who are wary of investing in governments because of issues of corruption. It has 8-10 years span after which government can buy them out. I owe this country; after 30 years of entrepreneurship, I am pursuing economic activism. Hopefully, with the success of this mission, other regions can take a cue.

If we continue to ignore competence and knowledge and run around primordial issues, we will continue to regress. There are people of my ilk who will not lobby. We are not wired for that because at an early stage God gave us activities to do. When we are invited, we contribute. Is Nigeria ready?

20

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ APRIL 15, 2017 with JOSEPH EDGAR (09095325791)

LOUD WHISPERS

Professor Itsa Sagay

Professor Itsa Sagay : ...Yes, You are Making Enemies My dear Professor, I am sure when you were appointed by my friend, President Muhammadu Buhari, he never had it in mind that he was appointing a verbal pugilist. In our discussions just before your appointment and when your name came up, we were looking for a mature mind with a firm understanding of the laws of our land with a high level of integrity backed with deep capacity to work very closely with the government in fighting corruption through legal means and not eschewing the rule of law. It was me, this same me that recommended you and voted very strongly for your candidacy against all opposition. Today, I must say it here without fear that you may have derailed.Your utterances since your appointment have been quite belittling of Nigerians and the institutions which you should respect and safeguard. Your recent wahala with the Senate in my poor illiterate mind is a major slap on the faces.

Joining the litany of people to disrespect the Senate in whatever form or guise is least expected of a man of your status and I must say, I regret voting for you that evening. I am sure it was the kunu I was drinking that must have beclouded my judgment. Sir, with all due respect, let me state it here, YES, YOU ARE MAKING ENEMIES. Please sir, step down on confrontation, toe the line of compromise and most of all, show respect to the Nigerian people by honouring and respecting the Senate. No matter what, even if they are a band of thieves and rapists, we voted them in, they represent us. They are our leaders and we all must show them respect whether we like it or not. I really do not understand why you would choose to belittle the people, the same people you owe your position to. If the President can toe the line of compromise by setting up a committee, why not you who do not even have a cabinet position? My dear Professor, we are watching here from Shomolu and as peace-loving people we beseech you to stop ‘making enemies for the government’ and start building bridges of compromise with a view to achieving whatever goals they set for you when you were appointed. By the way, have you checked your blood pressure recently? Drink a little bit more Kunu. Prof, the prof, great guy.

Aliko Dangote : Happy Birthday Sir As one mogul to the other, I will be sending you a belated 60th birthday.

Wishing you nothing for what else would you be wishing for since you are already the richest man in Africa, any other wish is just being greedy. You see in my books, it is written ‘seek first the kingdom of wealth and every other thing would be added’.

So you see my brother, everything else has been added to you, hence my wishing you nothing. That you remain a great guy cannot be overemphasised, you have inspired some of us to work very hard showing that a good day’s work with God’s added blessing can throw you on the Forbes list. Although mine is taking some time, I am very sure, I will soon get there. You remain a super beacon of hope and pride to the Nigerian man. You have showed that despite all the wealth in the world that humility is still a very strong virtue. God bless you sir.

Florence Ita Giwa : A Matriarch Leaves The spirit of life has finally left the PDP in the South-South. Mama Bakassi has finally decided to leave the party. Her seeming frustrations with the childish intrigues that have continued to bedevil the party in that region have finally succeeded in pushing this colossus out of the party and into the waiting

Aliko Dangote

Florence Ita Giwa

Emir Lamido Sanusi : A Powerful Position You see, me I don’t joke with this personality. He has continued to be my main man ever since I saw him in Marina trying to buy boli while he was still at UBA. That day, his lean frame and not-too-expensive bow tie drew me to him. Remember, I also wear a bow tie so I always take more than a passing interest when I see a fellow bow tie-wearing juggernaut.

That fateful day, I moved closer and watched how he meticulously chose the boli, asking for the very burnt ones and then buying like four wraps of groundnut. What really intrigued me that day was how someone will take four packs of groundnut on one boli, well that was his style. He did not pay, apparently he was a customer and the seller was only just too glad to serve this personality. So you will agree with me that I can never see anything wrong in any position my colleague ‘bow tie-killer’ - that is what we call ourselves in the fraternity - takes. You see the Emir’s last public bombardment on the economic development of the North East and West plus the North’s attitude towards social issues like the girl child education resounds so loudly in my ears.

We need our leaders to be this forthright, talk with candour regardless of whose feathers is ruffled. Picking and choosing our words have not led us as a nation to anywhere, truth in its naked form must be said at all times with the hope that its bitterness will trigger us to action. So emir, what you said is the truth and it is not only in the North, the whole country is a morass of poverty, disease and squalor.

We are all swimming in the murky waters of desolation and the fault lies squarely on the feet of our leaders

including you and me, who is now a Duke. Anybody who does not like your candour can go and jump into the lagoon and if there is no lagoon in the North, they can bury themselves in the sand. The only wahala in this your royal activism is what exactly will you do as emir to practically jump start this meaningful change. It is not only to shout on a podium which I support very strongly, it is also to begin to lead by example. I hear the emirate council treasury is very deep, let us start from there in putting in place very strong and robust philanthropic initiatives that would gradually begin to change the landscape. You can also use the platform of the very influential emirate to galvanise and mobilise resources from others to intervene in the poorest of the areas and while you are at it, please do not forget the Dukedom of Shomolu; as one royal father to another you have to send some of your philanthropic initiatives towards this side too. We too are very poor here and would not mind some level of support in acquiring the kind of Rolls Royce you are driving as I believe it will create a lot of employment for my people. You ask how? Let me tell you. Is it not someone that would wash it, that is employment, is it not someone that would guard it, that is employment, is it not someone that will drive it, is it not someone that will sweep the road that it will pass, is it not someone that will control traffic when I am passing, is it not someone that will blow the bugle as I am emerging from my palace? Abeg, emir, please send the Rolls Royce, we royal fathers have to stick together.

After all, what else can we do without a constitutional role?

Nasir El Rufai

arms of the APC. Immediately I heard this news, I placed a call to Ekanmi. Ekanmi in Ibibio means my mother. I asked Adiagha what the problem was and by the time she finished, I could see the pain that only her unquestionable patriotism could mean in both her voice and in the frustrations she faced while still within the fold of the Pharisees who have nothing but selfish and narrow-minded goals as their guiding light.

Mama Bakassi has served two presidents as a special adviser. She has been a senator and she has played several philanthropic roles especially in the Bakassi region to the point that she has more than earned a firm footing in the pantheons of our history. Her crossing to the APC is nothing more than a tsunami especially in that region as her influence and popularity will go a long way in shifting the power dynamics in that region towards her new home. Well, the sad thing about all this is the fact that our politicians rather keep playing politics of the stomach instead of true nationalistic politics. Well, ekanmi do not worry, we are still behind you and will follow you blindly anywhere, you truly deserve our support and followership. You have earned it. Say me hello to Koko. Lovely girl.

El Rufai’s Salary : Where is NLC? How can a whole sitting governor be earning less than N500,000 a month. Kai, where is this Nigerian Labour Congress? Now that there is a credible reason to call for a full strike, they will not fight. If it is to be fighting for a minimum wage for irrelevant people they will be calling us out for a meaningless strike. See now, El Rufai is taking home a wage that cannot even buy him fuel in his generators, not to talk of Keke Marwa, they are quiet. You see why that memo was written to the President. The salary is too poor abeg and after that they will carry all the wahala of Kaduna and put on his head when the salary cannot even put fuel in the generator to power his house. Something has to be done very seriously about this salary, I think we should increase it small by say five per cent to see if the memos will stop coming and to also see if he can finally settle down and work for Kaduna people.

Abasi, N431,000 for governor? But sir, let me advise you on how to spend this money, please put all in MMM or any other ponzi scheme you can find as they pay the money will double or better still, you can play Baba Ijebu or any of these lotto schemes. I am sure you will win. That way you can concentrate on more pressing issues. It is good that you have told us your salary at least we can now see that things are not the Eldorado we all think governance is. Kai, whose salary are we expecting next?

Isale Eko: Ken Etete to the Rescue By the time you are reading this, the second day of Isale Eko would be showing.

The run towards the show has been phenomenal with us receiving a lot of support from Nigerians. However, one man stands out, he is Mr. Ken Etete, a wonderful man.

I sent him a mail and immediately, Isale Ekos fortunes changed. He is the angel God sent to me on this matter. Apart from the Executive Governor of Lagos who has been nothing but mercurial, Mr Etete has been the angel sent from heaven. He has supported me in a way I still find very hard to fathom and I ask all my readers the whole six of you to please kneel down wherever you are as you are reading and stretch forth your right hand towards Lekki, not the bridge side o, the other side and send a strong prayer for continuous good health and increasing wealth for this noble man. Oya pray !!!!!!!!!!

21

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • APRIL 15, 2017

SPY GLASS

Dimeji Bankole’s Dilemma

It is no longer news that providence shot Dimeji Bankole, a former lawmaker in the House of Representatives, into the limelight.

At 37, he emerged as the House of Representatives Speaker, following the removal of Patricia Etteh, over an alleged financial malfeasance.

However, many years after his unceremonious exit from the National Assembly, he is still in quest of political relevance. First, he made an unsuccessful attempt to return to the House in 2011.

Then, he suffered a defeat when he contested for the number one job in Ogun State on the platform of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). His ambition was truncated, as the party leaders seemed not to have any confidence in him. The popular choice then was Gboyega Nasir Isiaka.

Unrelenting, he is said to be repositioning himself again for the plum job, as the race for the 2019 general election gathers momentum.

But Spyglass gathered that Dimeji is at a crossroads, as he is also said to be nursing the ambition of representing Ogun Central at the Senate. The reason, a source hinted, is that he is not certain if his dream of becoming the next governor of the state will come true. Not only that, those in the know confirmed to us that his political structure might be heading for a crash It will be recalled that his caucus, last year, reportedly merged with that of Ladi Adebutu, another member of the House of Representatives, who is said to be interested in the states top position. Adebutu is said to be in control of the structure that was once controlled by Buruji Kashamu

Finally, Agbani Darego bids bye to spinsterhood

At last, Ibiagbanidokibubo Asenite Darego, popularly known as Agbani Darego, has bidden bye to spinsterhood For the former Miss World, it was a prayer answered. She got married to Ishaya Danjuma, son of former Defence Minister, Theophilus Danjuma, in a low-key ceremony in Morocco, last weekend.

The former beauty queen shared the news on her Instagram page, with a picture showing her in a wedding dress with her partner.

Until now, the Rivers State-born

with Bayo Adeoye ....08054680651 model had been allegedly romantically linked with many men. But none of this resulted in marriage,. It became very worrisome when her younger sister, ‘Nengi married a few years ago.

Consequently, she silently bore her pains, believing in God for her missing ribs.

In 2001, she shot to instant fame when she was crowned Miss World, the first black woman to be so honoured. The feat had launched Nigeria on the world map, particularly because not too many people believed anything good could come out of the country. The record is still unmatched.

Since then, she has become one of the best things that have happened to Nigeria, as she has also become a role model to many aspiring young girls.

Darego, who avoids scandals like a plague, has been on top of the world with her career, as she is one of the most sought for models in the world.

Iyalaje Toyin Kolade Plans Big for Mum ‘s Burial

After about six months of deliberations and planning, top businesswoman, Princess (Dr) Toyin Kolade, is set to give her mother, Madam Comfort Adejuyigbe, who died at 92, a befitting burial on April 28, 2017 in Ilesha, Osun State.

The late Adejuyigbe is described as a righteous and prayerful woman who dedicated her life to the worship of the Almighty God till she breathed her last.

Already, preparations are in top gear, as the family is said to be leaving no stone unturned towards giving the deceased a benefitting burial.

Speaking with Spy glass, a family source revealed that ’’As you know, Iyalaje doesn’t do her things in half measure and she is loved by people.

So, this party will definitely be one of its kind in Ilesa. “ In life, the late Madam Adejuyigbe did her possible best to raise her children in the way of the Lord. Mercifully, the children today are a source of pride to the family. For instance, Kolade is a successful businesswoman and socialite of note. She has her hands in many pies, including oil and gas, interior decor, real estate, maritime and hospitality, among others.

A woman of means, Kolade commands deep respect from young and old, especially in the political, social and business circles. More important she is also in tune with the modern trends in the fashion world. Call her a show- stopper and you will only be stating the obvious.

Kolade, Managing Director, Fisolak Global Resources, Fisolak Royal Furniture and Arikay Oil and Gas, joined the millionaire club at a relatively young age of 21, having learnt the ABC of doing business from her late mother.

With so much confidence, hope and

clear vision, she laid the foundations of her business empire some years back. Today, Iyalaje, as she is famously called, is an inspiration to several others. No doubt, it takes a woman of guts as Kolade to thrive in the ever unpredictable business climate in Nigeria.

Ayo Aina on the Move

Ayo Aina’s love for night club business is indiscribable. He thinks and breathes the business. In fact, it is doubtful if any other thing has captured his fancy as this business.

Without a doubt, his Ikeja, Lagosbased outfit, Gentlemen Club, bears testimony to his passion for the business.

Over the years, he has tasted the bitter-sweet side of the business, so he can aptly be described as an encyclopedia of sorts on night club business.

With an eye on the future, the shrewd businessman has again spread his tentacles by founding a new entertainment spot called Diamonds of Lagos, DIL, on Allen Avenue, Ikeja, Lagos .

This new outfit, in his short period of operations, has become the place to beat for fun seekers. He is said to have committed huge fund to the project, all in the bid to ensure that it enjoys good patronage.

Applause for Otunba Runsewe

Just when some were wondering about the next move of Otunba Segun Runsewe, a former Director General, Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation, NTDC, the news of his appointment as Director General, National Council of Arts and Culture, NCAC, broke, amidst jubilation from his fans.

The reason may not be unconnected with the fact that since he was removed from the NTDC, he has kept a low profile, carefully choosing social events he attended.

It was gathered that many who are familiar with his sterling record and achievement at the NTDC applauded, the announcement.

Indeed, it is being said that he holds the magic wand when it comes to issue of tourism and arts.

Reacting to his appointment, a source said, “Being extrovert and cosmopolitan, he will definitely bring his experience to bear on the agency.”

Runsewe was honoured by the National Association of Nigeria Travel Agencies, NANTA, with Tourism Legacy Award 2016 for his contribution to the growth of tourism in Nigeria.

As Olori Wuraola Celebrates Birthday

Birthdays, it is believed, are supposed to be occasions for the celebration of life by the living. Birthdays are also a period when the celebrant takes stock of his or her life and feels like climbing the mountaintop to shout halleluiah.

Undoubtedly, if there is any human being who is currently experiencing the proverbial seventh heaven, typical of a woman who has just safely been delivered of a baby, it is Olori Wuraola Ogunwusi, the beautiful wife of the first-class monarch, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi Ojaja , Ooni of Ife. The reason is, her forthcoming birthday, on Wednesday, April 19, 2017, means so much to her. However, contrary to expectations, the highly respected queen does not intend to throw any elaborate party. Rather, she will be using the occasion to celebrate with widows and the less privileged.

Commenting on the planned event, a source stated that “You should not expect the Olori to throw a big party when Ife was just recently engulfed in a crisis that claimed many lives. So, if it will take her to sacrifice her birthday this year to honour the people who lost their lives, then, she will. That’s why she has opted to spend the day with widows and the less privileged, where she can impact their lives for a better and positive future. “ The stylish queen, called, Mother Theresa of our time, has been in the forefront of creating a better environment for the less privileged in the society.

It will be recalled that last Wednesday, Olori, in the company of some government officials, visited the Internal Displaced Person (IDP) camp located at the Sabo area of Ile-Ife to commiserate with those who lost their properties, homes and loved ones in the recent crisis.

Olori Wuraola had visited the camp after her trip from the United Kingdom to donate relief materials and cash.

She further pledged to always support them and harped on the need for a bond to foster a good relationship between the two communities.

Since she married the first-class monarch and founded her organisation, the Olori Wuraola Orphan Aid Project, an initiative under The House of Oduduwa Foundation, she has been working hard to empower the lessprivileged children in Nigeria, regardless of their cultural and religious affiliations.

She also recently held an event tagged”Give back Concert” to help the orphaned children to fulfill their potentialities in life.

22

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ RIL 15, 2017

MEMOIRS Yemi Ogunbiyi

I Didn’t Set Out to Become Everything I’mToday He is a quintessential newsman and scholar; an accomplished public relations and advertising guru. He is an indefatigable publisher. Modest as an enigma, Dr. Yemi Ogunbiyi has always been a man of many parts – restless as a youth and insightful with age. The former Managing Director of Daily Times has aged with grace and sweet memories. A golden boy from childhood, life has brought him accolades and favours. As he walked into his living room (which resembles an art gallery) that Sunday afternoon, Dr. Ogunbiyi betrayed no airs and graces. His gait does not reveal he is 70 years old until he says so. Ogunbiyi’s vocational odyssey is as interesting as the man. Born in Kano on April 13, 1947, to a father from Ogun State, he would grow up to become associates of Prof. Wole Soyinka and former Head of State, Gen. Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida.

A giant in public relations, advertising and book publishing, Dr. Ogunbiyi takes Funke Olaode through the labyrinth of life’s choices, actions and consequences with no regrets in his beaming eyes How I Abandoned Classroom for Newsroom

I

much. So I loved to go to school as a child.

I would trek from our house in Sabongeri. I remember my father accompanied me the first day and subsequently I went on my own with a group of other children. I wasn’t particularly a bright kid with figures and I knew I was going to end up in liberal arts.

I couldn’t add up things at all and didn’t have teachers who could help me. It was later in life in higher school that I found that Mathematics wasn’t difficult t if you apply the right theory. But I loved reading novels.

After my primary education, I proceeded to Ibadan Boys High School and later moved to King’s College for my Higher School Certificate in 1966. It was a privilege to be a student of King’s College in those days. I wrote the exams which involved pupils from the North, South and East. Five of us were picked in the Western Region: Femi Adefulu, Odekunle, Omotosho, and I. When I got to King’s College I became the school prefect and that time you couldn’t come from outside to be a prefect but I became one.

Parental Influence

Embracing Liberal Arts Having noticed my deficiency in mathematics, I decided to pitch my tent with the arts.

I had read a lot of books and novels and I thought writing would be a career for me. On another occasion I wanted to be a university teacher and I knew once I completed my university it would be a good idea. I read English Literature at University of Ibadan, graduating in 1971. The following year, I entered New York University in 1972 on Fulbright Fellowship Programme. I also won the Federal Government scholarship but had to drop it. I took a master’s degree in Dramatic Literature and doctoral degree in the same discipline in 1976 at age 29. It was fairly a feat in those days though I knew those who had theirs at 26. I taught for one and half years at Brooklyn College (City University of New York). I was head-hunted by Prof. Wole Soyinka, so I came back home and joined the then University of Ife in 1977. The late Prof.

Ojetunde Aboyade was the vice chancellor; one of the finest economists Nigeria ever produced.

Dramatic Arts Department was set up by Prof.

Wole Soyinka and when I was coming to Ife I thought I was going to teach in the English Department. I got there and found there was a new department and Prof. Soyinka invited me to be part of it. I was a pioneer lecturer in the department: we designed the curriculum and all the programmes took off.

My Mother’s Struggle with Childbirth feel grateful and thankful to Almighty God for sparing my life. I feel I am one of the luckiest men ever to be alive because I wasn’t meant to be born. My mother had tried for 10 years to have a child. It just didn’t click for her. I was told in 1945 a friend of my father in Kano State, Mr. Abdul Walker (now late) from Serra Leone suggested to my father to seek medical help. So my mother went through some tough medical treatment, to rid her of fibroid, which was done crudely. But she went through the process and finally in 1946 she conceived and gave birth to me in April of the following year. He later had my younger brother Olayiwola. Being the first child of the family I was spoilt with so much affection. My mother dotted over me but as I got older she would beat if I misbehaved. She didn’t have a female child; I did all manners of chores. I used to grind pepper on stone, washed plate and cloths.

My father was from Ipara-Remo in Ogun State and my mother was from Delta, in what is called Delta Ibo from Kwale. They both met in Kano and got married. They both played a key role in my life and their influence on me was enormous. My father wasn’t a rich man but he was somebody who was very caring and made friends so quickly. He was well known in Kano up to Kaduna as Victor Aanuoluwapo Ogunbiyi. He was a big-time tailor who made suits for expatriates while my mother was a trader. My mother didn’t have the benefit of Western education but she was a sensible and street-wise woman. They taught me how to treat people nicely no matter who they are. And, today, I have passed the same lesson to my children.

I was an Extrovert I was not rascally as a child but I was an extrovert. I played all the pranks every child played. I was a known goalie in primary and high schools. So, at every stage in my life I found myself assuming the position of leadership. In primary school, I was Health Prefect; in my high school I was Head Boy and when I got to King’s College where I did my Advanced Level I was also a prefect, at University of Ibadan, I was Hall Chairman. So, at every stage I had a position of responsibility.

And this helped me a lot as I always found myself where I would lead.

Ogunbiyi

Growing up in Kano Sadly, the Kano I grew up knowing was quite different from Kano that we have today.

Kano at that time was a home for everyone.

I grew up with children from all over the country. I went to a primary school called Ibo Union School in Kano but had classmates who came from all the big cities in the North.

My teachers were Yoruba. It was a lovely school and the headmaster, Mr. Okawa, was a fantastic, strict, gentle and meticulous man. We saw him as our demigod because his words were law and we looked up to him. I started school at age five in 1952. I had a female teacher who was an albino; she loved me so

From Classroom to Newsroom My ambition was to be a scholar and professor in the university but that changed when I went on sabbatical in 1983 and never returned to the institution. I was much younger and restless. When I took my sabbatical I thought it would be nice to try my writing skills in the media. Prior to that decision, I had done a few writings for Daily Times, when Dele Giwa was around in 1978/79. Ambassador Dele Cole was the Managing Director of Daily Times then. Stanley Macebuh who was my teacher briefly at King’s College had joined The Guardian and cajoled me to take some time off and if I liked it I should stay for a while.

In those days, sabbatical was spent within the

23

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ RIL 15, 2017

MEMOIRS What IBB, Wole Soyinka Think about Me and My Activities... Cont’d from Pg. 22

L-R Ogunbiyi, father victor and younger brother, Olayiwola in 1953

Ogunbiyi at six month in October 1947

Ogunbiyi (second right) surrounded by staff of Daily Times in first week in office in March 1989

university environment and not in the newsroom. Luckily for me, I got an offer to teach African Studies at Harvard. But I chose the newsroom. Prof. Soyinka encouraged and supported me that I should try my luck in the newsroom.

Then, I was an acting head of Dramatic Arts Department.

I thought I would just spend one year and go back. Prof.

Aboyade also supported my move but felt I should have waited to be a professor because I was going to be promoted at that time. Prof. Soyinka was like if I don’t like it I should come back. After experimenting, some of my colleagues left the university to work at The Guardian. After a while, some went back to the university. I wanted to go back but Dele Giwa prevailed on me to stay. It is over 34 years now and I never went back to the university. Honestly, I didn’t know that I would go this far because the beginning was rough. Going to the newsroom was an experiment for me. And between 1984 and 1985 I decided to resign my appointment with the university and take on journalism fully.

Few months after I came on board, we had problems with the military and The Guardian was shut down. It was a trying moment having ended my career in the university. Today, I don’t have any regrets because I did my bit in The Guardian.

And even as a lecturer I left a legacy. I wrote a textbook that is still relevant till today: ‘Drama and Theatre in Nigeria’. And in the newspaper industry, I made an impact as Managing Director of Daily Times; I built on the legacy of the likes of Chief Segun Osoba.

Becoming my own boss After I was fired by my friend, Gen. Ibrahim Babangida in 1992, I became jobless. I was about 45 years old and the idea of starting my own business came. So, I founded Tanus Communications using my mother’s property in Ikeja. I started with advertising business but wasn’t comfortable with it and diversified into media relations which later boomed. In 1997, we went into publishing of textbooks for schools on a large scale for states, the Federal Government and the general public. It has been a wonderful experience.

Ogunbiyi as a family man After the struggle of going to school when I entered the University of Ibadan, I met a young lady, Shade, who showered me with so much affection. This also extended not only to

herself but her family, the Osiberu family of Shagamu, who took me like their own son. We courted and got married. Then 27 years ago, I met another young lady, Wunmi, who continued the tradition of showering me with much affection and love.

She also brought so much joy into my life. Between Iyalode and Wunmi, we are blessed with four lovely children who have continued the love and affection: my first son, Tokunbo and his wife, Damilola; my second son, Aanuoluwapo and my daughter, Oreoluwa. The icing on the cake of my life is the birth of my two grandchildren.

We have always played our role well over our children as a family. Tokunbo read business as first degree and also did an MBA at Temple University and University of London. Aanuoluwapo also did business as first degree and MBA. He attended University of Newcastle and currently works as a banker in London. Oreoluwa had her secondary education partly in Nigeria before finishing up in London. She is currently studying Law at University of Cambridge.

Looking back, I don’t have any regrets in all the decisions I have made in my life. Maybe I should have stayed back in the university to become a professor before leaving. But it would have changed the way things later worked for me. I have had a very good life free of major crises. I don’t have any major health crisis I am grateful.

I am Ready to Slow Down Honestly, my career has been rewarding; as tough as life is one is still relevant and alive. One thing I discover about life is not about being bright but the God factor in terms of providence, attitude of mind and other things. I believe in myself. When I started my public relations and even book publishing business it was saturated but by God’s grace I succeeded. Today, we have over 500 books from primary to secondary schools approved by the Federal Government published under Tanus Books. We work very hard that the book is of high standard and we pray to keep the standard and improve on it. But now that I am 70, I think I have to slow down. Prof. Soyinka nicknamed me ‘Activity’ and Gen. Babangida picked that up. I am hyperactive and that has kept me going. As I said, I will slow down; take things lightly and relax with my family on holidays in the Caribbean.

I am fulfilled No man fulfilled life’s aspirations but this is subjective because

Myambitionwastobeascholarand professorintheuniversitybutthat changedwhenIwentonsabbatical in1983andneverreturnedtothe institution. Iwasmuchyoungerand restless.WhenItookmysabbatical Ithoughtitwouldbenicetotrymy writingskillsinthemedia.Priortothat decision,Ihaddoneafewwritings forDailyTimes,whenDeleGiwawas aroundin1978/79....Inthosedays, sabbaticalwasspentwithinthe universityenvironmentandnotinthe newsroom.Luckilyforme,Igotanoffer toteachAfricanStudiesatHarvard. But Ichosethenewsroom.Prof.Soyinka encouragedandsupportedmethatI shouldtrymyluckinthenewsroom one doesn’t start out in life and say I want to be a Nobel Laureate or this or that. It is something that happens along the way. I wanted to be a university lecturer and I became one. In my small way, with modesty, I did my best and God has been kind. The only thing I want to do now is to continue to impact humanity in my community and society, at large Recently, I was appointed as Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife in January. We have embarked on programmes that would carry everybody along; the academic and non-academic staff and students. The way I read the situation in Nigeria is that tertiary education is in trouble. My advice to government is to fund education more because education is vital to our development as a people.

Also, university authorities should be given a free hand to generate funds internally and spend that money within the system. University people are reasonable and understand the state of the nation’s economy. But to ask them to bear the brunt isn’t fair; having said that, we have to work hard to carry the workers along. For instance, at Ife, we are trying to utilise what Ife has in terms of land mass. If it can be converted into large-scale farming, involving the workers through privatepublic partnership, and the money made can be pumped back into the system. I believe with the internally generated revenues, the sky will be the limit. If we get it right at Ife it will serve as model for other universities. Another thing that is dear to my heart is a project in Sagamu. A secondary school was set up by the Anglican Diocese called, Yemi Ogunbiyi Anglican Schools that comprises of a crèche, primary and secondary institutions.

I want to raise money for that school to become a major player in the education sector in Ogun State. I pray that God will help me.

24

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • APRIL 15, 2017

INTERVIEW GAIN

Why We Endorsed Obiano for Re-election

As the people of Anambra State prepare to go back to the polls later this year, Chike Nwosu, a lawyer, and leader of Greater Anambra Initiative (GAIN), a group of professionals and business men from the state, speaks with Bennett Oghifo on the group’s preference for Governor Willie Obiano How really did the Greater Anambra Initiative (GAIN) come about and what are the group’s objectives?

AIN is a policy and advocacy coalition of professionals and political stakeholders of all persuasions from Anambra State.

You must be an Anambrarian and must believe in its positive development. We shall be celebrating our 10th anniversary on 29th of May this year. Our short, mid and long term goals include the promotion of good governance and support for credible, honest and sustainable development. Over the years, we have also supported the entrenchment of the culture of discipline in the body politics and leadership in Anambra State.

G

sion this airport in the next three years. Most importantly, he has managed our funds well.

So it is implied that you support the reelection of Governor Willie Obiano?

Yes, for the reasons enumerated above, he has our solid endorsement. No one comes close. Besides, any other person as governor now, will upset the political equilibrium instituted in Anambra.

