Saturday 29th July 2017

Relentless CBN Pumps $462m into Forex Market Nigeria not ready for industrialization, says Renaissance Capital Senate C’tee hails apex bank on moves to check Fx leakages in Customs Obinna Chima and Damilola Oyedele In line with its aggressive foray into the foreign exchange (forex) market as well as to further enhance forex flow in the economy, the Central Bank of Nigeria

(CBN) yesterday intervened in the market with the total sum of $462,336,426.74.

This is coming on the heels of a report by the Chief Economist at Renaissance Capital, Mr. Charles Robertson which expressed concern that policy

makers in Nigeria were not ready for the industrialisation of the country.

A breakdown of the forex intervention figures obtained from the bank indicated that the Retail Secondary Market Intervention Sales (SMIS)

received the largest allocation of $267,336,426.74.

The CBN also offered $100,000,000 as wholesale interventions, while $50,000,000 was allocated to the small and medium enterprises (SMEs) forex window.

Those requiring foreign exchange for Business/Personal Travel Allowances, tuition and medical fees, among others, got a total allocation of $45,000,000.

With yesterday's forex supply, the total intervention made by the CBN for the week came to

$657,336,426.74.

Confirming the figures, the Acting Director of the Corporate Communications Department, Mr. Isaac Okorafor, said the leadership of the CBN was impressed Continued on page 9

Lagos to Produce 2.6m Bags of Rice/Annum, as Ambode Acquires 32 tons Mill from Switzerland.. Page 10 Saturday 29 July, 2017 Vol 22. No 8136 Price: N250

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Fashola Blinks, Apologises to Lawmakers over Budget Row I didn't intend to incite Nigerians Maintains no money released for Niger Bridge James Emejo in Abuja The war of words raging between the minister of Works, Power and Housing Babatunde Fashola and the National As-

sembly ended yesterday in a dramatic manner, with the minister tendering his apology to the law makers for his recent alleged disparaging remarks about them over their powers

to alter projects in budgets.

In a humuliating clampdown, he said he had been quoted out of context by the media, confirming THISDAY's report that he's likely to blame

journalists for his ordeal with lawmakers.

The minister, who appeared before the House of Representatives Investigative Committee on Breach of Privilege, Violation of

Appropriation Act and Incitement of the Nigerian Public, refused to take responsibility for what was published in newspapers, describing the reports as misrepresentation

from the interview he earlier granted.

Fashola was quoted as saying legislators had stark and worriContinued on page 9

Northern Governors Set Up Committee On Restructuring Atiku: UK ban on diesel, petrol cars makes it now more urgent Says Nigeria risks being bypassed by the global economy Eastern Consultative Assembly, others threaten civil disobedience, election boycott

Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja, Emmanuel Ugwu in Umuahia and John Shiklam in Kaduna The Northern States Governors Forum (NSGF) yesterday in Kaduna constituted a high-powered committee to collate views and comments on the state of the nation, with specific reference to the current agitations for the restructuring of the country.

This is coming on the heels of the statement by former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar that the move by the United Kingdom and other developed countries to ban petrol and diesel cars by 2040 had given credence to his earlier warning that Nigeria must restructure now or risk being bypassed by the global economy.

At the end of the Northern

governors’ meeting held at the Government House, Kaduna, the Sokoto State governor, Aminu Tambuwal was picked to head a 12 member committee to collate views on the agitation for restructuring of the country

from individuals, groups and corporate organisations in the North.

The committee, according to a communique issued at the end of the meeting, is to come up with acceptable, tenable

and sustainable position for the northern region in consonance with the provisions of the 1999 Constitution, taking into cognizance, the current constitutional amendment process going on at the National Assembly.

The communique signed by the Chairman of the NSGF and governor of Borno State, Kashim Shettima, said other members of the committee include the governors of Nasarawa, Gombe, Benue, Bauchi and Kaduna states

as well as the Emirs of Kano, Zazzau (Zaria), Gummi, the Etsu Nupe and the Gbong Gwom Jos while the Deputy Governor of Continued on page 9

PDP Chairman, Makarfi AT LAST Survives Auto FREE L-R: Commissioner of Police, Lagos, Fatai Owoseni; Lagos State Deputy Governor, Mrs. Oluranti Adebule; the released Igbonla Model College students; Ondo State Deputy Governor, Alfred Crash ...Pg 53 Agboola and Governor Rotimi Akeredolu during a media briefing in Alausa, Ikeja ...yesterday 65 Days After, Kidnapped Lagos School Students Released in Ondo ... Page 10 LASEMA

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PAGE NINE RELENTLESS CBN PUMPS $462M INTO FOREX MARKET by the positive impact its current forex management was having on the manufacturing sector and economic activities in general across the country.

While reiterating that the CBN management was also encouraged by growth in the non-oil sector, particularly agriculture, he noted that the apex bank would not relent in its efforts at sustaining stability in the inter-bank forex market as well as ensuring the convergence between the exchange rates at the Nigeria Autonomous Foreign Exchange (NAFEX) and the Bureau de Change segments of the market.

According to him, the CBN will continue to ensure proper surveillance of the forex market to guard against any sharp practices by participants and uphold transparency of the process.

Nigeria not ready for industrialization, says Renaissance Capital Meanwhile, a report by the Chief Economist at Renaissance Capital, Mr. Charles Robertson, has expressed concern that policy makers in Nigeria are not ready for the industrialisation of the country. In fact, the report pointed out that Nigeria's literacy rate of 60% was too low.

Robertson also urged portfolio investors in Nigeria and other frontier markets to always take literacy rates seriously.

In a report titled: "Thoughts from a Renaissance man: Literacy, development and industrialisation," obtained yesterday, Robertson stressed that countries need 40 per cent literacy to grow sustainably and 70-80 per cent to industrialise.

He said: “The situation is most bleak in West Africa. Ghana (77%) is the significant exception, with a cheap currency and a reform minded government. Elsewhere, we have five countries (Benin, Burkina Faso, Guinea, Mali and Niger) with literacy levels so low that they cannot even rely on sustainable growth, and three countries with secondary school enrolment ratios so low that we think they cannot escape poverty before the 2030s (Mauritania, as well as Burkina Faso and Niger again)."

Continuing, the report noted that another six countries in the sub-region have literacy rates of 40-60%, including Ivory Coast which has Africa’s benchmark eurobond.

"Indeed, these problem countries extend across the continent, roughly along the 10-20 degrees of latitude range.

From Mauritania on the Atlantic Ocean to Sudan on the Red Sea, including Mali, Burkina Faso, Nigeria, Chad, north east Nigeria and South Sudan – the combination of illiteracy and poor

secondary school enrolment – have combined to produce a bleak outlook.

"Within West Africa, the most important conclusion is that Nigeria is not ready for industrialisation. The literacy rate of 60% is too low. Also the lack of reasonably priced electricity prevents industrialisation except for those able to access their own sources (e.g Dangote). This may be the main reason why Nigeria lags both Bangladesh and Pakistan in terms of developing industry, even though all three have similar literacy rates.

"However, we are not convinced Nigeria’s oil production condemns it to having a small manufacturing sector. Angola produces far more oil per capita than Nigeria, and this is one reason its manufacturing sector is just 3-4% of value-added (a lot of oil tends to cause Dutch disease). Angola shares more similarities to Venezuela in terms of oil production, while Nigeria is more similar to Mexico.

"There might also be regionally different stories within Nigeria.

Using National Bureau of Statistics data from 2010, we show how literacy rates vary around the country. The 16 million living in Abia, Imo and Rivers states, and the 12 million living in Lagos have adult literacy rates above 80%. There are another 12 states

(with a total population of 54 million) stretching from Ogun to Cross Rivers, and Oyo to Benue, with a literacy rate of 70-80% or higher," the report added.

It estimated that in the north, Kano, Kaduna, Jigawa and Sokoto have a combined 35 million population, and also record adult literacy rates of 70-80% (these literacy rates are often in local languages).

"It may be no coincidence then that the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment has chosen Abia (one of the highest literacy rates in the country) and nearby Akwa Ibom (literacy rate of 70-80%) as the first two model zones for its special industrial parks. Other brownfield zones include highly literate Lagos (over 80%), as well as Cross River and Kano (literacy rates of 70-80%).

"It would be a pointless exercise to develop such zones in the west or north-east, where Nigeria’s weaknesses are most acute. Taken together, there are seven states with a population of 32 million and literacy rates of 40-60% and another eight states (across the country) with a population of 27 million and a literacy rate of 60-70%. Pushing these ratios far higher is essential'" the report stated further.

In addition, it argued that West Africa was farthest from industrialisation, with literacy

rates either below 40%, or in a 40-60% range (including Ivory Coast), with just two exceptions: Ghana (77%) and (tiny) Cape Verde (85%).

According to the report, the only good news for the worst performers was that school enrolment rates have soared to above 70% according to the latest data.

Senate C’tee hails CBN over Move to Check FOREX Leakages in Customs, Others Also yesterday, the Senate Committee on Customs, Excise and Tariff lauded the Central Bank of Nigeria for its recent acquisition of Hi-Definition scanners and Enterprise Screening platform, to check foreign exchange leakages in the importexport value chain.

The platform is designed to assist the apex bank to stabilise the Naira by providing accurate cross referenced data on all trade facilitation documents. It will also help in tracking repatriation of foreign exchange proceeds record and online real time remote screening of inbound and outbound cargo or passengers.

The Committee Chairman, Senator Hope Uzodinma, according to a statement, said the acquisition of the technology would assist in exposing leakages in revenue collection other sharp practices in the Nigerian Customs

Service and other agencies in the import-export chain, through documents such as Form M, Bill of Lading, Letters of Credit and Clean Certificate of Inspection.

Other challenges in the process, he said, were incorrect declaration, incorrect origin, error in calculation, temporary importation, exemptions and waivers and foreign exchange manipulations.

The new technology, Uzodinma said, would replace the manual process of examination of cargoes and other processes that had led to so much corruption in the system and added that the platform would further ensure judicious utilisation of scarce foreign exchange to ensure that genuine foreign exchange users gained unfettered and transparent access.

Uzondinma also urged the NCS to deploy the platform to check leakages associated with revenue collection and other sharp practices in the service.

It should be recalled that the committee, at a recent hearing alleged that revenue worth over N30 trillion has been lost to activities of a cabal at the ports, who connive with officials to carry out the infractions in daily transactions at the ports, commercial banks, shipping companies, terminal owners and operators.

and property and we therefore call on our colleagues in the south to emulate this gesture" the communique said.

Atiku: UK ban on diesel, petrol cars makes it now more urgent Meanwhile, former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, has said that the move by the United Kingdom and other developed countries to ban petrol, diesel cars by 2040 is giving credence to his earlier warning that Nigeria must restructure now or risk being bypassed by the global economy.

The former Vice President's Media Office in Abuja said yesterday that his position had been vindicated with recent news coming out from the developed countries of the world where dependence on petrol and gas is increasingly giving way to alternatives.

"Exactly a week ago (Wednesday July 19, 2017), at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, former Vice President, predicted that the automobile industry would be moving away from diesel and petrol powered cars in favour

of electric and alternative energy powered cars.

"Of course the Waziri Adamawa was criticised and painted as crying wolf by the usual suspects, yet only eight days later his view has been further vindicated by the news from the United Kingdom which was reported in Thursday, July 27, 2017 THISDAY front page headline: 'Doom for Nigeria, Britain Moves to Ban Petrol, Diesel Cars by 2040'," it said.

Atiku had recalled that during his recent visit to the United Kingdom, he noticed that senior members of the Conservative Party were driving the Toyota Mirai, a car that runs on hydrogen and emits water instead of harmful carbon monoxide.

He stated that Professor Tony Seba, a world renowned global economist, had published his findings which predicted that all new cars will be electric by 2025.

Atiku said this was one of the reasons why Nigeria must restructure now or risk being bypassed by the global economy.

The statement said that the British move would serve as a

warning to Nigeria to heed the warnings of patriots like Atiku and others like him and “while we still have a few good years of income from oil, we need to urgently diversify our economy which will only be possible by embracing restructuring.”

Anti-restructuring: CSOs threaten civil disobedience, election boycott In a related development, as a result of the failure of the National Assembly to approve devolution of power to states in the just concluded constitutional amendment, the Eastern Consultative Assembly (ECA) and a number of civil society organisations in the South East zone yesterday vowed to embark on civil disobedience in the continued struggle for true federalism.

To this end, the groups stated that “if genuine processes towards restructuring Nigeria are not embarked upon by the federal government on or before the 1st of October 2017, our people will find it extremely difficult to continue to participate in the Nigerian project”.

They also declared that “We will no longer vote in any elections whatsoever, until Nigeria is restructured” saying that their stance “is the demand, desire and decision of the masses of Eastern Nigeria”.

This decision was taken at an emergency meeting attended by representatives of eight other civil society organisations (CSOs) held in Enugu, during which the action of the National Assembly members in shooting down the clamour for restructuring was deliberated upon.

Aside from the ECA, other CSOs that participated in the meeting include South East Elders Union, South East Christian Network, Igbo Women Assembly, Igbo Traders Association, Igbo Youth Movement, Igbo Students Union, South East/South South Youth Assembly and Ofuobi Cultural Association.

In a communiqué entitled Enugu Declaration endorsed by their representatives the CSOs vehemently condemned “the desperate attempts by enemies of equity and justice to sustain by all means this evil unitary structure that has visited untold hardship, misery and disequilibrium on our land”.

It also declared as “enemies of the people” those struggling to

resist the desirable change that will save Nigeria, and grant every zone a sense of belonging, adding that their action “is provocative”.

The groups therefore declared that “we are now left with no other choice than to embark on civil disobedience and passive resistance, (and) accordingly, our people will no longer participate in their unitary Nigeria events henceforth”.

Leaders of the CSOs said that they “consulted widely amongst our people, in order to build lasting and binding consensus, before taking final decision, since the spirited but shocking attempts of those fiercely opposed to returning Nigeria back to regional arrangement through a peaceful restructuring process”.

Citing the quit notice issued by a coalition of Arewa youths to Igbos living in the north the CSOs noted that it was part of the grand design to scuttle any attempt to restructure Nigeria and free the country from the grasp of underdevelopment.

According to them, “to insult the entire country by embarking on childish distraction of quit notices and divide and rule tactics, and unhelpful constitutional amendments, all geared towards sustaining the current unitary structure imposed on Nigeria on May 26th 1967, it has become necessary to make public our findings and decision.

“Their arrogance and ruthlessness has no place in the 21st century. It can only lead to the death of Nigeria,” the groups warned in response to the modus operandi if the opponents of restructuring and true federalism.

Said the CSOs: “The struggle by a tiny clique to sustain by all means, the status quo, imposed on Nigeria by unelected soldiers, by issuing threats of war in the false hope that the 196 million Nigerians held down in unacceptable squalor, fear, helplessness and arrested development will be cowed by this threats of military action and therefore back down from the noble struggle to save Nigeria, through a peaceful restructuring.

“Nigeria must be restructured, if Nigeria is to survive. Egalitarianism, equity and merit-based system must be enthroned. And fiscal federalism and regional autonomy established through a new people’s constitution, affirmed at a referendum. This is the irreducible minimum.”

NORTHERN GOVERNORS SET UP COMMITTEE ON RESTRUCTURING Plateau state, Prof. Sonni Tyoden is to serve as the secretary to the committee.

The governors also decried “escalating clashes between farmers and cattle rearers,” noting that the situation is being worsened by the infiltration of criminal elements from outside the north who posed as fulani herdsmen and deliberately engaged farmers in deadly conflicts to create disunity and unnecessary crisis in the region.

"The forum therefore, discourages ethnicising the deadly conflicts and crimes with the Fulani tribe as other tribe could be cattle rearers too.

"The free movement of persons, goods and services within the West African sub-region as ratified by the ECOWAS Convention should be subjected to the laws of individual member states in order to check cross-border crimes, especially cattle rustling.

"Creating more grazing reserves and providing adequate infrastructure in such reserves by way of addressing the needs of cattle rearers and those of their animals before the enactment of

the appropriate legislation will ameliorate the challenges" the communique maintained.

The communique further condemned the recent attack on the NNPC staff, security personnel and the staff of the University of Maiduguri, Borno state which resulted in the suspension of oil exploration activities in the Chad Basin.

It called on the federal government to urgently ensure the reconstitution of the Federal Character Commission, Federal Civil Service Commission and the Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission to enable them discharge their constitutional responsibilities, stressing that failure to do so, has so far resulted in lopsided appointments.

The governors restated their commitment to national unity, peaceful co-existence and the rights of all Nigerians to reside and own property in any part of the country as guaranteed by the constitution.

"We re-assure all Nigerians who live in the north of our readiness to protect their lives

FASHOLA BLINKS, APOLOGISES TO LAWMAKERS OVER BUDGET ROW some knowledge of the budget process and further queried the power of the National Assembly to alter the 2017 budget after the budget defence exercise.

The House, which utterly condemned his utterances, passed a resolution on July 4 during plenary and resolved to set up an ad-hoc committee to investigate the statement credited to him, stressing that his position on the power of the parliament to alter the budget was capable of inciting the public against the legislature.

He said in the interview he granted a foremost online publication, he merely spoke about projects across the country and the problem of his ministry's budget.

The minister said after the appropriation Bill was passed, the Ministry of Budget and Planning had written to all ministries asking for comments about changes in budget proposal and estimates presented by President Muhammadu Buhari to parliament and the appropriation bill passed by parliament.

He said nothing in the interview suggested he intended to incite Nigerians against the parliament.

Fashola argued that his statement that legislators had stark lack of knowledge of the budget was specifically directed at the spokesperson of the House, in retaliation for the latter's statement where he described him as being untruthful.

Namdas, had in the official position of the National Assembly, described the minister as untruthful – a word considered as an insult by the former governor of Lagos State.

He said his statement wasn't targeted at the legislators as a whole but directed at the spokesman. But his defence fell on deaf ears, as the committee insisted the spokesman of the lower chamber who doubles as the Chairman, House Committee on Media and Publicity is inevitably the mouthpiece of the House and had the authority of the House to speak on its behalf.

However, Fashola said he wouldn't take responsibility for newspaper headlines cast by an editor "because I'm not part of that organisation." one of the major newspapers (not THISDAY), reportedly cast a headline suggesting the minister attacked the parliament.

Asked by the committee, chaired by Aliyu Sani Madaki (APC, Kano) why he never bothered to issue a rebuttal since media reports misrepresented his comments, Fashola said he had been out of the country but granted a separate interview where he stated that he wasn't in any fight with the National Assembly.

He said: "I didn't attack the National Assembly and I've said it in public that I'm not fighting the National Assembly."

He said his intention was to speak on development and not otherwise.

The minister, nevertheless, apologised to the lawmakers who may have been hurt by his statement.

Asked to clarify his comments regarding the National Assembly's power of appropriation, he admitted that the parliament actually had roles to play in the appropriation process partly because they know their respective constituencies better than any other person.

On allegations that the federal projects he allocated were lopsided as reflected in the 2017 budget, he argued to the contrary,

reading a commendation letter from the Federal Character Commission which had indicated that the projects were fairly spread across the country.

On why the 2016 budgetary allocation for the 2nd Niger Bridge was returned to the treasury as unspent, Fashola clarified that no money was actually released for the project.

He said the contract for Early Works IV approved by the Federal Executive Council in the First Quarter of 2017 had still not been funded. "So we did not refund money," he said.

However, Madaki, following the minister's retraction of his venomous statement against the National Assembly, said both sides had now understood each other clearly and urged the House to sheath its sword.

Further satisfied with Fashola's humble submissions, the chairman assured that working relations between the legislature and the minister will greatly improve from what it used to be.

He said the National Assembly will garner resources for his ministry to allow him succeed in his job and provide infrastructure across the country to better the lives of Nigerians.

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L-R: Group Head, Gas and Petrochemical, Bank of Industry (BoI), Ms Mabel Ndagi; General Manager, Large Enterprises, BoI, Mr Joseph Babatunde; MD/CEO, BoI, Mr. Olukayode Pitan ; President, Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote; and General Manager, Small and Medium Enterprises, South, BoI, Abdulganiyu Mohammed, during the Bank of Industry management's working visit to Dangote group in Lagos, yesterday

65 Days after, Kidnapped Lagos Schools Students Released in Ondo Ambode Assures on Safety Chiemelie Ezeobi and James Sowole in Akure

Exactly 65 days after the six male students of Igbonla Government College, Epe, Lagos, were abducted from their school premises, they finally secured their freedom yesterday.

The boys, Peter Jonah, Isiaka Ramon, Adebayo George, Judah Agbausi, Pelumi Philips and Farouq Yusuf, who were abducted on Thursday, May 25, 2017, were finally released at about 3.30pm at Aboto Creek at Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State.

Their release was a combined effort of the Rapid Response Squad

(RRS) and Anti-Kidnapping Unit of the Lagos State Police Command led

by CP Fatai Owoseni, championed by the Lagos and Ondo State Governments.

The students were released to government officials led by the Deputy Governor of Ondo State, Hon Agboola Ajayi, at Ajakpa Community in Ese Odo Local Government Area of Ondo State.

A source said no ransom was paid before the students were released.

According to the source, the just released children were taken to the Presidential Villa, Abuja to meet with the Acting President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo Meanwhile, after the boys were

rescued alive, they were first scheduled to be taken to the Ondo State Government House, in Akure, to been seen by Governor Rotimi Akeredolu, but that movement was later aborted. However, the governments of Ondo and later met and commended each other for the roles each played in the rescue.

Speaking on the rescue through his deputy Dr. Oluranti Adebule, Governor Ambode said “The issue of security is a social contract that we have signed with the people of Lagos and we would ensure that we do not disappoint. As far as our schools are concerned, we are going back to the drawing board to secure our schools before the

Lagos to Produce 2.6m Bags of Rice Per Year Acquires 32-ton per hour rice mill from Switzerland Governor Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State yesterday in Zurich, Switzerland, led a team of the State Executive Committee members to sign an agreement with Bühler AG ("Bühler"), a leading rice-mill producer in the world, for the acquisition of 32 tons per hour rice mill.

The Governor, who spoke shortly after the signing ceremony, said the development was in furtherance of his vision of enhancing food security and creating employment in the State.

It is estimated that the partnership would facilitate the creation of about 200,000 jobs across the agriculture value chain, while it would also bring about the cultivation of 32,000 hectares of farm land to produce rice paddy, equating to an estimated 130 million

Kg of processed rice per year (an equivalent of 2.6milion 50kg bags of rice).

Speaking further, Governor Ambode said the landmark event also provided the platform for the State to partner with other South West States in consonance with the region’s resolve towards achieving economic integration.

The Governor emphasised that the partnership with Buhler was in sync with his administration’s economic agenda of diversification of the nation's economy and conservation of foreign currency reserve.

“The state of the art rice mill will be sited in Imota, Ikorodu and it requires 32,000 hectares of land for cultivation of rice paddy. This

investment is expected to create thousands of jobs in rice value chain.

In addition to the current arrangement with Kebbi State, Lagos would go into partnership with neighboring states, to ensure sustainable inputs for the mill and foster regional economic integration,” Governor Ambode said.

According to the agreement, the partnership with Buhler covers supplies and installation of the rice mill, including silos. It also covers maintenance and technical support as well as technical training of Nigerians in the ever growing sub-sector of the Nigerian economy.

The rice mill will be the single largest mill of its kind in Nigeria and is expected to be delivered within 12 months.

next academic session”.

The students were later moved from Ondo to Lagos and barring any unforeseen circumstances, would meet their parents at the Alausa Government house in Ikeja, Lagos.

One of the happy parents, Mr. Ramon, who confirmed that he had spoken with his son on the phone, expressed happiness and excitement at the development.

He said, "After I called the Lagos CP and was told my son and others were rescued, I was finally able to speak to my son Isiaka and he sounded fine. He assured me he was okay. My joy knows no bounds."

THISDAY gathered that the boys could have initially been released

last week but for the presence of the police, who had tracked them down after they came out of hiding to demand for additional ransom.

Having narrowed the search down to the creeks, the police had blocked all channels leading in and out of the creeks where the boys were held captive, thus scaring the gang further inside.

When it became obvious that the suspects would not surrender, the police were constrained to open up some of the channels to first secure the boys and that was what culminated in the release of the boys into the care of the Ondo State Government.

As at press time, it was yet

unclear if any other ransom was paid to finally secure their release apart from the initial deposit of N10million and the additional N20million to the gang, making it a total of N30million.

This is because the suspects had demanded for an additional N1.5million to transport the boys after the second tranche of N20million was paid to them.

Confirming the incident, the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Fatai Owoseni, said the boys had been released, but said 20 of the kidnappers died during gun duel with security forces, while eight policemen and four civilian volunteers sustained injuries.

NGF Team Returns, Says God has Healed Buhari Omololu Ogunmade in Abuja The Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF) team which left Nigeria for London on Tuesday to visit President Muhammadu Buhari has returned to the country with a message that God had healed the president.

Buhari left Nigeria for treatment for an undisclosed ailment 82 days ago and was sighted in the public for the first time on July 23 when a delegation of the All Progressives Congress (APC) visited him.

Twenty-four hours after members of that delegation returned, a team of seven governors led by NGF Chairman and Zamfara State Governor, Abdulaziz Yari, also left Nigeria for London to visit the president.

The team comprised two members of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Udom Emmanuel

(Akwa Ibom) and Dave Umahi (Ebonyi) as well as five APC governors, viz: Yari, Abdullahi Ganduje ( Kano), Abiola Ajimobi (Oyo), Kassim Shetima ( Borno) and Samuel Ortom (Benue).

Answering questions from newsmen in the Presidential Villa yesterday, Emmanuel said God had answered Nigerians' prayers and healed Buhari.

"Let me thank God for the life of the president and thank God for Nigerians too and also appreciate Nigerians who have prayed sincerely and earnestly for Mr. President. And I think God has actually answered the prayers of Nigerians.

However, Emmanuel failed to disclose what the delegation discussed with the president who he said was excited to see them.

"From what you could see from the

photographs, you could see that God has actually answered our prayers.

So, some of us were quite excited to see Mr. President. He welcomed us, discussed with us and he was also happy to see us. So, what you are seeing both on television and newspapers are genuine and correct.

God has actually healed our president and we thank God for that.

"I don't think when you hold meetings even with your wife and children, you will come and make that public. The president is the father of the nation and we represent the sub-unit of this nation and so, it is not everything that we discussed that we should just come and say.

It was a closed-door meeting but be assured that whatever the president will discuss with the governors will be in the best interest of all the citizens of this country," he said.

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COMMENTARY

ADDRESSINGVOTERS’APATHY IN NIGERIA Tayo Ogunbiyi urges active involvement in the democratic process

T

he recently concluded local government election in Lagos State has once again brought to fore the issue of voters’ apathy in the country. According to reports, voters turn out during the last Lagos council poll wasn’t in any way encouraging.

For instance, reports had it that at Unit 026, Ward F, Alausa, Ikeja, less than 50 people, out of a registered voter population of over 1,000, had voted as at noon. That, indeed, was almost the trend throughout most polling stations.

According to LASIEC, there was high voter registration but very low turnout across the state. The State Deputy Governor, Dr. Idiat Adebule, while casting her vote at Ward A, PU 013 in Iba, lamented the low voters’ turnout. By the time she voted, only 35 people had cast their votes. But the voter turnout in Alimosho was enormous. Alimosho is the largest local government in Lagos State and it is traditionally a politically conscious council.

Democracy is about the choice that the people make. Of all the various definitions of democracy, the most universally famous is the one that refers to it as the government of the people by the people. The implication of the definition is that it is the people that give impetus to democracy. In essence, you cannot have democracy without the people. It is the people that set democracy in motion. But then, in Nigeria, the people don’t seem to understand the democratic power they wield.

The word ‘apathy’, which has its source in Greek, plainly means ‘without feelings’. According to Victor Marie Hugo, French poet, novelist, and dramatist of the Romantic Movement, ‘the apathetic are alive but without feelings, so they are not living.

They are the living dead’. Therefore, in line with Hugo’s line of thought, voters’ apathy simply refers to the insensitivity of the people towards the electoral process, particularly voting.

According to a statistics from the Independent National Electoral Commission, (INEC) only about 35% of the over 70million who registered to vote in the 2011 general elections really participated in the voting process. This implies that over 65% of registered voters did not vote. Similarly, ahead of the local government election in Lagos, it was revealed by LAISEC that about 1.4 million Lagosians are yet to collect their permanent voter cards (PVC). This simply connotes that over 1.4 million registered voters in the state did not vote in the 2015 general election. This is a dangerous trend that must essentially be a source of serious concern to all genuine stakeholders in the polity.

This growing trend has grievous implications on the prospect of democracy in the country. For one, it ensures that that leaders who attain political power via the votes of the minority rule over the majority. Second, because they don’t get to power through the votes of the majority, they tend to espouse self-seeking agenda.

Third, it casts serious aspersion on the kind of democracy we practice.

Furthermore, it makes elected political leaders unaccountable to the people since they did not, in the real sense, derive their coming to power from the majority of registered voters. Also, it makes it a bit hypocritical for those who did not turn out to vote to criticise those who were elected through the same process that they shunned. As it is often said, ‘you cannot eat your cake and have it’.

Lots of factors are responsible for voters’ apathy in the country.

For one, some of those who shun the polls could be of the notion

ACTIVE INVOLVEMENT IN THE POLITICAL PROCESS SIGNIFIES THAT EVERYONE IS A CRITICAL STAKEHOLDER, HAVING THE BEST INTEREST OF THE COUNTRY AT HEART. IT IS A PRACTICAL DEMONSTRATION OF BEING A RESPONSIBLE CITIZEN

that their votes do not really count since they believe either rightly or wrongly that the outcome of most elections in the country are pre-determined.

Also, some believe that the electoral process is replete with violence, while some consider the political class undeserving of their votes because of their perceived insincerity to electoral promises. Equally, especially, in the case of local council elections, many are of the view that that tier of government doesn’t really do much to deserve anyone’s vote.

However, irrespective of the validity of the reasons, it is counterproductive for the people to shun polls in a democracy.

It should be recalled that some people gave their lives for us to enjoy the democracy that we have today. It is, therefore, a great injustice to their memories, if this culture of voters’ apathy continues.

We need to respect the supreme sacrifices paid by the patriots who laid down their lives for us to enjoy this participatory democracy. This can only be demonstrated through our unconditional dedication to the political process. In any case, when the majority refuses to participate in voting, that does not in any way invalidate the outcome of elections. Sadly, we all suffer the consequences of staying aloof when the wrong people get into elected political offices.

If democracy is to truly be the government of the people and for the people, the people must own the process from the beginning to the end. Active involvement in the political process signifies that everyone is a critical stakeholder, having the best interest of the country at heart. It is a practical demonstration of being a responsible citizen.

To lure the people back to the polls, elected political leaders at all levels, should not take the electorate for granted. It is sheer treachery for an elected leader to ignore his/her electoral promises while in power. Compatriots who ignore all difficulties in order to participate in voting ought to be given a better deal. Also, the practice of turning elections into a ‘do or die’ affair should be discouraged to give credibility to the electoral process.

Additionally, INEC, political parties, the civil society, the press and other stakeholders should give greater attention to voters’ education as well as other enlightenment campaigns that could re-enact the confidence of the people in the electoral process.

It is important to stress that the worst illiterate is the political illiterate who takes no part in political process. Sadly, he doesn’t understand that everything depends on political decision.

Unfortunately, the politically dormant even prides himself on his political ignorance by openly sticking out his chest that he hates politics. He doesn’t know that from his political apathy comes the prostitute, the abandoned child, the robber and worst of all, corrupt and incompetent public officials.

Democracy is best defended by those it is meant for, the people.

But for democracy to really serve the interest of the people, they must respect all democratic norms and principles. Today, we all look at some of the advanced democracies of the world with envy.

The truth, however, is that they have achieved greatness through the strengthening of grassroots democracy. Of course, there is no other way through which democracy could be strengthened other than involvement of the majority in democratic process.

Ogunbiyi is of the Ministry of Information & Strategy, Alausa, Lagos

HADIZA USMAN AND THE SEAPORTS The banning of NAFDAC and SON from the ports is not in the country’s best interest, writes Olisa Ogbuenyi

R

ecently, the Managing Director of Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) Ms Hadiza Bala Usman announced that only the NPA, the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS), the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), the Nigeria Police, the Department of State Security (DSS), the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) and Port Health were the approved agencies to operate at Nigeria’s seaports. By that overriding declaration, she notably excluded two very vital federal agencies, namely the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control [NAFDAC] and the Standards Organisation of Nigeria [SON].

The anxieties and concerns pervading the nation’s landscape since Ms Hadiza’s off-hand pronouncement have been palpable. Understandably, many patriotic Nigerians are disturbed due to the wider consequences of the action of one person on the lives, safety and health of millions of Nigerians.

Up till now, neither Ms Bala Usman nor her subordinates have stepped forward to shed light on the ‘presidential’ directive or approval, if any upon which her statement was predicated. Their silence tends to lend credence to the widespread suspicion that there was no presidential mandate after all to back the sweeping declaration by the NPA helmswoman.

To ask critical federal agencies like NAFDAC

and SON to quit the nation’s seaports is simply unimaginable. It has been speculated in some quarters that the NPA Managing Director’s statement was based on the recent Executive Order issued by the Acting President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo. The speculation raises the question as to whether the intendment of the executive order was actually the banishment of key federal supervisory agencies from the ports. Far from it! The truth is that SON, NAFDAC and other related agencies operating at the ports were key stakeholders not just in the formulation but the implementation of the executive order especially as it relates to actualising ease of business and sanity at the ports. NAFDAC, SON and many other port-related agencies have since perfected the process of keying into provisions of the executive order. All the agencies in the ports implementation committee had since submitted reports on how to harmonise procedures to actualise the ease of doing business [EDB] at the ports and expressed their readiness to comply with the executive order of the federal government.

Indeed, a cursory appraisal of the executive order reveals there was nowhere it ordered NAFDAC or SON to leave the ports. In effect, what the order directed was that all agencies should synergise and harmonise in order to achieve 24-hour cargo clearance at the ports. It

is instructive that the implementation committee set up to actualise the objectives of the order has members drawn from key agencies like SON and NAFDAC. It was surprising that one of the agencies, the NPA through its managing director, Ms Hadiza Bala Usman single-handedly went on air to announce the sack of some other agencies from the ports even when the implementation committee was yet to submit its report.

It is evident that Hadiza’s announcement was not part of the executive order but a mere rehash of a non-implementable directive by an erstwhile Minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala in 2011. Being a new person in the saddle, did Ms Bala Usman seek counsel from those rooted in the system before she read what had been there for long and found unworkable? Could she have been misled by those who scheme to sabotage the well-intentioned executive order that was patriotically handed out by the acting president?

Only Hadiza can answer these questions when summoned by the Presidency or the National Assembly.

The implementation of the executive order by federal government’s ministries, departments and agencies [MDAs] should not be misconstrued as an end in itself. It can only be a means to the achievement of a beneficial end for all Nigerians as unarguably intended by the acting president.

That fortuitous end result for the nation’s

collective good is to ensure EDB at the ports while at the same time checkmating the influx of counterfeited, substandard and dangerous products into the country.

It is possible that even Hadiza did not grasp the full implications of her sweeping statement.

This is especially as it relates to the extent unpatriotic Nigerians and their foreign collaborators might go to cash in on the attendant critical supervisory gaps and funnel all manners of fake and harmful products into Nigeria.

Indeed, the absence of SON and NAFDAC officials at the seaports while sundry materials, products and drugs are being shipped into the country via those entry points tantamount to dismantling all the checkpoints along the major roads linking the country to Maiduguri, the hotbed of insurgency in the Northeast in the name of ease of transportation and movement.

Such a yo-yo opening will no doubt give way to free movement in the short run, but on the long term, the security and stability of the entire country and even the West African sub-region would have been so fearfully compromised.

Ms Hadiza Bala Usman should be held accountable for the dreadful consequences of her actions. Let nobody experiment with the lives and safety of the people. *Mr. Ogbuenyi sent this piece from Phase 4, Jikwoyi District, Abuja, FCT.

13

ÍşÎ Ëœ ͺ͸͚Ϳ Ëž THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

INSIGHT

How soon are you coming home, Sir?

When Malala, Rihanna United for Girls’ Education

R

obyn Rihanna Fenty of Barbados and Malala Yousafzai of Pakistan are two of a kind. These two females are of different epochs and geography but in terms of charisma and the passionate drive to fast-track the educational emancipation of the girl child globally, they are like birds of the same feather.

The two witnessed tumultuous childhood. Rihanna as a teenager reportedly turned to singing as a release from her troubles at home in Barbados. She formed a girl group with two classmates. When the duo was 15 they scored an audition with music producer Evan Rodgers, who was visiting the Island with his Barbadian wife. Rodgers was awed by the precociously beautiful and talented Rihanna, to the unfortunate detriment of her two friends. Less than a year later when Rihanna was 16 years old, she left to move in with Rodgers and his wife in Connecticut. She thereafter blossomed into an internationally acclaimed pop star.

Whereas Rihanna is an international pop star who has achieved fame and fortune, the little Malala on the other hand, is a child rights activist who escaped assassination from her native land because of her zeal for education, to win the Nobel prize for peace and has made phenomenal impact in the area of campaigning around the world for the educational empowerment of the girl child.

Rihanna lives in the United States from where she travels around the world to spread happiness through her musical talents but again, she has gradually become a champion for girl education.

Rihanna has through her numerous melodious songs and advocacy activities carried through a vigorous global wide campaign for the educational empowerment of girls. Malala, has also become a world’s ambassador for child rights with specific focus on the thematic mandate of education.

Malala is known to have traversed all continents of the world to preach the sermon of education for the most disadvantaged persons being the girl children especially in the developing communities of Asia, Middle East and Africa.

These two inspirational feminine characters have made the right news in the last couple of days. Whilst Malala left the comfort of her abode in the United Kingdom to visit Nigeria, Rihanna took off from her United States’ base to pay a working visit to France where she met the wife of the newly inaugurated French President Mr. Emmanuel Macron.

It must be noted that Macron’s wife is a professional educator. On the other leg of this developing story, we must note that during her whistle-stop visit to Nigeria, Malala met with the Acting President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo and the thematic area of their consultations was on the education of the Nigerian girl children.

Nigeria has the notorious reputation for being home to the largest population of out- of- school girls globally. Malala has over the last two years paid considerable attention to the cruel fate faced by the over 300 kidnapped school girls of Chibok community school in Borno, North East of Nigeria who were abducted and enslaved by the armed Islamic terror group known as Boko Haram.

Malala was herself a victim of cruel gun attack by the armed Islamist in her native Pakistan called Taliban from where she was airlifted to United

Kingdom whereby she got a rousing welcome from the British people.

Malala Yousafzai during this visit said that though Nigeria is the richest country in Africa, it has more girls out of school than any country in the world. Malala has mixed up so well around the World and is attending some of the best educational faculties in Britain and so she is current about statistics such as the one she brandished depicting the sorry state of girl education in Nigeria.

It must be observed that girls and women are disadvantaged not just educationally but also in terms of income distribution in Nigeria.

This pathetic situation made the education activist to meet, during her visit, girls displaced by the Boko Haram crisis during which time she said studies are clear that educating girls grows economies, reduces conflict and improves public health.

She said, “For these girls and for their country’s future, Nigeria’s leaders must immediately prioritise education.� This is even as the United Nations Children’s Fund’s (UNICEF) education response in the northeast remains critically underfunded, with just 54 per cent of the $31.4 million appeal received, leaving a funding gap of $14.4 million.

While in Maiduguri, the epicentre of the crisis in northeast Nigeria, Malala visited schoolchildren in a camp for displaced families and secondary school girls at Yerwa Government Girls School.

Over 2,295 teachers have been killed and 19,000 displaced and almost 1,400 schools destroyed since the start of the Boko Haram insurgency in 2009. Three million children in the northeast reportedly are in need of support to keep learning.

Emmanuel Onwubiko,www.emmanuelonwubiko.com

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

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

National Disinformation and Fayose’s Information Channels

W

hat the Federal Ministry of Information fails to grasp is that a spin is not dishing out half-truths and utter lies, but it is just what it is meant to be: putting a “wingspan spinâ€? on the truth. Since truth is a universal absolute, mankind would naturally and eventually gravitate toward this absolute. Actually, the problem with the world today is that mankind is caught in a web of deceit, half-truths, and outright lies that its various cultural inuences has bestowed on it and the honest will to confront its falsehood façade is a fear that mankind cannot face and thus poverty and arrested development continue to thrive. This is why the narratives around Governor Ayodele Fayose of Ekiti State and Femi FaniKayode are receiving positive raves because Nigerians, like all other humans, yearn for the truth even though the establishment would want us to believe in Utopian Nigeria.

Sunday Adole Jonah, Department of Physics, Federal University of Technology, Minna

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ JULY 29, 2017

INSIGHT Oslo and the North-east Reconstruction Kole Shettima

T

he world converged in Oslo on 24th February 2017 in solidarity with the people of the Northeast of Nigeria and the Lake Chad Basin region who were, until recently, under the threat of Boko Haram annihilation. The conveners of the Oslo meeting, who put the figure of Nigerians living in the affected areas as no fewer than 26 million, underscored the gravity of the situation. According to their report, “The Humanitarian Response Plans identify 10.7 million people in need of life-saving assistance in the most affected areas in Cameroon, Chad, Niger and Nigeria. Over 7 million people are struggling with food security, with children representing a majority of those in need.

About 2.3 million people are displaced, a number that has tripled over the last two years”. Boko Haram is estimated to have killed more than 20,000 persons but the unofficial number is much higher.

Also, this number doesn’t include those killed by security agencies and BH in unidentified mass graves.

Even though the target was $1.5 billion, it is indeed heartwarming that more than $672 million was raised in pledges. The hosts, the Norwegians, are the biggest supporters. The Nigerian government is expected to commit $1 billion.

When fully operational, the funds will help meet immediate humanitarian needs as well as long-term development and reconstruction purposes. The Borno State Government, the epicenter for the conflict, has a Ministry for Reconstruction, Rehabilitation and Resettlement. Other states governments are using similar frameworks to improve the quality of lives of their citizens. However, I am very concerned that the passion for uplifting the people of the northeast and the Lake Chad Basin region hasn’t allowed for an opportunity to reflect on the concept of ‘development’ being promoted by governments and international agencies.

Historically, the people of the region have some of the worst indicators in terms of maternal mortality, girls’ education, literacy, status of women, infrastructure and poverty among others. The situation has been worsened as a result of years of Boko Haram violence. That explains why we need to ask some salient questions as we seek to move forward: Did the gaps in previous ‘development’ initiatives contribute to the rise and growth of Boko Haram?

Are there things we did wrong in key sectors such as education, health, housing, and agriculture that might have contributed to the structural problems that led to the insurgency? How has ‘modernization’ undermined ‘development’?

While I cannot claim to have answers for any of those posers, I am nonetheless uncomfortable that we are ‘doing development’ as before even without asking whether we are on the right course.

And if we conclude that we are, that must be based on deeper reflections.

As things stand today, literacy in the North east region is dismal.

The WestAfrican Examination Council (WASC) result for this year is evidence of the poor quality of education with all the states in region among the worst ten. But it is also no surprise. In Borno State, for instance, more than half of the children of school age are roaming the streets while about 60% of the schools have been closed.

However, we cannot blame Boko Haram for all the problems.

Even before the insurgency, the educational situation was a mess.

Northern Borno in particular was worse. Fewer than 10 students scored five credits with English and Mathematics in the years preceding the Boko Haram insurgency.

Given the foregoing, the question we should ask is whether it makes sense to rebuild these schools without considering other models or processes of education with the kind of results posted in recent years. The important question here is: Should we continue to follow the same curriculum and the process of education delivery that enabled less than one percent of the student population to qualify for university education?

What is more worrying is that the situation was not always like

As things stand today, literacy in the North east region is dismal. The West African Examination Council (WASC) result for this year is evidence of the poor quality of education with all the states in region among the worst ten. But it is also no surprise.

In Borno State, for instance, more than half of the children of school age are roaming the streets while about 60% of the schools have been closed

Dambazzau

that in the region. I was fortunate to attend school partly because of the influence and authority of traditional and religious institutions.

They had a supervisory role over schools and parents were fined if they refused to send their children/wards to school or withdraw them once enrolled. I know of communities that migrated from the jurisdiction of our Mai to neighboring states because they refused to send their children to school. In those days, the Chief Imam used to visit primary schools as a symbol of support. Unfortunately, ‘modernity’ and administrative restructuring has eroded their roles.

Today, schools are under the supervision of local government authorities and the ‘elected’ officials only visit their capitals at the end of the month when salaries are due. These absentee officials also don’t have their children in any of these schools. So, they really do not care about whether or not the children at the local level have any education. Therefore, the quality of monitoring is compromised by indifference and corruption.

If we must change the narrative, we should begin from the curriculum of our schools. Clearly, we cannot produce the leaders of tomorrow based on yesterday’s manual. The world is moving to skill and activity-based education and for us to provide 21st century skills to our young people, our thinking must also change.

We want young people to be able to ask questions rather than take everything they hear from their teachers as the gospel truth, which is a path to extremism. What can we salvage from the days of craft schools and women teachers college? Should we adopt or adapt a national curriculum?

I am well aware that many parents clamor for curriculum that provides Islamic and secular education. That accounts for the popularity of alternative schools like ‘Baba Buji Modern Tsangaya School Bolori’; ‘Mallam Goni Garba Buzu Tsangaya’; ‘Future Prowess’, and ‘El-Kanemi School of Theology’ among others. But against the background that millions of children are out of school in Nigeria, doesn’t it make sense to adopt a hybrid curriculum that meets both the desire of parents and the needs of the 21st Century? This will enable the region to leverage the opportunity of reconstruction and ‘development’ to take on board the needs of the region.

Going forward, it is very clear that governments will be unable to provide education for all the children out of school and the private sector can make a great contribution. The best approach would be for governments and development partners to consider bulk grants to private proprietors, rather than worry about rebuilding every infrastructure, which has not helped. There are even models that we can reference.

The former Governor ofAnambra State, Mr. Peter Obi, returned schools to missionaries and supported them with financial resources for several years. The state is the better for it today in terms of the performance of the students. Therefore, the current situation is an “opportunity” to rethink our approach to education in the region. Focus, innovation and political will are the tripod upon which the options adapted should stand and grow the region’s human capital base.

These should be scaled up and replicated in forms that meet the deficits in content/curriculum and outputs; low grade human capital. Innovation is needed to respond to the region’s peculiarities while the conflict is transiting to fragile peace. These will be indexed among other things by a departure from the norm to allow for aggressive drive for girl child education and women empower-

ment. This is particularly critical to reconstruction because gender is implicated in the underdevelopment and structural problems of the region.

The structural discrimination of females underscores the structural problems of the region. On every indicator the status of women is appalling: age at marriage, maternal mortality, girls’ education, political representation, rate of divorce, employment, access to health care and other social services, and finance and capital.

However, there are several questions still begging for answers: How about if we conceptualize development with gender inclusion and empowerment as the central focus? What kind of programs and projects will be prioritized? How do we have projects that challenge gender stereotypes? Do we want to continue funding knitting; sewing and soap making projects that reinforce these stereotypes? For sure, a definite departure is needed to expose and incentivize women to ‘venture’ into technology as a tool for organizing and access to entrepreneurship opportunities for growing new and high yielding economic activities.

Related to gender inequality is the fact that the gap between the rich and poor is increasing, and those who are poor in the region are experiencing three bas: kasuwu ba (no business), kra ba (no education) and bare ba (no farming). The Boko Haram violence has worsened inequality in the region. The reality also is that those who have access to resources have become richer even within the insurgency ravaging the region. For instance, in the midst of over 50,000 orphans in Maiduguri are newly built and freshly painted buildings, SUVs and other bullet-proof vehicles. The humanitarian economy has contributed to a colony of rich amid a vast ocean of the poor. The business of livestock and fishing is now the monopoly of major actors to the conflict on both sides.

Problems of accountability are being raised around many of the projects implemented by national and international agencies in the North East. Probably the most pronounced is the suspension of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation over allegations of corruption. Many other agencies are not much better. International organizations are being accused of spending significant funds on themselves rather than on the victims.

I am of the view that the situation in the Lake Chad region provides us an opportunity for a new beginning as we need a new framework for development. If the past contributed to the emergence of Boko Haram, why then must we spend the scarce resources of the good people of other countries to perpetuate structural inequality and underdevelopment? Did someone not say that a classical definition of insanity is to continue doing the same thing and expect different results?

I am hoping that the fact that Norway is leading the pack in Human Development Index (HDI) and the Northeast region which could have been amongst the bottom five in HDI if it were a country should influence our thoughts on ‘development’.

The North East recovery and development must be a model that elicits confidence and all the critical stakeholders have a moral obligation to do the right thing. The approach therefore needs to be radical enough to stimulate a reawakening where all the actors agree that a return to the status quo ante is not an option.

––Dr Shettima, Director of the MacArthur Foundation, wrote from Abuja.The views expressed are his and not that of his employers.

15

JULY 29, 2017 ˾ THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

RingTrue

Yemi

Adebowale

07013940521 yemi.adebowale@thisdaylive.com

Two Borno LGs Now Under Boko Haram’s Control

T

he military is fast losing its momentum in the war against Boko Haram which has resulted in a series of suicide bombings, deaths and ambushes in Borno State in recent months. Last Sunday, scores were killed when suicide bombers attacked Dalori 1 and 2 IDP camps. This year alone, hundreds have lost their lives in these suicide bombings in this state. The truth that must be told is that Boko Haram is fast gaining ground. I can authoritatively confirm that two local governments in the state -Abadam and Marte – are now firmly under the control of the terrorists. Genuine patriots in the state have corroborated this. I challenge the army chief, Tukur Buratai to relocate his office to any of these two local governments. The terrorists also control many villages around Maiduguri, from where they train and deploy suicide bombers in the town. They have massively infiltrated Maiduguri town. This is why we hear of suicide bombings almost every day. The military needs to shut Maiduguri for 48 hours and conduct a massive house-tohouse search for Boko Haram members/ weapons. It is a big shame; those who promised Nigerians “Change” in this war

Our brave soldiers are clearly embattled on all fronts. No doubt, they are capable of surmounting the challenges.

They are not cowards. All they want is for the military high command to do the needful.

They want quality equipment and motivation. The military leadership must stop exposing our heroic soldiers to this ragtag Boko Haram are snoozing.

There is an urgent need to put the military back on track, else, Borno State will return to the dark days, when Boko Haram controlled 20 local government areas.

Buratai has to rejig this war. It is not just enough to direct the Theatre Commander, Operation Lafiya Dole, Major General Ibrahim Attahiru, to capture Abubakar Shekau, the leader of Boko Haram terrorists group, “dead or alive within

40 days” and employ all arsenals at his disposal to smoke out Shekau wherever he is hiding in Nigeria.” This army chief has to practically address issues hindering the war against Boko Haram. On top of this is the fact that our soldiers on the war front are ill-motivated and ill-equipped. They are short-changed in the payment of field allowances; mere operational vehicles are also inadequate. Aside these, technology and intelligence are key vital tools if we are going to make genuine progress in this war against Boko Haram. In this area, we need the assistance of the best hands in modern warfare from anywhere in the world. It simply means that we must bring back the mercenaries to help with precise aerial bombardment, astuteness and technology. This should not be viewed as a sign of weakness, but a patriotic act. A legitimate government must do everything possible to protect its territory and people. This is the only way forward in this war against Boko Haram.

It is a shame that Boko Haram continued its onslaught this week by killing the commander of Hunters Association in Adamawa State, Bukar

Anti-Corruption and Malami’s Specious Exuberance Justice Minister, Abubakar Malami is evidently not satisfied with the handling of the so-called war against corruption by the EFCC and the ICPC in federal government agencies. This must have informed his decision to intervene directly in the search for funds stashed in banks by some of these agencies. Malami has engaged erudite lawyer, Professor Yemi Akinseye-George for this task. However, the first assignment executed against NNPC, and two yet to be ascertained federal agencies has turned out to be a big embarrassment, not only to Malami, but also to the government.

Recall that Akinseye-George went to court and obtained an interim order for seven commercial banks in Nigeria to remit $793.2 million allegedly hidden with them by the three agencies “in violation of the Constitution and the Treasury Single Accounts policy of the government.”

At the initial stage, many thought that Malami and his man had genuinely discovered stashed money, but it is fast turning into a charade. Facts and figures presented by the accused agencies and banks showed that there were no such stashed funds anywhere.

The NNPC was the first to punch holes in the phony recovery, describing Malami’s

Malami

claim as “untrue and misleading.” It said that it had earlier taken steps to inform the Presidency, Office of the Accountant General of the Federation, as well as the Central Bank

of Nigeria, of 7the existence of the said accounts prior to the creation of the Asset Recovery Account by the government.

NNPC explained further that it would be totally out of place to move the funds to the Asset Recovery Account of the government because they were genuine funds that were disclosed to the government and not recovered as reported.

The affected banks also came out with facts and figures that the funds were not illegally in their custody. “We have fully remitted all NNPC/NLNG dollar deposits since August 24, 2016. We hereby emphasise that none of such funds are currently in the bank’s books. Our action was further corroborated by a clearance memo published by CBN on its website on same date,” remarked UBA. It is depressing to see a federal ministry and a federal agency dancing naked in public. This is one issue that could have been resolved without this unnecessary noise. Malami simply wants to be seen working. Claims that the funds were hidden and unknown to the government now look dubious. This minister should stop raising the blood pressures of Nigerians with phantom recoveries.

The Turmoil at Corporate Affairs Commission

One of the agencies expected to aid the Ease of Doing Business in Nigeria is the Corporate Affairs Commission. Unfortunately, the CAC has been in turmoil for months, with workers accusing management of fraud and ineptitude. A strike that paralysed the CAC for almost two weeks was called off just on Wednesday. The chairman of the workers, Ibrahim Kirfi, said the union had lost confidence in the management of the commission, and wants the federal government to intervene. The workers, under the auspices of the Amalgamated Union of Public Corporations, Civil Service, Technical and Recreational Service Employees accused the CAC management of corruption, inflation of contracts in state offices, tax evasion through alleged fraudulent training of members of staff and use of government funds for personal transactions. Unfortunately, several months after this crisis surfaced at the CAC, the Minister of Industry, Trade and

Investment, Okechukwu Enelamah, who is supervising this agency, is yet to decisively intervene. For me, Enelamah has to rein in the Registrar-General/CEO of CAC, Bello Mahmud, for peace to return to the agency.

It is pertinent for Mahmud to step aside.

The allegations against him are frightening.

Com¬rade Kirfi alleges that over 40 per cent of revenue generated by the commission is gulped by the management staff on luxury items such as cars and household items. He also accused Mahmud of embarking on the construction of a car park at the commission’s premises with N250 million at the initial stage, but lamented that the amount was raised to over N1 billion. The minister must also allow anti-graft agencies to come in and investigate allegations of massive fraud against Bello and his team. The CAC is key to improving the Ease of Doing Business in Nigeria. This mayhem in the agency must be brought to an end.

Mahmud

Jimeta and three of his men. Jimeta and his three men were ambushed in Dagu, Borno State during a fierce battle between them and Boko Haram. Residents revealed that the insurgents attacked the village in large numbers but were engaged by the hunters.

On Tuesday, several gallant soldiers were killed by the terrorists in Northern Borno during the abduction of dozens of oil exploration workers contracted by Integrated Data Services Limited, a subsidiary of the NNPC, to search for crude oil in the Lake Chad Basin. The death of the soldiers, who were providing security for the oil workers, was confirmed by military authorities on Wednesday. Some members of the Civilian JTF who were also providing security for the oil workers were killed by the terrorists.

The abducted persons included 10 academic and technical staff of the University of Maiduguri’s Department of Geology. They were ambushed by the terrorists around Jibi village situated between Magumeri and Gubio local government areas of Borno State.

Four of the abducted UNIMAID workers were also confirmed to have been killed by the terrorists. In all, about 48 lives were lost to Boko Haram in Jibi.

Brave Lieutenant M. Medawa is suspected to be the officer killed during the Jibi ambush, although another version has it that he was killed in Sambisa forest during a clearance operation. This second version said Medawa was leading troops of the Nigerian Army 5 Brigade when his unit came under heavy artillery fire from the terrorists. An undisclosed number of soldiers were killed in the battle, while several others are still missing. The late Lt. Medawa, who was due to be decorated as Captain on Thursday, served at the Brigade of Guards in Abuja before his posting to the war front.

The terrorists were also in Azur Village, Damboa Local Government Area on Thursday, where they killed five people and razed the village. For how long must needless killing of our troops continue? Our brave soldiers are clearly embattled on all fronts. No doubt, they are capable of surmounting the challenges. They are not cowards. All they want is for the military high command to do the needful. They want quality equipment and motivation. The military leadership must stop exposing our heroic soldiers to this ragtag Boko Haram. May Allah inspire our military leaders to do the needful for soldiers on the war front.

Governor Yari and the Oppressed German Contractor We may have to hold Governor Abdul’aziz Yari of Zamfara State responsible if 64-year-old German businessman, Richard Klosa commits suicide. This German has been living and doing business in Nigeria since 1971. For those who have not been following the story, for over two years, the German has been battling to collect the N179.5 million owed his company, Connexx Plants Nigeria Ltd, for supplying studio equipment to the state’s radio station. He was issued a letter promising that payment would be made immediately after commissioning the station. It did not happen. This financial challenge is causing Klosa numerous medical problems. The German, who broke down in tears while narrating his ordeal said he had visited Zamfara State 17 times but all to no avail.

He lamented: “Governor Yari has ruined my entire business and our private life.”

Klosa can’t even afford to take Yari and the Zamfara State Government to court.

He is so broke. We must all put pressure on Governor Yari to pay this traumatised German. This is man’s inhumanity to man.

16

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ LY 29, 2017

THE ALTERNATIVE with Reno Omokri Why There is no Buhari London Video and The Dishonesty of Col. Ali’s Customs

L

adies and gentlemen, of course you are no doubt aware that the most lucrative industry in Nigeria at the moment is paying get-well visits to President Muhammadu Buhari in London.

In fact, I even saw a schedule circulating on Facebook of dates for different blocs and interest groups to go and see the President in London.

However, what has gone unnoticed is that governance in Nigeria has slid to slow pace and in some cases to a halt.

For the past two weeks, various Nigerian cities have suffered from unprecedented floods, yet the only response from the All Progressives Congress federal government appears to be for its elected and appointed officials to flood London to visit President Muhammadu Buhari!

It is almost as if by flooding London with their sycophantic visit, they will repair their flood-ravaged cities.

I wonder why these officials cannot consider that if it is true what the Presidency says, that President Buhari is returning soon (and we pray it is true), then why the rush for Governors to go visit him in London at public expense? They might as well have waited for him to come back “soon” and then go and visit him at the Villa at less cost to their states and the federal government.

And I see some Nigerians complaining that all we get are second-hand hearsay reports from the President’s spokesmen who have themselves not seen the President or spoken to him. They rely on what they are told from those who claim they have seen the President.

We see lots of carefully choreographed photographs but then the man does not speak to us. However, I am not one of those Nigerians who have asked that the President speak to Nigerians via video for reasons which I will shortly say.

To all ignorant people asking why there was no video of President Muhammadu Buhari’s interactions with the APC and the Nigerian Governors’ Forum delegation, don’t you know the Nigerian Government through the Minister of information, Lai Mohammed, frowns on foreign videos?

Shooting and publicising any such video from London will be in contravention of the “relevant sections of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code” according to Lai! In as much as our President is abroad, the only legal option available to Nigerians who want to see him is

I wonder why these officials cannot consider that if it is true what the Presidency says, that President Buhari is returning soon (and we pray it is true), then why the rush for Governors to go visit him in London at public expense? They might as well have waited for him to come back “soon” and then go and visit him at the Villa at less cost to their states and the federal government

Buhari

Col. Ali

through pictures. This is a law-abiding administration and President Buhari will not break the law!

You see, that is the ridiculous level to which the Muhammadu Buhari administration has reduced governance in Nigeria. They have FAILED woefully in all areas and in every regard.

Take the power sector for example. 36 months after Babatunde Raji Fashola said voting out the Peoples Democratic Party is the only way to get power, the National Electricity Regulatory Commission just announced that power generation in Nigeria has dropped to below 3,000 MWs. As it stands, we are now generating less power than we were when Fashola made that statement.

You see, it is where you have plenty of trees that a monkey appears smart. Bring the monkey to the city and you will discover that it was never intelligent.

Opposition is the tree. Government is the city.

As The Bible asks in Psalm 11:13 “If the foundations be destroyed, what can the righteous do?”

Even people with a previous reputation for brilliance cannot perform under this administration because the foundation, the head of the administration itself is an anti-intellectual.

I remember his first coming as a military head of state vividly. His policies led to a massive brain drain of Nigeria’s finest and best intellectuals from our Ivory Towers.

Might I ask this hypothetical question?

If I foolishly employ an applicant who refuses to show me his certificate should I be surprised when he turns out to be a certified failure? Some people are funny. How can they elect a man who could not generate wealth for himself in his private business and expect him to generate wealth for you in government business?

As far as I am concerned, the only good thing about this administration is acting President Yemi Osinbajo, However, it seems as if he is being checkmated by the cabal around the President because ever since Tunde Bakare’s message accusing him of trying to outshine and outperform his benefactor and that the next in line does not always become king, I have noticed a hesitancy in the man.

Pastor Osinbajo should also be very careful and prayerful of the many machinations against him.

Do not be deceived by the headlines, the consti-

tutional amendment barring any vice President who completes a President’s term from contesting a 2nd term after winning an election is aimed at Professor Yemi Osinbajo not Goodluck Jonathan!

What is the pressing need for the constitutional amendment? Look at the timing. They distracted Nigerians with this jamboree to London, then sprang it on us. I can authoritatively state that Dr. Jonathan has no plans of contesting the 2019 elections. They just used him as an excuse to get Osinbajo!

But I appeal to acting President Osinbajo to stand firm and resist the cabal. He must show himself different from the likes of Lai Mohammed, the father of fake news who now wants to disown his look-alike children, Lie and fake news!

I do not understand how a government that thrives on fake news will itself turn around to be the chief complainant of the ravages of fake news!

For instance, it is dishonest for the Nigerian Customs to say they made an all-time high revenue of N486 billion within the first 6 months of 2017.

With the devalued Naira this is not up to how much they made during the Goodluck Jonathan administration. The amount of N486 billion at the official rate of N362 to $1 is $1.3 billion. In 2014, they made N425 billion in the first 6 months. The amount of N425 billion at the then official rate of N150 to $1 is $2.8 billion.

So in actual fact and in real terms, the Nigerian Customs made less than half of what they made during the first 6 months of the last full year that Jonathan was in office (2014). Please do not be fooled

by APC propaganda!

And this is not an isolated case. It is an established pattern of behaviour with this patently dishonest administration!

Reno’s Nuggets At times when I see the wedding dress some brides wear I wonder whether their mission is to marry or breastfeed their wedding guests. Not only will your family be there, but your would-be in-laws will be there as well. I can assure you that none of them will respect you after they have seen your breast in open display. Take sometime to look at royal weddings.

Princesses don’t expose their womanly parts. It is lowlifes that do that. So, don’t be a lowlife. Cover up those breasts #RenosNuggets.

Plus

LOUD WHISPERS VINTAGE AUTO GLOBAL SOCCER INTERVIEW FASHION FILE

pg. 20 pg. 24 pg. 26 pg. 29 pg. 34 pg. 41

Nse Ikpe-Etim

I Still Feel No One is Born to be Married

18

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER JULY 29, 2017

PLUS

Unscripted Lines Inspire My Character Jovi and unassuming, Nollywood darling, Nse Jovial Ikpe-Etim comes dazzling as ‘Queen of the Silver Ikpe Screen’. Having just about 30 major movie Scre appearances in Nollywood, Nse has successfully app etched her name in the minds of movie lovers. etch Gifted with the skills to interpret roles and Gift make the character’s essence believable, the mak multiple award-winning actress, couple of weeks mul ago, filmed alongside American superstar and ago Senegalese singer, Akon. One of her recent films, Sen ‘A H Hotel Called Memory’, will premiere next month in A America during the Black Star Film Festival.

Nse was recently nominated by IARA Awards Ns coming up in September in UK in the category co for Best International Actress 2017, for her role fo in ‘Tess’, a movie directed by Meg Rickards. She speaks with Ferdinand Ekechukwu about her sp style, marriage and career sty

I have had the opportunity to work with some reputable actors in the UK and in the US. I have been exposed to the British Heritage of Black Actors and also been involved in supporting the drive of the British Film Institute (BFI) where the spotlight was on me as a Nollywood actor

W

ho is Nse? I think it is safe to say that I am very goofy and playful too.

However, I am extremely serious when I need

to be. be

Tell us about your background?

I am an actor with five siblings, an ol old student of FGC Ilorin, a BA in Th Theatre Arts from University of Calab Calabar. I have worked in several indus industries and finally found career fulfill fulfillment in being an actor.

Growing Gro up, you moved with your parents. What impact did y that have on you?

It opened o me up to different cultur cultures, appreciating other people and what w they stand for. It afforded me th the opportunity to travel around Niger Nigeria and see its beauty.

regardless of what I wear.

It was refreshing to have you host the AMAAs, however not without a few hiccups.

I was pleased with the opportunity and I look forward to doing many more. Hiccups make the show, create a talking point. When people have things to talk about, the show creates an interest.

Watching you rehearse during the 13th AMAAs, you are well versed with Nigerian languages?

Should we say that is the advantage of parents who travelled from place to place? I have an interest in people and their culture, and I am open to assimilating languages. It just sums up humanity.

For how long have you carried your natural hair?

I stopped using all forms of sto chem chemicals in my hair in 2012. I decid decided to appreciate what I have been given. Kinky hair.

Are you a romantic?

The world is so pressured and this pressure finds its way into our homes. The impact of this could affect the nurturing of romance, because romance has to be nurtured. However, it is necessary to pull yourself out sometimes and look at the bigger picture. Keep the romance going; don’t let the candle blow out.

You have graced a couple of event events and you appeared commend mendable, what’s your idea of fashi fashion and style?

Tha is awfully kind of you. I That have a brilliant team who take all the th credit. My style is simple, some sometimes bohemian depending on how I feel. I am most comfortable in a pair p of sneakers, or brogues

What is the experience like combining marriage with acting?

To be honest, in any relationship, understanding and communication are two vital components that keep a relationship blooming. As an actor, it can take its toll because of the constant traveling to work.

However work is work, home is home.

JULY 29, 2017 ˾ THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

19

PLUS

Nse on set with Akon

I’m Most Comfortable in Sneakers Having said sometime that you are not born to get married how do you feel now?

I stand by the statement. I wasn’t born to be married, neither was anyone.

When we came into the world, it is for a greater good, to affect people and impact on our different societies. If you find someone to share that life with, all well and good, if you don’t you just get on with it and keep doing good.

Your ‘passion and hobby’ has always been your kitchen. Tell us more about that.

I love cooking so much that even when I fly thousands of miles across continents, I run straight to the kitchen for sanity. I cook for pleasure, for entertainment, for survival. I just cook. My favourite part of the house is the kitchen; it’s the “warmest” place for me.

Fortunately, I have access to a variety of ingredients that I normally wouldn’t find locally so I am able to concoct and create an array of international dishes. If you walk into my kitchen, you might end up with a Spanish breakfast, a Mexican lunch and an Italian dinner.

Apart from acting, do you have any other interests or business?

Eden’s Theory. Scented Candles, Artisan perfumes, Organic skincare products, Organic hair products made with fair trade and wildcrafted African oils suitable for vegans. This is what my partner, Victoria and I get up to when I am not filming.

At what point did you start acting?

I started when I refused to begin.

So many friends, classmates, spoke to me about getting involved. I was too afraid to do this. I still am, not sure if it has started yet, but officially, I would say 2008. Reloaded was more like the comeback, thanks to Emem who taunted me. So many people share in this success. They

…with Akon and British actor, Andrew Howard

all know themselves. I should say, thank you for pushing.

Is there a role you played in the past that you would not have played now or probably would have played differently?

Naturally, every artisan would reflect on their last performances and reevaluate and look to improve their work.

What do you look out for in a script before accepting the role?

I look for the most unusual thing in a script. The unscripted things. I like my script to remind me of an onion so as I peel, I get layers and layers of uncertainties. This is my basis as an actor.

Does it come challenging to

you getting out of character to another after playing a particular role?

I don’t know… really but like Cliff (hubby) says, ‘I am married to many women in one.’

lywood actor. I am partnering with a director who has made inroads to the film industry in Scotland and we look forward to the projects.

What’s your philosophy of life?

IF…. a poem by Rudyard Kipling 1865-1936. It sums it all up.

How many movies have you starred in?

I would say between 25 to 30 credited films. I hope I am right and I have not made an erroneous claim.

Having relocated to the UK, what opportunities have been available to you as an actor?

I have had the opportunity to work with some reputable actors in the UK and in the US. I have been exposed to the British Heritage of Black Actors and also been involved in supporting the drive of the British Film Institute (BFI) where the spotlight was on me as a Nol-

Considering the number of movies you have starred in, do you think you have earned that popularity befitting of your status?

I believe the primary goal of an actor should not be popularity, rather attaining high standards while entertaining audiences. If those attributes bring forth fame then that would be welcoming.

20

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ JULY 29, 2017 with JOSEPH EDGAR (09095325791)

LOUD WHISPERS

Hameed Ali

Hameed Ali : You Can Wear Underwear Let me first start by rendering a sincere apology to Col. Hameed Ali. I was among the people who were fighting him for refusing to wear uniform to the Senate. Like everything Nigerian, I was stupid enough to focus on the trivial instead of substance. What has wearing uniform got to do with performance? The uniform no fine sef.

My brother has just announced to the Senate that the Customs under him has generated over N700b in revenues.

My people with this kind performance the man can wear underwear to work o. Those people that have been wearing full suit and well-starched uniform I no see wetin dem dey do o. Col you are truly a patriot and I think that uniform should not be brought near you for any reason. The fundamental thing is what you do with the position and not what you wear to work. The same thing I have been telling my longsuffering partner Lami. He is always decked out in complete three-piece suit with bowtie and pocket squares while me I like wearing my simple jeans and T-shirt and the yeye boy go dey complain that I am not dressing well and I will be asking him what has dressing got to do with anything.