Many people believe Anambra has had some of the best governors in recent time, what accounts for this?

Yes. Like I said Anambra is blessed. We are almost getting it right. Governor Chris Ngige did his best, Peter Obi laid a solid foundation, and then Obiano is doing the interventions.

By the time the next governor comes in How and where does the group draw its 2021/2022, we would have gotten it right. membership?

GAIN is a mass movement with memberWhat is your rating of Governor ship in Nigeria and the Diaspora. We have Obiano and which specific policy of his functional offices in Abuja, Lagos and Awka. has been most outstanding?

In this era of ICT, we interact with the wider The incumbent has done well. He needs society on various social media platforms. With the next four years to actualize the mid and the wide network, we are able to influence the long term projects. He needs to consolidate. outcome of political issues in the state, without We do not want abandoned projects in been necessarily rooted in a particular party.

Anambra State. Before Obiano, Anambra was like a glorified village. There was no nightlife.

Since GAIN is not aligned to any Now we have streetlights everywhere. particular political party, how does it hope You have presence of police and vigilante to influence the next governorship election everywhere in the state. He has restored in Anambra? confidence. Before now people were spending GAIN has always been interested in who so much money-hiring police when travelling rules Anambra State. As you are aware, to Anambra.

Anambra is the most sophisticated state in Nigeria with the highest number of billionaires In real terms, what does your endorseand great percentage of intellectuals across the ment of the governor mean? globe. These billionaires unfortunately have Our endorsement means a lot, because constituted themselves into political w ar lords. GAIN is the conscience of the state. The teemWe always try to advise them that success in ing youths know that this man is responsible. private business is not the same as success in public service or leadership. We are happy they are listening.

We are encouraging entrenchment of strong political culture that would be sustainable.

We want to build new leadership from where leaders with credible pedigrees would emerge.

We are getting it right in Anambra. We may not have reached the Promised Land, but certainly, we have left Egypt.

Several top politicians have lined up for Anambra State governorship. Who among them do you support?

It is not a matter of whom we are supporting. It is a case of sustainable development. It is a question of credible leadership. It has to do with performance and being sensitive to political mathematics in Anambra. We are not interested in the quantitative. We are interested in the qualitative. We are interested in building a strong political culture. The answer id subsumed in the Latin maxim, Res ipsa loquitur (The thing speaks for itself). The incumbent governor has the following advantages: He has secured the state; he has done interventions in Education, Infrastructure and Agriculture; he has created employment & stopped youth restiveness (that is why Anambra appears to be the safest state now); and he just commissioned a cargo airport.

We need to encourage him to actualize his mid-term and long-term plans. Anambra has started exporting food. He needs to commis-

The incumbent has done well. He needs the next four years to actualize the mid and long term projects. He needs to consolidate. We do not want abandoned projects in Anambra State. Before Obiano, Anambra was like a glorified village.

There was no nightlife.

Now we have streetlights everywhere. You have presence of police and vigilante everywhere in the state

Nwosu It is very difficult to deceive people now because of the swiftness of information. The governor is level headed and a good fund manager.

In recent weeks, the governor has been mentioned in some scandals. How will those issues affect his chances of reelection?

I think he is a man who waits upon the lord. Life is all about perspectives. I think the problem of the Governor is that people wonder where and how he gets money for his developmental strides especially in this period of recession and limited resources.

He should be commended for being a good fund manager, a critical thinker, and a strategic planner. Look at the quality of interventions he has done in the area of education. In the past three years, Anambra has been oscillating between 1st and 2nd position in the performance index in the committee of states.

What is the reason behind the ongoing feud between Governor Obiano and his predecessor, Peter Obi? The history of Anambra cannot be complete without Peter Obi. He restored confidence to the people of Anambra. He brought Anambra back from political insanity. He is one of our heroes. We owe him a lot. May the Almighty continue to bless him and grant him long life.

How will the Obiano/Obi feud affect the oncoming governorship contest?

Obi left a legacy of service. Governor Obiano is consolidating and exploring new areas. Every Anambra knows that Obi’s endorsement of Governor Obiano is a faith accompli. He believes in credible leadership and positive development. Obiano has the capacity and competence to move the state to the next level. We are talking of performance, honesty, consistency, legacy and landmark interventions.

The APC federal government appears prepared to wrest some states in the South East. Do you believe APC will take Anambra in 2017?

Like I said, we are not talking about political parties, but individuals and performance. I don’t think that any APC governor has done better than Governor Obiano. Do a comparative analysis between Anambra and the best APC State. You do not achieve greatness by proclamation. Obiano’s achievements are visible.

The Catholic Church wields a lot of influence in Anambra politics. Is this real or imagined?

Even though ndi Anambra are 85% Catholics, however, we do not mortgage performance on the altar of religious sentiments.

We believe in God, but we are hardworking people. The truth is that this man is vertically and horizontally ahead of his competitors.

Let’s look at all the parties in the state and their strengths going into that election…

You cannot diminish the strength of any party, but an honest comparison would convince you that Governor Obiano is head and shoulder superior and above the emerging aspirants and contestants.

Have you considered that your organisation will be termed an APGA machinery set up primarily to help Obiano return as governor?

GAIN would be 10 years on the 29th of May this year. Honestly so many of us have not met him in person. However, his achievements are landmark legacies. GAIN is older that Obiano’s government. The leaders from inception in 2007 have been people with pedigree. Please do a check on the previous leaders and the current leadership. These are people who have excelled in their areas of endeavors. It includes political leaders, bankers, captains of industries, lawyers, engineers, and consultants.

25

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ APRIL 15, 2017

EXPRESSION

MEDIAGAFFES BY

EBERE WABARA

Point the Finger

T

HE PUNCH of April 7 welcomes us today: “Sheriff, Wike point fingers at each other” Fixed/standard/stock expression: point the finger “Amongst (Among) them, a new set of male and female actors are springing up and gradually taking over the scene” ‘Amidst’, ‘amongst’ and ‘whilst’ belong to the old order!

“Besides her personality—Beverly—since her arrival in Nollywood few (a few) years ago, has been cast in lead roles; some cheeky, others sassy.”

“Jibrin apologises (apologizes, preferably) to Buhari for demanding for his resignation” Delete the second ‘for’ because of its redundancy.

“This truth no doubt was expressed in recognition of the role of the press in any society, especially one striving towards (for/ after) the attainment of democracy.”

“And as the UN was packing its bags and baggage out of Somalia….” Standard expression: bag and baggage. “…the whole nation hailed and applauded both parties in the protracted ASUU crisis for reaching an agreeable truce.” Gentlemen of the Press, what is the meaning of ‘agreeable truce’? Students used to make newspapers reference materials for English language studies. I doubt if that happens these days, with oddities like ‘agreeable truce’.

“Cake is fattening thereby loosing its attraction to….” Correct spelling can’t lose attraction.

“I and the other Nigerians who had come to the kingdom of Saudi Arabia…”) Grammatical discipline demands that you put self last: The other Nigerians and I….

“Kogi workers asked to sign attendant register” ‘Attendance register’, please. “…and the partitioning of the country by the clan chiefs and warlords continue.” The partitioning (not the chiefs and warlords) continues.

“Another recipient of the award was

one of the directors of RayPower, a private electronic media….” If a non-journalist does not know the differences between ‘media’ and ‘medium’, I could excuse the fellow, but a (supposed) colleague of mine writing ‘a media’ amounts to crass illiteracy.

“They have in most cases remained willing collaborators in the de-politicization of the political system by acquiescing to virtually all the issues….” I cannot acquiesce in the ruination of modern English by some traditionalists.

“It was a most unhurried journey accomplished well over six hours, from 9 a.m. in the morning till about 2.00 p.m. in the afternoon.”

One of these days, somebody will scribble ‘I saw the picture with my naked eyes’! Dear reader, you do not need ‘in the morning or afternoon’ after the abbreviation ‘a.m.’ or ‘p.m.’ ‘A.m.’ means ante meridiem (before noon). Similarly, p.m. refers to post meridiem (afternoon).

“The effectiveness of these provisions are hampered by ignorance and poverty.” This smacks of language poverty. Ignorance should not be extended to grammatical concord: “The effectiveness…. Is’.

“Party commends Adeboye over (for/on) position on controversial audio CD” “Obituary Announcement” There is no need for ‘announcement’ in the extract.

“The condolence register for late (the late)… at her resident (residence) in Lagos” “Edo Assembly Speaker, leader arrested over (for) attack on colleague” “Ikpeba wants more critical attention on (to) Eagles’ activities” “Dangote projects Africa’s potentials (potential/potentialities) with ‘Marketplace Africa’ on CNN” “…his residence in (on) Victoria island by Standard Chartered Bank is illegal.”

“Firm chief, EFCC bicker over alleged N120m bribery (bribe)” “Renewed clampdown against (on) rice smuggling” “…this award appropriately reflects your tireless contributions and selfless service to the upliftment (uplift) of….”

ewabara@yahoo.com, 08055001948

“A giant whose strides creates (sic) paths for others to forge ahead” “I join all well meaning (well-meaning) Nigerians to specially congratulate you for (on/upon) this well deserved (well-deserved) honour….”

“He deserves national honour, says (sic) Nigerians” “Like (As) my friend says….”

“Celebrating the girl-child amidst (amid) many challenges” “NASI flags off (inaugurates) clusterinvestment concept for agro processors” Wrong: “forthnight”, right: fortnight.

“It costs between 300 to 1,000 dollars to eliminate each time.…” Between 300 and 1,000 or from 300 to 1,000….no combination “The only time I was opportuned (opportune or had an opportunity) to watch the low-keyed event….”

“In this vein, there must be a body regulating employments in these bodies…” ‘Body regulating bodies’ is shallow. ‘Employment’ does not admit any inflection.

“But since then, the existence of the country has received series of threats of disintegration.” This way: a series of. There should be no delusion about the article preceding ‘series’ (a).

“Anambra police revokes gun dealer’s (sic) licenses” Let us rewrite: Anambra police revoke gun dealers’ licences.

“Going by precedence, it means that in about 10 days from today, the minister will be obliged to tell once again how the government performed in the first quarter.” Going by precedent…not precedence (in this instance)….

“He had probably never seen a balance sheet…talkless of balancing budget.” Balance the sentence by replacing ‘talk less’ with ‘not to talk of’ or let alone (‘talk less’, as a phrasal verb, is a good grammar).

“It is common knowledge that there is economic crisis in the country resulting to low capacity….” Correct forms: ‘an economic crisis’ or ‘economic crises’ and of course, ‘result in’ (not ‘to’).

“As earlier mentioned in this piece, lack of

funds and machines for exploitation have been the bane of solid minerals production in this country.” Lack of funds has (not have).

“Altogether the CBN has raked in a whooping N85.362 billion.…” Why the mix-up between ‘whopping’ and whooping’?

FEEDBACK

THE first two external explications this week are from Mr. BAYO OGUNTUASE (08056180046): The governorship ticket, “on a platter of gold” (on a silver platter), was, therefore, a befitting compensation for Asiwaju Bola Tinubu’s role in the democracy struggle. (Advertorial, THE NATION, October 10, 2014) Usage note: The idiom known to correct English is “to have something handed to one on a silver platter, which means “to get or be given something (e.g. independence/a job or governorship ticket without having to put any effort into it”.

Ladies and gentlemen of the press or members of the press is preferred to gentlemen of the press. My brother, the spirit of activism goes on. Work hard!

FROM the columnist: In journalism, there are no ladies (gender discrimination) hence the generic term of ‘gentlemen of the Press’, pockets of feministic opposition notwithstanding. This professional jargon may not have grammatical justification, but has stuck! What do you think dear reader? Let the debate continue. And to SUNNY AGBONTAEN (08055162531): Your SMS on ‘air-crash’ and ‘plane-crash’ is immensely appreciated. Send more!

THE next observation is from DONTEXAS EKARIKA, Warri (0807625219): “…the cleric passed on last Wednesday afternoon in Lagos, where he was flown, en route (en route to) Germany for checkup.”

SUNDAY ADESINA (08029955388) dispatched this from Kaduna State: “…urging the electorate to be at alert in all ramification (sic)….”

This way: be on the alert in all ramifications, ‘I’ can precede any name in the subjective if culpability is expressed. Sample this: ‘I and my son spat on the old lady.’ Do have a beautiful Saturday.

(Intervention by CHARLES IYOHA, Chairman, Academy Ltd., 07033775454)

INSIGHT

Jonathan’s Peace Process and Gains of PDP Stakeholders’ Forum Sufyan Abbas Mohammed

E

xpectedly, there have been various frenzied reports, and diverse interpretations of the outcome of the Stakeholders Meeting of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), which Dr Goodluck Jonathan chaired in his capacity as an ex-President.

Given the enormity of the leadership crisis rocking the PDP and the crucial roles the party is expected to play as the main opposition party, it was not a surprise that the forum would attract excessive national interest.

While many took a positive a view of the outcome, some tagged the disagreement in the course of the meeting as either stalemate, or outright collapse of the peace process that was initiated by the former President.

That notwithstanding, the generous dose of interest from all and sundry was no doubt a demonstration of the fact that the populace routes for a stronger opposition in the PDP, which they consider as a potent factor in the nation’s democratic journey.

Without prejudice to those who are wont to attach only negative indicators to the result of the stakeholders Forum, it would appear that many PDP members were pleased with the meeting and its outcome.

Many party sympathisers argue that those who hold the view that progress was not recorded fail to recognize the impact the meeting has had on the confidence level of party members, especially in giving them hope that the PDP is still intact. For them, it is a good development for a party that has not been able to regain its rhythm since the shocking experience of losing election at the centre for the first time, after 16 years in power.

The odds were indeed overwhelming and heavily stacked up against the party.An initial post 2015 election numbness, a vicious anti-corruption fight that targeted mainly its chieftains, and an unrelenting leadership crisis were the factors that conspired to either confine the PDP bigwigs to the shadows or chase key members of the party into their rat holes.

The emergence of Jonathan, the foremost leader

of the party, from his two-year political hibernation to intervene in the crisis was indeed a breath of fresh air for the party’s true members who have refused to decamp but had remained marooned in the wilderness since 2015.

The fact that all the key members of the party were in attendance from all parts of the country, despite the grueling travel difficulties arising from the closure ofAbujaAirport, did not only project Jonathan’s tremendous goodwill, but also amplified the confidence in his peace efforts.

In the estimation of many, there is no downplaying the advantage the well-attended meeting has conferred on the party and the ongoing peace process.

According to one of the chieftains of the party, nobody expected that such a broad-based stakeholders meeting would be a walk in the park, nor was there the anticipation that an inaugural combined peace meeting of a crisis-prone political party as big as the PDP, would produce instant miracles.

Such people are therefore enthused that besides the hope-rising import of the gathering, the aim of the meeting to establish a road map for peace was achieved with the 40-man all inclusive committee to be directly Chaired by the ex-President which was set up with a clear mandate to submit its reports within two weeks. This is indeed a positive development which many believe could bring about lasting solution to the party’s problems.

There is also the thinking in Jonathan’s camp that following from the meeting, everyone now appears to be on the same page by having the right reading of the genuine intentions of the former President for the good of the party. They reason that those who initially accused him of installing SenatorAli Modu Sheriff as Chairman are now rising to defend the ex-president’s neutrality and integrity, given the cultured way he handled the disagreement at the meeting.

By throwing his hat in the ring and coming all out to intervene in the crisis and displaying the disposition and humility that is accommodating to all interests and tendencies, Jonathan has demonstrated ample commitment towards helping to arrest the drift in the party.

Jonathan In his very well received rousing speech at the meeting Jonathan charged party members to put aside their personal interest, and rein in their big ego in the interest of the party. Coming from a man who lives by example, many committed party members who listened to him were moved by this timely admonition.

Many observers blamed Sheriff for storming out of the meeting, despite his inexcusable lateness, thereby throwing away the ample opportunity offered him to bond with other estranged members of the party who gathered in their hundreds on the invitation of the former President.

They see that as a crass display of ill-temper and grumpiness, quite unbecoming of a man who clings to the appellation of the national chairman of the nation’s biggest political party.

Their point is that in a situation of reconciliation, there was no need for an interested party, no matter how highly placed, to insist on exercising any form of authority, otherwise there wouldn’t have been any reason for the reconciliation being sought in the

first place.

Said Collins Ugwu, a member of Restart PDP Group, “When you enter a reconciliation, if you are sincere you leave your ego, anger and selfishness at the door.”

According to Ugwu, “The appearance of Jonathan directly on the floor of the reconciliatory process and other leaders of honour is the much awaited catalyst that will naturally stir the foundations of the party and of the nation at large to pick its natural healing process.”

He feels that the only way the nation’s democratic experience will develop firm roots is to allow the PDP the opportunity to mend to be able to fulfil its role as a functional and virile opposition.

Similarly, a good governance advocacy group, Centre for Democratic Renaissance, (CDR) recently commended the former President for “coming out from his political convalescence to lead the latest and hopefully, the spell breaking peace initiative that could restore momentum to Nigeria’s main opposition party.” The group in a statement last week by its Executive Director, Dr. Mustapha Idris, also advised “SenatorAli Modu Sheriff to suppress his big ego and step back from the path of destruction in order to salvage his crumbling political career.”

Most analysts believe that this is the time for the party leaders to walk the talk by wholeheartedly embracing Jonathan’s peace effort and ensuring that it succeeds. That way, the PDP will quickly return to its days of glory to be able to provide the credible and responsible opposition which is needed to strengthen the nation’s democracy.

There is no doubt that the intervention of ex-President Jonathan have so far brought a new vigour and renewed hope in the PDP. It is also true that the much hyped PDP stakeholders meeting may not have fully met the expectation of many.

But it remains an important milestone in the road to peace for the party.

This is because the road to peace, as is often said, is long and nobody gets political solution to an entrenched crisis overnight.

The onus is therefore on both feuding parties to show genuine commitment to the political process initiated by Jonathan.

––Mohammed is resident inYola, Adamawa State

26

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ ͹ͽ˜ ͺ͸͹͵

2018 Lincoln Navigator Teased Ahead of 2017 New York Auto Show Stories by Bennett Oghifo

L

incoln has released a teaser for what’s likely to be the 2018 Navigator in production guise.

The full-size luxury SUV was previewed in concept form at the 2016 New York auto show, but at this year’s show, which starts Wednesday, we’re expected to be treated with the production model due on sale later in the year.

Compared to the concept, the headlights shown on the model in the teaser have been enlarged. The lower portion of the bumper also sports an “A-wing” design plus what appears to be a skid plate. Though we can’t

see it here, we also know that the production model won’t get the massive gullwing doors of the concept.

The current Navigator has been on the market since 2007, so it’s definitely due for renewal.

Lincoln has been tight-lipped on plans for the redesigned Navigator but we know it will be a twin to the latest Ford Expedition (shown below). This means the underpinnings will be a rugged body-on-frame design while the actual body will be made from aluminum to help shed weight.

Given Lincoln’s decision to drop the V-8 option from its Navigator in 2015, don’t expect one to be offered in the redesigned model.

However, we could see a new hybrid option offered at some point. The standard engine

should be a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V-6 making roughly 400 horsepower and paired up with a 10-speed automatic.

Lincoln’s Navigator concept also previewed some nifty technologies including a driving modes selector as well as the Ford Explorer’s Terrain Management off-roading system.

Also included were Wi-Fi connectivity and numerous electronic driver assist features.

The technological updates should help the redesigned model in what is now a much tougher segment than in past decades. Key rivals in the full-size luxury SUV segment include the Bentley Bentayga, Cadillac Escalade, Infiniti QX80, Land Rover Range Rover Long-Wheebase, Lexus LX 570, and Mercedes-Benz GLS.

2018 Lincoln Navigator Concept interior headrests-with screens

Lagos Training Institute Gets Ford Figo

F

ord Motor Company has donated a new Ford Figo to CG-Eko LLP Training Institute, an agency of the Lagos State Government.

TheFordFigo,internalcodenameB562, isasubcompacthatchbackmanufactured byFordIndiainitsChennaiandSanandplants.Based on the Mark V European Ford Fiesta hatchback, the Figo has been sold in developing countries since March 2010.

It was launched to the Indian market in March 2010, and by July 2010 there were 25,000 sales bookings across all variants. A facelifted model of the Figo was launched on October 15, 2012. This model has a larger hexagonal grill and redesigned head and tail lamps. It was released in SouthAfrica in January 2013. Market variations India The Ford Figo is available in both petrol and diesel versions, all with five speed manual transmissions and power steering as standard. Both engines meet the BS-IV (Bharat Stage - IV) emission norms.

The Figo diesel is equipped with the same 1.4L engine which is currently powering the Ford Ikon and Ford Fiesta and the Indian petrol version is equipped with a new 1.2L. The petrol variant gives a mileage of around 12.5 kmpl in the city while on the highway it offers around 15.5 kmpl. and the diesel returns a mileage of around 16 kmpl in the city while on the highway it delivers a mileage of 19 kmpl.

The Figo is available 34 in a range of specifications including LXI, EXI, ZXI and Titanium. The Titanium adds alloy wheels, dual air bags and ABS. The Figo underwent a facelift in October 2012. The facelift had around 100 changes including some major cosmetic changes like new headlamps, new steering column mounted audio controls, new tail lamps, alloy wheels, new front bumper and a new seat fabric design. However, the car remains

unchanged mechanically and uses the same 1.2 L Duratec petrol and 1.4 L Duratorq diesel engine.

In February 2014 Ford added a wifi option to all models of the Figo range as part of an audio upgrade package,afirst-in-classoption.TheFordFigoConcept for2014wasshowcasedattheAutoExpo2014,which has been incorporated into a Ford Time Machine, which gives auto enthusiasts an opportunity to ‘go back in time’ and take a 3D virtual reality tour of the Ford Pavilion.

Mexico The Mexican Ikon Hatch is available only with a 1.6 L Duratec petrol engine producing 98 hp (73

kW; 98 hp) at 6500 rpm and torque of 142 N·m (105 lb·ft) at 4000 rpm.

Middle East The Figo is available with a 1.4 Lpetrol engine with a manualgearboxora1.6Lwithanautomaticgearbox.

It is sold in Trend and Ambiente models.

South Africa The South African petrol Figo is powered by a 1.4L producing 62 kW (84 PS; 83 bhp) at 6000rpm and torque of 127 N·m (13.0 kg·m) at 4000 and is available in Ambiente and Trend models. The 1.2L petrol is not available.

R-L: General Manager, Marketing & Corporate Communications, Coscharis Group, Abiona Babarinde; Training Manager, CG-Eko LLP Training Institute, Sunday Tanimowo; and Brand Manager Ford, Coscharis Motors, Felix Mahan, during the presentation of a brand new Ford Figo donated to the training institute

by Ford Motor Company, in Lagos... recently

ESSENTIAL SKILLS with STEPHEN DIESERUVWE (Director General, Delta State Traffic Management Authority (DESTMA)

Essential Skills of Driving

T

THE COCKPIT DRILL he cockpit drill is a routine that you will carry out each time you get into the driving seat, which is necessary to ensuring that you can reach and use all the controls of your vehicle easily and comfortably, and that you have a clear view of the road ahead.As soon as you are seated in your vehicle, check that the vehicle is secure by ensuring that the handbrake is firmly applied as this will prevent the car from starting to roll unexpectedly.An easy way to remember the cockpit drill is by the acronym D-S-S-S-M D - Doors Check it is clear before you open the door of your vehicle and make sure the door is shut properly when you get in before starting a journey. Be careful on a windy day when opening your door as it can easily fly open with the force of the wind. Make sure that all the other doors of your vehicle, including all passenger doors, are also closed properly. If you are carrying young children, use the child locks on the rear doors.

These allow the doors to be opened from the outside, but not from the inside.

To check that your doors are closed, simply pull themfirmlyshutandensurethatyourpassengers do the same. As a visual check you can look in your exterior mirrors and check that the ‘line’ of the car is smooth – for learner drivers, get your driving instructor to show you this.

S - Seat Finding a comfortable driving position is vital to safe driving. When you are satisfied that all the doors are securely closed, adjust the driving seat. You should be able to press the pedal on the left (the clutch pedal) down to the floor with your left foot without stretching your leg. This means that when the clutch is pressed down fully, your knee should be slightly bent and the seat should support your thigh.At the same time you don’t want to sit too close to the steering wheel, which could be dangerous in a crash or adopt an awkward posture which could put a strain on your back. It’s also worth noting that a poor seating position will cause fatigue on longer journeys and in the longer term, can cause back problems for drivers who cover long distances. Being uncomfortable will also reduce your concentration - not a good idea if you want to be a safe driver.

S - Steering Wheel/Head Restraint The backrest of your seat should be adjusted so thatyoucanreachthesteeringwheelcomfortably.

To get a good steering wheel position, recline the seat back to the point where your shoulder and upper back are resting comfortably on the seat.

When your hands are positioned in the ten-totwo or quarter-to-three position on the steering wheel, your arms should be bent slightly.

Avoid sitting too upright as this can put a strain onyourwristsandshouldersasyouleanforward to grip the wheel, or reclining too far back, this means your neck muscles have to work harder to support your head.

If you are very close to the steering wheel you will not be able to control the steering effectively.

Sitting too close to the steering wheel will also lead to discomfort and tension. When adjusting the back of your seat, make sure that the head restraint, which sometimes is called head rest, but not there to rest your head on, is adjusted correctlytoprotectagainstneckandspineinjuries, commonly referred to as whiplash.

For maximum protection, make sure that your head restraint is correctly adjusted so that the rigid part or the supportive portion of the head restraint is at least as high as your eye level or top of your ears and as close to the back of the head as is comfortable; this will normally mean that the top of the head restraint is level with the top of your head.

Director General, Delta State Traffic Management Authority (DESTMA)

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ ͹ͽ˜ ͺ͸͹͵

27

707-HP Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk Dethrones

T

Lineup of MINI Countryman at the Beverly Hills Hotel, Durban, South Africa

MINI Countryman Sturdy, Swift Report

Stories by Bennett Oghifo

T

he test drive of the MINI Countryman was like no ordinary drive, because it was a race of sorts. On the startline at the Beverly Hills Hotel in Durban, the drivers paired and hit the road with only route maps as guide. The lead car soon disappeared and the race actually began. The MINI Countryman CooperS has a navigator but no time to check

if it was programmed until the first stop at the Blueberry Cafe, Nottingham Road, where the car change took place.

The MINI Countryman’s sturdiness and swiftness pushed anxiety off as the thrill began right from the toll gate. It was time to know the car and what it has to offer, which did not take long because the more you push the pedal the better the drive becomes.

On route, heads turned, as people stared at the beautiful leap as it glides past.

The interior is made so comfortable and protected from external noise/sound, even as dust billows off the grave road that crisscross the Sugar Cane farms in KwaZulu Natal. The dusty cars from the farm roads still looked elegant when they congregated for the first driver change. Children along the route cheered and adults smiled, mouthing their approval at the beautiful sight. The MINI Countryman is an SUV ALLWheel Drive, complete with driver assist.

he 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk has just dethroned the Bentley Bentayga as the world’s most powerful SUV. After years of speculation, the Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk has finally debuted with the same 6.2-liter supercharged Hemi V8 in Dodge’s Hellcat models.

This means the SUV has 707 horsepower and 645 pound-feet of torque and is able to get to 60 mph in just 3.5 seconds, which is not only impressive for an SUV, but impressive even by sports car standards. The Trackhawk does the quarter-mile in 11.6 seconds at 116 mph and tops out at 180 mph.

Up until now, the Bentley Bentayga was the world’s most powerful SUV with its W12 engine pushing 600 hp and getting the luxury SUV to 60 mph in 4.0 seconds, a full half-second slower than the new Trackhawk and for a lot more money.

We’re curious to see how it compares to the Tesla Model X, which can get to 60 mph in 3.2 seconds.

“The Jeep Grand Cherokee is now the most powerful and quickest SUV as well,” said Jeep boss Mike Manley in a news release.

“The new Grand Cherokee Trackhawk delivers astounding performance numbers … with luxury, refinement and an array of innovative advanced technology.”

Of course, the Trackhawk gets performance upgrades all around, starting with bigger 15.75-inch Brembo brakes up front, which are the biggest front brakes ever on a Jeep. The eight-speed transmission has also been made more robust to handle the increased torque over the already bonkers SRT model, a stronger rear axle, a new quad exhaust setup, a functional cold air scoop, a more robust front suspension, and more.

Hyundai Motors Nigeria Unveils Grand Savings Bonanza

H

yundaiMotorsNigeriaLimited(HMNL) has announced a starting price offer of N2,695,000 for prospecting customers seeking to buy Hyundai cars in the company’s periodic sales campaign, ‘Hyundai Grand Savings Bonanza.’

Announcing the offer in Lagos, HMNLHead, Sales andMarketing,JatinNadkarnisaidthe2017Hyundai GrandSavingsBonanzapromisestomakepricesvery competitive during and after the campaign.

TheofferwhichisrestrictedtoselectHyundaimodels such as Hyundai i10, Grand Xcent andAccent could afterward be extended to cover other models in the Hyundai line-up, the Hyundai Motors sales and marketing helmsman assured.