Anybody who cannot look beyond my jeans and torn jeans to see the genius lurking within does not deserve our services. Well the fact that we never get any business since we started don make Lami dey blame my dress sense as the result. But with this your performance, you have strengthened my hand as I ran into his office with your picture wearing that beautiful kaftan and cap at the Senate committee with my tongue sticking out mocking him and shouting what has uniform got to do with it. Did this man wear uniform to generate this money? Has he stolen any part of it? My brother, the day I bring the first business to Lami, na boxer shorts I go wear come work the next day. I swear. Well done sir.

Muiz Banire : The Spoilsport This three-time commissioner and great legal luminary has suddenly found the limelight. You know me dey fear to write about these lawyer people, the way dem they take these things no normal. Last time I yabbed very lightly the great Femi Falana. I had to send an apology and when I met him at the Protea Hotel in Ikeja GRA and greeted him, he first looked up the section of the constitution to

Muiz Banire

Fayose

Yemi Osinbajo : Loyalty and National Cohesion Let me start by sending a major appreciation to the person of the Acting President as we begin to prepare for the eventual return of the President for his continued loyalty and the way his disposition has saved the country from national strife. He is truly a different person and special.

Maybe his height has a lot to do with it, we cannot say. The other day he was reported as saying that it would be suicidal for him to threaten the leadership of the National Assembly considering the sizes of the leaders that is Saraki and Dogara. I beg to disagree, if you have been watching wrestling, the American type, you will see size really does not matter as you can take down any one once you have strategy, tactics and determination. Osinbajo in his firm belief in constitutionality and structure has held the country firmly in the absence of his principal. He has not shown any kind of ambition or naked lust for power unlike some people

we know thereby keeping at bay the wolves or was it hyena and vulture as madam called them the other day. Nigerians should take a cue from this. I truly really respect the man and send him my well wishes. As for any physical duel with people taller or bigger than you, all I will say is not to show fear, train a lot and drink ágbo’ two days before the fight.

Then on the fight day, do not go into the other room o, jog for 20 kilometres and do skipping rope for one hour before the fight. If you ask me, go for Dogara first as Saraki will be a tough opponent.

As you circle Dogara, go for his left leg first. The left leg is his weak point. Grab it and he will be on the floor, then jump on his chest and sit on it. You can achieve all these in seconds.

Remember do not ever go near him because one punch from him, na to look for new acting President o. My lord you have done well and God will bless you, Nigerians owe you so much.

Onagoruwa

see if it was appropriate to greet me, well let’s just say he did not pay for my drinks. So you can understand my reluctance to yab Mr. Banire. But honestly what am I even yabbing him for?

He is saying some home truths. The imposition of candidates in his party is truly undemocratic and mostly annoying. So for him to come out to rail against it is a welcome development but he for resign as he dey shout; all this sitting tight and shouting no make sense. He should resign, join Fayose in PDP and then we will now know if he is really serious. He should not wait to be booted out as it is very clear that he is fighting a battle that cannot be won.

Imposition is part of the DNA of APC and that is what makes the party tick as he too has been a strong beneficiary of the policy. If he don tire, he should just go and save us from all this stress.

Can you imagine, the other day I was stuck in traffic at Alausa due to some people protesting against him thereby missing my date with the Duchess of Shomolu? Why should I suffer because of Banire, what is my own? My lord, please do the needful, kindly just go; after all you are a SAN, you will not be hungry. No be your own dey do me this morning.

Buhari Visit : Fayose Don’t Go ooo Nigerians always miss the opportunity to lighten things up. As I write I cannot help but burst out in serious laughter. I was just imagining Fayose being invited to visit Buhari in the hospital. Fayose, whose juju man has been showing him pictures of Buhari in a white bowl of water on life support, showing him Buhari not being able to talk and being in a coma. Why Fayose has not sacked this JUJU man beats me. This same person has assured him that he would be President of Nigeria.

I just dey laugh. Abeg he should buy Lucozade Boost and go and say sorry Baba and stop playing politics with someone’s life; that is low.

Adieu Onagoruwa This sad news hit me as I was going for lunch. This personality played a critical role during the Abacha years and suffered for it, losing his son who was a friend’s elder brother and losing his status amongst his colleagues. For today, I will just wish his family the strength and fortitude to bare the loss, he was a giant. Let us leave it at that for now. Sleep well, my lord.

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

21

SPY GLASS

HALIMA DANGOTE HALIMA DANGOTE: LIKE FATHER, LIKE DAUGHTER Halima Dangote, the second daughter of Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, is undoubtedly a pride to the Dangotes.

Already, it is being said that the beautiful mother of two shares a lot of things in common with her legendary billionaire father.

Indeed, those who have been following her story with unalloyed interest say that the Group Executive Director, Sales & Marketing, Sublime Group, is beginning to show every imaginable sign of a business genius.

Besides, this woman of substance is said to have been showing evidence of a humanist. It was gathered that she built a N7billion state-of-the-art operating theatre and diagnostic centre at the Murtala Muhammad Specialist Hospital in Kano. This is in addition to several other projects that have been beneficial to the masses.

In her capacity as a director in the Dangote Group and executive director, Dangote Foundation, Halima, who got married to Sulaiman Sani Bello in 2008, has been stepping out with her billionaire father on business trips.

After obtaining a degree in Marketing from the American Intercontinental University, London, she proceeded to the Webster Business School, London, where she obtained a Masters of Business Administration.

Her international exposure, communications and other skills put her in good stead for emerging business challenges.

A thoroughbred professional with a knack for analytical thinking and pragmatic solutions to business problems, she has consistently shown sparks of rare brilliance in delivering results within tight deadlines.

with BAYO ADEOYE .... 08054680651 IT’ CELEBRATION GALORE FOR FOLORUNSO ALAKIJA For Africa’s richest woman, Folorunsho Alakija, this is definitely a season of celebrations.

In the past one month, Alakija has been involved in the celebration of life at home and abroad.

A few months ago, the beautiful oil and gas guru literally broke the bank when she organised a superlative wedding for her son, Folarin, who married an Iranian lady, Nazanin Ghaissarifar, at the Blenheim Palace. The marriage was said to have cost her £5 million.

Then, on Sunday, July 16, a day after she marked her 62nd birthday, she invited some select guests for a thanksgiving service.

Some of the guests at the event included the Chairman Heirs Holdings, Tony Elumelu and billionaire oil mogul, Femi Otedola.

Think of one woman who was born under the proverbial lucky star and Alakija’s name will pop up.

As Africa’s richest woman, she is constantly in the limelight.Over the years, her success stories in the oil and gas industry as well as fashion business have earned her a pride of place not only in Nigeria but beyond.

Alakija, apart from being one of the the leading lights in oil and gas sector holds a pride of place in Nigeria’s fashion industry and inspires the womenfolk a great deal. Her story, irrespective of the angle one chooses to celebrate her, will make a compelling read any time, any day.

ADETOLA KING SEEKS OONI OF IFE’S BLESSINGS Dr. Adetola Emmanuel King, the brain behind Adron Homes and Properties, is cooking something sizzling that will excite players as well as stakeholders in the real estate business in Nigeria.

Young and industrious, he has a clear vision about his mission in the sector. Interestingly, he is pursuing his dream in a way that will make him the envy of many of his competitors in the industry.

It was gathered that he is in talks with the Ooni of Ife, HRM Enitan Ogunwusi, to acquire some vast expanse of land in some choice areas in the country for the purpose of developing them into modern estates.

His reason, it was further learnt, is due to Ooni’s pedigree as a prominent player in the real estate and property world long before he became a royal father.

Prior to this new drive, he had reportedly been more visible in remote areas in his acquisition for estate development. However, many confirmed to Spy Glass that the “romance’ between him and the respected monarch would be a fruitful one, as it would afford him the rare opportunity to access more serene and posh areas in the country.

Perhaps, a pointer to what lies ahead for him is the fact that the Ooni presented his beautiful wife, Aderonke, fine commemorative portrait, on her birthday recently

DAISY DANJUMA WARMS UP FOR 65TH BIRTHDAY Senator Daisy Danjuma is blessed in so many ways. She is brainy and beautiful. Besides, everything about her points to one thing; divine grace.

In a few days, she will turn 65. But it can be said that being advanced in age has not taken a toll on her beauty. In other words, she is grandly gliding to the septuagenarian club.

Interestingly, Danjuma, the Executive Vice Chairman, South Atlantic Petroleum, who commands deep respect from young and old, tells whoever cares to listen that she is still in tune with the modern trends in the fashion world. She is a showstopper any day, any time.

Danjuma, a Law graduate of the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Kaduna State, began her career as a state counsel in Lagos State Ministry of Justice (Department of Public Prosecutions). She was a pioneer legal counsel to the Legal Aid Council of Nigeria before working for the investment bank, Nigerian Acceptances Ltd. (NAL). She spent the next decade as company secretary/legal adviser to the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) before moving into private practice. She is a former chairman of SAPETRO (1999-2003).

In 2003, she was elected Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, where she served on numerous committees, most notably as Chairman of the ECOWAS Parliament’s Women and Children’s Rights Committee and Senate Committee Chairman on Women Affairs and Youth Development.

She is an alumnus of the Lagos Business School, a member of the International Bar Association (IBA), The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) and the International Federation of Female Lawyers (FIDA), among others.

DAISY DANJUMA

Folorunso Alakija

ADETOLA KING

FOLORUNSHO FOLARIN FOLORUNSHO FOLARIN-COKER’S MAGIC WAND All you need to know that Folorunsho Folarin Coker, otherwise known as Folly Coker, is the brains needed to bring further development to the Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation is the recently launched Tour Nigeria initiative, an ambitious attempt at making Nigeria a major destination for tourism, hospitality, arts and entertainment in Africa. It was launched in Lagos last week.

Hard-working Folarin-Coker is known for working wonders wherever fate has placed him in the public service in the past years. As commissioner for arts and culture in Lagos State, he shone brilliantly.

Perhaps, this explains why his fans were greatly shocked when he was relieved of his position by the state governor, Akinwumi Abode. More so, he is seen as one the closest and most loyal aides of former Lagos State governor and APC chieftain, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

He didn’t take the development in bad fate; rather he saw it as an avenue to move on and re-strategise his numerous businesses. .

For a while, he left the shores of the country to spend time with his family before he finally returned home. This time, rather than stay in Lagos, he chose Abuja. Soon, mother luck smiled at him when he was appointed Director General of the Corporation in March by President Muhammed Buhari.

Though it is said that he rode to prominence on the crest of his father, Chief Folarin Coker, fondly called Baba Eto of Lagos, it is believed that he shot to greater fame when he worked as Deputy Chief of Staff to Tinubu.

22

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ JULY 29, 2017

SUPER SATURDAY

PRINCESS OGHENE

I’m Creating Economic Empowerment for Women Using Fashion An entrepreneur par excellence, Princess Kelechi Oghene represents a new pedigree of female entrepreneurs that will champion the economic advancement of future Nigeria. In this Interview with Azuka Ogujiuba, she reveals how her establishment, the house of GMYT is transforming the lives of Nigerian women, from the richest to the less privileged through fashion.

W

Princess Oghene

hat’s GMYT all about?

GMYT is coined from God’s Might.

So it is actually pronounced ‘GeeMight’ but we spell it as ‘GMYT’. House of GMYT is the parent company of GMYT Couture, GMYT Salon, GMYT Fashion Academy, GMYT Modeling and now we are about to launch GMYT Foundation. At GMYT Couture we do head-to-toe bespoke couture.

We take briefs from clients and create the apparels of their dream. We also bead apparels and customise them for clients, enabling them to stand out in the crowd. The GMYT Salon came about because most of the times, we had our clients trying to meet appointments with their stylists and at the same time having to come and try out their outfits. So we decided to create the salon, complete with makeup and pedicure.

GMYT Fashion Academy is trying to create the next generation of fashion entrepreneurs. We provide classes on free hand design and you have patterned design. We also teach the business management aspect of fashion. After training, we also retain our students as staff fashion designers, illustrators or instructors for the company. We place them in employments through our referrals and then we also empower them to start up their own enterprises. We are committed to creating well rounded fashion entrepreneurs. Then we have the GMYT events and modeling company and the GMYT Foundation. We are launching it on June 25. The objective is to raise resources through philanthropy and use it to train women on scholarships at the GMYT Academy.

and her perseverance rubbed off on me. So I go all the way in getting close to perfection when I am making apparels for clients. So far, I have taken every course in fashion design and even though I may not have time to sew, I can easily do that if the situation arises. I am the creative director of my business. I create designs for all clients, supervise the making of the apparels and ensure that quality standards are not compromised.

Currently I am advancing my business skills with a programme at Lagos Business School.

When did you start as a fashion entrepreneur?

I have been in business for 11 years now. I started with a boutique. Then I was reading Management Sciences at Lagos State University as a part-time student. So I was running my business and studying at the same time. I did that until at a point in time after school when I decided that it was time for me to introduce my own brand and label. So I started the GMYT Couture. Last December, I launched House of GMYT officially to serve as a parent company to all my businesses after 11 years. My mother was a fashion designer and my siblings are involved in fashion business as well. Growing up, my mother made it compulsory that we all went to school and at the same time also learnt a skill. We all had to learn how to make dresses; how to bake; how to style and braid hair. My brother was taught how to make suits.

At the starting stage I was completely dependent upon the skills and knowledge from my basic training at my mother’s workshop. She owned a supermarket, a boutique and fashion business and she was into beadmaking. Her great attention to detail

When do you intend to launch the foundation?

The GMYT Foundation will be launched on June 25 at the Oriental Hotel. We have a fairly robust list of top philanthropists and high achievers who will grace the event. The official launch will coincide with the graduation and there will be a pop-up fashion show at which the graduating students will demonstrate their skills.

Why did you establish GMYT Foundation?

To empower women and enable them to create wealth – it is about ending poverty. I have the couture, salon and other businesses, yet running the foundation gives me satisfaction. Money cannot buy that.

I am happy training people and watching them create designs and earn a living. The foundation is for less privileged. Initially, I spent 10 per cent of my earnings in funding these scholarships. But it is getting bigger.

This is why I want to create visibility for what I am doing. I cannot do it all alone. I need support from people who are of the right disposition and interest. I have the capacity to teach a hundred students in the foundation. But I will need help with their kits, materials and equipment. If you look at the structure of the classes, to maintain the standard, it costs a lot more than just paying tuitions.

I have two foundation students that will graduate this month alongside 16 others from the academy. We have four students now studying under the foundation and we have 10 more on the waiting list.

What has kept GMYT going?

We have an excellent structure in place. We did a detailed research before we are able to create and implement this structure. We do ‘oneon- one’ training with every student.

My students are people who already have a lot of disposable income. Most of them are highly accomplished and have their own homes with a lot of experience and responsibilities. They are highly exposed and knowledgeable. So we had to build a curriculum that fits into their system. We teach them at their own pace. We ensure that they get value for money and that we do not give them the feeling of having gone back to school. Most of them came thinking that they are coming to learn just an extra hobby,

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ LY 29, 2017

23

SATURDAY UNVEILING THE YOUNGEST FASHION DESIGNER IN NIGERIA

Princess Oghene but when they encounter the detailed curriculum and the highly personalised coaching system, they realise that they are in for a serious business.

Did you base your fashion curriculum on local or international fashion schools?

No; my curriculum is different from that of any other fashion school. We have courses carefully packaged to impart total skills that will transform our students into well-rounded fashion entrepreneurs in terms of skills and business management. We teach each student individually as if it is a one-person class. We have a vast curriculum such that even when our students go abroad to do a higher degree in a particular aspect, they would already have been conversant with that.

Why are your students mostly women?

I deal with women because I can handle them – and trust me that it is not easy. I am talking about women who have class. So you have people who come to learn from you and they end up trying to teach you how to run your business. So you have to bring them down to earth and let them know that they are the ones that are there to learn. At every point in time you have to stick to your policies. You have to let them know that it is not always about money.

What is the capacity of your school in terms of number of students to accommodate?

Goingfrommysituation, wherewearesofully booked,wehave sometimesoneperson comingwithfiveoutfitsto sew,andbeggingtohave onereadyintwoweeks,I thinkfashionistakingover.

Thereissomuchtobe done;itisoverwhelming.I thinkeveryoneshouldgo intofashion.Thekindof clientsIattractaresuch thatwhentheycome,they wanttomakeoneoutfitfor N150,000,N250,000and more.Theseoutfitstake timetomake.SoIalsoneed morehands.Fashionisbig.

Thereisaverybrightfuture forfashioninNigeria.

So far, we have about 100 students and we do not have evening students.

So, we are introducing two batches, morning and evening students and we can have 200 students; 100 in each batch. We are about the fastest growing fashion school in Nigeria, and the students are seeing results because of the one-on-one training. Everyone is running their own individual programme, guided by the course forms and logbooks. If you come to the school now, you will see some students on brown paper; some on ankara; and some on calico. It is compulsory in my school that after three months you will teach a student.

What is the duration of a course programme?

A course lasts from three months to six months – and up to 12 months.

But the minimum for you to start your own business is six months. Now most of my students, even though they are still learning, already have their own businesses. So I am proud of them. But I still insist that they should learn the business in detail. I must make sure that I am imparting to them the right technical know-how and work ethics.

Can you tell us about your facilities?

They are top-notch. I have every industrial machine in the book available at my school. The classrooms are en suite; there are toilets and bathrooms complete with toiletries and they are spotlessly clean. Every room is air-conditioned and the generator runs round the clock. I try as much as possible to make the facilities up to

par with what obtains overseas.

Where do you see Nigeria’s fashion industry in the future?

Going from my situation, where we are so fully booked, we have sometimes one person coming with five outfits to sew, and begging to have one ready in two weeks, I think fashion is taking over. There is so much to be done; it is overwhelming. I think everyone should go into fashion. The kind of clients I attract are such that when they come, they want to make one outfit for N150,000, N250,000 and more. These outfits take time to make.

So I also need more hands. Fashion is big. There is a very bright future for fashion in Nigeria.

Any challenge in the industry?

Power supply is a major problem.

Thank God for the vision of having so many businesses in one building, that enables me to maximize my costs.

Otherwise, we are spending too much money on diesel. We spend a minimum of N500,000 a month on diesel.

We also need a lot of skilled hands.

There are jobs. We need a lot of trained people with good work ethics.

What are some awards you have received in the industry?

I came out last year and within three months I have got eight awards. And none of them is a competition award; all are recognition awards. I got an award from LA MODE; I was ECOWAS designer for the year. People just call me and they say, ‘we are giving you this award.’

GMYT Fashion Academy is Creating Next Generation of Fashion Entrepreneurs

24

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž ÍşÎ Ëœ ͺ͸͚;

by OMOLOLA ITAYEMI omolola.itayemi@thisdaylive.com 08054699602

TRAVEL&LEISURE

Creative Industry Projected as Part of Tourism Economy Ă“ĂŽ Ă&#x;Ă–ĂŁËœ ÞÒĂ? Ă?ĂœĂ?ËÞÓà Ă? Ă“Ă˜ĂŽĂ&#x;Ă?ĂžĂœĂŁ Ă“Ă˜ Ă?Ă™Ă˜Ă”Ă&#x;Ă˜Ă?ĂžĂ“Ă™Ă˜ åÓÞÒ ÞÒĂ? Ă?ĂŽĂ?ĂœĂ‹Ă– Ă“Ă˜Ă“Ă?ĂžĂœĂŁ Ă™Ă? Ă˜Ă?Ă™ĂœĂ—Ă‹ĂžĂ“Ă™Ă˜ Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ Ă&#x;Ă–ĂžĂ&#x;ĂœĂ? Ă—Ă?Ăž Ă“Ă˜ ĂĄĂ’Ă‹Ăž Ă?Ă‹Ă˜ ĂŒĂ? ĂžĂ?ĂœĂ—Ă?ĂŽ Ă‹ Ă?ĂžĂœĂ‹ĂžĂ?Ă‘Ă“Ă? Ă—Ă?Ă?ĂžĂ“Ă˜Ă‘ ÞÙ ÞËÕĂ? ÞÒĂ? Ă“Ă˜ĂŽĂ&#x;Ă?ĂžĂœĂŁ Ă“Ă˜ĂžĂ™ Ă‹ ÑÙÖÎĂ?Ă˜ Ă?ĂœĂ‹ åÓÞÒ Ă?×ÙÙÞÒ Ă?Ă“Ă˜Ă‹Ă˜Ă?Ă“Ă˜Ă‘Ëœ ĂĄĂ™ĂœĂ–ĂŽ Ă?Ă–Ă‹Ă?Ă? Ă—Ă‹Ă˜Ă‹Ă‘Ă?Ă—Ă?Ă˜Ăž Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ Ă–Ă™Ă?Ă‹Ă– Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ Ă“Ă˜ĂžĂ?ĂœĂ˜Ă‹ĂžĂ“Ă™Ă˜Ă‹Ă– ĂŽĂ“Ă?ĂžĂœĂ“ĂŒĂ&#x;ĂžĂ“Ă™Ă˜Ë› Ă˜ĂžĂ?ĂœĂ?Ă?ĂžĂ“Ă˜Ă‘Ă–ĂŁËœ ĂŽĂ?Ă?ĂžĂ“Ă˜Ă‹ĂžĂ“Ă™Ă˜Ă? Ă‹Ă?ĂœĂ™Ă?Ă? ÞÒĂ? ĂĄĂ™ĂœĂ–ĂŽ Ă‹ĂœĂ? ĂŒĂ?Ă‘Ă“Ă˜Ă˜Ă“Ă˜Ă‘ ÞÙ ĂœĂ?ÚÖËĂ?Ă? Ă™Ăœ Ă?Ă&#x;ÚÚÖĂ?Ă—Ă?Ă˜Ăž Ă?Ă&#x;Ă–ĂžĂ&#x;ĂœĂ?Ě‹Ă–Ă?ĂŽ ĂŽĂ?Ă Ă?ÖÙÚ×Ă?Ă˜Ăž Ă?ĂžĂœĂ‹ĂžĂ?Ă‘Ă“Ă?Ă? åÓÞÒ Ă?ĂœĂ?ËÞÓà Ă? ĂŽĂ?Ă Ă?ÖÙÚ×Ă?Ă˜ĂžË› Ă™Ëœ Ă“Ă‘Ă?ĂœĂ“Ă‹ Ă“Ă? Ă˜Ă™Ăž Ă‹Ă–Ă™Ă˜Ă? Ă“Ă˜ ÞÒÓĂ? Ă?ĂžĂœĂ‹ĂžĂ?Ă‘ĂŁË› Omolola Itayemi Ă?Ă˘Ă‹Ă—Ă“Ă˜Ă?Ă? ÞÒĂ? Ó×ÚËĂ?Ăž Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă?ÞÓà Ă?Ă˜Ă?Ă?Ă? Ă™Ă? Ă?ĂœĂ?ËÞÓà Ă? Ă?ĂžĂœĂ‹ĂžĂ?Ă‘Ă“Ă?Ă? Ă“Ă˜ ÞÙĂ&#x;ĂœĂ“Ă?Ă— ĂŽĂ?Ă Ă?ÖÙÚ×Ă?Ă˜ĂžË›

E

arlier in the month , Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed announced a tripartite partnership with the CNN and the UN World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) to boost the Creative Industry in Nigeria, using the film industry

as a pivot.

Speaking at the Creative Industry Roundtable in Lagos, Alhaji Mohammed said under the partnership, the film industry would be used “as a lens through which we will project various aspects of the Nigerian Culture, Tourism and similar areas. “We are kick-starting the project with a 13-episode production showcasing the various stages in a movie production. These include the choice of location, which will allow us to showcase the various beautiful sceneries available in Nigeria; the choice of wardrobe that will show the rich options in the country’s fashion industry; the choice of sound track that will highlight our rich music genres, the casting that will showcase our abundant talents and the technical part that will provide the platform to show that there is no camera and other gadgets that we don’t have here.�

He said the tripartite partnership, as well as the MoUs with the Tony Elumelu Foundation, the Bank of Industry and the British Council, was part of the efforts by the Federal Government to transform the Creative Industry to a Creative Economy. “This administration has no doubt that the plan to transform the Creative Industry to a Creative Economy must be driven by the private sector. After all, it is self-evident that the modest growth that has been achieved in the Creative Industry so far, whether in films, music or fashion, has been achieved in spite of the government. It therefore stands to reason that with the government providing the necessary enabling environment and the private sector in the driver’s seat, the transformation can be realised within a short time,� he said.

Reeling statistics from the UK and the US to buttress his point, Alhaji Mohammed emphasised that the Creative Industry was Nigeria’s new oil.

Alhaji Lai’s pronouncement, however, has triggered a debate in the tourism industry to the effect that such a plan requires tourism private sector inputs. One may not necessarily go into the details of these complaints except to recognise the validity of such and hope that there will be consideration of the issues raised in the near future. But the development throws up the need to understand fully what is involved.

In his own contribution, Director–General, Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation, NTDC, Mr. Folorunsho Folarin Coker described the creative industry as a strategic nexus for unlocking the tourism economy in Nigeria.

He said, “One integral part of the tourism sub economy which has not received copious attention and adequate recognition in our efforts at mainstreaming the tourism economy is the creative industry. This industry is a strategic nexus for stoking tourism as a development economy with relevance to the nation and the citizens.�

He goes further to say, “The creative industry is unique in that it relies on an unlimited local and global resource, depends on human creativity, strengthening growth strategies in the creative economy and primarily focuses on harnessing the development potential of an unlimited resource without relying on optimising limited resources as in traditional manufacturing industries. “Nigeria is abundantly blessed in the area of unique traditional-architecture, art, crafts, design, heritage, museums, galleries, libraries,

L-R: Tony Okoroji, Chairman COSON, Lai Mohammed, Minister of Information, Culture and Tourism and Mo Abud u, CEO Ebonylife TV at the recent Creative Nigeria Summit, 2017

fashion, film, music, performing arts, advertising and marketing, publishing, TV and radio. But we have not devolved efforts at maximising the inherent economic blessing in this via tourism.�

He stated, “For the full exploration and mobilisation of the tourism economy in serving the essentials of job creation, revenue generation, wealth stimulation, community development and social integration, the creative industry must not only be harnessed but must be synchronised within the template of tourism development and promotion.�

By emphasising that the creative industry is the strategic nexus of the tourism economy, the NTDC boss has brought home the issue. It suggests that the creative industry now forms part of the larger tourism economy as a hub.

It lends to the larger game-plan which Mr. Folarin-Coker had been speaking about - a game-plan which promotes creative tourism.

But what does this mean?

Creative tourism is concerned with the development of the individual, and is closely related to inner-directed lifestyle. UNESCO defines creative tourism as travel directed towards an engaged and authentic experience, with participative learning in the arts, heritage, or special character of a place, and that creates a connection to the residents and their culture.

According to Ivana Voli, a Cultural Management professor, creative tourism is a new concept - a framework for different forms of tourism, which includes existential authenticity, creativity and individual creation of experience.

The Tour Nigeria campaign, according to the DG, and NTDC, is not a ‘one-off’ event but part of a more holistic promotional approach to develop community clusters and to help identify events and festivals, which when put together provide visitors and citizens with authentic and memorable experiences.

Tourism provides a host of opportunities for the creative industry, and the creative industry can indeed be an effective conduit for tourism.

But exploiting these opportunities would not always be easy. For instance, tourism through the creative industry could sometimes fall into the same trap that cultural tourism development

often did in the past, such as the tendency to assume that having culture, or being creative, in this case, by themselves may not be sufficient to attract tourists.

Although creative actors can often be found operating in tourism, but the creative industry itself may be difficult for tourists to penetrate.

This is because creative work often takes place in the closed spaces of the workshop, the atelier or the office. Although the performing arts provide an important ‘front stage’ for creativity, other areas such as design, architecture and advertising remain relatively difficult to access. Even the performing arts are only usually accessible through performances, which limits the time available for tourists to access the creative process. This problem

is clear in creative clusters, where access to creativity is often limited to consuming the ‘buzz’ of informal creative meeting spaces such as cafes and restaurants rather than the creative production process itself.

The idea of driving the tourism economy, albeit, through the creative industry is a noble one. Just as the fortunes have shown in other climes of the world, it can show likewise for the Nigerian tourism economy.

Besides, it makes sense to operate where one has comparative advantage. Nigeria is world renowned for its creative industry as against picturesque beaches, heritage parks, and historical sites. Developing the creative industry could also lead to further development in other areas of the nation’s economy such as human capital development and real estate.

It is necessary to emphasise that the relative importance of the cultural and creative sector becomes more apparent when one compares its value added to a destination such as Europe where its 2003 contribution to GDP was higher compared with that of other industries. For instance, real estate activities (including the development, buying, selling and letting of real estate), one of the driving sectors of the European economy in the previous years, accounted for 2.1% of Europe’s GDP – a figure that was inferior to the cultural and creative sector’s contribution. The economic contribution of the cultural and creative sector was also measured as higher than that of the sector of food, beverages and tobacco manufacturing (1.9%), the textile industry (0.5%) and the chemicals, rubber and plastic products industry (2.3%).

The new development seems not to be a wishful thought. The Minister of Information and Culture on Monday announced the establishment of a $1million Venture Capital to boost the Creative Industry.

The Minister made the announcement at the opening of a two-day Creative Industry Financing Conference holding in Lagos, saying 20 people, each investing $50,000, are expected to help make up the required amount.

He said so far, five people had volunteered to invest $50,000 each, and expressed the optimism that more investors would come forward.

Alhaji Mohammed said the $1-million Venture Capital would provide seed money for young and talented Nigerians to set up businesses in the Creative Industry.

Taste of Lagos FTAN Opens Starts August 1 New National Secretariat in Abuja

Iconic Events Ltd, Nigeria’s leading events promotion company, has announced that the 2017 edition of the food and drinks festival, “Taste of Lagos� will hold from August 1 to August 4, 2017 at the National Stadium, Lagos.

The Coordinator of the event and a Director of the company, Mr. Abiodun Fagbohun, disclosed this during the week at a media chat in his office. “Taste of Lagos, which is an annual tourism and food security-focused event to promote the indigenous food culture of Lagos is organized to complement the agenda of the Lagos State Government on food security as well as to draw international attention to and raise awareness of indigenous cuisines of Nigeria.� he said.

He further explained that Taste of Lagos aims at celebrating the indigenous cuisines of Lagos whilst establishing the city of Lagos in the league of other famous City-based food and drinks festivals such as Taste of Dubai; Taste of London; Taste of Cape Town and Taste of Chicago, amongst several others.

The Federation of TourismAssociations of Nigeria (FTAN) has announced the opening of their new secretariat in Abuja’s highbrow area of Asokoro.

You may recall that upon assumption of their positions, after the election on June 29th 2017, the new FTAN Executive members promised to hit the ground running. They pledged to be proactive in spearheading tourism development in Nigeria, using FTAN as the catalyst.

Since the founding of FTAN, their Secretariat had always been donated by prominent members of the Federation free of charge; the last person was Chief Tomi Akingbogun, who allowed FTAN to use a hall in his prestigious Hotel Rosebud Abuja for about four years.

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ JULY 29, 2017

25

EXPRESSION

MEDIAGAFFES

Fail Abysmally, not Woefully

EBERE WABARA

BY

ewabara@yahoo.com, 08055001948

“M

END in a statement signed by its spokesman… said it will (would) begin….”

“The targets are non-Muslims groups.” Existential humanism: non-Muslim groups.

THE GUARDIAN On Sunday of July 2 contributed four inaccuracies to this week’s pool of blunders: “Then between 2007 and 2015, Ikot Ekpene senatorial district is on (in) the saddle.” “…disclaimed insinuation (an insinuation or insinuations) in some quarters that….”

“Today, he does not only represent the rare specie (species) of lawyers….”

THISDAY of July 3 goofed on the late Chinua Achebe two times: “Achebe was accused of being privy to the coup on the ground (grounds) that….”

“Achebe’s no hold barred (sic) reprimand on the Nigerian nation….” The Achebe story: no-holds-barred reprimand.

“The sad story of some communities in Nkanu East Local Government of Enugu State that are literarily (literally) trapped….”

“I noticed that I stir up this awe whenever I speak in the company of my guys and others.”

People: in company with (not of) my guys and others.

“Be your brother’s keepers….” Fixed expression irrespective of number of people involved: brother’s keeper.

“Yes, a lot of people like these kind of prophetic books.” This way: this kind/these kinds of people “…God was merciful to have kept him for 23 years after the motor accident that confided (confined) him to the wheelchair.”

“Let your wrist watch speak volume (vol-

umes)” “To build capacity through trainings” ‘Training’ is non-count.

“This should have been our interactive platform and an income generating (incomegenerating) website.”

Please note this: ‘under the circumstance’ is American English while ‘in the circumstance’ is British English. This particular intervention is critical because in their book entitled Correct English, J. E. Metcalfe and C. Astle declared that ‘under the circumstance’ is wrong. But, Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English (New Edition) published in 2012 confirms the two expressions as correct entries. We should exercise circumspection in our use of the English language and its registers. I prefer ‘in the circumstance’, however. “…has been as selfish, self serving (self-serving) and attempt (an attempt) by the House to place its members above the electorates they should be accountable to.” The making of invincible legislators: electorates/electors or the electorate (not the electorates). More on this next week…. “…and absorbs (absolves) them from civil or criminal proceedings….”

“The same house has (had) attempted in the past to compromise the….” Existential humanism: ‘in the past’ is redundant here.

“But what is really important is the number of people who turns (turn) new leaves….” Fixed/ stock expression: turn a new leaf (irrespective of the number of people).

“Osinbajo, who summoned the service chiefs to Aso Rock Villa, Abuja, was said to have intimated them of (to) the Presidency’s plan….”

“If traditional media is (are) not able to deliver quality journalism, then who will?”

“Egypt (Egyptian) court revokes Morsi’s firing of prosecutor” “The President then presents the recommendation to the National Council of States (State) for

deliberation.” “…it might afford the country the opportunity to a round table (sic) to regurgitate what grouse each bears against (about) the other (one another).”

“It was their battle (Niger Delta militants) that awaken (awoke) the consciousness….”

“I believe in total and comprehensive assessment of a person to determine his/her (their) suitability and overall credibility.”

“UI students’ union leaders sworn-in (sworn in), seek cooperation” “The minister goes on to paint a very laudable picture of the purpose of the First Ladies Peace Mission, rounding up (rounding off) with the battle-cry….”

THISDAY of July 22 disappointed its numerous readers: “He said the village have (had) never been attacked in the past….” “…majority (again, a majority) of them failed woefully (abysmally).” “…who briefed journalists on the company’s field development programme yesterday, in company of (in company with) the vice-chairman….”

“The victims comprised of four….” Delete ‘of’ in pursuit of reason and truth.

Still on the editorial: “…stakeholders to put heads together in order to help find lasting solution (a lasting solution) to the security challenges presently facing the nation.” Why not ‘the insecurity facing the nation’?

“Shareholders of GSK Plc (PLC) has (have) enjoyed a huge….”

“But GSK need (needs) a more robust fourth quarter to sustain the record-setting bullish run.” “…where majority (a majority) of the population live (lives)….”

“Eight Egba chiefs arrested over (for) murder of prince in Ondo” “Survivors of suicide bomb attacks recount tales of woes” Kano blasts: tale of woe (fixed/ stock expression—plurality notwithstanding)

“Okopoly rector allays fears over masquerades (masqueraders)” “Anambra 2017: PDP supporters on strategic take over (takeover) campaign” “Both countries to sign drug control (drugcontrol) pact” “Unfortunately, however, I, and many other Nigerians have been infuriated by our servants….” In pursuit of linguistic orderliness: many other Nigerians and I. The concept of the cart and the horse applies to language usage, too.

“But all our future blessing would be achieved through waiting in the Lord.” If you are after God’s heart, you wait on, not in, the Lord.

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

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

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

“Sixteen people were killed and two others seriously injured in a ghastly (fatal) accident which occurred along (on) the Bauch-Auchi road on Saturday.” If there were casualties, it follows that it was a fatal, not a ghastly, accident—which is even impliedly otiose. The mishap did not drag along the road, but occurred at a spot on the road.

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

‘With due respect and humility, the above association (Tiddo Yo Daddo Alumni Association) is hereby inviting its esteem (esteemed) and valuable members to the forthcoming general meeting.” Are there invaluable members? And this: ‘With due respect and humility’—what is the essence of this phrase?

PERSPECTIVE

Ambode-championing South-West Integration Like a Generalissimo Idowu Ajanaku

“Leadership is unlocking people’s potentials to become better” -Bill Bradley

T

he growing clamour for a paradigm shift in the nation’s leadership landscape; especially with regards to the emergence of younger and more brilliant politicians to mount the podium and direct the affairs of the country is a call whose time has come.

Governance and more so, that of a nation as intricate, engaging and tasking as ours is not a tea party. It is not meant for geriatrics that should be enjoying their dusky moments in sober serenity. In fact, this call rings true with the dynamics of global politics.

For instance, months ago, Emmanuel Macron became one of the youngest French Prime Ministers with the electoral victory at the age of 39 years. Similarly, Juri Ratas, the current Prime Minister of Estonia came to office in late 2016 at the age of 38. His work has been monumental in initiating changes in the wage policy of the country.

And back home here in Nigeria, we are beginning to see the immense benefits inherent in thrusting and trusting the levers of political power in the hands of equally young politicians. One is talking about politicians with fecund minds, literally brimming with veritable ideas to translate dreams to concrete reality. One of such is the inimitable, creative, energetic and people-friendly Governor AkinwunmiAmbode of Lagos state.

Worthy of note is his political dexterity, so far exhibited in powering the economic integration, regeneration and renaissance of the South-West geo-political axis. Ambode broke another jinx by effectively pulling Lagos to the Oodua Investment Group.

This is another first in a long list of politico-

Lagos state Governor,Mr Akinwumi Ambode and his Senior Special Assistant on Media and strategy,Mr Idowu Ajanaku on their way to polling boot to cast his vote at EPE...in the last local government election ..last weekend

economic feats achieved within a short span of only two years.

To hit the ground running, he has, on behalf of Lagos state pledged to invest billions of Naira to acquire vast acres of land in the hinterland states of Oyo, Osun, Ondo, Ekiti and Ogun for modern, technologically driven farming. Both raw and processed products from such farms would be brought back to Lagos for effective sales, given its remarkable, huge market potentials. This makes a lot of sense.

Similar agreements have been reached, in the key sectors such as security and the economy based on the regional integration of the South-West zone. The meeting held at the instance of the DevelopmentAgenda for Western Nigeria(DAWN) goes with the theme, ‘Economic Self-Determination for Western Region’. Part of the communiqué is hinged on the setting up of a Joint Task Force and action to contain all forms of security threats, including the sweeping wave of kidnapping and senseless attacks by armed Fulani herdsmen.

The governors, apart from declaring zero tolerance for all forms of crime and criminality

will institute policies to guarantee the safety of lives and property for all the residents in their states. With such guarantee, economic activities are likely to flourish. That explains the reason for directing DAWN to develop a 25-year Western Nigeria Development Master Plan.And also calling on all the states in the region to encourage bilateral and multilateral cooperation to foster sustainable regional development.

But why going to such lengths for this noble ambition, one may ask? The answer lies with the foresightedness of the governors, knowing full well that with the increasing agitation for self determination restructuring is only a matter of time. They do not want to be left holding the short end of the nation’s economic stick. Not in the least.

And the governors are aware too that instrumental to their overall success would be the growing economic stability and expansion of Lagos state. They are so delighted that withAmbode in the saddle it has been one giant step taken after another in the critical areas of security, infrastructural development, transportation, healthcare delivery and youth empowerment.

Instructively, Governor Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola of Osun state, a political tactician was therefore not mincing words when he described his Lagos state counterpart as “the Governor-General of Nigeria”. On his part, GovernorAbiolaAjimobi of Oyo state sees Ambode as “Mr. Innovator, who has ballooned the development of Lagos within two years to the admiration and amazement of millions of citizens’ He describes him as “the most approachable governor in Nigeria”.

Not left out of the encomiums is the revered General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God(RCCG),Pastor EnochAdeboye who callsAmbode: “A man of excellence, who has passion for the downtrodden and the humility to serve God.”And apparently to add another feather to his colourful cap, former President Chief Olusegun Obasanjo not known for praising politicians has givenAmbode the title of a ‘great performer”.

While Chief Bode George of the opposing People’s Democratic Party (PDP) exclaimed that: “I have never met this young man, but I must say that I am impressed with his performance so far, especially in the area of infrastructural developments,” ,the man seen as his avid supporter and National Leader of the rulingAPC the strategist and pathfinder of modern day Lagos,Asiwaju Bola Tinubu added the icing on the sweet cake. Said he: “Ambode is a wonder kid on the political block-a man who plans meticulously and executes such plans without necessarily making noise. He has become a shining light in less than two years.”| Asiwaju should know, having piloted the affairs of Lagos for eight good, memorable years. These profound appellations that may therefore have far reaching significance than we may care to admit as at present. Infact,in the face of this,GovernorAmbode has stay humble and committed to the worthy ideals that have seen him glowing thus far. The future beckons with limitless possibilities.

––Idowu Ajanaku, S.SA Media & Strategy to Gov. Ambode

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

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

One-Way Streets

A

All-New Discovery on gravel road

JLR to Launch All-New Discovery in Nigeria Stories by Bennett Oghifo

C

ollectors and lovers of Land Rover brand of vehicles in Nigeria will get a chance to ride the incredible piece of machinery known as theAll-New Discovery before the end of the year.

It is at this period the auto maker, Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) will launch the brilliant All-NewDiscoveryinNigeria,KenyaandAngola.

The Sales Operations Director, Jaguar Land Rover, sub-Saharan Africa, Mr. Nigel Clarke, specifically said the launch of the All-New Discovery in Kenya, Nigeria, and Angola will be more towards the end of the year.

Clarke said the launch is coming towards the end of the year in Nigeria “because there are a number of ongoing activities. We would launch about the same time as Kenya. So, Kenya’s is about the end of September or October. And it also depends on our partner, Dr. Cosmas Maduka, Chairman of Coscharis Motors, he will guide us in terms of the appropriate time to launch in Nigeria.”

Clarke, who was at the Media launch of the All-New Discovery in South Africa, described it as Brilliant. “I think it’s brilliant, I work for the business, clearly. I drove it about a year ago, but I’ve never driven it off road until this trip and I thought it was absolutely incredible, it was really excellent.”

TheAll-New Discovery performs other tricks. For the first time, a driver, working alone, can hook up a trailer unassisted. The driver will simply back-up to the trailer, using the rearview camera and with a little adjustment the job is done.

This brilliant move is peculiar to the All-New Discovery and Clarke noted it as he said, “Whether it’ll be on road, or on gravel, or off road, and particularly when they took us through the trailer exercise and the ATPC (All-Terrain Progress Control), really demonstrated the veracity and capability of the All-New Discovery. Brilliant.”

On JLR’s expectation of the vehicle’s sales performance in Nigeria, Clarke noted that it had “already started to do well in the markets where we’ve launched; we launched last weekend in Lusaka in Zambia, and it was well received. And we sold two cars, and we sold three cars in Accra

in Ghana, when we launched it at the ‘Man of the Year’ event, which was a brilliant event, well attended.And we know that there are many people that are looking forward to order.

“But it’s not only in Nigeria, you know there are other countries that are going through difficult times;Angola, Kenya has had a bit of a slow down because of the elections. But you know it’s been prolonged in Nigeria, I feel unfortunately, but it will come back like all economies. And I think they seem to be putting in all the right policies.

“AndIwouldbemoreinterestedtoknowaboutthe automotive policy that seems to have not been as progressive as it could have been.And I think when you’ve got entrepreneurs such as Dr. Maduka, I mean they can really help the economy have some influence to really input into any future automotive policy.

“The Nigerian automotive policy should really work for the populace, because you’ve got what, I don’t know the population, but I think it’s 140+.

So, it makes absolute sense in job creation and local components, etc. But it has to be done in a very strategic way, and with the right governance and quality of manufacturing.”

Luxury Bus Owner Urges FG to Restore Toll Plazas

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he National President of the Association of Luxury Bus Owners of Nigeria (ALBON), Sir Dan Okemuo, has advised the federal government to reintroduce toll plazas on major highways across

the nation.

Okemuo said highway tolling was a proven, reliable road maintenance funding method that is delivering results in many parts of the world, owing to the involvement of private investors who provide efficient management.

According to him, the nation’s highways would be better maintained and safer for motorists and the travelling public, if the Federal Government re-established toll plazas on inter-state routes.

Okemuo, who is the Chairman of Dan Dollars Motors Ltd recommended that the toll-gates should be built in partnership with the private investors, who would collect tolls and use the funds to maintain and keep them motorable..

Okemuo explained that if highways were tolled and properly managed, they would be better maintained and safer for road users, especially inter-city passenger transporters, than they were presently.

Okemuo

He said: “Our leaders travel abroad and see the way these things are done over there. They should ensure that we do the same here. When

I travelled to the United States, I observed that if you are moving from one city to another, you will pass a toll-gate. My inquiries showed that the companies manning the gates collect the tolls, maintain the roads and pay an agreed sum to the government. Let us have that kind of arrangement on our highways.”

The ALBON President decried the problem of insecurity on inter-city roads, and bemoaned the worsening condition of most highways which daily results in avoidable accidents.

“But, with toll-gates in place, the funds realised will be used to keep the roads in good shape, leading to a reduction in accidents. Moreover, insecurity, especially armed robbery and kidnapping, will also be checked.

He said, “The new toll-gates can be built in such a way that Federal Road Safety Corps, Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA), the Police and other security agencies, can be accommodated there. Restaurants can also be included for the convenience of the travelling public.

“The result will be that the highways will be safer, and motorists will have stop-over spots that are more secure. A driver whose vehicle develops a fault can look forward to getting

one-way street is a street either facilitating only one-way traffic, or designed to direct vehicle to move in one direction. On one-way streets traffic must travel in the direction indicated by road signs if they exist.

In identifying a one-way street, you should look out for signs telling you that you are joining a one-way street. On approach to one-way street, get into position in good time and once in the oneway street, position your vehicle according to whether you intend to turn right, turn left or go ahead.

In the one-way street, unless road signs and markings dictate otherwise, drivers need to choose the best road position for their intended destination. When intending to turn right, keep to the right-hand lane, provided there are no obstructions or parked vehicles on the right-hand side of the road; to turn left, move to the left-hand lane in good time; and to follow the road ahead select the most appropriate or convenient lane. Always be on the look-out for signs and markings showing the best lane for your destination and move into that lane as soon as possible after entering the one-way street.

In one-way streets, get into the correct lane as soon as possible and maintain that lane. You should watch out for drivers who may change lane abruptly. Traffic in one-way street tends to flow freely and as is legal for vehicles to overtake or pass on either the right or the left on a one-way street, you should take particular care when changing lanes; you must make the fullest use of your mirrors (effective use of the hazard routine) well before changing lane. If you mistakenly drive into a one-way street, you must continue to the end of the road, and should not turn round or reverse out of it.

When emerging from a one-way street and you are in the left-hand lane, you must be particularly careful to look out for pedestrians; they may step off the kerb looking in the wrong direction and thinking that the road is clear.

Driving against traffic in a oneway street or on dual carriageways are fraught with dangers which could lead to road crashes, as drivers on such roads might not be expecting oncoming traffic from the opposite direction.

In next week’s article we shall be discussing one meeting traffic and adequate clearance using the MSPSL or hazard routine. For further explanations or clarification on the articles in the Essential Skills of Driving column, consult the author.

Stephen K. Dieseruvwe

Director General, Delta State Traffic Management Authority (DESTMA) **Driver Trainer and Road Safety Consultant **Email: sdieseruvwe@gmail.com **Tel: +2348167814928

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

27

Mega Gallery: New McLaren 570S Spider is Droptop Perfection

M

Kia Soul

Kia Partners Stanbic IBTC on Pay-at -Your Pace Car Finance Scheme Stories by Bennett Oghifo

K

ia Motors Nigeria has partnered Stanbic IBTC bank to enable buyers of Kia vehicles overcome liquidity crunch and excess documentation requirements.

The finance scheme tagged ‘Drive Your Dream, Pay at Your Pace’ is in a bid to help people drive home their dream car despite the uncertainty rocking the Nigerian economy.

The growing number of loan defaulters as a result of the cash-strapped economy has deterred many commercial banks and car companies in rolling out car acquisition schemes.

The synergy between Kia and Stanbic IBTC defies all the odds and is set to help customers own new cars and pay at their pace.

MarketingManager,KiaMotorsNigeria,Olawale Jimoh, said over the last decade, Kia Motors Nigeria has been at the vanguard of promoting a customer-driven corporate culture by providing the best quality and exceptional service with all

values centered on the customer.

Jimoh said it was the reason Kia went into partnership with Stanbic IBTC to provide the customers.

“At Kia, we keep exploring different customeroriented partnerships aimed at giving an exceptional car ownership experience and to make the process of vehicle financing to our customers flexible, easy and convenient. Our partnership with Stanbic IBTC is set up to bridge the gap between the customers’ budgetary restraints and the dream to own new cars,” he said.

cLaren has released a new photo gallery of its 570S Spider droptop for you to gawk at.

As the photos were shot on location in Spain, the convertible supercar looks stunning right in its element. The British automaker is celebrating the official launch of the 570S Spider with three new colors: Curacao Blue, Sicilian Yellow, and Vega Blue, all of which are in the gallery above.

The mid-engine 570S Spider is powered by a twin-turbo V8 that outputs 562 horsepower and 443 pound-feet of torque, sending power to the rear wheels via a seven-speed dual clutch transmission.

The droptop version is only 101 pounds heavier than the coupe and can accelerate to 62 mph (100 km/h) in just 2 seconds on to a top speed of 204 mph (328 km/h).

Each of these cars actually sits at the opposite end of their brand spectrum, the R8 a halo sports car that actually shares more with Lamborghini than any other Audi, while the 570S is the “entry-level” McLaren (although McLaren also offers a 540C in Canada as well), a company we know more for its Formula 1 racing program and legendary F1 road car.

No question that one of the primary reasons to pick either the McLaren or the R8 over the default-choice 911 is looks.

The 911, as much as we love it, and as close as it is in performance and price in Turbo S trim, is a bit boring and commonplace compared to these two.

Uber Launches Greenlight Hub in Lagos for Driver-partner Support

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ber has opened a Greenlight Hub in Maryland Lagos to serve as a resource centre where existing and potential driver-partners can receive support for app-related inquiries.

The new Hub, which is strategically located at the Maryland Mall, will be open six days a week.

Uber’s mission is to help people get a ride at the push of a button - everywhere and for everyone, officials of the company said. “The Uber network is now available in over 600 cities in over 80 countries spanning six continents.”

Speaking at the launch of the Hub during the week, the General Manager for Uber, Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), Alon Lits said, “The Greenlight Hub

is a support centre that provides drivers-partners with established channels of communication to raise individual questions and concerns that they may have.

We’ve always had partner support centres, but not at the level of the Greenlight Hub, where potential and existing driver-partners can have their concerns and inquiries addressed by our dedicated and professional team.”

Taryn Morris, Head of Greenlight for SSA reaffirmed Uber’s commitment to supporting driver-partners, “We are excited to officially open the new Greenlight Hub in Lagos and offer a new, world-class, technologically advanced place for drivers to get onboard and obtain customer support.

Lane Indiscipline

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Last week, I rounded up my focus on the first traffic infraction listed by the Federal Road Safety Corps for mental and psychological evaluation as promised a fortnight ago. This week, my focus will be on what I regard as the second infraction. My choice of the infraction to focus on is not just based merely on the severity or otherwise of the infraction, but on my perception of this infraction as pure madness and the interest this form of madness generates under my watch. In all my years in the field as Sector Commander, especially in both the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and Lagos State, phoning behind the wheels and lane indiscipline (driving against the flow of traffic) - commonly referred to as one- way driving, have always formed the core of my daily enforcement with such offenders undergoing more compulsory public enlightenment hours than others.

To refresh your memory again especially if you have not been following my series on these ‘insane’ infractions, the Corps justification for the mental evaluation which commenced on July 1, 2017, is based on the report that the FRSC recorded 3,646 cases of phone violation; 1,017 dangerous driving and 3,337 light sign violation between January toApril 2017. The on-going test focuses on life threatening traffic offences such as the use of phone while driving, route violation, traffic light violation, dangerous driving and overloading

SAFE DRIVING with

JONAS AGWU

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

which is my focus for now.Before I dwell on my focus for this week which will run till next week, please allow me to indulge you on the report of a poll conducted sometimes in 2013 by the Corps to gauge attitude of motorists.

In that year, FRSC contracted NOIPolls to do a road attitudinal survey across 6 locations in Nigeria.

To measure the level of compliance on the road, the survey was conducted across pre- identified corridors within 9hrs of the day (morning, noon and evening) for 12 days. The observation monitored the following: lane discipline, seatbelt/ crash helmet compliance, compliance to overloading rules, traffic light /road signs obedience and the number plate usage.

The survey was carried out in 6 locations; Abuja, Lagos, Owerri, Benin, Kaduna, and Gombe. The survey was conducted via observational study. 6 corridors in total selected by the clients were observed across all locations and 6 extra corridors were added

L-R: Greenlight Operations Manager, O’Yoma Ukueku; Head of Greenlight sub-Saharan Africa, Taryn Morris; General Manager sub-Saharan Africa, Alon Lits; and Communications Lead, West Africa, Francesca Uriri, all of Uber, at the launch of the new Uber Greenlight Hub in Lagos… recently

by NOIPolls, giving a total of 12 corridors observed.

Observation was done by 8:30 am – 5:30 pm daily for 5 days. A total of 70,180 vehicles/ bikes were observed across all 6 locations with 29,482 on the highway, and 40,698 on township roads. A total of vehicle/bikes observed by location were 13,426 in Abuja, 11,503 in gombe, 11,903 in owerri, 7936 in benin, 10,435 in lagos, and 14,977 in Kaduna.

83% of the total observed diver/riders obeyed road signs / traffic light with more observed on township roads (87%) than highways (77) %.Abuja 98% had the highest number of driver/rider that obeyed road signs/ traffic lights.

The highest number of drivers/riders that obeyed road signs /traffic lights was recorded on Monday (96%) and the highest rate of obedience was shown by other car drivers/riders (86%).In Abuja, from the point of observation, the vast majority 98%) of vehicles / bikes observed showed lane discipline.

However, the highest proportion 31%) of vehicles / bikes that did not show lane discipline was recorded on Sunday. Only (2% of the observed driver/riders did not adhere to road signs/ traffic lights and of this number, tricycle riders (6%) were most disobedient to road signs / traffic light.

I must confess that when this report was presented, I could not comprehend the finding although the former Corps Marshal,Osita Chidoka wisely explained the basis for the finding and the reason why I felt the way I did. Despite this clarification, I regularly receive text messages, emails and phone calls from concern motorists on the increasing cases of lane indiscipline.

The most recent was when a couple of my friends

during the old boys meeting of CMS Grammar School, Lagos,Abuja Chapter carpeted and verbally battered my colleagues and I at the Federal Road Safety Corps for what one of them described as our lack luster attitude to curb the increasing cases of lane indiscipline which is prevalent in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory.

The colleague whom I will simply refer to as Senior Ken, wondered why this was happening in a place like Abuja despite the prevalence of functional traffic lights and numerous junctions meant to make driving easier. He lamented that it is also common on the highway to find drivers who despite the rule that states that the left lane is for overtaking while the right lane is for slower vehicles, could remain on the left lane during a three to six hours drive without making way for other road users as mandated by the traffic regulations.

At traffic light points and junctions, such drivers instead of remaining in the middle lane since they are driving straight and freeing the right or left lanes for drivers turning to either the left or right, would arrogantly block the right or the left lane and would not give way even when all the vehicles behind blare their horn to alert them. He also reminded me that lane indiscipline or what he also called reckless and irresponsible driving is also pronounced in other parts of the country including the major highways.

This madness he posited ,is responsible for, road traffic crashes, gridlocks in major routes within the Federal Capital such as the Nyanya-Karu axis,Kubwa highway,Gwarimpa,just to mention a few and daily paints our nation as lawless.

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FAMILY HEALTH

Key Points on Prostate Issues with Men

T

he prostate is an important part of the male reproductive organs. It is so vital that it does not only affect one’s ability to reproduce, it has a great effect on one’s sexual life. A defective prostate can turn one from hero to zero husband.

The worse part if it is that most men suffering from the condition hide it from their spouses and close family members.

Certainly your private areas are your private issues. But the key thing is the boldness to speak out early and seek medical help.

What is the prostate?

It’s true that prostate problems are common after age 50. The good news is there are many things you can do.

The prostate is a small gland in men that helps make semen. Located just below the bladder in front of the rectum, it wraps around the tube that carries urine and semen out of the body. It tends to grow larger as you get older. If your prostate gets too large, it can cause a number of health issues.

About 17% of men over the age of 60 experience some form of urinary incontinence. In many cases, urinary incontinence in men is caused by prostate problems, or the methods used to treat prostate problems.In some cases, men can experience the same types of incontinence as women, and for the same reasons. However, one of the major contributing causes to incontinence in men is prostate problems. According to the National Institutes of Health, “The prostate is a male gland about the size and shape of a walnut. It surrounds the urethra just below the bladder, where it adds fluid to semen before ejaculation.�

The prostate grows naturally with age, usually without problems. In some men, the enlarged prostate compresses the urethra, making urination difficult and causing benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). BPH symptoms include: Urinating frequently, especially at night.

Symptoms of Prostate Problems to act quickly: See your doctor right away if you have any of these symptoms: r 'SFRVFOU VSHF UP VSJOBUF r /FFE UP HFU VQ NBOZ UJNFT EVSJOH UIF OJHIU to urinate r #MPPE JO VSJOF PS TFNFO r 1BJO PS CVSOJOH VSJOBUJPO r 1BJOGVM FKBDVMBUJPO r 'SFRVFOU QBJO PS TUJGGOFTT JO MPXFS CBDL IJQT pelvic or rectal area, or upper thighs r %SJCCMJOH PG VSJOF Prostate Cancer Prostate cancer is common among American men. Your chance of getting prostate cancer may be affected by your: r "HF .FO BHF BOE PMEFS SVO B HSFBUFS SJTL r 3BDF 1SPTUBUF DBODFS JT NPTU DPNNPO BNPOH African-American men, followed by Hispanic and Native-American men.Asian-American men have the lowest rates of prostate cancer. r 'BNJMZ IJTUPSZ *G ZPVS GBUIFS PS CSPUIFS IBE prostate cancer, you are more likely to have it, too. r %JFU 5IF SJTL PG QSPTUBUF DBODFS NBZ CF IJHIFS for men who eat high-fat diets. %JBHOPTJOH 1SPTUBUF $BODFS To find out if prostate symptoms are caused by cancer, your doctor will ask about your past medical problems and your family’s medical history. Your doctor also will perform a physical FYBN %VSJOH UIF FYBN ZPVS EPDUPS XJMM QVU B gloved finger into your rectum to examine your prostate to check for: r 5IF TJ[F à SNOFTT BOE UFYUVSF PG UIF QSPTUBUF r "OZ IBSE BSFBT MVNQT PS HSPXUI TQSFBEJOH beyond the prostate r "OZ QBJO DBVTFE CZ UPVDIJOH PS QSFTTJOH on the prostate r :PV NBZ CF BTLFE UP HJWF B VSJOF TBNQMF GPS testing. Your doctor also may do a blood test to

with

BOBO BODE -KAYODE

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

tion to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors. The radiation may come from an x-ray machine or from tiny radioactive pellets placed inside or near the tumor. r )PSNPOF UIFSBQZ .FO IBWJOH PUIFS treatments, like radiation therapy, also may be treated with drugs to stop the body from making testosterone. This is done if it seems likely that the cancer will come back. Hormone therapy also can be used for prostate cancer that has spread beyond the prostate.

PSA Testing Until recently, many doctors encouraged yearly PSA testing for all men beginning at age 50, or even earlier for men at high risk of prostate cancer.

As doctors have learned more about the benefits and harms of prostate cancer screening, they have begun to caution against annual PSA testing. Talk with your doctor about what is best for you.

Yearly PSA testing in men without symptoms is generally not recommended. However, in men who report prostate symptoms, PSAtesting (along with digital rectal examination) can help doctors determine the nature of the problem. In men who have been treated for prostate cancer, the PSA test may be used to see if the cancer has come back.

Non-cancerous problems Here are some examples of non-cancer prostate problems:

check the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level.

PSA levels can be high in men with an enlarged prostate gland or with prostate cancer. You may also need an ultrasound exam that takes computer pictures of the prostate.

If tests show that you might have cancer, your doctor will refer you to a specialist (a urologist) for a prostate biopsy. The doctor will take small tissue samples from several areas of the prostate gland to look for cancer cells. r 5SFBUJOH 1SPTUBUF $BODFS Treatment for prostate cancer depends on whether cancer is in part or all of the prostate, or if it has spread to other parts of the body. It also depends on your age and overall health. Talk with your doctor about the best treatment choice for you and the possible side effects of treatment. You may want to ask another doctor for a second opinion.

Options r 8BUDIGVM XBJUJOH BMTP DBMMFE BDUJWF TVSWFJMlance. If the cancer is not causing problems, you may decide not to get treated right away. Instead, your doctor will check regularly for changes in your condition. Treatment will start if the cancer begins to grow. r 4VSHFSZ 5IF NPTU DPNNPO UZQF PG TVSHFSZ removes the whole prostate and some nearby tissue. r 3BEJBUJPO UIFSBQZ 5IJT USFBUNFOU VTFT SBEJB-

About 17% of men over the age of 60 experience some form of urinary incontinence. In many cases, urinary incontinence in men is caused by prostate problems, or the methods used to treat prostate problems. In some cases, men can experience the same types of incontinence as women, and for the same reasons. However, one of the major contributing causes to incontinence in men is prostate problems

1. Benign prostatic hyperplasia, or BPH, is very common in older men. It means your prostate is enlarged but not cancerous. Treatments for BPH include: 8BUDIGVM XBJUJOH BMTP DBMMFE BDUJWF TVSWFJMMBODF If your symptoms are not too bad, your doctor may tell you to wait to see if they get worse before starting treatment. Your doctor will tell you how often to return for checkups. .FEJDBUJPOT .FEJDJOFT DBO IFMQ TISJOL UIF prostate or relax muscles near your prostate to ease symptoms.

Surgery. If nothing else has worked, your doctor may suggest surgery to help urine flow.

Other treatments. Sometimes radio waves, microwaves, or lasers are used to treat urinary problems caused by BPH. These methods use different kinds of heat to reduce extra prostate tissue.

2. . Acute bacterial prostatitis usually starts suddenly from a bacterial infection. See your doctor right away if you have fever, chills, or pain in BEEJUJPO UP QSPTUBUF TZNQUPNT .PTU DBTFT DBO be cured with antibiotics. You also may need medication to help with pain or discomfort.

3. Chronic bacterial prostatitis is an infection that comes back again and again. This rare problem can be hard to treat. Sometimes, taking antibiotics for a long time may work. Talk with your doctor about other things you can do to help you feel better.

4. . Chronic prostatitis, also called chronic pelvic pain syndrome, is a common prostate problem.

It can cause pain in the lower back, in the groin, or at the tip of the penis. Treatment may require a combination of medicines, surgery, and lifestyle changes.

It is quite clear that if you value your life and need fulfilment, seeking early. medical interventuon would save you a lot of pain.

What to look out for 1. Symptoms of enlarged prostate can include: 2. A weak or slow urinary stream.

3. A feeling of incomplete bladder emptying. %JGĂ DVMUZ TUBSUJOH VSJOBUJPO 'SFRVFOU VSJOBUJPO 6. Urgency to urinate.

7. Getting up frequently at night to urinate.

8. A urinary stream that starts and stops.

9. Straining to urinate...

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ JUNE 16, 2011

GLOBAL SOCCER A

WEEKLY PULL-OUT

Dominic Solanke

Nigeria Not on His Mind

29.07.2017

CONTROVERSY PERSIST OVER NEYMAR'S PSG MOVE PAGE. 29

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž Í°ÍˇËœ ͺ͸͚Ϳ

Nigeria Not on His Mind Ă“Ă‘Ă?ĂœĂ“Ă‹ Ă™Ă™ĂžĂŒĂ‹Ă–Ă– Ă?ĂŽĂ?ĂœĂ‹ĂžĂ“Ă™Ă˜ ĂœĂ?Ă?Ă“ĂŽĂ?Ă˜ĂžËœ Ă—Ă‹Ă”Ă&#x; Ă“Ă˜Ă˜Ă“Ă?Ă•Ëœ Ă’Ă‹Ă? ĂœĂ?ĂšĂ?Ă‹ĂžĂ?ĂŽĂ–ĂŁ Ă“Ă˜ĂŽĂ“Ă?Ă‹ĂžĂ?ĂŽ Ă“Ă˜ĂžĂ?ĂœĂ?Ă?Ăž Ă“Ă˜ Ă?Ă™Ă™ĂžĂŒĂ‹Ă–Ă–Ă?ĂœĂ? åÓÞÒ Ă“Ă‘Ă?ĂœĂ“Ă‹Ă˜ ĂŒĂ‹Ă?Ă•Ă‘ĂœĂ™Ă&#x;Ă˜ĂŽ ĂšĂ–Ă‹ĂŁĂ“Ă˜Ă‘ Ă?Ă™Ăœ Ă&#x;ĂœĂ™ĂšĂ?Ă‹Ă˜ Ă?Ă™Ă&#x;Ă˜ĂžĂœĂ“Ă?Ă? Ă‹Ăž ÞÒĂ? ĂŁĂ™Ă&#x;ÞÒ Ă–Ă?Ă Ă?Ă–Ă?Ë› Ă? ÙʰĂ?Ă˜ åÙÙĂ?ĂŽ ÞÒĂ?Ă— ÞÙ ÚÖËã Ă?Ă™Ăœ ÞÒĂ? Ă&#x;ĂšĂ?Ăœ Ă‹Ă‘Ă–Ă?Ă?Ë› ÙåĂ?Ă Ă?ĂœËœ Ă“Ă˜Ă˜Ă“Ă?Ă• Ă—Ă‹ĂŁ Ă˜Ă™Ăž Ă‘Ă™ Ă?Ă‹Ăœ åÓÞÒ ÞÒĂ? ĂŒĂ?Ă?Ăž ÚÖËãĂ?Ăœ Ă‹Ăž ÞÒĂ? ĂœĂ?Ă?Ă?Ă˜ĂžĂ–ĂŁ Ă?Ă™Ă˜Ă?Ă–Ă&#x;ĂŽĂ?ĂŽ ̋ͺ͸ Ă™ĂœĂ–ĂŽ Ă&#x;Ăš Ă“Ă˜ Ă™ĂœĂ?Ă‹ Ă?ĂšĂ&#x;ĂŒĂ–Ă“Ă?Ëœ Ă™Ă—Ă“Ă˜Ă“Ă? ãÙÎĂ?Ă–Ă? Ă™Ă–Ă‹Ă˜Ă•Ă?Ëœ Ă‹Ă? Ă’Ă? Ă“Ă? ĂŽĂœĂ?Ă‹Ă—Ă“Ă˜Ă‘ Ă—Ă™ĂœĂ? Ă‹ĂŒĂ™Ă&#x;Ăž ĂšĂ–Ă‹ĂŁĂ“Ă˜Ă‘ Ă?Ă™Ăœ Ă˜Ă‘Ă–Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽËœ ĂĄĂœĂ“ĂžĂ?Ă? Kunle Adewale

T

he NFF boss once said it had always been the dream of the present NFF board to build a young Super Eagles team that would go on to conquer the world by 2022, adding that the federation was monitoring several Nigerian players making waves in the various leagues in Europe. “The initial plan was to take our players in the various clubs, but now, what we are trying to do is what we call VIP scouting – talking to these young players that are playing abroad to play for their father land. I am yet to see a Nigerian that is regretting being a Nigerian. No Nigerian, even if they have four or five passports, they are always excited being Nigerians. I can assure you that we shall get them to play for us at appropriate time,� he assured.

However, after piloting England to their first international success since 1966, Solanke has set his eyes on playing for the Three Lions and not many doubt his

ability to lead England to glory at the senior level.

After a successful World Cup winning campaign that saw him scoring four goals in six games, Solanke has been drawing praises from every corner. Despite only playing one senior game of English football during his time at Chelsea, the striker’s time at Vitesse and dominance at youth level have seen him show enough to get fans and coaches excited about his ability.

He gave Reds fans a taste of what he could do with a solid World Cup campaign for the Under-20s and being named player of the tournament. It wasn’t just in front of goal, however, that Solanke impressed as his movement; off the ball, work rate and ability to defend from the front have all been noted by his coaches. “His pressing ability is really something pleasing about him. Defending starts from the front and he is aware of that. You cannot afford to carry anyone defensively and we certainly don’t. While forwards are the match-winners and they get the glory, the other side of it is important too. The

best teams all have that. He is a really good, solid lad who is very hard-working, very humble and very talented. I think he is going to have a very good career,� Andy Edwards, England’s out-of-possession coach told Sky Sports.

Former Chelsea youth Coach, Adi Viveash was equally full of praise for the talented, young star: “I have been very lucky as I have worked with some very talented players. But Dominic is right up there at the top of that list. He is an outstanding footballer. He’s intelligent and has great movement. He plays like a No. 9 and a No. 10 put together.�

This praise echoes previous comments made by the likes of Tore Andre Flo, John Terry and Jose Mourinho who have all worked closely with the young talent.

Mourinho indeed declared two years ago that he would have failed if Solanke was not playing for England in three or four years’ time.

"My conscience tells me that if, for example, Lewis Baker, Izzy Brown, and Dominic Solanke are not national team players in a few years, I should blame myself. "‘They are

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JULY 29, 2017 ˾ THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

GLOBAL SOCCER

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part of a process the club started without me. In this moment, we have players who will be Chelsea players. And when they become Chelsea players, they will become England players, almost for sure," Mourinho said.

The former Chelsea youngster once trained with England senior national team after Daniel Sturridge's withdrawal left coach Roy Hodgson with a striker shortage.

The 19-year-old striker could make Blues rue the day they sold him to Jurgen Klopp's contenders as the Liverpool’s summer swoop for Chelsea whizkid appears to be paying off already. And Solanke has wasted no time in making his presence felt. He is regarded as one of the brightest young English talents; a player who Jose Mourinho once confidently stated would play for the Three Lions.

Solanke, who was born in Reading, has been a Chelsea player for over half of his life. He joined the club at seven years old and, like countless boys of that age, had dreams of becoming a professional footballer.