He said: “Stallion Hyundai Motors Nigeria is determined to cushion imminent scarcity of functional B segment cars and mitigate price increase of cars owing to last year prohibition of used vehicle import through the land borders.

The offer also gives customers to buy the desired Hyundai models during this Easter festive season” Buyersofthesethreehomemademodelsareofferedfree registration and free service for 6 months or 10,000km, whichever is earlier.

Even though the promo is a limited period offer and subject to availability, the incentives are in addition to Hyundai standard 3-year or 100,000 kilometre warranty for i10 and Grand Xcent, and 5-year or 100,000 kilometrewarrantyforAccent,Mr.Nadkarniexplained.

2017 Hyunda elantra

Still On The Health of Your Driver

S

ometime in March, I did a piece titled,’’ How healthy is your driver’’. In that piece, I tried to capture the story of Muyeed Sulai, a 48years old truck driver and a father of four whose thriving driving career was a beauty to behold. However, on March 1 2017, Muyeed’s thrivingdrivingcareerhitthebrickwalls.Orsohethought as a medical test revealed he had been driving with two complicated health challenges unknowingly.

He was among the over 1200 National Union of PetroleumandNaturalGas(NUPENG)-PTDdrivers hosted by FRSC Zone6 Port Harcourt during the second edition of the free medical outreach program tagged “Health-In-Motion Beyond The Road” in conjunction with the community health department of Shell Petroleum Development Company for tanker drivers, families and other road users.

I did promise to reveal more health findings and that is my focus for this week.I do hope it will spur you to regularly check your drivers health status.

Allergic conjunctivitis, presbyopia, retinopathy, myopia, glaucoma and cataract are the main ocular challengesamongotherocularconditionsthetanker drivers had based on the data collected during the medical outreach organized by the FRSC in collaboration with the SPDC for tanker drivers in Eleme refinery. Many of these drivers have never had any form of eye screening in their lives of which this outreach availed them this opportunity to do

SAFE DRIVING with

JONAS AGWU

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

this check.

Allergic conjunctivitis is on the increase which could be as a result of the fact that these drivers are exposed to harsh, dusty and dry weather as they transport petroleum products from one part of the country to another with varying degrees of temperature which is invariably generally high.

Severe itching and astenopic conditions that follow if untreated can lead to lack of concentration on the driver’s part especially while driving due to the fact that the driver continuously rubs the irritated eyes and derives joy from doing it.

Presbyopia is experienced by individuals 35/40 years and above. As individuals advanced in age there is tendency that the eye loses its accommodation. This means that the eye is unable to see prints that are at near except it is kept at a distance. This is predominantly found among these drivers who are within this age bracket.

Myopia, literarily known as shortsightedness is another case (which was diagnosed in about 3.5% of the eye conditions) that cannot be over looked.

Individuals in this clique cannot see or read anything (objects, write ups etc) at far depending on the degree especially if it is spiced up with a certain level of Astigmatism (a type of refractive error). In such case a driver will be required not to drive without appropriate spectacle prescription.

Acase of a 49year old driver with a blood pressure of about 160/100 with multiple conjunctival lypoma and matured grade 3 pterygium, on both sides of the two eyes, which has encroached into about 50% of his central vision, is a case to be concerned with.

In the nearest future this driver may lose his vision if there is no immediate surgical intervention. Can this be achieved if this driver has remained ignorant and cannot afford this procedure? A sigh of relief was heaved when this driver retorted that he has quit driving since his condition got worse.

Another incident had a case of a driver about 41 years of age and had claimed to have driven for 20 years was diagnosed with a visual acuity 6/36 on both eyes as a result of retinopathy (disease of the retina). On further investigation, it was observed that this individual had unmanaged diabetes. He confessed that he was ignorant and that was the first time he was going through any form of eye screening. But the truth lies in the fact that this individual might not have been complaint with

his drugs or recalcitrant in visiting a hospital or actually ignorant! He has quit driving since his vision deteriorated.

A 37 year old driver was diagnosed with severe blepharospam(uncontrolledblinkingoftheeyelids).

In this case, when he blinks, it takes approximately 10 to 15 seconds for the lids to open and this with tremendous effort. Imagine when a driver of this caliber is driving a tanker with 33,000liters of PMS! About 4% of the drivers who were screened had at least one of the different types of glaucoma which is characterized by having blurry and hazy vision, seeing haloes (rainbow rings) etc. This is another area of concern since this eye ailment does not have a cure but can be managed though best at its incipient stage.

Just a few of them had at least one of the different types of cataract which is either at an early stage or not ripe for surgery. The drivers in this category with visual acuity not safe for driving were advised to stop driving temporarily until they have undergone a surgical procedure.

Many of these drivers with these eye ailments that posed a threat to driving were virtually referred for further medical aid but how sure are we if these pieces of advice will be adhered to.

DataobtainedonGlaucomafrom:WorldSightDay outreach 2016: 4.5%,FRSC/SHELLOutreach 2016: 5.3%,FRSC/SHELLOutreach2017: 3.48%.This data is for glaucoma cases that were very conspicuous and in an advanced stage. There could be more cases if the necessary parameters are set in place for a comprehensive screening for glaucoma among selected drivers.

28

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž ͚ͽË&#x153; ͺ͸͚Ϳ

FAMILY HEALTH

Sexual Health in Man and Woman

H

uman beings are sexual beings. This is because we are created to fulfill the ultimate purpose of not just enjoying intimacy but to procreate. Therefore . the human body would undergo certain changes from birth, toddler , teenage ,Young adult and mature adult , middle age. And then geriatric years.

These changes are natural developmental processes, which culminate through the years of puberty, the onset of your sexuality becoming visible, up till you become fully aware of the presence, development and use of your sex organs.

Men Long before you had ever heard the word, â&#x20AC;&#x153;penisâ&#x20AC;?, you were well acquainted with what has been called, â&#x20AC;&#x153;manâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s favorite organ.â&#x20AC;? Boys discover their external sex organs in infancy. As they mature, their sex organs continue to develop as their understanding of the male reproductive systems also grows. r 4FY JT BO JNQPSUBOU QBSU PG MJGF 'PS NBOZ NFO UIJOLJOH about sex starts early, often before puberty, and lasts until their final days on earth. On one level, sex is just another hormone-driven bodily function designed to perpetuate the species. On another, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a pleasurable activity. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s also an activity that can help cement the bonds between two people. r 4FYVBM IFBMUI SFGFST UP B TUBUF PG XFMM CFJOH UIBU MFUT a man fully participate in and enjoy sexual activity. A range of physical, psychological, interpersonal, and social factors influence a manâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s sexual health. r 0QUJNBM NBMF TFYVBM IFBMUI JODMVEFT TFYVBM EFTJSF (libido) and the ability to get and sustain an erection (erectile function). Although physiology can affect both the desire for sex and the ability to have sex, mental health and emotional factors also play important roles. r .BMF TFYVBM IFBMUI JTO U NFSFMZ UIF BCTFODF PG EJTFBTF Erectile dysfunction (ED) is the inability to get an erection or to maintain it long enough for satisfying sexual activity. .BOZ UIJOHT DBO DBVTF &% JODMVEJOH TUSFTT EFQSFTTJPO relationship issues, abnormally low testosterone, damage from urological surgery, and even cholesterol-clogged arteries. In fact, it is often an early warning sign for heart disease. ED can be treated with pills, injections into the QFOJT PS EFWJDFT .FO DBO BMTP FYQFSJFODF EJGĂ DVMUJFT related to ejaculation, including premature ejaculation, delayed ejaculation, or the inability to experience orgasm VQPO FKBDVMBUJPO BOPSHBTNJB .BMF TFYVBM IFBMUI BMTP covers the prevention and treatment of sexually transmitted diseases and the assessment and treatment of male infertility.

Testosterone is the hormone that gives men their manliness. Produced by the testicles, it is responsible for male DIBSBDUFSJTUJDT MJLF B EFFQ WPJDF NVTDVMBS CVJME BOE facial hair. Testosterone also fosters the production of SFE CMPPE DFMMT CPPTUT NPPE LFFQT CPOFT TUSPOH BOE BJET UIJOLJOH BCJMJUZ 5FTUPTUFSPOF MFWFMT QFBL CZ FBSMZ BEVMUIPPE BOE ESPQ as you ageâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;about 1% to 2% a year beginning in the 40s.

As men reach their 50s and beyond, this may lead to signs and symptoms, such as impotence or changes in sexual desire, depression or anxiety, reduced muscle mass, less energy, weight gain, anemia, and hot flashes. While falling testosterone levels are a normal part of aging, certain conditions can hasten the decline. These include: r JOKVSZ PS JOGFDUJPO r DIFNPUIFSBQZ PS SBEJBUJPO USFBUNFOU GPS DBODFS r NFEJDBUJPOT FTQFDJBMMZ IPSNPOFT VTFE UP USFBU QSPTUBUF cancer and corticosteroid drugs r DISPOJD JMMOFTT r TUSFTT r BMDPIPMJTN r PCFTJUZ .JMMJPOT PG NFO VTF UFTUPTUFSPOF UIFSBQZ UP SFTUPSF MPX levels and feel more alert, energetic, mentally sharp, and sexually functional. But itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not that simple.Amanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s general IFBMUI BMTP BGGFDUT IJT UFTUPTUFSPOF MFWFMT 'PS JOTUBODF being overweight, having diabetes or thyroid problems, BOE UBLJOH DFSUBJO NFEJDBUJPOT TVDI BT HMVDPDPSUJDPJET and other steroids, can affect levels. Therefore, simply IBWJOH MPX MFWFMT EPFT OPU BMXBZT DBMM GPS UBLJOH FYUSB testosterone.

Women 5BMLJOH BCPVU ZPVS TFYVBM OFFET DBO IFMQ CSJOH ZPV and your partner closer together and promote sexual GVMĂ MMNFOU 5SZ UIFTF UJQT GPS UBMLJOH UP ZPVS QBSUOFS 8PNFO T TFYVBM IFBMUI MJLF NFO T JT JNQPSUBOU UP overall emotional and physical well-being. And achieving a healthy and satisfying sex life doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t happen by NBHJD *U UBLFT TFMG SFĂĄFDUJPO BOE DBOEJE DPNNVOJDBUJPO "MUIPVHI UBMLJOH BCPVU TFYVBMJUZ DBO CF EJGĂ DVMU JU T B topic well worth addressing.

Follow this guide to discussing womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s sexual health concerns and promoting sexual enjoyment r .BOZ QFPQMF UIJOL UIBU TFYVBM BDUJWJUZ JT NPUJWBUFE CZ physical desire, such as the desire of the body to want sex, which leads to sexual arousal and then orgasm. Although this may be true for men, research suggests that womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s sexual motivations and responses may be more complex. r 'PS NBOZ XPNFO QBSUJDVMBSMZ UIPTF XIP BSF PMEFS than 40 or who have gone through menopause, physical desire isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t the primary motivation for sex. A woman may be motivated to have sex to feel close to her partner

with

BOBO BODE -KAYODE

lifeissuesfromwithin@yahoo.com, .Cel, ͸Î&#x20AC;͸ͽ͝͝Ϳͺ͝ͽ͞

EPDUPS NBZ CF BCMF UP TVHHFTU BO BMUFSOBUJWF -JLFXJTF if a physical sign or symptom â&#x20AC;&#x201D; such as vaginal dryOFTT Â&#x2021; JT JOUFSGFSJOH XJUI ZPVS TFYVBM FOKPZNFOU BTL BCPVU USFBUNFOU PQUJPOT 'PS FYBNQMF B MVCSJDBOU PS PUIFS medication can help with vaginal dryness associated with hormonal changes or other factors.

Male sexual health isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t merely the absence of disease. Erectile dysfunction (ED) is the inability to get an erection or to maintain it long enough for satisfying sexual activity. Many things can cause ED, including stress, depression, relationship issues, abnormally low testosterone, damage from urological surgery, and even cholesterolclogged arteries.

In fact, it is often an early warning sign for heart disease. ED can be treated with pills, injections into the penis, or devices. Men can also experience difficulties related to ejaculation, including premature ejaculation, delayed ejaculation, or the inability to experience orgasm upon ejaculation (anorgasmia).

Male sexual health also covers the prevention and treatment of sexually transmitted diseases and the assessment and treatment of male infertility

or to show her feelings. r 8IBU JU NFBOT UP CF TFYVBMMZ TBUJTĂ FE NBZ EJGGFS GPS NFO BOE XPNFO BOE FWFO BNPOH XPNFO 'PS FYBNQMF some women say the pleasure of sexual arousal is sufficient, while others want to experience orgasm. If you have concerns about your sex life, or you just want to Ă OE XBZT UP FOIBODF JU B HPPE Ă STU TUFQ JT UBMLJOH XJUI your partner.

8PNFO T TFYVBM IFBMUI 4UBSU CZ UBMLJOH BCPVU ZPVS OFFET :PV NBZ GFFM VODPNGPSUBCMF UBMLJOH BCPVU ZPVS TFYVBM experiences and desires; however, your partner canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t read ZPVS NJOE 4IBSJOH ZPVS UIPVHIUT BOE FYQFDUBUJPOT BCPVU your sexual experiences can bring you closer together and help you experience greater sexual enjoyment.

To get started r "ENJU ZPVS EJTDPNGPSU *G ZPV GFFM BOYJPVT TBZ TP Opening up about your concerns may help you start the conversation. r 4UBSU UBMLJOH 0ODF ZPV CFHJO UIF DPOWFSTBUJPO ZPVS confidence and comfort level may increase. r 4FU B UJNF MJNJU "WPJE PWFSXIFMNJOH FBDI PUIFS XJUI B MFOHUIZ UBML #Z EFWPUJOH NJOVUF DPOWFSTBUJPOT UP the topic, you might find it easier to stay within your emotional comfort zones. r 5BML SFHVMBSMZ :PVS DPOWFSTBUJPOT BCPVU TFYVBM FYQFSJFODFT BOE EFTJSFT XJMM HFU FBTJFS UIF NPSF ZPV UBML r 6TF B CPPL PS NPWJF *OWJUF ZPVS QBSUOFS UP SFBE B CPPL about womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s sexual health, or recommend chapters or sections that highlight your questions and concerns.

You might also use a movie scene as a starting point for a discussion.

Talk to him about it 8IFO ZPV SF UBMLJOH UP ZPVS QBSUOFS BCPVU ZPVS TFYVBM needs, try to be specific. Consider addressing these topics: 1. Time. Are you setting aside enough time for sexual intimacy? If not, what can you do to change things? How can you prioritize sexual intimacy?

2. Romance. Do you and your partner have the same definition of romance? Is it missing? How can you reignite it? How can romance set the stage for sexual intimacy?

3. Pleasure. What gives you individual and mutual enjoyment? Be open to hearing your partnerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s requests and negotiating differences if one of you is uncomfortable with the otherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s request.

4. Routine vs. rut. Has sex become too routine or preEJDUBCMF 8IBU DIBOHFT NJHIU ZPV NBLF 'PS JOTUBODF explore different times to have sex or try new techniques.

Consider more cuddling, a sensual massageâ&#x20AC;&#x201D; depending on what interests you. &NPUJPOBM JOUJNBDZ 4FY JT NPSF UIBO B QIZTJDBM BDU Remind each other that itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s also an opportunity for emotional connection, which builds closeness in a relationship.

6. Physical and emotional changes.Are physical changes, such as an illness, weight gain, changes after surgery or hormonal changes, affecting your sex life? Also address emotional factors that may be interfering with your ability to enjoy sexual activity, such as being under stress or feeling depressed.

7. Beliefs. Discuss your beliefs and expectations about sexuality. Consider whether misconceptions â&#x20AC;&#x201D; such as the idea that women become less sexual after menopause â&#x20AC;&#x201D; are affecting your sex life.

How to handle differing sexual needs 4FYVBM OFFET WBSZ .BOZ GBDUPST DBO BGGFDU ZPVS TFYVBM appetite, from stress, illness and aging to family, career and social commitments. Whatever the cause, differences in sexual desire between partners can sometimes lead to GFFMJOHT PG JTPMBUJPO PS SFTFOUNFOU 5BML UP ZPVS QBSUOFS about: Your intimacy needs. Intimacy is more than just sexual needs. Intimacy also includes emotional, spiritual, physical and recreational needs. If your emotional intimacy needs arenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t being met, you may be less interested in sex.

5IJOL BCPVU XIBU ZPVS QBSUOFS DPVME EP UP FOIBODF ZPVS FNPUJPOBM JOUJNBDZ BOE UBML BCPVU JU PQFOMZ BOE IPOFTUMZ There could be differences in sexual desire. In any long-term relationship, couples may experience differing levels of sexual desire. Discuss your differences and try to explore options that will satisfy both of you.

If your difficulty persists, consider turning to a doctor PS TFY UIFSBQJTU GPS IFMQ *G ZPV UBLF NFEJDBUJPOT BOE are concerned about your level of desire, review your medications with your doctor. If a particular medication is affecting your comfort with sex or desire for sex, your

Sexual dysfunction Both men and women experience sexual dysfunction, from her vaginal dryness to his erectile dysfunction, to low libido in either partner. But there are ways to treat TFYVBM QSPCMFNT MJLF UIFTF BOE FOKPZ TFY BHBJO 4FYVBM EZTGVODUJPO DBO UBLF NBOZ GPSNT Â&#x2021; JU T OPU MJNJUFE UP FSFDUJMF EZTGVODUJPO PS MBDL PG JOUFSFTU JO TFY PGUFO SFGFSSFE UP BT B MPX MJCJEP 4FYVBM EZTGVODUJPO DBO involve pain during intercourse, an inability to maintain an erection, or difficulty experiencing an orgasm.

Though there are many causes of diminished libido and sexual dysfunction in men and women, there are BMTP NBOZ XBZT UP JODSFBTF MJCJEP BOE SFLJOEMF UIF KPZ of sex once you identify the problem.

4FYVBM %ZTGVODUJPO JO 8PNFO 4FYVBM EZTGVODUJPO JO XPNFO JT HSPVQFE JOUP EJGGFSent disorders: sexual pain, problems with desire, arousal problems, and orgasm difficulty. Changes in hormone levels, medical conditions, and other factors can contribute to low libido and other forms of sexual dysfunction in women.

4QFDJĂ DBMMZ TFYVBM EZTGVODUJPO JO XPNFO NBZ CF EVF UP 1. Vaginal dryness. This can lead to low libido and problems with arousal and desire, as sex can be painful when the vagina isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t properly lubricated. Vaginal dryness can result from hormonal changes that occur during and after menopause or while breastfeeding, for example.

1TZDIPMPHJDBM JTTVFT MJLF BOYJFUZ BCPVU TFY DBO BMTP DBVTF vaginal dryness. And anticipation of painful intercourse due to vaginal dryness may, in turn, decrease a womanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s desire for sex.

-PX MJCJEP -BDL PG TFYVBM EFTJSF DBO BMTP CF DBVTFE CZ MPXFS MFWFMT PG UIF IPSNPOF FTUSPHFO 'BUJHVF EFQSFTTJPO and anxiety can also lead to low libido, as can certain medications, including some antidepressants.

3. Difficulty achieving orgasm. Orgasm disorders, such as delayed orgasms or inability to have one at all, can affect both men and women. Again, some antidepressant medications can also cause these problems.

1BJO EVSJOH TFY 1BJO JT TPNFUJNFT GSPN B LOPXO cause, such as vaginal dryness or endometriosis. But sometimes the cause of painful sex is elusive. experts EPO U LOPX XIBU T CFIJOE UIJT NZTUFSJPVT UZQF PG DISPOJD painful intercourse. Aburning sensation may accompany pain during sex.

Sexual Dysfunction in Men The types of sexual dysfunction men may experience include: 1. Erectile dysfunction (ED). ED can be caused by medical conditions, such as diabetes or high blood pressure, or by anxiety about having sex. Depression, fatigue, and stress can also contribute to erectile dysfunction.

2. Ejaculation problems. These include premature ejaculation (ejaculation that occurs too early during intercourse) and the inability to ejaculate at all. Causes JODMVEF NFEJDBUJPOT MJLF TPNF BOUJEFQSFTTBOUT BOYJFUZ about sex, a history of sexual trauma (such as a partner being unfaithful), and strict religious beliefs.

-PX MJCJEP 1TZDIPMPHJDBM JTTVFT MJLF TUSFTT BOE EFQSFTsion, as well as anxiety about having sex also can lead to a decreased or no sexual desire. Decreased hormone levels (particularly if testosterone is low), physical illnesses, and medication side effects may also diminish libido in men.

Dealing With Sexual Dysfunction All couples should be able to enjoy a healthy sex life â&#x20AC;&#x201D; an important part of a relationship. If you are experiencing sexual dysfunction, bring up your concerns with your doctor. You can often correct your problem by: r (FUUJOH BO BDDVSBUF EJBHOPTJT BOE UIF QSPQFS treatment of any underlying medical condition r 5BMLJOH UP ZPVS QBSUOFS PQFOMZ BCPVU ZPVS TFYVBM relationship r "WPJEJOH BMDPIPM TNPLJOH BOE ESVH VTF r .BOBHJOH TUSFTT BOYJFUZ BOE EFQSFTTJPO r (FUUJOH DSFBUJWF BOE SF FOFSHJ[JOH ZPVS TFYVBM SPVUJOF r (PPE DPNNVOJDBUJPO DBO VOMPDL DMPTFE EPPST JO UIF CFESPPN TP TUBSU CZ UBMLJOH UP ZPVS QBSUOFS BCPVU physical and emotional intimacy. And, if you suspect a NFEJDBM DPOEJUJPO UBML UP ZPVS EPDUPS BCPVU XIBU DPVME be going on with your body.

4UVEJFT IBWF TIPXO UIBU UIFSF BSF NBSLFE DIBOHFT JO your sexual health as you grow older.

Poor sexual functioning and disagreements with a partner about initiating and/or feeling obligated to have sex were associated with greater concerns about and dissatisfaction with overall sex life. Levels of sexual activity decline with increasing age, although a sizable minority of men and women remain sexually active until the eighth and ninth decades of life. Problems with sexual functioning were relatively common, but overall levels of TFYVBM IFBMUI DPODFSOT XFSF NVDI MPXFS 4FYVBMMZ BDUJWF men reported higher levels of concern with their sexual health and sexual dissatisfaction than women at all ages.

Older peoplesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; sexual health should be managed, not just in the context of their age, gender, and general health, but also within their existing sexual relationship.

GLOBAL SOCCER

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER â&#x20AC;¢ JUNE 16, 2011

A

WEEKLY PULL-OUT

15.04.2017

Amapakabo From Grace to Grass

WILL CONTE GET THE BETTER OF JOSE AGAIN ?

PAGE. 29

30

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • APRIL 15, 2017

GLOBAL SOCCER

From Grace to Grass

Amapakabo carried shoulder high by his players after leading Enugu Rangers to the league title last season

Barely seven months after he was celebrated for leading Enugu Rangers to their first trophy in 32 years, by winning the Nigeria Professional Football League title, Coach Imama Amapakabo was on Monday given the sack after a poor run in the league. The final straw was the club’s lackluster performance in the CAF Confederation Cup. Is the problem of the Flying Antelopes that of coaching or inept management? Kunle Adewale asks

E

nugu Rangers on Monday terminated the appointment of their head coach, Imama Amapakabo. The coach signed a two-year contract with the Flying Antelopes last season, but only saw out just over a year of the deal. His assistant, Chukwuma Agbo, will take charge of the team on an interim capacity until a new coach is appointed.

Amapakabo will however have ample time to concentrate on his duties as one of the assistant coaches for the Super Eagles.

Before Amapakabo was given the boot, he and his technical crew had earlier been given a “three-match must win” ultimatum but could only secure a win and two loses in the three games. The last straw that bro9ke the carmel's back however was the team’s 2-2 draw against Zesco United of Zambia in the CAF Confederation Cup in spite of having led by two goals.

Confirming that he had been relieved of his job, he tweeted, “It’s official. I have received a termination of my contract with Rangers International Football Club by email by 5:35. pm. Thank you lord for everything.”

Sylvanus Okpala, an ex-international and also a former assistant coach with the Super Eagles during the reign of late Stephen Keshi is being mooted as a replacement for Imama.

In a chat with THISDAY, former Nigerian international, Peter Nieketin is of the opinion that the problem with Enugu Rangers was beyond coaching.

“How can a coach be rated very high and few months later, he was no longer good on the same job? Definitely, something is wrong somewhere. I am not an insider and could not really know what really went wrong with the team, but I know it is not a coaching problem,” Nieketin said.

Asked if the management of Enugu Rangers was justified to have sacked Amapakabo, the member of the Nigerian team to the 1987 World Youth Championship in Chile said, “I don’t know the terms of the contract and the clause in it, but I know Imama to be a very good coach and if given more time, he would turn things around in the team.”

For Friday Ekpo, however, he blamed the club management, coach and players for failure to manage the success that came their way last season.

“It is a pity that such is the lot of Imama Amapakabo after leading Rangers to break 32-year trophy drought, but that is football for you. What indeed really went wrong was that after winning the league last season, they went to sleep. The management, the coaches and the players took things for granted and did not prepare well for

the coming season,” Ekpo told THISDAY. Continuing, the former Nigerian international said, “Rangers were too much in a hurry for more success after 32 years without really knowing how to manage it.

The three-match win ultimatum even piled the pressure on Amapakabo.”

Ekpo blamed Amapakabo for not tendering his resignation after the three-match ultimatum.

“In Nigerian football, when a coach is given an ultimatum, it is always difficult to survive. If he had studied the three matches involved, he should have known that there was no way he would have met up and resignation would have been a better option rather than wait to be booted out,” he noted.

He advised Amapakabo to take time and reflect on what really went wrong, just as he charged Rangers’ management to give the new coach a free hand to operate.

Football could be cruel at times, was it

31

APRIL 15, 2017 • THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

GLOBAL SOCCER

Amapakabo

Christian Chukwu, chaired the meeting that gave Amapakabo a three-match win ultimatum

not the same Claudio Ranieri that led Leicester City to unprecedented Premier League win last season that had to be sacked earlier the season,” Ekpo asked.

Aside from being a former junior international and a stint with Enyimba of Aba, very little was known about Amapakabo in the Nigeria soccer scene until he led Rangers to end the clubs’ 32-year trophy drought.

Before now, no football club in the country had dominated the Nigeria soccer scene more than Enugu Rangers and if there is one football club that had produced notable players for the national team, it is the Flying Antelopes.

In the ‘70s and early ‘80s, Rangers dominated the Nigeria soccer scene like a colossus and names like-Christian Chukwu, Emmanuel Okalla, Stanley Okoronkwo, Kenneth Abana, Dominic Nwobodo, Aloysius Atuegbu, Sylvanus Opkalla, Jay Jay Okocha, Michael Emenalo readily come to mind.

At a stage, the Coal City side was producing about 10 players for the national team, and the popular saying then was “no Rangers, no Nigeria.”

But all the dominance came to an end in 1984; it was the last time Rangers won any trophy of any kind in the country.

Since then, the team has been struggling and moving from one crisis to another.

Decades later, at the end of last season’s league, the famous “Holy, holy, holy, Enugu Rangers another champion,”

again rented the air and the man at the centre of it all was Amapakabo.

On the secret behind the team’s success last season, he had said, “I can’t say there is anything so special. I think the secret of any achievement is hard work, determination and a bit of luck here and there.

One can define luck as when preparation meets opportunity. Ours is a story of adequate preparation and opportunity meeting luck.”

He also praised the effort of Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, for his support and commitment to the team. “I learnt for nine years plus, no sitting governor of the state had paid the club a visit. This present governor has shown more than just passive commitment to the club,” he said.

The impact and effort of Amapakabo did not go unnoticed as the eggheads of the Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, drafted him to assist Super Eagles Coach, Salisu Abubakar.

“In whatever human endeavour you find yourself, if you do not aspire to get to the top, then you are not worthy of being there. I aspire to one day coach the senior national team. It is also my dream to one day coach the Super Eagles to win the World Cup. These are my aspirations.

I believe the time will come for me to be called to come and handle the Super Eagles,” Amapakabo said.

Meanwhile, in a twist of fate, the Enugu State Government has debunked reports suggesting Amapakabo had been sacked.

The Commissioner for Youths and Sports in the state, Mr. Charles Ndukwe, made this clarification to journalists at the end of the State Executive Council meeting held at Government House, Enugu Wednesday.

He stated that Amapakabo was only suspended by the state government based on the club’s recent run of poor performance which was also evident in their home match, last Sunday, against Zesco United Football Club of Zambia.

Noting that a sack letter could not have been issued to the coach without the state government’s consent, the commissioner said, “the general manager has no right to sack a coach, and Enugu State government cannot take an abnormal action.”

Amapakabo, at the end of last season became the beautiful bride of many prominent clubs both within and outside the country, but chose to remain with the Enugu side whom he piloted to break the long standing jinx of Enugu Rangers trophy drought by wining the Nigeria league.