Unlike many a young hopeful, however, Solanke had the talent and ambition to achieve that dream. And as he progressed through the different age groups, the striker’s innate ability became evident. He is a natural goal scorer.

Chelsea’s coaches recognised this early.

It is why, while still an under-15 player, Solanke was handed a debut for the club’s under-18 side in February 2013.

Despite playing against opposition defenders three years his senior, Solanke was not intimidated and he ended that season with two goals in 10 appearances.

He had made his mark and the 2013-14 campaign would be a landmark year for the striker. Still only 16, he cemented himself as the under-18s No9. His talent shone through once again. He scored 20 times in 28 appearances that season to help Chelsea win the FA Youth Cup. Solanke would also taste international success with England at the end of the campaign as he scored four goals as the Young Lions won the 2014 Uefa European Under-17 Championship.

If Chelsea felt they had a gem on their hands in the summer of 2014, and you sense they did considering he signed his first pro deal that September, they knew for sure a year later that Solanke was something special.

He scored an incredible 41 goals in 39 games for the under-18s during the 2014-15 campaign, which helped Chelsea win another FA Youth Cup and the Uefa Youth League. It was during that campaign that Solanke made his Chelsea debut.

The then 17-year-old was introduced by Mourinho as a 73rd-minute substitute in a 6-0 win over NK Maribor in the Champions League. That appearance turned out to be the only competitive game the striker played for the Blues.

It was clear by the summer of 2015 that Solanke had outgrown his surroundings in the Chelsea academy.

He needed a bigger challenge and, as they have done with several of their young players, Solanke was loaned to Dutch club Vitesse Arnhem. But his spell in Holland was slightly underwhelming. Perhaps Blues fans’ expectations were too high given that the step up to first-team football is greater than many imagine.

Solanke was not able to plunder goal after goal and an Achilles tendon injury he sustained at the beginning of February kept him out for over a month.

But his return of seven goals in 27 matches was respectable and he had certainly made an impression on former Vitesse and Ajax defender Ferdi Vierklau.

He said: “He is clinical. Sometimes, with the most impossible balls he knows how to do something beautiful from nothing. In that way, he is reminiscent of Zlatan Ibrahimovic. He is doing so well.”

Last summer, the Blues hoped to loan

He is clinical. Sometimes, with the most impossible balls he knows how to do something beautiful from nothing. In that way, he is reminiscent of Zlatan Ibrahimovic. He is doing so well.” Last summer, the Blues hoped to loan Solanke out to a Premier League club. They wanted him to play games and continue to develop. But first they wanted him to pen a deal. He had only 12 months remaining on his contract and, understandably, Chelsea did not want to let him depart without knowing his long-term future would be at Stamford Bridge Solanke out to a Premier League club. They wanted him to play games and continue to develop. But first they wanted him to pen a deal.

He had only 12 months remaining on his contract and, understandably, Chelsea did not want to let him depart without knowing his long-term future would be at Stamford Bridge. But negotiations stalled and by February it was clear talks had ended. There is no doubt this has been a wasted season for Solanke.

He has played just six games, all for Chelsea’s Under-21 side, in which he has scored twice. However, he will hope the ends justify the means.

Chelsea will be disappointed to have lost Solanke, a player they have spent money and 12 years nurturing. But the lack of firstteam opportunities academy graduates are afforded at Stamford Bridge was one day going to come home to roost.

According to reports, Solanke has agreed a £20,000-per-week deal with Liverpool because he believes he has a better chance of establishing himself in the Reds first-team.

Celtic were interested, RB Leipzig too, but it is Anfield that the England Under-21 international now calls home.

Chelsea will receive compensation, as Solanke is under 23 and was offered a contract, thought to be around £3m. For a player of Solanke’s talents, that could well

prove to be a bargain.

He initially joined the Reds’ Under-23 side but, if history is anything to go by, Solanke will quickly be moved up.

It would not come as a surprise to any Chelsea fan - or coach for that matter - to see Solanke making an impact in the Premier League next season.

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

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

with KENNETH EZAGA 0807 0530 677, zigi199@yahoo.com

Lai Mohammed’s Welcome Surprise On Local Sports Sponsorship

Transfer News… Transfer News… Transfer News…

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he Minister of Information and Culture Alhaji Lai Mohammed knew what awaited him when he dared last week to counter the rather illogical business strategy that has seen big Nigerian brands pour millions of dollars into sponsoring foreign football. How it makes sense for Nigerian businesses to take out millions of scarce dollars from our desperately sick economy to pump into foreign economies as the way to reach “eyeballs” at home, can only be understood in a Nigerian or sub-Saharan African business school. That the eyeballs have lost their jobs or have had their salaries slashed, or have not been paid in months seems lost on them? “I know they are going to attack me on this but I am not made a minister to sustain the economy of other countries,” said Mohammed defiantly.

Sure enough the attacks poured in. Left to me though, I thought the minister was too soft, he should have gone the way of the Chinese.

Let me bring you up to speed if you don’t know what this is about. Last week the minister warned that government would move to change broadcast laws in order to discourage Nigerian brands from sponsoring foreign sports at the expense of the local industry. He lamented that a big beverage brand spent $7m dollars sponsoring foreign football clubs last year and vowed to make sure that going forward every $1 a company spends on sponsoring foreign football will attract 30% tax for the development of the Nigerian league.

When football clubs in China were blowing crazy sums on buying foreign football talents in the recent past, the government moved in to check the trend by imposing a 100% tax on those clubs. Meaning that if you buy a player for $100m, you also paid $100m for the development of the local game. That would have appealed to me more in this case.

Many Nigerian businesses are still clinging onto the habits of the oil boom days when they hardly had to think about building and sustaining industries that create all round societal value and wealth. Most are still hoping to simply milk the little that still trickles down from oil. The tourism industry, a potential multi-trillion naira industry, is flat out on its back despite the wonderful destinations this country boasts of, while we have all pumped our money into overseas tours. It is the same across virtually every sector, but it is in the sports industry where the damage is most telling, because of the massive influence sports has on societies.

Sports inspires nations like no other.

Humans have found inspiration from sporting heroes since the ancient society.

Not only are we enthralled by the spectacle, even when we are not sportsmen ourselves, we seek to ape such triumphs in our different disciplines. Sports also engender camaraderie in society. When we all gather in sporting arenas to cheer our teams and heroes, we feel a sense of kinship, of a united people, of one humanity. In addition, sports allow us to reach levels of self-discipline and physical exertion like no other.

For our young, and this is critical in Nigeria today, it has being scientifically proven that sports lead to better academic performance. Sports also enhance social competence, boost problem solving skills, lifts self-confidence and self-efficacy. One sport can engage millions of people in society across all ages – from two years when you begin the quest for global dominance, to your dying days when sports is simply activity that is needed to prolong your days. For all the noise about secession and restructuring as well as political and religious divisions, football teams in Nigeria crisscross the country weekly to compete in peace.

There are South East players in northern teams and northern players in Southern teams. It is the same across all sports.

Neymar

Pep Guardiola

PSG Move: Neymar Storms Out of Barca Training

Lai Mohammed

So it is critical that we get sports right in this country. In thinking about our post-oil future, sports presents a wonderful opportunity to create thousands of new jobs and to engage people in healthy and productive ways. Sports can smoothen out our differences and help us pull together in one direction.

Sports can be as wide ranging in its influence as checking our exploding population and even child marriages. If a young girl of 16 is chasing medals in state, national or international competitions, the last thing on her mind would be fooling around with boys and messing up her career by becoming a teen mum. Many young men will stop roaming our streets, drinking alcohol and smoking weed, because sports teach you discipline in every aspect – your choice of foods, your practice, your sleep time, your habits etc. Sports clean up society.

Sports even influence the beauty of our towns and cities.

In sports crazy societies regional planning provides for parks, community sports centers, and sports arenas where talents can be discovered, engaged and developed. Lagos, for instance, is our trophy city rendered ugly by the absence of a sports culture.

A primary school in the USA has a sports facility that probably would rank better than some of our professional sports arenas.

A top US college football team earns more yearly than Nigeria’s annual budget for youth and sports. These people are not stupid, they are the richest and most progressive country in the world. Indeed the five richest countries in the world finished in the top six places at the Rio Olympics.

Imagine a world without the Olympics or the football World Cup or other major sports tournaments. We would be a fractured world, a boring and unproductive world lacking in innovation.

That is the nightmare Nigeria faces. We are country without a thriving sports industry, disunited, poor, unhealthy and lacking in innovation.

In truth there are many people running different sports in Nigeria today that have no business near sports management. An

industry so important to nation building, can never, should never, be entrusted to political jobbers and narrow-minded businessmen.

The fact is that brands demand and deserve value for their promotional spend and local sports have been so abysmally run that they are unpopular with audiences and sponsors. The solution though cannot be in sponsoring foreign sports. Apart from the billions that go into sponsorship and tourism, Nigerians pay over N20b for the rights to watch the English Premier League on TV. That’s madness!

Brands must realise that we live in an ecosystem and that their own businesses are at risk when they idly watch the industry killed by unfit administrators.

Sponsoring foreign sports is a suicidal business strategy. A bank that sponsors the English Premier League only promotes business for banks in the UK. A telecoms player that sponsors the EPL loses business to Vodafone and BT. A food company that sponsors the EPL loses business to food chains in the UK. Big brands must realise that they need to put money into sports and wake up this giant industry. They must call government to order and demand for the right people to run our sports.

Once that is done, the athletes can grow in skill and stature and start to compete internationally for top prizes that they bring back home to our banks and other businesses.

Foreign sponsors like Nike, Adidas, and the like would also start investing in our athletes and local sports stars, while TV networks around the world will begin to fish for Nigerian sports content and pay for them. We have seen this in our music, movie, and comedy industry and we can see it in our sports industry.

But this is not just something for the information minister to tackle alone. He needs to rally the federal executive council and form a caucus of ministers whose portfolios will benefit from a successful sports industry. Top on my list would be the ministers of youth and sports, health, labour, industry, aviation, tourism, education, finance, economic planning, internal affairs and agriculture. This group must fashion out a way forward that will benefit all – government, fans and the brands. The country badly needs this.

Brazilian striker, Neymar stormed out of a Barcelona training session on Thursday as speculation mounted about a world-record move to Paris St Germain.

A personal appearance in China next week was cancelled because he was said to be "busy with transfer business".

Pictures of Barca training in Miami for Saturday's game against arch-rivals Real Madrid in the International Champions Trophy showed Neymar having to be kept apart from teammate Nelson Semedo before removing his bib and stomping away from the session.

Suggestions that he might have weighty matters on his mind increased when Chinese travel agent Ctrip posted on its official Weibo account that it has had to cancel an event with Neymar because he is "busy with transfer business".

Ctrip said the event was scheduled for Shanghai next Monday and that anyone who had bought tickets would be refunded.

PSG have reportedly held discussions with Barcelona about a transfer for the 25 year-old that would smash the world record £89 million Manchester United paid for France midfielder Paul Pogba last year.

Neymar's buy-out clause was set at over €200 million but that does not appear to have deterred PSG, who are backed by Qatari finance and lost their French league title to AS Monaco last season.

Guardiola Craves for Long City Stay Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola hopes to stay as long as possible at the Premier League club and build a squad that can deliver long-term success, the Spaniard has said.

City have spent over 200 million pounds ($261.48 million) on transfers, according to British media, after Guardiola failed to win a trophy for the first time in his managerial career last season.

"I will try to remain as long as possible to help, to help City keep moving forward and stay high," Guardiola, who begins the second of his three-year contract this season, told reporters.

"I think the club has to work and listen to the manager in the right moment, but also take their own decisions in the future.

Nobody knows what will happen. For all the managers in the world it depends on the results."

Guardiola has made an effort to significantly lower the average age of his City squad, overseeing departures of Pablo Zabaleta, Gael Clichy, Bacary Sagna and Aleksandar Kolarov since the end of last campaign.

He also recruited several youngsters into the squad, including goalkeeper Ederson, midfielder Bernardo Silva and full back Benjamin Mendy.

"The new players have come in and we know the kind of energy they have to give us a really good chance to fight for the titles," Guardiola added. "All the players’ averages are so, so young, so for the next five, six or seven years they will be here."

Conte Inquires about Sanches Chelsea manager Antonio Conte personally enquired about Renato Sanches earlier this week, according to Bayern Munich chief executive Karl-Heinz Rummenigge.

Sanches, who was voted best young player at Euro 2016 and also won the 2016 Golden Boy award, suffered a frustrating first season with Bayern as he struggled to establish himself under Carlo Ancelotti.

The 19-year-old admitted earlier this week he is "not satisfied" with his lack of playing time at Bayern and would consider leaving in search of more playing time.

AC Milan have held talks with Bayern about Sanches but Rummenigge says they are one of a number of clubs, including Chelsea, interested in signing the Portuguese international.

"There are at least 10 teams after Sanches," Rummenigge told Italian publication Gazzetta dello Sport.

"Conte asked for some information about him after Tuesday's match because he knows he can make the difference on the pitch.

"Carlo Ancelotti was pleased with his performance against Chelsea so we can make some decisions on him later."

He added: "Almost certainly we'll let him leave just on loan, we still count on him."

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

˺˺

L-R: Dudu Orumen, Rector, Cowbell Football Academy; Rev. Samuel Ikpea, National Chairman, Nigeria Football Supporter’s Club; Dr. Rafiu Ladipo, President - General Nigeria Football Supporters Club and Andrew Enahoro, Head, Legal and Public Relations, Promasidor Nigeria, during the kick off ceremony of the 2017 Cowbell Summer Camp Football Academy at the National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos...recently

Tim Henman and Andy Murray

Henman Says Murray Must be Fit to Contend at US Open Tim Henman says Andy Murray must be completely fit to challenge for the US Open following his injury problems this year.

The world No 1 has struggled in 2017 so far, making it to just the fourth round of the Australian Open, the semi-finals of the French and the quarter-finals of Wimbledon.

Murray is set to lose his spot at the top of the rankings in the coming weeks and failure to make it to the final of the US Open would make it just the second year since 2009 that he hasn't managed to reach the final day of a major.

"He's got to be fit and healthy," said Henman. "The standard is so good you can't compete unless you're 100 per cent healthy so it will be interesting to see what his schedule is in the summer and in the lead up to the US Open, but hopefully he can regain that fitness and start challenging for the biggest titles again."

There's been plenty of talk in recent weeks about the benefits of extended breaks after Federer's stunningly successful 2017 so far, but Henman believes it's not worth taking a long rest unless it's absolutely necessary.

"No, you're not going to take a break for the hell of it," he said.

"Federer needed to take that break because he'd had a knee operation and his knee wasn't right.

"At the end of the day the most important thing is your health and, as I said, you can't compete at the top of the game unless you're 100 per cent healthy or extremely close to it.

"Murray's had problems with his hip. I know that he's having a lot of tests at the moment and scans and seeing specialists to try and get to the bottom of that. And hopefully he can be back competing soon."

Why Lagos Organised Badminton International Classics –Tinubu Lagos State Government gave its support to organize the 3rd International Badminton Classics Championship because it believes that the tournament is part of series of international sports events that will bring world stars to the state.

The Badminton Classics, which began on Tuesday at the Molade Okoya Hall of the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere, Lagos, will end today.

The Special Adviser to the governor on sports Mr. Deji Tinubu stated that the Badminton Classics is part of a series of International Sporting events geared towards attracting the best continental and global sports talents to the shores of Nigeria in pursuance of the sports developmental agenda of the state government.

He said the Lagos State Government through the Lagos State Sports

Commission worked in collaboration with the National Badminton Association of Nigeria to ensure the organization of the tournament was of international standards.

According to the Chairman of the Sports Commission, the Classics was also intended to elevate the level of sports competition in the state by giving the state's athletes the needed competitive edge and exposure.

The tournament featured 70 players in the male and female categories from eleven countries namely Portugal, Togo, Ghana, Egypt, Sri Lanka, Jordan, India, Italy, Benin Republic, Uganda and host country Nigeria. They took part in five events of the championship ; men ’s singles, women’s singles, men’s doubles, women’s doubles and mixed doubles.

However, Team Nigeria will be

looking to make a statement in the championship having previously participated in two Badminton Tournaments in Benin Republic and Ivory Coast with a result of four gold, four silver and eight bronze medals in Benin and two gold, two silver and eight bronze medals in Ivory Coast.

Team Nigeria paraded the 25 players that represented the country in Ivory Coast and Benin Republic, with its best hands like Grace Gabriel who is based in Holland as a professional Badminton player and a onetime African Champion in the male categories and Dorcas Adesokan, who has bright chances of representing Nigeria in the next Olympic games considering her recent rating by the Badminton Confederation of Africa, BCA, after winning the women's singles in Benin Republic.

…Flight Tickets up for Grabs for Spectators The final day on today will see a lot of celebrities in attendance. Apart from the esteemed presence of the Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode who has always graced the previous finals, this year will see celebrities in the entertainment industry attending.

They include Funke Akindele, Desmond Elliot, DJ Jimmy Jatt, Kunle Bamtefa, Sound Sultan, Kunle Afolayan and Olarewaju Ogunmefun, a hip hop artist who is better known by his stage name, Vector tha Viper.

According to the president of Bad-

minton Federation of Nigeria, Francis Orbih, who is also the chairman of Lagos State Badminton Association, the attendance of the celebrity is to open a new vista in the international classics by bringing a blend of sports and entertainment. “Call it sportainment if you like”, remarked the Nigerian badminton boss.

A raffle draw will be made for all attendees. At stake are two return tickets to London and Accra, Ghana.

They are offered by Medview Airlines. According to the organisers,

each person at the Molade Okoya Thomas Indoor Sports Hall venue of the event will be given a raffle ticket before the draw.

A draw will then be made to determine the two winners. This year’s edition has already seen an increase in the prize money which has risen from a package of $15,000 to $20,000.

Orbih remarked that the tournament will keep increasing in significance and attendance and that the next edition will witness new additions to make the classics bigger.

Multichoice Braces-up for New Football Season with Special Offer Leading video entertainment company, MultiChoice Nigeria, has announced a special price offer to herald the 2017/18 football season.

The new price offer, tagged the Football Rush Offer,will see subscribers enjoy up to a 31 per cent reduction on the Explora 2 decoder and subscription bundle and a 45 per cent reduction on the Zapper decoder and subscription bundle.

This offer is valid while stock last and is open to new and existing subscribers.

Subscribers can now purchase their DStvExplora and Zapper decoders under this new price regimen in the Football Rush Offer: Exploradecoder plus one month Premium subscription now N38,300 from N52,000; Exploradecoder plus one month Compact Plus subscription now N33,500 from N47,100 while a one month Compact subscription with Explora decoder will now go for N29,900 against the old price of N43,500.

Meanwhile, the Zapper decoder with one month Premium subscription will now go for N18,300 against the old price of N27,200; Zapper decoder plus one month Compact Plus subscription will now be N13,500 from N22,400; Zapper decoder plus one month Compact subscription will be N9,900 from N18,800 while the Zapper decoder with three months subscription on Access will now go for N9,900 from a previous price of N14,400 which had just a month validity.

Martin Mabutho, General Manager, Marketing, MultiChoice Nigeria describing the offer said: “We are shaping our business to respond to our customers’ needs. Our Football Rush Offer is to allow more subscribers to enjoy the upcoming football season. Our price slash will afford more football loving subscribers soak up the excitement this season is sure to give”.

Speaking further Mabutho said the price reduction was in line with the company’s commitment to make quality entertainment more accessible. “It is our desire that more Nigerians have a DStv decoder in their homes that will open them up to a world of exciting content which will inform, educate and inspire them”, he concluded.

Oyo 5-A-side Soccer League Kicks off August The Astro Turf field of Lead City High School, Onireke, Ibadan will host about 12 football teams across the state as the stage is set for the maiden edition of the Oyo 5-a-side football league among the corporate bodies and families across the state.

The event is scheduled to hold in all Saturdays and Sundays in August and September.

Speaking at a press briefing on Thursday, the organiser of the programme, Sola Adewumi of footyfanz said it is necessary hold the programme in order to engage families in different kinds of exercises.

He stated that family members including mothers and children can also come around and participate in health talk, fashion show among others.

He said: "This is first of its kind 5-A-side football league organised competition which will help all families to have fun with children and engage in kiddies’ game as it not going to be football all alone."

In his remark, the State Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Mr. Yomi Oke, said this is one of his ideas saying: "This is a family event where there will be health talk, health checkup among other evens."

The participating teams include; Access Bank, Skye Bank, Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Oyo State Chapter, Oyo State House of Assembly, Oyo State Sports Council, Lead City, University College Teaching Hospital, Mauve 21 and Catholic Organisation of Nigeria team, among others.

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T H I S D AY, T H E S AT U R D AY N E W S PA P E R ˾ Ͱͷ˜ Ͱͮͯ͵

EVENTS

O

ba David Sunday Ehindero the 4th Olu of Ayetoro Gbede, Ijumu Local Government, Kogi State received his staff of office in a colourful ceremony at Atiku Square, Ayetoro Gbede last weekend. Other traditional rulers of the Okun Yoruba people attended the Oba Ehindero’s coronation Photos Julius Atoi.

HRH Oba David Sunday Ehindero and his Olori, Bola

L-R: HRH Oba R.O. Sule of Ogidi and HRH Oba E A Omofe of Okoro-Gbede

L-R: HRH Obadofin Mike Yusuf of Oweland, HRH Oba Musa Danbaba of Olle Bunu and Obajemu Mike Ibinaiye of Oweland

HRM Oba William Olusegun Ayeni (r) and Oba J O Ogundare

L-R: Administrator, Ijumu LGA, Hon Taufik Isa, and SSG Kogi State Dr (Mrs) Ayoade Arike Folashade

State Security Adviser, Commodor Omodara (r) and Commissioner for Education Dr. Sunday Tolorunleke

L-R: Barr Paul Ajetunmobi and Hon J S Tolorunleke

L-R: Prince Olusola Akanmode (L) and Chief S K Adedoyin

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EVENTS

Members of the Planning Committee of the coronation of the new Olu Ayetoro Gbede

Hon Kemaldeen Toyin (L) and Hon. Sunday Toluyemi

L-R: Richard Akanmode and Comrade S O Jedero

L-R: SSG Kogi State, Dr (Mrs) Ayoade Arike Folashade and Commissioner for Finance , Kogi State Alh Ashiru Idris

Chief Kehinde Owonibi (L) and Hon. Boye Bello

L-R: Hon Job Ologe and Gideon Olugbemide

L-R: HRH Oba R.O. Sule of Ogidi, new Olu of Ayetoro Gbede, HRH Oba David Sunday Ehindero and his Olori , Bola

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FAIRGROUND

AMAA 2017: African Filmmakers’ Night of Glory in Lagos

with

AZUKA OGUJIUBA

azuka.ogujiuba@thisdaylive.com

I

t was a befitting night of glamour and celebration for practitioners in the motion picture industry across Africa and the Diaspora at the 13th edition of Africa Movie Academy Awards which took place recently at Eko Hotel.

The awards officially hosted by the Lagos State Government had over 4000 people in attendance and delegates from 40 countries within and outside Africa was broadcast live on both the Lagos Television (LTV) and Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) and scores of international and local media organisations in attendance.

It was a night of high stake networking among celebrities, business and public sector leaders in Lagos.

The host-Governor, Akinwumi Ambode who was represented by his Deputy, Dr. Idiat Adebule, expressed his joy and that of the government and people of the state in hosting the continental event adding that Lagos under his leadership believes in the power of the creative and film industry as a potent force to positively project the image of Africa beyond the negative stereotype of western media.

The governor showered encomium on the founder of AMAA, Peace AnyiamOsigwe, for her tenacity and hard work that have sustained the AMAA brand for 13 years.

“We are happy that AMA Awards returned to Lagos 5 years after it held here in 2012. I congratulate the nominees for being considered worthy of the honours,” Ambode said.

Anyiam-Osigwe in her brief remarks expressed her gratitude and that of her team to Lagos State and to the awards’ Jury members who have ensured the integrity of the awards remains unassailable.

“Thank you to His Excellency, Governor Ambode for making this year’s AMAA possible. I say very big thank you from my heart.

To my colleagues in the film industry I want to say we should continue to use our films to promote integration and socioeconomic progress of our continent. We are one as Africans and our governments should make it easy for us to move within Africa for more collaboration without restrictions,” she said.

At the awards night, Felicite from Senegal — a movie about a nightclub singer who grapples to pay for her son’s treatment after a road accident — snagged awards in three of the six major categories.

It won best film, best actress in a leading role, and best supporting actor.

Nigerian historical drama, ’76, won three awards from its eight nominations. The Izu Ojukwu-directed flick won best production design, achievement in production and Lagos state award for best Nigerian film.

Vaya, a South African film directed by a Nigeria and the film with highest nominations (ten) picked up three awards, which include best director for Akin Omotoso and best screenplay while Queen of Katwe,from Uganda starring Oscar winning actress Lupita Nyong’o, won two of its eight nominations.

In total, Nigeria won nine awards, inclusive of the lifetime achievement honour given to veteran comic-actor Nkem Owoh.

The event had in attendance several celebrities including Olu Jacobs, Bimbo Akintola, Ramsey Nouah, among others.

Celine Loader, a Cameroonian and an oil industry executive in Lagos was also given Special Recognition Award for her contribution to the growth of the film industry in Africa and Nigeria in particular.

Ykee Bender, a Ugandan pop star, Nigerian Highlife Musician, Paul Play Dairo, Maestro Band and Afro Juju Music legend Sir. Shina Peters performed at the award ceremony.

Mrs. Adebimpe Akinsola, Dr. Idiat Adebule, Mr. Steve Ayorinde and Ms. Peace Anyiam-Osigwe

Mo Abudu and a guest

Bolanle Austen Peters and Olu Jacobs

Stephanie Okereke-Linus

Beverly Naya

Olu Jacobs

Ramsey Noah and awards show host, Nse Ikpe-Etim

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FAIRGROUND

Kemi Adetiba, Temitayo Eyitayo Join Remy Martin’s Global Campaign - One Life Live Them

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n October 2015, Remy Martin launched its global campaign #OneLifeLiveThem in Nigeria.

The campaign recognizes and celebrates individual’s multi-talents, understanding that people are not defined by one thing that they do but rather all that they do.

Since its inception, the brand has selected and celebrated different individuals that embody the brand message. This year Kemi Adetiba and Temitayo Eyitayo have been unveiled as the new set of influencers to join the campaign.

From a law degree to broadcasting, and filmmaking, Kemi Adetiba has been able to transition successfully from one field of expertise to another seamlessly. She started out as a radio host at Rhythm FM going on to hosting two of the radio’s highly popular shows. She then moved on to be in front of the camera hosting shows like Studio 53 and Temptation Nigeria on satellite TV before enrolling in the New York Film Academy.

Adetiba has established herself as a media powerhouse; her works have been nominated and won several awards while she also won ‘Best Music Video Director’ at City People Entertainment Award (2014). Her first feature film ‘The Wedding Party’ has

Kemi Adetiba

the current record of the highest-grossing Nollywood film ever. She also hosts her own web-series on YouTube called ‘Things Kemi Cooks’ where she shares famous recipes made her own way.

Tayo Remy

As a strong advocate for women empowerment, Kemi rolled out an interview-based series featuring Nigerian women of veteran and champion status as they share their unique

stories. Temitayo Eyitayo is a Business Administration graduate who delved into fashion in 2012 with his casual wear line called 24, which went on to become one of the most sought after labels.

The 24 brand boasts of whooping sales of over 2000 items in its first two months of existence. In growing the brand, Eyitayo collaborated with top Nigerian artistes to create bespoke collections.

The University of Buckingham graduate also states his love for culinary arts as the inspiration behind his plans for a restaurant and poultry.

With a successful track record in his business, Temitayo started business advisory and consultation for other brands; championing sales boost through design and production management.

Not one to rest on his oars; he took up the reins of his family business and applied his marketing prowess in exposing the business to new markets.

The campaign urges all to be on the lookout for multitalented influencers who will be recognised and celebrated over the coming months.

Through the #OneLifeLiveThem campaign, Remy Martin remains committed to identifying and celebrating people who are not defined by one skill or talent but are pursuing several things and succeeding in them.

Nigeria’s First All-Entertainment Breakfast Show, Wake Up Nigeria, Debuts

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s part of its multi-million- dollar investment in programming and content, TVC Media has today announced the imminent debut of the country’s first all-round entertainmentbreakfast show, Wake Up Nigeria, on TVC. Airing live from, July 24, 2017 on weekdays between 7am and 9am, the show’s lead anchors, Abayomi Fowope and Titilayo Oyinsan supported by threeother presenters, will treat viewers of each episode to everything that makes for life and living in Nigeria. Packed with celebrity interviews, cookery, live music, fashion, health, celebrity news, showbiz gossip, stand-up comedy and so much more. All of this in addition to news headlines, sports and a quick look at the front pages of the nation’s newspapers.

TVC’s Deputy Director Programmes, Morayo Afolabi - Brown said, “Over the last decade, the taste of the Nigerian viewer has evolved dramatically just as their yearning

for premium entertainment content has grown significantly.

Wake UpNigeria is TVC’s robust response to that yearning. It’s a show for everyonewith a tutored taste for top-notch entertainment content that is both captivating and cerebral.”

“The show’s lively pace and fun-filled format is conceptualised to ensure viewers awaken to exciting mornings, and so helping to set the tone for their day.

It’s rich,varied and compelling content is guaranteed to keep viewers glued to their TV sets for the length of the programme. We also have juicy lifestyle and human angle stories lined up to provide inspiration for viewers so they can aim high and live their best lives,” Afolabi-Brown added.

Wake Up Nigeria is a largely politics-free zone with a remit to entertain the nation!

The show is poised to be a tribute to the kind of media excellence achievable in Nigeria and demonstrates a core value to L-R: Morayo Afolabi-Brown (Deputy Director, Programmes), Yomi Owope (Host, WakeUpNigeria), Titi Oyisan which TVC remains committed.

(Host WakeUpNigeria), Andrew Halon (Chief Executive Officer)

Nollywood Actress, Tana Adelana, Unveiled as Ivory Beauty Soap Brand Influencer

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ivanas Industry Nigeria Limited officially unveiled Tana EgboAdelana as its brand ambassador for Ivory beauty soap at the Golden Tulip Hotel in Lagos.

The successful event was attended by Givanas team, product distributors, winners of the Ivory social media quiz , celebrities, fans of the new brand ambassador Tana Egbo-Adelana and press.

Ivory beauty soap has been in the Nigerian market for years and it’s penetrated the Nigerian market to the heart of the beautiful modern Nigerian woman.

Hence the need to introduce a brand ambassador, who embodies what the contemporary Nigerian woman, the Ivory woman is about; a mother, a wife, a goal driven and independent woman, who is beautiful and looks to maintain her beauty. Radiating in all that she is.

It is important for every woman using Ivory beauty soap to know that she is the Ivory

woman. Introducing Tana Egbo-Adelana as the new brand ambassador, the Nigerian woman can connect through her and be assured that Ivory beauty soap always has her, the Nigerian woman, in mind.

Ivory soap comes in five variants to satisfy every woman’s skin goals/ lifestyle. Ivory Passion with lemon grass extracts for a toned supple skin. Ivory Exuberance with sea mineral extract for a germ free healthy skin. Ivory Allure with rose milk extracts for an acne free hydrated skin. Ivory Fascination with aloe vera extracts for a grease free moisturized skin. Ivory Chic with silk protein extracts for a soft velvety skin.

Ivory beauty soap’s fast growing market, will definitely be getting loads of surprise gifts in the future. The introduction of a brand ambassador, and sharing the experience on a personal level with the brand’s socially active users is only the first of many steps to build the existing bond between the brand and the Ivory beauty soap L-R: Mr. George Oguntade , Mr. Samir Ajami, Tana Adelana , Mr Maroun Akiki and Mr market.

Christian Deeb

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ͺ΁ ͺ͸͹Ϳ ˾ THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

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T H I S D AY SATURDAY JULY 29, 2017

JULY 29 , 2017 ˾ THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

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FASHION FILE

Gray Knots (A Spring/Summer 2017

Edition from House of Jahdara)

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ JULY 29, 2017

By Azuka Ogujiuba azuka.ogujiuba@thisdaylive.com

FASHION FILE

Gray Knots

T

he pretty p y pair pairing p that comess with this collection is jju just perfect for that casual chic wedding g or that look that hat takes y you straight g from the boardroom m to a social gathering g that g gives you that fab oomph. p Filled with knots aand comes in different hues of g grey y tones. Sha Shades of grey aree a natural fit but p paired wi with muted greys, s, a p palette of periwinkle and indigo grey creates a relaxed but p polished atmosphere.

According to the designer, Accordin ner, Ms Adesola Adepoju, p j ““this collection was totally y inspired insp in spir pired ed b by y the idea of getting etting g married love to tthe he llo o of my life which comes with ttying the knot in a few months and growing mo wing g gray g y together as one couple tog g ouple p bonded by b y love. It’s the reason eason I created tthis his ccollection and focused on h cuts fine lines, cu uts and beautifully ly y designed g structures. And ffor or a Jahdara woman, man, I always y create a look that sets strive hard to crea ts her apart p in every y gatherin gathering-from g work to p parties.

Basically allowin allowing women to embrace brace their curves in every yw way.

With Joy y in our heart and constantly antly y tryy ing g to improve p in our craft, we present esent to you the Spring/s y p g Spring/summer 2017 editt from House of Jahdara d Jahdara,” Adepoju stated Shoot Credits Model - @dami_o @dami_oni from Few Models odel ells (@fewmodels) Designerg House of Jahdara (@ houseofjahdara_ houseofjahdara_) j Styling y g & Creativ Creative Direction-@ Moashystyling #T #TheMoashyComm-pany p y Hair- Bernard Sm Smiles (@bernardsmiless) Make-Upp Dave S Sucre Make-Up Studios (@davesu (@davesucrestudio) P Ph Photographyotographyg p y Tope To Adenola ((@tope_horpload @tope_horpload

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ ͺ΁˜ 2017

MARKET PLACE with Omolabake Fashogbon... ͸΀͸ͻͻ;ͺ͹͸͸΁

Commissioner for Youths & Sports, Oyo State, Hon. Abayomi Oke ; Public Relations Manager, Power Oil,Omotayo Abiodun;, Bayegun Toyin a.k.a Woli Arole, Brand Communications Manager, Ijeoma Opara ; Area Marketing Manager, South West region, Ayobami Talabi during the final leg of the ‘Power Oil WalkHeartOn 3.0’ Activity in Oyo State

LR: President, Ikeja Metro Lions Club, Lion Helen Irueghe; Zone 6A Chairperson, Lion Blessing Modupe Umebali and President, Ikeja Dynamic Lions Club, Lion Sembanjo Tolulope during the District Governor’s Advisory Committee meeting in Lagos recently

Campari Thrills Abuja Residents with Music, Comedy As part of its corporate social responsibility initiatives, premium international drink giant, Campari, hosted its Abuja customers to two separate musical concerts held at Transcorp Hilton Hotels in Abuja.

According to the company, the essence of the musical engagement was to connect more with its Abuja loyalists as well as respond to their yearnings.

The concert tagged, “3Kings with 2Baba’ and ‘Eargasm’” was headlined by award-winning artiste, Innocent Idibi, aka Tuface Idibia, who is also

the product’s brand ambassador.