G LO B A L S O C C E R ASSISTANT EDITOR KUNLE ADEWALE WAHAB AKINTUNDE THISDAY ON SATURDAY EDITOR SHAKA MOMODU DEPUTY EDITOR YEMI ADEBOWALE THISDAY NEWSPAPERS EDITOR-IN-CHIEF/CHAIRMAN NDUKA OBAIGBENA MANAGING DIRECTOR ENIOLA BELLO DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR KAYODE KOMOLAFE

32

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • APRIL 15, 2017

GLOBAL SOCCER

Man U Stake Top Four Quest against Chelsea Title Ambition

A place for top four has never been this competitive in the history of the English Premier League with just seven matches to go and seven teams mathematically having a chance. That is why Sunday’s encounter between Manchester United and league leaders-Chelsea has the billing of a cup final and the fact that the Red Devils have twice lost to Antonio Conte will add another spice to the game.

Anything short of a victory could knockout Jose Mourinho’s chance for a place in next season’s UEFA Champions League while victory would put pressure on the Blues’ title ambition with Tottenham Hotspurs lurking in the shadows

L

eaders Chelsea will look to end Manchester United's unbeaten run of 21 Premier League games when the pair lock horns At Old Trafford tomorrow.United have not lost in the league since the 4-0 defeat to Chelsea at Stamford Bridge in October, winning 11 games and picking up 10 draws.

The match also sees Jose Mourinho host his former side for the first time as United boss, having lost both games to Chelsea already this season - conceding five goals and scoring none.

However, Mourinho has insisted he won't be fuelled by revenge when United host Chelsea on Sunday because he regards the crucial clash against his old club as just another game.

Mourinho, sacked by Chelsea last season, could be forgiven for doing everything in his power to beat Antonio Conte's side after suffering two chastening defeats at the hands of the

Premier League leaders earlier this season.

The 54-year-old was humiliated on his return to Stamford Bridge in October and took umbrage with Conte's touchline celebrations as Chelsea cruised to a 4-0 win.

Mourinho fared no better when he went back to the Bridge in the FA Cup quarter-finals in March as Chelsea won 1-0 after United midfielder Ander Herrera was sent off.

Adding insult to injury for Mourinho, the self-styled "Special One" was taunted

by Chelsea fans who called him "Judas" and chanted "you're not special anymore" following the United manager's touchline row with Conte.

Mourinho, the most successful manager in Chelsea's history, hit back by pointing out that "Judas is number one" in Chelsea's record books.

With fifth-placed United desperately needing a victory this weekend in the battle for Champions League qualification and Chelsea, seven points clear at the top, looking to move a step closer to the title in Conte's first season, the stage is set for a classic encounter.

But Mourinho is trying his best to take the

emotion out of the showdown, insisting Sunday's match is like any other.

"You say that word 'emotion'," he said when asked how his emotions differ from the previous meetings."For me, it is just a game. One more game. No difference for me."

Asked if there was nothing special about the game, Mourinho: "No, not at all."

United have gone on a 21-match unbeaten league run since losing to Chelsea in October, but a lack of cutting edge has damaged their bid to finish in the top four.

That lack of cutting edge reared its head again on Thursday as Anderlecht snatched a late 1-1 draw in the first leg of their Europa League quarter-final.

Chelsea have had no draining European fixtures to distract them from the Premier League title race this season, giving them a freshness Mourinho says has been beneficial for his former club.

"First of all, some guys are fresh, some guys are tired," the United boss said when asked how the sides compare.

"That's very important in football. But

Midfield battle between Paul Pogba and N'golo Kante will in a long way determine where the tide goes between Manchester United and Chelsea

for some reason they are top of the league, it's not just because they are fresh. It's also because they have individual quality and they have collective quality. They have a certain style of play. They stick to it, they do it very well."

While United are looking to end their worst-ever Premier League run against Chelsea (D4 L4), Conte's side are chasing much more than just a rare double over Sunday's opponents.

With Tottenham hosting Bournemouth earlier today, Chelsea's gap at the top could be reduced once more to just four points if Spurs win, however, victory at Old Trafford would take Conte one step closer to a league triumph in his first season in England, while it would also dent United's hopes of a top-four finish.

Meanwhile, David de Gea is set to return to the Manchester United's starting line-up against leaders Chelsea. The goalkeeper missed last weekend's trip to Sunderland with a minor injury and was an unused substitute in the midweek trip to Anderlecht.

33

APRIL 15, 2017 • THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

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

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

31 31 32 31 30 30 32 32 30 31 31 32 32 32 32 31 32 32 31 31

40 42 28 25 22 22 21 -2 0 -16 -12 -12 -13 -15 -14 -8 -31 -30 -15 -32

75 68 63 61 57 54 54 44 40 37 36 36 36 36 35 34 30 28 24 20

29 29 29 29 29 29 29 29 29 29 29 29 29 29 29 29 29 29 29 29

40 38 36 20 24 13 10 9 1 6 -7 -2 -13 -22 -10 -13 -29 -36 -28 -37

73 65 63 57 55 55 53 48 41 40 38 36 34 32 31 29 22 15 14 12

Premier League TODAY Tottenham Crystal Palace Everton Stoke City Sunderland Watford Southampton SUNDAY West Brom ManUtd MONDAY Middlesbrough

STATS • Manchester United are without a win in eight Premier League games against Chelsea (D4 L4); their longest ever winless streak against a single opponent in the competition.

•Chelsea are looking to achieve a league double over Manchester United for the first time since the 2009/10 season under Carlo Ancelotti.

•A win for the away side would see Antonio Conte become the fourth Chelsea boss to record a Premier League double over the United, after Glenn Hoddle in 1993/94, Jose Mourinho in 2004/05 and Carlo Ancelotti in 2009/10.

•United have scored just three goals in their last 10 games against Chelsea in all competitions (an average of 0.3 per game).

•N'Golo Kante has netted each of Chelsea's last two goals against the Reds in all competitions - they are his only goals in 34 appearances for Conte's side.

•United's Premier League unbeaten run now stands at 21 matches (W11 D10 L0) - the joint 10th longest unbeaten run in the history of the competition.

•Zlatan Ibrahimovic has been involved in 18 goals in his last 17 Premier League appearances (13 goals, 5 assists) for United.

G LO B A L S O C C E R ASSISTANT EDITOR KUNLE ADEWALE WAHAB AKINTUNDE THISDAY ON SATURDAY EDITOR SHAKA MOMODU DEPUTY EDITOR YEMI ADEBOWALE THISDAY NEWSPAPERS EDITOR-IN-CHIEF/CHAIRMAN NDUKA OBAIGBENA MANAGING DIRECTOR ENIOLA BELLO DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR KAYODE KOMOLAFE

23/10/16 07/02/16 28/12/15 18/04/15 26/10/14 19/01/14 26/08/13 05/05/13 28/10/12 05/02/12 18/09/11 08/05/11 01/03/11 03/04/10

Bournemouth Leicester Burnley Hull City West Ham Swansea City ManCity

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

v v

Liverpool Chelsea

13:30 16:00

v

Arsenal

20:00

Chelsea Chelsea Man Utd Chelsea Man Utd Chelsea Man Utd Man Utd Chelsea Chelsea Man Utd Manc Utd Chelsea Man Utd

Hot Shots

Romelu Lukaku Harry Kane Alexis Sánchez Diego Costa Zlatan Ibrahimovic Sergio Agüero Dele Alli Jermain Defoe Eden Hazard Mane Joshua King Fernando Llorente Christian Benteke Heung-Min Sun

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

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

30 31 31 31 31 31 31 31 31 30 31 31 31 31 31 31 31 31 31 31

48 60 32 17 21 4 10 4 1 -6 -9 -7 -2 -11 -18 -17 -22 -29 -38 -38

72 69 62 61 54 52 50 50 46 41 40 39 38 33 31 28 27 22 20 17

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

56 21 23 27 3 -11 7 -2 -2 5 -4 -2 -23 -15 -11 -19 -16 -37

68 58 51 50 43 41 40 39 38 37 36 35 33 30 29 29 28 15

Spanish La Liga Fixtures

v v v v v v v

Head to Head

La Liga

4-0 1-1 0-0 1-0 1-1 3-1 0-0 0-1 2-3 3-3 3-1 2-1 2-1 1-2

v v v v

Malaga Madrid Osasuna Sociedad

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

v v v v

Espanyol Sevilla Eibar Celta Vigo

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

v

Villarreal

19:45

Bundesliga Fixtures

Man Utd Man Utd Chelsea Man Utd Chelsea Man Utd Chelsea Chelsea Man Utd Man Utd Chelsea Chelsea Man Utd Chelsea

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

TODAY Deportivo Sporting Atlético Barcelona SUNDAY Leganés Valencia Real Betis Granada MONDAY Alavés

TODAY

23 19 18 17 17 16 16 14 14 13 13 11 11 11

Mainz

v

Hertha

14:30

Dortmund

v

Frankfurt

14:30

Augsburg

v

Köln

14:30

Leipzig

v

Freiburg

14:30

Hoffenheim

v

M’gladbach

14:30

Wolfsburg

v

Ingolstadt

14:30

Leverkusen SUNDAY

v

Bayern

17:30

Bremen

v

Hamburger

14:30

Darmstadt

v

Schalke

16:30

Serie A Fixtures TODAY Inter

v

Milan

11:30

Cagliari

v

Chievo

14:00

Fiorentina

v

Empoli

14:00

Genoa

v

Lazio

14:00

Palermo

v

Bologna

14:00

Pescara

v

Juventus

14:00

Roma

v

Atalanta

14:00

Torino

v

Crotone

14:00

Sassuolo

v

Sampdoria

17:00

Napoli

v

Udinese

19:45

34

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • APRIL 15, 2017

GLOBAL SOCCERR\\OTHER SPORTS

Burns (right) out punching one of his opponents

L-R: Marketing Manager Guinness, Uche Onwudiwe, DSTV Sports analyst, Moses Praiz and Consumer Connections Manager, Guinness Nigeria at the Guinness Nigeria Made of Football event held in Owerri recently

Burns Weighs-in Heavier for World Title Ricky Burns has reiterated his world super-lightweight unification clash with Julius Indongo is the biggest fight of his career.

The Coatbridge fighter was the heavier of the two men at Friday's weigh-in, tipping the scales at 9st 13lbs 4oz, with IBF champion Indongo coming in at 9st 13lbs 0.25oz.

And WBA champion Burns is raring to go ahead of his eagerlyanticipated clash with the unbeaten Indongo.

"I am really looking forward to tomorrow night," he told Sky Sports News HQ at Friday's weigh-in.

"For me all the hard work is done, that's the hard part, the weight is

made and I can concentrate fully on the fight now.

"We are expecting a very tricky fight. I am a believer in whatever happens on the night is going to happen. I tend to let them worry about me rather than the other way round.

"As long as I win that is the main thing. This is the biggest fight in my career in my eyes. "These unification fights have been spoken about for years and now we're nearly there.

I just can't wait to climb through the ropes at the Hydro."

Burns confessed he is not overly familiar with his Namibian opponent, who knocked out Eduard Troya-

novsky in his last fight to capture the IBF strap.

But Rickster is convinced his experience will be a telling factor against Indongo, who has had 21 bouts compared to Burns' 47.

He said: "On YouTube you can get a few rounds here or there but you can't really take much from when he won the title. "Obviously he knocked the champion out in about thirty seconds but tonight I am going to find out just how good he is and how hard he hits.

"I could tell he was a wee bit nervous [at the weigh-in] but this is my 48th fight. I have been here and done it. Roll on tomorrow night."

McLaren: Button Excited at Monaco GP F1 Return Jenson Button did not need to be persuaded to return to F1 for next month's Monaco GP and will be back up to speed within "10 laps" of practice, according to McLaren chief Eric Boullier.

Just six months after beginning a sabbatical which is expected to give way to a full F1 retirement, Button will be back in a McLaren for F1's blue-riband race after Fernando Alonso chose to compete in the similarly prestigious Indianapolis 500 on the same weekend.

With Alonso's Indy drive only coming together in the last seven days, Boullier says his initial discussion with Button lasted all of "two minutes" before an agreement was reached on the 37-year-old's return.

"I rang him and we discussed it and his first reaction was just 'great, I'm so excited'," the McLaren racing director said.

"It was an easy discussion, to be

honest - very straightforward. He was the choice. He had a contract with us anyway, but you could feel his excitement over the phone was real and I'm happy that it will be part of his adventure."

Although Boullier confirmed Button has completed some simulator work at McLaren's Woking HQ since stepping down from a race seat last November, the Briton has not driven the new MCL32 on a race track.

And his first such real-life experience will come in Thursday practice at Monaco after Button and the team decided he would not run in next week's two-day Bahrain test.

"We discussed this at length together," explained Boullier. "Jenson obviously spent 17 years racing in Formula 1 and he actually drove the kind of levels of downforce we have today.

"Going through the difference on the technicalities to drive this car, we

agreed that the track layout here [in Bahrain] or even practice running in Barcelona [at the Spanish GP] would not be very useful.

"He's fit, he's ready and having Oliver Turvey in the car next week is part of fine tuning the correlation with our simulator. Our simulator in MTC [McLaren Technology Centre] is very accurate now and we both believe that it's better for him to spend a couple of days in the simulator driving this car into the streets of Monaco."

And, although Button will have been out of an F1 car for half a year by the time of the Monaco GP week of May 25-28, Boullier has no doubt the 2009 world champion will be at his best very quickly.

"He is very talented, a world champion, and has had a long experience in Formula 1," he added.

"I can guarantee you that by lap 10 in Practice One he will be ok."

Kyrgios Withdraws from Monte Carlo Masters Australian Nick Kyrgios has confirmed he has delayed the start of his clay-court campaign until May. The 21-year-old made the announcement via his Twitter account on Good Friday.

The news was not unexpected as it was reported earlier in the week that he was considering pulling out

of the Masters Series event in Monte Carlo which begins on Sunday.

Although Kyrgios did not give a reason for his withdrawal, it is believed he is suffering from fatigue following a busy start to the season.

Last week he was part of an Australia team which beat the United States to reach the semi-finals of the

Davis Cup. The Canberra-born player will now contest the Estoril Open in Portugal which starts in May. Roger Federer and Gael Monfils have already confirmed they will not be taking part in next week's tournament in the south of France.

Lord Coe:

Goal Partners with Remo Stars Football website, Goal.com, a subsidiary of Perform Group, have reached an agreement with Nigeria Professional Football League side, Remo Stars to become the Online Media Partner of the club.

The agreement will see Goal.com promote Remo Stars across its digital platforms with weekly editorials, features, news and players’ profiles.

Goal.com will in turn enjoy first access to management and players post-match, images and other content for promotional purposes.

Remo Stars will enjoy the benefits of being associated with one of the most visited football website in Nigeria, with a network of more than 36 editions across the globe publishing in more than 30 languages.

Speaking about the partnership, Perform West Africa Country Manager, Mr. Seun Methowe said, “We have been looking for strategic ways to engage the budding Nigerian domestic football scene and Remo Stars is a club that fits into our vision.”

“They are a dynamic young club that have ambition to grow into a successful brand. With Goal’s Online Media Partnership, Remo Stars will be able to tell the stories of their club on and off the pitch to our wide network of discerning users who are obsessed with football,” Methowe concluded.

Remo Stars General Manager Mr. Lookman Ogungberin also spoke about the partnership: “Remo Stars have entered into this agreement with Goal.com Nigeria in order to grow our brand equity. While we continue to strive for success on the pitch, we believe telling our stories in and out of the pitch through Goal.com will create the synergy we need to become a respected club in Nigeria.”

The deal would run for one year in its first instalment with an option of extension.

LordCoe:RussiaAnti-doping DelaysDisappointing The lack of progress made by Russia in anti-doping reforms has "disappointed" IAAF president Lord Coe. Russia is barred from international athletics after last year's McLaren report claimed more than 1,000 athletes benefited from a state-sponsored doping programme between 2011 and 2015.

The Russians vowed to make changes but the taskforce set up to monitor those has delivered a damning report.

"There is no reason why better progress has not been made," Coe said.

"It's not that complicated, frankly. The criteria we laid down is the criteria that stands. There is no timeline here.

We are going to see this through."

Speaking at a IAAF council meeting in London, Coe said that the six milestones set out for the reinstatement of the Russian Athletics Federation are still outstanding.

Furthermore, the taskforce concluded "it does not look like they will be met any time soon".

Their concerns centre on problems with testing, the difficulties in getting biological passport samples, issues around closed cities, and the employment of coaches who were linked to tainted regimes.

Meanwhile, the World Anti-Doping Agency has lifted the suspension on the doping analysis laboratory in Doha.

It was one of 34 Wada-accredited facilities to lose its status last year.

Coe also confirmed that world athletics' governing body has scrapped plans to remove the 50km men's walk from the Olympic programme.

T H I S D AY SATURDAY APRIL 15, 2017

35

36

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ ͹ͽ˜ ͺ͸͹͵

FAIRGROUND

UBA CEO Awards: A Night of Glitz and Glamour

with

AZUKA OGUJIUBA

azuka.ogujiuba@thisdaylive.com

O

nce again, the panAfrican financial services group, United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc, proved to be a leader in the banking industry as it held its UBA CEO Awards Night, an evening, where bankers dumped their usual mien and emerged in their finery. It was a night when staff let go of all the airs of being bankers and got immersed in the excitement of one special evening. The awards night is, perhaps, the only one of its kind in the banking industry that can match up to any international celebrity show.

Eko Hotel and Suites came alive on the evening of April 8, 2017, as staff, customers and friends of Africa’s global bank walked onto a well-laid red carpet, ushering them into what turned out to be an unforgettable and exciting evening.

The event which has been jokingly tagged the “Grammy” of the UBA financial calendar, is an evening of fun, entertainment and celebration.

It is a special evening with the sole purpose of celebrating the bank’s staff that had performed exceptionally in the outgoing financial year.

It is a tradition that the bank has maintained since 2008 and this was the ninth edition since its inception.

It lived up to its reputation as a night of glamour and glitz as bankers turned out in a “party” mode to celebrate their colleagues who stood out in the 2016 financial year. The theme of the night: ‘The Journey,’ was aimed at celebrating UBA’s rich history as one of the biggest and dominant banks through the ages from its inception in 1949. Beyond the red carpet, the expo hall of Eko Hotel and Suites emerged into an exciting mix of lights and music. The stage was set and the evening did not fail to deliver non-stop entertainment from beginning to the early hours of Sunday. It was like being on Broad Way, as ace compere, Ebere Young and Kate Henshaw, led the guests through a night of fun and laughter and of course, lots to eat and drink.

The multicultural diversity of the UBA Group was on full display as board members and the managing directors of the UBA subsidiaries in all its 19 countries of operations outside Nigeria also attended the event.

Also present were distinguished Nigerians, including the Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu,

Group Chairman of UBA Plc, Mr. Tony Elumelu and wife, Awele

Juju Music Legend, King Sunny Ade performing on stage

Mr. Ibrahim Puri, Kennedy Uzoka, Governor Mohammed Abdullahi Abubakar, Governor Bindow Jibrilla, Mr. Tony Elumelu, Dr Ike Ekweremadu, Dr. Frank Nweke Jr

Group Managing Director/CEO UBA Plc, Mr. Kennedy Uzoka and wife , Lotana

Deputy Managing Director Mr Victor Osadolor and wife Aderonke

Governor of Bauchi State, His Excellency, Mohammed Abdullahi Abubakar ; Deputy Senate President, Sen. Ike Ekweremadu; GMD/CEO, UBA Plc, Mr. Kennedy Uzoka; UBA CEO awardee, Mr. Ibrahim Ogbonago; Group Chairman, UBA Plc, Mr. Tony Elumelu; Governor of Adamawa State, His Excellency Bindow Jibrilla ; Directors, UBA Plc, Mrs. Onari Duke and Alhaji Ja’afaru Paki, during the presentation of UBA CEO Awards for Excellence to Mr. Ogbonago, a UBA Security Guard who returned a lost amount of $,10,000 belonging to a customer

37

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ ͹ͽ˜ ͺ͸͹͵

FAIRGROUND UBA CEO Awards: A Night of Glitz and Glamour Cont’d from Pg. 36 Governor of Bauchi State, Mohammed Abdullahi Abubakar, the Governor of Adamawa State, Bindo Jibralla, Former Governor of CrossRiver State and his wife, Mr. and Mrs Donald Duke. Others were the board and management of the UBA Group, including UBA Chairman, Tony O. Elumelu and wife, Awele; GMD/CEO, Kennedy Uzoka and wife, Lotanna and other key directors of the bank. In line with its geographic spread, board members of UBA subsidiaries across Africa were present.

The highlight of the evening was the presentation of an award for excellence to Mr. Mohammed Ibrahim Ogbanago, a security man with the Oba Akran branch of the bank for returning $10,000 belonging to a customer who forgot the money in the branch last July.

Apparently inspired by the story of the man who earns less than N2m annual salary being honest enough to return the lost amount, both governors present as well as the deputy Senate President showered Mohammed with $5,000, $10,000 and N5m respectively, bringing the total to about N11m.

Ekweremadu also announced at the event that apart from the N5m that will be given to him by the Nigerian senate, the integrity of the young man will also be announced at plenary. Some other staff who received awards at the ceremony, included the CEO of UBA Ghana, Abiola Buwah and the Managing Director of UBA Zambia.

The night also experienced high level performances from Africa’s top musical stars.

Staff took to the dance floor as they experienced back to back electrifying performances from King Sunny Ade, Psquare, Flavour, Awilo, Dr Syd, Adekunle Gold, KC Presh, Kaffy among others who thrilled the staff and guests for hours unending.

Also on stage to crack the ribs of the audience with jokes was Akpororo.

This was a night of intense fun as staff danced and laughed for a greater part of the night without any consideration for the stress that usually comes with their job.

Group Managing Director UBA Plc, Mr Kennedy Uzoka; Awardee and Managing Director, UBA Ghana, Mrs Abiola Bawuah and Chairperson of Avon Healthcare Limited, Dr Awele Elumelu

L-R: CEO, UBA Francophone Africa, Mr. Emeke Iweriebor; Executive Director, Lagos and West, Mr Ayo Liadi; CEO, UBA Anglophone Africa, Mr. Oliver Alawuba; Awardee and MD/CEO, UBA Tanzania, Mr. Peter Makau

Former Governor of Ogun State, Aremu Olusegun Osoba, Publisher of Vanguard Prince Sam Amuka-Pemu, Chairman of UBA Plc, Tony Elumelu and Director of UBA PLC, Chief Kola Jamodu

Executive Director, Lagos and West, Liadi Ayoku and Bolajoko

Chairman, BUA Group, Alhaji Abdulsamad Rabiu and Group Chairman, UBA Plc, Mr. Tony Elumelu

Senator Gbenga Ashafa

Former Governor of Cross River State, Mr. Donald Duke and his wife Onari who is a director of the bank

Big Brother Naija Reality Show Winner Efe Presented with SUV

E

fe Ejeba, the winner of the reality show, Big Brother Naija has been presented with the key to his SUV at a press conference held in Lagos to welcome him and Bisola Aiyeola, the first runner up of the show. Efe emerged winner after beating 11 other contenders to clinch the star prize of N25million and an SUV. Managing Director, MultiChoice Nigeria, John Ugbe, speaking at the event, said MultiChoice was not only celebrating Efe but other people who worked tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure that the show was a phenomenal success.

“The Big Brother Naijashow was a veritable platform used in educating and enlightening the viewers about the many challenges, both social and environmental, being faced by people across the country through the many creative presentations made by housemates. In addition, it showed the power of voters as the winner emerged based on their votes,” said Ugbe.

“We also want to use this opportunity to celebrate our sponsors who believed in the project and put the seal of their brands on it,” Ugbe added.

In his remark, Efe thanked MultiChoice Nigeria for giving him the platform to show the world his person and for the opportunity.

Efe said: “The feeling has been so amazing right from the airport up till this moment. I want to

thank MultiChoice for this opportunity and the sponsors, Indomie, Minimie and Heritage Bank - for organising and paying for my wedding in the house - as well as PayPorte for all the beautiful clothes and shoes.”

Chief Executive Officer, PayPorte, Eyo Bassey, said, “PayPorte is proud of the show which had sold Nigeria to the world and we are happy with the sponsorship and relationship. We have already engaged four of the ex-housemates and we will take it further by supporting their business plans and even securing office spaces where they can begin. We are grateful for the opportunity.”

Also in attendance was Group Head, Corporate Affairs, Heritage Bank, Fela Ibidapo, who thanked MultiChoice for the privilege to support the show and give it value. “Heritage Bank hoped to define the platform and we are proud of our involvement as we took banking beyond financial activities.” The bank promised to continue to grow capacity for the ex-housemates.

The Big Brother Naija show was aimed at identifying, nurturing, and promoting young talent to a wide range of viewers across the African continent. After a 10-year hiatus, the show was repackaged to give more Nigerian youth the opportunity to showcase their talent to the world. The year’s edition was hosted by former Big Brother Nigeria housemate, Ebuka

John Ugbe, Michael Efe Ejeba (winner of BBNaija Season 2) andWangi Mba-Uzokwu

Obi-Uchendu.

Regional Director, M-Net, Wangi MbaUzoukwu, said Big Brother Naija had indeed put Nigeria on the world map. According to her, in the history of M-Net productions, particularly in the last week before the show’s finale, they

had never collated such a large amount of votes.

“Over 27 million votes were recorded before the finale,” she enthused.

Other ex-housemates present at the conference included Bassey, Bally, ThinTallTony, Jon, Soma, Gifty and CocoIce.

38

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

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

39

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

40

FITNESS FILE

Best Gym Workouts For Beginners

The Edenlifestyle corner with

MAJE AYIDA

majeayida@edenlifenigeria.com www.edenlifenigeria.com, 07062614551

A

re you a victim of gymtimidation? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. A massive 20% of men state a fear of not knowing what they’re doing as the major factor keeping them out of the gym.

Being too shy to elbow past the bros and onto the bench press is nothing to be ashamed of. But arm yourself with this muscle-building manual below and you’ll gain the confidence to take on any barbell.

Here is my pick of the best beginner’s moves, plus a quick explanation of what makes each one uniquely useful, and use the exercises to create a bespoke workout that fits your training goals. Good luck.

Seated Barbell Press Sit on the bench holding a barbell in front of your shoulders with an overhand grip. Press the weight up above your head until your arms are fully extended. Return slowly to the start position.

This exercise is a safer alternative for beginners to the military press behind your neck, which can lead to a painful injury called shoulder impingement syndrome. Sitting down also takes the strain of your lower back, making this one of the safest ways to build bigger shoulders.

Pull-Ups Grab the handles of the pull-up station with your palms facing away from you and your arms fully extended.

Your hands should be around shoulderwidth apart. Squeeze your shoulder blades together, exhale and drive your elbows towards your hips to bring your chin above the bar. Lower under control back to the start position.

Choosing to do the overhand pull-up and not the underhand chin-up is more difficult, but boosts strength and builds muscle more quickly. This is because it engages more of the major muscles, lattismus dorsi, and therefore stimulates more growth. Don’t be afraid to use the assisted pull-up machine to get the technique nailed first.

Inverted Rows Set up a bar in a rack at waist height.

Hold it at shoulder-width, with an underhand grip, and hang underneath.

Position yourself with heels out in front of you and arms fully extended. Your body should be straight from shoulders to ankles. Flex at the elbows to pull your chest up to the bar. Lower yourself back to the start position under control.

When the cable machines and dumbbells are taken, or too intimidating, resort to using your body weight for gains to your back and biceps. Match every set of press-ups with a set of these to even out muscle imbalances and avoid rounded shoulders.

Seated Row Sit in front of a pulley column and set your feet firmly at its base. Grab the handle and, with your arms extended, lean back until your torso is at a 90-degree angle from your legs.

Now, keeping the torso stationary, pull the handles back towards your chest, squeezing your back muscles hard.

By only allowing you to work in

one plane of movement these fixed resistance machines are foolproof and removing the risk of hurting yourself.

And, although primarily used for back and biceps, this exercise forces you to tense your core while maintaining a flat back for a side order of six-pack abs.

Cable Flys Attach stirrup handles to the high pulleys of a cable crossover machine.

Take one in each hand, your arms should be outstretched with a slight bend at the elbow. Place one foot slightly forward, brace you core, and pull the handles slightly downward and across your body until your hands meet, then slowly return to the start position.

Before you go rushing into chestand-shoulder builders like the inverted bench press, you need to strengthen your ligaments and tendons and create a platform from which to build without the risk of injury. Take advantage of the cables wide range of movement to focus on the little guys, not just your pecs.

Bulgarian Split Squat Holding a dumbbell in each hand, stand facing away from a bench with one leg resting on it, laces down. Squat down with your standing leg until the knee of your trailing leg almost touches the floor. Push up through your front foot to return to the start position.

Don’t be tricked into sitting on the leg press/curl machine. When it comes to working your lower body you want well-balanced strength and muscle gains. Huge quads and puny hamstrings will come back to haunt you with a nasty injury at your next 5-a-side. This move works your whole leg through a huge range of motion hitting the maximum muscle fibres.’

Weighted Ab Curl Attach a rope to a high pulley and

kneel in front of it, with the handles held either side of your neck. Without moving your hips, contract your abs to bring your elbows to your thighs.

Pause for a moment then slowly return to the starting position. You might think sit-ups would be standard six-pack fare, but when it comes to crunches the temptation to slump back to the floor during every rep means you’re only getting half the benefit. Holding onto the cable keeps your core under tension for both phases of the movement to build more muscle around your middle.

Dumbbell Step Up Stand holding dumbbells at your side with palms facing towards your body.

Place your right foot onto the bench and push up through your heel to lift yourself up and place your left foot on the platform. Step back down with your left foot, concentrating on flexing your hip and the knee of your right leg.

Repeat on the other side.

This is another leg day moves that activates all of your leg muscles including your glutes, quads and hamstrings.

It’s low impact too, which makes it the perfect option for anyone with a history of knee pain, or recovering from a knee injury.

Dumbbell Bench Press Lie down on a flat bench with a dumbbell in each hand, holding them in front of your shoulders. Breathe out and use your chest to push the dumbbells up, straightening your arms.

Pause for a second with your arms fully extended and then return under control to the start position. If you’re new to the gym your dominant side will almost certainly be stronger. Barbells let your strong side compensate, but by using dumbbells you can stop as soon as you weak side throws in the towel and therefore even out any imbalances.

A lop-sided chest is a head-turner for all the wrong reasons.

Underhand Lat Pulldown Grab the overhead bar with a grip narrower than shoulder width apart and your palms facing towards you.

Lean your torso back to around 30 degrees and set your core. Keeping your elbows in and your upper body stationary, pull the bar down until it touches your chest. Hold for a second before slowly extending your arms to the start position.

As a beginner doing bicep curls it’s all to easy to let the weight fall to the bottom of the rep, rather than lowering it under control. Using a cable machine keeps the muscle under tension for the entire rep and the range of movement also means a lot of bicep engagement for maximum growth.

Seated Dumbbell Curl Sit on a bench, hold two dumbbells at arms length and let them rest by your side. Use your bicep to curl the dumbbells up to your shoulders, then slowly lower them back down to your side and repeat. Sitting down removes the urge to use your back and hips to swing the dumbbell up from beside you. Not only does this protect you from injury but it also isolates the bicep and recruits as many muscle fibres as possible.

Tricep Pushdown Attach a rope handle to the high pulley of a cable station. Keeping your elbows tucked in at your sides grab the handle, tense your core, and bring your hands down until your arms are fully extended, then return to the starting position. Only your forearms should move. Using a rope handle, instead of a bar, allows you to splay out your arms at the bottom of the rep. This adds a couple of inches to your range of motion and hits all three parts of the triceps for maximum muscle activation.

Again, I wish you good luck.

41

APRIL 15, 2017 ˾ THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

FASHION FILE

“The Journey Collection” by

Kholyns Couture

42

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ APRIL 15, 2017

By Azuka Ogujiuba azuka.ogujiuba@thisdaylive.com

FASHION FILE

“The Journey Collection”

C

huks Collins launched the brand in 2006, originally known as Kholyns Couture spanning over 10 years in the industry in Lagos, Nigeria. He transitioned to Chuks Collins in 2014, After he almost lost his life following a fatal car crash that caused near-fatal kidney failure. He relocated to the United States for a life-saving surgery. Given a second chance, he chose to bring awareness to the disease and help others.

To this end, he began his non-profit organisation called FASHION VIE. After several successful shows and a styling job at Ralph Lauren in New York. Chuks Collins is launching his ready-to-wear line with sizes ranging from 2 to 14. His edgy and contemporary designs are for both men and women. Available online and in select stores in New York, this collection is his spring summer called “ THE JOURNEY”.

43

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • APRIL 15, 2017

WITH

MARKET PLACE

OMOLABAKE FASHOGBON

08033621009

Chairperson of Live Abundantly Empowerment Initiative,Prince Gbenga Oguntayo; Permanent Secretary ,Lagos Education District 4, Mrs Lola Are-Adegbite and Founder of the initiative,Dr Ama Onyerinma during the ‘Lagos Got Talent’ event in Teslim Balogun Stadium recently

Principal Consultant, Lonadek, Dr. Ibilola Amao FEI ;MD Energy Institute Nigeria,Mrs. Yewande Abiose; Director Academic Planning Unit, Yaba College of Technology Dr. Adedeji Oyediran and Chairman, Energy Institute Nigeria, Mr Osten Olorunsola FEI with newly inducted engineers, during the Graduate Engineering Training Scheme (GETS) induction ceremony in Lagos recently

NGO Celebrates Young Innovators, Pledges Support A non-governmental organisation, Live Abundantly Empowerment Initiative, has commended the innovativeness of Lagos children as it pledged its continual support to improve their skills.

The founder of the initiative, Dr. Ama Onyerinma who marveled at the scientific works created and displayed by the students of Lagos State institutions as part of activities to mark the state’s 50th anniversary noted that there was need to improve and sustain the ability of the innovators through support from government and private entities.

While speaking at the ‘Lagos Got Talent

Ribena Partners Firm, Launches ‘Good Value School Programme’ Nutritional fruit drink, Ribenam, has partnered with Bridges to Goodness (B2G) Projects, to bring ‘Good Value School Programme’, targeted at young ones to boost their behavioural values and inculcate healthy habits in them.

According to the company, the initiative which also seeks to contribute to the process of nation building would be delivered in over 500 schools across the country.

Announcing the initiative, Marketing Director, Suntory Beverages and Foods, Mrs. Rosemary Akpo, pointed out that the programme was a national initiative strategically put together, especially now that young people in Nigeria were faced with challenges capable of stunting development.

She stated that the grassroots initiative would also go a long way in moulding right leaders for tomorrow.

“This is an initiative that we have launched as we look forward to commemorating this year’s International Children’s Day. We are working at ensuring the programme spreads across the nation which was why we are partnering with B2G, in this first of its kind program. We are proud that we are supporting the efforts of the parents, guardians and the government to produce young people that will grow with the kind of values that will positively affect lives and also make them relevant in the scheme of national development”, Akpo said.

As part of the activities the firm has announced that there would be an intra-school contest and awards which will roll out on April 24. The award was designed to honour and inspire young people, irrespective of status or background whose lives and activities demonstrate an enduring commitment to qualities associated with good values and character. The brand Manager of the firm, Essien Ekemini explained that the programme would involve over 500 schools in its pilot stage with the pupils who will be requested to participate and compete at different levels leading to the grand finale.

Programme’, held at Teslim Balogun Stadium recently with theme, ‘To Live with or To Live For’,Onyerima stressed the need for all, irrespective of challenges and background, to accommodate each other and add value to the society.

“As we celebrate the city we call home, I recognise all of us in this megacity are ‘Living With Something’ -challenges, theses should not be the definition of our existence, the true catalyst for a better life is what ‘We Live For’ and it is important as citizens to recognise and understand that our personal survival and development rest with us

individually and collectively.

“In line with the mission at Live Abundantly Initiative, to uphold the civil liberties of women and children, thus securing their future, through information, advocacy and education, we are here today to celebrate these children and their ingenuities while we will also raise support for them to reach their goals”, she said.

The Permanent Secretary, Lagos Education District 4, Mrs. Lola Are-Adegbite, while commending the efforts of the children, reiterated the importance of scientific discoveries to the world, ranging from

Nigerians to Pay Less for Tomato Anytime from now, the market will avail Nigerians with cheap tomato and tomato paste products.

This is as the Federal Government announced a new policy aimed at boosting the production of the product, improve value chain and attract more investment.

According to the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Okechukwu Enelama, the tomato sector policy was developed and being implemented in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Federal Ministry

of Finance, Federal Ministry of Water Resources, Central Bank of Nigeria, Bank of Industry and the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control.

He added that the policy was targeted at increasing local production of fresh tomato fruit required for consumption and processing; increase local production of tomato concentrate and reduce post-harvest losses.

Presently, the price of the Tomato has remained on the high side in the market which left consumers with no cheaper option.

L-R- Brand Marketing Manager, OLX, Fifemayo Aiyesimoju; Sector Commander F.R.S.C Hyginus Omeje;PR & Communication Lead, OLX, Uche Nwagboso; and Business Operations and Finance Manager, OLX, Goodluck Ikporo during OLX courtesy visit to the Corps. Commander Federal Road Safety Corps, Lagos recently

communication, transportation and human consumption.

“It is imperative to note that these young scientists have become technologically driven and we can simply accept the fact that they are fertile ground for amazing inventions in the nearest future”, she pointed out.

Some of the innovations on exhibition included Solar fan/security alarm, tuber recycling machine, fire alarm system, production of insecticide from plant, recycling of saw dust to wood briquettes, production of bio gas from animal excrements among many others.

Energy Institute Unveils First Batch of Trainees in GETS Energy Institute Nigeria has kicked off the Graduate Engineering Training Scheme (GETS), with the announcement of first set of trainees.

The programme which will last for four months is focused on equipping trainees with the knowledge on power generation through conventional and non-conventional sources aimed at supporting federal government efforts at resolving power challenges in the country.

GETS, also sponsored by the Royal Academy of Engineering (RAE), Global Challenge Research Fund (GCRF), Africa Catalyst Award and Lonadek’s Cedar Centre for Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) would avail participants exposure to opportunities by industry professionals as well as internship programme to bridge the knowledge gap between theory and on the job experience.

According to the organisers, added to the objectives of the scheme was to ensure sufficient and appropriately skilled, local engineering capacity to participate in and drive national and regional development in sub-Saharan Africa.

It also implored other corporate bodies to identify with and support the scheme to give it a national relevance as well as extend to other sectors.

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž ͚ͽË&#x153; ͺ͸͚;

44

Ă&#x2122;Ă?Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC; Ă&#x2013;Ă?Ă&#x2018;Ă&#x2018;

͸Ϳ͸͞ͺÎ&#x20AC;͚͞Ϳ͝Ϳ Ă?Ě&#x2039;Ă&#x2014;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2013;Ë? Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2122;Ă?Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC;Ă?Ă&#x2013;Ă?Ă&#x2018;Ă&#x2018;ĚśĂ&#x2019;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2014;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2013;Ë&#x203A;Ă?Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2014;

ARAMIDE

My Guitar is the Most Expensive Thing I Ever Bought

Aramide Sarumoh is a multi-award-winning Nigerian Afro-soul/jazz artiste. An indigene of Ibadan, Oyo State, she discovered her talents of singing and writing as a teenager and decided to nurture them. After secondary education, she learned to play the saxophone and guitar. In this interview with Tosin Clegg she talks about her career, background and the future

A

I am Aramide singer, songwriter and guitarist; I play saxophone once in a while and Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m a happy person. I would say music has always been my passion from day one. As the only girl in the family, I found a way to play with myself and thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s how music started for me. I started my music way back in Jos, Plateau State.

edge.

I am very subtle most times Not trying to push too much or be too laid back. I think Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m just trying to be always in the middle so sometimes I push, sometimes I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t. It depends on how I am feeling at the moment. Aside music, if I am to do anything else it would be the point of revisiting my degree and probably go back and see if I could get more education, teach and do some form of business.

My Music is called, Afro soul Afro soul is a fusion of African music and language with soul music, basically. When I say African music, I mean the instruments like the talking drum which gives core soul music. I started my career like five years ago when I moved down to Lagos. I was signed to Trybe Records and after my contract was over, I became an independent artiste for a year before I got signed to Baseline. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s been amazing with them so far and they have supported me. I have an album under the label called, Suitcase. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s been a great journey with them and I released the album with them in November last year.

Five years from now I would be really big My dream is for people to listen to my music and know instantly that thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s me and for people to make references to my sound to inspire the generations coming that if you want to do afro soul music this is who to listen to. The key thing is to be consistent and thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s what is basic for me. The more you are consistent, the more people get to see your face, hear your music and feel your presence. So, for me itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s just staying consistent and keep pushing.

My Biggest success is putting out an album A lot of artistes keep dropping singles and all, but having an album is a major work. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s capital intensive and itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not only putting it out but also promoting it so people will know you have a body of work, and thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s one of my biggest successes.

Initially, my challenge was that because this kind of music was not appealing, I had to prove to people that I am talented, I can write, I can sing and perform. Aside from that this kind of music was not popular and it was challenging to have a spot, but for me those were the early challenges as an artiste.

My music is always soulful Whether itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fast or slow, it always has that soulful vibe and I have a song called, Feeling This Feeling, which was the beginning of my venture into commercial music and with soul music to make it appealing to everybody. From there, I did a song called, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Iwo Nikanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; and â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Love Meâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; featuring Adekunle Gold and â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Fun mi lowoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;. I am really happy about the acceptance of â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Fun mi lowoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; and for this song, I wrote a song people can relate to, as recession was bothering people at that time. I wanted to say something that was serious in a light way. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s kind of a personal song to me as I felt like I was speaking to a lot of artiste.

Have won a couple of awards My first award was â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Best Female Vocal Performerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; at the 2015 Headies and then I won â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Best Female Artiste West Africaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; at Afrimma and â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Best Alternative Musicâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; at the NEA, and a few more. I have had a couple of nominations and awards.

I spent a chunk of my life in Jos My primary, secondary and university education was in Jos. I studied Political Science at the University of Jos. I like the fact that I have a degree and thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s interesting. But the thing is that music has always been a passion and No1 for me. I have never been one of those looking for a job as I knew what I wanted. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s my life and I always know what to do.

Having my face everywhere is key My team and I are still working on that and plan to put a lot of videos out there. And do a lot of things to make you know the face when you pass by. First of all, the music is primary and it has to spread before any other thing. I am not trying to be low-key but to put myself out there and a lot of that will happen this year.

I would still love to work with Cobhams Although I have worked with him before, but it would be nice to do something with him again. I would love to work with Flavour also,

I like talking I play a lot too and I watch a lot of TV series. I like writing and I write almost everyday. My Guitar is the most expensive thing I have ever bought. I like eating amala and ewedu.

Aramide

because he is different. I think I can fit into anything. I love his sound and originality. I believe the essence of collaboration is when two opposites come together and there is a blend. I would love to work with John Legend too. I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t know if Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m dreaming too big but I would love it.

I love his music and also I love Indie Arie. Alicia Keys also and I can even give you a long list but my first will

be Alicia Keys and John Legend.

I see myself as a unique artiste I have always stuck to my sound and the fact that I always believed in it helped me develop it more and got me comfortable in it. Also, I play the guitar, and I can pull off a one woman show. Besides being a singer, I am also good with instruments. The makes me proud and gives me an

Anything inspires my song From my experiences, what I hear or read about. Basically anything works for me, really. I think one thing I tell myself is that failure is not an option at any point in my life. A lot of people that are successful and we idolise now have failed at one time or another, but we donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t get to hear the back story, only the success story.

I would love to perform at the Grammys Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a big deal for me and I would really appreciate it. Also, it would be a honour to perform before the Queen of England.

45

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž ͚ͽË&#x153; ͺ͸͚;

MY STORY RAYCE SIGNS DEAL WITH SHANACHIE ENTERTAINMENT Afrobeat musician, Rayce, has signed a distribution deal with U.S-based record label, Shanachie Entertainment. Making the announcement on their website, General Manager of Shanachie Entertainment, Randall Grass stated, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Afrobeats is the most exciting new music weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve heard in a while. Rayce is a superstar who has already proven that he can make hits.â&#x20AC;?

The deal cames days after Rayce parted ways with his former manager.

He said,: â&#x20AC;&#x153;This is coming at a very good time in my career. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I have some projects going on right now, and I believe working under the aegis of a renowned label like Shanachie Entertainment will yield positive results.â&#x20AC;?

Born Rayce Amoni Kingsley in Lagos, 1983, the Edo State indigene, who is currently signed to Jebon Records, has further boosted his career with the deal.

This reiterates his life-long ambition to carve a niche for himself in the Nigerian music industry.

The singer, who got his big break in 2011 with the singles Roll and Wetin Dey, has since gone on to have collaborations with some of the top artistes in Nigeria.

His new single African Juice is set to be released soon.

TEY CHAPLIN

Music is in Me

Teite Adukeh, known by his stage name, Tey Chaplin, is an Afro fusion artiste.

Tey is a rising star in the Nigerian music industry. In 2016, he produced the critically acclaimed EP, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Duality,,â&#x20AC;&#x2122; as well as Ozoneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s smash hit, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Destinyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;.

Originally from Port Harcourt but born in the United Kingdom in 1989, Teyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s foray into music can be traced to1998.

In this chat with Tosin Clegg, he talks about his career

SUPERSTORY PREMIERES NEW SEASON TITLED â&#x20AC;&#x153;GODWINâ&#x20AC;?

On Thursday, March 16, viewers across the country were delighted as Superstory commenced its new season, titled â&#x20AC;&#x153;Godwinâ&#x20AC;?, which stars Solomon Omere, a talented 26-year-old man living with Down Syndrome.

The TV drama, which has Omere playing the titular character, also stars a number of popular artistes, including Kehinde Bankole, Zack Orji, Toyin Alausa, Bolanle Ninalowo, Chinyere Wilfred, Pa James, Cassandra Odita, Jide Kosoko, Georgina Ibeh, Victor Edogun, Scarlet Shotade, Paul Adams, Amara Uwakwe, Tunde Adeyemo, Patience Oseni, Emeka Darlington, Rex Maximus and many more.

Wale Adenuga Jnr., Managing Director, WAP, stated:

â&#x20AC;&#x153;One interesting thing about this production is that it is not about a person living with Down Syndrome begging for your acceptance, rather it is about him excelling in life and fulfilling his dreams in a way that you will be the one craving his acceptance.

According to the National Down Syndrome Society, 1 in 691 babies are born with Down Syndrome in Nigeria and Godwin is set to provide enlightenment and eradicate the prevailing stigma.â&#x20AC;?

Superstory is Nigeriaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Most-Watched TV Drama, according to MPS Media Report; and the Godwin season is available to millions of viewers nationwide via wapTV (DStv 262, StarTimes 116, GOtv 102, Consat 812, StarSat 189 and MyTV).

GOS TO HEADLINE KOMA THIS APRIL Lagos finest boy band, Gentlemen of Sound, GOS, is set to have their first live performance this month, as they headline the debut series of KOMA, which is an open microphone show intended to promote young talents and give them a spot to be heard by music lovers.

KOMA will be held at Avital Suites and Resort, and heavy promotions have been put in place for the big day. Other talents have been slated to perform alongside them, such as Honour Felix, Cruze and more.

Their debut song, Gimme Love is currently the talk of the town among young people as it has become an anthem. The acceptance is solid and a good start up for the promising acts who are excited about their taste of success and hopes for what is to come.

W

hen did music start for you?

Music has always been in me. It began manifesting though, when I was 12.

What kind of music do you do and who are your musical influences?

I would say I make Afro pop. I do not believe in genres. I would describe my music though as uplifting, good vibes, and a power bank for your emotions through the day. My influences range from Tuface, to Outkast!

Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s exceptional about you and what are your goals as a musician?

I believe I am great at bringing the best out of people. Ironically, this is my goal as a musician - I wish to create exciting, fun-filled moments through my music, to allow my fans to do exactly what they want to.

Where do you see your career in five years?

I would love to run a Radio Station, while continuing to create music and visuals that will not only stimulate, but inspire daily.

46

VINTAGE

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • APRIL 15, 2017

ITA MARUN VILLAGE PROJECTS

A Promise Made and Kept by Rotary Penultimate week, the Rotary Club of Lagos moved its weekly fellowship to Ita Marun village, which is about two hours away from Victoria Island in Lagos State, where the club commissioned water and electricity projects donated to the village. It also gave interest-free loans to women in the community.Samuel Ajayi, who witnessed the ceremony, reports that the village may be a haven for Lagosians to relax after a hectic week

I

t was a day they won’t forget in a hurry. For the people of Ita Marun, a sleepy village of less than a thousand people in the Free Trade Zone axis off the Lekki-Epe Expressway, it was a promise fulfilled by the Rotary Club of Lagos and a new lease of life that could not have come at a better time. Penultimate week, the club commissioned a water project and solar-powered street light it had donated to the village. And for the people of the village, whose main occupation is fishing, perhaps, life could indeed be more meaningful beyond exploring the watery contents of the Atlantic Ocean.

Apart from the solar-powered street lights and water scheme, Rotary also partnered with a micro finance bank to give women in the village interestfree micro-credit loans to boost their respective businesses. Cheques were presented to maiden beneficiaries of the scheme during the ceremony.

Gladys Modupe Sasore, a lawyer by vocation and President of Rotary, told THISDAY that the club was happy with the commissioning of the projects and that it was a personal joy for her to see how elated the people of the village were as the projects were commissioned.

“The essence of Rotary Club is to help humanity,” Sasore stated. “And today is another manifestation of the commitment of Rotarians to this creed.

We are here today to help the people of Ita Marun enjoy the basic things of life like water and electricity. I am happy to be here and all members of the Rotary Club of Lagos are also happy to be here to commission the water project as well as the solar-powered street lights.”

The commissioning of the projects fell on Wednesday. Earlier, in a press statement by the club’s director of publicity, Ehi Braimah, Sasore was quoted as saying that the club would leave their comfort zones, where they fellowship every Wednesday to mingle with the people of the village.

She had said, “As part of activities marking the commissioning of these projects, the club will on that day leave the comfort of the Lagos Motor Boat Club on Awolowo Road, Ikoyi, Lagos, venue of its weekly meetings, for the village to hold its meeting for that week and fellowship with the villagers.”

The Rotarians lived up to that promise. Going on a motorcade of vehicles which included a 26-seater

The District Governor of Rotary District 9110 commissioning the water project

Rotary Club of Lagos president, Modupe Sasore, presenting cheque to a beneficiary of the Club’s micro-credit scheme for women of Ita Marun village

Toyota Coaster bus, headed for Ita Marun.

The community was without electricity. Apart from this, the people of the village were completely cut off from civilisation. There were signs that the government made some plans to provide electricity for the town – there are poles, cables and a transformer. But that is where it ends. No one can say precisely when the real electrification will take place.

Residents of the village told THISDAY that the project has been stalled for years and they were not sure when it would be completed.

It was therefore not surprising to see that virtually every house in the village has a gasoline-powered generator.

“We have no choice than to have a generator,” Sulaiman Nojeem, the secretary to Ita Marun Community Council, told THISDAY. “We have to charge our phones and watch television. We have no electricity and water.

We don’t know when government will provide these things and before they do that, we have to help ourselves.”

The village is less than hundred metres from the Atlantic Ocean and that is why the people of the village

have only one major vocation: fishing.

But even when the waves of the ocean serves as an indication that they are all but located to massive water, the people of the village have no source of potable water supply.

They can smile now and avoid the tidal waves of the ocean as Rotary Club catered to that essential need.

With its members taking the pain of leaving the comfort of their homes and offices to brace the almost three-hour drive from Ikoyi to the community was a sign of the club’s commitment to humanitarian services.

The beauty and the humanitarian essence of the Ita Marun trip were underlined by the calibre of Rotary Club of Lagos members who graced the occasions.

Some of these members were in their late 70s and 80s. They braced all the odds to be part of the ceremony despite the toll such would take on their frail bodies. To them, it was a way of serving humanity.

Before the commissioning of the projects, the Rotary has been part of the story of Ita Marun. It had paid a visit there once and saw the poor sewage

system in the village and it decided to build an incinerator for them. After this, the club also provided a palm kernel cracking machine for the women of the community.

Apart from fishing, another major vocation in the village was palm oil production due to the fact that there are many palm trees in the village. When the club saw the human energy as well as time being devoted to cracking palm fruits manually, the Rotarians decided to provide the machine, which has become invaluable for them.

There is something else that lies in the community. It is the untapped potential of it becoming a tourist attraction.

Braimah, Chief Executive Officer of New Media and Marketing, had last year told THISDAY that stealing a weekend away from the madness of Lagos’ hectic life would not be a bad idea.

“Setting a camp by the bank of the Atlantic would not be a bad idea at all.

It will be a very good way of getting away from the stress of the city and enjoying nature at its very natural best,” he said.

Governor Ayade to Receive NACJ Integrity Man of the Year Award

T

he Governor of Cross Rivers State, Professor Ben Ayade has been nominated for the highly coveted Integrity Man of the Year Award, 2017. The award is designed to encourage and celebrate Nigerians who have demonstrated the spirit of integrity in their career and leadership positions as a lifestyle. This award is to mark NACJ’s 5th Annual Lecture & Integrity

Award slated for Saturday, May 27, at Eko Hotel, Victoria Island Lagos.

Some of the past recipients of the NACJ Integrity award include the immediate past Inspector General of Police, Dr Solomon Arase, Dr. Oviemo Ovadje, an Army General, Dr Sam Amadi, former NERC Boss, Dr. Yinka Odumakin,, renowned political activist, Prince Bisi Olatilo, Chairman Biscom, Mr. Femi Adesina, the current Media Adviser to President Buhari, Former AIG Tunde

Ogunsakin, Dr. TOE Ekechi, Bisi Deji, Editor Saturday Punch , to mention just a few.

According to a statement by NACJ, the keynote address titled, Integrity, the Essential Ingredient for Building a Virile Nation will be delivered by Prof. Pat Utomi, while Mr Jimi Agbaje will speak on the Theme, Integrity is Everything.

The event is expected to be graced by His Lordship, Archbishop, Mike Okonkwo, the presiding bishop of TREM.

Governor Ayade

47

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • APRIL 15, 2017

VINTAGE

Issele Uku: HRM Ezeagwuna’s 100 Days in Office Steve Nwamodoh

R

ithin a short period of 100 days, His Royal Majesty, Obi Nduka Ezeagwuna, the young monarch of Issele Uku Kingdom has showcased confidence among its people with an approach to noble leadership that has entrenched unprecedented innovations across all strata of the town.

There are surprisingly many examples of the strides taken by the young monarch to consolidate on the wise initiatives of HRH Ezeagwuna II within the first 100 days on the throne. His first official assignment after his coronation was to commission the magnificient ‘’ Welcome to Issele uku ‘’ structure financed by Issele Uku Development Union Lagos branch on 30TH January 2016. Same day, HRM Obi Ezeagwuna II gave honour to whom it was due, with posthumous awards to the dead, and to the deserving son and daughters of Issele Uku for their great contributions towards the development of the community.

HRM Obi Ezeagwuna II an accomplished engineer, commenced his new year with a royal thanks giving service at St Paul Catholic Cathedral Church to appreciate the Almighty God for the success of his coronation and presentation of his staff of office by Governor Ifeanyi Okowa.

As we commemorate the first 100 days of Ezeagwuna’s reign, it is heartwarming to learn that His Royal Majesty embarked on a thank you tour to all the villages in Issele Uku which has brought in the spirit of unity, peace, harmony and progress among all the heads of the villages in this community. He has related peacefully and democratically with all the other traditional rulers in Aniocha North which culminated in their recent visit to the Royal Palace. HRM has recently paid a royalty visit to His Royal Majesty, Obi Emmanuel Efeizomor II (JP) OON, The Obi of Owa and the Chairman, Delta State Council of Traditional rulers Other sectors have also received attention with equal vigor. On Health, Ezeagwuna II has resolved and paid all the 37 indigenes that served as Company Drugs Distributors, donated by the Jimmy Carter Foundation in collaboration with the officials of the Health Care Centre.

In the education section, he returned from his alma mater, the University of Ibadan on Friday, 3rd March, 2017, where he admonished the fresh students to concentrate and acquire proper education so as to have balanced and fulfilled life. In Ibadan, the HRM who hosted by his imperial majesty, Oba Salihu Adamu Adetunji

HRM Ezeagwuna the Olu of Ibadan land.

Still on developing Education Sector, he has mapped out plans in collaboration with the chief Inspector of Education, Ministry of Basic Education to improve the standard of education of Issele-Uku student’s right from nursery, primary to secondary to tertiary school levels. In addition to this, he has requested Izuani (the highest ruling organ in the town) to nominate qualified title chiefs to represent the palace/town in the Board of Technical College. This was done to encourage pre-vocational and general technical education in the school. Not merely as a basic for creating early technological and direct practical skills for earning a living, the initiative is aimed at inculcating in our people of Issele-Uku, the attitude of, respect for and appreciating of the role of technical and vocational education in building an opportunity functional society.

In another development, Ezeagwuna II recently inaugurated a special Royal Electricity Committee under the Chairmanship of Barr. Kenneth Mozia, SAN. The electricity committee is responsible for electricity matters in our town, with the mandate to find lasting solutions to the problems of electricity challenges within and

outside Issele-Uku. The fervent call of HRH Ezeagwuna II to the Head of our villages to encourage our illustrious men to take up the chieftaincy titles in our villages, yielding positive result recently when he performed the preliminary traditional rights on Chief Innocent Onyibo Ashiedu,, as the new Iyese of Issele-Uku. HRM has mentioned his strong desire to inject new innovations into our annual Inne cultural festival.