The event afforded the fun-seeking crowd opportunity to experience live musical and comic performances from the likes of Ycee, Reekado Banks, Acapella, MC Apere, MC Ugodo, MC Longinus and others who cheered up the high-spirited residents.

According to the company, “Eargasm” was held in support of a United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHRC) initiative for the Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) and had in attendance hu-

manitarians and sympathisers to the plights of IDPs. The emotional-laden event which also featured the 75th birthday celebration of music legend, Bongos Ikwue was graced by popular singers like waje, Kelly Handsome and Styl Plus.

Speaking on the initiative, Brand Manager, Campari, Rilwan Shofunde, said.

“We understand the yearnings of Abuja residents for exciting moments, hence our support for a thrilling weekend experience. We

Nobel Carpet Sparkles at Women’s Entrepreneurship Fair

Motorola Returns to Nigeria with Improved Features

Pleased with the impressive feedback and customers’ turnout at the just concluded 2017 Women’s Entrepreneurship Fair (WEF), interior floor covering manufacturer, Nobel Carpets and Rugs has promised to roll out cost-friendly and quality products as a way of compensating loyal consumers.

The WEF, organised by a non-governmental organisation, Rullion Capacity Builder, was targeted at the SME’s market to stir growth and development in the sector.

According to the General Manager, Lucky Fibres Plc, Mr. Jitesh Pamnani, in addition to the huge sales recorded, the fair provided an avenue for the company to create a stronger knit with its numerous customers.

“As the manufacturer of Nigeria’s premium interior floor covering brand, we have consistently sought avenues to reach, interact and engage with our numerous customers which WEF has provided for the opportunity in a seamless manner.

“The Fair came at a strategic time for the brand; as it allowed our customers get more value for lesser price on all our products and also participate and win our exciting rugs in the raffle draws at the fair,“ he explained.

Pamnani added that the firm had resorted to compensate Nigerian customers’ as it was presently working on churning out more beautiful and quality floor coverings that are more affordable, durable and of international standards.

He said the positive reactions that followed the brand’s interaction with customers would further encourage and propel the company to position itself for greater service.

Speaking further, the organisers of the fair and Chief Executive Officer of Rullion Capacity Builder, Mrs. Oluwatoyin Egedi stated that the overall motives of the programme were to generate employment, improve local technology, output diversification and development of indigenous entrepreneurship as well as avenue for women to showcase their entrepreneurial skills.

American multinational phone brand, Motorola, is re-exploring the Nigerian mobile market, though this time, with advanced technology.

The phone brand which was last seen in the market about a decade ago is launching its reentry into the country with five new devices like Moto E4, Moto E4 plus, Moto C 3G, Moto C 4G and Moto C. The new entrants boast of exciting new features and user friendly applications that guarantee consumers high definition display and cutting edge design at value prices.

Speaking at an event where the new products were officially launched, head of Marketing at Motorola, Shane Solomon, stated that the brand was optimistic about the Nigerian market, with a vow to serve the market with quality and affordable devices.

“It is indeed a great pleasure to be back in the Nigerian market to introduce these new ranges of smartphones. Our commitment to improving the mobile experience of our users has enabled these premium innovations we are launching here today.

“Nigeria is a huge market for mobile phones and it is a market for consumers who are constantly looking to more in terms of what they can achieve with their

smartphones. Being the pioneer of the world’s first smartphone, we are excited about our presence in Nigeria once again and we look forward to delighting our customers through the Moto smartphones.

“We have decided to launch the smartphones with our top dealers from all across Nigeria. With this engagement, they will have firsthand knowledge about the phones and our plans to make the phones available throughout the country,” he said.

Also speaking at the event, Chief Executive Officer of Slot Nigeria, Nnamdi Ezeigbo, commended the development and reaffirmed the company’s commitment to quality and innovations.

He said, “Being a renowned brand across the world for its innovation of high technology smartphones, we are happy they are back in Nigeria. As a retail partner in Nigeria, the company has created an opportunity for Nigerians to choose from the varieties of mobile phones available in the market. We will continue to support the brand to ensure that its products are available across every region of the country.”

The Moto E4, Moto E4 plus, Moto C 3G, Moto C 4G and Moto C plus will be available to consumers at all retail partner stores in Nigeria.

will continue to offer stimulating experience all through the year through our ‘Campari Dare to Mix’ activities. We implore our customers to continue enjoying a mix of our product.” Also speaking, Tuface, addressed as Mr. Campari at the occassion, said, “I am glad to have shared exciting moment with my fans in Abuja. My visit and support for the displaced persons is an experience that is worth sharing and more importantly, to encourage everyone to enjoy life signature mix, Campari Senator, mixed with beer.”

Nikon Sets to Stir Market as it Clocks 100 Global technology leader, Nikon, has promised consumers of a renewed and better experience as it celebrate 100 years of resounding achievements According to the company, the next 100 years promises to be more rewarding in terms of experience and innovation.

Speaking on the company’s accomplishments in the last 100 years, President of the company, Kazuo Ushida, in a statement said that the company’s position in the market was only made possible with customer’s trust and loyalty.

“In the past 100 years, consumer demand has called for convenient products that enhance daily lives and Nikon with its manufacturing skills and knowledge.

However, society and consumers needs are rapidly changing today. We would like to effectively respond to these needs with the world’s highest- class opto- electronics, precision technology and solutions.

“The difference from our past strategies is that we will offer not only products, but also ideas and solutions as well. We will rebirth as a solution company providing superior technology and ideas holding ‘light’ as our core competence.

“Since the company was established in 1917, Nikon has cultivated its status as a pioneer of optical technology in Japan and Overseas. Guided by our corporate philosophy of trustworthiness and creativity, we provide a wide range of technology, products and services globally by harnessing our advanced technology, the core of which encompasses opto- electronics and precision technologies. We are proud to celebrate our 100th anniversary and have adopted a new vision for the future,” he stated.

The firm also rolled out a wide range of products as part of activities to celebrate the century existence. Some of the products included gunmetal D5 and D500 SLRs and the 14-24mm f/2.8G ED, 24-70mm f/2.8E ED VR, and 70-200mm f/2.8E FL ED VR

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER JULY 29, 2017

INTERVIEW Emeka Ihedioha

Sheriff and His Group Must be Born Again to Get Back into PDP’s Fold A former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Emeka Ihedioha, believes that following the Supreme Court ruling on the Peoples Democratic Party leadership, the self-acclaimed largest party in Africa is on the part of rebirth, urging members who have gone astray to humbly return to the fold.

Ihedioha tells Onyebuchi Ezigbo about steps being taken by the party to regain its lost glory come 2019

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are the things we need to. I am sure if we channel our thoughts properly, the legislature will give a favourable consideration to the desires of Nigerians.

ollowing the Supreme Court’s ruling, the Peoples Democratic Party has made a ‘no victor, no vanquished’ declaration.

What does that mean to you?

The national chairman immediately after the judgment made the statement ‘no victor, no vanquished’ in the spirit of accommodating differing views. In my understanding, wellmeaning party members who may have gone astray in the struggle to keep the party united. However, it is the thinking of the majority of the members at all level that if any olive branch is given to you, you shouldn’t mistake it for a right to continue to misbehave. We want to correct our mistakes and avoid going back to the inglorious past.

In my thinking if you are getting back to the fold of the faithful, the believers in the party and its ideas that means that you have to be born again.

Born again to the extent that you will conform yourself to being a disciplined party member prepared to work with others with the objective of working towards our victory in 2019 and in any subsequent election so that we can get back to winning ways. The party has mandated that two committees should be set up: a disciplinary committee and a reconciliation committee.

But the spokesman to the sacked Ali Modu Sheriff-led leadership, Bernard Mikko, said they would insist on taking the party back to the people, and away from acts of imposition.

Who said so?

The Sheriff camp How can you say Sheriff said so?

Sheriff personifies impunity and imposition. Sheriff doesn’t believe in democracy. Are you aware that Sheriff was in the process of reconstituting the National Caucus of the party singlehandedly without consultation with the NWC, even the Board of Trustees? He wanted to dissolve the Board of Trustees with powers that he doesn’t have.

He never believed that his colleagues in the NWC had the right to participate in leadership. We have gone through this regrettable experience for a period of about 16 months and I think we have learnt our lessons the hard way and God has offered us the opportunity to show remorse and begin anew.

The PDP has said it would embark on constitutional amendment.

As the chair of that committee, can you give the key highlights of this amendment and how you think it can help the party to forge ahead?

I am a process person. I had the privilege of being appointed by the party to chair an ad hoc committee on review of our constitution and I think we need that. I think we did a very extensive work, in my opinion and perhaps for the first time in the history of our party we had time to get well-experienced, knowledgeable members of the party to sit in for a period of about two months to look at our constitution to do an extensive review and then ask critical questions particularly looking into areas where there are perhaps ambiguity or perhaps where we have been led us to make costly mistakes and then to put things right. We looked at functions of officers in the party, mode of electing officers, mode of running the party

Ihedioha

and the size of the executive committee at various levels and content of those committees. We have also looked at certain special interests in the party and how to accommodate them. We have been yearning for greater participation of youths in the affairs of the party.

We took all that into consideration and made recommendations.

What has happened to the issue of direct primaries as recommended by the post-2015 election review committee headed by the Deputy Senate President, Senator Ike Ekweremadu?

Everything is still a proposal. We have looked at the challenges we had as a party. We have looked at the implication of getting into direct primaries and we are working towards it and it could be a possibility any day and we feel that if it becomes a possibility we have to get our acts right. We have to for instance, ensure that there is the right database of membership and that we can establish, for example, in my ward that this is exactly the number of people we have.

We must have a way to ensure that those party members are card-carrying members and we have to identify that so that we don’t have issues and crisis in the course of our primaries. We are taking our time. However, we believe that there should be a procedure in achieving that and this procedure we haven’t sorted out and we believe that at some point in time we will get there.

Do you think the PDP has a good chance in winning in 2019 general elections?

Yes. From the timetable of INEC, elections will begin February 2019. Our problems came at the right time and we are solving them at the right time. We can’t be distracted any further and now we must begin to look at what to do to

give Nigerians the real alternative. We are also convinced that Nigerians have seen the change offered by the APC. Destitution has become the other of the day in our country. Crime rates are increasing, mortality rate is high, and unemployment has now become part of our national life. We have yet to see the job creation programmes of the present administration. Nigerians have said this isn’t the change they voted for and so in rebranding PDP, which we are doing, we will offer Nigeria the alternative and so we are very conscious that with our experience that the dividends will get to Nigerians when we are in power we will be a party ready to give Nigerians the government of their choice, the government of their desire come 2019.

Do you think the National Assembly has what it takes to effect the kind of restructuring that Nigerians desire?

I am not a member of the 8th Assembly. Unfortunately, most Nigerians don’t appreciate the process, the procedures of the practice of democracy. Members of the National Assembly are elected as representatives of the people. That is to say in our respective constituencies the channel of presenting our desires should be through our elected representatives.

You have a duty to relate and interact, scrutinize the activities of our members, present to them our desires for them to speak for us. When people talk about organising a referendum, how do you organise a referendum? Is it the INEC that will organise a referendum? How are you going to implement that? Are you going to use your traditional outfits or INEC to carry out referendum or what? How would you achieve it? Our best process, our best method, our best bet is to use the legislative powers.

Get the people that represent us to streamline our issues and say these

Some people have also said restructuring will likely define the direction of 2019 elections. What do you think?

Who is going to use that to campaign? I don’t think that in the 2019 general elections we will have any political party that will secure any of the majority in any of the chambers of the National Assembly with the way I am looking at things right now. I believe we are going to have competitive elections in 2019 and so I always dwell on building a national consensus. In the 7th Assembly, irrespective of differences we had in political parties, we pursued the national course and when we began the process of constitution amendment if you can remember we introduced what we considered to be novel in those public sessions where we sent all our members to the respective constituencies and we brought out a template to reach out to Nigerians across the divide; to the traders, to the teachers, to the clergy, to the common man, to the traditional institutions and we urged them to look at it. We scrutinized their feedbacks and the House of Representatives came up with those articulated positions which contained the desires of Nigerians.

We look at what they had wished for, we voted on all issues and that 7th Assembly concurred with the desires of the Nigerian people in all places. It is unfortunate that from no fault of the National Assembly that constitution wasn’t signed. If it was signed into law it would have captured the aspirations of Nigerians. So I think we should begin to do things right.

What is your assessment of what’s happening in Imo State chapter of the PDP? The national party’s NEC mandated all state branches to set up disciplinary and reconciliation committees in line with what we are doing at the national level and so Imo is a component part of the Nigerian federation. Of course, in terms of party structure, Imo PDP is also a component part of the PDP national and so I believe the party leadership will do what is right.

Anybody struggling for leadership with our popularly elected party chairman, Charles Ezekwem, is taking a political risk. To the glory of God, one thing we have achieved in Imo PDP is that today nobody, no one person owns either the state or local government party structure because we insisted and ensured that the process be democratised. Those whose business was hijacking party structure are today out of business. The people have been liberated.

I believe the doors of the party are open to those genuinely interested in PDP. Now, everyone should go back home; go back to their wards, go back to your local government and rebuild the party. You don’t just come and say you are a leader. You can only lead your people from the base. What makes the party strong will be the combination of efforts of various wards and local government areas and I belong to a ward and a local government area and efforts should be concentrated on these areas in rebuilding our party. I think it is a time for self-examination. It is a period for us to ask ourselves certain questions and get back to winning ways in the nation’s elections.

JULY 29 2017 ˾ THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

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INTERVIEW Okpalanma

Anambra Deserves Better Than What We Have Today Chinedu Okpalanma, Engineer and business mogul from Nkpologwu in Aguata Local Government Area, Anambra State speaks with Ferdinand Ekechukwu, about November gubernatorial poll in Anambra

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as the APC government met your expectations?

That is a generic openended question being that you are referring to governance, which is not static, and also bearing in mind that the government has a four-year mandate of which they have only spent two. What am I then saying? I am saying that if you put into perspective what the APC government met as a new system that took over from a hegemony that had instilled a way of life on a people for 16 years, the time it must have taken them to study & sort through that maze of data coupled with the psychological warfare of resetting a mindset of millions of people to a new way of doing things, the fact that today accountability is a major discuss and questions can be openly asked whereas it was not so before, then I will say my expectations have been met. That said, I will also point out that the way the economy has been handled which has affected a lot of things today especially the purchasing power of the common man is where I think things could have been done better so in that aspect, my expectations have not been met.

You are one of those who have been vocal in your support for President Muhammadu Buhari. Do you still stand with him today?

Of course, I still stand with President Muhammadu Buhari and his administration. You must understand that this is one individual in whom millions of Nigerians can openly vouch for his integrity, even those who come out to make all forms of spurious claims to the contrary. The same can also be said about his deputy and current Acting President, Yemi Osinbajo.

These are the mold of leaders we must seek for, because character defines perception both locally and globally. Nobody is perfect but a leader must be perceived to have the moral disposition to live above board and also seen to be selfless so that he or she represents that which the people look up to. Every other thing falls into place naturally after that, but if you do not get this part right, everything else becomes nothing but a sham. Buhari is synonymous with undisputed intolerance to impunity and corrupt practices. Even children in primary school today will tell you same, and he has lived all his life in a way to show that he does not just talk the talk, but he walks it. You cannot pin one blemish or vice to his character as an individual from his period of service in the army until he retired. Does that not instill confidence in knowing you have someone who at his age cannot be compromised now in anyway against these ideologies he has stood for all his life?

But people from your region have created the impression Buhari hates Igbos Very erroneous impression. How do you define hate? Someone cannot hate you and still work with you. Is this not the same Buhari that ran on one ticket for president with Chuba Okadigbo? Are the Igbos not working with him today in his cabinet? It is one thing to seek increased federal presence or recognition in the South-east using strategic arguments on political realignment and another thing altogether creating an impression of spite and division, which only alienates us more at the centre. We must begin to strategically reposition ourselves by ensuring we have leaders who have what it takes to collectively lead us if we are serious about leading this country one day, honestly. We must learn from the past or we are doomed.

Who should champion the cause of the Igbo: Nnamdi Kanu or John Nwodo?

Chief John Nwodo, of course. Before

Okpalanma

now, Ohaneze Ndigbo had become perceived as a tool for personal gratification from the center and a lot of us had written them off, but you can see that the organisation has started living up to it’s expected role since Nwodo took over. Chief Nwodo is someone I have had the privilege of working with during my engagement as a principal consultant to Enugu State Government in project development, when he was Chairman of the Enugu Centenary Committee. He has also been a former minister of the federal republic of Nigeria, someone I look up to as a worthy mentor, so I am not at all surprised at the application of his intellect, experience & capacity to champion an Igbo cause. Nwodo preaches recognition and inclusiveness while Kanu preaches hate and division.

So you do not believe in the call for Biafra and secession?

I think we must put things in their proper perspective before I can answer that question. First and foremost, Biafra today is an ideology and not a geographical location. The concept of Biafra as a geographical location died with the end of the Nigerian civil war. It remains an ideology and utopian identity of the mind for a people because it basically connotes Igbo struggle, but outside that, in my opinion, it is not a destination. Most of the people who lived and witnessed that war, like my parents, understood what it stood for then. They also understand why that struggle to make it a geographical location failed. How do you then just wake up one day and begin to agitate for a geographical zone to be called Biafra and demand to secede with nothing to show you understand the concept of that ideology? Who also gave you the mandate to do that for the Igbo? There is a reason we are Nigerians today and I completely subscribe to being a Nigerian.

I do not support the agitation for Biafra or the call to secede.

What then is the cause you are fighting for?

The argument by the Biafran agitators is that with secession and having Biafra as a country, there will be peace and harmony with accelerated economic growth, and I say that is the biggest lie of all. The problem has always been leadership and nothing more. Once we

First and foremost, Biafra today is an ideology and not a geographical location.

The concept of Biafra as a geographical location died with the end of the Nigerian civil war.

It remains an ideology and utopian identity of the mind for a people because it basically connotes Igbo struggle, but outside that, in my opinion, it is not a destination. Most of the people who lived and witnessed that war, like my parents, understood what it stood for then get our leadership right, our region will thrive, but for it to truly thrive we are better served as Nigerians. Anything outside that is just being economical with the truth or an agenda pursued for selfish intent.

Yes, it is true that a lot that should have been done to fully reintegrate Igbo into Nigeria and give them a sense of belonging after the civil war, including zoning the presidency of Nigeria to the region.

So if you come up with such a demand say for 2023 and refer to it as a Biafran struggle for inclusion, or agitate for more states, regional autonomy or such related issues under one Nigeria, then I will gladly support that campaign as long as it is people oriented.

Recently, Kanu and IPOB called for the boycott of Anambra governorship elections in November. What is your take on that?

It shows to a large extent that the agitators are running in circles and have no understanding of the politics of self-determination. I also think they are not properly advised by their sponsors.

When you boycott an election, who loses?

Are you going to create a vacuum in governance in Anambra State? Anambra State is a state in the Federal Republic of Nigeria and governed by the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. If you succeed in boycotting the election in November, you simply derail democracy in the state and expose the people to anarchy. The federal government simply declares a state of emergency and imposes a military dictator from any part of the country as an administrator, and until such a time that normalcy is returned and elections held, democracy is suspended in the state.

As a stakeholder in Anambra State, I will not sit back and allow my state to be subjected to such anarchy. We are fully mobilized through the various youth organizations I sponsor in the state as we speak, educating and sensitizing people on the need to vote and the consequences

of boycotting the elections. I am also happy from the feedbacks I am getting that people are rejecting that call for boycott and are registering en masse to vote.

What is your assessment of Governor Obiano’s first term in office?

I will say average. Well, for starters you can never say that a government did not achieve anything. Governor Obiano has achieved a couple of things while in office, but to be honest I do not think we can say that a lot has been achieved by his administration.

Do you believe we need to restructure Nigeria?

I have listened to those who think restructuring will solve our problems overnight and those who feel the call for restructuring has no merits. In my opinion, some things need to change anyway you look at it, but I do not think we need a complete overhaul of our constitution as presently canvassed by most in the forefront of the restructuring campaign. I think the primary problem with Nigeria today is simply that of leadership. If we put selfless and honest leaders in place, things will work. It is not rocket science.

The people who have ruled us before now created a system outside our constitution that has made individuals bigger than institutions, and it is that simple anomaly that has made it impossible for things to work. We have to find a way to destroy that system and do away with impunity in public service. It’s the major root on which corruption thrives. We must make examples with some people.

Public service must be made to reflect the need for selfless application with accountability and probity the watchwords, where people must uphold our laws and statutes. The first places to sanitize are the legislature and judiciary.

Regards areas I would advocate for changes; one is ensuring power is given back to the local government areas where they are truly independent with full autonomy. They are the tier of government that really touches the grass roots so they should be made to work for the people without interference from governors. Before that, a proper national census must be carried out which tells us exactly how many we are and the true representation of number of people that live in each locality. That is where proper restructuring must start. This should be the basis on which allocations must be made, using statistics of people, not land mass. Secondly, I think we should reorganize the Nigeria Police Force where there is a federal policing unit which will be more specialized, and different state or regional policing systems under supervision of the federal unit. I know a lot of people are scared about state governors controlling the police as they might use them as tools of oppression against those who oppose them, but I do not think so if there is proper legislation in place.

Lastly, I would like the total overhaul of our National Assembly. I think the size as currently constituted is bloated, I will scrap the senate and have only the House of Representatives with one representative per local government area. They should also receive allowances per sitting. Only people who have the passion to represent their people and the qualifications to make laws should be in the National Assembly.

What is your message to Nigerian youths?

That power is not given, it is taken.

They cannot remain docile forever, doing the same thing every four years and expecting different results. The people in position of leadership have no plans of vacating, so you must ask yourselves pertinent questions about your future and the direction you would love things to go if you want a better society for you and your children.

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž ÍşÎ Ëœ ͺ͸͚;

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͸Ϳ͸͞ͺ΀͚͞Ϳ͝Ϳ Ă?Ě‹Ă—Ă‹Ă“Ă–Ë? ÞÙĂ?Ă“Ă˜Ă?Ă–Ă?ÑÑ̜ÒÙÞ×ËÓÖ˛Ă?Ù×

OLUFEMI OGUNTAMU

It’s No Longer a Joke; My Eorts on the Social Media are Being Noticed Ă–Ă&#x;Ă?Ă?Ă—Ă“ Ă‘Ă&#x;Ă˜ĂžĂ‹Ă—Ă&#x;Ëœ Ă‹Ă•Ă‹ Ă?Ă˜Ă¤Ă‹Ă‹ĂœËœ Ă“Ă? Ă‹ ÎÓÑÓÞËÖ Ă—Ă?ĂŽĂ“Ă‹ Ă?ĂžĂœĂ‹ĂžĂ?Ă‘Ă“Ă?Þ˛ Ă? Ă“Ă? Ă‹ Ă—Ă‹Ă”Ă™Ăœ Ă˜Ă‹Ă—Ă? Ă“Ă˜ Ă—Ă?ĂŽĂ“Ă‹ Ă“Ă˜ĂŽĂ&#x;Ă?ĂžĂœĂŁË› Ă˜ ÞÒÓĂ? Ă“Ă˜ĂžĂ?ĂœĂ Ă“Ă?ĂĄ åÓÞÒ Tosin CleggËœ Ă’Ă? ÞËÖÕĂ? Ă‹ĂŒĂ™Ă&#x;Ăž Ă?Ă™Ă?Ă“Ă‹Ă– Ă—Ă?ĂŽĂ“Ă‹ Ă“Ă˜ĘŽĂ&#x;Ă?Ă˜Ă?Ă?

Large followers on social media would say it’s a steady result.

Over the years, I have been a social person- right from my days in the university, I engaged in several social activities on and off campus.

I was and I am still popular among my peers. Thus, I didn’t encounter any bottleneck in building my social media followers. Even before I began social media campaigns for brands, projects and organisations, I have had a commendable range of active followers on my social media handles.

I

what they see online, some would say I look better online. In fact, there are some who see me, but lack the courage to approach me. I would later read from them in my DM, that ‘I saw you at the event yesterday, but I couldn’t come to say hi because I was shy’.

Last year, I attended MTV MAMAS Awards in South Africa, and a young man approached me to say he knew me and that he has been following me for a while; he said he is my fan online.

I was shocked.

My social media platform When I started, it was just for me to engage in something else aside from books and activities on campus. But as things grew and reality surfaced, I came to the realisation that it is a worthy field to concentrate on. Hence, I submitted myself for continuous training so as to always enjoy the benefits of latest trends and developments in the field of social media marketing and perception management. I was recently awarded the social media strategist of the year at The Lagos 30 under 40 awards 2016. This shows that my work is being noticed and it’s no longer a joke.

There are some things I cannot post The scope of my job is to create a sustainable image for brands, products and organisations; my image is also at stake. If I realise that some things do not go in line with my job ethics and moral conviction, I won’t post it.

Social media and the idleness mentality Everyone is entitled to his opinion.

But I disagree with the notion that idle people waste time on social media.

It largely depends on our respective levels of orientation and exposure.

The main aim of social media is to enhance socialisation in line with global advancement in technology.

Over time, social media has created jobs for several people; it has cemented relationships, organisations use it to enlarge their products base and the list is endless. The bottom line remains that everyone is online for different reasons.

Coping with cyber bullies It is all about personality management. Each time I encounter cyber bullies, I ignore them. But when it requires me dropping a response, I make it polite and modest enough, because my image is also in the picture. Two wrongs, they say, cannot make a right.

My online popularity doesn’t affect my ofine growth I mentioned earlier that I was well-known on campus. Even after I graduated, I built relationships with people and brands. With these, I would state that my online and offline growths move alongside each other.

I have met a good number of online fans Each of them leaves a comment about my personality. While some would say I look cuter, friendlier than

I post every day so as to be relevant Though it is not compulsory to post every day, but it is highly necessary. I post when there is need to, I post when I am commissioned to do so. Even when there is no commissioned job to post, I post some good stuff to create engagements and buzz on my page.

Social media Abuse Different persons are on social media for different reasons. What we need to do is to keep giving one another thoughtful orientation on the better usage of social media. This was what inspired me to kick off a movement tagged ‘Handle It Africa’, where social media enthusiasts are thought how best to use social media to help their brand awareness and development. The first edition was held in Lagos in March, with panelists across different sectors like Japheth Omojuwa, Yemi Adamolekun of EIE, Olusola Amusan of Microsoft Nigeria and many others.

A society without social media I think it’s mostly about our era of existence. Our forefathers survived without social media. Social media is here to make the world bubble more than before. Social media is here to give life in this era a pleasant meaning.

It is most interesting and of huge benefit. I can’t imagine life without social media.

How I came about being the ‘Up andDownFellow’ A colleague of mine gave me that name because I was always busy with one event or, meeting. In a minute I can be in Ajah, another minute I can be in Ikorodu; the next day I can be in Ghana – I accepted the name because it also reflects the adventurous and exploring part of me; I love to travel too.

Oguntamu

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž ÍşÎ Ëœ ͺ͸͚;

MY STORY PATRICK DOYLE, EMEM ISONG GRACE PREMIERE OF SANDCASTLE Talented screen diva, Sylvia Emem, has recorded yet another feat with the private premiere of her latest movie, “Sandcastle� which held at Raddison Blu, Victoria Island, Lagos on Sunday, July 9. The actress who debuted as a producer in 2016 with IMA was on hand to receive her guests who were wowed by the touch of rare class she gave the event.

Celebrities such as Emem Isong, Patrick Doyle, Mary Uranta, Byran Opara, Charles Okocha, Ushebebe, Mimi Ojiakor, Henry Uranta, Chidi Nwokeabia, Bassey Okon, Sapphire Ogodo, Sophia Williams, Praiz Sam Organ and many others lit up the red carpet to the delight of the paparazzi. Guests were ushered into the buffet area immediately after the red carpet. Food and dessert were sufficient to go round; champagne,

MIKILLZ

My Style of Music

exotic wines and fruit juices were in excess supply.

Sandcastle is a story of love, hope and trust. The movie will certainly be one that will make Sylvia a force to reckon with in the movie terrain. The movie was shot under Mary Uranta’s 50th Films, and she was quite excited.

It was the weekend of her birthday and she was joined her colleagues to cut her birthday cake.

That moment was one of the highpoints of the evening.

The movie opened in cinema nationwide on Friday, July 14. Sylvia and other cast of the movie, including Mary Uranta, Charles Okocha, Shirley Igwe, Big Brother Naija contestants Kemen and Bassey were at the cinema to sign autographs and at the box-office to meet and interact with fans who bought tickets for “Sandcastle�.

ĂœĂ‹ĂŒĂ™Ăœ Ă“Ă?Ă’Ă‹Ă?Ă– äÓĂ?Ă‘ĂŒĂ?Ëœ Ă‹Ă•Ă‹ Ă“Ă•Ă“Ă–Ă–Ă¤Ëœ Ă“Ă? Ă‹Ă˜ Ă?ĂœĂ™ ÚÙÚ Ă‹ĂœĂžĂ“Ă?ĂžĂ? ĂĄĂ’Ă™ ĂŽĂ?Ă–Ă“Ă Ă?ĂœĂ? ÑÙÙÎ Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ Ă?Ă˜ĂžĂ?ĂœĂžĂ‹Ă“Ă˜Ă“Ă˜Ă‘ Ă Ă“ĂŒĂ?Ă?Ë› Ă˜ ÞÒÓĂ? Ă“Ă˜ĂžĂ?ĂœĂ Ă“Ă?ĂĄ åÓÞÒ Tosin CleggËœ ÞÒĂ? ͺ͸̋ ĂŁĂ?Ă‹Ăœ ÙÖÎ Ă‹Ă?Ăž ÞËÖÕĂ? Ă‹ĂŒĂ™Ă&#x;Ăž Ă’Ă“Ă? Ă?Ă‹ĂœĂ?Ă?Ăœ

BLOSSOM CHUKWUJEKWU, YVVONNE ENAKHENA STAR IN NEW BLOCK BUSTER MOVIE ‘TRACE’ Trace tells the story of a newly wedded couple, Ivory (played

by Yvvone Enakhena) and Uyi (played by Blossom Chukwujekwu) as the dark secrets of their past gradually creep into their marriage and pose a threat to them. Directed by Olu Alvin, Trace is the first movie produced by Yvonne Enakhena since

her emergence.

Budding Nollywood actress and producer Yvonne Enakhena has gathered some of the finest industry names; Blossom Chukwujekwu, Bayray Mcnwizu, Greg Ojefua, David Jones David, and more, to star the movie which is scheduled for the cinemas from July 28, 2017.

GOSPEL ACTS OLUFUNMI OLAJOYEGBE, FUNMI AFOLARIN, LIFT ‘MANIFESTING HIM SUMMIT’ The second edition of the ‘Manifesting Him Summit’ held on July 7 with the theme ,“He will perfect... me�. It featured various gospel artistes from veterans like Olufunmi Olajoyegbe (who bagged the Big J Award for Gospel Artiste) to young and upcoming artistes like Funmi Afolarin, Yemilevite Oyeniyi, Gladys and an Acapela group called Da Royalty, among others. It also featured the unveiling of the Big J and company which is a new gospel group.

According to the convener of the event, Tunde Adebola, the programme was set up to provide an avenue for Christians and nonChristians to have fun in a relaxed atmosphere.

Adebola noted that such events

T

ell us about the new EP.

The title of my new EP is Dreams. This is actually my first official project; it consists of four different songs. I was able to get Samklef on a song titled Girlfriend, which was produced by him. I got Flyboi on a song titled Good Loving and got my friend Chuza on the final track of my E.P which is titled E Go Be.

What should we expect from you?

provided a refreshing welcome from the hustle and bustle associated with a busy city like Lagos. “It also provides network opportunities for those seeking to start or expand their relationships across the business

community,� he said.

The Manifesting Him initiative is premised on Romans 8:19 and seeks to help Christians overcome their inhibitions to fully manifest the love and wisdom of God in the marketplace.

Apart from my E.P, my fans should expect more Afro music and some new music videos from me. Also, my role models in the music industry are Burna Boy and SAMKLEF.

Where do you see yourself in ďŹ ve years?

In the next five years, I see myself as an icon in my place of work and in the music industry

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ JULY 29, 2017

BOOK REVIEW Book:CountdowntotheEnd–Revelationofthe GreatTribulationandtheAnti-christ(PartOne) Author: W.F Kumuyi Publishers: Life Press Limited Reviewer: Banji Ojewale Banji Ojewale

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ritics have had more than a few plausible reasons to defy erroneous claims, predictions and so-termed prophetic declarations about the end time. Such efforts on eschatology, while correctly condemned as mercantilist, also do little to proselytise and establish an urgency to make the reader prepared for the event of all events since creation. Yet these – affirming the truth of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and warning of the calamity awaiting the unrepentant at the return of the Son of God – ought to form the goal of all literature on the looming gloom.

Now these writers on the last days ignore the core message; they opt for pseudo erudition by appending specific dates to the occurrences prognosticated in the Holy Bible. Thus thrust deep in a fruitless dates and numbers game, they fail the key duty of employing Jesus’ teaching about the future to evangelise. It is a tragic waste of given opportunity! I’m glad to report that after carefully reading Pastor William Folorunsho Kumuyi’s end time book, Countdown to the End-Revelation of the Great Tribulation and theAntichrist (Part One), I can vouch for the cleric’s fidelity to biblical facts. He perfectly understands that “no prophecy of the Scripture is of any private interpretation.”

Those who came before Kumuyi, including vocal members of a US-headquartered sect with a foothold in Nigeria, have ignored this warning and littered their doctrine with presumptuous timelines detailing how and when the world would drop on us. First it was 1878. Later they gave us 1881. Then the group’s caucus said 1914 would witness the end of the world. When that failed, they proposed 1918.

1925 followed with the world still standing.

More projections for the landing ofArmageddon were slated for 1975. They repeatedly brought on themselves avoidable ridicule.

Kumuyi’s book has escaped these flaws and pitfalls of a date-centred enterprise because he is conscious of the Lord’s wise counsel: “It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power.” The result is a clean unadulterated book deriving its assertions exclusively from the Holy Bible.

So in the entire 240-page presentation, you have only one identified secular reference (the ancient Greek historian Herodotus).All others are biblical allusions. There is little room for fictional extrapolation, storytelling or support from ex-biblical sources.

But there is plenty of space for evangelism, profuse expository teaching and illumination on abstruse end time symbolism found notably in the books of Daniel and Revelation.

Which is why Kumuyi hardly leaves a chapter without an altar call, as it were.

From the first chapter, Pastor Kumuyi, the General Superintendent of the Deeper Christian Life Ministry, popularly called Deeper Life Bible Church, makes it clear that the book isn’t addressing conditions in the world predating the Rapture. It is a post-catching-away-of-thebelievers undertaking. The countdown he speaks of means the events that would lead to the Great Tribulation under theAntichrist culminating in the cataclysmicArmageddon and the greatAge of theAges when Jesus’ Glorious Kingdom will come into effect with the abolition of death and sin. This first part of the volumes ends with Satan’sAntichrist and false prophets performing misleading miracles.

The Church in its redeemed state under

the guidance of the Holy Spirit, will not be in the world when this full array of theAntichrist power is at work because, Kumuyi declares solemnly: “There is no country that declares war against another without first withdrawing itsAmbassadors. Similarly, before God declares war and pours out His wrath upon this world, He will take all His ambassadors out of it.”