It is on record that, Issele-Uku indigenes are now actively involved in determining the policies that are transforming their community through active participation in the deliberations of Izuani the highest ruling organ of the town. HRH has made it a point of duty to factor in the aspirations of our indigenes in re-directing the ruler’s focus to their areas of priority.

HRH Ezeagwuna II, in response to popular demand, has been concentrating more efforts on human empowerment through job creation. In conjunction with our representative in the Delta State House of Assembly, our councilors, and member in Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), HRH has emphasized his commitment in all these areas of infrastructural

development.

He has practically shown that security is everyone’s business. As a result of this, He has appealed to the Heads of all the villages to mobilize our indigenes to pay up their security levies. The membership of the Vigilante group has recently increased from 25 to 40 due to his new ideas, and he is seriously working on improving their activities. Within these few days in office, HRH Ezeagwuna II has renovated and restructured the Oligbo Royal Palace to wear the aesthetic nature of a high class palace.

HRM recently has met with delegates from various public and private sectors, parastatals, churches, school, including associations and unions based in Issele-Uku and nearby states with a view to working progressively for the development of his kingdom.

In conclusion, without mincing words, the volume of achievements and depth of performance within the spate of a hundred (100) days, pay undeniable credit to HRH Ezeagwuna’s Monarchy as one capable of taking our town to its long-awaited level of genuine development.

–Nwamodoh is the Personal Secretary to the Obi of Issele Uku

HBC Resort Makes Nigeria’s Top Hotel List Justina Uzo

H

ealth Body Clinic (HBC) Resort, Jos has made Nigeria’s best Hotel/Resort List. The modern wellness resort located on the Zawan’s breezy highland surrounded by lush sub-tropical vegetation was recognised during an award ceremony recently hosted by Port Harcourt Bantata 2017 in the company of the nation’s influential travel industry leaders, hoteliers and media personalities.

The Top 100 Hotels in Nigeria awards by Bantata, a sister organization of Akwaaba Africa Travel Market, celebrate and reward excellence in the travel and tourism industry. The award list is dominated by hotels in Lagos and Abuja, including Eko Hotel and Suites, Lagos, Transcorp Hilton, Abuja, and InterContinental Hotel, Lagos. Most of the winners were celebrated in the company of respected travel industry leaders, hoteliers and media personalities at the Port Harcourt event.

Winners, according to the organisers, emerged through a rigorous process that started at 2016 Akwaaba African Travel Market through over 2,000 nominations by delegates, top travel professionals, travel agents, tour

Ogedengbe (fourth from right) with industry operators during the Awards operators, travel experts and professionals with collations from returned questionnaire from nominated hotels.

Managing Director, HBC Resort, Mrs. Judith Ogendengbe, said: “I see it as authentic and credible. I believe it is detailed as they took their time to go round the country. It was done on merit, which is an attraction for me, not because our resort won an award, but because we believe strongly in merit in all sphere.”

On the amenities and products that made

them to stand apart from the crowd, she said, “We have a very unique point, as a resort. We are the only wellness resort in Nigeria that has its own organic botanical garden and Herbetum, among other state-of-the-art equipment in the Spa. We have highly trained personnel, serene and eco-friendly environment, for wellness, retreats and conferences.

“We produce most of the foods and herbs we use for food and treatment from our own organic farm, as the health of our clients is

very important to us. We also have created an educational programme for children and master health food classes for groups.”

HBC has 40 rooms, each is equipped with modern convenience. Add to this, Ogedengbe said the facility boasts large wellness centre and Five Star therapeutic rooms as well as excellent cuisine on offer. As the only wellness resort in Nigeria with its own botanical garden and a member of the Complimentary Medical Association in the UK, she said, our unspoiled eco-friendly environment makes it the ideal choice for healing, vacation and retreats.

Indeed it is the most ideal place for stressed executives who want to get out of the heat, to the calmness of nature.

The most important ‘fear factor’ facing Jos in the area of travel is whether or not travellers can relax and feel comfortable. Tourists worry about the security of Jos because of its history of ethnic clashes but Ogedengbe allays their pathological fear. “Jos is safe now”, she said.

The HBC boss said “Our vision is to be the leading wellness resort not only in the Abuja/ North market but also in West Africa. Our vision is a dedication to helping our clients achieve a lifestyle of wellness, productivity and pleasure through living foods, and nature”.

The organisation, according to her, provides a lasting and more sustainable cure of diabetes and other diseases through nutritional therapy.

48

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˞ ͚ͽ, 2017

L-R: Folusho Phillips, Chair/CEO Phillips Consulting; Abisola Giwa-Osagie Deputy Managing Director NEM Insurance; Andrew Miskin, President Chartered Institute of Management Accountants and Chair AICPA: and Sam Nwanze, Executive Director/Chief Investment Officer, Heirs Holdings at the inaugural CGMA Speaks breakfast meeting in Lagoskujib

Experts Harp on Agile Decision Making, Implementation as Key to Business Survival Against the background of the fast pace changing business space, ability to be agile in decision-making and implementation has become imperative. This was the focal point of a thought leadership series which held in Lagos. Olaseni Durojaiye reports

G

iven the high level of competitiveness among businesses globally, and in the rivalry to attract both portfolio investors and foreign direct investments (FDI) among countries, one of the challenges that business and political leaders are now faced with is how to contend with a fast paced, decisionmaking landscape to remain ahead of competition.

The challenge that this posed, has transported VUCA into the business and political space. VUCA, an acronym for Volatile, Uncertain, Complex and Ambiguous, was once an exclusive acronym used by the American Military to describe extreme conditions in Afghanistan and Iraq. Today, VUCA has become the buzz word among senior leaders and aptly expresses the fact that the rate of change is outpacing the ability of economies, businesses, industries and people to adapt.

Remarkably so, political and business leaders are trying to make sense of the fast paced decision making landscape they are faced with. Dependence on intuition, belief and values for decision making are giving way to newer mental models based on agility, critical thinking, adaptable learning, people orientation and responsiveness to change.

Yet in this increasingly volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguous environment, political and business leaders continue to make wrong decisions plunging their economies into recession and their corporations into bankruptcy.

The Future of Executive Decision Making The importance of making right judgment call and avoiding the dilemma of plunging businesses and nations into peril assumed the front burner of

discourse at the CGMA Speak Series, which held in Lagos. The series which is a thought leadership forum was organized by the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants, the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s largest professional body of management accountants, in conjunction with Philips Consulting, to brainstorm on the problems and proffer solutions to the decision-making process undertaken regularly by senior leaders.

The theme of the event was â&#x20AC;&#x153;Joining the Dots: The Future of Executive Decision Making.â&#x20AC;?

The CGMA Speaks Series focused on a research jointly commissioned by CIMA and the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA), the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s largest association representing the accounting profession, to investigate the effectiveness of decision-making practices in large organisations by C-level administrators in 16 countries.

The research report, which was released in 2016, identified five major problems which companies are struggling to deal with namely; overcoming bureaucracy and achieving agile decision making, building greater levels of trust and improving collaboration, balancing short, medium, and long-term view and define the right metrics, translating huge volumes of data into strategic insight, and building the decision-making skills of senior leaders.

Experts Share Insights The CGMA Speaks Series had in attendance high-profile corporate executives from both indigenous and multinational companies, who shared their insights on current business issues and corporate strategies about the context of todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s business environment in Nigeria and across the world.

Delivering a keynote address, President, CIMA, Andrew Miskin, said the mode of communication in business

globally has transformed as a result of the invention and development of the internet and technology, with real-time data now easily accessible to obtain and sharing of business information now a broad two-way process.

He, however, noted that despite the presence of abundant data, interpretation of information has become less clear today because of the overload of records. â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;We have real-time information about what is happening in our places of organisations, we have real-time information about what is happening in our businesses, yet we cannot have real-time assistance with data. That gives us a very different view in terms of what decision-making can achieve and we are going to have a lot to respond to that as accountants because we are not comfortable with thatâ&#x20AC;?, he said.

Noting that we are in the era of decision relevance in business, Miskin said; â&#x20AC;&#x153;We have got to think about how we make those decisions relevant, and also in terms of decisions, we have got to think about what information is really needed. The question is: â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;what is it you want to decide that changes the information you want?â&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;?

Also speaking, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Phillips Consulting, Folusho Phillips, stated that while making relevant decisions is important, the ability to articulate, make, and execute decisions quickly is also a key component in the decision-making process. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Yes, weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve got to take good decisions, but once we do take a decision, it is the speed of execution that matters because the manner with which you use to execute such decision that would determine the outcome of such programme or plan. It goes beyond taking the decision at the right time; itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s about implementing and making sure that you make that decision relevant. Take good decisions quickly and there is the need to execute

it in timeâ&#x20AC;?, he said.

On her part, Deputy Managing Director, NEM Insurance, Abisola Giwa-Osagie, said the operating models in organisations, both private and public, need to be simplified in order to reduce the bureaucratic mechanism, which is an impediment in the decision-making process.

She said; â&#x20AC;&#x153;It is important for us to know that we need to simplify our operational models. Any system that has a model that is laden cannot be efficient. We need to delegate, we need to empower our people, and we need to trust the decisions that they take. That is very important.â&#x20AC;?

The Chief Investment Officer and Director, Finance & Investments, Heirs Holding Plc, Sam Nwanze, who also spoke at the event, emphasised the need for organisations to entrench a culture of innovation and excellence in their workplaces to enable them to achieve their goals. â&#x20AC;&#x153;One of the important roles of leadership in an organisation is the shaping of culture and culture has a very strong impact on how an organisation is perceived, but also how decisions are made within an organisation and how the organisation functions. Everybody is driven by a culture that is geared towards achieving the goals of an organisation. The culture that is set up helps employees to place trust and commitment in how an organisation would eventually function and achieve its goals. â&#x20AC;&#x153;If you have a culture where people feel to get certain things, you would have to please certain people or is not merit driven, or is not driven by the objective that was set out fully; and these are things that are set from the tone of the leadership, then it completely breaks down and itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s only a matter of time before you see that that organisation is not functioningâ&#x20AC;?, he added.

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • APRIL 15, 2017

49

MARITIME BITS

WITH

JOHN IWORI

08057763164

R-L: President, Ship Owners Association of Nigeria (SOAN), Mr. Greg Ogbeifun; First Vice President, SOAN, Dr. Mkgeorge Onyung; Pioneer Director General, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Mrs. Mfon Ekong Usoro; and the Chairman, Shipping Forum, Mrs. Margret Orakwusi shortly after the inauguration of Ogbeifun for a second term of office in Lagos…recently

Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Customs Area Controller (CAC), Federal Operation Unit (FOU), Zone C, Comptroller Mohamed Garba displaying some of the contraband intercepted by men and officers of the unit in Owerri...recently

Repositioning NPA for Increased Revenue The role of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) in the economic development of the nation cannot be quantified. As the gateway to the nation’s economy, more than 75 per cent of imports and exports pass through the seaports, hence the importance of NPA to the Nigerian economy.

Since the authority was established over 50 years ago, it has been playing its role of managing the nation’s seaports and enhancing revenue yield for the Federal Government.

The 2006 port reform programme made the authority to go through a lot of transformation.

Its cargo handling operation was transferred to the concessionaires. The authority then began to play the role of a landlord but still takes care of channel management, harbour services, general security and other ancillary services.

Ceding its cargo handling operation to the concessionaires notwithstanding, successive managements of NPA have all consolidated on the gains of the concession programme for greater efficiency and high revenue yield.

However, by 2016 the economic meltdown

as a result of recession adversely affected port operations. Cargo throughput dropped considerably as a result of low imports and exports. Activities in the seaports dropped to the lowest ebb. This of course would have telling effect on revenue generation and by extension maintenance responsibilities of the organization.

Therefore, the Federal Government saw the enormous tasks before would-be chief executive of the authority. President Muhammadu Buhari realised the need to have an accomplished administrator and a goal getter who would be able to reposition the authority for greater efficiency and high revenue yield in spite of the state of the economy.

The president beamed his searchlight and the lot fell on a young woman of substance with an impressive pedigree, Ms. Hadiza Bala Usman who was appointed the Managing Director of NPA on July 11, 2016. She made history as the first female chief executive of the authority.

On assuming office, Usman held a maiden

MMS Hall of Fame WILCEP Africa Kicks Off The MMS Hall of Fame Women in Leadership and Career Empowerment Programme (WILCEP) Africa has kicked off in Lagos.

Already, two mentorship candidates have been given scholarship for entrepreneurial training in China, while several others got scholarship opportunities to begin career and be trained abroad in the aviation industry.

These were revealed at the just concluded maiden two- days WILCEP Africa mentorship workshop which took place in Lagos.

WILCEP Africa, an initiative of the MMS Plus Woman of Fortune Hall of Fame (WoFHoF), a non-profit organization.

The workshop assembled resource persons who are professionals in different sectors of the economy to impact select younger women who are students, graduates and career makers from different companies.

Different speakers who delivered papers at the opening of the WILCEP maiden two-day mentorship programme which held at the Conference Hall of Shippers Plaza, the corporate headquarters of the Nigerian Shippers Council, Apapa, Lagos, advised on making choices as the key to making a successful career and good home.

MMS Plus Woman of Fortune Hall of Fame (WoFHoF) Initiative is focused on role modelling, capacity building, and leadership creation in young women. It has discovered and inducted 48 women of substance from across Africa into the hall of fame. These women are the mentors being paired with the mentees.

Speaking on her presentation titled: Career Management and Work/Life Integration, the Chief Executive Officer(CEO) of Le Look Nigeria Limited, Mrs. Chinwe Ezenwa advised young women on the need for the “right choices’ in life, as she guides mentees through the various careers.

Ezenwa who is also the Chief Executive of Ocean Serve and Logistics Limited, shared her experience as a young lady who was able to succeed by remaining focused and staying with the right choices.She also talked on the importance of having a ‘personal drive’ for success just as pointed out the fact that young people must understand the need to take on responsibility before their efforts would attract assistance.

“Do not indulge in self-pity. You must work for everything you want”, she said.

meeting with her management team as well as the staff of the authority where she reeled out her operational thrust.

Some of these include “open door policy, capacity building, operational efficiency, succession plan, port daily master plan, and maximising revenue generation. Others are blockage of staff welfare and motivation, revenue leakages, security of lives and properties.

Conscious of time, Ms. Hadiza Bala Usman set the ball rolling by undertaking familiarization tour of the ports facilities and infrastructures under her jurisdiction. The tour, which began with the Calabar Port, observably came on the heels of an official commissioning of a milestone security project: the command, control communication and intelligence system (CCCIS).

A cutting edge security technology capable of tracking, recording and delivering ships movements within the country’s ports domain, the CCCIS would no doubt assist in a remarkable boost of the authority’s revenue.

She said that with the commissioning, NPA has

“NIMASA Ultimatum is Dead on Arrival” Nigerian ship owners have stated that the recent marine notice issued by the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) to owners of abandoned vessels in Nigeria’s territorial waters to remove them within 28 days or face sanctions is dead on arrival.

According to the ship owners the ultimatum cannot work as key issues at stake have not been addressed.

They noted that the approach taken by NIMASA was not only wrong but also faulty. The core function is to promote indigenous shipping. NIMASA ought to have first undertaken an inventory of the ships, their location and owners and meet with them to determine where the vessels can be moved to.

Speaking in Lagos on the heels of his recent inauguration for a second term of office, the President, Ship Owners Association of Nigeria (SOAN), Mr. Greg Ogbeifun noted that the agency should explore areas of assistance to the vessel owners as they might not be financially capable to undertake the task of evacuating them. He insisted that the removal of the vessels cannot be done without the assistance of the agency just as he raised the issue of non-availability of reliable statistics on vessels in the nation’s maritime domain.

In order to get results, he enjoined the nation’s maritime regulatory authority to adopt a

different approach.

Ogbefun said, “My personal view is that may be NIMASA would have taken a different approach. First of all, I do not have statistics of the vessels. I do not know their conditions.

Some of the vessels are probably aground. Some of the owners have no power to move them. So, the cost of moving them could be quite elaborate and expensive and I do not know if any of the owners is in any financial position to shoulder the responsibility of moving them within the short time. Where will they move the vessels to? Wherever they are going to move the vessels to, they will have to incur costs. In my opinion, the NIMASA ultimatum is dead on arrival. It cannot work.”

The marine engineer maintained that NIMASA had to agree with the owners on where to move the vessels as it would amount to fruitless effort if the vessels were moved from one point and kept in another place.

“NIMASA should first of all go out there and get the details or statistics of all the vessels and then identify the owners of these vessels and then call a meeting of all the owners and tell them that they need to move the vessels out of there. NIMASA should first of all confirm the vessel owners and after that, ask them whether they have any challenge moving the vessels from there and they will tell you their challenges”, he said.

become also “a worthy stakeholder” capable of assisting the country in networking to surmount security and safety challenges in Nigeria and within the entire Gulf of Guinea, alongside the capability of an interface with other relevant stakeholders, to track as well as record maritime security breaches.

She was of the opinion that the technology will enable NPA to generate adequate revenue and ensure that all revenue leakages are blocked, in furtherance of the Federal Government’s efforts towards revitalizing our economy.

As a firm believer in inter modal transport, she fast tracked the rehabilitation of roads in Lagos ports in her first few weeks in office and called for the enforcement of the tonnage limits for trucks and the use of railway for cargo movement in order to actualize quick cargo delivery. She promised to work with the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) to facilitate the use of railway by ensuring that the tracks are in place and provision made for rolling stock.

Customs Chief, Others Bag Transparency Awards The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Customs Area Controller for Oyo/Osun Area Command, Comptroller Ogunkua Tolutope has been conferred with the prestigious Transparency Medal Award by a continental media organisation, MSC Africa magazine.

Similarly, two other officers of the command, CSC Hinga Philip and DSC Alajogun Joseph also bagged ‘the Best Staff Officer of the Year’ and ‘the Best Operation Officer of the Year’ respectively from the same organization. The officers were presented with the awards at Customs Boardroom, situated in the Oyo State capital, Ibadan.

The command in a statement signed by its Public Relations Officer (PRO), Onuigbo Ifeoma Ojekwu quoted the publisher of the magazine, Otunba Gbenga Adebayo expressing delight at the strides made by the command in the last few years by neutralizing the antics of smugglers and tremendously boosting the country’s revenue generation profile.

According to the statement, Adebayo specifically acknowledged the large number of seizures of contraband and detention of those who in one way or the other involved themselves in various smuggling activities. The Customs Area Controller is a role model in view of the existing camaraderie between him and the officers and men. I therefore enjoin other commands to emulate the good gesture by ensuring synergy among their operatives for effectiveness.

Adebayo also enjoined the members of the public to always see officers and men of the NCS as partners in progress saying “the era when the Customs is perceived as enemies of the society is over as the Customs remains one of the torchbearers of the national economy. Only charlatans and smugglers will not see anything good in the Nigeria Customs Service”. Comptroller Ogunkua in his response commended the management of the media organisation for its editorial judgment while advocating progressive and developmental journalism in the country as against the ugly culture of pull-him-down or blackmail syndrome.

He expressed his determination to keep up the good work in the command even as he promised to dedicate his award to those he described as “the gallant officers and men of the command” saying he could not have done anything worthwhile without their support.

50

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • APRIL 15, 2017

PERSPECTIVE Challenges Facing Governor Ikpeazu Mark Mbam Jnr.

S

ince May 29, 2015, one Governor who has not known peace politically is Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia State whose political travails has stretched for almost two years; half of his first tenure in government.

Dr. Ikpeazu, from Obingwa Local Government Area of Abia South Senatorial Zone was elected under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) having survived a stiff and contest from Dr. Alex Otti who contested against him on the platform of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA).

Soon after he was declared the Winner of the Governorship election, his main opponent in the contest, Dr. Otti of the APGA dragged him to the election tribunal which sat in the State. Dr. Ikpeazu won at the tribunal but Dr. Alex Otti, dissatisfied with the verdict, proceeded to the Election Appeal Tribunal which sat at Owerri and on the 31st day of December 2015, the APGA candidate was declared the winner of the election.

The Governor headed to the Supreme Court where he was eventually declared the winner of the Governorship election in the State. While Ikpeazu and his supporters celebrated their victory at the Supreme Court with hope of a final reprieve of the political litigation, two members of his party, Barrister Friday Nwosu and Dr. Uche Ogah who contested and lost against him at the party’s primary election which produced him as candidate came up with a second phase of the litigation accusing the Governor of filling fake Tax Certificates and said he was incompetent to stand for the election.

Barrister Nwosu is from Obingwa, same Local Government Area with the Governor while Dr. Ogah is from Isuikwuato in Abia North Senatorial Zone of the State. The PDP had in 2015 Zoned their Governorship slot to Abia South Senatorial Zone of the State and many observers of the State politics opined that the immediate past Governor of the State, now a senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria representing Abia Central Senatorial Zone at the National Assembly, Chief Theodore Orji and his son, now the majority leader of the Abia State House of Assembly, Chief Chinedum Orji (IKUKU) single handedly imposed Dr. Ikpeazu on the party and the State.

The animosity created by this impression still remains as a stigma that has continued to trail the administration of Dr. Ikpeazu as the immediate past Governor is being perceived to be hated by a section of the State which accused him of non-performance during his eight years as the Governor of the State.

While Dr. Ikpeazu battled his two party members, Barr. Nwosu and Dr. Ogah at various courts both in Owerri and Abuja, a high court presided over by Justice Okon Abang in Abuja on June 30 last year, nullified his election and declared Dr. Ogah as the winner of the election having granted the latter’s plea that Dr. Ikpeazu presented forged tax certificates to contest the governorship primary election.

Justice Abang directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to issue a certificate of return to Dr. Ogah and swear him in as the authentic Governor of the State. Before Dr. Ogah would arrive from Abuja to Umuahia, the Abia State Capital to be sworn-in as the Governor, Dr. Ikpeazu who had earlier scheduled a programme same day at the Abia State University, Uturu where he was supposed to deliver a special lecture abandoned everything and rushed to a High Court at Osisioma in the State to obtain an injunction restraining Dr. Ogah from being sworn-in as the Governor.

The State was thrown into a political turmoil as the State House was locked up with military Armoured Personnel Carriers (APC) stationed in all strategic positions

Governor Okezie Ikpeazu

With the rate, spread and determination showed so far by the Governor in the administration of the State, it is generally believed that Dr. Ikpeazu has the capacity and vision that could bring about total transformation of the State. While Abians await the verdict of the Supreme Court, political analyst believe that any dislocation in present leadership of the State would drag the state back as the present Governor has proved critics wrong with his performance indices so far while Dr. Ikpeazu who had been living in Aba, the commercial nerve city of the State since his election was forced to relocate to Umuahia, the State Capital.

Dr. Ogah waited in vain to be sworn-in as Governor as neither the Chief Judge of the State nor her counterpart at the Appeal Court could be found to administer the oath of office on Ogah.

Both gladiators rushed back to the Supreme Court where it is expected that a final judgment will be delivered on the matter. While both PDP contestants battled their case, Dr. Alex Otti of APGA who lost to Ikpeazu both at the election and at the Apex Court, suddenly emerged from the blues and requested to be joined in the matter.

The Supreme Court granted his plea and the trios are now awaiting their judgment which has been slated to be delivered on May 12, 2017. There is no doubt that these numerous litigations have taken its toll on the performance of the governor and development of Abia State as justified in the popular axiom “that when two elephants fight; that it is the grass that suffers”.

The setbacks occasioned by these litiga-

tions and the general economic meltdown which has befallen the country are no doubt contending distractions and strong challenge facing Ikpeazu. Observers of the State politics contend that enormous resources which hitherto were meant to develop the State have been channeled into these litigations with its attendant distractions psychologically affecting performance. Analysts having weighed the current political terrain vis avis the Governor’s performance in almost two years of his administration posit that Dr. Ikpeazu remains a trail blazer who could have recorded tremendous strides had he been left alone to focus in the administration of the State.

Beside the psychology and the financial involvement of the various litigations coupled with the paucity of funds occasioned by the national economy meltdown, the Governor has been able to record tremendous strides especially in Aba, the commercial hub and other parts of the State.

It is on record that the Governor has been able to construct over 67 roads within Aba and other parts of the State and it is generally believed that if the Governor can fix the infrastructural decay in Aba, that the commercial city is capable of generating internal revenue that could be used to develop other sectors of the State.

Dr. Ikpeazu’s performance so far has whittled down the negative impression he inherited from his predecessor and his vocal promotion of made in Aba products has greatly improved his image and love amongst his people both those resident in the State and in the Diaspora. While it is obvious that Dr. Ikpeazu is battling to offset workers’ salaries in the State, he has however been able to prudently and judiciously ensure that both the welfare of workers and infrastructural development of the State do not suffer.

With the rate, spread and determination showed so far by the Governor in the administration of the State, it is generally believed that Dr. Ikpeazu has the capacity and vision that could bring about total transformation of the State. While Abians await the verdict of the Supreme Court, political analyst believe that any dislocation in present leadership of the State would drag the state back as the present Governor has proved critics wrong with his performance indices so far.

Dr. Ikpeazu’s administration in the State has so far brought peace and balanced the lopsided political equation in the State.

Coming from Abia South Senatorial Zone of the State which has not produced the Governor right from the days of the old Imo State, it is generally believed that his emergence as the Governor of the State

assuaged the marginalisation of the Ukwa/ Ngwa people of the State and instituted a strong political equity which was enshrined in the charter of equity adopted by the founding fathers of the State.

Apart from the fact that both Dr. Otti and Dr. Ogah who are from Abia North Senatorial Zones of the State are worthy sons of Abia State, political analysts are of the opinion that their continued engagement of political litigations against the incumbent Governor has so dragged on and now were needless as the incumbent Governor has proved that he has the capacity and ability to turn around the fortunes of the State.

Majority of Abians want political stability in the State and are of the view that any attempt to truncate the current leadership will not auger well for the State, as it could cause unimaginable chaos in addition to tearing the State apart. Residents of Aba which constitutes the highest population of the State with cosmopolitan setting cannot afford to allow any factor derail the drive of the present administration to turn the city into the Japan and China of Africa.

Many Abians have condemned the continued litigations and blamed the State’s current economic woes and backwardness to the desperate desire of some politicians who have failed to accept defeats after each elections in the State. One thing that baffles residents and citizen of Abia State is the magic behind the peace and tranquility being witnessed in the state in spite of this turbulent political experience facing the Ikpeazu administration.

The magic may be simply found in Ikpeazu’s strong belief in the words of an astute leadership expert James M. Kouzes who once said “Values constitute your personal bottom line. They serve as guides to your action. They inform the priority you take and the decision you make. They tell you when to say yes and when to say No. They also help you to explain the choices and why you made them. If you believe, for instance, that diversity enriches conviction and service, then you should know what to do if people with differing views keep getting cut off when they offer fresh ideas. If you value collaboration over individualistic achievements, then you will know what to do when your best salesperson skips team meetings and refuses to share information with colleagues. If you value independence and initiatives over conformity and obedience, you will be more likely to challenge something your manager says, if you think it is wrong’’.

There is therefore no doubt that Ikpeazu’s ability to set up priorities in the governance of Abia State informed his sincere and candid decision to take economic revival of the state as a number one item in his administrative scale of preference. To him, while the nation’s economy is whittling down with high velocity, there is need for an urgent and aggressive march towards economic diversification. Hence, his unprecedented strides in the promotion of Made -in -Aba Goods.

Ikpeazu’s economic revival policy and its importance to the well-being of Abians cannot be overemphasised. This is because it is one area that will not only generate employment for the youths of Abia State but also increase the revenue base of the State for continued developmental programmes of other sectors; as according to Jack Welch “Before you are a leader, success is all about growing yourself. But when you become a leader, success is all about growing others”.

Ikpeazu, as an ardent believer and preacher of the words of the Bible in Proverbs 29 v 18 which says that “where there is no vision the people perish”, he chose the path of vision. Ikpeazu proclaims, like Bejamin Disraeli, “I must follow the people, Am I not their leader? Abians in their response to Ikpeazu’s proclamation say, “We must follow our leader for he has the vision, is he not our leader?

–Mbam, a political analyst wrote in from Aba, Abia State

51

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • APRIL 15, 2017

PERSPECTIVE Nigerian Pensioners as Endangered Species Nwobodo Chidiebere “A generous basic state pension is the least a civilized society should offer those who have worked hard and saved through their whole lives”. --George Osborne

N

igerian pensioners, often forgotten and relegated, have become the embodiment of what is wrong with the Nigerian state.

Those who laboured to serve their fatherland in the primes have become objects of mockery and neglect in the same society they slaved for.

Even based on the natural principle of reciprocity, a pathetic situation where the nation’s senior citizens are treated with so much disdain leaves so much to be desired.

After serving the nation for thirty-five consecutive years or reaching mandatory sixty years retirement age, a pensioner is no longer strong enough to fend for himself/ herself. So, their pension entitlements are not to be seen as a welfare package or privilege, but a constitutional right.