The early chapters open up events in Heaven after the departure of the saints from the earth to pave way for the arsenal of woes to be unleashed by Satan and his cohorts. It isApostle John who is invited to God’s abode to serve as a witness. He observes an unparalleled celestial order characterised by salutary worship of God and His Son Jesus by elders, angels and the countless multitude of those saved from their sin by the Lamb of God, Who also performs the momentous unsealing of the book enclosing the plagues constituting the Great Tribulation.

The book shown John is a seven-seal scroll symbolising the judgement that would come upon those who miss the Rapture. There would be famine, unprecedented crisis, suffering, wars, deprivation, torments, carnage, persecution, misery and unimaginable agony, “as was not since the beginning of the world… no, nor ever shall be.” Kumuyi refers to such Old Testament writers as Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Daniel, Hosea, Joel etc. to prove that the subject of Great Tribulation is not a latter day idea.

Kumuyi writes: “The opening of the scroll as the seals are broken reveals the process by which Christ takes over the earth from Satan, the usurper. In the process, sinners and all

the servants of Satan who have corrupted themselves and polluted the earth are punished severely. By the time the outpouring of divine wrath reaches its climax with the opening of the seventh seal, the kingdom of the earth will have become the kingdom of our Lord.”

Not being a Jonah who would warn of God’s anger around the corner without presenting the other side of the coin, Kumuyi repeatedly says that the sinner can escape the wrath on the way if he repents and accepts the salvation plan of God. He can be spared the trouble of the Great Tribulation and eternal damnation in hell.

The Deeper Life Bible Church Pastor speaks of a way out: “Today, the Lord pleads and asks everyone to seek His face for turnaround as the time of grace and love still abounds. The Lord does not take pleasure in the suffering and death of the sinner. Repentance from sin through faith in the Lord Jesus is the only way of escape from the fury of the Just Judge of the universe. Those who reject the call of God will face His full-scale judgement.”

Pastor Kumuyi’s Countdown to the End-Revelation of the Great Tribulation and Antichrist (Part one) contains expressive description of the destruction humanity would encounter during the Great Tribulation. He deploys graphic yet inoffensive prose to stir our imagination.An example of this unbottling of one of the woes can be found on page 119: “These demon-locusts are revealed as invulnerable creatures with the strength, power and conquest of horses on the battle field; as intelligent creatures with the face of men; as

inhuman creatures, having the teeth of lions; as indestructible creatures with breastplate of iron; as intriguing creatures, provoking curiosity with hair like those of women and as irresistible creatures with wings that make sound like those of chariots of horses running to battle.

What pain and suffering would such a swarm of angry demons cause men, women and children on earth when they are released from the smoking bottomless pit where they had been suffering for thousands of years!”

The book is also able to address some controversies. Who will make Heaven? Is it only the 144,000 sealed Jews in Revelation 7? Who are the two angelic post-rapture evangelists in Revelation 11?Are they Moses and Elijah?

Kumuyi’s position differs from the popular view, notably that posited by Tim LaHaye and Jerry B. Jenkins inAssassins, one of their Left Behind fictional series on the end time.

Some readers would allege that Pastor Kumuyi seems to be contradicting himself with the claim on page 197 that there would be “no protection for Gentiles” during the Great Tribulation when earlier on, on pages 69 and 70 he had declared that other believers among them Gentiles of the Great Tribulation period will be saved though they missed the Rapture.

Countdown to the End impresses the reader with elegant simplicity of prose and inspiring takeaways in the form of memorable one-liners. Consider these: Satan leaves no effort untried in his determination to destroy Israel, and God leaves no miracle undone in His determination to protect and preserve His people. It is unscriptural to expect to serve God without persecution. If the persecutors are strong be stronger. The Devil is not a dummy, he has reasons for performing miracles.

Is it possible for Pastor Kumuyi to write or preach without resorting to his trademark application of the imagery of alliteration? The answer is no, as this book reveals. He has a harvest of it on page 116 when he describes the torment of the locusts: “painful, protracted, personal, and perplexing”. On page 223, it’s letter ‘D’ at work: “delusion, distaste, departure, divine displeasure, death and damnation.”

At page 230, it’s letter ‘F’ in action: “falsehood, force, furnace, famine, fear and flattery”.

Does this figure of speech instil substance and life into language? Does it drive discernment? Yes, according to an expert, Dr. Tunde Opeibi, in his book Discourse, Politics and the 1993 Presidential Election Campaigns in Nigeria, “Although alliteration can be described as a stylistic device… it is a strong rhetorical tool deployed to evoke emotions, get attention and convey… messages in a more appealing and persuasive way. It is a figure of speech because it often creates images and conveys meaning beyond the strings of words that make it up… when creatively and effectively modulated, they can deepen meaning and enhance musicality.”

Now a word on the illustrations. Future revisions could do with full colour rendition not only to brighten the pages, but also and more importantly to deepen the reality of the message in the book. Colour does so tellingly. Secondly, in picture on page 131 the presentation of the MightyAngel’s position doesn’t match Revelation 10:2, where He has His “right foot upon the sea, and his left foot on the earth.” The opening pages also suffer some typographical travail.

You can’t read Countdown to the EndRevelation of the Great Tribulation and the Antichrist (Part One) and not be swayed

by Pastor Kumuyi’s earnest preoccupation to enlist Bible eschatology to call man back to God. There are lessons for all: the sinner, backslider and the saved. We all need the Grace of God, he says, to run from the wrath to come: the first two need God’s Grace of pardon to be redeemed; the third also need His Grace to endure to the end.

Truly the book is a project of incontrovertible gravitas.

––Ojewale is a writer in Ota, Ogun State.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ ͺ΁˜ 2017

MARITIME BITS áÓÞÒ ÙÒØ áÙÜÓ˛˛˛˛ 08057763164

Customs Area Controller (CAC), Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Federal Operations Unit (FOU), Zone A, Ikeja, Lagos, Comptroller Mohammed Uba Garba flanked by some of his officers and men showing a sample of the contraband the unit seized to an official of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Lagos...recently

R-L: Managing Director, Folawiyo Energy Limited; Mr. Dipo Makanjuola, Chief Technical Manager, Engr. Chuks Iluno and committee member; Apapa Boat Club; Mr. Peter Kotze, when Iluno was honoured for his contributions to the development of Engineering in Nigeria, by the Nigerian Society of Engineers, Ikeja Branch, Lagos... recently

ACPML Evacuates Waste Dump at Apapa Ports, Anjorin Market In line with its mandate, African Circle Pollution Management Limited (ACPML) has evacuated the waste dump at Nigeria’s premier port, Apapa, Lagos.

ACPML which signed a build operate own and transfer (BOOT) agreement with the Federal Government through the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) is responsible for the implementation of the MARPOL as enunciated by the global maritime watchdog, the

95 Suspects in the Net in NCS, Zone A No fewer than 95 persons suspected to have contravened various provisions of the law in the last six months are in the net of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Federal Operations Unit (FOU), Zone ‘A’ Ikeja, Lagos.

The suspects were arrested in connection with 475 different seizures comprising foreign parboiled rice, frozen poultry products, vegetable oil, smuggled vehicles, Indian hemp, arms, fake pharmaceutical/ medicaments and general merchandise.

Within the period under review, the service also intercepted various contraband with duty paid value (DPV) of N1.3 billion just as it recovered N1.2 billion from duty payments and demand notices on general goods that the consignees in collaboration with their licensed customs agents tried to circumvent the system in the seaports, airport and border stations through wrong classification, transfer of value, and shortchange in duty payment.

The Customs Area Controller (CAC), NCS, FOU, Zone A, Ikeja, Lagos, Comptroller Mohammed Uba Garba revealed this in an exclusive interview with THISDAY. He attributed the successes recorded by the command to the support and cooperation it received from the management of the NCS under the leadership of the Comptroller General of Customs (CGC), Colonel Ibrahim Hameed Ali (retired).

His words: “I did not do this alone. My officers and men and officers have been alive to statutory roles and responsibilities namely anti-smuggling campaign, revenue generation and trade facilitation. This is because the CGC and the management recognized hard work and putting square pegs in square holes. Without the management motivation and necessary logistic support, we won’t have achieved this feat within this period”.

He also attributed the strides made by the command to the support and co-operation he received from sister security agencies within its areas of jurisdiction following his courtesy visits to them.

These include the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 81 Division, Nigerian Army, Lagos; Commander, 9 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Cantonment Ikeja; Commander, 35 Artillery, Nigerian Army, Alamala Baracks Abeokuta, Ogun State; Commissioners of Police, Ogun and Lagos State.

International Maritime Organisation (IMO).

The evacuation which was carried out in collaboration with the NPA was not restricted to the main gate of the Lagos Port Complex (LPC) as the firm also carried out the clearing of waste at Anjorin market, a popular market in the port city of Apapa, Lagos.

ACPML in a statement signed by its Regional Manager, West, Mrs. Oyenike Shobowale said it took the initiative as part

of its corporate social responsibility (CSR).

Shobowale noted that prior to the evacuation of the waste which has constituted an eyesore and a breeding ground for diseases; the access road along Anjorin Market and Lagos Ports Main Gate was converted to a waste dump by residents, food vendors and other stakeholders operating along the axis.

“This considerably defaced the aesthetic value of the environment as well as impacting

Former Presidential Aide on Maritime Decries Division in the Polity A former Senior Special Assistant on Maritime, Mr. Olugbenga Leke Oyewole has decried the division in the country rather than focusing on issues that benefit the citizenry.

Oyewole who was an aide to former President Goodluck Jonathan stated that rather dissipating energy on things that would do the country good, the agitators should deploy their energy on things that would change the present poor economic fortunes in their respective states.

He expressed dismay that political nobility, tribal sentiments and subtle religious invasion have pervaded our national discourse and distracted public officials so much that governance was almost reduced to counter claims.

According to him, our blessings of an honest President and a diligent, smart Vice President have become unnoticeable.

Earlier this week, I was invited to the economic diversification forum of Ondo State. Very impressive is the effort of the new government in the state under the leadership of Mr. Olurotimi Odunayo Akeredolu, SAN. The governor seems poised to develop the state at all cost. The industrialization drive looks unstoppable, employment and wealth creation for the indigenes is definitely on course. He revealed that the governor has secured two bitumen block licenses, arranged for an exploration company and got off-takers for asphalt overseas.

He also disclosed that the governor has appealed to the Federal Government to approve the state’s waterfront for a deep sea mining port.

“Oil palm and Cocoa plantations in the state are to be developed through a presented master plan. This is a focused Governor with clear vision. Indeed, the presidency and the Acting President have given strong backing through approvals and physical presence at the forum.

Really, if all governors will do this Nigeria will be much better. Unfortunately, 70 percent of governors go cap in hand to Abuja to receive handouts that they were never part of making. All states have one mineral or the other to tap. Solid minerals, agriculture, aquaculture, handcrafts can do a lot. Inefficient IGR collection is even a problem in many states.

I will agree with restructuring as a

panacea only if the six geo-political zones will form the federating units and all federal ministries will be dissolved leaving only the external affairs and the armed forces at the centre”, he said.

Continuing, Oyewole said: “The National Assembly should also become one arm and to run on part time basis. Otherwise, what have we done with the structure on ground? In the God’s structure, the south has smaller land size than the north.

God has put heavy minerals like crude oil and gas, iron ore, bitumen, palm oil in the South and bless it with the ocean to transport it. He gave the North a vast land and put solid minerals like gold, zinc, copper, lead, and diverse precious metals which are easier to transport by road, rail or air.

“However, we are busy looking for oil in the north. To export any oil found in the north we have to pipe it to the South.

Come to think about it, the era of oil is gone. In eight years no car manufacturer will produce petrol engines. Volvo produces only hybrid cars now. But, can you imagine the wonder of God? He put plenty of lead in Zamfara, Gombe, and Nasarawa States as well as almost all states in the North. We find lithium, cadmium, zinc, copper and nickel so that car manufacturers can buy these metals from Nigeria for the rechargeable batteries!”

He argued that the over N600 billion spent on oil exploration in the Lake Chad basin was more than enough to start a battery manufacturing plant.

“The auxiliary mining industries and other support services would have taken more idle hands from Boko Haram. I implore the Acting President to start two things immediately and simultaneously too commence aggressive sensitization of Nigerian youths on the ills of war by directing all NTA stations to devote two hours daily to air documentaries of war in Somalia, Rwanda, Liberia, Angola, Libya etc. FG must commit money to buying airtime on Channels and AIT as well. The Paris money, any money available or to be borrowed should be channelled towards developing viable and strategic industries in the six geopolitical zones in collaboration with private investors. This is with a view to establishing something in all the states”, he said.

negatively on public health,” it said.

According to the statement, ACPML and NPA had in the past carried out a sensitisation and public enlightenment on waste management practices and effect of indiscriminate disposal of waste for stakeholders within the area.

This is meant to make the stakeholders to imbibe the right attitude and practices in the disposal of waste.

FG Tasks NIWA on Delivery The Federal Government has tasked the management of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) on the delivery of its mandate. This includes the dredging of River Niger, concession of Onitsha River Port, and the construction of new river ports across the country. It also tasked the authority which has its headquarters in the Kogi State capital, Lokoja on the completion of the river ports situated in Baro, Lokoja and Oguta before the end of President Mohammadu Buhari’s administration.

Minister of Transportation, Mr. Rotimi Amaechi stated this at the 2017 NIWA International Conference and Exhibition with the theme “Improving Navigability and Inland Port Development for Sustainable Investment on Nigerian Waterways”, which took place in Lagos.

Amaechi who explained that budgetary appropriations have been made to ensure the completion of the Baro, Lokoja and Oguta River ports urged the private sector to maximally utilised the network of rivers, creeks, lagoons and lakes in the country.

He enjoined the NIWA to procure bigger dredgers in order to perform better in its operational activities.

Continuing, Amaechi said: “Similarly, adequate budgetary appropriations have been made to ensure the completion of the Baro, Lokoja and Oguta River ports within the lifespan of this administration. I am pleased to confirm that we have recorded tremendous progress on the concessioning of Onitsha River Port and we are very hopeful that the process of concessioning of the port will be completed before the end on the year. I am happy to announce that NIWA, especially under its new leadership, has been able to look inward and through its in-house engineers, have commenced the maintenance dredging of the Ajaokuta to Onitsha channels of River Niger; and this will save the country huge sums of money.

“Thus I implore NIWA to procure bigger dredgers that have bigger capacity to perform better than they are doing presently. Another area that should earn our commendations on the activities of NIWA is the progress recorded over the amendment of the NIWA bill at the National Assembly. The bill has gone through third reading at the Senate and it is hoped that the House of Representatives will also support and endorse the new bill, which in essence will enhance the capacity of NIWA to enforce her rules and regulations, resolve the present crisis with her sister parastatals and other government agencies, and boost the revenue profile of the Authority in order to make it self-sustaining.

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T H I S D AY SATURDAY JULY 29, 2017

T H I S D AY SATURDAY JULY 29, 2017

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˞ ͺΠ, 2017

POLITY

Tinubu: I Had Special Relationship with Adebayo Faleti Olaoluwakitan Babatunde

A

ll Progressives Congress (APC) National Stalwart, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, has spoken glowing of the late poet and actor, Chief Adebayo Faleti, whom he said he had a close relationship with till he breathed his last.

The late Faleti was a man of many parts, the former Lagos State governor said, describing him as a great poet, celebrated actor, cerebral author, vibrant broadcaster, prolific writer and translator.

He said the country would miss dearly.

Chief Faleti passed on quietly in his house on Sunday, July 23, 2017 at the age of 95.

In a statement issued by his Media Office at the weekend, Tinubu said: “I learnt of the death of Chief Adebayo Faleti while I was out of the country. I was deeply saddened by his passing on, though at an advanced age. “Baba Adebayo Faleti was a true Yoruba man and an illustrious son of Nigeria. He recorded many giant strides. He was an icon in the

academic, literary and cultural worlds. He was a man of many parts- poet, actor, author, broadcaster, writer and translator- and in each of these areas he excelled. “Chief Faleti was a pioneer of the first television station in Africa, the Western Nigeria Television (NWNTV). Many would also remember him as the one who translated the Nigerian National Anthem, as well as many other major speeches, from English to Yoruba. “What Alagba Faleti did in the cultural field is no less remark-

able. He was in the vanguard of the promotion of Yoruba language and propagation of the rich cultural heritage of the Yoruba. “I had developed a close relationship with Baba Faleti since I was governor of Lagos. I kept this relationship with him till he breathed his last. I partnered with him in the production of some of his trophy creative work. “I commiserate with members of his immediate family; I commiserate with the people of Oyo State, South-west and Nigeria. May his soul rest in peace�.

US Company Petitions EFCC over Diversion of Product Sani Tureta

A

United States based manufacturing company, Michigan Salt Products, LLC has urged the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission(EFCC) to investigate an alleged fraudulent diversion of its product worth N153.7m by one Chief Emmanuel Abiodun Adeniji and his company Jumbee Limited.

In a petition dated March 31st, 2017 and made available to ThisDay with the title, “request for investigation

on missing 2,690 MT Consignments of salts and unlawful diversion of sale proceeds of salts in the sum of N153.7 million by Jumbee Limited,� the company through it lawyers, Stonewaters Law Office, requested that the EFCC should investigate the disappearance of 2,690 MT of salt valued at $90 per MT from the warehouse of Jumbee Limited.

While alleging that the warehouse is managed by Chief Emmanuel Adeniji, the letter signed by Olugbuyiro Akinola, Managing Partner

at Stonewaters explained that the relationship between the two parties started on 30 January, 2016 when they signed a Joint Venture(JV) agreement .

The petition alleged that contrary to the terms of the agreement Adeniji and some others diverted the said 2.690 MT quantity of salt owned and financed by its clients.

It alleged further that between March and July, 2016, the said Adeniji shipped the product to multiple customers and diverted proceeds

from such sales into his own private account contrary to the agreement to pay such accruing into the Michigan Salts/Jumbee Joint Venture Account.

Also, the petitioners alleged that Adeniji resorted to threatening promoters of Michigan Salts with violence and arms in the event that a report of the alleged misappropriation of funds were lodged with law enforcement agents, a threat, which the lawyers described as equal to sabotaging the economic interests of foreigners in Nigeria.

L-R: A former Minister of Transport, Admiral Festus Porbeni (rtd.); Managing Director, Texas Connection Ferries, Mrs. Modupe Lawale; Managing Director, Multimodal Transport Technologies, Mr. Kayoed Olowu; and Manager, Bics Boat Club, Ann , during the exhibition on floating jetties at the International Inland Waterways Conference in Lagos... .recently

L-R: Executive Director, Marveglo Plus UK, Mr. Tom Kim; Managing Director, Marveglo Plus Nigeria, Mrs. Bukola Oyegbade; Chairman, Mr. Lekan Oyegbade; Manager, Korea Ginseng Corporation, Miss. Seri Park; Group Chairman, Marveglo Plus US, Mr. I.K Kim and Director, Research and Development, Korea Ginseng Corporation, Mr. Lee Sangmin, during the launch of Korea Red Ginseng immune boosting and health product in Lagos...recently

Temitope Rechard Banji, Biz Leap Manager, Leap Africa, Serah Odende, Co-Founder, African Harvesters Agribusiness Hub, Cecilia Addae, Training And NSA Manager DAI, Africa Leap, John Awua-Kyerematen, Program and Logistics Manager DAI, Africa Leap, Vicky Udomi, Agribusiness Entrepreneir, Lillian Adegbola, Lead Facilitator Independent Consultant Trainer, at the Agribusiness and Entrepreneurship Development Short Course for Youth in Lagos...recently

L-R: ECOWAS and Regional Director, United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) Mr. Jean Bakole; ECOWAS Commissioner for Trade, Customs and Free Movement, Mr. Laouali Chaibou; Deputy Head of Mission, European Union, Mr. Richard Young and Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Enugu State, Mr. Sam Nwobodo at the European Union-Enugu Trade and Investment Seminar in Enugu...recently

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

NEWSXTRA

In Brief PDP Chairman, Makarfi Survives Auto Crash

TheChairmanoftheNationalCaretakerCommitteeofthePeoplesDemocratic Party (PDP), Senator Ahmed Makarfi, was involved in an auto crash Friday morningbutescapedunhurt.InastatementissuedbythePDP Spokesman, PrinceDayoAdeyeye,thepartyurgedallcalmamongpartysupportersand friendssayingtherewasnocasualty.“Earlier,avehicleconveyingtheNational ChairmanofthePeoplesDemocraticParty(PDP),SenatorAhmedMakarfi, was involved in a multiple collision with other vehicles along Abuja-Kaduna Highway.However,wearehappytoreportthatfortunately,theDistinguished Senator and all other passengers in his vehicle came out unhurt. This is to allaythefearsofourPartymembers,teemingsupportersandwell-wishers who heard of the Accident and have been making frantic calls; as well as those who may stumble on half-baked information," the statement said.

AmosunAssuresofAllInclusiveState Congress

OgunStateGovernor,SenatorIbikunleAmosunhasassuredthattheState CongressacrosstheLocalGovernmentsAreasinthestate,forthepurpose of electing delegates for the non-elective National Congress would be all inclusive.Thegovernor,whogavetheassurancewhilereceivingStateCongress CommitteeMembersfromthenationalsecretariatofthepartyinAbuja,at the state secretariat in Abeokuta yesterday, said no bonafide member of the party would be sidelined during the exercise. He assured that the party would embrace all and not discriminate against any gender or physically challengedperson. Alsoaccordingtohim,thestatepartychairmanandother executive members, will be partners in ensuring the success of exercise.

Earlier in his remarks, Chairman of the committee, Hon. Bashiru Sheriff, called for harmony and consensus among the members.

UNWINDING ...

L-R: Deputy Senate President, Senator Ike Ekweremadu; Chief Executive Officer, MTN Nigeria, Mr. Ferdi Moolman and Corporate Relations Executive, MTN Nigeria, Mr. Tobechukwu Okigbo, during the MTN Foundation what can we do together appreciation party in Abuja…yesterday

10 Burnt Beyond Recognition in Kogi Auto Crash Yekini Jimoh in Lokoja

No fewer than 10 people lost their lives in a fatal motor accident along Lokoja-Abuja federal highway yesterday when a petrol tanker was engulfed by fire.

THISDAY reliably gathered that the accident occurred at about 4pm on Friday at Felele, a town in the outskirts of Lokoja when a fuel-laden tanker was engulfed by fire, killing the oc-

cupants and passengers in Hiace bus and some Keke NAPEP that was following the tanker.

The sources furthered disclosed that the petrol tanker burst into flame before other vehicles were also affected by the searing heat of the inferno.

Some passengers in the Hiace bus were burnt beyond recognition while several other passengers suffered several degrees of burns due to magnitudes

of the inferno.

Some houses or shops along the road were almost razed by the fire but for the quick intervention of people and members of Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC).

However the accident led to severe traffic snarl as vehicles travelling from the north and southern part of the country had to stop due to the accident.

Some motorists travelling

to the south had to make a detour bypassing Lokoja town to avoid the holdup.

Meanwhile, members of Federal Road Safety Commission.

Nigerian Security, Civil Defence Corps and the Nigerian Police had been drafted to the scene to control the situation while those that lost their lives were taken to the morgue at the Specialist Hospital Lokoja.

Kogi Assures of Job Security, Boko Haram: World Bank Supports Says no Worker will be Sacked 6666 Households in Borno Yekini Jimoh in Lokoja

The Kogi State government yesterday allayed fears of the state environmental workers as government had no plans to lay off any staff or outsource their job to private organisations.

The Commissioner for environment and Natural Resources, Mrs. Rosemary Oshikoya made this known while addressing newsmen on environmental and health workers union's threat of industrial dispute with the state government over plans to engage the services of private licensed sanitary inspectors in the state.

According to her, "the state government will sign a private partnership agreement next week that will see private investors actively involved in premises inspection across the state.”

The union had argued that the involvement of private premises inspectors was never discussed with the Union and so had seen it as an attempt to take over their responsibility and render them redundant.

However, the commissioner said it was a misconception on the part on the Union to think that government was out to render them redundant when in actual fact government t was involving the private partnership arrangement to train them within a period of time to attain required license that would qualify them for premises

inspection as required by relevant environmental laws.

According to her, it was also not true that the Unions were not carried along in taking the decision when the chairman was part of the committee that had been deliberating on the issue.

Oshikoya said that the New Direction Blueprint clarified on the role of PPP in delivering on its targets for the sector.

She noted that Kogi State waste management Board law 2013 and the PPP law 2014 empowered the state to engage PPP in the sector, adding that the PPP process included adequate stakeholder sensitisation and engagement which in addition to media engagements including the first ever state convened stakeholder meeting in December 2016 where EHOs and stakeholders and EHOs, from LGAs, State, Federal levels and the Registrar EHORECON, KWASU, UNN, FUL, SHT Idah, and EHOAN experts participated.

This, she said, was followed by meetings with traditional institutions and community stakeholders by federal constituency in 2017.

Also speaking, the Director General of Bureau of Public Private Partnership (PPP) Mr. Bob Atlanta explained that the participation of the private sector in environmental health monitoring (premises inspection) would among other things, contribute to capacity building and on the job training of EHOs currently in the civil service.

Michael Olugbode, in Maiduguri

The World Bank has supported 6,666 households in troubled Borno State with food, livelihood support items and farm inputs to eradicate hunger and poverty from the Boko Haram ravaged state.

The support came under the FADAMA III Project of the bank and cut across many local governments of the state.

The State Project Coordinator of Borno State FADAMA III, Engineer Bukar Talba disclosed this in Askira while distributing food and farm inputs to 200 beneficiaries in five communities of Askira/Uba local government area of the state.

He disclosed that in each of the communities, 40 households were selected to benefit two month food support of one bag of maize, two bags of rice, two gallons of cooking oil, one bag of beans soup condiment, pesticide, improved seeds as well as ruminants for those who prefer rearing of domestic animals.

He said the support was aimed at giving hope and confidence back to the people after falling victims to Boko Haram insurgency so that they could restart their livelihood activities now that they were back to their communities after the crisis.

He said this was part of the World Bank programme for sustained income generation, food security and job creation in the troubled North East.

The Borno State FADAMA III Project Coordinator who was represented at the occasion by the Training and Technical Assistant Officer, Mallam Bashir Ali, asked the beneficiaries to take all necessary actions to restore their livelihood in line with the Project's objectives.

He said the Project intended to give them such support to enable them start life afresh and ensure sustained income generation, reduce poverty, avert hunger and ensure food and economic security at the rural level.

The Project Coordinator while arguing that agriculture remained the best option for economic recovery and job creation, added that the project also provided and resuscitated rural infrastructure such as community boreholes, road, market among others to reduce their lots and improve agricultural service delivery.

He disclosed that women and youths were also considered under its women household and cash for work component.

On his part Borno State Governor, Alhaji Kashim Shettima who was represented by the Commissioner for Reconstruction, Rehabilitation and Resettlement, Pro. Babagana Umara commended the World Bank, FADAMA Project for coming to the aid of the worst hit victims of insurgency in the state numbering 6666 families and cautioned the beneficiaries against sales of the items given to them.

‘OBJ’s Third Term would’ve Been Better’

ConvenerofNigeriaFemalePresidentInitiative,Mr.FelixAkpoyibohaspicked holeswiththereportcreditedtothegovernorofEkitiState,AyodeleFayose onthefailedthirdtermbidofformerpresidentOlusegunObasanjo.Hesaid hadFayoseandothersfacilitatedthemovetosucceed,Nigeriawouldhave beenbetterthanitspresentstateofabandon.Akpoyibomaintainedthatsince the end of the Obasanjo era, Nigeria had not recorded any improvement in theeconomyandinfrastructuredevelopment.HenotedthatitwasObasanjo who paid off accumulated external debts inherited from the military era, introduced GSM, revamped the banking sector and encouraged foreign investorstodobusinessinNigeria.HesaidhisonlyregretwasthatObasanjo didnothandoverpowertoPresidentMuhammaduBuhariwhileBuhariwas 10 years younger and strong enough to fight the malady of corruption.

Osamgbi Becomes Ikoyi Rotary President

The Rotary Club of Ikoyi will today, install Rotarian Isichei Osamgbi as its 33rd President. The Investiture Ceremony and Inauguration of Board of Directors 2017/2018 which will commence by 1:00pm prompt w holds at Golden Gate Restaurant, Alfred Rewane Road, Ikoyi, Lagos. The Event to be Chaired by Ogbueshi Alban Ofili-Okonkwo, Chairman/CEO Autobahn Techniques Limited is expected to have in attendance Chief Philip Asiodu, formerPetroleumSecretaryandChiefEconomicAdvisertothePresident and Chief John Odigie Oyegun, Chairman All Progressive Congress (APC), who is also a Past President of Rotary Club of Ikoyi as Special Guests of Honour.Othersare,ProfViolaAdakuOnwuliriFormerSupervisingMinister &MinisterofState,ForeignAffairs,andlaterEducationasGuestLecturer andMr.GabrielOgbechie,ManagingDirectorofRainOilandBrig.Gen.David Lubo as some of the special Guests expected to be at the event.

Council Suspends Mambilla Chairman

AspartofeffortstorestorelastingpeacetoMambillaPlateaufollowingthe violentclashthatclaimedseverallives,theLegislativeCouncilofSardaunalocal governmenthassuspendedtheChairman,Mr.JohnYep.Yepwassuspended by the legislative council onThursday for three months along with theVice Chairman,AliyuHassanYaji.Consequently,thestateGovernor,DariusIshaku onFridaysworeintheLeaderoftheLegislativeCouncil,ReverendGodswill Sol as acting Chairman of the Council pending the return of Yep. Speaking at the swearing in of Sol at the executive council chamber of government house Jalingo, Ishaku expressed the determination of his administration to bring about permanent peace in Sardauna local government which he described as his second home.

Bauchi Distributes Malaria drugs, Test Kits

The Bauchi State Agency for the Control of HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria(BACATMA)hasdistributedAnti-Malarialdrugs,testkitsandother medicalconsumables to222primaryandsecondaryhealthfacilitiesinthe state. In a statement by the Executive Secretary of the agency, Dr. Mansur DadamadeavailabletoTHISDAYyesterdaytheBauchiStategovernment commencedthedistributionofthedrugsforthemonthsofJulyandAugust to the health facilities across the 20 local government areas of the state.

According to the statement, the drugs were supplied with support from the Global Fund to fight AIDS, TB and Malaria (GFATM). "These drugs will bedistributed throughacontracted3rdpartyVendorfromtheStateStore directlytotheHealthFacilities(LastMileDistribution)withnotificationand involvement of the LGA PHC Department and the Community leaders of theconcernedHealthFacilitytoensurejudiciousutilisationbythetargeted communities," it added.

UNILAG hosts Africa Sings August. 1

The seventh edition of Africa Sings, a yearly choral concert organised and performed by the Creative Arts Department of the University of Lagos, Akoka, under the direction of Dr. Albert Oikelome, an associate professor in the department, will hold onTuesday, August 1, by 3 pm.The Africa Sings 7 concert is scheduled to hold at the Main Auditorium as a major part of a collectiveassessmentofstudentsintheFacultyofArts.Havingsuccessfully held six editions which focused on choral music from across Africa and its diaspora, the seventh edition takes a step further in its theme to celebrate music from the classics to the street showcasing rare choral renditions of Nigerian popularmusicbycelebratedactssuchasTekno, YemiAlade,Wizkid, AdekunleGold, Runtown,Patoranking,Chidinma,Lagbaja,Davido. Itisaimed atdevelopingthestudents’vocalandinstrumentaltalent,bringingittobear on the largest stage of the university.

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

NEWSXTRA

In Brief PDP Chairman, Makarfi Survives Auto Crash

TheChairmanoftheNationalCaretakerCommitteeofthePeoplesDemocratic Party (PDP), Senator Ahmed Makarfi, was involved in an auto crash Friday morningbutescapedunhurt.InastatementissuedbythePDP Spokesman, PrinceDayoAdeyeye,thepartyurgedallcalmamongpartysupportersand friendssayingtherewasnocasualty.“Earlier,avehicleconveyingtheNational ChairmanofthePeoplesDemocraticParty(PDP),SenatorAhmedMakarfi, was involved in a multiple collision with other vehicles along Abuja-Kaduna Highway.However,wearehappytoreportthatfortunately,theDistinguished Senator and all other passengers in his vehicle came out unhurt. This is to allaythefearsofourPartymembers,teemingsupportersandwell-wishers who heard of the Accident and have been making frantic calls; as well as those who may stumble on half-baked information," the statement said.

AmosunAssuresofAllInclusiveState Congress

OgunStateGovernor,SenatorIbikunleAmosunhasassuredthattheState CongressacrosstheLocalGovernmentsAreasinthestate,forthepurpose of electing delegates for the non-elective National Congress would be all inclusive.Thegovernor,whogavetheassurancewhilereceivingStateCongress CommitteeMembersfromthenationalsecretariatofthepartyinAbuja,at the state secretariat in Abeokuta yesterday, said no bonafide member of the party would be sidelined during the exercise. He assured that the party would embrace all and not discriminate against any gender or physically challengedperson. Alsoaccordingtohim,thestatepartychairmanandother executive members, will be partners in ensuring the success of exercise.

Earlier in his remarks, Chairman of the committee, Hon. Bashiru Sheriff, called for harmony and consensus among the members.

REWAR??????...

L-R: Deputy Senate President, Senator Ike Ekweremadu; Chief Executive Officer, MTN Nigeria, Mr. Ferdi Moolman and Corporate Relations Executive, MTN Nigeria, Mr. Tobechukwu Okigbo, during the MTN Foundation what can we do together appreciation party in Abuja…yesterday

10 Burnt Beyond Recognition in Kogi Auto Crash Yekini Jimoh in Lokoja

No fewer than 10 people lost their lives in a fatal motor accident along Lokoja-Abuja federal highway yesterday when a petrol tanker was engulfed by fire.

THISDAY reliably gathered that the accident occurred at about 4pm on Friday at Felele, a town in the outskirts of Lokoja when a fuel-laden tanker was engulfed by fire, killing the oc-

cupants and passengers in Hiace bus and some Keke NAPEP that was following the tanker.

The sources furthered disclosed that the petrol tanker burst into flame before other vehicles were also affected by the searing heat of the inferno.

Some passengers in the Hiace bus were burnt beyond recognition while several other passengers suffered several degrees of burns due to magnitudes

of the inferno.

Some houses or shops along the road were almost razed by the fire but for the quick intervention of people and members of Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC).

However the accident led to severe traffic snarl as vehicles travelling from the north and southern part of the country had to stop due to the accident.

Some motorists travelling

to the south had to make a detour bypassing Lokoja town to avoid the holdup.

Meanwhile, members of Federal Road Safety Commission.

Nigerian Security, Civil Defence Corps and the Nigerian Police had been drafted to the scene to control the situation while those that lost their lives were taken to the morgue at the Specialist Hospital Lokoja.

Kogi Assures of Job Security, Boko Haram: World Bank Supports Says no Worker will be Sacked 6666 Households in Borno Yekini Jimoh in Lokoja

The Kogi State government yesterday allayed fears of the state environmental workers as government had no plans to lay off any staff or outsource their job to private organisations.

The Commissioner for environment and Natural Resources, Mrs. Rosemary Oshikoya made this known while addressing newsmen on environmental and health workers union's threat of industrial dispute with the state government over plans to engage the services of private licensed sanitary inspectors in the state.