Sadly, the Federal Government (FG) is indebted to the tune of N174 billions, for those who retired under the Defined Pension Scheme alone and N285 billion to their counterparts under the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS)! Some state governments also owe up to five to forty-two months of pension arrears, without losing sleep. These are governors who live in utmost opulence while their fathers and mothers, who “unfortunately” happen to be retirees, are left to languish in abject penury. These governors, also ‘retire’ from office after eight years of milking the State with mindless retirement packages.

For instance, in the midst of the recession, former “comrade” Governor Adams Oshiomole of Edo State, who was leaving behind a state debt profile of USD179.52 million (third highest desbtor among the 36 States as at August 2016), went home with a terminal benefit of a residential building worth N200 million, while his deputy, Dr. Pius Odubu, got one worth

Kemi Adeosun N100 million. Oshiomole is equally entitled to pensions equivalent to 100 percent of his last annual salary plus Special Assistants, security aides, etc. Yet, as at the time he signed off, pensioners were owed up to 42-month benefits.

While it must be admitted that the lots of federal pensioners have improved reasonably since the Pension Reform Acts 2004, later amended in 2014, and boosted by a serious-minded regulator in the form of PenCom, I nevertheless wonder why a government that anchors its mandate on anti-corruption war would treat the welfare of pensioners with so much levity.

Why would serving government workers not be corrupt, when those that left service with impeccable integrity are starving to death? How can a nation that reduces its pensioners to destitute and rejects of the society command the loyalty of her citizens?

According to psychologists, the number of people that die as a result of hopelessness are more than those killed by various terminal diseases. So, most of the pensioners are departing to the great beyond because Nigerian failed system has taken away hope from them, not because they are too old or sick to live.

Imagine the toxicity of the curses these grandfathers and grandmothers would be placing on Nigeria on their sick beds and deathbeds? Imagine the negative orientation the youths have of the Nigerian state, just by seeing those who served the nation with all their lives die gradually, out of negligence and frustration on the part of government?

A recent newspaper editorial showed that in the 2016 Appropriation Act, N50 billion, instead of over N90 billion, was budgeted for paying pensioners under the contributory scheme. But even more worrisome was that out of the inadequate N50 billion, only a paltry N18 billion was released and cash-backed. And it has been the tradition since 2014, thus endangering an otherwise perfect Scheme.

The question is: When did pensions become a capital project that you fund in instalments over the years? Have we forgotten that pension is a right and covered by Section 173 of the 1999 Constitution? What then informs any responsible government to withholding pensions (‘salaries’) of the aged and sick who had worked for it, as if the rest would fall from heaven?

According to the National President of Nigerian Union of Pensioners (NUP), Dr Abel Afolayan, the total liabilities of the four Pension Department under the federal government managed Defined Benefit Scheme (DBS) are as follows: Civil Service Pensions—N55.3bn; Parastatals Pensions—N110.8bn; Police Pensions— N6.7bn; Customs, Immigration and Prisons Pension which stood at N1.5bn.

Hence the total accrued arrears amounting to about N174 billion. That of those who retired under the new scheme- CPS- is well over N285 billion.

I am leveraging on this medium, to make a passionate plea to the FG to wake up to its primary responsibilities. I commend President Muhammadu Buhari for releasing the sum of N54 billion to tackle the arrears. It is a show of humaneness. But, he could do more to save his fellow pensioners. The FG must work out modalities to offset backlog of pension arrears as promised by the Ministers of Finance and Budget when they appeared before the House of Representatives in plenary over the matter. I agree with the Speaker of the House of Representatives and also the Senate that if the FG could go as far as bailing out states in the payment of arrears of salaries and pensions, nothing stops it from intervening in special ways to clear its backlog of pension benefits of its own retirees. After all, charity begins at home.

The Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Budget and National Planning, PenCom, PTAD and Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) should synergize to save Nigerian Pensioners. Even if CBN will create Pension Intervention Fund, they manner it did for Aviation sector—by birthing Aviation Intervention Fund; power sector—through Power Sector Intervention Fund, and so on just to salvage the ugly plights of pensioners.

National Assembly should also ensure that 2017 Appropriation Act takes full care of FG’s pension liabilities. We know that Appropriation Bill submitted by the executive is full of so many inanities. They should be weeded out to mass up funds to tackle the pension backlog, once for all.

For instance, we don’t have to be buying kitchen utensils for the Villa every year.

We don’t even need to spend so much on inflated capital projects whereas those they being built for are dying off in frustration.

No serious nation plays with the wellbeing of its spent workforce, which Nigerian pensioner represents. Government should do the needful, please.

–Nwobodo writes from chidieberenwobodo@yahoo.com

No Glass Ceiling: When Women Gather to Break Life, Business Limitations Bennett Oghifo

D

istinguished ladies and men who care about them congregated in Lagos recently to discuss how to break life and business limitations.

The iWOW (Inspired Women of Worth), in its 7th year, held its annual Global Possibilities Summit 2017, a transformational 2-day business and life event aimed at inspiring, encouraging and equipping women to break every kind of limitation, environmental, economic, societal, cultural, political or corporate.

The event, which held from March 31-April 1 in Lagos, had the theme ‘No Glass Ceiling’, a traditional expression referring to corporate challenges for women rising to top leadership, but which at this event was expanded to include any identifiable barrier that restricts people from achieving their highest potential.

Deliberations began on the first day of Udo Okonjo the Global Possibilities Summit, which held at the Wheatbaker Hotel, with the Executive ing, shared lessons on ‘Building a Stand Business Mastermind based on the GO Out brand’ by building meaningful personal MEGA business growth series, designed and brands that stand for something significant, facilitated by Udo Okonjo, Founder, iWOW while Oke Maduewesi, CEO, Zaron Cosmetand CEO at Fine and Country West Africa. ics, contributed her business perspective The theme of the mastery session was, and case study drawing on the lessons of ‘Creating your Own Economy’ and Udo affordability, accessibility and quality, which have helped her grow her brand both locally encouraged the women to build their own and across Africa in a tough economy. ‘houses’, (a metaphor for businesses or The guests also brainstormed lessons indispensability factor for those in paid employment) to eliminate the fear of ceilings. on defying the glass ceiling for business owners, shared specially for the summit by She also enjoined the guests to focus Mrs. Ibukun Awosika, Chairwoman of First and dominate a sector or market segment before diversifying and getting distracted by Bank Plc. THE BIG Conversation... multiple opportunities.

The evening town hall meeting was Chizor Malize, CEO, Brandzone Consult-

themed, ‘The Big Conversation: Age, Culture, Environment, Finances . . . is there a Glass Ceiling? It was an evening of Knowledge, Entertainment, Empowerment and Transformation. The conversation kicked off with a powerful line-up of speakers- which included Dr. Myma BeloOsagie Oje of the founding partners of Udo Udoma & Belo Osagie, a leading Law firm; Tara Fela-Durotoye CEO of House of Tara; Bisi Lamikanra Senior Partner at KPMG; Ego Boyo, a pioneer in the Entertainment industry and Lanre Olusola, an acclaimed life coach. Following the debate by the panel, Aig Imokhuede, Chairman of Coronation Capital and President of the Nigerian Stock Exchange, spoke on the Corporate Glass Ceiling, ‘A Myth or Reality’, with a charge that women ought to think more politically while acting strategically. He stated that there are clear ceilings but they are surmountable with all parties including men joining forces to eliminate them in the work place. Dr. Tony Rapu, Senior Pastor of This Present House and Chairman of Freedom Foundation also addressed the cultural and religious perspective on the ceilings that women face, admonishing women to let their voices be heard collectively for bolder impact.

Saturday was the high point of the Global Possibilities Summit with two plenary sessions and a GPS round table discussion.

Mrs. Mosun Belo- Olusoga, Chairman, Access Bank Plc., Ms. Evelyn Oputu, former MD of Bank of Industry, both role models for many corporate women, and Mr. Peter Obi, former Governor of Anambra State, who took the keynote addresses set the tone for the morning session.

Peter Obi touched on the need for

women to actively participate in politics.

He charged women to get involved and be co-creators of the future they want for their children. He proposed that women should actively engage themselves in building public wealth. Mrs. Belo Olusoga, encouraged women to define success for themselves, and be clear what their personal values are, while adopting diligence, excellence and commitment as workplace values to put them on top.

Evelyn Oputu, advised women to discover and define themselves and their own terms of success, while playing like men with courage, and yet winning like women with style and emotional intelligence.

The GPS Roundtable, which focused on Creating your Own Silver Spoon, had Chude Jideonwu, of Red Media, Osayi Alile, Development Consultant, and Stephanie Obi a New Media coach for people who want to amplify their messages or services. The insightful Roundtable session preceded the second plenary session, which was anchored

by The Catalyst, Lanre Olusola and Patrick Nwakogo, Country Director and CEO at Dale Carnegie Nigeria.

Patrick Nwakogo’s session dealt with Effective Communication and Influence, showing guests how to build great relationships at work through increasing our influence quotient, while using communication as a platform.

Lanre rounded off the summit sessions on the topic of “Your Wealth Files”, addressing very profoundly and in a practical manner how to break free from limiting beliefs which ultimately affect our financial mind-sets and lifestyles. He talked about a lack of emotional mastery being a source of stress and most illnesses.

52

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • APRIL 15, 2017

POLITY

Despite Warnings, Losses, Nigerians Embrace Another Ponzi Scheme Olaoluwakitan Babatunde

E

ven with the copious warnings about the danger in investing in Ponzi schemes, and the huge losses suffered by Nigerians who joined the failed Mavrodi Mundial Movement (MMM), another scheme of that sort called “Giverszone” has debuted in the country and many are investing in it. Giverszone (Giverszone. com), a popular South Asian Ponzi scheme, extended its operation to Nigeria and other African countries. Millions have already embraced the new craze in Nigeria, despite the Federal Government warnings about the danger in investing in such schemes, as they are not registered businesses and thereby not governed or regulated by any financial agency.

Like MMM and other similar schemes, investment in Giverszone.com is pure by

bitcoin, the world’s new digital currency, and this makes it impossible for any government agency to regulate.

A participant in the latest scheme, who preferred anonymity, said: “The very unfavourable business environment in Nigeria, which is made worse by hyperinflation, is the major incentive for investment in the Ponzi schemes. The high inflation rate terribly hurts not only the purchasing power of the citizens, but it also erodes the capacity of genuine business people to make profit. Schemes like Ponzi simply come to the rescue. We know the risks but we are left with few options.”

According to the information available on the website of Giverszone.com, the scheme is promising 60% monthly profit on investment. But as it is customary for such schemes not to specify any cogent investment profile, the 60% return promise is without any tangible product they deal or trade on. And there is no mention of

any kind of guarantee on investors’ fund.

“We are purely a peer to peer donation platform, controlled by group of individuals that have come together to improve on what other platforms are doing,” they stated.

For now, thousands of Giverszone.com members are smiling to the banks, but the big question now is, how long is it going to last?

The Central Bank of Nigeria, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation, Securities and Exchange Commission, and even the National Assembly have warned citizens against patronage of bitcoin and the schemes that support it.

Managing Director of NDIC, Umaru Ibrahim, recently reiterated the government’s warning against participation in the pyramid investment schemes on the corporation’s special day at the 2017 Enugu International Trade Fair. “I wish

to draw attention to emergence of the various Ponzi schemes, popularly called Mavrodi Mundial Movement (MMM) and other forms of digital and block-chain currencies,” Ibrahim said at the event where he was represented by the NDIC Controller at Enugu Zonal Office, Nicolas Ibrahim.

He added, “These Ponzi schemes also come in form of virtual currencies such as Bitcoin, Ripples, Monero, Litecoin, Dogecoin and Onecoin for medium of exchange and web-based transactions which are neither authorised by the CBN nor insured by the NDIC.” But all these warnings typically fall on deaf ears. Giverszone.com is fast growing its membership every day.

Regardless of those warnings, the Ponzi systems have continued to make waves, apparently, due to the promise of high return on investment. Apart from MMM and Giverszone.com, other schemes have gained popularity in Nigeria.

PHOTO NEWS

R-L: Former Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Engr. Omar Suleiman and the IDB Resident Representative, Country Gateway Office, Abuja, Mr. Abdallah Kiliaki in a warm handshake shortly after a meeting in Abuja…recently The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Oil and Gas Free Zones Authority (OGFZA), Mr. Umana Umana showing something of interest to a participant at the 15th World Free Zones Convention in Doha, Qatar ...recently

L-R: Hon. Justice, Adesuyi Olateru- Olagbegi; the Olowo of Owo, HRM Oba David Victor Olateru-Olagbegi; High Chief Ojumu of Owo, Chief Olanrewaju Famakinwa and wife, Mrs. Olatimbo Famakinwa, at the coronation ceremony of Chief Olanrewaju Famakinwa as the Ojumu of Owo Land...recently

L-R: Waste Management Division, Lagos State Ministry of Environment, Mrs. Laide Collins; Assistant Director, Health Education Unit, Lagos Ministry of Health, Mrs. Olubunmi Ilawole; Head, Waste Management Unit, Environmental Services Dept, Lagos State Ministry of Environment, Mrs. Tolu Adeyo; Brand Manager, Hypo, Ms. Jadesola Surakat; and Ace Presenter, Wazobia 95.1 FM, Omotunde Adebowale at the Hypo Clean Up exercise on World Health Day in Lagos ...recently PHOTO: SUNDAY ADIGUN

L-R: Beneficiary, Eko Free Health Mission, Mrs. Toke Olatunji; Director, Medical Admin and Trainning, Dr. Funmilayo Shokunbi; Member, Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. Funmilayo Tejuoso; Deputy Governor, Dr. Oluranti Adebule and the State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Jide Idris; during the official flag off of the Eko free health mission in Lagos...recently PHOTO: KOLA OLASUPO

R-L: Head, HEDA Resouces Centre, Mr. Olanrewaju Suraj; Keynote Presenter, Mr. Femi Falana, SAN; and CSO Expert United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Mrs Kehinde Osotimehin-Olorunleke, at the Opening of a-2day UNODC Training of Trainer in Lagos... recently PHOTO: YOMI AKINYELE

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ ͹ͽ˜ ͺ͸͹͵

53

NEWS

In Brief

Saraki on Rescue of Chibok Girls

ThePresidentoftheSenate,Dr.BukolaSarakihascalledforconcertedefforts torescuetherestoftheover200schoolgirlsthatwereabductedfromtheir secondary school in Chibok Local Government Area of BornoState three years ago. In a statement issued to mark the third year anniversary of the abduction which shocked the nation, he pledged the commitment of the Senate to do everything within its power to advocate for the return of the remaininggirls.Sarakiaddedthattheirsafereturnwouldsignifytheclosure of a dark chapter inNigeria’s history. “I speak on behalf of allNigerians who truly care, mothers and fathers especially, who cannot imagine the pain of not knowing whether or not one's abducted child is alive or not. I know that thisgovernmentiscontinuingtoexplorealloptionstosecurethereleaseof theremaininggirls.Wewillcontinuetosupporttheadministration'sefforts in every way that we can," he said.

Crisis Deepens at 1004

TAKING STOCK...

L-R: Member Board of Partners, SIAO,Mr. Ladi Smith; Deputy Director, Lagos State Ministry of Commerce Industry and Co-operative, Mrs. Akinbayo Gbemi;Mr. Ituah Ighodalo; and Robert Ade-Odiachi both Board of Partners SIAO, at the 1st Quarter Industry session on development optimal efficiency in the use of human capital in a downturn economy held in Lagos recently

Lagos Goes on 24-Hour

Power Supply for Easter The Eko Electricity Distribution Plc (EKEDC) has assured that it would ensure customers of uninterrupted power supply throughout the Easter period.

To achieve this, the company said it had already adopted some measures to.

According to NAN, General Manager, Corporate Communications of the company, Mr. Godwin Idemudia, said Friday that the company was aware of the high expectations of customers to enjoy regular power supply during Easter.

“EKEDC has put in place measures to ensure that the customers’ hopes are not dashed.

“We assure customers within

our operational territory of uninterrupted electricity supply during Easter.

“We will ensure that energy from the National Grid is adequately distributed to customers,” Idemudia assured.

He, however, warned against vandalism and tampering with equipment in the zone as it could cause deaths or serious injuries. According to him, frequent damage of such equipment would cause outage.

“It is illegal and dangerous for anyone to trade, live or work near electricity installations or even tamper with them.

“The company is determined to deliver power supply to

its customers in a very safe manner; we will collaborate with communities to safeguard electricity installations,” he said.

The EKEDC spokesman appealed to consumers to ensure that their homes and business premises were properly wired and earthed by engaging only approved technicians to ensure safety of lives and property.

He said the management had set up a committee to ensure that health, safety and environment were fully integrated in its operations, adding, we at EKEDC values health and environment because our operation is not just to sell electricity and make money, but to ensure a safe use of the

product.”

He advised electricity consumers to refrain from patronising unlicensed electricians when faults occurred on their power lines or appliances.

On fault clearing in the zone, Idemudia said a special fault clearing team had been set up in all the business districts to facilitate quick response to customers’ complaints.

He warned owners of houses built under high tension wires and cables to relocate without further delay.

“It is also the expectation of the company that customers on their own will settle their electricity bills promptly to avoid disconnection.”

Mandela Fellow TrainsVVF Survivors on Entrepreneurial Skills Bennett Oghifo

A 2016 Mandela Washington Fellow, Ms. Chidinma Mbanasor has concluded a series of vocational rehabilitation and economic empowerment program for 60 Vesico-Vaginal Fistula (VVF) survivors in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State.

A statement by the Information Office, Public Affairs Section (PAS), U.S. Consulate General, Lagos said, “The training session, which spanned over a period of seven days, was targeted at the socio-economic reintegration of women who have undergone fistula repair surgeries, especially those whose husbands abandoned them as a result

of their medical condition.”

Chidinma Mbanasor, a midwife and reproductive health provider said, “The majority of these VVF survivors are peasants, petty traders, and housewives who have difficulty supporting themselves let alone their families.

The situation becomes even more complicated when they are abandoned by their husbands and family members.

“Equipping women who have undergone fistula repair with self-sustaining skills can strengthen their capacity to care for themselves with a view to helping them reclaim their lives and return to their communities with pride and independence after treatment.”

During the programme, which was held at the National Obstetric Fistula Centre, Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, the participants attended sessions on skill acquisition and entrepreneurship, hygiene, and reproductive health. They were also empowered with free start-off packages in their chosen areas of interest.

Ms. Mbanasor was awarded a public diplomacy grant by the United States Consulate General in Lagos to carry out the project. Public Affairs Officer, Darcy Zotter lauded Mbanasor’s advocacy for women and young girls, particularly survivors of obstetric fistula.

“Untreated fistula can

have a devastating impact on women’s lives due to a whole range of physical, psychological, and socioeconomic consequences.

We applaud Ms. Chidinma Mbanasor’s renewed focus on Vesico-Vaginal Fistula survivors and for taking the bold step of providing support for them,” Zotter said.

Contingent upon availability of funds, the Public Affairs Section of the U.S. Consulate General in Lagos works with non-government organisations (NGOs), academic institutions, and individuals, through small grants, to provide financial support to a specific programme or initiative that supports shared goals.

Catholic Church Frees 25 Yola Inmates The Catholic Diocese of Yola on Friday paid fines of 25 inmates from the Prison, as part of activities to mark the Easter celebration.

Speaking at the ceremony, Bishop Stephen Mamza said the church paid the fine amount and got them released.

The church also presented

foodstuff to the remaining inmates.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that Mamza urged Christians to demonstrate love through sharing with the needy and underprivileged such as prisoners and internally displaced persons during such festive periods.

According to him, the role of the Church as body of Christ was to put smile in the lives of the hopeless one in the society.

In his remarks at the occasion, the officer in charge of the prison, Mr. Idi Abubakar lauded the church for the gesture and its continued

assistance to the inmates during such festive periods.

Abubakar tasked those released to reciprocate the gesture by being responsible members of the society.

The church delegation also visited IDPs settlements where they distributed food items to the IDPs.

Facilities in 1004 Estate are steadily grinding to a halt as crisis deepens among homeowners and residents who are now split into various warring camps. The storm in 1004 Estate has become a source of worry to many residents that their once endearing residential area would become too disreputable to attract the services of credible service-providers. 1004 Estate was sold by the Federal Government to a private concern during the regime of President Olusegun Obasanjo.TheEstate took a whole new look after it was rehabilitated by the private enterprise.Today, in contrast to its sweet atmosphere fresh from rehabilitation, theEstate is a hot bed ofmanagementcrisesandfailinginfrastructure.Forstarters,theEstate’s Home-OwnersandResidentsAssociationhasnotbeenabletoestablisha new executive to succeed the immediate past management team which was said to have been sacked for many reasons.

Dasuki Empowers Physically Challenged

MemberrepresentingTambuwal/KebbeFederalconstituencyintheHouseof Representatives,AlhajiAbdussamadDasuki,hasdistributedempowerment materialsto1000womenandphysicallychallengedpersonsinKebbelocal government area of Sokoto State. The materials donated to the women includedeightgenerators,106grindingmachinesand130sewingmachines.

Speaking during the distribution of the empowerment materials to the womeninKebbelocalgovernmentareaofthestateyesterday,Dasukisaid themovewasmeanttoempowerthemtobeself-reliant.Hedescribedthe women empowerment initiative as part of efforts aimed at supporting women to improve the wellbeing of their families. "The people of Kebbe haveshownmesupportovertheyears.Thisisjustatokenmeanttoprovide support to our women to engage in meaningful business. I have no doubt thatthiswillgoalongwayincushioningtheirsufferingandenablethemfend fortheirfamilies,“hesaid.Hesaiditwasinhiseffortstoimprovethehealth and living conditions of the people of his constituency that he organised a medical outreach in the area.

Lawmaker Donates Computers

A member representingSokoto South constituency in theSokoto State House of Assembly, Alhaji Malami Basakkwace, has donated five sets of computers and accessories to the Sultan Abubakar Secondary School, Sokoto.Speakingshortlyafterpresentingthecomputerstotheschoolon Friday, Basakkwace saidthegesturewaspartofhiscontributionstoensure the success of the state of emergency declared on the education sector by the state government. According to him, it was also aimed at boosting Information, Communications andTechnology in the state. ''ICTis now the main thing globally and we cannot afford to lag behind,'' he explained.The lawmaker,whohandedoverthecomputerstotheCommissioner,Basicand Secondary Education, Dr. Jabbi Kilgori, in Sokoto, pledged to do more to support the programmes of the present administration. Responding, the Commissionerpromisedthatthecomputerswouldbeusedforthepurpose they were meant for. He urged other lawmakers and wealthy individuals in the state to emulate the lawmaker.

Niger Begins Cancer Screening Training

At least 25 health personnel drawn from nine of the 25 Local Government Areas of the state have begun training on the screening of cervical cancer patients. The training which is being handled by the pet project of the wife of the state governor, Dr. Amina Sani Bello would last one week.

The workshop would also see to the integration of cancer screening into the Primary Health Care programme of the state and would cover the remaining 16 local government areas of the state before the end of next month. Project Coordinator of RAISE foundation, Dr.Stephen Ohize said at the opening of the training taking place at Dokon- koli hotel Minna on Tuesday that emphasis was being placed on cervical cancer in the state because "it is next to breast cancer in number of patients and deadliness".

Dr. Stephen Ohize disclosed that at the end of the day RAISE foundation would establish cancer screening centres in all the 25 LGAs of the state to bring the facility closer to the people at the grassroots in addition to providing the trainees with screening tools

Organisation PledgesWomen Empowerment

TheWomen and Girl-Child CapabilitiesEnhancement andEmpowerment Organisation (WGCCEEO) has assured of its unrelenting commitment to empowerruralwomenandpromoteSTEM(Science,Technology,Engineering andMathematics)inthegirl-childeducation.Itaimstofast-trackNigeriain achievingrapidtechnologicaldevelopmentsinceitsestablishment,WGCCEEO successfully set up Girls’ Club in Public PrimarySchools. "Through the Club, a good number of socially-excluded girls have been exposed to teachings on leadership as well as using a laptop computer and exposed to the internet." According to the founder of the organisation, Oluwatoyin Oloruntola-Taiwoinapressrelease,"ThisFebruary,theorganisationincollaboration with Light-Up Development Initiative - a Non-Governmental OrganisationbasedinNigeria,advocatedagainstGenderBasedViolence.

"We also partnered Girl Afrique in a one-day empowerment programme on dealing with social challenges for the young girls in Topo Community, the Badagry area of Lagos on March 26 this year, which focused on Sex Education,EffectivelyHandlingPeerPressure,CareofBodyPartsandthe Child Rights Act," she added.

54

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ ͹ͽ˜ ͺ͸͹͵

NEWS

House to Summon IGP over Life Insurance Claims on Deceased Officers The House of Representatives ad hoc committee on alleged fraudulent practices by government agencies and insurance companies is to summon the Inspector General of Police to appear before it to explain alleged irregularities in the administration of the Police Insurance Group Life and selective settlement of claims of deceased officers by the police.

Chairman of the committee, Hon. Abdulkaber Akinlade who

disclosed this in Abuja said the committee was worried by the allegation against the police.

According to him, it was unimaginable that police officers who put their lives on the line to defend the citizens of this country would be so shabbily treated by their superiors.

He said that the summon had become necessary because the IGP invited Members of the committee for a meeting in his office only to treat them with complete disrespect by keeping

them waiting for many hours.

He said members of the Ad hoc Committee on Insurance had gone on a prearranged visit to the Nigerian Police headquarters for a scheduled meeting with the IGP but were ignored and kept in the office of the Inspector General of Police's Principal Staff Officer for hours, prompting them to leave in protest.

Akinlade expressed surprise at the IGP's action, adding that it was “symptomatic of

the increasingly contemptuous disregard for the parliament by top officials of government.

"It is unacceptable that government officials will willfully disregard the institution of the parliament which appropriates resources for the institutions they head.

We cannot continue to allow the strong man mentality to hold us down. We must work towards building strong institutions which the national assembly represents" he said.

ON CHIBOK GIRLS WE STAND...

L-R: One of the parents of the abducted Chibok school girls, Mrs. Rebecca Samuel; Prof. Grace Alele-Williams; Representative of Emir of Kano, Muhammed Sanusi Lamido II , Shahida Mohammed Sanusi and BBOG Convener , Dr. Oby Ezekwesili during a lecture to mark 3 years of Chibok School Girls abduction in Abuja Photo : Gbemiga

Bello Immortalises Late Lt. Col. Ali 7,000 Students Register for SPAK National Science Competition TV Show who died in Boko Haram Fight Yekini Jimoh in Lokoja

Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State has dedicated the 50km Shintaku-Gboloko-Dekina Road Project to the memory of the late Lt. Col. Muhammad Abu Ali, the son of the Ettu of Bassa-Nge Kingdom, who died in the defence of his country while fighting Boko Haram insurgents.

The Governor said this yesterday at the second official flagging-off major road projects the Eastern Senatorial Zone of the state.

The event, which took place in Bassa, was attended by all the royal fathers in the area and was hosted by the Local Government Council Administrator, Hon. Zakari Alumka.

Ayingba, a major town in Kogi, and will connect many villages and farmsteads to the bigger cities. It is expected to be completed in 24 months.

He reassured the Bassa people of his desire to bring infrastructural development their domain and secure their lives and property. He warned

all the criminals still lurking in the area to ask for amnesty or face the wrath of the law.

“By now, the criminals must know that there is a new sheriff in town. I will not condone criminality. Those still hiding will be found one by one. Just yesterday, we brought down the house of a notorious criminal.

I personally supervised the demolition. Poverty is not an excuse for criminality. I was never born with a silver spoon.

Everyone has the potential to be great”, Governor Bello said.

He thanked his hosts for the resounding welcome and promised that he would ensure that the contractor would deliver a world-class job.

“My late brother, Lt. Col Abu Ali, paid the ultimate price for the protection of his fellow Nigerians and I’m dedicating this road construction to his memory. When I came here to pay my condolences to his family, I promised to construct this road and I’m grateful to God that I’m performing the flag-off today to the glory of God.”

Adedayo Adejobi

Over 7,000 students from about 2,000 senior secondary schools across 19 states of the federation sat for the qualifying exams for the SPAK National Science Competition which was held in Lagos.

SPAK National Science Competition is a new science-based television quiz show and the most contemporary of its kind in Nigeria.

It is a unique initiative aimed at igniting interest and promoting the study of science in secondary schools in Nigeria, and registration is open to students currently in the second year of their Senior Secondary School (SSS2), students aged 14 to 17.

The Competition kicked off with a written examination on Saturday, the April 1, 2017. Of the 7,000 students that participated in that examination, only 81 students will be eligible to proceed to the second round. The names of the successful 81 students will be released on May 1, 2017.

According to Mr Oladapo Ojo, the creator of the show, the science competition was geared towards promoting sound education for

science students in Nigerian secondary schools.

He said: “The SPAK National Science competition was designed to use the audio visual medium to remove the myths surrounding science and technology and also rekindle interest in this area of science education which is perceived as difficult to study. He added that the unique learning programme had gotten the support of the National Examination Council (NECO).