According to her, "the state government will sign a private partnership agreement next week that will see private investors actively involved in premises inspection across the state.”

The union had argued that the involvement of private premises inspectors was never discussed with the Union and so had seen it as an attempt to take over their responsibility and render them redundant.

However, the commissioner said it was a misconception on the part on the Union to think that government was out to render them redundant when in actual fact government t was involving the private partnership arrangement to train them within a period of time to attain required license that would qualify them for premises

inspection as required by relevant environmental laws.

According to her, it was also not true that the Unions were not carried along in taking the decision when the chairman was part of the committee that had been deliberating on the issue.

Oshikoya said that the New Direction Blueprint clarified on the role of PPP in delivering on its targets for the sector.

She noted that Kogi State waste management Board law 2013 and the PPP law 2014 empowered the state to engage PPP in the sector, adding that the PPP process included adequate stakeholder sensitisation and engagement which in addition to media engagements including the first ever state convened stakeholder meeting in December 2016 where EHOs and stakeholders and EHOs, from LGAs, State, Federal levels and the Registrar EHORECON, KWASU, UNN, FUL, SHT Idah, and EHOAN experts participated.

This, she said, was followed by meetings with traditional institutions and community stakeholders by federal constituency in 2017.

Also speaking, the Director General of Bureau of Public Private Partnership (PPP) Mr. Bob Atlanta explained that the participation of the private sector in environmental health monitoring (premises inspection) would among other things, contribute to capacity building and on the job training of EHOs currently in the civil service.

Michael Olugbode, in Maiduguri

The World Bank has supported 6,666 households in troubled Borno State with food, livelihood support items and farm inputs to eradicate hunger and poverty from the Boko Haram ravaged state.

The support came under the FADAMA III Project of the bank and cut across many local governments of the state.

The State Project Coordinator of Borno State FADAMA III, Engineer Bukar Talba disclosed this in Askira while distributing food and farm inputs to 200 beneficiaries in five communities of Askira/Uba local government area of the state.

He disclosed that in each of the communities, 40 households were selected to benefit two month food support of one bag of maize, two bags of rice, two gallons of cooking oil, one bag of beans soup condiment, pesticide, improved seeds as well as ruminants for those who prefer rearing of domestic animals.

He said the support was aimed at giving hope and confidence back to the people after falling victims to Boko Haram insurgency so that they could restart their livelihood activities now that they were back to their communities after the crisis.

He said this was part of the World Bank programme for sustained income generation, food security and job creation in the troubled North East.

The Borno State FADAMA III Project Coordinator who was represented at the occasion by the Training and Technical Assistant Officer, Mallam Bashir Ali, asked the beneficiaries to take all necessary actions to restore their livelihood in line with the Project's objectives.

He said the Project intended to give them such support to enable them start life afresh and ensure sustained income generation, reduce poverty, avert hunger and ensure food and economic security at the rural level.

The Project Coordinator while arguing that agriculture remained the best option for economic recovery and job creation, added that the project also provided and resuscitated rural infrastructure such as community boreholes, road, market among others to reduce their lots and improve agricultural service delivery.

He disclosed that women and youths were also considered under its women household and cash for work component.

On his part Borno State Governor, Alhaji Kashim Shettima who was represented by the Commissioner for Reconstruction, Rehabilitation and Resettlement, Pro. Babagana Umara commended the World Bank, FADAMA Project for coming to the aid of the worst hit victims of insurgency in the state numbering 6666 families and cautioned the beneficiaries against sales of the items given to them.

‘OBJ’s Third Term would’ve Been Better’

ConvenerofNigeriaFemalePresidentInitiative,Mr.FelixAkpoyibohaspicked holeswiththereportcreditedtothegovernorofEkitiState,AyodeleFayose onthefailedthirdtermbidofformerpresidentOlusegunObasanjo.Hesaid hadFayoseandothersfacilitatedthemovetosucceed,Nigeriawouldhave beenbetterthanitspresentstateofabandon.Akpoyibomaintainedthatsince the end of the Obasanjo era, Nigeria had not recorded any improvement in theeconomyandinfrastructuredevelopment.HenotedthatitwasObasanjo who paid off accumulated external debts inherited from the military era, introduced GSM, revamped the banking sector and encouraged foreign investorstodobusinessinNigeria.HesaidhisonlyregretwasthatObasanjo didnothandoverpowertoPresidentMuhammaduBuhariwhileBuhariwas 10 years younger and strong enough to fight the malady of corruption.

Osamgbi Becomes Ikoyi Rotary President

The Rotary Club of Ikoyi will today, install Rotarian Isichei Osamgbi as its 33rd President. The Investiture Ceremony and Inauguration of Board of Directors 2017/2018 which will commence by 1:00pm prompt w holds at Golden Gate Restaurant, Alfred Rewane Road, Ikoyi, Lagos. The Event to be Chaired by Ogbueshi Alban Ofili-Okonkwo, Chairman/CEO Autobahn Techniques Limited is expected to have in attendance Chief Philip Asiodu, formerPetroleumSecretaryandChiefEconomicAdvisertothePresident and Chief John Odigie Oyegun, Chairman All Progressive Congress (APC), who is also a Past President of Rotary Club of Ikoyi as Special Guests of Honour.Othersare,ProfViolaAdakuOnwuliriFormerSupervisingMinister &MinisterofState,ForeignAffairs,andlaterEducationasGuestLecturer andMr.GabrielOgbechie,ManagingDirectorofRainOilandBrig.Gen.David Lubo as some of the special Guests expected to be at the event.

Council Suspends Mambilla Chairman

AspartofeffortstorestorelastingpeacetoMambillaPlateaufollowingthe violentclashthatclaimedseverallives,theLegislativeCouncilofSardaunalocal governmenthassuspendedtheChairman,Mr.JohnYep.Yepwassuspended by the legislative council onThursday for three months along with theVice Chairman,AliyuHassanYaji.Consequently,thestateGovernor,DariusIshaku onFridaysworeintheLeaderoftheLegislativeCouncil,ReverendGodswill Sol as acting Chairman of the Council pending the return of Yep. Speaking at the swearing in of Sol at the executive council chamber of government house Jalingo, Ishaku expressed the determination of his administration to bring about permanent peace in Sardauna local government which he described as his second home.

Bauchi Distributes Malaria drugs, Test Kits

The Bauchi State Agency for the Control of HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria(BACATMA)hasdistributedAnti-Malarialdrugs,testkitsandother medicalconsumables to222primaryandsecondaryhealthfacilitiesinthe state. In a statement by the Executive Secretary of the agency, Dr. Mansur DadamadeavailabletoTHISDAYyesterdaytheBauchiStategovernment commencedthedistributionofthedrugsforthemonthsofJulyandAugust to the health facilities across the 20 local government areas of the state.

According to the statement, the drugs were supplied with support from the Global Fund to fight AIDS, TB and Malaria (GFATM). "These drugs will bedistributed throughacontracted3rdpartyVendorfromtheStateStore directlytotheHealthFacilities(LastMileDistribution)withnotificationand involvement of the LGA PHC Department and the Community leaders of theconcernedHealthFacilitytoensurejudiciousutilisationbythetargeted communities," it added.

UNILAG hosts Africa Sings August. 1

The seventh edition of Africa Sings, a yearly choral concert organised and performed by the Creative Arts Department of the University of Lagos, Akoka, under the direction of Dr. Albert Oikelome, an associate professor in the department, will hold onTuesday, August 1, by 3 pm.The Africa Sings 7 concert is scheduled to hold at the Main Auditorium as a major part of a collectiveassessmentofstudentsintheFacultyofArts.Havingsuccessfully held six editions which focused on choral music from across Africa and its diaspora, the seventh edition takes a step further in its theme to celebrate music from the classics to the street showcasing rare choral renditions of Nigerian popularmusicbycelebratedactssuchasTekno, YemiAlade,Wizkid, AdekunleGold, Runtown,Patoranking,Chidinma,Lagbaja,Davido. Itisaimed atdevelopingthestudents’vocalandinstrumentaltalent,bringingittobear on the largest stage of the university.

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

NEWSXTRA

Closure of Wharf Road without Traffic Control Recipe for Chaos, Says Haastrup Ejiofor Alike The Chairman of Seaport Terminal Operators Association of Nigeria (STOAN), Princess Vicky Haastrup has said the failure of the government to deploy a large number of traffic officials to ensure free flow of traffic during the closure of the Wharf Road in Apapa area of Lagos State was a “recipe for chaos”.

Speaking to journalists at the weekend, Haastrup called on the federal government to urgently deploy traffic and security officials “in large numbers” to ensure free flow of traffic in Apapa during the repair of the Ijora-Wharf Road”.

“This is not a matter that should be treated lightly at all. While we commend the Nigerian Ports Authority and the private sector for the repair of the severely damaged Ijora-Wharf Road, we must emphasise the need to ensure free flow of traffic while the repair lasts. We have noticed that anytime a section of the road is closed, everywhere is clogged. The entire port environment is paralysed,” she explained.

“This has a telling effect on the port because what then happens is that truck, which are inside the port, will not be able to come out and if they do not come out to free the space inside the various terminals, trucks on the road will not be able to go in and that is how the chaos builds,” she added.

Haastrup argued that the situation could be brought under control by deploying security and traffic control officials to work in shifts to ensure round the clock traffic flow.

“The control has to happen 24 hours a day to ensure free flow of traffic. Security operatives must also be deployed to support the traffic

PROVIDING INFRASTRUCTURE...

Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike (m) , Deputy Governor Ipalibo Harry Banigo (l) and Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Ikuinyi Ibani during the commissioning of 10 roads in Ogbunabali on Friday

control officers at all times. If we do not ensure free flow of traffic while the road repair lasts, port congestion might be inevitable. Port congestion is certainly not what Nigeria can afford at these difficult economic times. Port congestion will result in vessel queues - which are already happening - and this comes at a

huge cost to the Nigerian economy,” Haastrup said.

The STOAN Chairman said there had not been any form of port congestion since 2006 when the ports were concessioned, stressing that no effort should be spared to ensure that it does not set in at this time.

Diamond Bank Profit Surges 2.8 Per cent In its H1 2017 financial results released on the floor of the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) in Lagos, Diamond Bank Plc showcased strong growth in core financial parameters surpassing analysts’ projections for the period.

The interim report and accounts for the Bank’s operations for the first six months of the business year obtained by our correspondent, show significant growth in all key financial parameters as profit before tax surged year-on-year by 2.8 per cent to N10.8 billion, this followed the leapfrogging of gross income over total expenses during the period under review.

Most significantly and against industry expectations, the Bank’s

gross earnings jumped by 16.1 per cent over the previous year to N114.1 billion while interest income also increased astronomically by 31.5 per cent to N89.1 billion, reflecting the success of the management’s strategic efforts targeted at improving and boosting this income line.

Although the impairment charge increased mildly by 6.9 per cent, which is in tandem with the Bank’s continuation of prudent provisioning, its total asset grew by 0.8 per cent year-on-year to N2.065 trillion, making Diamond Bank one of the top six biggest banks in the country.

Despite the fact that loans to customers shrunk by 1.8 per cent from N1.4 trillion to N1.3 trillion,

reflecting the cautious optimism employed by the management to manage and stabilise risk assets as the economy waddles through and out of recession, the Bank’s retail customers grew exponentially with over 6 million Diamond Y’ello customers opening accounts in the last two years.

Although customer deposit base shrunk by 1.8 per cent from N1.4 trillion to N1.3 trillion within the period, reflecting the effect of the inflationary spiral on savings, deposit from other banks surged by 31.9 per cent to N136.4 billion from N103.4 billion, reflecting strong confidence and trust on Diamond Bank as one of the systemically important banks in the economy.

UNICEF Boss Wants Govt to increase Budget for Women, Children Welfare AmbyUnezeinOwerri For the children and women forming the greater percentage of the population in the society, the United Nations children Fund (UNICEF) has advocated for an increase in budget allocation by various state governments to take care of their welfare and tackle health challenges.

The UNICEF Chief of Field Office, Enugu which covers seven states of Abia, Anambra, Benue, Cross River, Ebonyi, Enugu and Imo, Dr. Ibrahim

Conteh, stressed that since the role of UNICEF was to support the state governments cater for the development of children and women, it behooveg on the government to map out enough resources in their budget in order to meet up such challenges.

Speaking during a one-day FGN/ UNICEF Country Programme of Cooperation Mid-year Review/ Planning meeting held at the Nike Lake Resort, Enugu, Conteh noted that in as much as the welfare of the citizens was the responsibility of

government, UNICEF was in no way trying to replace government, rather to support government effort.

He said, “What we try to do is that we support government effort.

We also know that when it comes to development funding, capital budgets coming from government is not more.

Our role is to continue to advocate with government to budget more for children and women. Some state’s budget for the welfare of children and women are far much limited compared to the population of children.

Hasstrup also said it was wrong to blame any terminal operator for the chaos on the Apapa-Wharf Road, saying terminal operators were also suffering from the effect of the perennial gridlock.

“Terminal operators have nothing to do with the state of the road. If anything, they are the ones sup-

porting government to find solution to the problem. Many terminal operators have committed enormous resources to provide palliatives on the road to bring succour to road users. The closure of a lane of the road is bound to take a toll on traffic flow and that is why an effective traffic management system is the

solution to the current gridlock,” she said. Haastrup also tasked the government on the development of alternative modes of transport, such as rail and pipeline, to reduce pressure on the roads.

She said that on the long run, there was need to relocate tank farms from Apapa.

Expert Identifies Challenges Facing Environmental Sustainability OlaseniDurojaiye Environmentalist, Dr. Modupe Odubela has identified inadequate continental and global agreements, inadequate institutional capacities and ill-defined priorities among others as some of the challenges facing environmental sustainability even as she suggested incentivising compliance with environmental protection legislation among industries.

Odubela said that collaboration among stakeholders at all level was key to achieving a good regime of environmental governance for environmental sustainability in order to create a level playing

field for the regulated community adding that non-compliance with environmental protection legislation engendered environmental degradation and undermines progress towards sustainable development.

Odubela, who was a former Director, Environmental Impact Assessment, Federal Ministry of Environment, Abuja stated so in her lecture titled “Developing a workable work plan for environmental sustainability: Cost implications, benefits and drawbacks,” during the 32nd Annual General Meeting of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), Ogun State branch.

While noting that there were conflicting instances in the body of statutory

legislation around the monitoring and enforcement of environmental standard in Ogun State, she advised that Ministry of Environment in the state and the Ogun State Environmental Protection Agency (OGEPA) to work in unison since they were set up to achieve the same goal.

According to her, “Sustainable development is a state in which the demands placed on the environment can be met without reducing its capacity to allow all people to live well, now and in the future.

The main goals of sustainable development are economic growth, environmental protection and social and human well-being.

Labour Lauds NASS for Voting in Favour of LG Autonomy SenatorIroegbuinAbuja The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has commended the NationalAssembly formally accepting, inserting and passing into the draft amended Constitution, their proposed amendments on Local Government reform and Labour Issues.

The NLC President Comrade Ayuba Wabba at a briefing in Abuja yesterday, said that National Assembly (NASS) took a giant step by voting overwhelmingly in favour of Local Government authority in spite of tremendous pressure from strong vested interest groups.

According to Waba the 8th National Assembly had made history and shall be remembered for bowing not to the insular interests but the popular wishes of the people.

Their initiative, he said, was an improvement on the efforts of the previous Assemblies, which goes to show that government was not only a continuum, with tenacity and requisite experience at the National Assembly, we shall get our democracy right.

He expressed no doubt that if passed into Law, these amendments will free-up the local governments from the strangle-hold of state governments

and widen the democratic space as well as restore the lost glory of local governments.

The Labour leader said that the Local Government system of government known by various names, is the oldest form of administration, and sadly, the most abused and exploited in our post-colonial history.

He said: "Until progressive decline and bastardisation set in, the Local Government represented the centre of administrative excellence, clinical efficiency, training, education, development, tax administration and effective commodity boards.

55

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž ÍşÎ Ëœ ͺ͸͚;

FG Solicits China's Support in Combating Cyber Crime Alex Enumah in Abuja The Federal government yesterday expressed desire for China's support in the fight against cybercrime, noting that China was one country that had recorded tremendous success in her bid to curb the menace.

Chief of Defense Staff, General Gabriel Olonisakin, who made the appeal Thursday night in Abuja, at an event to mark the 90th Anniversary of the founding of Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) noted that China was far ahead of Nigeria in the area of cybercrime control, hence would be in a better position to assist Nigeria.

Olonisakin, who was represented by the Director Defence Information, Maj-Gen. John Enenche however remarked that China was responsible for the training of some of the best hands in Nigeria's military.

"Some of the best hands were trained in China. We wouldn't have had such capacity of officers without China", he said.

Apart from training, the Defense Chief also noted that China cooperated with Nigeria at the time of the country's need, particularly in terms of providing equipment.

In an interview with newsmen at the event, Enenche however said Nigeria, would embrace the deployment of research as a tool in developing and transforming the nation's military in order to effectively carry out its mandate of protecting the territorial integrity of the country.

Enenche, who admitted he was impressed by the display of power by the Chinese Army stated that there was no doubt lessons for Nigeria from the progress the PLA had made in the 90 years of its existence.

“Our Army is 154 years old and I will tell you objectively that comparatively the PLA has done so well. “They have advanced so much and you can see the technology, the equipment they have and they have their production line; so it is wonderful to celebrate with them. “ What I am taking back to the Armed Forces through the Chief of Defence staff is to ensure that we remain focused and develop our research and development more. “Already it is in the pipeline; the defence headquarters has created an independent research agency of which we have got the backing of the political masters. “A bill has been passed in that regard; before long we will grow, just like China,� he said.

He further commended relations between the both countries in the areas of security and intelligence sharing.

Senior Colonel Wang Runxu, Military, Naval and Air AttachĂŠ of the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria said the relationship between both countries had “unceasingly developed for decadesâ€?.

Runxu recalled several visits made by the governments of both countries and added that such visits promoted the relationship between Nigeria and China. “In the military area, the friendly exchange and pragmatic cooperation between the PLA and the Nigerian Armed Forces are fruitful. “The cooperation in the defence industry and arms trade between our two countries has been strengthened. “The equipment of military trade and donation from China to Nigeria played a positive role in counterterrorism, safeguarding maritime and airspace security and other military operations by the Nigerian Armed Forces.

Jubilation as Winners Emerge in Enugu Rafe Winners of the 6th monthly raffle draw of the Enugu State Traders Empowerment Scheme yesterday poured encomium on Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi for assisting traders in the state to grow their various businesses.

Some of the winners (out of the 100 traders that were empowered) who spoke after receiving their dummy cheques of N50,000 each during the raffle draw held at the Orie Agu Udi Market in Udi Local Government Area, said that they were very happy to emerge winners and thanked God for the success.

They prayed God to bless and protect Gov. Ugwuanyi, and strengthen him in his tireless efforts to continue to provide the dividends of democracy to the people of the state, saying that they are behind his re-election in 2019. “Our Governor surprised us with this empowerment scheme. When I got the information, I thought it was one of the tricks of 419 people.

But when I came here, I saw what was happening and it was real. I

give kudos to the governor. We thank him for reaching the poor and the rich as well,� one of the winners, Nwosu Godwin said.

Another winner, Aneke Chinyere stated: “I am one of the market traders in Orie Agu Udi. I am very happy today. Our governor surprised us. We the traders in the state are solidly behind him for 2019 because of his people-oriented programmes. My prayers are that the Almighty God will protect and guide him and that everything he does shall be very successful in Jesus Name, Amen.�

Chukwuebuka Ene, who also won the raffle draw added: “I am very happy for what happened today. I thank God for that and I am praying that God will continue to help you (Gov. Ugwuanyi) and give you the strength and happiness you deserve.

You will not have any problem in your journey or in anything you lay your hands on. I know that if I invest the money in my business, I will grow higher�.

Wike Dares Best APC States to Compare with Him on Devt.

WE SHARE IN YOUR GRIEF...

L-R: Former Governor of Osun State, Chief Bisi Akande and Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State when the governor and other leaders from Edo State paid the All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain a condolence visit in Lagos, over the recent loss of his wife

Ikeja Lions Restates Commitment 100 Resilient Cities Unveils City to Social Development Leader Advisory Committee Omolabake Fasogbon Members of Zone 6A, District 404B2 of the Nigerian chapter of the International Associations of Lions Clubs have been charged to strengthen their commitment to the objectives of the clubs, which was to serve humanity.

The Zone's Chairperson, lioness Blessing Umebali gave the admonition at the first District Governor's advisory committee meeting held in Lagos.

According to Umebali who reiterated that the club's existence was driven by the passion for humanity, the club had set out N100 million target for the service year to touch the lives of millions of less privilege Nigerians, hence the need for a meeting like this to strategise on how to deliver meaningfully.

She stated that the clubs under zone 6A comprising of Ikeja Dynamic, Ikeja Metro and Lagos Royal must rise up to the task of keying to the district agenda by devoting their resources,time and other demands.

The agenda of engaging the youth through empowerment, advocacy

and enlightenment; sight preservation, protection of the environment; relieving hunger and diabetes screening and awareness campaign she insisted, must be successfully implemented.

While acknowledging membership as a major constraint facing the realisation of the club's goals, she said that the Zone had reached an agreement to embark on massive campaigns to enlighten and sensitise Nigerians on the need to join the club which mission was purely to serve.

"Membership in Lions Clubs means an opportunity to meet and work with other individuals in a spirit of fellowship, striving towards common ideas or goals. Throughout the history or formation of Lions Club by our founder Melvin Jones since 1917, Lions have responded to many challenges and to many opportunities. We have acted to meet the needs of our communities and have accepted the responsibility.

"Part of our strategies is to embark on a membership drive to create more awareness on the club's activities. The more we are, the merrier, by such, we can boast of numerous resources to achieve our target," she said.

Bennett Oghifo 100 Resilient Cities – Pioneered by the Rockefeller Foundation (100RC), has unveiled the City Leader Advisory Committee, a group of city chief executives that would contribute their expertise to the global resilience movement.

100 Resilient Cities helps cities around the world, including Lagos, become more resilient to the physical, social, and economic challenges that are a growing part of the 21st century. 100RC provides this assistance through: funding for a Chief Resilience Officer in each member city who will lead the resilience efforts; resources for drafting a resilience strategy; access to private sector, public sector, academic, and NGO resilience tools; and membership in a global network of peer cities to share best practices and challenges.

According to a statement by the organisation, the Advisory Committee members will advise on policy and advocacy, act as global champions and help 100RC identify and prioritise key issues essential to

building urban resilience as 100RC pivots to implementing resilience building projects in cities.

The Advisory Committee was announced at the 100 Resilient Cities Urban Resilience Summit taking place in New York this week.

The nine founding members of the Committee are: Monica Barone, Chief Executive of Sydney, Australia; Megan Barry, Mayor of Nashville, USA; JosĂŠ Isabel BlandĂłn Figueroa, Mayor of Panama City, Panama; Giorgos Kaminis, Mayor of Athens, Greece; Diriba Kuma, Mayor of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Kunal Kumar, Commissioner of Pune, India; Patricia de Lille, Mayor of Cape Town, South Africa; Ye Lwin, Mayor of Mandalay, Myanmar; and Claudio Orrego, Intendente of Santiago de Chile, Chile.

Michael Berkowitz, President, 100 Resilient Cities, said “Four years ago, the Rockefeller Foundation created 100 Resilient Cities in response to massive urbanisation and the twin threats of climate change and globalization. Since then the importance of cities, and therefore our work, has only grown.

Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike has challenged the national leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to present their best performing states of the party for a peer review against Rivers State.

Speaking while inaugurating 10 internal Roads constructed by his administration in Ogbunabali area of Port Harcourt on Friday, Wike said that Rivers State was the centre of fast delivery of pro-people projects in the country.

He said: "I challenge them (APC) to bring their states for a peer review against Rivers State. Let them attempt to do the projects we are doing in the state.

"Here in Rivers State, we are no longer talking about payment of salaries. We have gone beyond that level. We are busy working, talking about the delivery of

different types of projects".

The governor said that the administration had a covenant with the people of Rivers State, which was the platform upon which he delivered projects to the people.

"Whatever they say, we shall continue to do what is right. All we require is prayer from the people," he said. He said that contract has been awarded for the construction of additional roads in the area and the erection of street lights on all the constructed roads.

The governor appealed to the people to continue supporting his administration for sustained development.

Permanent secretary of the Ministry of Works, Mr. James Enebeli said the 10 roads in Ogbunabali had improved the economy of the area.

New Charter President Empowers Women The newly inducted Charter President on Inner Wheel Club of Onipanu, Adejumoke Odulaja, has empowered 10 women with start-up packs to start their businesses as well as provide free medical checks for women and children.

Speaking at the Charter presentation/ induction ceremony and empowerment of women/ youth and fund raising ceremony, which was held yesterday at the Lagos Country Club, the new Charter President, Odulaja said her major project was to empower women especially widows to assist them in their various trade, provide them with free medical checks as well as regular health awareness seminars for people to address their health issues.

According to Odulaja, a lot of widows go through tough times when they lose their spouses, “We intend to encourage them in their chosen trade to be able to sustain their families�, she said.

Odulaja while addressing the beneficiaries enjoined them not to sell the packs but rather make profit from them. “We are going to follow-up on you to ensure that you make the best use of the packs�, she said.

CHANGE OF NAME

I formerly known and addressed as EDURUKE HENRY EJIRO, now wish to be known and addressed as DANIEL HENRY. All former documents remain valid. The general public should take note.

I formerly known and addressed as ALIGBE EHIS, now wish to be known and addressed as ALIGBE MONDAY EHIS. All former documents remain valid. The general public should take note.

I formerly known and addressed as EMMANUEL JOHN ANIEBIET, now wish to be known and addressed as ANIEBIET EMMANUEL. All former documents remain valid. The general public should take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME I, FUNMI EMILOJU SOLOMON is the same person as SOLOMON JAMES FUNMILAYO. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

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Saturday, July 29, 2017

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Price: N250

MISSILE Utomi to Uduaghan “Deltans will prefer that Uduaghan gives account for the IPP project he abandoned in Oghara that gulped over N20 billion under his administration. We welcome any debate on how to efficiently utilize scarce state resources for the maximum benefit of the people and prevent such colossal waste as was witnessed under Uduaghan. A councillor would have even done much better for our people than Uduaghan did then as Governor.”

– Professor Pat Utomi excoriating former Delta State Emmanuel Uduaghan.

PENDULUM Dele Momodu

dele.momodu@thisdaylive.com

Now That the Governors are Back

F

ellow Nigerians, this has been a week of feverish action and frenetic activity between Nigeria and Great Britain. I assume that all Nigerians know that our dear beloved President is currently a resident of the beautiful city of London, not by choice but of necessity.

Twice, in quick succession, Nigeria has been bogged down by the ill-health of its leaders and by some strange coincidence both are from Katsina State. The first, President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, of blessed memory, sought medical refuge in Saudi Arabia but succumbed after a prolonged battle with what seemed to be cancer.

Obviously, in our wonderful country, we never enjoy the privilege of being told anything by our leaders. We often make a fetish of what is a straight-forward matter elsewhere. We are a largely superstitious race. A common ailment is always attributed to some esoteric attacks from witches and wizards or some such other malevolent forces.

There could be no other reason why we hide the poor health of our leaders from those who foot the medical bills than the fact that we take them for granted and believe there is no basis for providing them with information that is their right to have. Besides, Nigeria is blessed with the largest assemblage of Pastors, Imams and marabouts. How would they know where to direct their intercession if no one gives a hint of what is wrong? The Yar’Adua saga in 2010 was one of its kind in Nigeria. The country was kept in the dark while some of the Presidential acolytes governed through the backdoor. After some massive protests, especially in Abuja, Yar’Adua’s deputy and Vice President, Dr Goodluck Jonathan was allowed to act as President, albeit grudgingly.

If we thought such a thing would never repeat itself, we were dead wrong. Not only did it recur, it did so with an alacrity that is seemingly unprecedented in history. Our current President, Muhammadu Buhari, has spent more time attending to himself than he has spent attending to matters of State. Nigerians have shown more tolerance to him and demonstrated greater patience than they did for President Yar’Adua. No one has taken to the streets protesting against his incessant absences from his job, which could easily have been the case.

But there are different categories of people in support or opposition to his continued stay as President and Commander-in-Chief. The Governor of Ekiti State has never hidden his pathological disdain for Buhari. He attacks him with devastating blows and pugilistic upper cuts at every opportunity. Several times, Fayose has declared Buhari dead or incapacitated only to get egged on his face as the President rises like the proverbial Lazarus. He never gets tired of quoting impeccable sources and swearing and threatening to release damaging proof of his false doomsday prophesies. So far, so good, he’s been dead wrong at every turn! Even if not entirely hale and hearty, Buhari continues to stand ramrod on his feet, albeit looking feeble and weak. There is no doubt that the President is presently enjoying better health than has been the case in the recent past. We must appreciate the fact that there have been several world leaders, who have not been that strong, that have governed their countries from their sick bed. President Buhari has demonstrated his ability to do so because of the able and competent Vice President that he has in Professor Yemi Osinbajo. The President has learnt to trust and rely on the Acting President and, in this regard, has been quite open and forthright in his support for the Acting President. What this has done is to improve the way in which people

Buhari perceive the Presidency, as a joint team which makes it immaterial that one or the other is ill at any point in time.

There are those who feel Buhari is too weak to continue to run a country as complex and complicated as Nigeria. Again, Fayose has been in the forefront of those wanting him to resign like yesterday. They often use an old quote of Buhari against him, the advice he offered ailing President Yar’Adua when he told him to resign in 2010. In 2017, a similar scenario is playing out with such uncanny similarity and repetition. Would Buhari bow out due to pressure? I doubt it. We all say things when they’ve not concerned or affected us personally and directly. Truth is we do not have a culture of resignation in Nigeria. The position of the President of Nigeria is certainly one of the most powerful in the world. It would take some spiritual intervention to walk away casually from such a monumental privilege. No one can say what he would do with a degree of assertion until he’s been tried and tempted. That is a fact. So let’s accept for now that our President has no intention of abdicating anytime soon. Indeed, it would be premature to ask him to do so in any event. It is clear that he is showing quite remarkable improvement and almost magical recuperative powers of recovery. This means that one cannot say he should quit the stage when he clearly can continue to act once he has become fully rejuvenated after a long stint of rest and relaxation.

Next we have those we have come to know as “the cabal”. That word became popular in 2010 and has refused to evaporate or vaporise ever since. This is a group of inner caucus in any government that has grabbed power for itself in an opportunistic manner. It thrives on the disappearance or long term absence of its principal and they feed regularly on unbelievable blackmail and on dropping subliminal hints that would scare everyone around into submission and acquiescence. The Cabal is always intent

on ensuring that they create the impression that their principal has cloaked them with so much of his powers as to make them the de facto leaders of the country. In effect they constitute themselves into a parallel government.

If care is not taken, they try to undermine the constitutional and legitimate authority and line of succession, thereby rendering a person like the Acting President ineffective. The good thing is that this has not played out the way the cabal would have liked it to, because the President has been proactive in making sure that everybody knows that he has faith in his Vice.

Fortunately, there are hard core supporters who feel Africans are too humane to humiliate a leader like Buhari who has suffered so much for his country. They lend support to the Presidential Team by their unwavering support for the President despite his illness. They are those who are ready to swim or sink with the big boss no matter the situation. Their attitude is rested on the African culture of reciprocity and loyalty. Leading this group of unrepentant and unequivocal supporters of the President is the Acting President who feels the rest of the team should not be seen to be overtly or inordinately ambitious. Indeed, his own humility and ability to deflect attention from himself transmits itself to all those around him. The understanding is that they are temporarily holding the fort for the President and that everything that is being done is to project the avowed aim of the Presidential team to improve the lot of Nigerians. The Acting President’s strategy is to demonstrate to the Nigerian people and the rest of the world that the joint ticket is working and working well irrespective of the failing health of the number one citizen. Therefore, as far as the Acting President is concerned, whether the President is fully fit or not, his situation should not be made worse by rejection and dejection. This is why the Abuja House, located in the high-brow Camden Hill in Kensington, London has been turned into a Mecca of sorts for several reasons. There are those who believe the President should never be hurried or humiliated out power. They believe he deserves our support and sympathy now, more than ever.

There are other reasons for the sudden photo opportunities in London which seemed to have been embargoed for some time. Perhaps this was done because the President did not look too good at the time and it was felt there was no need to panic Nigerians when Doctors must have told him that his improvement health-wise was increasing. Whatever may have been the reason

There could be no other reason why we hide the poor health of our leaders from those who foot the medical bills than the fact that we take them for granted and believe there is no basis for providing them with information that is their right to have

why there was no visibility for the President until recently, the pressure on government was becoming suffocating and unbearable after two many failed promises about Buhari’s potential return within a short time. As a matter of fact, Buhari’s return had been hyped into a frenzy, the climax of which was Femi Adesina’s ill-fated essay on the punishment Buhari’s enemies deserve. Femi’s parable was construed or misconstrued as a sign heralding Buhari’s imminent triumphant re-entry into Nigeria. In fact, many had predicted that Buhari was going to land last Monday in Abuja but that soon became Samuel Beckett’s Waiting for Godot.

Instead of our President’s return to Nigeria, Nigeria actually moved to London with The Ruling Party’s leader and some of its Governors embarking on a visit to the President which was shrouded in some secrecy until practically the last minute. Thereafter, another visit was arranged for opposition Governors as if to say that it was necessary for Nigerians to believe that the President was now much better only if both sides of the political divide said so. Of course their visit had been preceded by the visit of the Acting President who had brought the good tidings of a quickly recuperating President. One would have thought that given the integrity and nobility that one has come to associate with the Acting President, the veracity of his testimony would have been accepted, particularly, as he is also a much respected man of God. I’m not sure what those public relations stunts, which is what the governors’ visits amounted to, achieved, except establishing that President Buhari was alive and now able to receive visitors.

It is doubtful from the pictures released that the President has recovered substantially and that he would return home pretty soon. He still looks fragile and on my part, I would say that his return should not be rushed. If he still needs to rest in order to recover some more then he should be allowed to do so. I say this because once he returns, it would be an insult to Nigerians to rush him out of the country again after a short period of time. Medical facilities can be installed in the villa to help monitor his health and give him the necessary remedial treatment that he may require.

In my view, the energy and resources expended on those gubernatorial trips should have been channelled into getting our President to record a few minutes’ video address to Nigerians. Indeed, this should have been a fairly regular occurrence.

It would be most comforting to the people of Nigeria simply to see and hear from their President even if for a few seconds. The President should have taken the opportunity to thank Nigerians for their patience and understanding and seek their continuing prayers while he continues to recuperate.

I monitored the conversations regarding the visit of the governors on social media and majority of the people said they would never trust whatever they are told by the visiting Governors. Even when the pictures came out to demonstrate clearly that Buhari is alive, many doubting Thomases still maintained that they didn’t believe the tales from London. My question then is, why do we keep wallowing in this shallow approach to serious issues? Why can’t we update Nigerians regularly about the medical condition and physical state of the President.

It is not a crime to be sick. We should stop being unnecessarily protective. Buhari is public property. He is not the exclusive preserve of his family or the Presidency. We are making life more difficult for him by this excessive sensitivity. It is time to be open and frank with the Nigerian people.

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