Mr. Ojo further stated that elements of entertainment will be infused into the SPAK National Science Competition TV Show to drive more viewership. Other sets of viewers who will find the show more interesting are parents, teachers as well as other key stakeholders in Nigeria’s science and technology learning environment.

To participate in the science competition, interested schools were expected to register six of their most proficient students in the sciences, irrespective of sex, religion, tribe or state of origin, for the first round of the competition.

The advertised website is www. spak.ng.

A’Ibom Monarchs Risk Being Jailed Over Allege Contempt Okon Bassey in Uyo

The Paramount Ruler of Mbo Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, Ovong Edet Okon Isemin, the Village Head of Ibaka village also of Mbo, Chief Asukwo Ntefit Asukwo and 12 others risk being jailed for defying the judgment orders of the Federal High Court, Uyo. Already, the Court has fixed May 11, 2017 for them to appear before it over alleged contempt charge filed by the Counsel to the incorporated Trustees of Ibaka Youth Association, Mr. Ayei E. Okpa from the Kanu G. Agabi & Associates Chambers, Calabar.

Justice Fatun O. Riman of the Federal High Court Uyo had restrained both the Paramount ruler and the village head from interfering with the right to association, property and peaceful assembly of youths of the community under the aegis of the incorporated trustees of Ibaka youths association.

It was learnt that upon being served with a copy of the order in suit No.FHC/Uy/CS/1616/16: Incorporated Trustees of Ibaka Youths Association & 3 others versus the Commissioner of Police Akwa Ibom State and 10 others, the paramount ruler became incensed at the judgment and immediately summoned a meeting with other chiefs and interested parties in his house at Ibaka.

THISDAY gathered that contrary to the verdict of the court, at the meeting called by the paramount ruler, a decision was taken to mobilise and displace the youth’s association from the revenue points ceded by the Ibaka community to the youths

of the community to manage.

President of the youth group and chairman of the board of trustees of Ibaka Youths Association, comrade Uduak Effiong Isemin confirmed that youths at the revenue check point in the area were attacked but however repelled by men of the Joint Task Force (JTF) that patrolled the area.

In the judgment, Justice Riman of the Federal Court had ordered the State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Donald Awunah to arrest all those behind the killing of the late Christian Okon for prosecution.

The Judge posited that the applicants were entitled to peaceful assembly and freedom of association; right to privacy and to freedom from arbitrary interference; and right to life and to the security of their person, among others; warning against further inference of activities of the youth’s association by the chiefs in the area.

Commenting on the development, Counsel to the association, from the chamber of Kanu G. Agabi & Associates, Barrister Ayei E. Okpa, frowned at the flagrant disregard to orders of court by royal fathers who ought to lead by example as custodians of peace and order in their community.

He said steps have already commenced at the federal High court Uyo to commit the Royal fathers to prison for the contempt, and that with the service on the two chiefs of forms 48 and 49, already executed, the coast is clear to take the next step of prosecuting the chiefs for contempt, and urged his client not to dispair as no one is above the law.

Group Charges Urhobo Lawmakers on Accountable Representation Omon-Julius Onabu in Asaba

A pressure group, the Urhobo Summit Group, has tasked elected representatives of Urhobo ethnic extraction at both state and federal levels to be more accountable to the people by frequently giving them feedback on their activities that have attracted development to Urhobo-land.

Rising from the second in the series of its “OJA KONA” Summit in Asaba, which included a public lecture titled, “Unity and Accountability of elected Urhobo representatives”, the group also canvassed the improved upliftment of Urhobo nation.

It argued that the Urhobo Nation had found herself at the backseat of socio-economic and political development in the country despite its significant contribution to national development in the past five to six decades of the nation’s existence.

The organisation equally bemoaned the apparent lack of accountability by respective Urhobo lawmakers, in terms of giving necessary feedback to the people, charging them to constantly tell their constituents what they were doing and also acting as a bridge between government and their constituents.

In his welcome remarks to the gathering that included traditional rulers, government

functionaries elected political leaders, members of the academia and other stakeholders of Urhobo extraction, the group’s president, Professor Victor Jike, rued the dearth of federal infrastructure in Urhobo-land.

Jike also called for urgent steps to redress the injustice being experienced by Sapele residents, who, in spite of being host to the Ogorode Power Station that services the National Grid, had no electricity supply to show for it.

Other speakers at the event included former state finance and economic planning commissioner in the Uduaghan administration, Olorogun Kenneth Okpara, Dr. Godwin Ogbegor of Delta State University Abraka and Omiragwa Henry Diejamaoh.

Speakers were unanimous in their views that the teeming youths of Urhobo-land should be empowered so as not to be lured or influenced by the antics of desperate politicians who use them during electioneering campaign to perpetrate electoral violence and thereafter dump them after achieving their political aims.

They also advocated for skills acquisition and capacity building for youths, urging elected Urhobo representatives at both state and federal levels to chart the way forward and do the needful by proposing viable development models.

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž ͚ͽË&#x153; ͺ͸͚;

55

At Easter, Saraki, Dogara Call for Religious Tolerance Damilola Oyedele and James Emejo in Abuja As Christians across the world mark Easter to celebrate the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus's Christ, Senate President Bukola Saraki has called for mutual respect among adherents of various faiths in the country, â&#x20AC;&#x153;as this is the only guarantee for peaceful coexistence among different religions in the country.â&#x20AC;?

In his own message, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara urged Christians and Nigerians in general to imbibe the lessons of the resurrection as living evidence that every challenge,

including death, can be overcome through abiding faith in God and dogged determination.

In Sarakiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s message signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Yusuph Olaniyonu, the Senate President urged all Nigerians to unite in confronting the development challenges facing the nation and urged Nigerians to rededicate themselves to the service of God, the nation and humanity. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I implore Nigerians to use the Easter period to renew their faith in God and strengthen the bond of friendship and brotherhood that has held the country united since the amalgamation in 1914. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Among the essence of Easter is

sacrifice, love for humanity and total submission to the will of God. These virtues should not be lost on us as Nigerians. Let's continue to pray for a peaceful Nigeria that will be a pride to us and the future generation,â&#x20AC;? he added.

The Senate President reiterated the commitment of the Senate to support the efforts of the present administration to build a peaceful and prosperous Nigeria.

He added that the upper legislative chamber is committed to the enactment of legislations that would turn around the nation's economy and called for the support of all Nigerians for President Muhammadu Buhari.

Dogara Wants Christians to Imbibe

Lessons of Resurrection Dogara said the lessons of Easter should serve as a springboard to rise above the challenges Nigerians are currently facing.

The Speaker said Christians should draw a lesson from His resurrection and rise above the challenges currently face in this country.

In a statement by his Special Assistant on Media and Public Affairs, Turaki Hassan, Dogara said: "On our part, the House of Representatives will continue to collaborate with the executive by providing legislative backing to policies and programmes aimed at improving the living standard of Nigerians."

US Doctors Arrive Nigeria to Provide Free Services A team of doctors from the United States of America will this weekend arrive in the country for a medical mission at Ile Ife, Osun State.

The 20-man collaborative team of physicians, surgeons and medical support staff is made up mostly of alumnus of the Obafemi Awolowo University, formally University of Ife. Among other things, the weeklong activities for the medical mission include free medical clinics at the Ooni's palace; and a full day of "Campus" clinics, health fair, preventive/public health activities, including screenings for diabetes, hypertension and some communicable diseases.

According to the schedule, while the physicians are running the clinics, there will be simultaneous surgeries at designated centres within the University teaching hospital by the US-based surgeons and their Ife counterparts on cataract patients and laparoscopic procedures using

Africaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Richest Man Writes for YouWiN!Connect Africaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s richest man and President/ CEO of Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, will write an article in the next edition of YouWiN! Connect, which will be published in five newspapers.

The article, which will focus on â&#x20AC;&#x153;Starting Smallâ&#x20AC;?, will be published in six newspapers, including THISDAY. In his article, Dangote wrote: â&#x20AC;&#x153;I have always had a passion for business. As a child, I remember trading in confectioneries amongst my classmates and as I grew older, I gathered business experience working with my uncle.â&#x20AC;?

The article, which will be published under the â&#x20AC;&#x153;YouWiN! Connect Academyâ&#x20AC;? section, also shared vital success and motivational tips for entrepreneurs who are starting small.

The Minister of Finance, Mrs. Kemi Adeosun, commended Dangote described his interest and involvement in the enterprise education initiative of the ministry as â&#x20AC;&#x153;a watershed momentâ&#x20AC;? for the programme.

She said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s no better way to help entrepreneurs succeed than to have icons like Dangote share their personal success stories with them through an increasingly valuable platform like YouWiN! Connect.

This is why the Muhammadu Buhari-led administration reaffirmed its commitment to the project in its enhanced form.â&#x20AC;?

top-notch, state of the art and cutting edge technology equipment brought from the US. According to the team, all surgeries will be conducted for free.

Also members of the team interested in teaching and giving lectures will be provided the opportunity to do so at the university.

The team led by Dr. Olabisi Jagun, who describes her role as â&#x20AC;&#x153;a fortunate oneâ&#x20AC;? is sponsored by the Mercysaidno Foundation (an Atlanta-based Nigerian Philanthropic organisation), Ifemed Alumni Association (USA), member physicians, Friends of Ifemed Physicians and Ife Ooye North America Association (IONA). â&#x20AC;&#x153;Our team is very excited and ready to go, and we are grateful

for the wonderful opportunity to give back,â&#x20AC;? says Jagun.

She explains that â&#x20AC;&#x153;all our physicians and surgeons are brilliant and distinguished in their field of expertise; a few of them are leading world experts; they have all been vetted and their licenses are current.â&#x20AC;?

It is estimated that during the mission, the team will see between 5,000 to 10,000 patients and hand out over $150,000 worth of free medications and prescriptions.â&#x20AC;?

Dr. Yemi Ogunbiyi, the Chairman of the Governing Council of the university, who is planning many initiatives for the institution, says the medical mission is a great thing to happen to the university and Ile-Ife city.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;It fills me with joy to see distinguished physicians and surgeons in the United States remember home for this kind gesture. The Council and the entire university are proud of this wonderful support.â&#x20AC;?

The Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) is a leading federal government owned and operated Nigerian university at the ancient city of Ile-Ife, Osun State. It was founded in 1961 and classes commenced in October 1962 as the University of Ife by the regional government of Western Nigeria, and was renamed Obafemi Awolowo University on 12 May 1987 in honour of Chief Obafemi Awolowo first premier of the Western Region of Nigeria, whose brainchild the university was.

Bayelsa Govt. Begins Enumeration of Unemployed Graduates Emmanuel Addeh in Yenagoa Starting next week, the Governor of Bayelsa State, Mr. Seriake Dickson, would begin a comprehensive collation of all unemployed graduates in the state with a view to engaging them in the state civil service.

The Governor who spoke when students' leaders from the National Union of Bayelsa State students (NUBSS) visited him at the Government House in Yenagoa, said he would next week inaugurate a special committee to oversee the proposed census.

He said the move was necessary in order to replace ghost workers and retiring employees in the civil service who are being fished out in the ongoing verification exercise.

The governor who thanked the students for declaring their support for the newly introduced

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

L$3/'4#')2$J&/7&$(&5$(55'#11#5$ (1$ ONYEBUCHI SUNDAY, &/7$ 7-1"$ 6/$ ,#$ J&/7&$ (&5$ (55'#11#5$ (1$ AKOBULA DARLINGTON SUNDAY.$ P))$ 3/'4#'$ 5/.+4#&61$ '#4(-&$ B()-5E$!"#$%#&#'()$*+,)-.$1"/+)5$ 6(J#$&/6#E L$3/'4#')2$J&/7&$(&5$(55'#11#5$ (1$ ESURUOSHO BUKOLA OLADIPO,$ &/7$ 7-1"$ 6/$ ,#$ J&/7&$ (&5$ (55'#11#5$ (1$ JOSEPH OLADIPO KOLEOSHO. P))$ 3/'4#'$ 5/.+4#&61$ '#4(-&$ B()-5E$ !"#$ %#&#'()$ *+,)-.$ 1"/+)5$ 6(J#$&/6#E L$3/'4#')2$J&/7&$(&5$(55'#11#5$ (1$ MOGAJI BILIKISU TEMITOPE,$ &/7$ 7-1"$ 6/$ ,#$ J&/7&$(&5$(55'#11#5$(1$KASALI BILIKISU TEMITOPE.$P))$3/'4#'$ 5/.+4#&61$ '#4(-&$ B()-5E$ !"#$ %#&#'()$*+,)-.$1"/+)5$6(J#$&/6#E

L$ 3/'4#')2$ J&/7&$ (&5$ (55'#11#5$ (1$ UNOGWUÂ EJEÂ JENNIFER,$ &/7$ 7-1"$ 6/$ ,#$ J&/7&$ (&5$ (55'#11#5$ (1$ UNOGWUÂ ENEÂ ANGEL.$ P))$ 3/'4#'$ 5/.+4#&61$ '#4(-&$ B()-5E$!"#$%#&#'()$*+,)-.$1"/+)5$ 6(J#$&/6#E

L$ 3/'4#')2$ J&/7&$ (&5$ (55'#11#5$ (1$ UDEH ADEYI, &/7$ 7-1"$ 6/$ ,#$ J&/7&$ (&5$ (55'#11#5$ (1$ MONDAY JOHN.$ P))$ 3/'4#'$ 5/.+4#&61$ '#4(-&$ B()-5E$ !"#$ %#&#'()$ *+,)-.$1"/+)5$6(J#$&/6#E

!"#$%#&#'()$*+,)-.$-1$"#'#,2$7('&#5$&/6$6/$6'(&1(.6$,+1-&#11$ 7-6"$ (&2$ *#'1/&$ /'$ ./'*/'(6#$ #&062$ 7"/$ *+'*/'61$ 6/$ ,#$ -&$ */11#11-/&$/3$6"#$1(-5$/'-%-&()$'#%-16#'#5$5##5$/3$(11-%&4#&6$ 7-6"$'#1*#.6$/3$6"#$*'/*#'62E

L$ 3/'4#')2$ J&/7&$ (&5$ (55'#11#5$ (1$ OHURUKORIMÂ BARNABASÂ OKECHUKWU,$ &/7$ 7-1"$ 6/$ ,#$ J&/7&$ (&5$ (55'#11#5$ (1$ OKWUÂ BARNABASÂ OKECHUKWU.$ P))$ 3/'4#'$ 5/.+4#&61$ '#4(-&$ B()-5E$ !"#$ %#&#'()$ *+,)-.$ 1"/+)5$ 6(J#$ &/6#E

SignedÂ

L$ 3/'4#')2$ J&/7&$ (&5$ (55'#11#5$ (1$ ADEYEMIÂ Â JANET,$&/7$7-1"$6/$,#$J&/7&$ (&5$ (55'#11#5$ (1$ ADEWALEÂ Â JANET.$P))$3/'4#'$5/.+4#&61$ '#4(-&$ B()-5E$ !"#$ %#&#'()$ *+,)-.$1"/+)5$6(J#$&/6#E

Management WHITEÂ LODGEÂ PROPERTIESÂ LTD.

CHANGEÂ OFÂ NAME

L$3/'4#')2$J&/7&$(&5$(55'#11#5$ (1$ MISS. UKHURHEBOR JULIANA OYHAMENDA,$ &/7$ 7-1"$6/$,#$J&/7&$(&5$(55'#11#5$ (1$ MRS. UKHURHEBOR JULIANA OYHAMENDA EKUNDAYO.$ P))$ 3/'4#'$ 5/.+4#&61$ '#4(-&$ B()-5E$ !"#$ %#&#'()$*+,)-.$1"/+)5$6(J#$&/6#E

L$3/'4#')2$J&/7&$(&5$(55'#11#5$ (1$ ADERUMEH PAULA OGHENEREONKE,$ &/7$ 7-1"$ 6/$ ,#$ J&/7&$ (&5$ (55'#11#5$ (1$ ADERUMEH PAULA OGHENEREONKE ISIOMA.$ P))$ 3/'4#'$5/.+4#&61$'#4(-&$B()-5E$ !"#$ %#&#'()$ *+,)-.$ 1"/+)5$ 6(J#$ &/6#E L$3/'4#')2$J&/7&$(&5$(55'#11#5$ (1$ MISS   EHIANUITA PRISCILLA,$ &/7$ 7-1"$ 6/$ ,#$ J&/7&$ (&5$ (55'#11#5$ (1$ MRS PRISCILLA EWERE OKONKWO. P))$ 3/'4#'$ 5/.+4#&61$ '#4(-&$ B()-5E$ !"#$ %#&#'()$ *+,)-.$ 1"/+)5$ 6(J#$&/6#E L$3/'4#')2$J&/7&$(&5$(55'#11#5$ (1$ OMOTUNDE IDOWU OLUKOYA,$ &/7$ 7-1"$ 6/$ ,#$ J&/7&$ (&5$ (55'#11#5$ (1$ OMOTUNDE IDOWU GANNA. P))$ 3/'4#'$ 5/.+4#&61$ '#4(-&$ B()-5E$ !"#$ %#&#'()$ *+,)-.$ 1"/+)5$ 6(J#$&/6#E L$3/'4#')2$J&/7&$(&5$(55'#11#5$ (1$ MERCY CHIZARAM JOHN,$ &/7$ 7-1"$ 6/$ ,#$ J&/7&$ (&5$ (55'#11#5$ (1$ MERCY CHIZARAM NWEGBU.$ P))$ 3/'4#'$5/.+4#&61$'#4(-&$B()-5E$ !"#$ %#&#'()$ *+,)-.$ 1"/+)5$ 6(J#$ &/6#E

  PUBLIC NOTICE

$R(1$,##&$5#16'/2#5$,2$<'#$/&$9@6"$>('."$FSS@$(6$T/$F?$U-,(5+$ '/(5D$LJ/2-D$C(%/1E

compulsory education levy and various other policies, promised to ensure the success of all the programmes in the education sector.

L$ 3/'4#')2$ J&/7&$ (&5$ (55'#11#5$ (1$ MISS FLORENCE NJIDEKA NNADOZIE,$ &/7$ 7-1"$ 6/$ ,#$ J&/7&$ (&5$ (55'#11#5$ (1$ MRS STEPHENS FLORENCE NJIDEKA. P))$ 3/'4#'$ 5/.+4#&61$ '#4(-&$ B()-5E$ !"#$ %#&#'()$ *+,)-.$ 1"/+)5$ 6(J#$&/6#E L$ 3/'4#')2$ J&/7&$ (&5$ (55'#11#5$ (1$ MISS JACKLYN MWUESE AKAA,$ &/7$ 7-1"$ 6/$ ,#$ J&/7&$ (&5$ (55'#11#5$ (1$ MRS JACKLYN MWUESE SUGH.$ P))$ 3/'4#'$ 5/.+4#&61$ '#4(-&$ B()-5E$ !"#$ %#&#'()$*+,)-.$1"/+)5$6(J#$&/6#E

L$3/'4#')2$J&/7&$(&5$(55'#11#5$(1$ KARIMU KAMORU ADEKUNLE, &/7$ 7-1"$ 6/$ ,#$ J&/7&$ (&5$ (55'#11#5$ (1$ LAWAL ADEKUNLE QAMAR.$ P))$ 3/'4#'$ 5/.+4#&61$ '#4(-&$ B()-5E$ !"#$ %#&#'()$ *+,)-.$ 1"/+)5$6(J#$&/6#E

Saturday, April 15, 2017

TR

UT H

& RE A S O

N

Price: N250

MISSILE Odumakin on Opposition to Restructuring

“To think that Nigeria may be kept as it is for long is clear deception and delusional.

Opposition to the restructuring of Nigeria with what would destroy all of us staring us in the face, is short sighted, myopic and a clear lack of understanding of where Nigeria is and what has happened to other nations that has refused to do what is needed.”

– Secretary of the Yoruba socio-cultural group, Afenifere, and member of the 2014 National Conference, Yinka Odumakin criticizing a group of northern leaders, many of them members of the 2014 National Conference, who had expressed opposition to restructuring.

PENDULUM Dele Momodu

dele.momodu@thisdaylive.com

Our Country and the Unknown Landlords “I love my country I know go lie Na inside am I go live and die I know my country I no go lie Na im and me go yap till I die…”

F

ellow Nigerians, let me borrow that incredible song I believe was composed

by Tunji Oyelana and produced in the Shehu Shagari era, around 1981. The National Party of Nigeria (NPN) was comfortably in charge and the ruling party had gone on spending spree. The situation got so bad, or so we thought, and Wole Soyinka and his irrepressible “conspirators” regaled us with satires. Stage plays were still popular in those days and the place to be, as a student at the University of Ife, was Oduduwa Hall, next to the Hezekiah Oluwasanmi Library. I will never forget “Opera Wonyosi.” Even now “The Beggar’s Anthem” still reverberates in my head.

We thought we had seen the worst of our country then but the profligacy of that time pales into insignificance compared to today’s madness.

Late last year, the Federal Government announced that it would be pursuing a whistle blowing policy to encourage Nigerian citizens to inform, snitch or tell tales (depending on what side of the divide you are) on their fellow citizens who have been engaged in corrupt practices and secretly salted away money and property. The incentive for the whistle blower was that they would receive between 2.5% to 5 % of whatever the value of money or property recovered as a result of the information.

On another day, I will deal with the politics, morality and efficacy of whistleblowing as a tool in the fight against corruption. On my own part, my major concern is the lack of protection other than financial reward offered to the whistleblower!

The serious season of the Whistle Blower started in February 2017 when EFCC operatives raided a building said to belong to Andrew Yakubu, former Group Managing Director of the NNPC. They recovered almost US$10 million dollars and £100,000 from a safe ensconced in a building deep in the outback of Kaduna. The Man subsequently walked into the offices of the EFCC and demanded for the money back contending it was a gift. As the matter is now in Court and thus sub judice, I will not enter the debate as to who, how or why?

The season continued in March 2017 with another discovery of money in Kaduna. The closure of the Nnamdi Azikwe International Airport, Abuja and its relocation to Kaduna led to this expose. Upon information received, security agents had intercepted a package at the baggage screening point at the newly refurbished and revamped Airport. Originally it was claimed that the money, which was found in five unmarked and unaccompanied bags, was in crisp new N200 and N50 notes.

Investigations swung into full gear but till today we have not heard anything further about the investigations. The only information, if any, was that the money had been recovered as a result of the activities of a whistleblower. We certainly are none the wiser about the owners or the purpose of the money.

The season of anomie moved Southwards into Lagos, the commercial capital of the country, in April, when money was recovered in various locations there.

On April 7 a whistleblower tipped off the EFCC Lagos Zone that a large sum of money was stashed in an office building at the LEGICO Shopping Plaza in the Nigeria Air Force Complex

Buhari

in Victoria Island. When Operatives raided the office, they found almost N500 million in N1000 and N500 denominations in several “Ghana Must Go” bags. On enquiry it was discovered that the offices concerned were abandoned Bureau De Change (BDC) offices.

The offices had apparently not been used for two years. As far as we know, efforts to locate the owner of the BDC has proved abortive and nobody has turned up to claim the money.

The next major heralded whistleblowing event occurred on April 10 when the equivalent of almost N250 Million in Naira and various foreign currencies was recovered in a Bureau De Change (BDC) in the popular Balogun Market area of Lagos. Although two people were apprehended, they claimed the money belonged to their unidentified boss from the Northern part of Nigeria. The real owner of the money and the BDC involved remain un-named.

However, the mother of all discoveries was apparently yet to be made. On 12 April 2017 Nigerians woke up to the revelation that more than US$43 Million, £27 Million and N23 Million was found in a flat in Osborne Road, Ikoyi. The discovery in Ikoyi has apparently opened a can of worms and it is not known who will be exposed and consumed by the debacle. Unlike the other unknown and un-named owners affected by the previous whistleblowing escapades, a few people have been touted as potential owners of the property and the money.

The first of the alleged owners was a former Managing Director who was recently fired from NNPC, Mrs Esther Nnamdi-Okagbue. She promptly dissociated herself from the money or the property and threatened that if she continued to be intimidated she would break her silence and cause cataclysm in the country. Next up was a former national Chairman of the PDP, Alhaji Adamu Mu’Azu who allegedly owns the property although it was claimed that a prominent Nigerian bank has foreclosed on it. The embattled former national Chairman immediately and stoutly denied any link with

the flat in which the money had been found or the money itself.

The rumour mill then shifted attention to one of the foremost and frontline Ministers in President Buhari’s Government and a vociferous champion of the anti-corruption campaign, Rotimi Amaechi the Minister of Transport. Linked by satanic rumours with the vivacious Television presenter and media entrepreneur, Mo Abudu it is alleged that Amaechi owns the property and the money found in them. It is claimed that this is so because he bought two properties and gave one to his friend Mo Abudu. Mo Abudu has also issued a Press release in which she vehemently refutes the allegation that she is involved in a relationship with Amaechi or that she owns the flat in which the money was found.

Given my close relationship with Amaechi, I called him to ask about the story particularly as the Governor of Rivers State has claimed that the money belongs to his State. The State Government claims that the money was diverted funds from the sale of the State’s Gas Turbines to Sahara Energy for the price of US$319 Million.

Amaechi’s reaction was one of incredulity. As he told me, “Bob Dee, you know that I have always told you I am not rich. How would I have access to that kind of money and look you in the face and say that!” In short, Amaechi denied anything to do with the money and told me that he knew the game his detractors were playing and that he would leave them to their conscience. I thought that he felt resigned to the fact that as one of the Poster Boys of this administration and his unflinching support for the President from the electioneering era till now, he was bound to be subjected to this kind of buffeting and earth-shattering allegations.

Amaechi would never be forgiven by the PDP who believe that he sacked them from power because of the initial position he took at the Governor’s Forum which led to the fatal schism in the PDP. To compound the matter and deepen the

mystery, social media went agog with the news that the National Intelligence Agency (NIA) had claimed that the money was part of its operational funds which it had kept in the flat that it was using as a safe house in Lagos and that everything went through due process. It is unclear as yet whether this report is true or not but certainly, the plot thickens.

May the soul of Fela Anikulapo-Kuti continue to rest in peace. He had a song for everything, on different occasions. One of my favourite was “Unknown Soldier.” The song practically portrayed the inability of our government to unravel any major act of crime and the penchant for blaming it on unknown people, as if Unidentified Flying Objects (UFO) descended regularly on our shores to wreak havoc. Fela’s song was so poignant and unforgettable. As I received the news of the huge sums of dollars being busted in some people’s homes and offices in Nigeria, my mind flashed back to Fela and how he would have composed a song titled UNKNOWN LANDLORDS. Believe me, our country is super unique.

Where else can anyone keep about $50 Million US Dollars in raw cash? The mere sight of that would have made regular people to faint, collapse and probably die instantly but not here. When God created us, he installed a certain shock-absorber in us that makes it impossible for us to shake or panic in the face of horrendous encounters.

It is curious that the EFCC claims that in all of these matters it has been tipped off by whistleblowers yet those people have seemingly not been able to provide the identity of the owners of the money or even the property in which the money was found. Wouldn’t any rookie investigator first ask those questions before hotfooting to the scene of the alleged crime? Would you not stake out the place to find out who comes and goes as well as to be sure that you are not walking into a trap?

Except it is a deliberate strategy to keep the names for now but why mention some publicly and hide others?

It appears that these mysterious landlords and owners of money are cloaked with some kind of aura or “aferi” (rarefier) that makes them invisible to the eyes of the EFCC but otherwise apparent to everyone else. Many are wondering what is happening at EFCC. The conspiracy theory out there is that the Acting Chairman of the EFCC is simply raging around like a bull in a china shop seeking to find prized heads he can hoist on his stick or at worst pull down with him if he finally has to fall on his sword? The sing-song is that Magu wants his job substantively by all cost and any means. Why not? He has every right but he needs to straighten up his prosecution desks and ensure that the cases are well handled in the law courts and less of the theatrics that we see daily as if that is what this anti-corruption fight is all about when it should be much more. If care is not taken, this extraordinary battle may fizzle out and end miserably like all others before it.

It seems like the circus has come to town and the unknown landlords like the masquerades of yore will never be unmasked. To do so might forebode bad tidings for an already beleaguered government. It is now obvious that corruption is not easy to fight in a country where it has become so endemic and malignant. We wait with bated breath for developments in the saga of the unknown landlords!

Printed and Published in Lagos by THISDAY Newspapers Limited. Lagos: 35 Creek Road, Apapa, Lagos. Abuja: Plot 1, Sector Centre B, Jabi Business District, Solomon Lar Way, Jabi North East, Abuja .

All Correspondence to POBox 54749, Ikoyi, Lagos. EMAIL: editor@thisdaylive.com, info@thisdaylive.com. TELEPHONE Lagos: 0802 2924721-2, 08022924485. Abuja: Tel: 08155555292, 08155555929 24/7 ADVERTISING HOT LINES: 0811 181 3086, 0811 181 3087, 0811 181 3088, 0811 181 3089, 0811 181 3090.

ENQUIRIES & BOOKING: adsbooking@thisdaylive.com